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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
RELATING TO ADOPTION OF A RIGHTS PLAN
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 23, 1999
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
0-24081 84-1010843
(Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
9777 Mt. Pyramid Court
Englewood, CO 80112
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 802-1000
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Item 5. Other Events.
On February 23, 1999 the Board of Directors of EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC. (the
"Company") approved the adoption of a Share Purchase Rights Plan (the "Plan").
Terms of the Plan provide for a dividend distribution of one preferred share
purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of common stock, par value
$.001 per share (the "Common Shares"), of the Company. The dividend is payable
on March 12, 1999 (the "Record Date") to the stockholders of record on that
date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company
one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock,
par value $.001 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), at a price of $40.00 per one
one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), subject to
adjustment. Each one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Shares has
designations and powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions which make its value approximately equal to the
value of a Common Share. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth
in a Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement"), dated as of February 23, 1999
entered into between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as
rights agent (the "Rights Agent").
Initially, the Rights will be evidenced by the stock certificates
representing the Common Shares then outstanding, and no separate Right
Certificates, as defined, will be distributed. Until the earlier to occur of
(i) the date of a public announcement that a person, entity or group of
affiliated or associated persons have acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or
more of the outstanding Common Shares (an "Acquiring Person") or (ii) 10
business days (or such later date as may be determined by action of the Board of
Directors prior to such time as any person or entity becomes an Acquiring
Person) following the commencement of, or announcement of an intention to
commence, a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would
result in any person or entity becoming an Acquiring Person (the earlier of such
dates being called the "Distribution Date"), the Rights will be evidenced, with
respect to any of the Common Share certificates outstanding as of the Record
Date, by such Common Share certificate with or without a copy of the Summary of
Rights, which is included in the Rights Agreement as Exhibit C thereof (the
"Summary of Rights").
Until the Distribution Date, the Rights will be transferable with and only
with the Common Shares. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or
expiration of the Rights), new Common Share certificates issued after the Record
Date, upon transfer or new issuance of Common Shares, will contain a notation
incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference. Until the Distribution Date
(or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the surrender or transfer
of any certificates for Common Shares outstanding as of the Record Date, even
without such notation or a copy of the Summary of Rights being attached thereto,
will also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the Common
Shares represented by such certificate. As soon as practicable following the
Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights ("Right
Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of the Common Shares as of
the close of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Right
Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights
will expire on February 23, 2009 (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless the
Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company, in each case, as
described below.
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The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Preferred Shares or other
securities or other property, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Preferred
Shares, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Shares of certain rights
or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Preferred Shares at a price, or
securities convertible into Preferred Shares with a conversion price, less than
the then current market price of the Preferred Shares or (iii) upon the
distribution to holders of the Preferred Shares of evidences of indebtedness or
assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends paid out of earnings or
retained earnings or dividends payable in Preferred Shares) or of subscription
rights or warrants (other than those referred to above). The exercise of Rights
for Preferred Shares is at all times subject to the availability of a sufficient
number of authorized but unissued Preferred Shares.
The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share issuable upon exercise of each Right are also subject to
adjustment in the event of a stock split of the Common Shares or a stock
dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares or subdivisions,
consolidation or combinations of the Common Shares occurring, in any case, prior
to the Distribution Date.
Preferred Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be
redeemable. Each Preferred Share will be entitled to a minimum preferential
quarterly dividend payment of $1.00 but will be entitled to an aggregate
dividend of 100 times the dividend declared per Common Share. In the event of
liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Shares would be entitled to a minimum
preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share, but would be entitled to
receive an aggregate payment equal to 100 times the payment made per Common
Share. Each Preferred Share will have 100 votes, voting together with the
Common Shares. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other
transaction in which Common Shares are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be
entitled to receive 100 times the amount of consideration received per Common
Share. These rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions.
Because of the nature of the Preferred Shares' dividend and liquidation rights,
the value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share should approximate the value
of one Common Share. The Preferred Shares would rank junior to any other series
of the Company's preferred stock.
In the event that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons
becomes an Acquiring Person, proper provision shall be made so that each holder
of a Right, other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person and its
associates and affiliates (which will thereafter be void), will for a 60-day
period have the right to receive upon exercise that number of Common Shares
having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right (or, if such
number of shares is not and cannot be authorized, the Company may issue
Preferred Shares, cash, debt, stock or a combination thereof in exchange for the
Rights). This right will terminate 60 days after the date on which the Rights
become nonredeemable (as described below), unless there is an injunction or
similar obstacle to exercise of the Rights, in which event this right will
terminate 60 days after the date on which the Rights again become exercisable.
Generally, under the Plan, an "Acquiring Person" shall not be deemed to
include (i) the Company, (ii) a subsidiary of the Company, (iii) any employee
benefit or compensation plan of the Company, or (iv) any entity holding Common
Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit or compensation
plan. In addition, except under limited circumstances, no
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person or entity shall become an Acquiring Person as the result of the
acquisition of Common Shares by the Company which, by reducing the number of
shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares beneficially
owned by such person or entity to 20% or more of the Common Shares then
outstanding.
In the event that the Company is acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or earning
power are sold to an Acquiring Person, its associates or affiliates or certain
other persons in which such persons have an interest, proper provision will be
made so that each holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive,
upon the exercise thereof at the then current exercise price of the Right, that
number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of
such transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the
Right.
At any time after an Acquiring Person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior
to the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the outstanding
Common Shares, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights
(other than Rights owned by such person or group which have become void), in
whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one Common Share, or one one-hundredth
of a Preferred Share, per Right (or, at the election of the Company, the Company
may issue cash, debt, stock or a combination thereof in exchange for the
Rights), subject to adjustment.
With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be
required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in
such Purchase Price. No fractional Preferred Shares will be issued (other than
fractions which are integral multiples of the number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share issuable upon the exercise of one Right, which may, at the
election of the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts), and in lieu
thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of the
Preferred Shares on the last trading day prior to the date of exercise.
At any time prior to the earliest of (i) the day of the first public
announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person or (ii) the Final
Expiration Date, the Board of Directors of the Company may redeem the Rights in
whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price").
Following the expiration of the above periods, the Rights become nonredeemable.
Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights
will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive
the Redemption Price.
The terms of the Rights may be amended by the Board of Directors of the
Company without the consent of the holders of the Rights, except that from and
after such time as the rights are distributed no such amendment may adversely
affect the interest of the holders of the Rights excluding the interests of an
Acquiring Person.
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right
to vote or to receive dividends.
The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire the Company
on terms not approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Rights should
not interfere with any merger or other
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business combination approved by the Board of Directors since the Rights may be
amended to permit such acquisition or redeemed by the Company at $.01 per Right
prior to the earliest of (i) the time that a person or group has acquired
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Common Shares or (ii) the final
expiration date of the rights.
Item 7. Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release, dated February 24, 1999 entitled "Evolving
Systems, Inc. Adopts Stockholder Rights Plan."
99.2 Rights Agreement dated as of February 23, 1999 among Evolving
Systems, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
99.3 Registrant's Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock.
99.4 Form of Rights Certificate.
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SIGNATURE
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.
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
Dated: February 23, 1999 By:_______________________________________
George A. Hallenbeck
President and Chief Executive
Officer
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
99.1 Press Release, dated February 24, 1999 entitled "Evolving
Systems, Inc. Adopts Stockholder Rights Plan."
99.2 Rights Agreement dated as of February 23, 1999 among Evolving
Systems, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
99.3 Registrant's Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock
99.4 Form of Rights Certificate.
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EXHIBIT 99.1
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 1999
Contacts:
David R. Johnson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
303-802-2013
Jo Ann Washburn
Manager, Investor Relations
303-802-1123
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC. ADOPTS STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Denver, Colorado, February 24, 1999 - Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVOL) today
announced that its Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Stockholder
Rights Plan under which all stockholders of record as of March 12, 1999 will
receive rights to purchase shares of a new series of Preferred Stock.
The Rights Plan is designed to enable all common stockholders to realize the
full value of their investment and to provide for fair and equal treatment for
all stockholders in the event that an unsolicited attempt is made to acquire
Evolving Systems, Inc. The adoption of the Rights Plan is intended as a means
to guard against abusive takeover tactics and is not in response to any
particular proposal.
The rights will be distributed as a non-taxable dividend and will expire in 10
years from the Record Date. The rights will be exercisable only if a person or
group acquires 20 percent or more of Evolving Systems, Inc. Common Stock or
announces a tender offer for 20 percent or more of the Common Stock. If a
person acquires 20 percent or more of Evolving Systems, Inc.'s Common Stock, all
rightsholders except the buyer will be entitled to acquire Evolving Systems,
Inc. Common Stock at a discount. The effect will be to discourage acquisitions
of more than 20 percent of Evolving Systems, Inc.'s Common Stock without
negotiations with the Board.
The rights will trade with Evolving Systems, Inc.'s Common Stock, unless and
until they are separated upon the occurrence of certain future events. The
rights distribution is not taxable to the stockholders. Evolving Systems,
Inc.'s Board of Directors may amend the Rights Plan in any respect prior to the
distribution of the rights, and may redeem the rights prior to the time a person
acquires more than 20 percent of Evolving Systems, Inc. Common Stock.
Additional details regarding the Rights Plan will be outlined in a summary to be
mailed to all stockholders following the Record Date.
About Evolving Systems
Evolving Systems, based in Englewood, Colo., is a software development and
systems integration firm providing a full range of business and operational
support systems, services and product solutions for the telecommunications
industry. Founded in 1985, Evolving Systems
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delivered the telecommunication industry's first-to-market software applications
addressing local number portability at the service provider level. Evolving
Systems' client base includes local exchange carriers (LECs), interexchange
carriers (IXCs), competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs), wireless providers
and network equipment suppliers. The company is listed on the NASDAQ National
Market under the symbol EVOL. To learn more about Evolving Systems, see its
website at www.evolving.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of
risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from the
results identified or implied in any forward-looking statement discussed herein.
Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not
limited to, the risks that are more fully described under the caption "Risk
Factors" included in the most recent reports filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission by Evolving Systems, Inc.
# # #
Editor's Note:
The Evolving Systems name and logo are trademarks of Evolving Systems, Inc.
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EXHIBIT 99.2
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--------------------------------------------------------------------
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
AND
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
AS RIGHTS AGENT
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S> <C> <C>
PAGE
Section 1. Certain Definitions.......................................................................... 1
Section 2. Appointment of Rights Agent................................................................... 4
Section 3. Issue of Right Certificates................................................................... 4
Section 4. Form of Right Certificates.................................................................... 5
Section 5. Countersignature and Registration............................................................. 6
Section 6. Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed,
Lost or Stolen Right Certificates............................................................. 7
Section 7. Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights................................. 7
Section 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates............................................ 9
Section 9. Availability of Preferred Shares.............................................................. 9
Section 10. Preferred Shares Record Date.................................................................. 10
Section 11. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares or Number of Rights............................ 10
Section 12. Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares.................................... 17
Section 13. Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or Earning Power.......................... 17
Section 14. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares....................................................... 20
Section 15. Rights of Action.............................................................................. 21
Section 16. Agreement of Right Holders.................................................................... 22
Section 17. Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder............................................. 22
Section 18. Concerning the Rights Agent................................................................... 22
Section 19. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent..................................... 23
Section 20. Duties of Rights Agent........................................................................ 23
Section 21. Change of Rights Agent........................................................................ 25
Section 22. Issuance of New Right Certificates............................................................ 26
Section 23. Redemption.................................................................................... 26
Section 24. Exchange...................................................................................... 28
Section 25. Notice of Certain Events...................................................................... 29
Section 26. Notices....................................................................................... 30
Section 27. Supplements and Amendments.................................................................... 31
Section 28. Determination and Actions by the Board of Directors, etc...................................... 31
Section 29. Successors.................................................................................... 32
</TABLE>
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Section 30. Benefits of this Agreement.................................................................... 32
Section 31. Severability.................................................................................. 32
Section 32. Governing Law................................................................................. 32
Section 33. Counterparts.................................................................................. 32
Section 34. Descriptive Headings.......................................................................... 32
</TABLE>
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RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS RIGHTS AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated as of February 23, 1999, between
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and AMERICAN
STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY ("Rights Agent").
The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized and declared a
dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each Common Share
(as such term is hereinafter defined) outstanding at the close of business on
March 12, 1999 (the "Record Date"), each Right representing the right to
purchase one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (as such term is hereinafter
defined), upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth, and has
further authorized and directed the issuance of one Right with respect to each
Common Share that shall become outstanding between the Record Date and the
earliest to occur of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date and the Final
Expiration Date (as such terms are hereinafter defined); provided, however, that
Rights may be issued with respect to Common Shares that shall become outstanding
after the Distribution Date and prior to the earlier of the Redemption Date and
the Final Expiration Date in accordance with the provisions of Section 22
hereof.
