<PAGE>
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999
OR
/_/ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______to______
Commission file number 0-23059
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3922288
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10013
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 625-4000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YES /X/ NO /_/
As at November 10, 1999, 8,109,965 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were
issued and outstanding.
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<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page No.
--------
Item 1 Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 1998 and September 30, 1999................ 1
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the Three Months and Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1998 and 1999....................... 2
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1999........... 3
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.......... 4
Item 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.......................11
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..........................21
SIGNATURES...................................................................22
EXHIBIT INDEX................................................................23
<PAGE>
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, September 30,
1998 1999
------------ -------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ..................................... $ 6,472 $ 6,851
Accounts receivable, net ...................................... 18,889 30,298
Unbilled production charges ................................... 3,151 2,738
Other current assets .......................................... 1,501 1,426
-------- --------
Total current assets ............................................... 30,013 41,313
Restricted cash .................................................... 1,860 1,972
Property and equipment, net ........................................ 4,443 5,146
Goodwill, net ...................................................... 14,266 30,407
Other assets ....................................................... 289 701
======== ========
Total assets ....................................................... $ 50,871 $ 79,539
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt ............................. $ 135 $ --
Current portion of capitalized lease obligations .............. 74 52
Accounts payable .............................................. 4,247 5,459
Accrued expenses .............................................. 7,739 9,204
Advance billings .............................................. 7,982 20,352
Other current liabilities ..................................... 302 1,942
-------- --------
Total current liabilities .......................................... 20,479 37,009
Long-term debt ..................................................... 116 --
Capitalized lease obligations ...................................... 59 105
Minority interests ................................................. 111 122
Deferred rent ...................................................... 888 1,008
Other liabilities .................................................. 17 74
-------- --------
Total liabilities .................................................. 21,670 38,318
-------- --------
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares
authorized; no shares outstanding ......................... -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares
authorized; 7,415,167, and 8,098,280 shares
outstanding, respectively ................................. 74 81
Additional paid-in capital .................................... 22,748 31,062
Retained earnings ............................................. 6,357 10,113
Accumulated other comprehensive income ........................ 22 (35)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity ......................................... 29,201 41,221
======== ========
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ......................... $ 50,871 $ 79,539
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these statements.
1
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------------------- -------------------------
Sept. 30, Sept. 30, Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1998 1999 1998 1999
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues ....................................................... $16,919 $21,748 $45,784 $54,815
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Salaries and related costs .................................. 12,282 15,482 34,747 39,973
General and office expenses ................................. 1,800 2,389 5,702 7,398
Depreciation and amortization ............................... 326 469 769 1,247
------- ------- ------- -------
14,408 18,340 41,218 48,618
Income from operations ......................................... 2,511 3,408 4,566 6,197
Interest income, net ........................................... 148 175 551 452
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before provision for income taxes and
minority interests ............................................ 2,659 3,583 5,117 6,649
Provision for income taxes (Note 2) ............................ 1,133 1,526 2,156 2,875
Minority interests in net earnings of
subsidiaries ................................................... 32 15 32 18
======= ======= ======= =======
Net income ..................................................... $ 1,494 $ 2,042 $ 2,929 $ 3,756
======= ======= ======= =======
Per share information (Note 3):
Net income per common share:
Basic .................................................... $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.40 $ 0.50
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted .................................................. $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.39 $ 0.49
======= ======= ======= =======
Common shares used in computing
per share amounts:
Basic .................................................... 7,415 7,851 7,415 7,568
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted .................................................. 7,589 7,992 7,607 7,729
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these statements.
2
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
--------------------------------
Sept. 30, 1998 Sept. 30, 1999
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ........................................................... $ 2,929 $ 3,756
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ..................................... 769 1,247
Deferred rent ..................................................... 73 66
Deferred income taxes ............................................. (29) 30
Minority interests in net earnings of subsidiaries ................ 32 18
Gain on sale of fixed assets ...................................... (14) (28)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from
acquisitions of businesses:
Accounts receivable ............................................... (1,363) (8,031)
Unbilled production charges ....................................... (1,408) 406
Other current assets .............................................. (35) 113
Other assets ...................................................... (117) (154)
Accounts payable .................................................. 285 1,124
Advance billings .................................................. (227) 10,097
Accrued expenses .................................................. 1,344 687
Other liabilities ................................................. (12) 57
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities ............................... 2,227 9,388
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures .............................................. (709) (1,012)
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets ............................ 93 193
Businesses acquired, net of cash received ......................... (10,213) (7,966)
Restricted cash ................................................... (1,698) 16
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities ................................... (12,527) (8,769)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of line of credit ...................................... (634) --
Repayment of bank loans and long term debt ........................ (588) (243)
Capital lease repayments .......................................... (104) (102)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ........................... -- 156
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities ................................... (1,326) (189)
-------- --------
Effect of exchange rates on cash ........................................ 136 (51)
-------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents .................... (11,490) 379
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ........................ 18,092 6,472
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .............................. $ 6,602 $ 6,851
======== ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for:
Taxes ............................................................. $ 1,339 $ 2,690
======== ========
Interest .......................................................... $ 57 $ 107
======== ========
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Capital leases for new equipment ...................................... $ 42 $ 125
======== ========
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of
business .......................................................... $ -- $ 8,165
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these statements.
3
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
On November 12, 1997, Healthworld Corporation acquired (the
"Consolidation"), in exchange for shares of its Common Stock, all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of each of (i) Girgenti, Hughes,
Butler & McDowell, Inc. and its affiliated entities ("GHB&M") and (ii)
Milton Marketing Group Limited and its subsidiaries ("Milton"). Unless
otherwise indicated, all references herein to the "Company" give effect to
the Consolidation and include GHBM, Milton and each of the Company's other
subsidiaries. The Consolidation was accounted for under the pooling of
interests method of accounting.
The Company is an international communications and contract sales
marketing organization specializing in healthcare. The Company provides
many of the world's largest pharmaceutical and healthcare companies with a
comprehensive range of integrated strategic marketing services designed to
accelerate the acceptance of new products and to sustain their growth.
These integrated services include advertising and promotion, contract
sales, consulting, medical education, public relations, marketing
research, publishing, interactive multimedia and database marketing
services. The Company offers its clients global reach and expertise
through its operations in the United States, France, Spain and the United
Kingdom and through Healthworld B.V., a world-wide network of marketing
and communications agencies operating under exclusive licensing
agreements.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect
all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are, in
the opinion of the Company's management, necessary to present fairly the
financial position as of September 30, 1999 and the results of operations
and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1999.
Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements
and the accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
2. INCOME TAXES
Income taxes have been provided using the liability method in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". The provision for income taxes
(recorded at an effective rate of 42.6% for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 and 1999, and at an effective rate of 42.1% and 43.2%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999, respectively)
reflects management's estimation of the effective tax rate that was and is
expected to be applicable for the respective fiscal years. This estimate
is evaluated by management each quarter.
4
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
3. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
In accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", basic
earnings per common share amounts were computed by dividing net earnings
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding any
potential dilution. Diluted earnings per common share amounts were
computed by reflecting potential dilution from the exercise of stock
options.
The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in
calculating the per share amounts for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Numerator:
Net income .............................. $ 1,494 $ 2,042 $ 2,929 $ 3,756
------- ------- ------- -------
Denominator for basic
net income per common share ............. 7,415 7,851 7,415 7,568
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options ........................... 174 141 192 161
------- ------- ------- -------
Denominator for diluted
net income per share .................... 7,589 7,992 7,607 7,729
======= ======= ======= =======
Basic net income per common share ............ $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.40 $ 0.50
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted net income per common share .......... $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.39 $ 0.49
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
4. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income", which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and
foreign currency translation adjustments. No provision for income taxes
has been made with respect to foreign currency translation adjustments
because all earnings of foreign subsidiaries are expected to be
permanently reinvested outside the United States. These amounts have been
included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under the caption
"Accumulated other comprehensive income".
Comprehensive income is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
-------------------------- --------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income......................................... $ 1,494 $ 2,042 $ 2,929 $ 3,756
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments........ 130 269 136 (57)
---------- -------- -------- --------
Comprehensive income............................... $ 1,624 $ 2,311 $ 3,065 $ 3,699
========== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
5. SEGMENT INFORMATION
In 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". SFAS No. 131
establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments
and related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and
major customers.
The Company is organized based on the services that it offers. Under
this organizational structure, the Company operates in two principal
operating segments: communications and contract sales. The Company's
communications operations provide integrated services to clients which
includes advertising and promotion, consulting, medical education, public
relations, marketing research, publishing, interactive media and database
marketing research services. The Company's contract sales operations
involve forming dedicated sales teams which provide clients with
substantial flexibility in selecting the extent and cost of promoting
products as well as the clients' level of involvement in managing its
sales effort.
6
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Segment information is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Communications........... $ 8,230 $ 11,449 $ 20,788 $ 28,617
Contract Sales........... 8,689 10,299 24,996 26,198
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 16,919 $ 21,748 $ 45,784 $ 54,815
======== ======== ======== ========
Income from operations:
Communications........... $ 2,417 $ 2,691 $ 3,839 $ 4,945
Contract Sales........... 94 717 727 1,252
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 2,511 $ 3,408 $ 4,566 $ 6,197
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
6. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS
In August 1999, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
Falk Communications, Inc. ("Falk"), a United States healthcare
communications company. The initial purchase price paid by the Company was
$16,952 consisting of $9,000 in cash, including expenses related to the
acquisition, and Company Common Stock valued at $7,952. Total amounts to
be paid in connection with the acquisition, including expenses related to
the acquisition and potential, future earn-out payments to take place in
April 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, based upon a multiple of operating income
of Falk, are not expected to exceed $37,802. However, because the amount
of Common Stock to be paid in connection with additional earn-out payments
is based upon a moving average price of the Common Stock during a 20 day
period ending 3 days before the date payment is made, while such Common
Stock paid in connection with the earn-outs will be valued for accounting
purposes based upon its market price on the date of issuance, it is
possible that as a result of market fluctuations in the price of the
Common Stock the value of the aggregate consideration paid to the Falk
shareholders in connection with the merger could exceed $37,802. The
acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, whereby the excess of the initial purchase price over the fair
value of the net assets acquired, $500, was recorded as goodwill. Total
goodwill recorded on the purchase was $16,452. A dividend payable, in the
amount of $1,664, is recorded in other current liabilities in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This dividend represents the
7
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
difference between the pre-acquisition net assets of Falk and the net
assets at the time of the acquisition.
On September 15, 1999, Healthworld paid $425, consisting of $211
cash and $213 in Common Stock to the Falk shareholders in exchange for
Falk stock received by the Falk Communications, Inc. Defined Contribution
Plan and Trust u/t/a dated July 29, 1999 as consideration to certain Falk
employees. A tax deduction will be taken on Healthworld's income tax
return for the taxable year ending December 31, 1999 with respect thereto.
Upon determination of the final tax deduction, Healthworld will make a
payment of additional consideration paid to acquire the Falk stock, such
payment will be in cash and Common Stock.
The results of operations of the acquisition are included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Summarized below are the unaudited pro forma results of operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1999 of the Company as
though the Falk acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods
presented. Additionally, the unaudited pro forma results of operations for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998 includes the pro forma effects of
the acquisition of Colwood House Medical Publications (UK) Limited and the
acquisition of 80% of the capital stock of HFT, a French holding company,
which owns 100% of the capital stock of Torrent, S.A., a French healthcare
communications agency, which in turn owns 100% of the capital stock of
Aigue Marine SARL and Katchina Productions SARL, each a French company, as
though these acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 1998.
Adjustments have been made for income taxes, amortization of goodwill,
salary expense based on employment agreements and interest income related
to these transactions.
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
---------------------------
1998 1999 *
---------- -------------
Pro Forma:
Revenues $ 56,937 $ 59,364
Net income 2,757 1,868
Basic net income per common share $ 0.34 $ 0.23
======== ========
Diluted net income per common share $ 0.33 $ 0.23
======== ========
Common shares used in computing
per share amounts:
Basic 8,080 8,094
======== ========
Diluted 8,272 8,254
======== ========
* Included in the pro forma results of operations for the nine
months ended September 30, 1999 is a charge of approximately $2,100 to the
statement of income of Falk, which represents the compensation expense
related to the issuance in July 1999 of 78 shares of Falk's common stock
to certain of its key employees. Excluding the effect of this
8
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
stock issuance, pro forma net income would be $3,023 and basic and diluted
pro forma earnings per share would be $0.37.
These pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative
of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the
acquisitions been made at the beginning of the periods presented or of
results, which may occur in the future.
7. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".
The statement establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring
that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts) be recorded on the Balance Sheet as either an
asset or liability measured at its fair value. The statement requires that
changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings
unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for
qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related
results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires that a
company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of
transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No.
133 - An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133", issued in June 1999, SFAS
No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. While
the Company operates in international markets, it does so presently
without the use of derivative instruments and therefore SFAS No. 133 is
not currently applicable.
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 9, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement (the
"Merger Agreement") to be acquired by Cordiant Communications Group plc
("Cordiant"), pursuant to which a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of
Cordiant will be merged with and into the Company (the "Merger") and, the
Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cordiant upon the
satisfaction of certain conditions, including the receipt of certain
regulatory approvals and the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of
the Company and Cordiant. Certain management insiders of the Company
beneficially owning approximately 63% of the Company's Common Stock,
namely Steven Girgenti, William Leslie Milton, Spencer Falk, Francis
Hughes, Herbert Ehrenthal, William Butler and Michael Garnham, have
entered into stockholder agreements with Cordiant, pursuant to which,
among other things, such stockholders (i) are obligated to vote in favor
of the Merger and (ii) have granted an option to Cordiant to purchase
their shares of the
9
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1999
(UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Company's Common Stock, which options are exercisable only upon the
occurrence of certain events.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company's
stockholders will receive, in exchange for their shares of Common Stock,
either Cordiant's American Depositary Receipts, each representing five
Cordiant ordinary shares ("ADRs"), or, at such stockholder's election,
Cordiant ordinary shares. The actual amount of ADRs and ordinary shares to
be issued to the Company's stockholders at the time of the Merger will be
based upon the average of the price of Cordiant's ordinary shares during a
10-day trading period ending three trading days prior to the Company's
stockholder meeting. Depending upon the market price of Cordiant's
ordinary shares and the currency exchange rate between the British Pound
Sterling and the United States Dollar during such period, Cordiant will be
obligated to issue an amount of ADRs or ordinary shares for each share of
the Company's Common Stock valued at between $17.00 and $23.00 per share.
If Cordiant's stock price drops by more than 25% from the time of entering
into the Merger Agreement and the time prior to the anticipated closing of
the Merger, Cordiant has the right to terminate the Merger, subject to the
Company's right to revoke such termination and consummate the Merger,
provided that Company stockholders will receive 7.6902 Cordiant ordinary
shares (or the corresponding amount of ADRs) per share of the Company's
Common Stock held by them in such event.
10
<PAGE>
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This September 30, 1999 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains
statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those statements
include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of
the Company and its management team. The Company's stockholders and
prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking
statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those
projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include, among other things, competitive, economic and regulatory factors
in the healthcare marketing and communications industry and the
pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, general economic conditions, the
ability of the Company to manage its growth and successfully implement its
business strategy and other risks and uncertainties that are discussed
herein, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.
Recent Events
On November 9, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement (the
"Merger Agreement") to be acquired by Cordiant Communications Group plc
("Cordiant"), pursuant to which a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of
Cordiant will be merged with and into the Company (the "Merger") and, the
Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cordiant upon the
satisfaction of certain conditions, including the receipt of certain
regulatory approvals and the approval of the Merger by the stockholders of
the Company and Cordiant. Certain management insiders of the Company
beneficially owning approximately 63% of the Company's Common Stock,
namely Steven Girgenti, William Leslie Milton, Spencer Falk, Francis
Hughes, Herbert Ehrenthal, William Butler and Michael Garnham, have
entered into stockholder agreements with Cordiant, pursuant to which,
among other things, such stockholders (i) are obligated to vote in favor
of the Merger and (ii) have granted an option to Cordiant to purchase
their shares of the Company's Common Stock, which options are exercisable
only upon the occurrence of certain events.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company's
stockholders will receive, in exchange for their shares of Common Stock,
either Cordiant's American Depositary Receipts, each representing five
Cordiant ordinary shares ("ADRs"), or, at such stockholder's election,
Cordiant ordinary shares. The actual amount of ADRs and ordinary shares to
be issued to the Company's stockholders at the time of the Merger will be
based upon the average of the price of Cordiant's ordinary shares during a
10-day trading period ending three trading days prior to the Company's
stockholder meeting. Depending upon the market price of Cordiant's
ordinary shares and the currency exchange rate between the
11
<PAGE>
British Pound Sterling and the United States Dollar during such period,
Cordiant will be obligated to issue an amount of ADRs or ordinary shares
for each share of the Company's Common Stock valued at between $17.00 and
$23.00 per share. If Cordiant's stock price drops by more than 25% from
the time of entering into the Merger Agreement and the time prior to the
anticipated closing of the Merger, Cordiant has the right to terminate the
Merger, subject to the Company's right to revoke such termination and
consummate the Merger, provided that Company stockholders will receive
7.6902 Cordiant ordinary shares (or the corresponding amount of ADRs) per
share of the Company's Common Stock held by them in such event.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain consolidated income statement
data of the Company as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Income Data:
Revenues ..................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Operating expenses:
Salaries and related costs .............. 72.6 71.2 75.9 72.9
General and office expenses ............. 10.6 11.0 12.4 13.5
Depreciation and amortization ........... 1.9 2.1 1.7 2.3
------- ------- ------- -------
85.1 84.3 90.0 88.7
Income from operations ....................... 14.9 15.7 10.0 11.3
Interest income, net ......................... 0.8 0.8 1.2 0.8
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before provision for income taxes
and minority interests .................. 15.7 16.5 11.2 12.1
Provision for income taxes ................... 6.7 7.0 4.7 5.2
Minority interests ........................... 0.2 0.1 0.1 --
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income ................................... 8.8% 9.4% 6.4% 6.9%
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Note: Percentages may not correspond to financial statements due to rounding.
12
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth certain operating data with respect
to the Company's communications and contract sales operations for the
periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
--------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Communications ......................... $ 8,230 $11,449 $20,788 $28,617
Contract Sales ......................... 8,689 10,299 24,996 26,198
------- ------- ------- -------
$16,919 $21,748 $45,784 $54,815
======= ======= ======= =======
Income from operations:
Communications ......................... $ 2,417 $ 2,691 $ 3,839 $ 4,945
Contract Sales ......................... 94 717 727 1,252
------- ------- ------- -------
$ 2,511 $ 3,408 $ 4,566 $ 6,197
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
Fiscal Three Months Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to Fiscal Three
Months Ended September 30, 1998
Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 1999 were $21.7
million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 28.5%, from $16.9 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1998.
Communications revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1999
increased to $11.4 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 39.1%, from
$8.2 million in the third quarter of 1998. This increase was primarily
attributable to the additional revenues derived as a result of the
acquisitions of Falk Communications Inc., CPA Espana, S.L., Colwood House
Medical Publications (UK) Limited and 80% of the capital stock of HFT, a
French holding company, which owns 100% of the capital stock of Torrent,
S.A., a French healthcare communications agency, which in turn owns 100%
of the capital stock of Aigue Marine SARL and Katchina Productions SARL,
each a French company (collectively, the "Healthworld Acquisitions").
Contract sales revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 1999
increased to $10.3 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 18.5%, from
$8.7 million in the third quarter of 1998. This increase was attributable
to (i) the growth of the consumer contract sales operations in the U.K.,
which resulted from additional business from new and existing clients, and
(ii) increased revenues generated by the U.S. contract sales division from
new clients.
13
<PAGE>
Salaries and Related Costs
Salaries and related costs for the three months ended September 30,
1999 were $15.5 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 26.1%, from $12.3
million for the three months ended September 30, 1998. Salaries and
related costs includes all compensation and related benefits for all
employees and contracted talent. Such increase was primarily attributable
to (i) approximately $1.7 million of salaries and related costs associated
with the staffing needed to support the additional revenues generated by
the Healthworld Acquisitions, (ii) approximately $1.0 million relating to
the additional compensation costs to support the growth of the U.S. and
U.K. contract sales business, and (iii) $423,000 related to increased
communications salaries. Salaries and related costs represented 71.2% of
revenues in the third quarter of 1999, compared to 72.6% in the third
quarter of 1998. Such decrease, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily
attributable to the revenue growth of the Company's communications
operations as a percentage of total revenues. Generally, labor costs
associated with the Company's communications operations are less as a
percentage of corresponding revenues than those for contract sales
services.
General and Office Expenses
General and office expenses for the three months ended September 30,
1999 was $2.4 million, an increase of $589,000, or 32.7%, from $1.8
million for the three months ended September 30, 1998. General and office
expenses includes occupancy and related costs, client development and
other related administrative costs. Such increase was attributable to
$370,000 of additional expenses in connection with the Healthworld
Acquisitions and increased business activity. General and office expenses
represented 11.0% of revenues in the third quarter of 1999, compared to
10.6% of the revenues in the third quarter of 1998.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended
September 30, 1999 was $469,000, an increase of $143,000, or 43.9%, from
$326,000 for the three months ended September 30, 1998. The increase was
primarily related to amortization expense associated with the goodwill
generated in connection with the Healthworld Acquisitions, which
acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting.
Depreciation and amortization expense represented 2.2% of revenues for the
third quarter of 1999, compared to 1.9% for the third quarter of 1998.
Income From Operations
Income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 1999
was $3.4 million, an increase of $897,000, or 35.7%, from $2.5 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1998. Income from operations
represented 15.7% of revenues in the third quarter of 1999, compared to
14.8% in the second quarter of 1998.
14
<PAGE>
Interest Income, net
Interest income, net for the three months ended September 30, 1999
was $175,000, an increase of $27,000 from $148,000 for the three months
ended September 30, 1998, primarily due to the higher cash and cash
equivalents balances during the third quarter of 1999.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September
30, 1999 was $1.5 million, an increase of $393,000 from $1.1 million for
the three months ended September 30, 1998. The provision for income taxes,
based on management's estimates of the effective year-end rate, was
recorded at an effective rate of 42.6% for the three months ended
September 30, 1998 and 1999.
Net Income
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 1999 was $2.0
million, an increase of $548,000, or 36.7%, from $1.5 million for the
three months ended September 30, 1998. Net income represented 9.4% of
revenues in the third quarter of 1999 compared to 8.8% in the third
quarter of 1998.
Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to Fiscal Nine Months
Ended September 30, 1998
Revenues
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was $54.8
million, an increase of $9.0 million, or 19.7%, from $45.8 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998.
Communications revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
increased to $28.6 million, an increase of $7.8 million, or 37.7%, from
$20.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Of such increase,
approximately $7.3 million was attributable to the additional revenues
derived as a result of the Healthworld Acquisitions, while the remaining
increase was attributable to the growth of advertising and promotion
services in the U.S.
Contract sales revenues increased to $26.2 million, an increase of
$1.2 million, or 4.8%, from $25.0 million for the same period in the prior
year. This increase was attributable to (i) an increase in U.S. contract
sales revenues from primarily new clients of $1.7 million, (ii) an
increase in U.K. consumer contract sales of $1.1 million, offset by a
decrease in U.K. medical contract sales revenues of approximately $1.6
million resulting from the discontinuation of the U.K. syndicated, medical
contract sales business.
15
<PAGE>
Salaries and Related Costs
Salaries and related costs for the nine months ended September 30,
1999 was $40.0 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 15.0%, from $34.7
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Salaries and related
costs includes all compensation and related benefits for all employees and
contracted talent. Such increase was primarily attributable to (i)
approximately $4.2 million of salaries and related costs associated with
the compensation expense generated by the inclusion of the Healthworld
Acquisitions, (ii) approximately $665,000 relating to additional staffing
costs to support the growth in communications services, and (iii) $330,000
to support the growth in contract sales services. Salaries and related
costs represented 72.9% of revenues for the first nine months of 1999,
compared to 75.9% for the first nine months of 1998. Such decrease, as a
percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to the growth of the
Company's communications operations as a percentage of total revenues.
Generally, labor costs associated with the Company's communications
operations are less as a percentage of corresponding revenues than those
for the contract sales services.
General and Office Expenses
General and office expenses for the nine months ended September 30,
1999 was $7.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 29.7%, from $5.7
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. General and office
expenses include occupancy and related costs, client development and other
related administrative costs. Such increase was primarily attributable to
$1.2 million of expenses related to the inclusion of the Healthworld
Acquisitions and increased occupancy and related costs and business
development costs commensurate with the growth in business activity.
General and office expenses represented 13.5% of revenues for the first
nine months of 1999, compared to 12.5% of revenues for the first nine
months of 1998.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 was $1.2 million, an increase of $478,000, or 62.2%,
from $769,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The increase
was related to (i) amortization expense associated with the goodwill
generated in connection with the Healthworld Acquisitions, which
acquisitions were accounted for by the purchase method of accounting, and
(ii) additional depreciation expense attributable to property and
equipment acquired in connection with such acquisitions. Depreciation and
amortization expense represented 2.3% of revenues for the first nine
months of 1999, compared to 1.7% for the first nine months of 1998.
Income From Operations
Income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
was $6.2 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 35.7%, from $4.6 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Income from operations
represented 11.3% of revenues for the first nine months of 1999, compared
to 10.0% for the first nine months of 1998.
16
<PAGE>
Interest Income, net
Interest income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
was $452,000, a decrease of $99,000 from $551,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998, primarily due to lower interest rates received
on cash balances and the lower cash and cash equivalents balances
throughout the nine months ended September 30, 1999.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September
30, 1999 was $2.9 million; an increase of $719,000 from $2.2 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998. The provision for income taxes,
based on management's estimates of the effective year-end rate, was
recorded at effective rates of 42.1% and 43.2% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 and 1999, respectively. The increase in the estimated
effective rate reflects nondeductible amortization expense in connection
with the acquisitions.
Net Income
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 was $3.8
million, an increase of $827,000, or 28.2%, from $2.9 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998. Net income represented 6.9% of revenues
for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 compared to 6.4% for the nine
months ended September 30, 1998.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the first nine months of 1999, cash provided by operations
was approximately $9.4 million, which consisted of net income for the
period of $3.8 million, non-cash charges of $1.3 million, an increase in
advance billings of $10.1 million and an aggregate increase of accounts
payable and accrued expenses of $1.8 million. This was partially offset by
an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $8.0 million. Cash
used in investing activities was $8.8 million and was primarily
attributable to the initial cash payment for Falk, net of cash received of
$8.0 million, and capital expenditures of $1.0 million offset by proceeds
from the sale of fixed assets of $193,000. Cash used in financing
activities was $189,000, and primarily resulted from $345,000 for
repayments of bank loans and capital leases offset by cash provided by
stock option exercises of $156,000.
The decrease in working capital at September 30, 1999 as compared to
December 31, 1998 was primarily attributable to the cash payments in
connection with the Falk acquisition, partially offset by net income from
operations for the nine months.
The Company maintains relationships with one bank in the United
States and a number of banks in Europe which have extended various secured
and unsecured, committed and uncommitted lines of credit in amounts
sufficient to meet the Company's
17
<PAGE>
cash needs. In July 1999, Girgenti, Hughes, Butler and McDowell, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, with operations in the U.S.,
entered into a $5.0 million uncommitted line of credit with a bank of
which no amounts are outstanding to date. Amounts outstanding under the
line of credit accrue interest at the bank's prime rate or at LIBOR plus
1.75%. The line of credit is guaranteed by the other entities comprising
the Company's U.S. operations, including Healthworld Corporation, and is
secured by a security interest in all of the personal property owned by
certain of the entities comprising the Company's U.S. operations. The line
expires in September 2000. The Company is also a party to various secured
and unsecured, committed lines of credit and overdraft facilities outside
of the United States in an aggregate amount of approximately $2.8 million.
The Company has no amounts outstanding to date under such facilities
outside of the United States.
In July 1998, the Company acquired the HFT Group Companies. The
Company's initial cash purchase price was 20.3 million French Francs
(approximately US$3.4 million), including expenses related to the
acquisition. Total amounts to be paid in connection with the acquisition,
including potential, future earn-out payments to take place on or prior to
April 15, 2000 and April 15, 2002 based upon a multiple of operating
income of the HFT Group Companies and the seller's option to sell and the
Company's option to purchase the remaining 20% of the capital stock of
HFT, will not exceed 48.0 million French Francs (approximately US$8.1
million).
In July 1998, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
Colwood, a United Kingdom medical education company. The Company's initial
cash purchase price was (pound)4.5 million (approximately US$7.5 million)
including expenses related to the acquisition. Total amounts to be paid in
connection with the acquisition, including potential, future earn-out
payments to take place in April 2000 and August 2001 based upon Colwood
achieving certain targeted operating profits, are not to exceed
approximately (pound)8.0 million (approximately US$13.3 million).
Pursuant to the acquisition agreement with respect to the Colwood
transaction, the Company deposited an amount equal to (pound)1.0 million
(approximately US$1.7 million) in an interest-bearing escrow account to be
applied towards the potential, future earn-out payments to be made in
April 2000 and August 2001, and may be required to deposit into such
escrow account additional amounts based on net operating profits to be
applied towards such potential, future earn-out payments. Accordingly,
such committed amounts will not be available for working capital purposes.
In October 1998, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
CPA Spain, a healthcare communications agency located in Madrid, Spain.
The Company's initial cash purchase price was approximately 261 million
Spanish Pesetas (approximately US$1.9 million) including expenses related
to the acquisition. Total amounts to be paid in connection with the
acquisition, including potential, future earn-out payments to take place
in April 2000 and April 2003 based upon CPA Spain achieving certain
targeted operating profits, are not to exceed approximately 710 million
Spanish Pesetas (approximately US$5.1 million).
18
<PAGE>
In August 1999, the Company acquired 100% of the capital stock of
Falk, a healthcare communications agency located in New York City. The
Company's initial purchase price, including expenses related to the
acquisition, was approximately $17.0 million, consisting of approximately
$9.0 million in cash and 649,111 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Total amounts to be paid in cash and the Company's Common Stock in
connection with the acquisition, including potential, future earn-out
payments to take place on or prior to April 30, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003
based upon a multiple of operating income of Falk, are not expected to
exceed $37.8 million. However, because the amount of Common Stock to be
paid in connection with additional earn-out payments is based upon a
moving average price of the Common Stock during a 20 day period ending 3
days before the date payment is made, while such Common Stock paid in
connection with the earn-outs will be valued for accounting purposes based
upon its market price on the date of issuance, it is possible that as a
result of market fluctuations in the price of the Common Stock the value
of the aggregate consideration paid to the Falk Shareholders in connection
with the merger could exceed $37.8 million.
Management believes that cash generated from the Company's
operations and available to the Company under various lines of credit are
adequate to support its short-term cash requirements for capital
expenditures, earn-outs and maintenance of working capital.
19
<PAGE>
Impact of Year 2000
The Year 2000 issue results from the inability of some computer
programs to identify the year 2000 properly, potentially leading to errors
or system failure. A company's business may be adversely affected if it,
or any of its suppliers, customers or other third parties with whom it
transacts business (including banks and governmental agencies) have not
resolved the Year 2000 issue in a timely manner.
The Company's internal computing systems are primarily limited to
hardware and software for its financial systems, such as general ledger,
accounts receivable and accounts payable systems, and word processing,
database and graphic design systems. The Company is not dependent on large
legacy systems, and the Company believes that it could replace any of its
software or systems, if necessary, quickly and at reasonable expense.
The Company has completed its internal review with respect to Year
2000 issues. The Company does not believe Year 2000 issues, within its
internal information systems, will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. The
Company believes that its internal computer systems used in its U.S.
Operations, Spain and France are currently Year 2000 compliant, and that
those used in its United Kingdom operations, to the extent not already
Year 2000 compliant, will be made Year 2000 compliant by year end.
The Company has completed its review of the Year 2000 readiness of
its material clients and vendors in the United States and France and
believes, based solely upon inquiries made to such clients and vendors,
that such parties should not cause a material disruption in the Company's
business due to Year 2000 issues. The Company is currently working with
critical third parties in the United Kingdom and Spain to determine the
impact of Year 2000 issues on the various third party businesses and
operations in the United Kingdom and Spain and the collateral impact, if
any, on the business and operations of the Company and the plans to
address Year 2000 issues where third party systems interface with the
Company's systems.
To date, the cost of the Company's Year 2000 assessment and
compliance efforts has not been material to the Company's results of
operations or liquidity and the Company does not anticipate that the cost
of completing its assessment and compliance project will be material to
its results of operations or liquidity in 1999. The Company is not aware,
at this time, of any Year 2000 non-compliance that will materially affect
the Company.
20
<PAGE>
Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits- The exhibits to this Form 10-Q are listed in the
accompanying Exhibit Index.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
On August 11, 1999, the Company filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K, for which the Date of
Report was August 3, 1999, reporting the acquisition by the Company on
August 3, 1999 of Falk. On October 18, 1999, the Company filed an
Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the same items,
which Amendment contained, with respect to Falk, a Balance Sheet, a
Statement of Income, a Statement of Shareholders' Equity and a Statement
of Cash Flows as of and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998,
and, with respect to Healthworld Corporation, on an unaudited pro forma
combining basis, Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1999 and Statements of
Income for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
21
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION
Date: November 15, 1999 By: /s/ STEVEN GIRGENTI
----------------------------------
Steven Girgenti
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 15, 1999 By: /s/ STUART DIAMOND
----------------------------------
Stuart Diamond
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Secretary
22
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number Description of Exhibits
- ------ -----------------------
2.01 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger among Cordiant Communications Group
plc ("CCG"), Healthworld Acquisition Corp. ("HAC") and Healthworld
Corporation, dated November 9, 1999.
20.01 -- Healthworld Corporation Press Release, dated November 9, 1999.
27.01 -- Financial Data Schedule.
99.01 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Steven Girgenti, dated
November 9, 1999.
99.02 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Steven Girgenti
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, dated November 9, 1999.
99.03 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and The Girgenti Family
Limited Partnership, dated November 9, 1999.
99.04 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and The Steve Girgenti
Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, dated November 9, 1999.
99.05 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and William Leslie Milton,
dated November 9, 1999.
99.06 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and William Butler, dated
November 9, 1999.
99.07 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Herbert Ehrenthal,
dated November 9, 1999.
99.08 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Michael Garnham, dated
November 9, 1999.
99.09 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and The Spencer Falk
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust u/t/a/d March 5, 1999, dated November
9, 1999.
99.10 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Spencer Falk, dated
November 9, 1999.
99.11 -- Stockholder Agreement between CCG, HAC and Francis Hughes, dated
November 9, 1999.
23
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
AND
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION
Dated as of November 9, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS ..............................................................2
Section 1.1 Definitions.....................................................2
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER ..............................................................7
Section 2.1 The Merger......................................................7
Section 2.2 Effective Time..................................................7
Section 2.3 Effects of the Merger...........................................7
Section 2.4 Exchange Ratio..................................................7
Section 2.5 Conversion and Exchange of Shares...............................8
Section 2.6 Procedure for Election..........................................9
Section 2.7 Exchange of Certificates........................................9
Section 2.8 Withholding Rights.............................................13
Section 2.9 Company Stock Options; Other Stock-Based Plans.................13
Section 2.10 The Surviving Corporation.....................................15
ARTICLE III
THE CLOSING .............................................................15
Section 3.1 Closing........................................................15
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY ...............................16
Section 4.1 Organization, Standing and Power...............................16
Section 4.2 Capital Structure..............................................16
Section 4.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement...........................17
Section 4.4 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents......................18
Section 4.5 SEC Reports and Financial Statements...........................19
Section 4.6 Information Supplied...........................................20
Section 4.7 Absence of Certain Events......................................20
Section 4.8 Litigation.....................................................21
Section 4.9 Compliance with Applicable Law.................................21
(i)
<PAGE>
Section 4.10 Employee Plans................................................22
Section 4.11 Employment Relations and Agreement............................25
Section 4.12 Contracts.....................................................26
Section 4.13 Taxes.........................................................26
Section 4.14 Intellectual Property.........................................28
Section 4.15 Environmental Laws and Regulations............................29
Section 4.16 Voting Requirements...........................................29
Section 4.17 Ownership of Parent Stock.....................................29
Section 4.18 State Takeover Statutes; Certain Charter Provisions...........29
Section 4.19 Year 2000.....................................................29
Section 4.20 Brokers.......................................................30
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB......................30
Section 5.1 Organization and Qualification.................................30
Section 5.2 Capital Stock..................................................30
Section 5.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement...........................31
Section 5.4 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents......................32
Section 5.5 SEC Reports and Financial Statements...........................33
Section 5.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................33
Section 5.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................34
Section 5.8 Legal Proceedings..............................................34
Section 5.9 Information Supplied...........................................34
Section 5.10 Permits; Compliance with Laws and Orders......................35
Section 5.11 Compliance with Agreements....................................35
Section 5.12 Vote Required.................................................36
Section 5.13 Contracts.....................................................36
Section 5.14 Taxes.........................................................36
Section 5.15 Year 2000.....................................................36
Section 5.16 Ownership of Company Common Stock.............................37
Section 5.17 Business of Merger Sub........................................37
Section 5.18 Brokers.......................................................37
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS....................................37
Section 6.1 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger..........37
Section 6.2 No Solicitation................................................40
Section 6.3 Third Party Standstill Agreements..............................41
(ii)
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS .......................................................41
Section 7.1 Access to Information..........................................41
Section 7.2 Preparation of Registration Statement and Proxy Statement......41
Section 7.3 Approval Of Shareholders. .....................................42
Section 7.4 Company Affiliates.............................................43
Section 7.5 Auditors'Letters...............................................43
Section 7.6 Stock Exchange Listing.........................................43
Section 7.7 Fees and Expenses..............................................43
Section 7.8 Commercially Reasonable Efforts................................44
Section 7.9 Public Announcements...........................................44
Section 7.10 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.............44
Section 7.11 Compliance with Treasury Regulations..........................45
Section 7.12 No Transfer of Stock..........................................45
Section 7.13 Dividends, Distributions and Issuance's.......................45
Section 7.14 Section 103 CA 1985...........................................46
ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT ........................................................46
Section 8.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.....46
Section 8.2 Conditions to Obligation of Parent And Merger Sub to Effect
the Merger.....................................................48
Section 8.3 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the Merger...48
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER............................................50
Section 9.1 Termination....................................................50
Section 9.2 Effect of Termination..........................................51
Section 9.3 Amendment......................................................51
Section 9.4 Waiver.........................................................51
ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS...........................................................51
Section 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties................51
Section 10.2 Notices.......................................................51
Section 10.3 Interpretation................................................53
Section 10.4 Counterparts..................................................53
Section 10.5 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries................53
(iii)
<PAGE>
Section 10.6 Governing Law.................................................53
Section 10.7 Assignment....................................................53
Section 10.8 Severability..................................................53
Section 10.9 Enforcement of this Agreement.................................54
Section 10.10 Incorporation of Exhibits....................................54
(iv)
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of November 9, 1999 (this
"Agreement"), among Cordiant Communications Group plc, a company organized under
the laws of England and Wales ("Parent"), Healthworld Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and
Healthworld Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") (Merger Sub and
the Company being hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Constituent
Corporations").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company intend to effect a
merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company in accordance with this
Agreement, the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and such other
state laws as may be applicable (the "Merger"). Upon consummation of the Merger,
Merger Sub will cease to exist, and the Company will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent;
WHEREAS, the respective boards of directors of Parent and Merger Sub
have approved this Agreement and the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and unanimously recommend that its shareholders
approve the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously
approved this Agreement and the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein, has determined that it is advisable and in the best
interests of its stockholders, and unanimously recommends that its stockholders
approve the Merger;
WHEREAS, it is intended that the Merger qualify as a tax-free
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "Code"); and
WHEREAS, to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the Merger, simultaneously with the execution of
this Agreement, certain stockholders of the Company owning in the aggregate
approximately 63% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (as defined
herein) on a fully diluted basis, are entering into agreements with Parent and
Merger Sub (the "Stockholder Agreements") pursuant to which they have agreed,
among other things, to vote the shares of Company Common Stock owned by such
stockholder in favor of the adoption and approval of this Agreement and the
approval of the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, the parties agree
as follows:
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ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. For all purposes of this Agreement, except
as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, the
terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this
Article:
"ADS Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.
"Affiliate Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.
"Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
"business day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day
on which banks in New York, New York or London, England are permitted or
required by law to close.
"Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Certificate of Merger" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Circular" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).
"Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
"COC" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(h)(i).
"Code" has the meaning set forth in the fourth WHEREAS clause
hereto.
"Companies Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
"Company" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
"Company Affiliates" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.
"Company Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per
share, of the Company.
"Company Disclosure Letter" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.1.
"Company Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.5(a).
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"Company Material Adverse Effect" means any condition, change or
effect that is materially adverse to the business, operations, results of
operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
"Company Permits" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.9.
"Company SEC Reports" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a).
"Company Stock Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
"Company Stock Rights" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.9(a)(ii).
"Company Stockholders' Approval" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.3(b).
"Company Stockholders' Meeting" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.3(b).
"Constituent Corporations" has the meaning set forth in the preamble
hereto.
"Contracts" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"Deposit Agreement" means the Deposit Agreement dated as of November
15, 1983, as amended and restated as of April 1, 1991, as amended as of July 16,
1991, and as further amended as of December 10, 1997, between Parent, the
Depositary, and the holders from time to time of Parent ADRs.
"Depositary" means The Bank of New York.
"DGCL" has the meaning set forth in the first WHEREAS clause hereto.
"Effective Time" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Election Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a).
"Employee Benefit Plans" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.10(a).
"Environmental Law" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).
"ERISA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).
"Exchange Act" means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
"Exchange Agent" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
"Exchange Fund" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
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"Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of pounds
sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New York
for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York for customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days
ending (i) with respect to the Parent Share Value, on the third Trading Day
immediately prior to the Company Stockholders' Meeting and (ii) with respect to
the calculation of the amount to be paid in respect of the fractional Parent
Ordinary Shares pursuant to Section 2.7(e), immediately preceding the Closing
Date.
"Exchange Ratio" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4.
"Final Orders" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(g).
"Form F-4" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(a).
"FSA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).
"FTA" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(h)(i).
"Governmental or Regulatory Authority" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.4(a).
"Holders" means the holders of record of certificates of Company
Common Stock as of the Effective Time.
"HSR Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(b).
"Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.14(a).
"Issuance Obligation" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
"Laws" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"License" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.14(a).
"Lien" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b).
"Listing Particulars" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).
"LSE" means London Stock Exchange Limited.
"Material Employment Agreements" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.11(b).
"Material Subsidiaries" means Bates U.K. Limited, The Communications
Group Pty Ltd, Bates Gruppen A/S (Denmark), Sholz & Friends GmbH, Bates Gruppen
AS (Norway), Bates Advertising Holding SA and Bates Advertising USA, Inc.
"Merger" has the meaning set forth in the first WHEREAS clause
hereto.
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"Merger Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Merger Sub" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
"NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"OFT" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(h)(i).
"Orders" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"Ordinary Share Consideration" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.5(c).
"Ordinary Share Election" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.6(a).
"Ordinary Share Election Form" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.6(a).
"Parent" has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
"Parent ADRs" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Parent ADSs" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Parent Disclosure Documents" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.6(b).
"Parent Disclosure Letter" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.2(c).
"Parent Material Adverse Effect" means any condition, change or
effect that is materially adverse to the business, operations, results of
operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of Parent and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
"Parent Ordinary Shares" means validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable ordinary shares, with a nominal value of U.K. fifty pence each, of
Parent.
"Parent Permits" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10.
"Parent SEC Reports" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.
"Parent Share Right" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.9(a)(ii).
"Parent Share Value" means the product of (x) the average of the
closing middle market quotation of a Parent Ordinary Share on the LSE as
reported in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the
10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the third Trading Day immediately
preceding the date of the Company Stockholders' Meeting multiplied by (y) the
Exchange Rate.
"Parent Shareholders' Approval" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.3(a).
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"Parent Shareholders' Meeting" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.3(a).
"Parent Shares" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c).
"Pre-Effective Periods" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.13(a).
"Preferred Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
"Proxy Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(a).
"Registration Statement" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.9(a).
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and the rules and regulations thereunder.
"Software" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19.
"SOS" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(h)(i).
"Stock Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(h)(i).
"Stockholder Agreements" has the meaning set forth in the fifth
WHEREAS clause.
"Subsidiary" of any person means (i) any corporation of which the
outstanding capital stock having at least a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast in the election of directors under ordinary circumstances shall at the time
be owned, directly or indirectly, by such person or (ii) any other person of
which at least a majority of the voting interest under ordinary circumstances is
at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such person.
"Surviving Corporation" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
"Takeover Proposal" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).
"Tax" or "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(c).
"Tax Controversy" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(c).
"Tax Returns" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(c).
"Termination Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(iv).
"Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to Parent ADSs, on the NYSE, and with respect to Parent Ordinary
Shares, on the LSE.
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"VEBAs" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10(a).
"Voting Debt" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a).
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER
Section 2.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 2.2),
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company in accordance with the
DGCL. Following the Merger, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease,
and the Company shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger (the "Surviving
Corporation"), shall succeed to and assume all rights and obligations of Merger
Sub and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware with
all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises and shall continue
unaffected by the Merger except as set forth in this Article II.
Section 2.2 Effective Time. As soon as practicable following the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VIII, the Company
and Merger Sub will cause a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger")
to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
and make all other filings or recordings required by applicable law in
connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective at such time as
the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware or at such later time as is specified in the Certificate of Merger
in accordance with the DGCL (the "Effective Time").
Section 2.3 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects
set forth in the applicable provisions of the DGCL.