Accordingly, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
following terms have the meanings indicated:
(a) "Acquiring Person" shall mean any Person (as such term is
hereinafter defined) who or which, together with all Affiliates and Associates
(as such terms are hereinafter defined) of such Person, shall be the Beneficial
Owner (as such term is hereinafter defined) of 20% or more of the Common Shares
then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) the term Acquiring Person
shall not include (i) the Company, (ii) any Subsidiary (as such term is
hereinafter defined) of the Company, (iii) any employee benefit or compensation
plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iv) any entity holding
Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such employee benefit or
compensation plan, and (B) no Person shall become an "Acquiring Person" either
(x) as the result of an acquisition of Common Shares by the Company which, by
reducing the number of shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of
shares beneficially owned by such Person to 20% or more of the Common Shares
then outstanding; provided, however, that if a Person shall become the
Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the Common Shares then outstanding by reason
of share purchases by the Company and shall, following written notice from, or
public disclosure by the Company of such share purchases by the Company, become
the Beneficial Owner of any additional Common Shares without the prior consent
of the Company and shall then Beneficially Own more than 20% of the Common
Shares then outstanding, then such Person shall be deemed to be an "Acquiring
Person," or (y) if the Board of Directors determines in good faith that a Person
who would otherwise be an "Acquiring Person," as defined pursuant to the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph (a), has become such inadvertently, and
such Person divests, as promptly as practicable (as determined in good faith by
the Board of Directors), but in any event within five Business Days, following
receipt of written notice from the Company of such event,
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of Beneficial Ownership of a sufficient number of Common Shares so that such
Person would no longer be an Acquiring Person, as defined pursuant to the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph (a), then such Person shall no longer be
deemed to be an "Acquiring Person" for purposes of this Agreement; provided,
however, that if such Person shall again become the Beneficial Owner of 20% or
more of the Common Shares then outstanding, such Person shall be deemed an
"Acquiring Person," subject to the exceptions set forth in this Section 1(a).
(b) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as in
effect on the date of this Agreement.
(c) Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of and shall be
deemed to "beneficially own" any securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates is deemed to beneficially own, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of
the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act as in effect on the
date of this Rights Agreement;
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates has (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding (other than customary agreements with and between
underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public
offering of securities and other than agreements between the Company and any
corporate partner pursuant to which the right to purchase shares is conditioned
upon the achievement of research or development milestones) or upon the exercise
of conversion rights, exchange rights, rights (other than these Rights),
warrants or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be
deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, securities tendered
pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or
any of such Person's Affiliates or Associates until such tendered securities are
accepted for purchase or exchange; or (B) the right to vote pursuant to any
agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall
not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, any security if
the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such security (1) arises
solely from a revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a
public proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with,
the applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and (2)
is not also then reportable on Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any
comparable or successor report); or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
any other Person with which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (other than customary
agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect
to a bona fide public offering of securities) for the purpose of acquiring,
holding, voting (except to the extent contemplated by the proviso to Section
1(c)(ii)(B) hereof) or disposing of any securities of the Company.
Notwithstanding anything in this definition of Beneficial Ownership to the
contrary, the phrase, "then outstanding," when used with reference to a Person's
Beneficial Ownership of securities of the Company, shall mean the number of such
securities then issued
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and outstanding together with the number of such securities not then actually
issued and outstanding which such Person would be deemed to own beneficially
hereunder.
(d) "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a
Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in the State of Colorado are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
(e) "Close of Business" on any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m.,
Pacific Time, on such date; provided, however, that if such date is not a
Business Day it shall mean 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on the next succeeding
Business Day.
(f) "Common Shares" shall mean the shares of common stock, par
value $.001 per share, of the Company; provided, however, that, "Common Shares,"
when used in this Agreement in connection with a specific reference to any
Person other than the Company, shall mean the capital stock (or equity interest)
with the greatest voting power of such other Person or, if such other Person is
a Subsidiary of another Person, the Person or Persons which ultimately control
such first-mentioned Person.
(g) "Distribution Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3 hereof.
(h) "Final Expiration Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7(a) hereof.
(i) "Interested Stockholder" shall mean any Acquiring Person or any
Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person or any other Person in which any
such Acquiring Person, Affiliate or Associate has an interest, or any other
Person acting directly or indirectly on behalf of or in concert with any such
Acquiring Person, Affiliate or Associate.
(j) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation or other
entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.
(k) "Preferred Shares" shall mean shares of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company having
the designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions set forth in the Form of Certificate of Designation
attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A.
(l) "Purchase Price" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7(b) hereof.
(m) "Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
7(a) hereof.
(n) "Shares Acquisition Date" shall mean the first date of public
announcement by the Company or an Acquiring Person that an Acquiring Person has
become such; provided, however that, if such Person is determined not to have
become an Acquiring Person pursuant to clause (y) of Subsection 1(a)(B) hereof,
then no Shares Acquisition Date shall be deemed to have occurred.
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(o) "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean any corporation or other
entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities
or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
(p) "Transaction" shall mean any merger, consolidation or sale of
assets described in Section 13(a) hereof or any acquisition of Common Shares
which would result in a Person becoming an Acquiring Person or a Principal Party
(as such term is hereinafter defined).
(q) "Transaction Person" with respect to a Transaction shall mean
(i) any Person who (x) is or will become an Acquiring Person or a Principal
Party (as such term is hereinafter defined) if the Transaction were to be
consummated and (y) directly or indirectly proposed or nominated a director of
the Company which director is in office at the time of consideration of the
Transaction, or (ii) an Affiliate or Associate of such a Person.
Section 2. Appointment of Rights Agent. The Company hereby appoints the
Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance with the terms and
conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The
Company may from time to time appoint such co-Rights Agents as it may deem
necessary or desirable.
Section 3. Issue of Right Certificates.
(a) Until the earlier of (i) the Shares Acquisition Date or (ii)
the tenth Business Day (or such later date as may be determined by action
of the Board of Directors prior to such time as any Person becomes an
Acquiring Person) after the date of the commencement (determined in
accordance with Rule 14d-2 under the Exchange Act) by any Person (other
than the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan
of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or any entity holding
Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan) of, or of the
first public announcement of the intention of any Person (other than the
Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of the
Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or any entity holding Common
Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan) to commence, a tender
or exchange offer (which intention to commence remains in effect for five
Business Days after such announcement), the consummation of which would
result in any Person becoming an Acquiring Person (including any such date
which is after the date of this Agreement and prior to the issuance of the
Rights, the earlier of such dates being herein referred to as the
"Distribution Date"), (x) the Rights will be evidenced by the certificates
for Common Shares registered in the names of the holders thereof (which
certificates shall also be deemed to be Right Certificates) and not by
separate Right Certificates, and (y) the Rights (and the right to receive
Right Certificates therefor) will be transferable only in connection with
the transfer of Common Shares. As soon as practicable after the
Distribution Date, the Company will prepare and execute, the Rights Agent
will countersign, and the Company will send or cause to be sent (and the
Rights Agent will, if requested, send) by first-class, insured, postage-
prepaid mail, to each record holder of Common Shares as of the Close of
Business on the Distribution Date, at the address of such holder shown on
the records of the Company, a Right Certificate, in substantially the form
of Exhibit B hereto (a "Right Certificate"), evidencing one Right for each
Common Share so held, subject to the adjustment provisions of Section 11 of
this Rights Agreement. As of the Distribution Date, the Rights will be
evidenced solely by such Right Certificates.
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(b) On the Record Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, the
Company will send (directly or through the Rights Agent or its transfer agent) a
copy of a Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares, in substantially the
form of Exhibit C hereto (the "Summary of Rights"), by first-class, postage-
prepaid mail, to each record holder of Common Shares as of the Close of Business
on the Record Date, at the address of such holder shown on the records of the
Company. With respect to certificates for Common Shares outstanding as of the
Record Date, until the Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced by such
certificates registered in the names of the holders thereof. Until the
Distribution Date (or the earlier of the Redemption Date and the Final
Expiration Date), the surrender for transfer of any certificate for Common
Shares outstanding on the Record Date shall also constitute the transfer of the
Rights associated with the Common Shares represented thereby.
(c) Certificates for Common Shares which become outstanding
(including, without limitation, reacquired Common Shares referred to in the last
sentence of this paragraph (c)) after the Record Date but prior to the earliest
of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or the Final Expiration Date shall
have impressed on, printed on, written on or otherwise affixed to them the
following legend:
This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to
certain rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between Evolving Systems, Inc.
(the "Corporation") and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent
(the "Rights Agent"), dated as of February 23, 1999, as amended from time to
time (the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive offices
of the Corporation. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights
Agreement, such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will no
longer be evidenced by this certificate. The Corporation will mail to the holder
of this certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement without charge after receipt
of a written request therefor addressed to the Secretary of the Corporation. As
described in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to any Person who becomes an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof (as defined in the Rights
Agreement) and certain related persons, whether currently held by or on behalf
of such Person or by any subsequent holder, shall become null and void.
With respect to such certificates containing the foregoing legend,
until the Distribution Date, the Rights associated with the Common Shares
represented by such certificates shall be evidenced by such certificates alone,
and the surrender for transfer of any such certificate shall also constitute the
transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Shares represented thereby.
In the event that the Company purchases or acquires any Common Shares after the
Record Date but prior to the Distribution Date, any Rights associated with such
Common Shares shall be deemed canceled and retired so that the Company shall not
be entitled to exercise any Rights associated with the Common Shares which are
no longer outstanding. Notwithstanding this Section 3(c), the omission of a
legend shall not affect the enforceability of any part of this Rights Agreement
or the rights of any holder of the Rights.
Section 4. Form of Right Certificates.
(a) The Right Certificates (and the form of election to purchase
Preferred Shares, the form of assignment and the form of certification to be
printed on the reverse thereof)
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shall be substantially the same as Exhibit B hereto and may have such marks of
identification or designation and such legends, summaries or endorsements
printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent
with the provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any
applicable law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any
rule or regulation of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Rights
may from time to time be listed, or to conform to usage. Subject to the
provisions of Sections 7, 11 and 22 hereof, the Right Certificates shall entitle
the holders thereof to purchase such number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share as shall be set forth therein at the price per one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share set forth therein (the "Purchase Price"), but the number of such
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share and the Purchase Price shall be subject
to adjustment as provided herein.
(b) Any Right Certificate issued pursuant to Section 3(a) or
Section 22 hereof that represents Rights which are null and void pursuant to
Section 11(a)(ii) hereof and any Right Certificate issued pursuant to Section 6
or Section 11 hereof upon transfer, exchange, replacement or adjustment of any
other Right Certificate referred to in this sentence shall contain (to the
extent feasible) the following legend:
The Rights represented by this Right Certificate
are or were beneficially owned by a Person who
was or became an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate
or Associate of an Acquiring Person (as such terms
are defined in the Rights Agreement). Accordingly,
this Right Certificate and the Rights represented
hereby are null and void.
The provisions of Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall be operative
whether or not the foregoing legend is contained on any such Right Certificate.
Section 5. Countersignature and Registration. The Right Certificates shall
be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Chief
Executive Officer, its President, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief
Financial Officer, or any of its Vice Presidents, either manually or by
facsimile signature, shall have affixed thereto the Company's seal or a
facsimile thereof, and shall be attested by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company, either manually or by facsimile signature. The Right
Certificates shall be manually countersigned by the Rights Agent and shall not
be valid for any purpose unless countersigned. In case any officer of the
Company who shall have signed any of the Right Certificates shall cease to be
such officer of the Company before countersignature by the Rights Agent and
issuance and delivery by the Company, such Right Certificates, nevertheless, may
be countersigned by the Rights Agent and issued and delivered by the Company
with the same force and effect as though the person who signed such Right
Certificates had not ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Right
Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at the
actual date of the execution of such Right Certificate, shall be a proper
officer of the Company to sign such Right Certificate, although at the date of
the execution of this Agreement any such person was not such an officer.
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Following the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent will keep or
cause to be kept, at its office designated for such purpose, books for
registration and transfer of the Right Certificates issued hereunder. Such books
shall show the names and addresses of the respective holders of the Right
Certificates, the number of Rights evidenced on its face by each of the Right
Certificates and the date of each of the Right Certificates.
Section 6. Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right
Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates. Subject
to the provisions of Section 11(a)(ii), Section 14 and Section 24 hereof, at any
time after the Close of Business on the Distribution Date, and at or prior to
the Close of Business on the earlier of the Redemption Date or the Final
Expiration Date, any Right Certificate or Right Certificates may be transferred,
split up, combined or exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right
Certificates, entitling the registered holder to purchase a like number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share as the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered then entitled such holder to purchase. Any registered
holder desiring to transfer, split up, combine or exchange any Right Certificate
or Right Certificates shall make such request in writing delivered to the Rights
Agent, and shall surrender the Right Certificate or Right Certificates to be
transferred, split up, combined or exchanged at the office of the Rights Agent
designated for such purpose. Neither the Rights Agent nor the Company shall be
obligated to take any action whatsoever with respect to the transfer of any such
surrendered Right Certificate until the registered holder shall have completed
and signed the certificate contained in the form of assignment on the reverse
side of such Right Certificate and shall have provided such additional evidence
of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or
Affiliates or Associates thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.