Section 2.4 Exchange Ratio. Except as provided in clause (a) and (b)
of Section 2.5, at the Effective Time, each share of Company Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, in accordance with
Section 2.5(c) and (d), be converted into and shall be canceled in exchange for
the right to receive from Parent, a number of Parent Ordinary Shares determined
as set forth below (the "Exchange Ratio"):
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.9475
and equal to or less than $3.0294, the Exchange Ratio shall be determined
by dividing $20.00 by the Parent Share Value;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Exchange
Ratio shall be determined by dividing $23.00 by the Parent Share Value;
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.0294 and equal to
or less than $3.4838, the Exchange Ratio will be 6.602;
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(iv) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and less than $2.9475, the Exchange Ratio will be 6.7854;
(v) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Exchange
Ratio shall be determined by dividing $17.00 by the Parent Share Value;
provided, however,
(vi) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or less than $2.2106,
then Parent shall have the right to terminate the Agreement, by delivery
of written notice to such effect to the Company (the "Termination
Notice"), subject to the following sentence. During the ten Business Days
following the Company's receipt of the Termination Notice, the Company
shall have the option to proceed, and cause Parent and Merger Sub to
proceed, with the Merger despite Parent's delivery of a Termination
Notice, which option shall be exercisable by means of written notice to
Parent to such effect within such ten Business Day period, in which case
the Agreement will remain in full force and effect and the Exchange Ratio
shall be fixed at 7.6902.
Section 2.5 Conversion and Exchange of Shares. At the Effective
Time:
(a) Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Stock Owned by Parent and
Merger Sub. All shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Company as treasury
stock and any shares of Company Common Stock owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any
Subsidiary of Parent or Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Merger, and without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, no longer be outstanding, shall be canceled and retired without payment
of any consideration therefor and shall cease to exist.
(b) Capital Stock of Merger Sub. Each share of common stock of Merger Sub
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and, in
consideration of the issuance of Parent Ordinary Shares as provided by Section
2.5(c), the Surviving Corporation shall issue to Parent such number of shares of
common stock, $.01 par value per share, in Surviving Corporation as shall be
agreed between Merger Sub and Parent prior to the Effective Time to have an
aggregate value equal to the Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Merger.
(c) Conversion of Company Common Stock. Except as provided in
clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 2.5, each share of Company Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and
shall be canceled in exchange for the right to receive from Parent pursuant to
Section 2.5(d) a number of Parent Ordinary Shares equal to the Exchange Ratio,
which shall be delivered to the holders of Company Common Stock (i) in the form
of American Depositary Shares (the "Parent ADSs"), each representing the right
to receive five Parent Ordinary Shares (the "ADS Consideration") or (ii) if and
to the extent elected by any such holder, in the manner provided in Section 2.6,
in the form of Parent Ordinary Shares, in registered form ("Ordinary Share
Consideration" and, together with the ADS Consideration, the "Merger
Consideration"); provided, however, that the Parent ADSs may be evidenced by one
or more receipts ("Parent ADRs") issued in accordance with the Deposit
Agreement. At the Effective Time, all Company Common Stock shall no longer be
outstanding, shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each
certificate (a "Certificate") formerly representing
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any of such Company Common Stock shall thereafter represent only the right to
receive the Merger Consideration and the right, if any, to receive pursuant to
Section 2.7(e) cash in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs (or, if applicable,
fractional Parent Ordinary Shares) and any dividend or distribution pursuant to
Section 2.7(c), in each case without interest. Parent shall, following the
Closing, pay all stamp duties, stamp duty reserve tax and other taxes and
similar levies imposed in connection with the issuance or creation of the Parent
Ordinary Shares, Parent ADSs and any Parent ADRs in connection therewith (such
Parent Ordinary Shares or Parent ADSs to be received by a holder may be referred
to in this Agreement as "Parent Shares").
(d) In consideration of the issue to Parent by the Surviving
Corporation of shares of common stock of the Surviving Corporation pursuant to
Section 2.5(b) hereof, Parent shall issue, in accordance with Section 2.7, such
number of Parent Ordinary Shares as is equal to the number of shares of Company
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, to permit (i) the issuance of Parent ADSs and (ii) if
elected by any holder of Company Common Stock in the manner provided in Section
2.6, the delivery of Parent Ordinary Shares, in registered form, to the holders
of such Company Common Stock for the purpose of giving effect to the delivery of
the Merger Consideration referred to in Section 2.5(c).
(e) In the event that, subsequent to the date of this Agreement but
prior to the Effective Time, the Company changes the number of shares of Company
Common Stock, or Parent changes the number of Parent Ordinary Shares, issued and
outstanding as a result of a stock split, stock combination, stock dividend,
recapitalization, redenomination of share capital or other similar transaction,
the Exchange Ratio and other items dependent thereon shall be appropriately
adjusted.
Section 2.6 Procedure for Election. (a) Prior to the Effective Time,
the Company shall cause the Exchange Agent to make available to all holders of
Company Common Stock of record an election form and other appropriate materials
(collectively, the "Ordinary Election Form") providing for such holder to elect
to receive the Ordinary Share Consideration with respect to all or any portion
of such holder's shares of Company Common Stock (the "Ordinary Share Election").
Any shares of Company Common Stock with respect to which there shall not have
been effected such election by submission to the Exchange Agent of an effective,
properly completed Ordinary Share Election form on or prior to the date
specified in such form (the "Election Date"), which shall be the date that is
three days prior to the date of the Company Stockholders' Meeting, shall be
converted in the Merger into the right to receive the ADS Consideration.
(b) Record holders of shares of Company Common Stock who are
nominees only may submit a separate Ordinary Share Election Form for each
beneficial owner for whom such record holder is a nominee; provided, however,
that, at the request of Parent, such record holder shall certify to the
reasonable satisfaction of Parent that such record holder holds such shares as
nominee for the beneficial owner thereof. For purposes of this Agreement, each
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beneficial owner for which an Ordinary Share Election Form is submitted will be
treated as a separate holder of shares of Company Common Stock.
Section 2.7 Exchange of Certificates. (a) Exchange Agent. Within
five business days following the Effective Time (i) Parent shall issue and
deposit with the Depositary, for the benefit of the holders of shares of Company
Common Stock converted into the ADS Consideration in accordance with Section
2.5(c), Parent Ordinary Shares in an amount sufficient to permit the Depositary
to issue Parent ADRs representing the number of Parent ADSs issuable pursuant to
Section 2.5(c) and (ii) Parent shall, for the benefit of the holders of the
shares of Company Common Stock converted into Parent Ordinary Shares in the
Merger, make available to the Surviving Corporation for deposit with a bank or
trust company designated before the Closing Date by Parent and reasonably
acceptable to the Company (the "Exchange Agent"), (A) certificates representing
the number of duly authorized whole Parent Ordinary Shares issuable in
accordance with Section 2.5(c), and (B) an amount of cash equal to the aggregate
amount payable in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares in
accordance with Section 2.7(e) (such cash, certificates representing Parent
Ordinary Shares and Parent ADRs representing Parent ADSs, together with any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto being hereinafter referred to as
the "Exchange Fund"), to be held for the benefit of and distributed to the
holders of Company Common Stock in accordance with this Section. The Exchange
Agent shall agree to hold such Parent Ordinary Shares and funds for delivery as
contemplated by this Section, and upon such additional terms as may be agreed
upon by the Exchange Agent, the Company and Parent shall cause the Depositary to
issue through and upon the instructions of the Exchange Agent, for the benefit
of the holders of shares of the Company Common Stock converted into the ADS
Consideration in accordance with Section 2.5(c), Parent ADRs representing the
number of Parent ADSs issuable pursuant to Section 2.5(c). Neither the Company,
its affiliates nor the holders of Company Common Stock shall be responsible for
any stamp duty reserve tax payable in connection with the ADS Consideration. The
Exchange Agent shall invest any cash included in the Exchange Fund as directed
by the Surviving Corporation on a daily basis. Parent and the Surviving
Corporation shall replace any monies lost through an investment made pursuant to
this Section 2.7. Any interest and other income resulting from such investments
shall promptly be paid to the Surviving Corporation. All Parent Ordinary Shares
and Parent ADSs deposited in the Exchange Fund shall, as of the Effective Time,
have been registered under the Securities Act pursuant to a registration
statement on Form F-4 declared effective by the SEC.
(b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail
to each holder of record of a Certificate immediately prior to the Effective
Time whose shares are converted pursuant to this Article II into the right to
receive Parent Ordinary Shares or Parent ADSs a letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange
Agent and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as the Surviving
Corporation or Parent may reasonably specify) providing instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of Certificates in exchange for certificates
representing Parent ADRs which represent Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares
and cash in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares. Upon
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surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with
such letter of transmittal duly executed and completed in accordance with its
terms, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange
therefor (i) a certificate or certificates representing one or more Parent ADRs
representing, in the aggregate, that whole number of Parent ADSs and/or that
whole number of Parent Ordinary Shares elected to be received in accordance with
Section 2.6, (ii) the amount of dividends or other distributions, if any, with a
record date on or after the Effective Time which theretofore became payable with
respect to such Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares, and (iii) the cash
amount payable in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares in
accordance with Section 2.7(e), in each case which such holder has the right to
receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II, and the Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. In no event shall the holder of any
Certificate be entitled to receive interest on any funds to be received in the
Merger. In the event of a transfer of ownership of Company Common Stock which is
not registered in the transfer records of the Company, a certificate or
certificates representing that whole number of Parent Ordinary Shares elected to
be received in accordance with Section 2.6 and/or one or more Parent ADRs
representing, in the aggregate, that whole number of Parent ADSs, plus the cash
amount payable in lieu of fractional Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs in
accordance with Section 2.7(e), may be issued to a transferee if the Certificate
representing such Company Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent
accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and
by evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until
surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.7(b) and subject to Section
2.7(c), each Certificate shall, after the Effective Time, represent for all
purposes only the right to receive the whole number of Parent Ordinary Shares
and/or Parent ADSs into which the number of shares of Company Common Stock shown
thereon have been converted as contemplated by this Article II plus the cash
amount payable in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares in
accordance with Section 2.7(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, certificates
representing Company Common Stock surrendered for exchange by any Person
constituting an "Affiliate" of the Company for purposes of Section 7.4 shall not
be exchanged until Parent has received an Affiliate Agreement (as defined in
Section 7.4) as provided in Section 7.4.
(c) Distributions With Respect To Unexchanged Shares. No dividends
or other distributions declared, made or paid after the Effective Time with
respect to Parent Ordinary Shares with a record date on or after the Effective
Time shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect
to the Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs represented thereby and no cash
payment in lieu of fractional Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs shall be
paid to any such holder pursuant to Section 2.7(e) until the holder of record of
such Certificate shall surrender such Certificate in accordance with this
Section. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following surrender of any
such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record holder of the certificates
representing Parent Ordinary Shares and the Parent ADRs which represent Parent
ADSs issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at the time of such
surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions, if any, with a record
date on or after the Effective Time which theretofore became payable, but which
were not paid by reason of the immediately preceding sentence, with respect to
such Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs and (ii) at the appropriate payment
date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a
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record date on or after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment
date subsequent to surrender payable with respect to such Parent Ordinary Shares
and Parent ADSs. Dividends or other distributions with a record date on or after
the Effective Time but prior to surrender of Certificates by holders thereof
payable in respect of Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs held by the
Exchange Agent shall be held in trust for the benefit of such holders of
Certificates.
(d) No Further Ownership Rights In Company Common Stock. All Parent
Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid
pursuant to Section 2.7(e)) shall be deemed to have been issued at the Effective
Time in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the Converted Shares
represented thereby, subject, however, to the Surviving Corporation's obligation
to pay any dividends which may have been declared by the Company on the shares
of Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and which
remained unpaid at the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and there shall be no
further registration of transfers thereon of the shares of Company Common Stock
which were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the
Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any
reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Section.
(e) No Fractional Shares. No certificate or scrip representing
fractional Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares will be issued in the Merger
upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such fractional Parent ADS
or Parent Ordinary Share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or
to any rights of a holder of Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares. In lieu of
any such fractional Parent ADS or Parent Ordinary Share, each holder of
Certificates who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of Parent ADS
or Parent Ordinary Share in exchange for such Certificates pursuant to this
Section shall receive from the Exchange Agent, as applicable, (i) a cash payment
in lieu of such fractional Parent ADS determined by multiplying (A) the average
of the closing sale prices for Parent ADSs on the NYSE as reported in The Wall
Street Journal for each of the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding
the Closing Date by (B) the fractional Parent ADS interest to which such holder
would otherwise be entitled, and/or (ii) a cash payment in lieu of such
fractional Parent Ordinary Share determined by multiplying (A) the average of
the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Ordinary Share on the LSE as
reported in The Financial Times for each of the 10 consecutive Trading Days
ending immediately preceding the Closing Date by (B) the fractional Parent
Ordinary Share interest to which such holder would otherwise be entitled.
(f) Termination Of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
which remains undistributed to the stockholders of the Company for one (1) year
after the Effective Time shall be delivered to or as directed by Parent, upon
demand, and any holders of Certificates who have not theretofore complied with
this Article II shall thereafter look only to Parent (subject to abandoned
property, escheat and other similar laws) as a general creditor for payment of
their claim for Parent ADSs, Parent Ordinary shares, any cash in lieu fractional
Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares and any dividends or distributions with
respect to Parent ADSs and Parent Ordinary Shares. Neither Parent nor the
Surviving Corporation shall be
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liable to any holder of any Certificate for Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary
Shares (or dividends or distributions with respect to either), or cash payable
in respect of fractional Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares, delivered to a
public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law. Any securities or amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of Parent
Shares three years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately
prior to such time as such amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property
of any governmental entity) shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
become the property of the Surviving Corporation free and clear of any claims or
interest of any Person previously entitled thereto.
(g) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. If any Certificate shall
have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that
fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed
and, if required by Parent, the posting by such person of a bond in such
reasonable amount as Parent may direct as indemnity against any claim that may
be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will
deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the
applicable Merger Consideration with respect to the shares of Company Common
Stock formerly represented thereby, any cash in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs
or Parent Ordinary Shares, and unpaid dividends and distributions in respect of
or on Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares deliverable in respect thereof,
pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.8 Withholding Rights. Each of the Surviving Corporation
and Parent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration
otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Company
Common Stock such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect
to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local
or foreign tax law, including the tax laws of the United Kingdom. To the extent
that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case
may be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Company Common
Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the
Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case may be.
Section 2.9 Company Stock Options; Other Stock-Based Plans. (a) At
the Effective Time, the board of directors of the Company (or the appropriate
committee thereof) shall have adopted such resolutions, taken such actions and
obtained any necessary consents as may be required to effect the following:
(i) adjust or implement, as may be applicable or appropriate, the
terms of all outstanding and unexercised stock options to purchase shares
of Company Common Stock (each, a "Stock Option") heretofore granted under
the Company Stock Plan (as defined in Section 4.2(a)) and the terms of the
Company Stock Plan to provide that at the Effective Time, each Stock
Option outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be deemed to constitute an option to acquire, pursuant to the terms
of the Company Stock Plan, Parent Ordinary Shares where (x) the number of
Parent Ordinary Shares purchasable upon exercise of each such Stock
Options shall be equal to the number of shares of Company Common Stock
that were purchasable under such
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Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.5(e), and
rounding down to the nearest whole Parent Ordinary Share and (y) the per
Parent Ordinary Share exercise price under each such Stock Option shall be
obtained by dividing the per share exercise price of each such Stock
Option by the Exchange Ratio and dividing such result by the Exchange
Rate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.5(e), and rounding
down to the nearest penny. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of
any Stock Option to which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of its
qualification under Section 422 of the Code ("qualified stock options"),
the option price, the number of shares purchasable pursuant to such Stock
Option and the terms and conditions of exercise of such Stock Option shall
be determined in order to comply with Section 424(a) of the Code.
Accordingly, with respect to any qualified stock options, the per Parent
Ordinary Share exercise price shall be rounded up to the nearest cent;
(ii) adjust or implement, as may be applicable or appropriate, the
terms of all outstanding stock units, deferred stock awards, stock
appreciation rights and other rights to acquire Company Common Stock,
restricted stock, or any other interest in respect of Company Common Stock
under any Company stock plan, program, arrangement or agreement set forth
in Section 2.9(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter (as defined herein),
other than Stock Options ("Company Stock Rights"), to provide that, at the
Effective Time, (x) each holder of a Company Stock Right shall be entitled
to that number of stock units, deferred stock awards, stock appreciation
rights or other corresponding rights, including shares of restricted
stocks, as the case may be, with respect to Parent Ordinary Shares
("Parent Share Rights") equal to the number of applicable Company Stock
Rights held by such holder immediately prior to the Closing multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable
under such Company Stock Right, as adjusted in accordance with this
Section 2.9, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.5(e), and
rounding down to the nearest whole Parent Ordinary Share, and (y) the
share value on the grant date with respect to each Parent Share Right
shall be equal to the share value on the grant date of the corresponding
Company Stock Right as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time,
divided by the Exchange Ratio and dividing such result by the Exchange
Rate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.5(e), and rounding
down to the nearest penny; and
(iii) make such other changes to the Company Stock Plan and any
other plan, program, arrangement or agreement providing for the issuance
or grant of any other interest in respect of, or payment determined by
reference to, the capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
as appropriate to give effect to the Merger, subject to approval by
Parent.
(b) As of the Effective Time, Parent agrees to assume all Stock
Options and Company Stock Rights in accordance with the terms hereof.
Immediately following the Effective Time, Parent shall deliver to the holders of
Stock Options and Company Stock Rights appropriate notices setting forth such
holders' rights pursuant to the applicable Company stock
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plan, program, arrangement or agreement, and the agreements evidencing the
grants of such Stock Options and Company Stock Rights shall continue in effect
on the same terms and conditions (subject to the adjustments required by this
Section 2.9 after giving effect to the Merger). After the Effective Time, Parent
shall comply with the terms of the Company Stock Plan, as adjusted in accordance
with Section 2.5(e). Parent shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve
for issuance a sufficient number of Parent Ordinary Shares for delivery upon
exercise of Stock Options assumed by it in accordance with Section 2.9.
Simultaneously with the Closing, Parent shall file a registration statement on
Form S-3 or Form S-8, as the case may be (or any successor or other appropriate
forms), which shall cover all of the Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued upon
the exercise of Stock Options assumed by Parent in accordance with this Section
2.9 and shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of
such registration statement or registration statements (and maintain the current
status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such
options remain outstanding.
(c) During the period from the date of this Agreement through the
Effective Time, the Company agrees that it will not grant any stock options,
stock appreciation rights, stock units, deferred stock awards or other rights to
acquire Company Common Stock or any other interest in Company Common Stock other
than required automatic grants of Stock Options to the Company's directors under
the Company Stock Plan and will not take any action to accelerate the
exercisability of Stock Options or Company Stock Rights, and/or permit cash
payments to holders of Stock Options or Company Stock Rights with respect to
such Stock Options or Company Stock Rights. It is acknowledged that the terms of
the Company Stock Option Plan provide that all outstanding Stock Options will
become immediately vested and exercisable in the event of a Change of Control
(as defined therein).
Section 2.10 The Surviving Corporation. (a) The certificate of
incorporation of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be amended to change the name of Merger Sub to "Healthworld
Corporation" and, as so amended, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of
the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided
therein or applicable Law.
(b) The bylaws of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until amended
in accordance with therein or the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable
Law.
(c) From and after the Effective Time, until successors are duly
elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with applicable Law, (i) the
directors of Merger Sub at the Effective Time shall be the directors of the
Surviving Corporation, and (ii) the officers of Merger Sub at the Effective Time
shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation.
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ARTICLE III
THE CLOSING
Section 3.1 Closing. The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall
take place (i) at the offices of Macfarlanes, 10 Norwich Street, London,
EC4A1BD, with a meeting to be held simultaneously at the offices of White & Case
LLP, 1155 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, for the delivery of
certain documents in connection therewith, at a time to be agreed by the parties
on the third business day after the day on which the last of the conditions set
forth in Article VIII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to
be fulfilled at the Closing, but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of such
conditions) shall be fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement or
(ii) at such other places and time and/or on such other date as the Company and
Parent may agree in writing (the "Closing Date").
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as
follows:
Section 4.1 Organization, Standing and Power. The Company and each
of its Subsidiaries is a corporation or limited liability company duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions
which recognize the concept of good standing) under the laws of the jurisdiction
in which it is incorporated or organized and has the requisite corporate or
other power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry
on its business as now being conducted except for such failures to be so
incorporated, existing and in good standing or to have such power and authority,
which, individually or in the aggregate, could not be reasonably expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries
is duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing (with respect to
jurisdictions which recognize the concept of good standing), in each
jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned or held under lease or
the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so qualified could not reasonably be expected to, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has
made available to Parent and Merger Sub complete and correct copies of the
certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company and the comparable
governing documents of each of its Subsidiaries, in each case as amended to the
date of this Agreement. Other than as set forth in Section 4.1 of the letter
dated the date hereof and delivered by the Company to Parent and Merger Sub
simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the "Company
Disclosure Letter"), the respective certificates of incorporation and by-laws or
other organizational documents of the Subsidiaries of the Company do not contain
any provision limiting or otherwise restricting the ability of the Company to
control such Subsidiaries.
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Section 4.2 Capital Structure. (a) As of the date hereof, the
authorized capital stock of the Company consists of twenty million (20,000,000)
shares of Company Common Stock and one million (1,000,000) shares of preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred Stock"). At the close of business on
November 5, 1999, (i) 8,109,965 shares of Company Common Stock were issued and
outstanding, all of which were validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and
free of preemptive rights, (ii) no shares of Company Common Stock were held in
the treasury of the Company or by Subsidiaries of the Company and (iii)
1,880,799 shares of Company Common Stock were reserved for future issuance
pursuant to the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Company Stock
Plan"). No shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding. As of the date of this
Agreement, except (i) as set forth above and (ii) as set forth in Section 4.2(a)
of the Company Disclosure Letter, no shares of capital stock or other voting
securities of the Company were issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. The
Company does not have any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other
obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with
the stockholders of the Company on any matter ("Voting Debt"). As of the date of
this Agreement, except for stock options covering not in excess of 1,536,089
shares of Company Common Stock issued under the Company Stock Plan and except as
set forth in Section 4.2(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, there are no
outstanding or authorized options, warrants, calls, rights or subscriptions,
claims of any character, obligations, convertible or exchangeable securities or
other commitments, contingent or otherwise, to which the Company is a party or
by which it is bound obligating the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue,
deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of
capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or obligating the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter into any such
option, warrant, call, right or agreement (each an "Issuance Obligation").
(b) Section 4.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth (i)
the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of each Subsidiary of the Company,
(ii) its authorized capital stock, (iii) the number of issued and outstanding
shares of its capital stock and (iv) the record owners of such shares. Except as
set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, all of the
outstanding capital stock of, or ownership interests in, each Subsidiary of the
Company is owned by the Company, directly or indirectly. All of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary are validly existing,
fully paid and non-assessable. Except as set forth in the Company SEC Reports or
Section 4.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no Subsidiary of the Company
has outstanding Voting Debt and no Subsidiary of the Company is bound by,
obligated under, or party to an Issuance Obligation with respect to any security
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Except as set forth in the
Company SEC Reports or Section 4.2(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, all of
such capital stock or ownership interest is owned by the Company, directly or
indirectly, free and clear of all Liens.