Thereupon the Rights Agent shall, subject to Section 11(a)(ii), Section 14 and
Section 24 hereof, countersign and deliver to the person entitled thereto a
Right Certificate or Right Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested.
The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer, split
up, combination or exchange of Right Certificates.
Upon receipt by the Company and the Rights Agent of evidence
reasonably satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of
a Right Certificate, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or
security reasonably satisfactory to them, and, at the Company's request,
reimbursement to the Company and the Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses
incidental thereto, and upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of
the Right Certificate if mutilated, the Company will issue, execute and deliver
a new Right Certificate of like tenor to the Rights Agent for countersignature
and delivery to the registered holder in lieu of the Right Certificate so lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated.
Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company and the
Rights Agent may amend this Rights Agreement to provide for uncertificated
Rights in addition to or in place of Rights evidenced by Rights Certificates.
Section 7. Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights.
(a) The registered holder of any Right Certificate may exercise the
Rights evidenced thereby (except as otherwise provided herein) in whole or in
part at any time after the Distribution Date upon surrender of the Right
Certificate, with the form of election to purchase
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on the reverse side thereof duly executed, to the Rights Agent at the office of
the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, together with payment of the
Purchase Price for each one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (or such other
number of shares or other securities) as to which the Rights are exercised, at
or prior to the earliest of (i) the Close of Business on February 23, 2009 (the
"Final Expiration Date"), (ii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed as
provided in Section 23 hereof (the "Redemption Date"), or (iii) the time at
which such Rights are exchanged as provided in Section 24 hereof.
(b) The purchase price (the "Purchase Price") for each one one-
hundredth of a Preferred Share pursuant to the exercise of a Right shall
initially be $40.00 and shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as
provided in Sections 11 and 13 hereof and shall be payable in lawful money of
the United States of America in accordance with paragraph (c) below.
(c) Upon receipt of a Right Certificate representing exercisable
Rights, with the form of election to purchase duly executed, accompanied by
payment of the Purchase Price for the shares to be purchased and an amount equal
to any applicable transfer tax required to be paid by the holder of such Right
Certificate in accordance with Section 9 hereof by certified check, cashier's
check, bank draft or money order payable to the order of the Company, the Rights
Agent shall thereupon promptly (i) (A) requisition from any transfer agent for
the Preferred Shares certificates for the number of Preferred Shares to be
purchased and the Company hereby irrevocably authorizes its transfer agent to
comply with all such requests, or (B) if the Company, in its sole discretion,
shall have elected to deposit the Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the
Rights hereunder into a depository, requisition from the depositary agent
depositary receipts representing such number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share as are to be purchased (in which case certificates for the
Preferred Shares represented by such receipts shall be deposited by the transfer
agent with the depositary agent) and the Company hereby directs the depositary
agent to comply with such request, (ii) when appropriate, requisition from the
Company the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of issuance of fractional shares
in accordance with Section 14 hereof, (iii) after receipt of such certificates
or depositary receipts, cause the same to be delivered to or upon the order of
the registered holder of such Right Certificate, registered in such name or
names as may be designated by such holder and (iv) when appropriate, after
receipt, deliver such cash to or upon the order of the registered holder of such
Right Certificate. In the event that the Company is obligated to issue
securities of the Company other than Preferred Shares (including Common Shares)
of the Company pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof, the Company will make all
arrangements necessary so that such other securities are available for
distribution by the Rights Agent, if and when appropriate.
In addition, in the case of an exercise of the Rights by a holder
pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, the Rights Agent shall return such Right
Certificate to the registered holder thereof after imprinting, stamping or
otherwise indicating thereon that the rights represented by such Right
Certificate no longer include the rights provided by Section 11(a)(ii) hereof,
and, if fewer than all the Rights represented by such Right Certificate were so
exercised, the Rights Agent shall indicate on the Right Certificate the number
of Rights represented thereby which continue to include the rights provided by
Section 11(a)(ii) hereof.
(d) In case the registered holder of any Right Certificate shall
exercise fewer than all the Rights evidenced thereby, a new Right Certificate
evidencing Rights equivalent to
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<PAGE>
the Rights remaining unexercised shall be issued by the Rights Agent to the
registered holder of such Right Certificate or to his duly authorized assigns,
subject to the provisions of Section 14 hereof.
(e) The Company covenants and agrees that it will cause to be
reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued Preferred Shares
or any Preferred Shares held in its treasury, the number of Preferred Shares
that will be sufficient to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Rights
in accordance with this Section 7.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
neither the Rights Agent nor the Company shall be obligated to undertake any
action with respect to a registered holder upon the occurrence of any purported
exercise as set forth in this Section 7 unless such registered holder shall have
(i) completed and signed the certification following the form of election to
purchase set forth on the reverse side of the Rights Certificate surrendered for
such exercise and (ii) provided such additional evidence of the identity of the
Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or Affiliates or Associates
thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.
Section 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates. All Right
Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise, transfer, split up,
combination or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Company or to any of its
agents, be delivered to the Rights Agent for cancellation or in canceled form,
or, if delivered or surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall be canceled by it,
and no Right Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly
permitted by any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company shall deliver
to the Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and the Rights Agent shall
so cancel and retire, any other Right Certificate purchased or acquired by the
Company otherwise than upon the exercise thereof. The Rights Agent shall deliver
all canceled Right Certificates to the Company, or shall, at the written request
of the Company, destroy such canceled Right Certificates, and in such case shall
deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to the Company.
Section 9. Availability of Preferred Shares. The Company covenants and
agrees that so long as the Preferred Shares (and, after the time a person
becomes an Acquiring Person, Common Shares or any other securities) issuable
upon the exercise of the Rights may be listed on any national securities
exchange or quotation system, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause,
from and after such time as the Rights become exercisable, all shares reserved
for such issuance to be listed on such exchange or quotation system upon
official notice of issuance upon such exercise.
The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all such action
as may be necessary to ensure that all Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and
other securities, as the case may be) delivered upon exercise of Rights shall,
at the time of delivery of the certificates for such Preferred Shares (subject
to payment of the Purchase Price), be duly and validly authorized and issued and
fully paid and nonassessable shares or other securities.
The Company further covenants and agrees that it will pay when due
and payable any and all federal and state transfer taxes and charges which may
be payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of the Right Certificates or
of any Preferred Shares upon the exercise of
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Rights. The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any transfer tax
which may be payable in respect of any transfer or delivery of Right
Certificates to a person other than, or the issuance or delivery of certificates
or depositary receipts for the Preferred Shares in a name other than that of,
the registered holder of the Right Certificate evidencing Rights surrendered for
exercise or to issue or to deliver any certificates or depositary receipts for
Preferred Shares upon the exercise of any Rights until any such tax shall have
been paid (any such tax being payable by the holder of such Right Certificate at
the time of surrender) or until it has been established to the Company's
reasonable satisfaction that no such tax is due.
As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the Company
shall use its best efforts to:
(i) prepare and file a registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), with respect to the Rights and
the securities purchasable upon exercise of the Rights on an appropriate form,
will use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective as soon as practicable after such filing and will use its best efforts
to cause such registration statement to remain effective (with a prospectus at
all times meeting the requirements of the Act) until the Final Expiration Date;
and
(ii) use its best efforts to qualify or register the Rights
and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the Rights under the blue sky
laws of such jurisdictions as may be necessary or appropriate.
Section 10. Preferred Shares Record Date. Each person in whose name any
certificate for Preferred Shares or other securities is issued upon the exercise
of Rights shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record
of the Preferred Shares or other securities represented thereby on, and such
certificate shall be dated, the date upon which the Right Certificate evidencing
such Rights was duly surrendered with the forms of election and certification
duly executed and payment of the Purchase Price (and any applicable transfer
taxes) was made; provided, however, that if the date of such surrender and
payment is a date upon which the Preferred Shares or other securities transfer
books of the Company are closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the
record holder of such shares on, and such certificate shall be dated, the next
succeeding Business Day on which the Preferred Shares or other securities
transfer books of the Company are open. Prior to the exercise of the Rights
evidenced thereby, the holder of a Right Certificate, as such, shall not be
entitled to any rights of a holder of Preferred Shares for which the Rights
shall be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to vote, to
receive dividends or other distributions or to exercise any preemptive rights,
and shall not be entitled to receive any notice of any proceedings of the
Company, except as provided herein.
Section 11. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares or Number of
Rights. The Purchase Price, the number of Preferred Shares covered by each
Right and the number of Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time
to time as provided in this Section 11.
(a) (i) In the event the Company shall at any time after the date
of this Agreement (A) declare a dividend on the Preferred Shares payable in
Preferred Shares, (B)
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subdivide the outstanding Preferred Shares, (C) combine the outstanding
Preferred Shares into a smaller number of Preferred Shares or (D) issue any
shares of its capital stock in a reclassification of the Preferred Shares
(including any such reclassification in connection with a consolidation or
merger in which the Company is the continuing or surviving Company), except as
otherwise provided in this Section 11(a), the Purchase Price in effect at the
time of the record date for such dividend or of the effective date of such
subdivision, combination or reclassification, and the number and kind of shares
of capital stock issuable on such date, shall be proportionately adjusted so
that the holder of any Right exercised after such time shall be entitled to
receive the aggregate number and kind of shares of capital stock which, if such
Right had been exercised immediately prior to such date and at a time when the
Preferred Shares transfer books of the Company were open, such holder would have
owned upon such exercise and been entitled to receive by virtue of such
dividend, subdivision, combination or reclassification; provided, however, that
in no event shall the consideration to be paid upon the exercise of one Right be
less than the aggregate par value of the shares of capital stock of the Company
issuable upon exercise of one Right. If an event occurs which would require an
adjustment under both Section 11(a)(i) and Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, the
adjustment provided for in this Section 11(a)(i) shall be in addition to, and
shall be made prior to any adjustment required pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii)
hereof.
(ii) Subject to Section 24 hereof and the provisions of the
next paragraph of this Section 11(a)(ii), in the event any Person shall become
an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right shall, for a period of 60 days after
the later of such time any Person becomes an Acquiring Person or the effective
date of an appropriate registration statement under the Act pursuant to Section
9 hereof (provided, however that, if at any time prior to the expiration or
termination of the Rights there shall be a temporary restraining order, a
preliminary injunction, an injunction, or temporary suspension by the Board of
Directors, or similar obstacle to exercise of the Rights (the "Injunction")
which prevents exercise of the Rights, a new 60-day period shall commence on the
date the Injunction is removed), have a right to receive, upon exercise thereof
at a price equal to the then current Purchase Price multiplied by the number of
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then exercisable,
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and in lieu of Preferred Shares,
such number of Common Shares as shall equal the result obtained by (A)
multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number of one one-hundredths
of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then exercisable and dividing that
product by (B) 50% of the then current per share market price of the Common
Shares (determined pursuant to Section 11(d) hereof) on the date such Person
became an Acquiring Person; provided, however, that if the transaction that
would otherwise give rise to the foregoing adjustment is also subject to the
provisions of Section 13 hereof, then only the provisions of Section 13 hereof
shall apply and no adjustment shall be made pursuant to this Section 11(a)(ii).
In the event that any Person shall become an Acquiring Person and the Rights
shall then be outstanding, the Company shall not take any action which would
eliminate or diminish the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, from
and after the time any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, any Rights
beneficially owned by (i) such Acquiring Person or an Associate or Affiliate of
such Acquiring Person, (ii) a transferee of such Acquiring Person (or of any
such Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a transferee after the Acquiring Person
became such, or (iii) a transferee of such Acquiring Person (or of any such
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Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a transferee prior to or concurrently with
the Acquiring Person's becoming such and receives such Rights pursuant to either
(A) a transfer (whether or not for consideration) from the Acquiring Person to
holders of equity interests in such Acquiring Person or to any Person with whom
the Acquiring Person has any continuing agreement, arrangement or understanding
regarding the transferred Rights or (B) a transfer which the Board of Directors
of the Company has determined is part of a plan, arrangement or understanding
which has as a primary purpose or effect the avoidance of this Section
11(a)(ii), shall become null and void without any further action and no holder
of such Rights shall have any rights whatsoever with respect to such Rights,
whether under any provision of this Agreement or otherwise. The Company shall
use all reasonable efforts to insure that the provisions of this Section
11(a)(ii) and Section 4(b) hereof are complied with, but shall have no liability
to any holder of Right Certificates or other Person as a result of its failure
to make any determinations with respect to an Acquiring Person or its
Affiliates, Associates or transferees hereunder. No Right Certificate shall be
issued at any time upon the transfer of any Rights to an Acquiring Person whose
Rights would be void pursuant to the preceding sentence or any Associate or
Affiliate thereof or to any nominee of such Acquiring Person, Associate or
Affiliate; and any Right Certificate delivered to the Rights Agent for transfer
to an Acquiring Person whose Rights would be void pursuant to the preceding
sentence shall be canceled.