(c) Except for the Company's interest in its Subsidiaries, and as
set forth in the Company SEC Reports or Section 4.2(c) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, the Company does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar
interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for
any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company or other business association or entity (other
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than non-controlling investments in the ordinary course of business and
corporate partnering, development, cooperative marketing and similar
undertakings and arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business).
Section 4.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement. The Company has
all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and,
subject to obtaining the Company Stockholders' Approval (as defined in Section
7.3(b)), to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Company (other than obtaining the Company Stockholders'
Approval), including the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors of the
Company which has unanimously resolved to recommend the approval of this
Agreement by the stockholders of the Company and directed that this Agreement be
submitted to the stockholders of the Company for their consideration, and no
other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company or its stockholders are
necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than obtaining the Company Stockholders' Approval.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company
and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by
general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
Section 4.4 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company do not, and the
performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, result in a
violation or breach of, constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or
both) a default under, result in or give to any person any right of payment or
reimbursement, termination, cancellation, modification or acceleration of, or
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the assets or
properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of (i) the certificates or articles of incorporation or
bylaws (or other comparable charter documents) of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, or (ii) subject to the obtaining of the Company Stockholders'
Approval and the taking of the actions described in Section 4.4(b) and except as
disclosed in Section 4.4(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, (x) any statute,
law, rule, regulation or ordinance (together, "Laws"), or any judgment, decree,
order, writ, permit or license (together, "Orders"), of any court, tribunal,
arbitrator, authority, agency, commission, official or other instrumentality of
the United States, any foreign country or any domestic or foreign state, county,
city or other political subdivision (a "Governmental or Regulatory Authority")
applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective
assets or properties, or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, security agreement,
indenture, license, franchise, permit, concession, contract, lease or other
instrument, obligation or agreement of any kind (together, "Contracts") to which
the Company or any of its
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Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective assets or properties is bound, excluding from the
foregoing clauses (x) and (y) conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, rights
of payment and reimbursement, terminations, modifications, accelerations and
creations and impositions of Liens which, individually or in the aggregate,
could not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or
prevent, materially impair, or materially delay the ability of the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Except (i) for the filing of a premerger notification report by
the Company under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act"), (ii) for the
filing of the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section 4.6(a) and the Registration
Statement (as defined in Section 5.9(a)) with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange
Act and the Securities Act, the declaration of the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement by the SEC and filings with various state securities
authorities that are required in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, (iii) for the filing of the Certificate of Merger and other
appropriate merger documents required by the DGCL with the Secretary of State
and appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which
the Constituent Corporations are qualified to do business, and (iv) as disclosed
in Section 4.4(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter, no consent, approval or
action of, filing with or notice to any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or
other public or private third party is necessary or required under any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any law or order of any Governmental or
Regulatory Authority or any Contract to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective assets or properties is bound for the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the Company, the performance by the Company of its
obligations hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, other than such consents, approvals, actions, filings and notices which
the failure to make or obtain, as the case may be, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect or prevent, materially impair or materially delay the ability of the
Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.5 SEC Reports and Financial Statements. (a) The Company
has delivered or made available to Parent a true and complete copy of each form,
report, schedule, registration statement, definitive proxy statement and other
document (together with all amendments thereof and supplements thereto) filed by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC since November 21, 1997 (as
such documents have since the time of their filing been amended or supplemented,
the "Company SEC Reports"), which are all the documents (other than preliminary
materials) that the Company and its Subsidiaries were required to file with the
SEC since such date. As of their respective dates, the Company SEC Reports (i)
complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, if applicable, as the case may be, and (ii)
did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited
interim consolidated
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financial statements (including, in each case, the notes, if any, thereto) of
the Company included in the Company SEC Reports (the "Company Financial
Statements") complied as to form in all material respects with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein
or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements as
permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly present (subject, in the case of
the unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring year-end audit
adjustments (which are not expected to be, individually or in the aggregate,
materially adverse to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole)) the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
as at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their
operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. Except as set
forth in Section 4.5(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, each Subsidiary of the
Company is treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in the Company
Financial Statements for all periods covered thereby.
(b) Except as set forth in the Company SEC Reports or Section 4.5(b)
of the Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has any liability or obligation of any nature (whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise), except for liabilities and obligations
incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since
June 30, 1999 which could not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries is in default in respect of the material terms and
conditions of any indebtedness or other agreement which could, individually or
in the aggregate, be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.6 Information Supplied. (a) The proxy statement relating
to the Company Stockholders' Meeting (as defined in Section 7.3(b)), as amended
or supplemented from time to time (as so amended and supplemented, the "Proxy
Statement"), and any other documents to be filed by the Company with the SEC in
connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will
(in the case of the Proxy Statement and any such other documents filed with the
SEC under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act), comply as to form in all
material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities
Act, respectively, and will not, on the date of its filing or, in the case of
the Proxy Statement, on the date it is mailed to stockholders of the Company and
at the time of the Company Stockholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading, except that no
representation is made by the Company with respect to information supplied in
writing by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub expressly for inclusion therein
and information incorporated by reference therein from documents filed by
Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries with the SEC.
(b) The information supplied by the Company for inclusion in any
filing by Parent or Merger Sub with the LSE in respect of the Merger (including,
without limitation, the
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Class 1 circular to be issued to shareholders of Parent (the "Circular"), and
the listing particulars under Part IV of the Financial Services Act 1986 of the
United Kingdom (the "FSA") relating to Parent Ordinary Shares (the "Listing
Particulars") (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Parent
Disclosure Documents") will be, in all material respects, in accordance with the
facts and will not omit anything materially likely to affect the import of such
information.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.6, no
representation or warranty is made by the Company with respect to statements
made or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Proxy
Statement or the Parent Disclosure Documents based on information supplied by
Parent or Merger Sub expressly for inclusion or incorporation by reference
therein.
Section 4.7 Absence of Certain Events. Except as disclosed in the
Company SEC Reports or in Section 4.7 of the Company Disclosure Letter, since
June 30, 1999, the Company and its Subsidiaries have operated their respective
businesses only in the ordinary course consistent with past practices and,
except as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports or in Section 4.7 of the Company
Disclosure Letter, there has not occurred (i) any event, occurrence or
conditions which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected
to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any entry into or any commitment
or transaction that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (iii) any material change by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in its accounting methods, principles or
practices; (iv) any amendments or changes in the Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of the Company; (v) any revaluation by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries of any of their respective assets, including, without limitation,
write-offs of accounts receivable, other than in the ordinary course of the
Company's and its Subsidiaries' businesses consistent with past practices; (vi)
any damage, destruction or loss which, individually or in the aggregate,
resulted in or could reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect; (vii) any event pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
has incurred any material liabilities (direct, contingent or otherwise) or
engaged in any material transaction or entered into any material agreement, in
each case outside the ordinary course of business which, individually or in the
aggregate, could be reasonably expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect; (viii) any increase in the compensation of any officer of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or any general salary or benefits increase to the
employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary
course of business; or (ix) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any
dividend or other distribution with respect to any shares of capital stock of
the Company, or any repurchase, redemption or other acquisition by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries of any outstanding shares of capital stock or other
securities of, or other ownership interests in, the Company. Except as set forth
in the Company SEC Reports or Section 4.7 of the Company Disclosure Letter,
since June 30, 1999, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken
any action specified in Section 6.1 of this Agreement.
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Section 4.8 Litigation. Except as disclosed in Section 4.8 of the
Company Disclosure Letter, there are no investigations, actions, suits or
proceedings pending against the Company or its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge
of the Company, threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries (or any of
their respective properties, rights or franchises), at law or in equity, or
before or by any federal or state commission, board, bureau, agency, regulatory
or administrative instrumentality or other Governmental Entity or any arbitrator
or arbitration tribunal, that could reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no development
has occurred with respect to any pending or threatened action, suit or
proceeding that could reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material
Adverse Effect or could prevent, materially impair or materially delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any judgment, order or decree entered in
any lawsuit or proceeding which could reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.9 Compliance with Applicable Law. The Company and its
Subsidiaries hold, and at all required times have held, all permits, licenses,
variances, exceptions, orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities
necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses (the "Company
Permits"), except for failures to hold such permits, licenses, variances,
exemptions, orders and approvals which could not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company
and its Subsidiaries are, and at all times have been, in compliance with the
terms of the Company Permits, except where the failure so to comply could not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect. The businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries are
not being, and have not been, conducted in violation of any law, ordinance or
regulation of any Governmental Entity except for violations or possible
violations which, individually or in the aggregate, do not and could not
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set
forth in Section 4.9 of the Company Disclosure Letter, no investigation or
review by any Governmental Entity with respect to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, nor, to
the knowledge of the Company, has any Governmental Entity indicated an intention
to conduct the same, other than, in each case, those which could not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 4.10 Employee Plans. (a) List of Plans. Set forth in Section
4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter is an accurate and complete list of all
domestic and foreign (i) "employee benefit plans," within the meaning of Section
3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder ("ERISA"); (ii) bonus, stock option, stock
purchase, restricted stock, incentive, fringe benefit, "voluntary employees'
beneficiary associations" ("VEBAs"), under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code,
profit-sharing, pension or retirement, deferred compensation, medical, life,
disability, accident, salary continuation, severance, accrued leave, vacation,
sick pay, sick leave, supplemental retirement and unemployment benefit plans,
programs, arrangements, commitments and/or practices (whether or not insured);
and (iii) employment, consulting, termination, and severance contracts or
agreements; in each case for active, retired or former employees or directors,
whether or not
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any such plans, programs, arrangements, commitments, contracts, agreements
and/or practices (referred to in (i), (ii) or (iii) above) are in writing or are
otherwise exempt from the provisions of ERISA; that have been established,
maintained or contributed to (or with respect to which an obligation to
contribute has been undertaken) or with respect to which any potential liability
is borne by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including, for this purpose
and for the purpose of all of the representations in this Section 4.10, any
predecessors to the Company or to any of its Subsidiaries and all employers
(whether or not incorporated) that would be treated together with the Company
and any of its Subsidiaries as a single employer (1) within the meaning of
Section 414 of the Code, or (2) as a result of the Company or any Subsidiary
being or having been a general partner of any such employer), since January 1,
1993 ("Employee Benefit Plans").
(b) Status of Plans. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(b) of the
Company Disclosure Letter, each Employee Benefit Plan (including any related
trust) complies in form with the requirements of all applicable laws, including,
without limitation, ERISA and the Code, and has at all times been maintained and
operated in substantial compliance with its terms and the requirements of all
applicable laws, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code. No complete
or partial termination of any Employee Benefit Plan has occurred or is expected
to occur. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(b) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any commitment,
intention or understanding to create, modify or terminate any Employee Benefit
Plan. Except as required to maintain the tax-qualified status of any Employee
Benefit Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, no condition
or circumstance exists that would prevent the amendment or termination of any
Employee Benefit Plan. No event has occurred and no condition or circumstance
has existed that could result in a material increase in the benefits under or
the expense of maintaining any Employee Benefit Plan from the level of benefits
or expense incurred for the most recent fiscal year ended thereof.
(c) No Pension Plans. No Employee Benefit Plan is an "employee
pension benefit plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA) subject to
Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA. Neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever maintained or contributed to, or had any
obligation to contribute to (or borne any liability with respect to) any
"multiple employer plan" (within the meaning of the Code or ERISA) or any
"multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA).
(d) Liabilities. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
maintains any Employee Benefit Plan which is a "group health plan" (as such term
is defined in Section 607(1) of ERISA or Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code) that
has not been administered and operated in all respects in compliance with the
applicable requirements of Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and Section
4980B of the Code except to the extent that such non-compliance will not result
in any material liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any material liability,
including, without limitation, additional contributions, fines, taxes, penalties
or loss of tax deduction as a result of such administration and operation. No
Employee Benefit Plan which is such a group health plan is a "multiple employer
welfare arrangement," within the meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA. Each
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Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 125
of the Code meets such requirements, and each program of benefits for which
employee contributions are provided pursuant to elections under any Employee
Benefit Plan meets the requirements of the Code applicable thereto. Neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries maintains any Employee Benefit Plan which is
an "employee welfare benefit plan" (as such term is defined in Section 3(1) of
ERISA) that has provided any "disqualified benefit" (as such term is defined in
Section 4976(b) of the Code) with respect to which an excise tax could be
imposed.
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries maintains any
Employee Benefit Plan (whether qualified or non-qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Code) providing for post-employment or retiree health, life insurance
and/or other welfare benefits and having unfunded liabilities, and neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any obligation to provide any such
benefits to any retired or former employees or active employees following such
employees' retirement or termination of service. Neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries has any unfunded liabilities pursuant to any Employee Benefit
Plan that is not intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code. No
Employee Benefit Plan holds as an asset any interest in any annuity contract,
guaranteed investment contract or any other investment or insurance contract,
policy or instrument issued by an insurance company that, to the knowledge of
the Company, is or may be the subject of bankruptcy, conservatorship,
insolvency, liquidation, rehabilitation or similar proceedings.
Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any
material liability for any tax or excise tax arising under Chapter 43 of the
Code, and no event has occurred and no condition or circumstance has existed
that could give rise to any such liability.
There are no actions, suits, claims or disputes pending, or, to the
best knowledge and belief of the Company, threatened, anticipated or expected to
be asserted against or with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or the assets
of any such plan (other than routine claims for benefits and appeals of denied
routine claims). No civil or criminal action brought pursuant to the provisions
of Title I, Subtitle B, Part 5 of ERISA is pending, threatened, anticipated, or
expected to be asserted against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
fiduciary of any Employee Benefit Plan, in any case with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan. No Employee Benefit Plan or any fiduciary thereof has been the
direct or indirect subject of an audit, investigation or examination by any
governmental or quasi-governmental agency.
(e) Contributions. Full payment has been timely made of all amounts
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is required, under applicable law
or under any Employee Benefit Plan or any agreement relating to any Employee
Benefit Plan to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, to have
paid as contributions or premiums thereto as of the last day of the most recent
fiscal year of such Employee Benefit Plan ended prior to the date hereof. All
such contributions and/or premiums have been fully deducted for income tax
purposes and no such deduction has been challenged or disallowed by any
governmental entity, and to the best knowledge and belief of the Company and its
Subsidiaries no event has occurred and no condition or circumstance has existed
that could give rise to any such challenge or disallowance.
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The Company has made adequate provision for reserves to meet contributions and
premiums and any other liabilities that have not been paid or satisfied because
they are not yet due under the terms of any Employee Benefit Plan, applicable
law or related agreements. Benefits under all Employee Benefit Plans are as
represented and have not been increased subsequent to the date as of which
documents have been provided.
(f) Tax Qualification. Each Employee Benefit Plan intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has, as currently in effect, been
determined to be so qualified by the Internal Revenue Service. Each trust
established in connection with any Employee Benefit Plan which is intended to be
exempt from Federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code has, as
currently in effect, been determined to be so exempt by the Internal Revenue
Service. Each VEBA has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be
exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(9) of the Code. Since the
date of each most recent determination referred to in this paragraph (f), no
event has occurred and no condition or circumstance has existed that resulted or
is likely to result in the revocation of any such determination or that could
adversely affect the qualified status of any such Employee Benefit Plan or the
exempt status of any such trust or VEBA.
(g) Transactions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
nor any of their respective directors, officers, employees or, to the best
knowledge and belief of the Company, other persons who participate in the
operation of any Employee Benefit Plan or related trust or funding vehicle, has
engaged in any transaction with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or breached
any applicable fiduciary responsibilities or obligations under Title I of ERISA
that would subject any of them to a tax, penalty or liability for prohibited
transactions or breach of any obligations under ERISA or the Code or would
result in any claim being made under, by or on behalf of any such Employee
Benefit Plan by any party with standing to make such claim.
(h) Triggering Events. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(h) of the
Company Disclosure Letter, the execution of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby, do not constitute a triggering event
under any Employee Benefit Plan, policy, arrangement, statement, commitment or
agreement, whether or not legally enforceable, which (either alone or upon the
occurrence of any additional or subsequent event) will or may result in any
payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise), "parachute payment" (as such
term is defined in Section 280G of the Code), acceleration, vesting or increase
in benefits to any employee or former employee or director of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(h) of the Company
Disclosure Letter, no Employee Benefit Plan provides for the payment of
severance, termination, change in control or similar-type payments or benefits.
(i) Documents. The Company has delivered or made available or caused
to be delivered to the Purchaser and its counsel true and complete copies of all
material documents in connection with each Employee Benefit Plan, including,
without limitation (where applicable): (i) all Employee Benefit Plans as in
effect on the date hereof, together with all amendments
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thereto, including, in the case of any Employee Benefit Plan not set forth in
writing, a written description thereof; (ii) all current summary plan
descriptions, summaries of material modifications, and material communications;
(iii) all current trust agreements, declarations of trust and other documents
establishing other funding arrangements (and all amendments thereto and the
latest financial statements thereof); (iv) the most recent Internal Revenue
Service determination letter obtained with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or exempt under
Section 501(a) or 501(c)(9) of the Code; (v) the annual report on Internal
Revenue Service Form 5500-series or 990 for each of the last three years for
each Employee Benefit Plan required to file such form; (vi) the most recently
prepared financial statements for each Employee Benefit Plan for which such
statements are required; and (vii) all contracts and agreements relating to each
Employee Benefit Plan, including, without limitation, service provider
agreements, insurance contracts, annuity contracts, investment management
agreements, subscription agreements, participation agreements, and recordkeeping
agreements and collective bargaining agreements.
Section 4.11 Employment Relations and Agreement. (a) Except as could
not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or as
disclosed in Section 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, (i) each of the
Company and its Subsidiaries is, and at all times has been, in compliance with
all applicable federal, state or other applicable laws respecting employment and
employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours,
and has not and is not engaged in any unfair labor practice; (ii) no unfair
labor practice complaint against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
pending before the National Labor Relations Board; (iii) there is no labor
strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage actually pending or, to the knowledge of
the Company, threatened against or involving the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (iv) no representation question exists respecting the employees of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (v) no grievance exists, no arbitration
proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreement is
pending and no claim therefor has been asserted; (vi) no collective bargaining
agreement is currently being negotiated by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; and (vii) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have
experienced any material labor difficulty during the last three years.
(b) Except for employment agreements with employees with salaries of
over $175,000 or (pound)150,000 per annum (the "Material Employment Agreements")
executed copies or terms of which, as amended, have been delivered or made
available to Parent, and as set forth in Section 4.11(b) of the Company
Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
Material Employment Agreement or material severance agreement with any person.
The executed copies of the Material Employment Agreements previously delivered
or made available to Parent are true and correct and such agreements have not
since been amended, modified or rescinded except to the extent disclosed to
Parent.
Section 4.12 Contracts. Except as set forth in Section 4.12 of the
Company Disclosure Letter, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries is a party
to, or has any obligation under, any Contract which contains any covenant
currently or prospectively limiting the freedom of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business or to compete with any
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entity. All Contracts to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or by which any of their respective assets is bound are valid and binding, in
full force and effect and enforceable against the parties thereto in accordance
with their respective terms, other than such failures to be so valid and
binding, in full force and effect or enforceable which, could not reasonably be
expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect. There is not under any such Contract any existing default, or
event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default,
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the Company's knowledge, any
other party, except to the extent such default could not reasonably be expected
to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.13 Taxes. (a) The Company and each Subsidiary (i) has
timely filed or will timely file all material Tax Returns required to be filed
on or before the Effective Time, which returns are and will be true and complete
in all material respects; and (ii) the Company and each Subsidiary has timely
paid or has adequately disclosed, and fully provided for as Taxes on the Company
Financial Statements in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles, consistently applied, all Taxes which are due and payable
with respect to all taxable years or periods that end on or before the date of
this Agreement. The Company and each Subsidiary has withheld or collected all
Taxes they were required to withhold and collect, and have timely paid to the
proper authorities such Taxes withheld or collected to the extent due and
payable.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(b) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, (i) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has waived any statute of
limitations in respect of Taxes of the Company or any Subsidiary; and (ii) no
issues have been raised by any relevant taxing authority in connection with any
review by such taxing authority of the Tax Returns through a notice or any other
written correspondence from such taxing authority, and neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to an audit, examination, action, suit,
proceeding, investigation or claim regarding Taxes ("Tax Controversy") by the
appropriate taxing authorities of any nation, state, province or locality that
is currently pending (or scheduled as of the Effective Time to be conducted) or
that has been threatened in writing by any such authority regarding Taxes; and
(iii) all deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of any such Tax
Controversy by a taxing authority have been paid in full; and (iv) no liens or
security interests arising in connection with a failure (or alleged failure) to
pay any Taxes have attached to any of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries'
assets, except for Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable. The Company has
delivered or made available to Parent correct and complete copies of all United
States federal, state and all foreign income Tax Returns (to the extent filed as
of the date hereof or, if not filed, correct and complete copies of extensions
thereof), examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against
or agreed to by the Company and any of its Subsidiaries relating to taxable
years 1996, 1997 and 1998.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement (i) "Tax" (and, with correlative
meaning, "Taxes" and "Taxable") means any material federal, state, local,
foreign or other income, gross receipts, profits, property, sales, use, license,
excise, franchise, employment, payroll, premium, withholding, alternative or
added minimum, ad valorem, transfer stamp, severance, capital gains,
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capital stock or excise tax, or any other tax, levy custom, duty, governmental
fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any
interest or penalty, imposed by any governmental authority and shall include any
liability for such amounts as a result either of being a member of a combined,
consolidated, unitary or affiliated group or of a contractual obligation to
indemnify any person or other entity with respect to Taxes, and (ii) "Tax
Return" means any material return, form, report or similar statement required to
be filed with respect to any Tax (including any schedules, related or supporting
information), including, without limitation, any information return, claim for
refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(d) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has agreed to any
extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(e) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been included in any
"consolidated," "unitary" or "combined" Tax Return provided for under the law of
the United States, any foreign jurisdiction or any state, province or locality
with respect to Taxes for any taxable period for which the statute of
limitations has not expired.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(f) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, there are no tax sharing, allocation, indemnification or similar
agreements in effect as between the Company or its Subsidiaries or any
predecessor or affiliate thereof and any other party under which Parent or
Merger Sub, the Company or its Subsidiaries could be liable for Taxes or other
claims of any party.
(g) No election under Section 341(f) of the Code has been made or
shall be made prior to the Effective Time to treat the Company or its
Subsidiaries as a consenting corporation, as defined in Section 341 of the Code.
(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "United
States real property holding corporation" within the meaning of Section
897(c)(2) of the Code.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 4.13(i) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been required to
include in income any adjustments pursuant to section 481 of the Code by reason
of a voluntary change in accounting method initiated by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, and the Internal Revenue Service has not initiated or proposed
any such adjustment or change in accounting period.