(iii) In lieu of issuing Common Shares in accordance with
Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, the Company may, if a majority of the Board of
Directors then in office determines that such action is necessary or appropriate
and not contrary to the interests of holders of Rights, elect to (and, in the
event that the Board of Directors has not exercised the exchange right contained
in Section 24(c) hereof and there are not sufficient treasury shares and
authorized but unissued Common Shares to permit the exercise in full of the
Rights in accordance with the foregoing subparagraph (ii), the Company shall)
take all such action as may be necessary to authorize, issue or pay, upon the
exercise of the Rights, cash (including by way of a reduction of the Purchase
Price), property, Common Shares, other securities or any combination thereof
having an aggregate value equal to the value of the Common Shares which
otherwise would have been issuable pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, which
aggregate value shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the value of the Common Shares shall be
determined pursuant to Section 11(d) hereof. Any such election by the Board of
Directors must be made within 60 days following the date on which the event
described in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall have occurred. Following the
occurrence of the event described in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, a majority of the
Board of Directors then in office may suspend the exercisability of the Rights
for a period of up to 60 days following the date on which the event described in
Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall have occurred to the extent that such directors
have not determined whether to exercise their rights of election under this
Section 11(a)(iii). In the event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue
a public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended.
(b) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the issuance of
rights, options or warrants to all holders of Preferred Shares entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase Preferred Shares (or shares having the same
designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions as the Preferred Shares ("equivalent preferred
shares")) or securities convertible into Preferred Shares or equivalent
preferred shares
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at a price per Preferred Share or equivalent preferred share (or having a
conversion price per share, if a security convertible into Preferred Shares or
equivalent preferred shares) less than the then current per share market price
of the Preferred Shares (as such term is hereinafter defined) on such record
date, the Purchase Price to be in effect after such record date shall be
determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
record date by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of
Preferred Shares outstanding on such record date plus the number of Preferred
Shares which the aggregate offering price of the total number of Preferred
Shares and/or equivalent preferred shares so to be offered (and/or the aggregate
initial conversion price of the convertible securities so to be offered) would
purchase at such current market price and the denominator of which shall be the
number of Preferred Shares outstanding on such record date plus the number of
additional Preferred Shares and/or equivalent preferred shares to be offered for
subscription or purchase (or into which the convertible securities so to be
offered are initially convertible); provided, however, that in no event shall
the consideration to be paid upon the exercise of one Right be less than the
aggregate par value of the shares of capital stock of the Company issuable upon
exercise of one Right. In case such subscription price may be paid in a
consideration part or all of which shall be in a form other than cash, the value
of such consideration shall be as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be described in a statement
filed with the Rights Agent. Preferred Shares owned by or held for the account
of the Company shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any such
computation. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever such a record
date is fixed; and in the event that such rights, options or warrants are not so
issued, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which
would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
(c) In case the Company shall fix a record date for the making of a
distribution to all holders of the Preferred Shares (including any such
distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the
Company is the continuing or surviving Company) of evidences of indebtedness or
assets (other than a regular quarterly cash dividend or a dividend payable in
Preferred Shares) or subscription rights or warrants (excluding those referred
to in Section 11(b) hereof), the Purchase Price to be in effect after such
record date shall be determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect
immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the then current per share market price of the Preferred Shares (as
such term is hereinafter defined) on such record date, less the fair market
value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company,
whose determination shall be described in a statement filed with the Rights
Agent) of the portion of the assets or evidences of indebtedness so to be
distributed or of such subscription rights or warrants applicable to one
Preferred Share and the denominator of which shall be such current per share
market price of the Preferred Shares; provided, however, that in no event shall
the consideration to be paid upon the exercise of one Right be less than the
aggregate par value of the shares of capital stock of the Company to be issued
upon exercise of one Right. Such adjustments shall be made successively whenever
such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such distribution is not so
made, the Purchase Price shall again be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which
would then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
(d) (i) For the purpose of any computation hereunder, the "current
per share market price" of any security (a "Security" for the purpose of this
Section 11(d)(i)) on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily
closing prices per share of such Security for
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the 30 consecutive Trading Days (as such term is hereinafter defined)
immediately prior to such date; provided, however, that in the event that the
current per share market price of the Security is determined during a period
following the announcement by the issuer of such Security of (A) a dividend or
distribution on such Security payable in shares of such Security or securities
convertible into such shares, or (B) any subdivision, combination or
reclassification of such Security or securities convertible into such shares, or
(C) any subdivision, combination or reclassification of such Security and prior
to the expiration of 30 Trading Days after the ex-dividend date for such
dividend or distribution, or the record date for such subdivision, combination
or reclassification, then, and in each such case, the current per share market
price shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the current market price per
share equivalent of such Security. The closing price for each day shall be the
last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Security is not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange
on which the Security is listed or admitted to trading or as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market or, if the Security is not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange or reported on the Nasdaq National Market,
the last quoted price or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low
asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System ("Nasdaq")
or such other system then in use, or, if on any such date the Security is not
quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices
as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Security
selected by the Board of Directors of the Company or, if on any such date no
professional market maker is making a market in the Security, the price as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. The term "Trading Day" shall
mean a day on which the principal national securities exchange on which the
Security is listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of
business or, if the Security is not listed or admitted to trading on any
national securities exchange, a Business Day.
(ii) For the purpose of any computation hereunder, the
"current per share market price" of the Preferred Shares shall be determined in
accordance with the method set forth in Section 11(d)(i) hereof. If the
Preferred Shares are not publicly traded, the "current per share market price"
of the Preferred Shares shall be conclusively deemed to be the current per share
market price of the Common Shares as determined pursuant to Section 11(d)(i)
hereof (appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or
similar transaction occurring after the date hereof) multiplied by one hundred.
If neither the Common Shares nor the Preferred Shares are publicly held or so
listed or traded, "current per share market price" shall mean the fair value per
share as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company,
whose determination shall be described in a statement filed with the Rights
Agent.
(e) No adjustment in the Purchase Price shall be required unless
such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1% in the
Purchase Price; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this
Section 11(e) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken
into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Section
11 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share or one ten-thousandth of any other share or security as the case
may be.
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Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 11(e), any adjustment
required by this Section 11 shall be made no later than the earlier of (i) three
years from the date of the transaction which requires such adjustment or (ii)
the date of the expiration of the right to exercise any Rights.
(f) If as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to Section 11(a)
hereof, the holder of any Right thereafter exercised shall become entitled to
receive any shares of capital stock of the Company other than Preferred Shares,
thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon exercise of any
Right shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a manner and on terms
as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with respect to the
Preferred Shares contained in Sections 11(a) through 11(c) hereof, inclusive,
and the provisions of Sections 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14 hereof with respect to the
Preferred Shares shall apply on like terms to any such other shares.
(g) All Rights originally issued by the Company subsequent to any
adjustment made to the Purchase Price hereunder shall evidence the right to
purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, the number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share purchasable from time to time hereunder upon exercise of the
Rights, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.
(h) Unless the Company shall have exercised its election as
provided in Section 11(i) hereof, upon each adjustment of the Purchase Price as
a result of the calculations made in Section 11(b) and Section 11(c) hereof,
each Right outstanding immediately prior to the making of such adjustment shall
thereafter evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, that
number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share (calculated to the nearest one
one-millionth of a Preferred Share) obtained by (i) multiplying (x) the number
of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share covered by a Right immediately prior
to this adjustment by (y) the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
adjustment of the Purchase Price and (ii) dividing the product so obtained by
the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment of the Purchase
Price.
(i) The Company may elect on or after the date of any adjustment
of the Purchase Price to adjust the number of Rights, in substitution for any
adjustment in the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share purchasable
upon the exercise of a Right. Each of the Rights outstanding after such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall be exercisable for the number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right was exercisable
immediately prior to such adjustment. Each Right held of record prior to such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall become that number of Rights
(calculated to the nearest one ten-thousandth) obtained by dividing the Purchase
Price in effect immediately prior to adjustment of the Purchase Price by the
Purchase Price in effect immediately after adjustment of the Purchase Price. The
Company shall make a public announcement of its election to adjust the number of
Rights, indicating the record date for the adjustment, and, if known at the
time, the amount of the adjustment to be made. This record date may be the date
on which the Purchase Price is adjusted or any day thereafter, but, if the Right
Certificates have been issued, shall be at least 10 days later than the date of
the public announcement. If Right Certificates have been issued, upon each
adjustment of the number of Rights pursuant to this Section 11(i), the Company
shall, as promptly as practicable, cause to be distributed to holders of record
of Right Certificates on such record date Right Certificates evidencing, subject
to Section 14 hereof, the additional Rights to which such holders shall be
entitled as a result of such adjustment, or, at the option of the
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Company, shall cause to be distributed to such holders of record in substitution
and replacement for the Right Certificates held by such holders prior to the
date of adjustment, and upon surrender thereof, if required by the Company, new
Right Certificates evidencing all the Rights to which such holders shall be
entitled after such adjustment. Right Certificates so to be distributed shall be
issued, executed and countersigned in the manner provided for herein and shall
be registered in the names of the holders of record of Right Certificates on the
record date specified in the public announcement.
(j) Irrespective of any adjustment or change in the Purchase Price
or the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share issuable upon the
exercise of the Rights, the Right Certificates theretofore and thereafter issued
may continue to express the Purchase Price and the number of one one-hundredths
of a Preferred Share which were expressed in the initial Right Certificates
issued hereunder.
(k) Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment
reducing the Purchase Price below one one-hundredth of the then par value, if
any, of the Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights, the Company
shall take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be
necessary in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and
nonassessable Preferred Shares at such adjusted Purchase Price.
(l) In any case in which this Section 11 shall require that an
adjustment in the Purchase Price be made effective as of a record date for a
specified event, the Company may elect to defer until the occurrence of such
event the issuing to the holder of any Right exercised after such record date of
the Preferred Shares and other capital stock or securities of the Company, if
any, issuable upon such exercise on the basis of the Purchase Price in effect
prior to such adjustment; provided, however, that the Company shall deliver to
such holder a due bill or other appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's
right to receive such additional shares upon the occurrence of the event
requiring such adjustment.
(m) The Company covenants and agrees that, after the Distribution
Date, it will not, except as permitted by Section 23 or Section 27 hereof, take
(or permit any Subsidiary to take) any action the purpose of which is to, or if
at the time such action is taken it is reasonably foreseeable that the effect of
such action is to, materially diminish or eliminate the benefits intended to be
afforded by the Rights. Any such action taken by the Company during any period
after any Person becomes an Acquiring Person but prior to the Distribution Date
shall be null and void unless such action could be taken under this Section
11(m) from and after the Distribution Date.
(n) Anything in this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Company shall be entitled to make such reductions in the Purchase Price, in
addition to those adjustments expressly required by this Section 11, as and to
the extent that it in its sole discretion shall determine to be advisable in
order that any consolidation or subdivision of the Preferred Shares, issuance
wholly for cash of any Preferred Shares at less than the current market price,
issuance wholly for cash of Preferred Shares or securities which by their terms
are convertible into or exchangeable for Preferred Shares, dividends on
Preferred Shares payable in Preferred Shares or issuance of rights, options or
warrants referred to hereinabove in Section 11(b), hereafter made by the Company
to holders of its Preferred Shares shall not be taxable to such stockholders.
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(o) In the event that at any time after the date of this Agreement
and prior to the Distribution Date, the Company shall (i) declare or pay any
dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares or (ii) effect a
subdivision, combination or consolidation of the Common Shares (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in Common Shares)
into a greater or lesser number of Common Shares, then in any such case (A) the
number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share purchasable after such event
upon proper exercise of each Right shall be determined by multiplying the number
of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share so purchasable immediately prior to
such event by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares
outstanding immediately before such event and the denominator of which is the
number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after such event, and (B) each
Common Share outstanding immediately after such event shall have issued with
respect to it that number of Rights which each Common Share outstanding
immediately prior to such event had issued with respect to it. The adjustments
provided for in this Section 11(o) shall be made successively whenever such a
dividend is declared or paid or such a subdivision, combination or consolidation
is effected.
(p) The exercise of Rights under Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall
only result in the loss of rights under Section 11(a)(ii) hereof to the extent
so exercised and shall not otherwise affect the rights represented by the Rights
under this Agreement, including the rights represented by Section 13 hereof.
Section 12. Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares.
Whenever an adjustment is made as provided in Sections 11 and 13 hereof, the
Company shall promptly (a) prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment,
and a brief statement of the facts accounting for such adjustment, (b) file with
the Rights Agent and with each transfer agent for the Common Shares or the
Preferred Shares a copy of such certificate and (c) mail a brief summary thereof
to each holder of a Right Certificate in accordance with Section 25 hereof. The
Rights Agent shall be fully protected in relying on any such certificate and on
any adjustment therein contained and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of
any adjustment unless and until it shall have received such certificate.
Section 13. Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or Earning
Power.
(a) In the event that, following the Shares Acquisition Date or, if
a Transaction is proposed, the Distribution Date, directly or indirectly (x) the
Company shall consolidate with, or merge with and into, any Interested
Stockholder, or if in such merger or consolidation all holders of Common Stock
are not treated alike, any other Person, (y) any Interested Person, or if in
such merger or consolidation all holders of Common Stock are not treated alike,
any other Person shall consolidate with the Company, or merge with and into the
Company, and the Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation of
such merger (other than, in the case of either transaction described in (x) or
(y), a merger or consolidation which would result in all of the voting power
represented by the securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior
thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being
converted into securities of the surviving entity) all of the voting power
represented by the securities of the Company or such surviving entity
outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and the holders of
such securities not having changed as a result of such
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merger or consolidation), or (z) the Company shall sell, mortgage or otherwise
transfer (or one or more of its subsidiaries shall sell, mortgage or otherwise
transfer), in one or more transactions, assets or earning power aggregating more
than 50% of the assets or earning power of the Company and its subsidiaries
(taken as a whole) to any Interested Stockholder or Stockholders, or if in such
transaction all holders of Common Stock are not treated alike, any other Person,
(other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or more
transactions each of which individually and the aggregate does not violate
Section 13(d) hereof) then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be
made so that (i) each holder of a Right, subject to Section 11(a)(ii) hereof,
shall have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at a price equal to
the then current Purchase Price multiplied by the number of one one-hundredths
of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then exercisable in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement and in lieu of Preferred Shares, such number of
freely tradeable Common Shares of the Principal Party (as such term is
hereinafter defined), free and clear of liens, rights of call or first refusal,
encumbrances or other adverse claims, as shall be equal to the result obtained
by (A) multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number of one one-
hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then exercisable (without
taking into account any adjustment previously made pursuant to Section 11(a)(ii)
hereof) and dividing that product by (B) 50% of the then current per share
market price of the Common Shares of such Principal Party (determined pursuant
to Section 11(d) hereof) on the date of consummation of such consolidation,
merger, sale or transfer; (ii) such Principal Party shall thereafter be liable
for, and shall assume, by virtue of such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer, all the obligations and duties of the Company pursuant to this
Agreement; (iii) the term "Company" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to such
Principal Party, it being specifically intended that the provisions of Section
11 hereof shall apply to such Principal Party; and (iv) such Principal Party
shall take such steps (including, but not limited to, the reservation of a
sufficient number of shares of its Common Shares in accordance with Section 9
hereof) in connection with such consummation as may be necessary to assure that
the provisions hereof shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably
may be, in relation to its Common Shares thereafter deliverable upon the
exercise of the Rights.
(b) "Principal Party" shall mean:
(i) in the case of any transaction described in clause (x) or
(y) of the first sentence of Section 13(a) hereof, the Person that is the issuer
of any securities into which Common Shares are converted in such merger or
consolidation, and if no securities are so issued, the Person that is the other
party to the merger or consolidation (or, if applicable, the Company, if it is
the surviving Corporation); and
(ii) in the case of any transaction described in (z) of the
first sentence of Section 13(a) hereof, the Person that is the party receiving
the greatest portion of the assets or earning power transferred pursuant to such
transaction or transactions;
provided, however, that in any case, (1) if the Common Shares of such Person are
not at such time and have not been continuously over the preceding 12-month
period registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and such Person is a
direct or indirect subsidiary or Affiliate of another Person the Common Shares
of which are and have been so registered, "Principal Party" shall refer to such
other Person; (2) if such Person is a subsidiary, directly or indirectly, or
Affiliate of more than one Person, the Common Shares of two or more of which are
and have
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<PAGE>
been so registered, "Principal Party" shall refer to whichever of such Persons
is the issuer of the Common Shares having the greatest aggregate market value;
and (3) if such Person is owned, directly or indirectly, by a joint venture
formed by two or more Persons that are not owned, directly or indirectly, by the
same Person, the rules set forth in (1) and (2) above shall apply to each of the
chains of ownership having an interest in such joint venture as if such party
were a "subsidiary" of both or all of such joint venturers and the Principal
Parties in each such chain shall bear the obligations set forth in this Section
13 in the same ratio as their direct or indirect interests in such Person bear
to the total of such interests.
(c) The Company shall not consummate any such consolidation,
merger, sale or transfer unless the Principal Party shall have a sufficient
number of authorized Common Shares that have not been issued or reserved for
issuance to permit the exercise in full of the Rights in accordance with this
Section 13 and unless prior thereto the Company and each Principal Party and
each other Person who may become a Principal Party as a result of such
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer shall have (i) executed and delivered to
the Rights Agent a supplemental agreement providing for the terms set forth in
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 13 and (ii) prepared, filed and had
declared and remain effective a registration statement under the Act on the
appropriate form with respect to the Rights and the securities exercisable upon
exercise of the Rights and further providing that, as soon as practicable after
the date of any consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of assets mentioned in
paragraph (a) of this Section 13, the Principal Party at its own expense will:
(i) cause the registration statement under the Act with
respect to the Rights and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the Rights
on an appropriate form to remain effective (with a prospectus at all times
meeting the requirements of the Act) until the Final Expiration Date;
(ii) use its best efforts to qualify or register the Rights
and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the Rights under the blue sky
laws of such jurisdictions as may be necessary or appropriate;
(iii) list the Rights and the securities purchasable upon
exercise of the Rights on each national securities exchange on which the Common
Shares were listed prior to the consummation of such consolidation, merger, sale
or transfer of assets or on the Nasdaq National Market if the Common Shares were
listed on the Nasdaq National Market or, if the Common Shares were not listed on
a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market prior to the
consummation of the consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of assets, on a
national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market; and
(iv) deliver to holders of the Rights historical financial
statements for the Principal Party and each of its Affiliates which comply in
all material respects with the requirements for registration on Form 10 under
the Exchange Act.
The provisions of this Section 13 shall similarly apply to
successive mergers or consolidations or sales or other transfers.
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(d) After the Distribution Date, the Company covenants and agrees
that it shall not (i) consolidate with, (ii) merge with or into, or (iii) sell
or transfer to, in one or more transactions, assets or earning power aggregating
more than 50% of the assets or earning power of the Company and its subsidiaries
taken as a whole, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Company in a
transaction which does not violate Section 11(m) hereof), if (x) at the time of
or after such consolidation, merger or sale there are any charter or bylaw
provisions or any rights, warrants or other instruments or securities
outstanding, agreements in effect or any other action taken which would diminish
or otherwise eliminate the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights or (y)
prior to, simultaneously with or immediately after such consolidation, merger or
sale, the stockholders of the Person who constitutes, or would constitute, the
"Principal Party" for purposes of Section 13(a) hereof shall have received a
distribution of Rights previously owned by such Person or any of its Affiliates
and Associates. The Company shall not consummate any such consolidation, merger,
sale or transfer unless prior thereto the Company and such other Person shall
have executed and delivered to the Rights Agent a supplemental agreement
evidencing compliance with this Section 13(d).
Section 14. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares.
(a) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of Rights
or to distribute Right Certificates which evidence fractional Rights. In lieu of
such fractional Rights, there shall be paid to the registered holders of the
Right Certificates with regard to which such fractional Rights would otherwise
be issuable, an amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market
value of a whole Right. For the purposes of this Section 14(a), the current
market value of a whole Right shall be the closing price of the Rights for the
Trading Day immediately prior to the date on which such fractional Rights would
have been otherwise issuable. The closing price for any day shall be the last
sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Rights are not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange
on which the Rights are listed or admitted to trading or as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market or, if the Rights are not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange or reported on the Nasdaq National Market,
the last quoted price or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low
asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by Nasdaq or such other
system then in use or, if on any such date the Rights are not quoted by any such
organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in the Rights selected by the Board of
Directors of the Company. If on any such date no such market maker is making a
market in the Rights, the fair value of the Rights on such date as determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be used.
(b) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
Preferred Shares (other than fractions which are integral multiples of one one-
hundredth of a Preferred Share) upon exercise of the Rights or to distribute
certificates which evidence fractional Preferred Shares (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share).
Fractions of Preferred Shares in integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a
Preferred
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Share may, at the election of the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts;
provided, however, that holders of such depositary receipts shall have all of
the designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions to which they are entitled as beneficial owners of
the Preferred Shares represented by such depositary receipts. In lieu of
fractional Preferred Shares that are not integral multiples of one one-hundredth
of a Preferred Share, the Company shall pay to the registered holders of Right
Certificates at the time such Rights are exercised as herein provided an amount
in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of one Preferred
Share. For the purposes of this Section 14(b), the current market value of a
Preferred Share shall be the current per share market price of the Preferred
Shares (as determined pursuant to the second sentence of Section 11(d)(i)
hereof) for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of such exercise (or,
if not publicly traded, in accordance with Section 11(d)(ii) hereof).
(c) Following the occurrence of one of the transactions or events
specified in Section 11 hereof giving rise to the right to receive Common
Shares, capital stock equivalents (other than Preferred Shares) or other
securities upon the exercise of a Right, the Company shall not be required to
issue fractions of Common Shares or units of such Common Shares, capital stock
equivalents or other securities upon exercise of the Rights or to distribute
certificates which evidence fractional Common Shares, capital stock equivalents
or other securities. In lieu of fractional Common Shares, capital stock
equivalents or other securities, the Company shall pay to the registered holders
of Right Certificates at the time such Rights are exercised as herein provided
an amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of one
Common Share or unit of such Common Shares, capital stock equivalents or other
securities. For purposes of this Section 14(c), the current market value shall
be the current per share market price (as determined pursuant to Section
11(d)(i) hereof) for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of such
exercise and, if such capital stock equivalent is not traded, each such capital
stock equivalent shall have the value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share.
(d) The holder of a Right by the acceptance of the Right expressly
waives his right to receive any fractional Rights or any fractional shares upon
exercise of a Right (except as provided above).
Section 15. Rights of Action. All rights of action in respect of this
Agreement, excepting the rights of action given to the Rights Agent under
Sections 18 and 20 hereof, are vested in the respective registered holders of
the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the registered
holders of the Common Shares) and any registered holder of any Right Certificate
(or, prior to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), without the consent
of the Rights Agent or of the holder of any other Right Certificate (or, prior
to the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), may, in his own behalf and for
his own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or
proceeding against the Company to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, his
right to exercise the Rights evidenced by such Right Certificate in the manner
provided in such Right Certificate and in this Agreement. Without limiting the
foregoing or any remedies available to the holders of Rights, it is specifically
acknowledged that the holders of Rights would not have an adequate remedy at law
for any breach of this Agreement and will be entitled to specific performance of
the obligations under, and injunctive relief against actual or threatened
violations of the obligations of any Person subject to, this Agreement. Holders
of
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Rights shall be entitled to recover the reasonable costs and expenses, including
attorneys fees, incurred by them in any action to enforce the provisions of this
Agreement.
Section 16. Agreement of Right Holders. Every holder of a Right, by
accepting the same, consents and agrees with the Company and the Rights Agent
and with every other holder of a Right that:
(a) prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be
transferable only in connection with the transfer of the Common Shares;
(b) after the Distribution Date, the Right Certificates are
transferable (subject to the provisions of this Rights Agreement) only on the
registry books of the Rights Agent if surrendered at the principal office of the
Rights Agent, duly endorsed or accompanied by a proper instrument of transfer;
and
(c) the Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the person
in whose name the Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, the
associated Common Shares certificate) is registered as the absolute owner
thereof and of the Rights evidenced thereby (notwithstanding any notations of
ownership or writing on the Right Certificates or the associated Common Shares
certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Rights Agent) for all
purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall be
affected by any notice to the contrary.
Section 17. Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder. No holder,
as such, of any Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote, receive dividends
or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Preferred Shares or any other
securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the exercise of
the Rights represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein or in any
Right Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Right
Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to
stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any
corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting
stockholders (except as provided in Section 25 hereof), or to receive dividends
or subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by
such Right Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with the
provisions hereof.
Section 18. Concerning the Rights Agent. The Company agrees to pay to the
Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder
and, from time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable expenses
and counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and
execution of this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties
hereunder. The Company also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to
hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, or expense, incurred without
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights Agent, for
anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent in connection with the acceptance
and administration of this Agreement, including the costs and expenses of
defending against any claim of liability in the premises. The indemnity provided
herein shall survive the expiration of the Rights and the termination of this
Agreement.
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The Rights Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability
for, or in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection
with, its administration of this Agreement in reliance upon any Right
Certificate or certificate for the Preferred Shares or Common Shares or for
other securities of the Company, instrument of assignment or transfer, power of
attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter, notice, direction, consent,
certificate, statement, or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine
and to be signed, executed and, where necessary, verified or acknowledged, by
the proper person or persons, or otherwise upon the advice of counsel as set
forth in Section 20 hereof. In no case will the Rights Agent be liable for
special, indirect, incidental or consequential or consequential loss or damage
at any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the
Rights Agent has been advised of such loss or damage.
Section 19. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent . Any
corporation into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be
merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from
any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights
Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the shareholder
services or corporate trust business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights
Agent, shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without
the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of
the parties hereto, provided that such corporation would be eligible for
appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 21
hereof. In case at the time such successor Rights Agent shall succeed to the
agency created by this Agreement any of the Right Certificates shall have been
countersigned but not delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may adopt the
countersignature of the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver such Right
Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Right
Certificates shall not have been countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may
countersign such Right Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights
Agent or in the name of the successor Rights Agent; and in all such cases such
Right Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right Certificates
and in this Agreement.