Section 4.14 Intellectual Property. (a) The Company or its
Subsidiaries owns, free and clear of all Liens, licenses and other restrictions,
or is licensed to use, the worldwide rights to all domestic and foreign patents,
patent applications, registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks,
trade names, company names, copyrights together with any registrations and
applications therefor, Internet domain names, schematics, inventories,
technology, trade secrets, proprietary information, know-how, databases,
inventions, computer
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software programs or applications including, without limitation, all object and
source codes and tangible or intangible proprietary information or material that
in any material respect are used or necessary in the business of the Company and
any of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted (the "Intellectual Property").
Section 4.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth: (i) all material
patents, patent applications, registered and unregistered trademarks and service
marks, trade names, company names, registered copyrights, and any applications
therefor, foreign and domestic; and (ii) all material licenses and other
agreements to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (the
"Licenses") and pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
authorized to use any Intellectual Property and includes the identities of the
parties thereto, a description of the nature and subject matter thereof, the
applicable royalty and the term thereof. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is, or as a result of the execution, delivery or performance of the
Company's obligations hereunder will be, in violation of, or lose any rights
pursuant to, any license or agreement set forth in Section 4.14(a) of the
Company Disclosure Letter.
(b) No claims have been asserted or, to the knowledge of the
Company, are threatened by any person or entity nor does the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries know of any grounds for any bona fide claims (i) to the effect
that the manufacture, sale, use, offer for sale, reproduction, distribution or
modification, of any product or process by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries infringes or within the three (3) year period immediately prior to
the date hereof has infringed any copyright, trade secret, trademark, patent or
other intellectual property right of any person or entity, (ii) that, if
sustained, might adversely effect the interests of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in any Intellectual Property, or (iii) challenging the ownership,
validity or enforceability of any of the Intellectual Property. All patents and
all registered trademarks and service marks set forth in Section 4.14(a) of the
Company Disclosure Letter and all copyrights held by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries are valid, enforceable and subsisting. To the Company's knowledge,
there has not been and there is not any unauthorized use, infringement or
misappropriation of any of the Intellectual Property by any person or entity,
including, without limitation, any employee or former employee.
(c) The operation of the Company as of the Effective Time shall
require no rights under Intellectual Property other than the rights under
Intellectual Property owned by the Company and rights granted to the Company
pursuant to the Licenses.
Section 4.15 Environmental Laws and Regulations. (a) For purposes of
this section, "Environmental Law" shall mean any federal, state or local law,
statute, rule, regulation, order or other requirement of law relating to the
protection of human health or the environment, or to the manufacture, use,
transport, treatment, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of
petroleum products, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, polychlorinated
biphenyls or any substance listed, classified or regulated as hazardous or
toxic, or any similar term, under such Environmental Law.
(b) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company is in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws, and
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has obtained, and is in compliance with, all permits required under applicable
Environmental Laws; (ii) the Company has not received any notice of any claims,
proceedings or actions by any governmental authority or other person or entity
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company
under any Environmental Law; and (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, there
are no facts, circumstances or conditions relating to the business or operations
of the Company, or to any real property at any time owned, leased or operated by
the Company, that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any claim,
proceeding or action, or to any liability, under any Environmental Law.
Section 4.16 Voting Requirements. The affirmative vote of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock
(voting as one class, with each share of Company Common Stock having one (1)
vote) entitled to be cast approving this Agreement and the Merger is the only
vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company's capital stock
necessary to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.17 Ownership of Parent Stock. Neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries beneficially owns any Parent Ordinary Shares or Parent ADSs.
Section 4.18 State Takeover Statutes; Certain Charter Provisions.
The Board of Directors of the Company has, to the extent such statute is
applicable, taken all action (including appropriate approvals of the Board of
Directors of the Company) necessary to exempt Parent, its Subsidiaries, their
affiliates, the Merger, this Agreement, the Stockholder Agreements and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby from Section 203 of the DGCL. No
other state takeover statutes are applicable to the Merger, this Agreement, the
Stockholder Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Section 4.19 Year 2000. Except as set forth in Section 4.19 of the
Company Disclosure Letter or except as would not result in a Company Material
Adverse Effect, to the knowledge of the Company, all software material to the
business, finances or operations of the Company ("Software"):
(i) shall accurately and completely process (including but not
limited to calculation, comparison and sequencing, and including without
limitation leap year calculations) date-related data for dates prior to
the year 2000, date-related data for dates after the year 1999, and
date-related data for dates both before the year 2000 and after the year
1999; and
(ii) shall not, as a consequence of the change of centuries or of
the fact that dates from more than one century are being processed, cause
an abnormal termination of execution, an endless loop, incorrect values or
invalid results, or otherwise fail to perform accurately and completely
those functions set forth in the associated user documentation.
Section 4.20 Brokers. No broker, investment banker or other person
or entity, other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
will be paid by the Company,
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is entitled to any broker's, finder's or other similar fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. A true and correct copy of the
engagement letter of Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. as in effect on the date hereof has
been delivered to Parent.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Parent and Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
Section 5.1 Organization and Qualification Each of Merger Sub,
Parent and Parent's Material Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions which
recognize the concept of good standing) under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation and has full corporate power and authority to conduct its business
as and to the extent now conducted and to own, operate and lease its assets and
properties, except for such failures to be so incorporated, existing and in good
standing (with respect to jurisdictions which recognize the concept of good
standing) or to have such power and authority which, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect. Each of Merger Sub, Parent and Parent's Material Subsidiaries, is duly
qualified, licensed or admitted to do business and is in good standing (with
respect to jurisdictions which recognize the concept of good standing) in each
jurisdiction in which the ownership, use or leasing of its assets and
properties, or the conduct or nature of its business, makes such qualification,
licensing, admission or good standing necessary, except for such failures to be
so qualified (with respect to jurisdictions which recognize the concept of good
standing) which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be
expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Parent has previously
delivered or made available to the Company correct and complete copies of the
memorandum and articles of association and bylaws (or other comparable charter
documents) of Merger Sub, Parent and Parent's Material Subsidiaries.
Section 5.2 Capital Stock. (a) The authorized share capital of
Parent consists solely of (i) 301,000,000 Parent Ordinary Shares, of which
226,858,671 shares were issued and outstanding and 27,266,007 shares are subject
to future issuance pursuant to Parent's share options and incentive schemes as
of September 30, 1999. All of the issued Parent Ordinary Shares are, and all
Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued as the Ordinary Share Consideration and the
ADS Consideration pursuant to Section 2.5(c) will be, upon issuance, duly
authorized, validly issued and fully paid and voting, and no class of shares is
entitled to preemptive rights, except as provided in Section 89 of the Companies
Act of 1985 of the United Kingdom (the "Companies Act").
(b) The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, all of which are validly
issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by Parent
free and clear of all security interests, liens,
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claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal, agreements, charges or other
encumbrances of any nature or any other limitation or restriction (including any
restriction on the right to vote or sell the same, except as may be provided
under applicable Federal or State securities laws) (collectively, "Liens").
(c) Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed prior to the
date hereof or Section 5.2(c) of the letter dated the date hereof and delivered
by Parent and Merger Sub to the Company simultaneously with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement (the "Parent Disclosure Letter"), there are no (i)
outstanding Issuance Obligations obligating Merger Sub, Parent or any of
Parent's Subsidiaries to issue or sell any Parent Ordinary Shares or capital
stock of Merger Sub or any of Parent's Material Subsidiaries or to grant, extend
or enter into any such Issuance Obligation, (ii) Voting Debt of the Parent or
any of its Material Subsidiaries, or (iii) voting trusts, proxies or other
commitments, understandings, restrictions or arrangements to which Merger Sub,
Parent or any of Parent's Material Subsidiaries is a party with respect to the
voting of or the right to participate in dividends or other earnings in respect
of any shares of Merger Sub, Parent or any of Parent's Material Subsidiaries.
(d) Except as set forth in the Company SEC Reports or Section 5.2(d)
of the Parent Disclosure Letter, all of the outstanding capital stock of, or
ownership interests in, each Material Subsidiary of Parent is owned by Parent,
directly or indirectly. All of the issued and capital stock of each Material
Subsidiary is validly existing, fully paid and non-assessable. Except as set
forth in the Company SEC Reports or Section 5.2(d) of the Parent Disclosure
Letter, no Material Subsidiary of Parent has outstanding Voting Debt and no
Material Subsidiary of Parent is bound by, obligated under, or party to an
Issuance Obligation with respect to any security of Parent or any Material
Subsidiary of Parent. Except as set forth in the Parent SEC Reports or Section
5.2(d) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, all of such capital stock or ownership
interest is owned by Parent, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all
Liens.
Section 5.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement. Each of Parent and
Merger Sub has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and,
subject to obtaining the Parent Shareholders' Approval (as defined in Section
7.3(a)), to perform its obligations hereunder, and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by each of
Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly approved by the Board of Directors of Parent and Merger Sub. The Board
of Directors of Parent has passed a resolution declaring the advisability of the
Merger and resolving that the Merger be submitted for consideration by the
shareholders of Parent. No other corporate proceedings on the part of Parent or
Merger Sub or their shareholders are necessary to authorize the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by Parent or Merger Sub and the
consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby,
other than obtaining the Parent Shareholders' Approval. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Parent and Merger Sub and
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger
Sub enforceable against each of Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its
terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization,
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moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally and by general equitable principles (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
Section 5.4 Non-Contravention; Approvals and Consents. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub do
not, and the performance by each of Parent and Merger Sub of its obligations
hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not,
conflict with, result in a violation or breach of, constitute (with or without
notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in or give to any
person any right of payment or reimbursement, termination, cancellation,
modification or acceleration of, or result in the creation or imposition of any
Lien upon any of the assets or properties of Parent or any of its Material
Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) the
memorandum or articles of association or bylaws (or other comparable charter
documents) of Parent or any of its Material Subsidiaries or (ii) subject to the
obtaining of the Parent Shareholders' Approval and the taking of the actions
described in paragraph (b) of this Section, (x) any Laws or Orders of any
Governmental or Regulatory Authority applicable to Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties, or (y) any
Contracts to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or
properties is bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (x) and (y) conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults, rights of payment or reimbursement,
terminations, modifications, accelerations and creations and impositions of
Liens which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected
to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent, materially impair or
materially delay the ability of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Except (i) for the filing of a premerger notification report by
Parent under the HSR Act, (ii) for the filing of the Registration Statement with
the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, the declaration of the effectiveness of
the Registration Statement by the SEC and filings with various state securities
authorities that are required in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, (iii) for the filing of the Certificate of Merger and other
appropriate merger documents required by the DGCL with the Secretary of State
and appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of other states in which
the Constituent Corporations are qualified to do business, (iv) for the filings
with, notices to, and approvals of, the LSE and NYSE, (v) the approval of any
jurisdictional state regulating agencies, and (vi) as disclosed in Section
5.4(b) of the Parent Disclosure Letter, no consent, approval or action of,
filing with or notice to any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or other
public or private third party is necessary or required under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any law or order of any Governmental or Regulatory
Authority or any Contract to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or by which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
or properties is bound for the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each
of Parent and Merger Sub, the performance by each of Parent and Merger Sub of
its obligations hereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby other than such consents, approvals, actions, filings and notices which
the failure to make or obtain, as the case may be, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material
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Adverse Effect or prevent, materially impair or materially delay the ability of
Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section 5.5 SEC Reports and Financial Statements. Parent has
delivered or made available to the Company a true and complete copy of each
form, report, schedule, registration statement, definitive proxy statement and
other document (together with all amendments thereof and supplements thereto)
filed by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC and each biannual report
distributed by Parent to its shareholders since December 1, 1997 (as such
documents have since the time of their filing been amended or supplemented, the
"Parent SEC Reports"), which are all the documents (other than preliminary
materials) that Parent was required to file with the SEC since such date. As of
their respective dates, the Parent SEC Reports (i) complied in all material
respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the
case may be, and (ii) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. The audited consolidated financial statements
and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (including, in each
case, the notes, if any, thereto) included in the Parent SEC Reports complied in
all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with
respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United Kingdom applied on a consistent basis during the
periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto and
except with respect to unaudited statements) and fairly present (subject, in the
case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to normal, recurring
year-end audit adjustments (which are not expected to be, individually or in the
aggregate, materially adverse to Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries)) the
consolidated financial position of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations
and cash flows for the respective periods then ended. The related notes
reconciling to United States generally accepted accounting principles such
consolidated financial statements comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the SEC applicable to such reconciliation.
Section 5.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as
disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, or Section
5.6 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, (a) since June 30, 1999 there has not been
(i) any change, event or development having, or that could reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect or which could reasonably be expected to prevent, hinder or materially
delay the ability of Parent to consummate the Merger; (ii) any material change
by Parent or any of its Material Subsidiaries in its accounting methods,
principles or practices; (iii) any damage, destruction or loss which,
individually or in the aggregate, resulted in or could be reasonably expected to
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect; or (iv) any event pursuant to which
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any material liabilities (direct,
contingent or otherwise) or engaged in any material transaction or entered into
any material agreement, in each case, outside the ordinary course of business
which, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably expected to have a
Parent Material Adverse Effect, and (b) between June 30, 1999 and the date
hereof,
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Parent and its Material Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses
only in the ordinary course substantially consistent with past practice.
Section 5.7 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for matters
reflected or reserved against in the balance sheet as at June 30, 1999 or as
disclosed in Section 5.7 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, neither Parent nor any
of its Subsidiaries had at such date, or has incurred since that date, any
liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, fixed or
otherwise, or whether due or to become due) of any nature that would be required
by generally accepted accounting principles in the United Kingdom to be
reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its consolidated
subsidiaries (including the notes thereto), except liabilities or obligations
(i) which were incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or (ii) which have not been, and could not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.8 Legal Proceedings. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC
Reports filed prior to the date hereof or in Section 5.8 of the Parent
Disclosure Letter, (i) there are no actions, suits, arbitrations or proceedings
pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened against, nor, to the
knowledge of Parent, are there any Governmental or Regulatory Authority
investigations or audits pending or threatened against Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of its assets and properties which, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect
or prevent, materially impair or materially delay the ability of Parent and
Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and
(ii) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any order of any
Governmental or Regulatory Authority which, individually or in the aggregate, is
having or could reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect
on Parent or prevent, materially impair or materially delay the ability of
Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section 5.9 Information Supplied. (a) The registration statement on
Form F-4 ("Form F-4") to be filed with the SEC by Parent in connection with the
issuance of Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs in the Merger, as amended or
supplemented from time to time (as so amended and supplemented, the
"Registration Statement"), and any other documents to be filed by Parent with
the SEC or any other Governmental or Regulatory Authority in connection with the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby will (in the case of the
Registration Statement and any such other documents filed with the SEC under the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act) comply as to form, in all material respects,
with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, respectively,
and will not, on the date of its filing or, in the case of the Registration
Statement, at the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act, or at the
date the Proxy Statement is mailed to stockholders of the Company and at the
time of the Company Stockholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; provided, however, no
representation is made by Parent or Merger Sub with respect to information
supplied in writing by or on behalf of the Company expressly for inclusion
therein and
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information incorporated by reference therein from documents filed by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC.
(b) The Parent Disclosure Documents will, at all relevant times,
include all information relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries which is
required to enable the Parent Disclosure Documents and the parties hereto to
comply in all material respects with all United Kingdom statutory and other
legal and regulatory provisions (including, without limitation, the Companies
Act, the FSA and the rules and regulations made thereunder, and the rules and
requirements of the LSE) and all such information contained in such documents
will be substantially in accordance with the facts and will not omit anything
material likely to affect the import of such information.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.9, no
representation or warranty is made by Parent with respect to statements made or
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Listing Particulars
or the Circular based on information supplied by the Company expressly for
inclusion or incorporation by reference therein or based on information which is
not made in or incorporated by reference in such documents but which should have
been disclosed pursuant to Section 4.6.
Section 5.10 Permits; Compliance with Laws and Orders. Parent and
its Subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses, franchises, variances, exemptions,
orders and approvals of all Governmental and Regulatory Authorities necessary
for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses (the "Parent Permits"),
except for failures to hold such Parent Permits which, individually or in the
aggregate, are not having and could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect. Parent and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the
terms of the Parent Permits, except failures so to comply which, individually or
in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material
Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed prior to the
date hereof, neither Parent nor its Subsidiaries are in violation of or default
under any law or order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority, except for
such violations or defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, could not
reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.11 Compliance with Agreements Except as disclosed in the
Parent SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof or Section 5.11 of the Parent
Disclosure Letter, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is in breach or
violation of, or in default in the performance or observance of any term or
provision of, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, could reasonably be expected to result in a default under, (i) the
memorandum or articles of association (or other comparable charter documents) of
Parent or any of its material Subsidiaries or (ii) any Contract to which Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of its assets or properties is bound, except in the case of
clause (ii) for breaches, violations and defaults which, individually or in the
aggregate, are not having and could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 5.12 Vote Required. The only votes of the holders of any
class of shares of Parent required to approve the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby is the affirmative vote of a majority of such
ordinary shareholders of Parent as (being entitled to do so) are present and
vote (or, in the case of a vote taken on a poll, the affirmative vote by
shareholders or their proxies representing a majority of the Parent Ordinary
Shares in respect of which votes were validly exercised) at the Parent
Shareholders Meeting in relation to the approval of the Merger.
Section 5.13 Contracts. Except as set forth in Section 5.13 of the
Parent Disclosure Letter, neither Parent nor its Subsidiaries is a party to, or
has any obligation under, any Contract which contains any covenant currently or
prospectively limiting the freedom of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to
engage in any line of business or to compete with any entity, except to the
extent such limitations could not reasonably be expected to have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect. All Contracts to which Parent or any of its Material
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of their respective assets is bound are
valid and binding, in full force and effect and enforceable against the parties
thereto in accordance with their respective terms, other than such failures to
be so valid and binding, in full force and effect or enforceable which could not
reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a
Parent Material Adverse Effect. There is not under any such Contract any
existing default or event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default by Parent or any of its Material Subsidiaries or, to
Parent's knowledge, any other party, except to the extent such default could not
reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.14 Taxes. Parent and each Material Subsidiary (i) has
timely filed or will timely file all material Tax Returns required to be filed
on or before the Effective Time, which returns are and will be true and complete
in all material respects; and (ii) Parent and each Material Subsidiary has
timely paid or has adequately disclosed, and fully provided for as a liability
accrual on the Company Financial Statements in accordance with United Kingdom
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, all Taxes which
are due and payable with respect to all taxable years or periods that end on or
before the date of this Agreement. Parent and each Material Subsidiary has
withheld or collected all Taxes they were required to withhold and collect, and
have timely paid to the proper authorities such Taxes withheld or collected to
the extent due and payable.
Section 5.15 Year 2000. Except as set forth in Section 5.15 of the
Parent Disclosure Letter and except as would not result in a Parent Material
Adverse Effect, to the knowledge of Parent, all software material to the
business, finances or operations of Parent ("Software"):
(i) shall accurately and completely process (including but not
limited to calculation, comparison and sequencing, and including, without
limitation, leap year calculations) date-related data for dates prior to
the year 2000, date-related data for dates after the year 1999, and
date-related data for dates both before the year 2000 and after the year
1999; and
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(ii) shall not, as a consequence of the change of centuries or of
the fact that dates from more than one century are being processed, cause
an abnormal termination of execution, an endless loop, incorrect values or
invalid results, or otherwise fail to perform accurately and completely
those functions set forth in the associated user documentation.
Section 5.16 Ownership of Company Common Stock. Neither Parent nor
any of its Subsidiaries or other affiliates beneficially owns any shares of
Company Common Stock other than pursuant to the Stockholders Agreements.
Section 5.17 Business of Merger Sub. Merger Sub was organized solely
for the purpose of acquiring the Company and engaging in the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and has not engaged in any business since it was
incorporated which is not in connection with the acquisition of the Company and
this Agreement. During the period from the date of this Agreement through the
Effective Time, Merger Sub shall not engage in any activities of any nature
except as provided in or contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.18 Brokers. No broker, investment banker or other person
or entity, other than Warburg Dillon Read LLC, the fees and expenses of which
will be paid by Parent, is entitled to any broker's, finder's or other similar
fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
Section 6.1 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger.
Except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as described in
the Company Disclosure Letter, during the period from the date of this Agreement
through the Effective Time, the Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries
to carry on their respective businesses in the regular and ordinary course,
preserve intact their current business organizations, and, to the extent
consistent therewith, use its commercially reasonable efforts, keep available
the services of their current officers and employees and preserve their
relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with
them. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and, except as otherwise
expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as described in Section 6.1 of the
Company Disclosure Letter, during the period from the date of this Agreement
through the Effective Time, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Parent:
(a) (x) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any
other actual, constructive or deemed distributions in respect of, any of
its capital stock, or otherwise make any payments to stockholders of the
Company in their capacity as such, other than dividends payable to the
Company declared by any of the Company's Subsidiaries, (y) split, combine
or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize the issuance
of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for
shares of its capital stock
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or (z) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other securities thereof
or any rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares or other
securities;
(b) issue, deliver, sell, pledge, dispose of or otherwise encumber
any shares of its capital stock, any other voting securities or equity
equivalent or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such
shares, voting securities or convertible securities or equity equivalent
(other than, in the case of the Company, the issuance of Company Common
Stock during the period from the date of this Agreement through the
Effective Time upon the exercise of Stock Options outstanding (as set
forth in Section 4.2(a)) on the date of this Agreement in accordance with
their current terms) or enter into any agreement or contract with respect
to the sale or issuance of any of its securities;
(c) amend its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or amend the
certificate of incorporation and by-laws (or other organizational
documents) of any of its Subsidiaries;
(d) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or
by purchasing assets of or equity in, or by any other manner, any business
or any corporation, partnership, association or other business
organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire
any assets (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice);
(e) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of or agree to sell, lease or
otherwise dispose of, any of its assets that are material, individually or
in the aggregate, to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
(f) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantee any such
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or guarantee any debt
securities of others, except for (i) borrowings or guarantees incurred in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice for working
capital purposes, (ii) indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Company to
the Company or to another Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) in replacement
for existing or maturing debt so long as principal amount does not
increase or (iv) other borrowings under existing lines of credit or loans
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or make
any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any
other person or entity, other than to the Company or any wholly owned
Subsidiary of the Company and other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
(g) alter through merger, liquidation, reorganization, restructuring
or in any other fashion the corporate structure or ownership of any
Subsidiary of the Company or adopt any plan with respect to any of the
foregoing;
(h) grant any severance or termination pay not currently required to
be paid under existing severance plans or agreements, enter into or adopt,
or amend any existing,
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severance plan, agreement or arrangement or, other than in the ordinary
course of business or as required by applicable law, enter into or amend
any employee benefit plan (including, without limitation, the Company
Stock Plan), or enter into or amend any employment or consulting
agreement;
(i) enter into any contract or commitment with respect to capital
expenditures with a value in excess of, or requiring expenditures by the
Company and its Subsidiaries in excess of $100,000, individually, or enter
into contracts or commitments with respect to capital expenditures with a
value in excess of, or requiring expenditures by the Company and its
Subsidiaries in excess of $1,000,000, in the aggregate;
(j) except to the extent required under existing employee and
director benefit plans, agreements or arrangements as in effect on the
date of this Agreement, make any bonus payments to, or increase the
compensation or fringe benefits of any of its directors, officers or
employees, provided that, the Company may (i) increase compensation
associated with promotions and regular reviews in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice and (ii) pay bonuses in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; provided,
however, that the aggregate amount of such payments with respect to the
employees of the Company's United States operations other than Falk
Communications, Inc., shall not exceed $1,000,0000;
(k) agree to the settlement of any material claim or litigation;
(l) make or rescind any material tax election or settle or
compromise any material tax liability;
(m) make any material change in its method of accounting;
(n) except as required under the Company Stock Plan and as otherwise
provided in this Agreement, accelerate the payment, right to payment or
vesting of any bonus, severance, profit sharing, retirement, deferred
compensation, stock option, insurance or other compensation or benefits;
(o) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations
(absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise),
other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction (A) of any such claims,
liabilities or obligations in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice or (B) of claims, liabilities or obligations
reflected or reserved against in, or contemplated by, the consolidated
financial statements (or the notes thereto) contained in the Company SEC
Reports;
(p) enter into any agreement, understanding or commitment that
restrains, limits or impedes the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries'
ability to compete with or conduct any business or line of business,
including, but not limited to, geographic limitations on the Company's or
any of its Subsidiaries' activities;
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(q) materially modify, amend or terminate any material contract to
which it is a party or waive any of its material rights or claims except
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or
(r) agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any of the foregoing
actions.
Section 6.2 No Solicitation. (a) During the period from the date
hereof through the Effective Time, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, take (and the Company shall not
authorize or permit its, or its Subsidiaries', officers, directors, employees,
financial advisors, attorneys and other advisors, representatives and agents)
any action to (i) solicit, facilitate, initiate or encourage the submission of,
any Takeover Proposal (as hereafter defined) (including, without limitation, the
taking of any action which would make Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation inapplicable to a Takeover Proposal), (ii) enter into any agreement
with respect to any Takeover Proposal or enter into any arrangement,
understanding or agreement requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to
consummate the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement,
(iii) unless the Board of Directors of the Company, based upon the advice of its
outside counsel, determines in good faith that the failure to take such action
would result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
participate in any way in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish
to any person or legal entity (other than Parent or Merger Sub) any information
with respect to any Takeover Proposal or (iv) take any other action to
facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may
reasonably be expected to lead to, any Takeover Proposal. "Takeover Proposal"
shall mean any proposed merger or other business combination, sale or other
disposition of any material amount of assets, sale of shares of capital stock,
tender offer or exchange offer or similar transactions involving the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) During the period from the date hereof through the Effective
Time, neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor any committee thereof
shall (i) unless the Board of Directors of the Company, based upon the advice of
its outside counsel, determines in good faith that the failure to take such
action would result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
withdraw or modify, or propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to
Parent or Merger Sub, the approval or recommendation by such Board of Directors
or such committee of the Merger and this Agreement or (ii) approve or recommend,
or propose to approve or recommend, any Takeover Proposal or (iii) cause the
Company to enter into any letter of intent, agreement in principle, acquisition
agreement or other similar agreement related to any Takeover Proposal.
(c) In addition to the obligations of the Company set forth in
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.2, on the date of receipt thereof, if
possible, but no later than twelve (12) hours after receipt thereof, the Company
shall advise Parent in writing of any request for information or any Takeover
Proposal, or any inquiry, proposal, discussions or negotiation with respect to
any Takeover Proposal, the terms and conditions of such request, Takeover
Proposal, inquiry or proposal and the Company shall promptly provide to Parent
copies of any written
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materials received by the Company in connection with any of the foregoing, and
the identity of the person or entity making any such Takeover Proposal or such
request, inquiry or proposal.
(d) Immediately following the execution of this Agreement, the
Company will cease any existing discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any Takeover Proposal and request each
person which has heretofore executed a confidentiality agreement in connection
with its consideration of acquiring the Company or any portion thereof to return
all confidential information heretofore furnished to such person or entity by or
on behalf of the Company.
Section 6.3 Third Party Standstill Agreements. During the period
from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, (i) the Company
shall not terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality
or standstill agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party (other than any involving Parent), and (ii) the Company shall enforce, to
the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the provisions of any such
agreements, including, but not limited to, where necessary obtaining injunctions
to prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in any court of the United States or any state thereof
having jurisdiction.
ARTICLE VII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 7.1 Access to Information. Each of the parties shall, and
shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to, afford to the other party, and to
other party's accountants, counsel, financial advisers and other
representatives, reasonable access and permit them to make such inspections
during normal business hours as they may reasonably request during the period
from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time to all their
respective properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and, during
such period, each of the parties shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, furnish promptly to the other party (i) a copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and other document filed by it during such period
pursuant to the requirements of U.K., federal or state laws and (ii) all other
information concerning its business, properties, clients and personnel as the
other party may reasonably request.
Section 7.2 Preparation of Registration Statement and Proxy
Statement. As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, the Company
shall, in cooperation with Parent, prepare the Proxy Statement and Parent shall,
in cooperation with the Company, prepare the Registration Statement, in which
the Proxy Statement will be included as the prospectus. The Company shall, in
cooperation with Parent, file the Proxy Statement with the SEC as its
preliminary Proxy Statement and Parent shall, in cooperation with the Company,
prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement in which the Proxy
Statement will be included as the prospectus. Parent and the Company shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared
effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable after such filing. Parent and
the Company shall also take any action (other than qualifying as a foreign
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corporation or taking any action which would subject it to service of process in
any jurisdiction where Parent is not now so qualified or subject) required to be
taken under applicable state blue sky or securities laws in connection with the
issuance of Parent ADSs or Parent Ordinary Shares in connection with the Merger.
If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event shall occur that should be
set forth in an amendment of or a supplement to the Registration Statement,
Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC such amendment or supplement as soon
thereafter as is reasonably practicable. Parent and the Company shall cooperate
with the other party in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the
Proxy Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto, and each shall notify
the other party of the receipt of any comments of the SEC with respect to the
Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement and of any requests by the SEC for
any amendment or supplement thereto or for additional information, and shall
provide to the other party promptly copies of all correspondence between Parent
or the Company, as the case may be, or any of their respective representatives
with respect to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement. Parent and
the Company shall give the other party and their respective counsel the
opportunity to review the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement and all
responses to requests for additional information by and replies to comments of
the SEC before there being filed with, or sent to, the SEC. Each of the Company
and Parent agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts, after consultation
with each other, to respond promptly to all such comments of, and requests by
the SEC and to cause (x) the Registration Statement to be declared effective by,
the SEC at the earliest practicable time and to be kept effective as long as is
necessary to consummate the Merger, and (y) the Proxy Statement to be mailed to
the holders of Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the Company
Stockholder's Meeting at the earliest practicable time.
Section 7.3 Approval Of Shareholders. (a) Parent shall, through its
Board of Directors , duly call, give notice of, convene and hold an
extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders (the "Parent Shareholders'
Meeting"), for the purpose of voting to approve the Merger in accordance with
this Agreement and any resolutions necessary or appropriate to enable Parent to
implement the same (the "Parent Shareholders' Approval"). Unless the Board of
Directors of Parent, based upon the advice of their outside counsel, determines
in good faith that making such recommendation, or failing to amend, modify or
withdraw any previously made recommendation, would result in a breach their
fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law, Parent shall include in
the Circular the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Parent that the
shareholders of Parent approve such matters, and shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain such approval. In connection with the Parent
Shareholders' Meeting, subject to applicable law, (i) Parent shall, as soon as
practicable after the date of this Agreement and in accordance with the listing
rules of the LSE, prepare and submit to the LSE for approval the Circular and
Listing Particulars, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have
such documents formally approved by the LSE and shall thereafter publish the
Circular and the Listing Particulars and dispatch the Circular and Listing
Particulars to its shareholders in compliance with all legal requirements
applicable to the Parent Shareholders' Meeting and the listing rules of the LSE
and (ii) if necessary thereafter, promptly publish or circulate amended,
supplemental or supplemented materials and, if required in connection therewith,
resolicit votes. Parent shall give the Company and its counsel the opportunity
to review the Circular and the
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Listing Particulars before the same are published. The Company agrees to
cooperate with Parent in the preparation of the Circular and the Listing
Particulars including providing such information with respect to the Company and
its Subsidiaries as may be required to be disclosed therein.
(b) The Company shall, through its Board of Directors, duly call,
give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the "Company
Stockholders' Meeting") for the purpose of voting on the approval of the Merger
in accordance with this Agreement (the "Company Stockholders' Approval") as soon
as reasonably practicable after the date hereof. The Company shall, through its
Board of Directors, unless the Board of Directors of the Company, based upon the
advice of its outside counsel, determines in good faith that the taking of such
action would result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law (i)
include in the Proxy Statement the recommendation of the Board of Directors of
the Company that the stockholders of the Company approve such matters, and (ii)
use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such approval. The Company
shall consult and discuss in good faith with Parent regarding the alternatives
available for obtaining the Company Stockholders' Approval.
Section 7.4 Company Affiliates. At least thirty (30) days prior to
the Closing Date the Company shall deliver a letter to Parent identifying all
persons who, at the time of the Company Stockholder's Meeting, may, in the
Company's reasonable judgment, be deemed to be "Affiliates" (as such term is
used in Rule 145 under the Securities Act) of the Company ("Company
Affiliates"). The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
each Company Affiliate to deliver to Parent on or prior to the Closing Date a
written agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (an "Affiliate
Agreement"). Parent shall be entitled to place legends as specified in such
Affiliate Agreements on the certificates evidencing any Parent Ordinary Shares
or Parent ADSs to be received by such Company Affiliates parties to an Affiliate
Agreement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and to issue appropriate stop
transfer instructions to the transfer agent for the Parent ADSs, consistent with
the terms of such Affiliate Agreements.
Section 7.5 Auditors' Letters. Each of the Company and Parent shall
use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the other
party and such other party's Board of Directors a letter of its independent
auditors, dated the date on which the Registration Statement shall become
effective, and addressed to the other party and such other party's Board of
Directors, in form and substance customary for "comfort" letters delivered by
independent public accountants in connection with the registration statements on
Form F-4.
Section 7.6 Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts, and the Company shall cooperate in respect
thereto, to cause (a) the Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs to be issued in
the Merger and under the Company Stock Plan after the Merger in accordance with
this Agreement to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance, prior to the Closing Date; (b) the Parent Ordinary Shares to
be issued in the Merger (including those Parent Ordinary Shares to be
represented by the Parent ADSs to be issued in the Merger) to be admitted to the
Official List of the London Stock
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Exchange at the Effective Time and (c) the Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued
under the Company Stock Plan after the Merger in accordance with this Agreement
to be admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange, at the time of
issue.
Section 7.7 Fees and Expenses. (a) Subject to Section 7.7(b) Whether
or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by
the party incurring such costs and expenses, except as otherwise expressly set
forth in this Agreement; provided, however, the costs of any HSR Act filing made
by Steven Girgenti or William Leslie Milton, in each case, as may be required in
connection with the Merger shall be paid by the Company.
(b) In the event that this Agreement is terminated and the Merger is
not consummated solely as a result of the failure of Parent to receive the
Parent Shareholders' Approval, Parent shall pay to the Company all documented
reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses (including legal, accounting,
investment banking and other professional fees) incurred by the Company and its
Subsidiaries primarily relating to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, which amounts shall be due and payable within 10 business days of
such termination; provided, however, that in no event shall the aggregate
obligation of Parent to pay such fees and expenses exceed $1.5 million.
Section 7.8 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties
agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken,
all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with
the other party in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the
Merger, and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including (a)
obtaining all necessary actions or non-actions, waivers, consents and approvals
from Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and
filings (including filings with Governmental Entities, including without
limitation, all filings under the HSR Act) and the taking of all reasonable
steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from or to avoid an
action or proceeding by any Governmental Entity, (b) obtaining all necessary
consents, approvals or waivers from third parties, (c) defending any lawsuits or
other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including
seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or
other Governmental Entity vacated or reversed, and (d) executing and delivering
any additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
Section 7.9 Public Announcements. Parent, on the one hand, and the
Company, on the other hand, will consult with each other before issuing any
press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and shall not issue any such press
release or make any such public statement prior to such consultation, except as
may be required by applicable law or regulation.
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Section 7.10 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance. (a)
From and after the Effective Time and continuing for a period of not less than
six years after the Effective Time , Parent agrees to, and to cause the
Surviving Corporation to, indemnify and hold harmless all past and present
officers, directors, employees and agents of the Company and of its Subsidiaries
to the full extent such persons have been indemnified by the Company pursuant to
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws as in effect as of the
date hereof for acts and omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
and shall advance reasonable expenses incurred by such persons in connection
with defending any action arising out of such acts or omissions, provided that
the Company receives reasonable affirmations and undertakings from such persons
to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that such
person was not entitled to indemnification. The parties hereto agree that the
officers, directors, employees and agents of the Company and its Subsidiaries
covered by such indemnification are intended to be third-party beneficiaries
under this Section 7.10 and shall have the right to enforce the obligations of
Parent and the Surviving Corporation under this Section 7.10.
(b) Parent will provide, or cause the Surviving Corporation to
provide, for a period of not less than six years after the Effective Time, for
the benefit of the Company's current directors and officers, an insurance and
indemnification policy that provides coverage for events occurring at or prior
to the Effective Time that is no less favorable than the existing policy or, if
substantially equivalent insurance coverage is unavailable, the best available
coverage; provided, however, that Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall not
be required to pay an annual premium for such insurance in excess of 1.50 times
the last annual premium paid prior to the date hereof, but in such case shall
purchase as much such coverage as possible for such amount.
Section 7.11 Compliance with Treasury Regulations. In order to avoid
the application of Section 367(a)(1) of the Code, after the Effective Time,
Parent agrees to take all steps required to ensure that the Company will comply
with the reporting requirements described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section
1.367(a)-3(c)(6). Parent also agrees to provide to the Company and any other
person that is a holder of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the
Effective Time that may have reporting obligations under Section 6038B of the
Code with respect to any transactions effected pursuant to this Agreement, any
information necessary to comply with the filing requirements of Section 6038B
and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 7.12 No Transfer of Stock. Prior to December 31, 2005,
Parent will neither transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of stock
of the Company, other than a transfer to a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of Parent
so long as such transfer is described in Treasury Regulations Section
1.367(a)-(8(g)(2) and Parent provides the Shareholder Parties (as defined below)
within 15 days of such transfer with the information necessary to comply with
the requirements of Treasury Regulation Sections 1.367(a)-8(g)(2)(ii) through
(iv) , nor permit a "deemed disposition" of any such shares within the meaning
of Treasury Regulations Section 1.367(a)-8(e)(3). Parent agrees to report the
breach of any covenant of this Section 7.12 to any holder of shares of Company
Common Stock that, solely as a result of the receipt of the Merger
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Consideration at the Effective Time, becomes the beneficial owner of 5% or more
of Parent Shares (collectively, the "Shareholder Parties") within 15 days of
such breach.
Section 7.13 Dividends, Distributions and Issuances. During the
period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, Parent shall
not (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other
distributions in respect of, any of its capital stock, except for dividends on
Parent Ordinary Shares, (ii) split, combine or reclassify or otherwise alter
Parent Ordinary Shares, or (iii) issue or authorize the issuance of any other
securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares of its
capital stock.
Section 7.14 Section 103 CA 1985. Parent shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts and the Company shall cooperate in respect thereto, to cause
(to the extent applicable):
(a) the appointment of an appropriate independent person (who would
be qualified to be the auditor of Parent) to produce a valuation and report in
accordance with Section 103 of the Companies Act 1985;
(b) the appointed independent valuer to produce a report in
accordance with Section 108 of the Companies Act 1985 as soon as practicable
following the date of this Agreement;
(c) the appointed independent valuer's valuation and report to be
circulated to the board of directors of the Company for their review and comment
as soon as practicable after an initial draft is produced to Parent;
(d) the independent valuation and report to be sent to all holders
of the Company Common Stock along with the Proxy Statement.
ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
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 fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
(a) Stockholder Approval. The Company shall have received the
Company Stockholders' Approval and the Parent shall have received the Parent
Shareholders' Approval.
(b) Registration Statement; State Securities Laws. 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 and no proceeding seeking such an order shall be
pending or threatened, and Parent shall have received all state securities or
"Blue Sky" permits and other authorizations necessary to issue the Parent
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Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs pursuant to this Agreement and under the Company
Stock Plan after the Merger.
(c) Exchange Listing. The LSE shall have agreed to admit to the
Official List (subject only to allotment) the Parent Ordinary Shares to be
issued in connection with the Merger and such agreement shall not have been
withdrawn and the Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs issuable to the
Company's stockholders in the Merger and under the Company Stock Plan after the
Merger in accordance with this Agreement shall have been authorized for listing
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, and such agreement shall
not have been withdrawn.
(d) HSR Act. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof)
applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have
expired or been terminated.
(e) Injunctions or Restraints. No court of competent jurisdiction or
other competent Governmental or Regulatory Authority shall have enacted, issued,
promulgated, enforced or entered any law or order (whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent) which is then in effect and has the effect of making
illegal or otherwise restricting, preventing or prohibiting consummation of the
Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) H.M. Treasury Consent. Parent (as required) shall have received
consent from H.M. Treasury pursuant to Section 765 of the U.K. Income and
Corporation Taxes Act 1988 in respect of the Merger and any other matter
contemplated hereby, or confirmation that no consent is required.
(g) Governmental and Regulatory Consents and Approvals. Other than
the filings provided for by Section 2.2, all consents, approvals and actions of,
filings with and notices to any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (including
under the HSR Act) required of Parent, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries
to consummate the Merger and the other matters contemplated hereby shall have
been made or obtained (as the case may be) and become Final Orders (as defined
in this Section below), and such Final Orders shall not, individually or in the
aggregate, contain terms or conditions that would have, or could reasonably be
expected to have, a material adverse effect on Parent, the Surviving Corporation
and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. A "Final Order" means an
action by the relevant Governmental or Regulatory Authority that has not been
reversed, stayed, enjoined, set aside, annulled or suspended, with respect to
which any waiting period prescribed by applicable 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 applicable
law, regulation or order have been satisfied.
(h) UK Fair Trading Act. Any of:
(i) the Office of Fair Trading (the "OFT") shall not have indicated
in writing that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (the "SOS")
in the exercise of his
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powers under the Fair Trading Act 1973 (the "FTA") intends to refer the
Merger or any matter relating thereto to the Competition Commission
("COC"); or
(ii) in the event of an COC reference, the COC shall have concluded
that the Merger does not or may not be expected to operate against the
public interest; or
(iii) if on a reference the COC shall have concluded that the Merger
does or may be expected to operate against the public interest, the SOS
shall have indicated in writing that it is his intention to approve the
Merger,
PROVIDED that if any indication by the SOS referred to in (i) or (iii) above is
subject to undertakings, assurances, or any other terms or conditions, such
undertakings, assurances, terms or conditions would not have, or could
reasonably be expected not to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Other Consents And Approvals. The consent or approval of each
person (other than a Governmental or Regulatory Authority) whose consent or
approval is required of Parent, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries under
any Contract in order to consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except for those consents and
approvals which, if not obtained, would not have, or could not reasonably be
expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Surviving Corporation and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the ability of Parent or the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 8.2 Conditions to Obligation of Parent And Merger Sub to
Effect the Merger. The obligation of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger
is further subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Effective Time, of
each of the following additional conditions (all or any of which may be waived
in whole or in part by Parent and Merger Sub in their sole discretion):
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct, in
all material respects, as of the Effective Time as though made as of the
Effective Time or, in the case of representations and warranties made as of a
specified date earlier than the Effective Time on and as of such earlier date,
and the Company shall have delivered to Parent a certificate, dated the Closing
Date and executed in the name and on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of
the Board, President or any Executive or Senior Vice President, to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations. The Company shall have performed and
complied with, in all material respects, the agreements, covenants and
obligations which are required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied
with by the Company at or prior to the Closing, and the Company shall have
delivered to Parent a certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed in the
name and on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, President or any
Executive or Senior Vice President, to such effect.
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(c) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, there
shall not have occurred a Company Material Adverse Effect and no facts or
circumstances arising after the date of this Agreement shall have occurred
which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Proceedings. All proceedings to be taken on the part of the
Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to Parent, and Parent shall have received copies of all such documents
and other evidences as Parent may reasonably request in order to establish the
consummation of such transactions and the taking of all proceedings in
connection therewith.
Section 8.3 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the
Merger. The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger is further subject to
the fulfillment, at or prior to the Effective Time, of each of the following
additional conditions (all or any of which may be waived in whole or in part by
the Company in its sole discretion):
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by Parent and Merger Sub in this Agreement shall be true and
correct, in all material respects, as of the Effective Time as though made as of
the Effective Time or, in the case of representations and warranties made as of
a specified date earlier than the Effective Time, on and as of such earlier date
and Parent and Merger Sub shall each have delivered to the Company a
certificate, dated the Closing Date and executed in the name and on behalf of
Parent by its Chairman of the Board, President or any Executive Officer or any
Executive Director, and in the name and on behalf of Merger Sub by its Chairman
of the Board, President or any Vice President, to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations. Parent and Merger Sub shall have
performed and complied with, in all material respects, each agreement, covenant
and obligation required by this Agreement to be so performed or complied with by
Parent or Merger Sub at or prior to the Effective Time, and Parent and Merger
Sub shall each have delivered to the Company a certificate, dated the Closing
Date and executed in the name and on behalf of Parent by its Chairman of the
Board, President or any Executive Officer or any Executive Director and in the
name and on behalf of Merger Sub by its Chairman of the Board, President or any
Vice President, to such effect.
(c) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received an opinion, based
on appropriate representations of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub, of
Rosenman & Colin LLP, counsel to the Company, dated on or about the date on
which the Registration Statement (or the last amendment thereto) shall have
become effective, which opinion shall have been confirmed in writing on and as
of the Closing Date to the effect that the Merger will constitute a
"reorganization" within the meaning of Code Section 368(a) and that no gain or
loss will be recognized for US federal income tax purposes by the stockholders
of the Company who exchange Company Common Stock for Parent ADSs or Parent
Ordinary Shares pursuant to the
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Merger (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional Parent ADSs
or Parent Ordinary Shares).
(d) Proceedings. All proceedings to be taken on the part of Parent
and Merger Sub in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and all documents incident thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in
form and substance to the Company, and the Company shall have received copies of
all such documents and other evidences as the Company may reasonably request in
order to establish the consummation of such transactions and the taking of all
proceedings in connection therewith.
(e) Registration of Option Shares. Pursuant to Section 2.9(b),
Parent shall have filed a registration statement with the SEC, which
registration statement shall be effective at the Effective Time, with respect to
the Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued upon the exercise of Stock Options after
the Effective Time.