In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall be changed
and at such time any of the Right Certificates shall have been countersigned but
not delivered, the Rights Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior
name and deliver Right Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that time
any of the Right Certificates shall not have been countersigned, the Rights
Agent may countersign such Right Certificates either in its prior name or in its
changed name; and in all such cases such Right Certificates shall have the full
force provided in the Right Certificates and in this Agreement.
Section 20. Duties of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes the duties
and obligations imposed by this Agreement upon the following terms and
conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Right Certificates,
by their acceptance thereof, shall be bound:
(a) The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel of its choice
(who may be legal counsel for the Company), and the opinion of such counsel
shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights Agent
as to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance
with such opinion.
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(b) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or
matter be proved or established by the Company prior to taking or suffering
any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect
thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively
proved and established by a certificate signed by any one of the Chairman
of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief
Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of
the Company and delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall
be full authorization to the Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered
in good faith by it under the provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon
such certificate.
(c) The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder to the Company and
any other Person only for its own negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct.
(d) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of
the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the
Right Certificates (except its countersignature thereof) or be required to
verify the same, but all such statements and recitals are and shall be
deemed to have been made by the Company only.
(e) The Rights Agent shall not be under any responsibility in
respect of the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery
hereof (except the due execution hereof by the Rights Agent) or in respect
of the validity or execution of any Right Certificate (except its
countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by
the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in
any Right Certificate; nor shall it be responsible for any change in the
exercisability of the Rights (including the Rights becoming void pursuant
to Section 11(a)(ii) hereof) or any adjustment in the terms of the Rights
(including the manner, method or amount thereof) provided for in Sections
3, 11, 13, 23 or 24 hereof, or the ascertaining of the existence of facts
that would require any such change or adjustment (except with respect to
the exercise of Rights evidenced by Right Certificates after receipt of a
certificate pursuant to Section 12 hereof describing such change or
adjustment); nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any
representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any
Preferred Shares to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Right
Certificate or as to whether any Preferred Shares will, when issued, be
validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(f) The Company agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge
and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered
all such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may
reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or
performing by the Rights Agent of the provisions of this Agreement.
(g) The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept
instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from
any one of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Secretary
or the Treasurer of the Company, and to apply to such officers for advice
or instructions in connection with its duties, and it shall not be liable
for any action taken or suffered by it in good faith in accordance with
instructions of any such officer or for any delay in acting while waiting
for those instructions. Any application by the Rights Agent for written
instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Rights Agent, set
forth in writing any
24
<PAGE>
action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Rights Agent with respect to
its duties or obligations under this Agreement and the date on and/or after
which such action shall be taken or omitted and the Rights Agent shall not
be liable for any action taken or omitted in accordance with a proposal
included in any such application on or after the date specified therein
(which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date
indicated in such application unless any such officer shall have consented
in writing to an earlier date) unless, prior to taking or omitting any such
action, the Rights Agent has received written instructions in response to
such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.
(h) The Rights Agent and any stockholder, director, officer or
employee of the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Rights or
other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any
transaction in which the Company may be interested, or contract with or
lend money to the Company or otherwise act as fully and freely as though it
were not Rights Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude
the Rights Agent from acting in any other capacity for the Company or for
any other legal entity.
(i) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or
powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or
by or through its attorneys or agents, and the Rights Agent shall not be
answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of
any such attorneys or agents or for any loss to the Company resulting from
any such act, default, neglect or misconduct, provided reasonable care was
exercised in the selection and continued employment thereof.
(j) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Rights Agent
to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability
in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of its
rights if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of
such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or liability is
not reasonably assured to it.
(k) If, with respect to any Right Certificate surrendered to the
Rights Agent for exercise or transfer, the certificate attached to the form
of assignment or form of election to purchase, as the case may be, has not
been executed, the Rights Agent shall not take any further action with
respect to such requested exercise of transfer without first consulting
with the Company.
Section 21. Change of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any successor
Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement
upon 30 days' notice in writing mailed to the Company and to each transfer agent
for the Common Shares or Preferred Shares by registered or certified mail, and
to the holders of the Right Certificates by first-class mail. The Company may
remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon 30 days' notice in
writing, mailed to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may
be, and to each transfer agent for the Common Shares or Preferred Shares by
registered or certified mail, and to the holders of the Right Certificates by
first-class mail. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall
otherwise become incapable of acting, the Company shall appoint a successor to
the Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such appointment within a
period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been
notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or
incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of
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<PAGE>
a Right Certificate (who shall, with such notice, submit his Right Certificate
for inspection by the Company), then the registered holder of any Right
Certificate may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment
of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by the
Company or by such a court, shall be either (a) a corporation business trust or
limited liability company organized and doing business under the laws of the
United States or of any other state of the United States which is authorized
under such laws to exercise corporate trust or stock transfer powers and is
subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and which
has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50 million or (b) a direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of such an entity or its wholly-owning parent. After appointment, the
successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and
responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without
further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer
to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and
execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for
the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment the
Company shall file notice thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent
and each transfer agent for the Common Shares or Preferred Shares, and mail a
notice thereof in writing to the registered holders of the Right Certificates.
Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 21, however, or any
defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or
removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as
the case may be.
Section 22. Issuance of New Right Certificates. Notwithstanding any of the
provisions of this Agreement or of the Rights to the contrary, the Company may,
at its option, issue new Right Certificates evidencing Rights in such form as
may be approved by its Board of Directors to reflect any adjustment or change in
the Purchase Price and the number or kind or class of shares or other securities
or property purchasable under the Right Certificates made in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement. In addition, in connection with the issuance or
sale of Common Shares following the Distribution Date and prior to the earlier
of the Redemption Date and the Final Expiration Date, the Company (a) shall with
respect to Common Shares so issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock
options or under any employee plan or arrangement in existence prior to the
Distribution Date, or upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of securities,
notes or debentures issued by the Company and in existence prior to the
Distribution Date, and (b) may, in any other case, if deemed necessary or
appropriate by the Board of Directors of the Company, issue Right Certificates
representing the appropriate number of Rights in connection with such issuance
or sale; provided, however, that (i) the Company shall not be obligated to issue
any such Right Certificates if, and to the extent that, the Company shall be
advised by counsel that such issuance would create a significant risk of
material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the Person to whom such
Right Certificate would be issued, and (ii) no Right Certificate shall be issued
if, and to the extent that, appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have been
made in lieu of the issuance thereof.
Section 23. Redemption.
(a) The Rights may be redeemed by action of the Board of Directors
pursuant to Section 23(b) hereof and shall not be redeemed in any other
manner.
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(b) (i) The Board of Directors of the Company may, at its
option, at any time prior to the earlier of such time as any Person becoming an
Acquiring Person or the Final Expiration Date, redeem all but not less than all
of the then outstanding Rights at a redemption price of $.01 per Right,
appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or similar
transaction occurring after the date hereof (such redemption price being
hereinafter referred to as the "Redemption Price"), and the Company may, at its
option, pay the Redemption Price in Common Shares (based on the "current per-
share market price," as such term is defined in Section 11(d) hereof, of the
Common Shares at the time of redemption), cash or any other form of
consideration deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The redemption of
the Rights by the Board of Directors may be made effective at such time, on such
basis and subject to such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole
discretion may establish. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
to the contrary, the Rights shall not be exercisable pursuant to Section
11(a)(ii) hereof prior to the expiration or termination of the Company's right
of redemption under this Section 23(b)(i).
(ii) In addition, the Board of Directors of the Company may,
at its option, at any time after the time a Person becomes an Acquiring
Person and the expiration of any period during which the holder of Rights
may exercise the rights under Section 11(a)(ii) hereof but prior to any
event described in clause (x), (y) or (z) of the first sentence of Section
13 hereof, redeem all but not less than all of the then outstanding Rights
at the Redemption Price (x) in connection with any merger, consolidation or
sale or other transfer (in one transaction or in a series of related
transactions) of assets or earning power aggregating 50% or more of the
assets or earning power of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a
whole) in which all holders of Common Shares are treated alike and not
involving (other than as a holder of Common Shares being treated like all
other such holders) an Interested Stockholder or a Transaction Person or
(y)(A) if and for so long as the Acquiring Person is not thereafter the
Beneficial Owner of 20% or more of the then outstanding Common Shares, and
(B) at the time of redemption no other Persons are Acquiring Persons.
(c) Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors of the
Company ordering the redemption of the Rights pursuant to Section 23(b)
hereof, and without any further action and without any notice, the right to
exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right thereafter of the
holders of Rights shall be to receive the Redemption Price. The Company
shall promptly give public notice of any such redemption; provided,
however, that the failure to give, or any defect in, any such notice shall
not affect the validity of such redemption. Within 10 days after such
action of the Board of Directors ordering the redemption of the Rights
pursuant to Section 23(b) hereof, the Company shall mail a notice of
redemption to all the holders of the then outstanding Rights at their last
addresses as they appear upon the registry books of the Rights Agent or,
prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of the transfer agent
for the Common Shares, provided, however, that failure to give, or any
defect in, any such notice shall not affect the validity of such
redemption. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall
be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the notice. Each such
notice of redemption will state the method by which the payment of the
Redemption Price will be made. Neither the Company nor any of its
Affiliates or Associates may redeem, acquire or purchase for value any
Rights at any time in any manner other than that specifically set forth in
this Section 23 or in Section 24 hereof, and other than in connection with
the purchase of Common Shares prior to the Distribution Date.
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<PAGE>
(d) The Company may, at its option, discharge all of its
obligations with respect to any redemption of the Rights by (i) issuing a
press release announcing the manner of redemption of the Rights and (ii)
mailing payment of the Redemption Price to the registered holders of the
Rights at their last addresses as they appear on the registry books of the
Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of
the transfer agent for the Common Shares, and upon such action, all
outstanding Right Certificates shall be null and void without any further
action by the Company.
Section 24. Exchange.
(a) The Board of Directors of the Company may, at its option, at
any time after any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, exchange all or part
of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (which shall not include
Rights that have become void pursuant to the provisions of Section
11(a)(ii) hereof) for Common Shares at an exchange ratio of one Common
Share per Right, appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock
dividend or similar transaction occurring after the date hereof (such
exchange ratio being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Ratio").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors shall not be
empowered to effect such exchange at any time after any Person (other than
the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee benefit plan of
the Company or any such Subsidiary, or any entity holding Common Shares for
or pursuant to the terms of any such plan), together with all Affiliates
and Associates of such Person, becomes the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more
of the Common Shares then outstanding.
(b) Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors of the
Company ordering the exchange of any Rights pursuant to Section 24(a)
hereof and without any further action and without any notice, the right to
exercise such Rights shall terminate and the only right thereafter of a
holder of such Rights shall be to receive that number of Common Shares
equal to the number of such Rights held by such holder multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio. The Company shall promptly give public notice of any such
exchange; provided, however, that the failure to give, or any defect in,
such notice shall not affect the validity of such exchange. The Company
promptly shall mail a notice of any such exchange to all of the holders of
such Rights at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry books
of the Rights Agent; provided, however, that the failure to give, or any
defect in, such notice shall not affect the validity of such exchange. Any
notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be deemed given,
whether or not the holder receives the notice. Each such notice of exchange
will state the method by which the exchange of the Common Shares for Rights
will be effected and, in the event of any partial exchange, the number of
Rights which will be exchanged. Any partial exchange shall be effected pro
rata based on the number of Rights (other than Rights which have become
void pursuant to the provisions of Section 11(a)(ii) hereof) held by each
holder of Rights.
(c) In lieu of issuing Common Shares in accordance with Section
24(a) hereof, the Company may, if a majority of the Board of Directors then
in office determines that such action is necessary or appropriate and not
contrary to the interests of the holders of Rights, elect to (and, in the
event that there are not sufficient treasury shares and authorized but
unissued Common Shares to permit any exchange of the Rights in accordance
with Section 24(a) hereof, the Company shall) take all such action as may
be necessary to authorize, issue or pay, upon the exchange of the Rights,
cash (including by way of a reduction of the Purchase Price), property,
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<PAGE>
Common Shares, other securities or any combination thereof having an
aggregate value equal to the value of the Common Shares which otherwise
would have been issuable pursuant to Section 24(a) hereof, which aggregate
value shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment banking
firm selected by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, the value of the Common Shares shall be
determined pursuant to Section 11(d) hereof. Any election pursuant to this
Section 24(c) by the Board of Directors must be made within 60 days
following the date on which the event described in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof
shall have occurred. Following the occurrence of the event described in
Section 11(a)(ii) hereof, a majority of the Board of Directors then in
office may suspend the exercisability of the Rights for a period of up to
60 days following the date on which the event described in Section
11(a)(ii) hereof shall have occurred to the extent that such directors have
not determined whether to exercise their rights of election under this
Section 24(c). In the event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue
a public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has
been temporarily suspended.