(f) Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of this Agreement, there
shall not have occurred a Parent Material Adverse Effect where, following such
Parent Material Adverse Effect, the Parent Share Value (without giving effect to
the Exchange Rate) is less than 135p.
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the
transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned, at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether prior to or after the Company Stockholders' Approval or
the Parent Shareholders' Approval:
(a) By mutual written agreement of the parties hereto duly
authorized by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of
Directors; or
(b) By either the Company or Parent upon notification to the
non-terminating party by the terminating party:
(i) at any time after May 31, 2000, if the Merger shall not
have been consummated on or prior to such date and such failure to
consummate the Merger is not caused by a breach of this Agreement by
the terminating party; provided, however, that if on such date
Parent and the Company and their respective Subsidiaries have not
received all of the approvals required in order to satisfy the
conditions set forth in Section 8.1(f), 8.1(g) or 8.1(h) but all
other conditions to effect the Merger shall be fulfilled or shall be
capable of being fulfilled, then, at the option of either Parent or
the Company (which shall be exercised by written notice), the term
of this Agreement shall be extended until August 31, 2000;
(ii) if the Company Stockholders' Approval or the Parent
Shareholders' Approval shall not be obtained by reason of the
failure to obtain the
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requisite vote upon a vote actually held at a meeting of such
stockholders or shareholders, or any adjournment thereof, called
therefor;
(iii) if there has been a material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the
non-terminating party set forth in this Agreement (determined in all
cases as if the terms "material" or "materially" were not included
in any such representation or warranty), which breach is not curable
or, if curable, has not been cured within thirty (30) days following
receipt by the non-terminating party of notice of such breach from
the terminating party which breach, when taken together with any
other breaches of representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements of the non-terminating party contained in this Agreement,
has or could reasonably be expected to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse Effect, as the case may
be; or
(iv) if any court of competent jurisdiction or other competent
Governmental or Regulatory Authority shall have issued an order
making illegal or otherwise preventing or prohibiting the Merger and
such order shall have become final and nonappealable.
Section 9.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of
this Agreement by either Parent or the Company, this Agreement shall forthwith
become void and, except as set forth in Section 7.7, there shall be no liability
hereunder on the part of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub or their respective
officers or directors, provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section
9.2 shall relieve any party hereto from any liability for any breach of this
Agreement.
Section 9.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto, by or pursuant to action taken by their respective Boards of Directors,
at any time before or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, after any
approval of the Merger by the stockholders of the Company. This Agreement may
not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of
the parties hereto.
Section 9.4 Waiver. 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 which may legally be waived. 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 on behalf of such
party.
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ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties. None of
the representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time; provided,
however, this Section 10.1 shall not limit any covenant or agreement of the
parties which by its terms contemplates performance after the Effective Time.
Section 10.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, sent by
overnight courier or telecopied (with a confirmatory copy sent by overnight
courier to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for
a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if to Parent or Merger Sub, to
c/o Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London, W2 6JR
Attention: Michael Bungey
Facsimile No.: 011-44-171-262-4300
with copies to:
White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (212) 354-8113
and:
Macfarlanes
10 Norwich Street London EC4A 1BD
Attention: Mary Leth
Facsimile No.: 011-44-171-831-9607
(b) if to the Company, to
Healthworld Corporation
100 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10010
Attention: Steven Girgenti
Facsimile No.: (212) 966-2743
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with a copy to:
Rosenman & Colin LLP
575 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Wayne A. Wald, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (212) 940-8776
and:
Rakisons Solicitors
Clements House
14/18 Gresham Street
London EC2V7JE
DX 206 London, England
Attention: Jonathan Polin
Facsimile No.: 011-44-207-367-8001
Section 10.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this
Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement
unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include,"
"includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be
followed by the words "without limitation."
Section 10.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties.
Section 10.5 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement, including the documents and instruments referred to herein, together
with the Confidentiality Agreement dated August 3, 1999, (a) constitutes the
entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and (b) is not intended to confer upon any person or entity other than the
parties any rights or remedies hereunder, except (i) pursuant to Section 7.10
and (ii) that Parent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Shareholder
Parties against, and to reimburse the Shareholder Parties with respect to, any
and all taxes, interest and penalties arising from Parent's breach of Sections
7.11 and 7.12.
Section 10.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, regardless of
the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
laws thereof; provided however, that the Merger shall be governed by the laws of
the State of Delaware.
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Section 10.7 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the
parties without the prior written consent of the other parties, except that
Merger Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, any of or all its rights,
interests and obligations under this Agreement to Parent or to any direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment shall relieve
Parent or Merger Sub of any of its obligations hereunder. Subject to the
preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit
of, and be enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and
assigns.
Section 10.8 Severability. If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law,
or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby are not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in
order that the transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the
fullest extent possible.
Section 10.9 Enforcement of this Agreement. The parties agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties 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 10.10 Incorporation of Exhibits. The Company Disclosure
Letter and all Exhibits and annexes attached hereto and referred to herein are
hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes as if fully
set forth herein.
-55-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused
this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized all as of the date first written above.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION
By: /s/ Steven Girgenti
-----------------------------
Name: Steven Girgenti
Title: Chairman acd CEO
-56-
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD OF HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION]
Contact: Stuart Diamond
Chief Financial Officer
(212) 625-4249
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEALTHWORLD ANNOUNCES AN AGREEMENT TO MERGE WITH CORDIANT
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC AND 3RD QUARTER RESULTS
New York, New York - November 9, 1999 - Healthworld Corporation (NASDAQ:
HWLD) announced today that it has agreed to merge in an all stock transaction
with Cordiant Communications Group plc ("CCG") (London Stock Exchange: CRI; New
York Stock Exchange: CDA), a global marketing communications group.
The merger agreement entered into between Healthworld and CCG values
Healthworld at approximately $185.4 million, with each Healthworld share valued
at $22.86 based on yesterday's closing price of CCG's stock, representing a
premium of 30.6% over Healthworld's most recent closing price.
The actual number of CCG shares to be issued to Healthworld shareholders
(the "Exchange Ratio") will be based on both CCG's share price performance as
well as the U.S. Dollar/Pound Sterling exchange rate. The Exchange Ratio
mechanism, as described below, is designed to provide a value ranging from $17
to $23 per Healthworld share.
Steven Girgenti, Chairman and CEO of Healthworld, stated, "This merger
will allow Healthworld to significantly expand our position in the healthcare
communications arena in several important ways. Our ability to continue to
provide high quality Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) advertising services will be
greatly enhanced with the media buying power of CCG." Mr. Girgenti added, "The
global capabilities of Bates Worldwide ("Bates"), CCG's premier advertising
operation, will increase Healthworld's ability to develop extensive marketing
and advertising programs for our clients in most countries throughout the world.
Currently, CCG has offices in over 70 countries."
According to Michael Bungey, Chairman and CEO of CCG, " We already work
for some of the world's leading healthcare companies through Bates Worldwide.
Joining up with the Healthworld team gives us an outstanding opportunity to
become the leading global healthcare marketing business. CCG will align its
existing healthcare operations under Healthworld and Steven Girgenti and the
other key senior members of the Healthworld management team will continue to
manage the Healthworld business."
Healthworld shareholders will have the option of electing to receive
American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") or ordinary shares of CCG. Based on the
November 8, 1999 closing price of CCG ordinary shares of 211.5 p and a U.S.
Dollar/Pound Sterling exchange rate of 1.6375 (implying a Reference Share Price
(see chart below) of $3.4633), each Healthworld share would
<PAGE>
be exchanged for 6.602 CCG ordinary shares (equivalent to 1.320 CCG ADSs) valued
at $22.86. Under these assumptions, Healthworld shareholders would own
approximately 19% of CCG after the transaction (excluding any shares issued
pursuant to stock option plans). The Exchange Ratio will be determined as
illustrated in the following table:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCG Reference Share CCG Share Price Exchange Ratio for
Price* ( in pence for New CCG Ordinary Exchange Ratio for
(U.S. Dollars) illustrative Shares New CCG ADSs
purposes only**)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than Less than $17 divided by the $17 divided by 5x
$2.5054 153.00p CCG Reference Share the CCG Reference
Price Share Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than or Greater than or 6.7854 New CCG 1.3571 new CCG
equal to equal to Shares for each ADSs for each
$2.5054 153.00p Healthworld Share Healthworld Share
but less than but less than
$2.9475 180.00p
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than or Greater than or $20 divided by the $20 divided by 5x
equal to equal to CCG Reference Share the CCG Reference
$2.9475 180.00p Price Share Price
but less than or but less than or
equal to equal to
$3.0294 185.00p
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than Greater than 6.602 New CCG 1.3204 new CCG
$3.0294 185.00p Shares for each ADSs for each
Healthworld Share Healthworld Share
but less than or But less than or
equal to equal to
$3.4838 212.75p
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than Greater than $23 divided by the $23 divided by 5x
$3.4838 212.75p CCG Reference Share the CCG Reference
Price Share Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Refers to the average value of the closing price for CCG shares on the London
Stock Exchange over the ten consecutive trading days ending on the third trading
day prior to the date of the Healthworld Stockholder's meeting to approve the
transaction, multiplied by the average U.S. Dollar/Pound Sterling exchange rate
during the same period.
** A U.S. Dollar/Pound Sterling exchange rate of 1.6375 has been used in the
table above for illustrative purposes only. The Reference Share Price levels are
defined in the Merger Agreement in U.S. Dollars, and the Pound Sterling
equivalents are therefore subject to change.
<PAGE>
If the CCG Reference Share Price is equal to or less than $2.2106, CCG
will have the option to terminate the Merger Agreement unless the Board of
Directors of Healthworld elects to fix the exchange ratio at 7.6902.
It is anticipated that the merger will be tax-free to U.S. shareholders of
Healthworld. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including
approval by shareholders of both companies and Hart-Scott-Rodino clearance, and
is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2000. Healthworld's
directors, including Steve Girgenti, and certain other Healthworld shareholders,
who collectively own approximately 63% of Healthworld stock, have entered into
stock voting agreements whereby they have agreed to vote their stock in favor of
the merger with CCG and against any potentially competing transaction. Such
shareholders have also agreed to grant CCG an irrevocable option, exercisable in
certain specified circumstances, to acquire their outstanding shares for 100%
cash at a price implied by the Exchange Ratio.
For the quarter ended September 30, 1999, Healthworld reported record
third quarter revenues of $21.8 million, up 28.5% from $16.9 million for the
third quarter of 1998. Communications revenues for the third quarter of 1999
increased to $11.4 million, an increase of 39.1% from $8.2 million for the third
quarter of 1998. Contract sales revenues for the third quarter of 1999 increased
to $10.3 million, an increase of 18.5% from $8.7 million for the third quarter
of the prior year. Income from operations for the third quarter of 1999
increased to $3.4 million, up 35.7% from $2.5 million in the prior year's
quarter.
Income from operations from communications services was $2.7 million,
while contract sales services generated $717,000 of income from operations for
the third quarter of 1999. Net income for the third quarter of 1999 was $2.0
million, up 36.7% from net income of $1.5 million for the third quarter of 1998.
Both basic and diluted net income per common share for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 were $0.26, compared to $0.20 in the prior year's quarter.
For the nine months ended September 30, 1999, Healthworld reported record
revenues of $54.8 million, up 19.7% from $45.8 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998. Communications revenues for the nine months ended September
30, 1999 increased to $28.6 million; an increase of 37.7% from $20.8 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Contract sales revenues for the nine
months ended September 30, 1999 increased to $26.2 million; an increase of 4.8%
from $25.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.
Income from operations from communications services was $4.9 million,
while contract sales services generated $1.3 million of income from operations
for the nine months ended September 30, 1999. Net income for the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 was $3.8 million, up 28.2% from net income of $2.9
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1998. Basic and diluted net
income per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 were $0.50
and $0.49 for basic and diluted respectively, compared to $0.40 and $0.39
respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 1998.
Healthworld is an international communications and contract sales
marketing organization specializing in healthcare. The Company provides many of
the world's largest pharmaceutical and healthcare companies with a comprehensive
range of integrated strategic marketing services designed to accelerate the
acceptance of new products and to sustain their growth. These integrated
services include advertising and promotion, contract sales, consulting, medical
education, public relations, marketing research, publishing, interactive
multimedia and database marketing services.
<PAGE>
This press release contains statements which constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of the Company and its management team. Prospective investors are
cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may
differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such
risks and uncertainties include, among other things, competitive, economic and
regulatory factors in the healthcare marketing and communications industry and
the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, general economic conditions, the
ability of Healthworld to manage its growth and successfully implement its
business strategy and other risks and uncertainties that may be detailed, from
time to time, in Healthworld's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
See following page for Financial Summary.
<PAGE>
HEALTHWORLD CORPORATION FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(in thousands, except per share data)
Summary Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(unaudited)
Three Months ended Nine Months ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------- -------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999
------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $16,919 $21,748 $45,784 $54,815
------------------- -------------------
Operating expenses:
Salaries and related costs 12,282 15,482 34,747 39,973
General and office expenses 1,800 2,389 5,702 7,398
Depreciation and amortization 326 469 769 1,247
------------------- -------------------
14,408 18,340 41,218 48,618
------------------- -------------------
Income from operations 2,511 3,408 4,566 6,197
Interest income 148 175 551 452
------------------- -------------------
Income before provision for income taxes and
minority interests 2,659 3,583 5,117 6,649
Provision for income taxes 1,133 1,526 2,156 2,875
Minority interests in net earnings of
subsidiaries 32 15 32 18
------------------- -------------------
Net income $ 1,494 $ 2,042 $ 2,929 $ 3,756
------------------- -------------------
Basic net income per common share $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.40 $ 0.50
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted net income per common share $ 0.20 $ 0.26 $ 0.39 $ 0.49
======= ======= ======= =======
Shares used in basic net income per share 7,415 7,851 7,415 7,568
Shares used in diluted net income per share 7,589 7,992 7,607 7,729
<CAPTION>
(unaudited)
Segment Data
Revenues
Communications $ 8,230 $11,449 $20,788 $28,617
Contract Sales 8,689 10,299 24,996 26,198
Income From Operations
Communications $ 2,417 $ 2,691 $ 3,839 $ 4,945
Contract Sales 94 717 727 1,252
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance Sheet
(unaudited)
At December 31, 1998 At September 30, 1999
-------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,472 $ 6,851
Accounts receivable, net 18,889 30,298
Other current assets 4,652 4,164
------- -------
Total current assets 30,013 41,313
Property and equipment, net 4,443 5,146
Goodwill, net 14,266 30,407
Other assets 2,149 2,673
------- -------
Total assets $50,871 $79,539
======= =======
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities $20,479 $37,009
Long-term obligations 1,191 1,309
Stockholders' equity 29,201 41,221
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $50,871 $79,539
======= =======
</TABLE>
# # #
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
HEALTHWORLD CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FORM 10Q
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1999
<CASH> 6851
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 30298
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 41313
<PP&E> 10296
<DEPRECIATION> 5150
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 79539
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 37009
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 81
<OTHER-SE> 41140
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 79539
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 54815
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 48618
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> (452)
<INCOME-PRETAX> 6649
<INCOME-TAX> 2875
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3756
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 3756
<EPS-BASIC> 0.50
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.49
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Steven Girgenti (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof,
2,245,925 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
the Company (the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
-2-
<PAGE>
Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
-3-
<PAGE>
shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 10% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
-4-
<PAGE>
Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 50% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all
or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect the Disposition in a
reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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<PAGE>
which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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<PAGE>
if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: Steven Girgenti
3312 Judith Drive
Bellmore, New York 117
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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<PAGE>
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
---------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION
CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
---------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ Steven Girgenti
-------------------------------------
Steven Girgenti
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Steven Girgenti Grantor Retained
Annuity Trust (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof,
1,000,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
the Company (the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 10% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
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Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 50% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all
or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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<PAGE>
if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: Steven Girgenti Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
london W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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<PAGE>
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to execise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
STEVEN GIRGENTI GRANTOR RETAINED
ANNUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Steven Girgenti
-------------------------------------
Name: Steven Girgenti
Title: Trustee
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and The Girgenti Family Limited
Partnership (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 100,000
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 10% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
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Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 50% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all
or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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<PAGE>
Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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<PAGE>
which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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<PAGE>
if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: The Girgenti Family Limited Partnership
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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<PAGE>
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
THE GIRGENTI FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: /s/ Steven Girgenti
-------------------------------------
Name: Steven Girgenti
Title: General Partner
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and The Steve Girgenti Charitable Lead
Annuity Trust (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 66,666
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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<PAGE>
Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the
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Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not more than 10%
of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and (ii) during the
twenty-four-month period immediately following the Effective Time (the
"Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not more than 50% of
the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon the expiration of
the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all or any portion of
the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any applicable
restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of general
application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange,
if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules regarding
dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of Cordiant and
its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the period
commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days after
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1 business day
prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares to be made by
the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect such Disposition
through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by Cordiant to
maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided that such
financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the Disposition in a
reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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<PAGE>
Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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<PAGE>
if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: The Steve Girgenti Charitable Lead Annuity Trust
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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<PAGE>
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
THE STEVE GIRGENTI CHARITABLE LEAD
ANNUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Sondra Girgenti
-----------------------------------------
Name: Sondra Girgenti
Title: Trustee
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and William Leslie Milton (the
"Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof,
1,305,984 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
the Company (the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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<PAGE>
Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: during the six-month period immediately following the
Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not more than 30%
of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder (the "Period"). Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the
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Dispositions of all or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by
him subject to any applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and
restrictions of general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the
London Stock Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to
such rules regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant
employees of Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby
agrees that for the period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the
date which is 180 days after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall
give Cordiant 1 business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of
Parent Shares to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant
agrees to effect such Disposition through brokers or other financial
intermediaries designated by Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for
the Parent Shares, provided that such financial intermediary agrees to effect
and does effect the Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
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relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject
to general principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any
proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any
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<PAGE>
proposal by any Person or entity (other than Cordiant or any affiliate of
Cordiant) with respect to the Company that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If
the Stockholder receives any such inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder
shall promptly inform Cordiant of the existence thereof. The Stockholder will
immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities,
discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect
to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Cordiant or Sub; and
this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of
Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such party,
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.
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<PAGE>
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in which event such party shall give
notice of such disclosure to the other party as promptly as practicable so as to
enable the other party to seek a protective order from a court of competent
jurisdiction with respect thereto.
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<PAGE>
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex
or telecopy, or by mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) or by any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing
proof of delivery. All communications hereunder shall be delivered to the
respective parties at the following addresses:
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If to the Stockholder: William Leslie Milton
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London, W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: 011-44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
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(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ William Leslie Milton
----------------------------------------
William Leslie Milton
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STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and William Butler (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 520,070
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 15% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
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Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 55% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all
or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: William Butler
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ William Butler
----------------------------------------
William Butler
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STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Herbert Ehrenthal (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 313,252
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes
<PAGE>
over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock
Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 30% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
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Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 65% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon
the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all
or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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<PAGE>
spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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<PAGE>
(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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<PAGE>
Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: Herbert Ehrenthal
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ Herbert Ehrenthal
----------------------------------------
Herbert Ehrenthal
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STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Michael Garnham (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 242,231
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 20% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the
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<PAGE>
Effective Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of
not more than 60% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder.
Upon the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions
of all or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to
any applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's
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spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms except that
such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally
and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity and discretion of the court
before which any proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance
may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
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(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
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Cordiant or Sub; and this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by each of Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in
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which event such party shall give notice of such disclosure to the other party
as promptly as practicable so as to enable the other party to seek a protective
order from a court of competent jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received
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if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex or telecopy, or by mail
(registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or by
any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing proof of delivery. All
communications hereunder shall be delivered to the respective parties at the
following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: Michael Garnham
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
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(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ Michael Garnham
----------------------------------------
Michael Garnham
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and The Spencer Falk Grantor Retained
Annuity Trust u/t/a/d March 5, 1999 (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 57,592
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the date on
which the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $25.054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. The parties agree that any Parent
Shares received by the Stockholder with respect to any shares received after the
date hereof under the earn-out payments payable under of the Agreement and Plan
of Merger (the "Agreement") dated as of August 1, 1999, by and between the
Company, HC-Falk Acquisition Corp., Falk Communications Inc., Spencer Falk and
Spencer Falk, as trustee under the Spencer Falk Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
u/t/a/d March 5, 1999 (the "Subsequent Shares") shall not be subject to this
Section 4(other than the last sentence of Section 4(b) which shall apply to the
Subsequent shares for a period of 180 days after the Effective Time).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, the
Stockholder shall have the right to transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family
Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees of a trust solely (except for remote
contingent interests) for the benefit of the Stockholder and/or one or more
Family Members and/or a charitable organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii)
to a foundation created or established by the Stockholder, or any other
charitable organization, (iv) to a corporation of which the Stockholder and/or
any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding
capital stock, (v) to a limited liability company of which the Stockholder
and/or any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the
outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a partnership of which the Stockholder
and/or any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the
partnership interests, (vii) to the executor, administrator or personal
representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any other Family Member, or
(viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed with respect to the
assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any such transfer, the
transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement
(each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and, collectively, the "Permitted
Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement, "Family Member" shall mean (a) the
Stockholder's spouse, if living with the Stockholder, (b) any one of the
following: the Stockholder's father, mother, issue, brother or sister, and the
issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the spouse of any Family Member described
in (b) above, if the spouse shall be living with that Family Member. The
Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer
instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against the transfer of such Parent
Shares except in compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or otherwise grant a security interest
in all or a portion of the Parent Shares beneficially owned by him during the
term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any
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Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the restrictions
on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to the same
extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 10% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the Effective
Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not more than
50% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon the
expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all or
any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect the Disposition in a
reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
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<PAGE>
relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject
to general principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any
proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
There is no beneficiary or holder of a voting trust certificate or other
interest of any trust of which the Stockholder is trustee whose consent is
required for the execution and delivery of this agreement or the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is
married and the Stockholder's Shares constitute community property, this
agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of, the Stockholder's spouse, enforceable against
such Person in accordance with its terms except that such enforceability (i) may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general
principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any proceedings
seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
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(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
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7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Cordiant or Sub; and
this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of
Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such party,
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
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12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in which event such party shall give
notice of such disclosure to the other party as promptly as practicable so as to
enable the other party to seek a protective order from a court of competent
jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect
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wholly owned subsidiary of Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve
Cordiant or Sub of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot
perform such obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex
or telecopy, or by mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) or by any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing
proof of delivery. All communications hereunder shall be delivered to the
respective parties at the following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: The Spencer Falk Grantor Retained Annuity Trust
u/t/a/d
March 5, 1999
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-141-262-4200
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
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<PAGE>
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the
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<PAGE>
States of Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto
hereby waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action,
suit or proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
THE SPENCER FALK GRANTOR RETAINED
ANNUITY TRUST U/T/A/D MARCH 5, 1999
By: /s/ Spencer Falk
-------------------------------------
Name: Spencer Falk
Title: Trustee
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Spencer Falk (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 518,327
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars as published in the noon buying rate in the City
of New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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<PAGE>
Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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<PAGE>
shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. The parties agree that any Parent
Shares received by the Stockholder with respect to any shares received after the
date hereof under the earn-out payments payable under of the Agreement and Plan
of Merger (the "Agreement") dated as of August 1, 1999, by and between the
Company, HC-Falk Acquisition Corp., Falk Communications Inc., the Stockholder
and the Stockholder, as trustee under the Spencer Falk Grantor Retained Annuity
Trust u/t/a/d March 5, 1999 (the "Subsequent Shares") shall not be subject to
this Section 4 (other than the last sentence of Section 4(b) which shall apply
to the Subsequent shares for a period of 180 days after the Effective Time).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, the
Stockholder shall have the right to transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family
Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees of a trust solely (except for remote
contingent interests) for the benefit of the Stockholder and/or one or more
Family Members and/or a charitable organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii)
to a foundation created or established by the Stockholder, or any other
charitable organization, (iv) to a corporation of which the Stockholder and/or
any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding
capital stock, (v) to a limited liability company of which the Stockholder
and/or any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the
outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a partnership of which the Stockholder
and/or any Family Member and/or any Family Member Trust owns all of the
partnership interests, (vii) to the executor, administrator or personal
representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any other Family Member, or
(viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed with respect to the
assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any such transfer, the
transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement
(each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and, collectively, the "Permitted
Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement, "Family Member" shall mean (a) the
Stockholder's spouse, if living with the Stockholder, (b) any one of the
following: the Stockholder's father, mother, issue, brother or sister, and the
issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the spouse of any Family Member described
in (b) above, if the spouse shall be living with that Family Member. The
Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer
instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against the transfer of such Parent
Shares except in compliance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or otherwise grant a security interest
in all or a portion of the Parent Shares beneficially owned by him during the
term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any
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<PAGE>
Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the restrictions
on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to the same
extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: (i) during the twelve-month period immediately
following the Effective Time the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not
more than 10% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder and
(ii) during the twenty-four-month period immediately following the Effective
Time (the "Period"), the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of not more than
50% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder. Upon the
expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the Dispositions of all or
any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by him subject to any
applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and restrictions of
general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the London Stock
Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to such rules
regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant employees of
Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby agrees that for the
period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the date which is 180 days
after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall give Cordiant 1
business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of Parent Shares
to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant agrees to effect
such Disposition through brokers or other financial intermediaries designated by
Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for the Parent Shares, provided
that such financial intermediary agrees to effect and does effect the
Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
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<PAGE>
relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject
to general principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any
proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
There is no beneficiary or holder of a voting trust certificate or other
interest of any trust of which the Stockholder is trustee whose consent is
required for the execution and delivery of this agreement or the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is
married and the Stockholder's Shares constitute community property, this
agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of, the Stockholder's spouse, enforceable against
such Person in accordance with its terms except that such enforceability (i) may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general
principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any proceedings
seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
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<PAGE>
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any proposal by any Person or entity
(other than Cordiant or any affiliate of Cordiant) with respect to the Company
that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If the Stockholder receives any such
inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder shall promptly inform Cordiant of the
existence thereof. The Stockholder will immediately cease and cause to be
terminated any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
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<PAGE>
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Cordiant or Sub; and
this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of
Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such party,
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.
8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
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<PAGE>
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in which event such party shall give
notice of such disclosure to the other party as promptly as practicable so as to
enable the other party to seek a protective order from a court of competent
jurisdiction with respect thereto.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect
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wholly owned subsidiary of Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve
Cordiant or Sub of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot
perform such obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex
or telecopy, or by mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) or by any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing
proof of delivery. All communications hereunder shall be delivered to the
respective parties at the following addresses:
If to the Stockholder: Spencer Falk
[Address]
Attention:
Facsimile:
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: +44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
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<PAGE>
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ Spencer Falk
----------------------------------------
Spencer Falk
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<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated November 9, 1999, among Cordiant Communications Group plc,
a company organized under the laws of England and Wales ("Cordiant"),
Healthworld Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly
owned subsidiary of Cordiant ("Sub"), and Francis Hughes (the "Stockholder").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, Cordiant, Sub, and Healthworld
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from
time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with
and into the Company and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation
(the "Merger");
Whereas, the Stockholder Beneficially Owns, as of the date hereof, 207,500
shares (the "Shares") of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company
(the "Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Cordiant and Sub have required that the Stockholder agree, and the
Stockholder has agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual premises,
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions. Unless other defined herein, all capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Merger Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership" with respect to any
securities shall mean having "beneficial ownership" of such securities (as
determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing.
Without duplicative counting of the same securities by the same holder,
securities Beneficially Owned by a Person shall include securities Beneficially
Owned by all other Persons with whom such Person would constitute a "group" as
within the meanings of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(b) "Exchange Rate" means the average currency exchange rate of
pounds sterling to US dollars based upon the noon buying rate in the City of New
York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York for
<PAGE>
customs purposes over the 10 consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which
the Stock Options are exercised pursuant to Section 3.
(c) "Parent Share Value" shall mean the product of (x) the average
of the closing middle market quotation of a Parent Share on the LSE as reported
in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for each of the ten
consecutive Trading Days ending on the day on which the Stock Options are
exercised pursuant to Section 3 multiplied by (y) Exchange Rate.
(d) "Parent Shares" shall mean the ordinary shares, with a nominal
value of U.K. fifty pence each ("Ordinary Shares"), of Cordiant (including any
options or other rights to receive Ordinary Shares) and the American Depositary
Shares, each representing the right to receive five Ordinary Shares ("ADSs").
(e) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity.
(f) "Share Value" shall be determined as follows:
(i) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $2.5054
and equal to or less than $3.4838, the Share Value shall be $20.00;
(ii) if the Parent Share Value is greater than $3.4838, the Share
Value shall be $23.00; and
(iii) if the Parent Share Value is less than $2.5054, the Share
Value shall be $17.00.
(g) "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which securities are traded,
with respect to ADSs, on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and with respect to
Ordinary Shares, on the London Stock Exchange Limited.
2. Provisions Concerning Common Stock. (a) The Stockholder hereby agrees
that during the period described in clause (b) below, at any meeting of the
holders of Common Stock of the Company, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of the holders of Common Stock of the Company, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Shares of Common Stock of the
Company, (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery by the Company
of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof and each of the
other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and any
actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (ii) against any action or
agreement that would result in a breach in any material respect of any covenant,
representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement of the Company
under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise
agreed to in writing in advance by Cordiant, against the following actions
(other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement): (A) any extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving the Company or its
Subsidiaries; (B) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
the
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Company or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (C) any change in a majority
of the persons who constitute the board of directors of the Company; (D) any
change in the present capitalization of the Company or any amendment of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (E) any other material change
in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (F) any other action
involving the Company or its Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably
be expected, to materially impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, or
materially adversely affect the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement. The Stockholder shall not enter into any
agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Section 2.
(b) The obligations of the Stockholders under clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time and the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms. The obligations of the Stockholder under clause
(iii)(A) and (B) of this Section 2 shall terminate on the earlier to occur of
the Effective Time and 120 days after the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (unless the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the failure to obtain Parent Shareholders' Approval in which case the
Stockholder's obligations under this Section 2 shall terminate simultaneously
with the termination of the Merger Agreement).
3. Option to Purchase. In order to induce Cordiant and Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement, the Stockholder hereby grants to Sub an irrevocable option
(the "Stock Options") to purchase, all, and not less than all, of the Shares at
a purchase price per share equal to the Share Value, payable in cash (the
"Purchase Price"), solely upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set
forth below. The Stock Options may only be exercised if Sub simultaneously
exercises all other options held by it to purchase all, and not less than all,
of the shares of Common Stock covered by such options. The Stock Options shall
become exercisable solely in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to (i) Section 9.1(b)(ii) thereof, but only if the basis for such
termination is the failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval or (ii)
Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, but only if the basis for such termination is a
breach by the Company, or the Stockholder materially breaches any agreement
contained in this Agreement, in which event the Stock Options shall, in any such
case, become immediately exercisable at any time and from time to time upon such
termination or upon Cordiant and Sub being informed of such breach, as the case
may be, and until the date which is 20 days after the date of such termination
or the date on which Cordiant and Sub are informed of such breach, as the case
may be, provided, that if at the expiration of such 20-day period the Stock
Options cannot be exercised by reason of any preliminary or final injunction or
other order issued by any court or governmental, administrative or regulatory
agency or authority prohibiting the exercise of the Stock Options pursuant to
this Agreement, or because all waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), required for the
purchase of the Shares upon such exercise shall not have expired or been waived,
the Stock Options shall be exercisable until 10 business days after the later of
the date on which such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall
have become final and not subject to appeal. In all other instances, the Stock
Options shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement. In the
event that Cordiant wishes to exercise the Stock Options, Cordiant
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shall send a written notice (the "Notice") to the Stockholder identifying the
place (which shall be in New York City for each Stockholder who is a resident of
the United States and in London for each Stockholder who is a resident of the
United Kingdom) and date (not less than two business days nor greater than ten
business days from the date of the Notice) for the closing of such purchase. At
such closing, Cordiant shall receive certificates for the Shares, duly endorsed
for transfer, and shall make payment therefor by wire transfer of immediately
available funds.
4. Disposition of Parent Shares.
(a) Restrictions on Disposition. The Stockholder hereby agrees,
except as permitted in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(b) below, not to directly
or indirectly, offer to sell, contract to sell, transfer, assign, cause to be
redeemed or otherwise sell or dispose of any of the Parent Shares (collectively
a "Disposition") received by the stockholder in connection with the Merger
without the prior written consent of Cordiant. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary provided in this Agreement, the Stockholder shall have the right to
transfer Parent Shares (i) to any Family Member, (ii) to the trustee or trustees
of a trust solely (except for remote contingent interests) for the benefit of
the Stockholder and/or one or more Family Members and/or a charitable
organization (a "Family Member Trust"), (iii) to a foundation created or
established by the Stockholder, or any other charitable organization, (iv) to a
corporation of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the outstanding capital stock, (v) to a limited
liability company of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any
Family Member Trust owns all of the outstanding membership interests, (vi) to a
partnership of which the Stockholder and/or any Family Member and/or any Family
Member Trust owns all of the partnership interests, (vii) to the executor,
administrator or personal representative of the estate of the Stockholder or any
other Family Member, or (viii) to any guardian, trustee or conservator appointed
with respect to the assets of the Stockholder, provided, that in the case of any
such transfer, the transferee shall execute an agreement to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement (each such transfer, a "Permitted Transfer" and,
collectively, the "Permitted Transfers"). For purposes of this Agreement,
"Family Member" shall mean (a) the Stockholder's spouse, if living with the
Stockholder, (b) any one of the following: the Stockholder's father, mother,
issue, brother or sister, and the issue of a brother or sister, and (c) the
spouse of any Family Member described in (b) above, if the spouse shall be
living with that Family Member. The Stockholder hereby agrees and consents to
the entry of stop transfer instructions with Cordiant's transfer agent against
the transfer of such Parent Shares except in compliance with this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Stockholder may pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise grant a security interest in all or a portion of the Parent Shares
beneficially owned by him during the term of this Agreement; provided, however,
that any Person receiving such Parent Shares shall be subject to all of the
restrictions on Disposition of such Parent Shares imposed by this Agreement to
the same extent as the Stockholder.
(b) Permitted Dispositions. The Stockholder may not effect any
Disposition of Parent Shares received by the Stockholder in connection with the
Merger except as follows: during the twelve-month period immediately following
the Effective Time (the "Period") the Stockholder may effect the Disposition of
not more than 30% of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by the Stockholder.
Upon the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder may effect the
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Dispositions of all or any portion of the Parent Shares Beneficially Owned by
him subject to any applicable restrictions under the Federal Securities Law and
restrictions of general application under English law, the Listing Rules of the
London Stock Exchange, if applicable, and Cordiant's policies made pursuant to
such rules regarding dealings in Parent Shares by directors and relevant
employees of Cordiant and its subsidiaries, if applicable. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Section 4, the Stockholder hereby
agrees that for the period commencing at the Effective Time and ending on the
date which is 180 days after the expiration of the Period, the Stockholder shall
give Cordiant 1 business day prior written notice of any intended Disposition of
Parent Shares to be made by the Stockholder and at the request of Cordiant
agrees to effect such Disposition through brokers or other financial
intermediaries designated by Cordiant to maintain an orderly trading market for
the Parent Shares, provided that such financial intermediary agrees to effect
and does effect the Disposition in a reasonable period following such notice.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. The Stockholder is the record holder of or
Beneficially Owns the Shares. On the date hereof, the Shares constitute all of
the shares of Common Stock owned of record or Beneficially Owned by the
Stockholder (excluding any Stock Options (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
held by the Stockholder). The Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power
to issue instructions with respect to the matters set forth in Section 2 hereof,
sole power of disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to exercise
dissenters' rights and sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in
this agreement, in each case with respect to all of the Shares, with no
limitations, qualifications or restrictions on such rights, subject to
applicable securities laws and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. The Stockholder has the legal
capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform all of his obligations
under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Stockholder will not violate any other Agreement to which the Stockholder
is a party including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject to general principles of equity
and discretion of the court before which any proceedings seeking injunctive
relief or specific performance may be sought. There is no beneficiary or holder
of a voting trust certificate or other interest of any trust of which the
Stockholder is trustee whose consent is required for the execution and delivery
of this agreement or the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions
contemplated hereby. If the Stockholder is married and the Stockholder's Shares
constitute community property, this agreement has been duly authorized, executed
and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of, the
Stockholder's spouse, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its
terms except that such enforceability (i) may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
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<PAGE>
relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) is subject
to general principles of equity and discretion of the court before which any
proceedings seeking injunctive relief or specific performance may be sought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, permits, authorizations,
consents and approvals under the HSR Act and the Securities Act of 1933, if
applicable, (A) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the
execution of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and (B) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder, the consummation by
the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by the
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall, in a manner which would be
material and adverse to the ability of the Stockholder to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to comply with the terms hereof, result in a
violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which the Stockholder is a party or by which the
Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's properties or assets may be bound, or
(3) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, order, statute, rule
or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or any of the Stockholder's
properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby or as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto,
the Shares and the certificates representing the Shares are now, and at all
times during the term hereof will be, held by the Stockholder, or by a nominee
or custodian for the benefit of the Stockholder, free and clear of all liens,
claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements, understandings
or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder in favor of Cordiant.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial
adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
adviser's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the
Stockholder other than Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., the fees and expenses of which
shall be paid by the Company.
(f) Reliance by Cordiant and Sub. The Stockholder understands and
acknowledges that Cordiant and Sub are entering into the Merger Agreement in
reliance upon the Stockholder's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6. Additional Covenants of the Stockholder. The Stockholder hereby
covenants to each of Cordiant and Sub as follows:
(a) No Solicitation. Subject to the provisions contained in Section
10 of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, in his capacity as such,
directly or indirectly, solicit (including by way of furnishing information) or
respond to any inquiries or the making of any
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proposal by any Person or entity (other than Cordiant or any affiliate of
Cordiant) with respect to the Company that constitutes a Takeover Proposal. If
the Stockholder receives any such inquiry or proposal, then the Stockholder
shall promptly inform Cordiant of the existence thereof. The Stockholder will
immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing activities,
discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect
to any of the foregoing.
(b) Restriction on Transfer of Shares, Proxies and Non-Interference.
Beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later to occur of (A) last date
the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof and (B) the date
that all of the Stockholder's obligations under Section 2 have terminated,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger Agreement, no Stockholder
shall, directly or indirectly, (i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract,
option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to or consent to the
offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other
disposition of, any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; (ii) except as
contemplated by this Agreement, grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit
any of the Shares into a voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with
respect to any of the Shares; or (iii) take any action that would make any
representation or warranty of the Stockholder contained herein untrue or
incorrect or have the effect of preventing or disabling the Stockholder from
performing the Stockholder's obligations under this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary provided in this Agreement, a Stockholder shall have
the right to make Permitted Transfers of Shares. The Stockholder agrees with,
and covenants to, Sub that beginning on the date hereof and ending on the last
date the Stock Options are exercisable pursuant to Section 3 hereof, the
Stockholder shall not request that the Company register the transfer (book-entry
or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of
the Shares, unless such transfer is made in compliance with this Agreement
(including the provisions of Section 2 hereof).
(c) Additional Shares. The Stockholder agrees, while this Agreement
is in effect (i) to notify Cordiant and Sub promptly of the number of any shares
of Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof (the
"Additional Shares") and (ii) to vote such Additional Shares in accordance with
Section 2 hereof. Such Additional Shares shall also be subject to the Stock
Option granted to Sub pursuant to Section 3 hereof and the restriction contained
in Section 6(b)(i) and (ii) above.
7. Representations and Warranties of Cordiant and Sub. Cordiant and Sub
hereby covenant, represent and warrant to the Stockholder that each of Cordiant
and Sub has the legal capacity, power and authority to enter into and perform
all of such party's obligations under this Agreement; the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by Cordiant and Sub will not violate or result
in a breach of any other material agreement to which Cordiant or Sub is a party;
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby (i) have been duly authorized by the board of
directors of Cordiant and Sub, and (ii) do not and will not violate any
provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Cordiant or Sub; and
this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of
Cordiant and Sub and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of such party,
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms.
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8. Further Assurances. From time to time, at the other party's request and
without further consideration, each party hereto shall execute and deliver such
additional reasonable documents and take all such further reasonable lawful
action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the
most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
9. Termination; Expenses and Fee. (a) The covenants and agreements
contained herein with respect to the Shares shall terminate (i) in the event the
Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, upon such
termination, except that the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 6(b) hereof shall
survive any such termination solely in accordance with their terms and (ii) in
the event the Merger is consummated, at the Effective Time, except that the
provisions of Section 4 hereof shall survive any such termination, provided, in
each case, that the provisions of Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive
any termination of this Agreement, and provided, further, that no termination of
this Agreement shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof.
(b) Each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder is not executing this Agreement
and does not make any agreement or understanding herein in his or her capacity
as a director or officer of the Company and nothing contained herein shall limit
or affect any actions taken by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company to the extent such action is permitted by, or not
prohibited by, the Merger Agreement, and none of such actions in such capacities
shall be deemed to constitute a breach of this Agreement. The Stockholder signs
solely in his capacity as the record and beneficial owner of, or the trustee of
a trust whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, the Shares.
11. Sophistication. The Stockholder acknowledges that he is an informed
and sophisticated investor and, together with his advisors, has undertaken such
investigation as they have deemed necessary, including the review of the Merger
Agreement and this Agreement, to enable the Stockholder to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and hereby.
12. Confidentiality. Each of the parties hereto recognizes that successful
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be dependent
upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to herein. In this
connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each party hereby agrees not to
disclose or discuss such matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement or
the Merger Agreement (other than such party's counsel and advisors, if any)
without the prior written consent of the other party, except for filings
required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
or disclosures such party's counsel advises are necessary in order to fulfill
such party's obligations imposed by law, in which event such party shall give
notice of such disclosure to the other party as promptly as practicable so as to
enable the other party to seek a protective order from a court of competent
jurisdiction with respect thereto.
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<PAGE>
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement
constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Certain Events. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and
the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Stockholder's Shares and shall be
binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of such
Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including, without
limitation, the Stockholder's heirs, guardians, administrators or successors,
provided, that following the Effective Time, this Agreement shall not be binding
on any purchaser of Shares in a transaction made in compliance with Section
4(b), other than Permitted Transfers. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares,
the transferor shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under
this Agreement of the transferor.
(c) Change in Control. In the event that after the Effective Time
(i) any Person or group of Persons acting in concert (as defined in the City
Code on Take-overs and Mergers in the United Kingdom) acquires an interest in
the equity share capital of Cordiant (an "Acquiring Person") and, immediately
following such acquisition, such person, or group, holds shares entitled to
exercise more than 50% of the votes which may be cast at a general meeting of
Cordiant or (ii) a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant immediately
prior to such Person becoming an Acquiring Person, cease to thereafter
constitute a majority of the board of directors of Cordiant (other than through
elections of directors whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
Cordiant were approved by the vote of a majority of directors of Cordiant who
were either directors prior to a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or whose
election or nomination for election was so previously approved), then the
restrictions on Dispositions contained in Section 4, shall terminate without any
action on the part of any party hereto.
(d) Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise without the prior written consent of the other party, provided,
that Cordiant or Sub may assign, in its sole discretion, its rights and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Cordiant, but no such assignment shall relieve Cordiant or Sub of its
obligations hereunder if such assignee does not or cannot perform such
obligations.
(e) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended,
changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon
the execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the party to be
charged thereby or, with respect to termination, as otherwise provided herein.
(f) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received if so given) by hand delivery, telegram, telex
or telecopy, or by mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) or by any courier service, such as Federal Express, providing
proof of delivery. All communications hereunder shall be delivered to the
respective parties at the following addresses:
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<PAGE>
If to the Stockholder: Francis Hughes
c/o Healthworld Corporation
100 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10010
Facsimile: (212) 966-2743
and
If to Cordiant or
Sub to: Cordiant Communications Group plc
121-141 Westbourne Terrace
London, W2 6JR
Attention: Deputy Finance Director
Facsimile: 011-44-171-262-4300
copy to: White & Case LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036-2787
Attention: Timothy B. Goodell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 354-8113
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above.
(g) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision or portion of
any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any
provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision
or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this Agreement will be
reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been
contained herein.
(h) Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto recognizes and
acknowledges that a breach by it of any covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement will cause the aggrieved party to sustain damages for which it
would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and therefore each
of the parties hereto agrees that in the event of any such breach the aggrieved
party shall be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of such covenants
and agreements and injunctive and other equitable relief in addition to any
other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.
(i) Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided
under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in
equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any thereof
by any party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other
such right, power or remedy by such party.
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<PAGE>
(j) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to exercise any
right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in
respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance by any other
party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof, shall not constitute a waiver by such
party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power or remedy or to
demand such compliance.
(k) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to
be for the benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity who
or which is not a party hereto.
(l) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the
principles of conflicts of law thereof.
(m) Jurisdiction. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or any court
of the State of New York located in the City of New York in any action, suit or
proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such
action, suit or proceeding shall be brought only in such court (and waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue
therein); provided, however, that such consent to jurisdiction is solely for the
purpose referred to in this paragraph (1) and shall not be deemed to be a
general submission to the jurisdiction of said Courts or in the States of
Delaware or New York other than for such purposes. Each party hereto hereby
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding.
(n) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings used herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(o) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken
together, shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cordiant, Sub and the Stockholder have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
CORDIANT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: Finance Director
HEALTHWORLD ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ Arthur D'Angelo
-----------------------------------------
Name: Arthur D'Angelo
Title: President
/s/ Francis Hughes
--------------------------------------------
Francis Hughes
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