(d) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of Common
Shares or to distribute certificates which evidence fractional Common
Shares. In lieu of such fractional Common Shares, the Company shall pay to
the registered holders of the Right Certificates with regard to which such
fractional Common Shares would otherwise be issuable an amount in cash
equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a whole Common
Share. For the purposes of this Section 24(d), the current market value of
a whole Common Share shall be the closing price of a Common Share (as
determined pursuant to the second sentence of Section 11(d)(i) hereof) for
the Trading Day immediately after the date of the first public announcement
by the Company that an exchange is to be effected pursuant to this Section
24.
(e) The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
Preferred Shares (other than fractions which are integral multiples of one
one-hundredth of a Preferred Share) upon exchange of the Rights or to
distribute certificates which evidence fractional Preferred Shares (other
than fractions which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share). Fractions of Preferred Shares in integral multiples of
one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share may, at the election of the Company,
be evidenced by depositary receipts; provided, however, that holders of
such depositary receipts shall have all of the designations and the powers,
preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions to which they are entitled as beneficial owners of the
Preferred Shares represented by such depositary receipts. In lieu of
fractional Preferred Shares that are not integral multiples of one one-
hundredth of a Preferred Share, the Company shall pay to the registered
holders of Right Certificates at the time such Rights are exercised as
herein provided an amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current
market value of one Preferred Share. For the purposes of this Section
24(e), the current market value of a Preferred Share shall be one hundred
(100) times the closing price of a Common Share (as determined pursuant to
the second sentence of Section 11(d)(i) hereof) for the Trading Day
immediately after the date of the first public announcement by the Company
that an exchange is to be effected pursuant to this Section 24.
Section 25. Notice of Certain Events.
(a) In case the Company shall propose (i) to pay any dividend
payable in stock of any class to the holders of its Preferred Shares or to
make any other distribution to the
29
<PAGE>
holders of its Preferred Shares (other than a regular quarterly cash
dividend), (ii) to offer to the holders of its Preferred Shares rights or
warrants to subscribe for or to purchase any additional Preferred Shares or
shares of stock of any class or any other securities, rights or options,
(iii) to effect any reclassification of its Preferred Shares (other than a
reclassification involving only the subdivision of outstanding Preferred
Shares), (iv) to effect any consolidation or merger into or with, or to
effect any sale or other transfer (or to permit one or more of its
Subsidiaries to effect any sale or other transfer), in one or more
transactions, of 50% or more of the assets or earning power of the Company
and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole), to any other Person, (v) to effect
the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or (vi) to
declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares
or to effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the Common
Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in
Common Shares), then, in each such case, the Company shall give to each
holder of a Right Certificate, in accordance with Section 26 hereof, a
notice of such proposed action, which shall specify the record date for the
purpose of such stock dividend, or distribution of rights or warrants, or
the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, liquidation, dissolution, or winding up is to take place and the
date of participation therein by the holders of the Common Shares and/or
the Preferred Shares, if any such date is to be fixed, and such notice
shall be so given in the case of any action covered by clause (i) or (ii)
above at least 10 days prior to the record date for determining holders of
the Preferred Shares for purposes of such action, and in the case of any
such other action, at least 10 days prior to the date of the taking of such
proposed action or the date of participation therein by the holders of the
Common Shares and/or the Preferred Shares, whichever shall be the earlier.
(b) In case the event set forth in Section 11(a)(ii) hereof shall
occur, then the Company shall as soon as practicable thereafter give to
each holder of a Right Certificate, in accordance with Section 26 hereof, a
notice of the occurrence of such event, which notice shall describe the
event and the consequences of the event to holders of Rights under Section
11(a)(ii) hereof.
Section 26. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be
given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Right Certificate to
or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with
the Rights Agent) as follows:
Evolving Systems, Inc.
9777 Mt. Pyramid
Englewood, CO 80112
Attn: Anita Moseley
Subject to the provisions of Section 21 hereof, any notice or demand
authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder
of any Right Certificate to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given
or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another
address is filed in writing with the Company) as follows:
30
<PAGE>
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
40 Wall Street, 46th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Attn: Corporate Trust Department
Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by
the Company or the Rights Agent to the holder of any Right Certificate shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry
books of the Company.
Section 27. Supplements and Amendments. Prior to the Distribution Date,
the Company and the Rights Agent shall, if the Company so directs, supplement or
amend any provision of this Agreement without the approval of any holders of the
Rights. From and after the Distribution Date, the Company and the Rights Agent
shall, if the Company so directs, from time to time supplement or amend any
provision of this Agreement without the approval of any holders of Right
Certificates in order to (i) cure any ambiguity, (ii) correct or supplement any
provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provisions herein, or (iii) change any other provisions with respect to the
Rights which the Company may deem necessary or desirable; provided, however,
that no such supplement or amendment shall be made which would adversely affect
the interests of the holders of Rights (other than the interests of an Acquiring
Person or its Affiliates or Associates). Any supplement or amendment adopted
during any period after any Person has become an Acquiring Person but prior to
the Distribution Date shall become null and void unless such supplement or
amendment could have been adopted by the Company from and after the Distribution
Date. Any such supplement or amendment shall be evidenced by a writing signed by
the Company and the Rights Agent. Upon delivery of a certificate from an
appropriate officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement or
amendment is in compliance with the terms of this Section 27, the Rights Agent
shall execute such supplement or amendment unless the Rights Agent shall have
determined in good faith that such supplement or amendment would adversely
affect its interest under this Agreement. Prior to the Distribution Date, the
interests of the holders of Rights shall be deemed coincident with the interests
of the holders of Common Shares.
Section 28. Determination and Actions by the Board of Directors, etc. For
all purposes of this Agreement, any calculation of the number of Common Shares
outstanding at any particular time, including for purposes of determining the
particular percentage of such outstanding Common Shares or any other securities
of which any Person is the Beneficial Owner, shall be made in accordance with
the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement. The Board of
Directors of the Company shall have the exclusive power and authority to
administer this Agreement and to exercise all rights and powers specifically
granted to the Board, or the Company, or as may be necessary or advisable in the
administration of this Agreement, including without limitation, the right and
power to (i) interpret the provisions of this Agreement, and (ii) make all
determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of this
Agreement (including a determination to redeem or not redeem the Rights or to
amend the Agreement). All such actions, calculations, interpretations and
determinations (including, for purposes of clause (y) below, all omissions with
respect to the foregoing) which are done or made by the Board in
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good faith, shall (x) be final, conclusive and binding on the Rights Agent and
the holders of the Rights, and (y) not subject the Board to any liability to the
holders of the Rights.
Section 29. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement
by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to
the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.
Section 30. Benefits of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed to give to any person or corporation other than the Company, the
Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Right Certificates (and, prior to
the Distribution Date, the Common Shares) any legal or equitable right, remedy
or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of
the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the Common Shares).
Section 31. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
Section 32. Governing Law . This Agreement and each Right Certificate
issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the
State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of such State applicable to contracts to be made and
performed entirely within such State.
Section 33. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to
be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.
Section 34. Descriptive Headings. Descriptive headings of the several
Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not
control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.
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In Witness Whereof, parties whereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
Attest: Evolving Systems, Inc.
- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Anita Moseley George A. Hallenbeck
Secretary President and Chief Executive Officer
Attest: AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY.
By:-------------------------------- By:------------------------------------
Print Name:------------------------ Print Name:----------------------------
Title:----------------------------- Title:---------------------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
(Pursuant to Section 151 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law)
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter called the
"Company"), hereby certifies that the following resolution was adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation as required by Section 151 of the General
Corporation Law at a meeting duly called and held on February 23, 1999:
Resolved, that pursuant to the authority granted to and vested in the Board
of Directors of the Company in accordance with the provisions of its Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors hereby creates a
series of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company and hereby
states the designation and number of shares, and fixes the relative designations
and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof (in addition to the provisions set forth in the Certificate
of Incorporation of the Company, which are applicable to the Preferred Stock of
all classes and series), as follows:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock:
Section 1. Designation and Amount. Two hundred and fifty thousand
(250,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, are designated "Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock" with the designations and the powers,
preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions
specified herein (the "Junior Preferred Stock"). Such number of shares may be
increased or decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided, that
no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Junior Preferred Stock to a
number less than the number of shares then outstanding plus the number of shares
reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, rights or
warrants or upon the conversion of any outstanding securities issued by the
Company convertible into Junior Preferred Stock.
Section 2. Dividends and Distributions.
(a) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of any
series of Preferred Stock (or any similar stock) ranking prior and superior
to the Junior Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of
shares of Junior Preferred Stock, in preference to the holders of Common
Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company, and
of any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the
purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the first day
A-1
<PAGE>
of April, July, October and January in each year (each such date being
referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"), commencing on
the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a
share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, in an amount per
share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $l.00 or
(b) subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100
times the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times
the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends
or other distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of Common
Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Stock since the
immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to
the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any
share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination
or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of
Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock,
then in each such case the amount to which holders of shares of Junior
Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause
(b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount
by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which
is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately
prior to such event.
(b) The Company shall declare a dividend or distribution on the
Junior Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph (A) of this Section
immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on the Common
Stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided,
that in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared on
the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of
$1.00 per share on the Junior Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be payable
on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
(c) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of Junior Preferred Stock from the Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares, unless the
date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares
shall begin to accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the
date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the
record date for the determination of holders of shares of Junior Preferred
Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin
to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the
shares of Junior Preferred Stock in an amount less than the total amount of
such dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall be
allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the
time outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for the
determination of holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which
record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the
payment thereof.
A-2
<PAGE>
Section 3. Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock
shall have the following voting rights:
(a) Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth,
each share of Junior Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to
100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the
Company. In the event the Company shall at any time declare or pay any
dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a
subdivision or combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a
dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of
shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the number of votes per
share to which holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock were entitled
immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such
number by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator
of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, in any other Certificate
of Designation creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar stock,
or by law, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock and the holders
of shares of Common Stock and any other capital stock of the Company having
general voting rights shall vote together as one class on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company .
(c) Except as set forth herein, or as otherwise provided by law,
holders of Junior Preferred Stock shall have no special voting rights and
their consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled
to vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for taking any
corporate action.
Section 4. Certain Restrictions.
(a) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or
distributions payable on the Junior Preferred Stock as provided in Section
2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and
distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Junior Preferred Stock
outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Company shall not:
(i) declare or pay dividends, or make any other
distributions, on any shares of stock ranking junior (either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior
Preferred Stock;
(ii) declare or pay dividends, or make any other
distributions, on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Junior
Preferred Stock, except dividends paid ratably on the Junior Preferred
Stock and all such parity stock on which dividends are payable or in
arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such
shares are then entitled;
(iii) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration shares of any stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock, provided
that the Company may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of
any such junior stock in exchange for shares of any stock of the
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<PAGE>
Company ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation
or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock; or
(iv) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of Junior Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock
ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up) with the Junior Preferred Stock, except in
accordance with a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as
determined by the Board of Directors) to all holders of such shares upon
such terms as the Board of Directors, after consideration of the respective
annual dividend rates and other relative rights and preferences of the
respective series and classes, shall determine in good faith will result in
fair and equitable treatment among the respective series or classes.
(b) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the Company to
purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock of the
Company unless the Company could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.
Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Junior Preferred Stock
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be
retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares
shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred
Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock subject to
the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein, in the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or in any other Certificate of
Designation creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar stock or as
otherwise required by law.
Section 6. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, no distribution shall be made (1) to
the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock unless,
prior thereto, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall have
received $100 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends
and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment,
provided that the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall be entitled
to receive an aggregate amount per share, subject to the provision for
adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to 100 times the aggregate amount to be
distributed per share to holders of shares of Common Stock, or (2) to the
holders of shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Junior Preferred Stock, except
distributions made ratably on the Junior Preferred Stock and all such parity
stock in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares
are entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a
greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
aggregate amount to which holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock were
entitled immediately prior to such event under the proviso in clause (1) of the
preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event
A-4
<PAGE>
and the denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were
outstanding immediately prior to such event.
Section 7. Consolidation, Merger, Etc. In case the Company shall enter
into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the
shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case each share of
Junior Preferred Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed
into an amount per share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter
set forth, equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash
and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or
for which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a
greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or
change of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such
amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to
such event.
Section 8. No Redemption. The shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall not
be redeemable.
Section 9. Rank. The Junior Preferred Stock shall rank, with respect to
the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, junior to all series of
any other class of the Company's Preferred Stock.
Section 10. Amendment. The Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company shall not be amended in any manner which would
materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
Junior Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely without the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Junior
Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class .
A-5
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this certificate as of
February 23, 1999.
-------------------------------------
GEORGE A. HALLENBACK
President and Chief Executive Officer
-------------------------------------
ANITA MOSELEY
Secretary
A-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FORM OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE
<PAGE>
FORM OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE
(Exhibit B to Rights Agreement)
Certificate No. R- _____ Rights
NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23, 2009 OR EARLIER IF REDEMPTION OR
EXCHANGE OCCURS. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION AT $.01 PER RIGHT
AND TO EXCHANGE ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.
RIGHT CERTIFICATE
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
This certifies that ___________________ or registered assigns, is the
registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles
the owner thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights
Agreement, dated as of February 23, 1999 the "Rights Agreement"), between
Evolving Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "Rights Agent"), to purchase from the
Company at any time after the Distribution Date (as such term is defined in the
Rights Agreement) and prior to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on February 23, 2009 at
the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, or at the office of
its successor as Rights Agent, one one-hundredth of a fully paid non-assessable
share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per
share (the "Preferred Shares"), of the Company, at a purchase price of $40.00
per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), upon
presentation and surrender of this Right Certificate with the Form of Election
to Purchase duly executed. The number of Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate (and the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which may
be purchased upon exercise hereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set
forth above, are the number and Purchase Price as of February 23, 1999, based on
the Preferred Shares as constituted at such date.
From and after the time any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, (as such terms
are defined in the Rights Agreement), if the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate are beneficially owned by (i) an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or
Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined in the Rights
Agreement), (ii) a transferee of any such Acquiring Person, Associate or
Affiliate who becomes a transferee after the Acquiring Person becomes such, or
(iii) under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement, a
transferee of any such Acquiring Person, Associate or Affiliate who becomes a
transferee prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person becoming such,
such Rights shall become null and void without any further action and no holder
hereof shall have any right with respect to such Rights from and after the time
any Person becomes an Acquiring Person.
B-1
<PAGE>
As provided in the Rights Agreement, the Purchase Price and the number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which may be purchased upon the exercise of
the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate are subject to modification and
adjustment upon the happening of certain events.
This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms, provisions and conditions
of the Rights Agreement, as amended from time to time, which terms, provisions
and conditions are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part
hereof and to which Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full
description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and
immunities hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the
Right Certificates. Copies of the Rights Agreement are on file at the principal
executive offices of the Company and the above-mentioned offices of the Rights
Agent.
This Right Certificate, with or without other Right Certificates, upon surrender
at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, may be exchanged
for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates of like tenor and date
evidencing Rights entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate number of
Preferred Shares as the Rights evidenced by the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this
Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall be entitled to
receive upon surrender hereof another Right Certificate or Right Certificates
for the number of whole Rights not exercised.
Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights evidenced by this
Certificate (i) may be redeemed by the Company at a redemption price of $.01 per
Right or (ii) may be exchanged in whole or in part for shares of the Company's
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, or, upon circumstances set forth in the
Rights Agreement, cash, property or other securities of the Company, including
fractions of a share of Preferred Stock.
No fractional Preferred Shares will be issued upon the exercise of any Right or
Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions which are integral multiples of
one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, which may, at the election of the
Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts) but in lieu thereof a cash payment
will be made, as provided in the Rights Agreement.
No holder of this Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote or receive
dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Preferred Shares or of
any other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the
exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or herein
be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any of the rights of a
stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or
upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or
withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or
other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in the Rights
Agreement), or to receive dividends or subscription rights, or otherwise, until
the Right or Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate shall have been
exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until it
shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.
B-2
<PAGE>
WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the Company and its
corporate seal. Dated as of February 23, 1999.
Attest: Evolving Systems, Inc.
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Anita Moseley George A. Hallenbeck
Secretary President and Chief Executive Officer
Countersigned:
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
as Rights Agent
By:
-----------------------------------
Name:
---------------------------------
Title:
- ------
B-3
<PAGE>
Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered holder if such
holder desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)
For Value Received ______________________________________ hereby sells,
assigns and transfers unto
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address of transferee)
______________________________________________________________ this Right
Certificate, together with all right, title and interest therein, and does
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________ Attorney, to
transfer the within Right Certificate on the books of the within-named Company,
with full power of substitution.
Dated: ____________________
-------------------------------------------
Signature
FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE - continued
B-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED:
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined
in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
-----------------------------------
The undersigned hereby certifies that (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate are not being sold, assigned or transferred by or on behalf of a
Person who is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder or an
Affiliate or Associate thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights
Agreement); and (2) after due inquiry and to the best of the knowledge of the
undersigned, the undersigned did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate from any Person who is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested
Stockholder, or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.
-----------------------------------------
Signature
B-5
<PAGE>
FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
(To be executed if holder desires to exercise
Rights represented by the Right Certificate.)
To American Stock Transfer & Trust Company:
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise --------------------------
Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the Preferred Shares
issuable upon the exercise of such Rights and requests that certificates for
such Preferred Shares be issued in the name of:
Please insert social security
or other identifying number: ______________
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the balance remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:
Please insert social security
or other identifying number: ______________
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: _________________
-------------------------------------------
Signature
B-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED:
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined
in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
---------------------------------------
The undersigned hereby certifies that (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate are not beneficially owned by nor are they being exercised on behalf
of an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder or an Affiliate or Associate
thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement); and (2) after due
inquiry and to the best of the knowledge of the undersigned, the undersigned did
not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate from any Person who
is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder, or an Affiliate or
Associate thereof.
-------------------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------------
NOTICE
The signature in the Form of Assignment or Form of Election to Purchase, as the
case may be, must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change
whatsoever.
In the event the certification set forth above in the Form of Assignment or the
Form of Election to Purchase, as the case may be, is not completed, the Company
and the Rights Agent will deem the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by
this Right Certificate to be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate
thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and such Assignment or Election to
Purchase will not be honored.
B-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FORM OF SUMMARY OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE PREFERRED SHARES
<PAGE>
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
SUMMARY OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE
PREFERRED SHARES
On February 23, 1999, the Board of Directors of Evolving Systems, Inc. (the
"Company") declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right")
for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the
"Common Shares"), of the Company. The dividend is effective as of March 12,
1999 (the "Record Date") with respect to the stockholders of record on that
date. The Rights will also attach to new Common Shares issued after the Record
Date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company
one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock,
par value $.001 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), of the Company at a price of
$40.00 per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"),
subject to adjustment. Each Preferred Share is designed to be the economic
equivalent of 100 Common Shares. The description and terms of the Rights are
set forth in a Rights Agreement dated as of February 23, 1999 (the "Rights
Agreement"), between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
(the "Rights Agent").
DETACHMENT AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS
Initially, the Rights will be evidenced by the stock certificates representing
Common Shares then outstanding, and no separate Right Certificates will be
distributed. Until the earlier to occur of (i) a public announcement that a
person or group of affiliated or associated persons, has become an "Acquiring
Person" (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) or (ii) 10 business
days (or such later date as the Board may determine) following the commencement
of, or announcement of an intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer
which would result in the beneficial ownership by an Acquiring Person of 20% or
more of the outstanding Common Shares (the earlier of such dates being called
the "Distribution Date"), the Rights will be evidenced, with respect to any of
the Common Share certificates outstanding as of the Record Date, by such Common
Share certificate. In general, an "Acquiring Person" is a person, the
affiliates or associates of such person, or a group, which has acquired
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding Common Shares.
The Rights Agreement provides that, until the Distribution Date (or earlier
redemption or expiration of the Rights), the Rights will be transferable with
and only with the Common Shares. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier
redemption or expiration of the Rights), new Common Share certificates issued
after the Record Date upon transfer or new issuance of Common Shares will
contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference. Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights) the
surrender or transfer of any certificates for Common Shares outstanding as of
the Record Date, even without such notation or a copy of this Summary of Rights
being attached thereto, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Shares represented by such certificate. As soon as
practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing
the Rights ("Right Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of the
Common Shares as of the close of business on the Distribution Date and such
separate Right Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.
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<PAGE>
EXERCISABILITY OF RIGHTS
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights will
expire on February 23, 2009 (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless the Final
Expiration Date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or
exchanged by the Company, in each case as described below. Until a Right is
exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a stockholder of
the Company, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive
dividends.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Preferred Shares or other
securities or property issuable or payable, upon exercise of the Rights are
subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution. The number of
outstanding Rights and the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share
issuable upon exercise of each Right are also subject to adjustment in the event
of a stock split of the Common Shares or a stock dividend on the Common Shares
payable in Common Shares, or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of the
Common Shares occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date. With
certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until
cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in such Purchase
Price. No fractional Preferred Shares will be issued (other than fractions
which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, which
may, at the election of the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts) and in
lieu thereof, an adjustment in cash will be made based on the market price of
the Preferred Shares on the last trading day prior to the date of exercise.
TERMS OF PREFERRED SHARES
Preferred Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable.
Each Preferred Share will be entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly
dividend payment of $l per share but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend
of 100 times the dividend declared per Common Share. In the event of
liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Shares will be entitled to a minimum
preferential liquidation payment of $100 per share but will be entitled to an
aggregate payment of 100 times the payment made per Common Share. Each
Preferred Share will have 100 votes, voting together with the Common Shares.
Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
Common Shares are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be entitled to receive
100 times the amount received per Common Share. These rights are protected by
customary anti-dilution provisions. Because of the nature of the Preferred
Shares' dividend, liquidation and voting rights, the value of the one one-
hundredth interest in a Preferred Share purchasable upon exercise of each Right
should approximate the value of one Common Share. The Preferred Shares would
rank junior to any other series of the Company's preferred stock.
TRIGGER OF FLIP-IN AND FLIP-OVER RIGHTS
In the event that any person or group of affiliated or associated persons
becomes an Acquiring Person, proper provision shall be made so that each holder
of a Right, other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person or any
affiliate or associate thereof (which will thereafter be void), will thereafter
have the right to receive upon exercise that number of Common Shares having a
market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. This right will
commence on the date of public announcement that a person has become an
Acquiring Person (or the effective date of a registration statement relating to
distribution of the rights, if
C-2
<PAGE>
later) and terminate 60 days later (subject to adjustment in the event exercise
of the rights is enjoined).
In the event that the Company is acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or earning
power are sold to an Acquiring Person, its affiliates or associates or certain
other persons in which such persons have an interest, proper provision will be
made so that each such holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to
receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then current exercise price of the
Right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at
the time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise
price of the Right.
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE OF RIGHTS
At any time prior to the earliest of (i) the close of business on the day of the
first public announcement that a person has become an Acquiring Person, or (ii)
the Final Expiration Date, the Board of Directors of the Company may redeem the
Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption
Price"). In general, the redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such
time on such basis with such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole
discretion may establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the
right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of
Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.
At any time after any Person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the
acquisition by such person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding Common
Shares, the Board of Directors of the Company may exchange the Rights (other
than Rights owned by such person or group which will have become void), in whole
or in part, at an exchange ratio of one Common Share, or, under circumstances
set forth in the Rights Agreement, cash, property or other securities of the
Company, including fractions of a Preferred Share (or of a share of a class or
series of the Company's preferred stock having equivalent designations and the
powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions), per Right (with value equal to such Common Shares).
AMENDMENT OF RIGHTS
The terms of the Rights generally may be amended by the Board of Directors of
the Company without the consent of the holders of the Rights, except that from
and after such time as the Rights are distributed no such amendment may
adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Rights (excluding the
interest of any Acquiring Person).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A copy of the Rights Agreement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 23,
1999. A copy of the Rights Agreement is available from the Company by writing
to: Anita Moseley, Evolving Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 6514, Englewood, CO 80155.
This summary description of the Rights is not intended to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
C-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.3
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF
SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
(Pursuant to Section 151 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law)
Evolving Systems, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (hereinafter called the
"Company"), hereby certifies that the following resolution was adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation as required by Section 151 of the General
Corporation Law at a meeting duly called and held on February 23, 1999:
Resolved, that pursuant to the authority granted to and
vested in the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance
with the provisions of its Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors hereby creates a series
of Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share, of the Company
and hereby states the designation and number of shares, and
fixes the relative designations and the powers, preferences
and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions
thereof (in addition to the provisions set forth in the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, which are applicable
to the Preferred Stock of all classes and series), as follows:
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock:
Section 1. Designation and Amount. Two hundred and fifty
thousand (250,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $.001 par value, are designated
"Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock" with the designations and the
powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and
restrictions specified herein (the "Junior Preferred Stock"). Such number of
shares may be increased or decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors;
provided, that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Junior Preferred
Stock to a number less than the number of shares then outstanding plus the
number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options,
rights or warrants or upon the conversion of any outstanding securities issued
by the Company convertible into Junior Preferred Stock.
Section 2. Dividends and Distributions.
(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of any
series of Preferred Stock (or any similar stock) ranking prior and superior
to the Junior Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, the holders of
shares of Junior Preferred Stock, in preference to the holders of
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Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the
Company, and of any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available
for the purpose, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the first day of
April, July, October and January in each year (each such date being
referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"), commencing on
the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a
share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, in an amount per
share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $l.00 or
(b) subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100
times the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times
the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends
or other distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of Common
Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Stock since the
immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to
the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any
share or fraction of a share of Junior Preferred Stock. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination
or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of
Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock,
then in each such case the amount to which holders of shares of Junior
Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause
(b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount
by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which
is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately
prior to such event.
(B) The Company shall declare a dividend or distribution on the
Junior Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph (A) of this Section
immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on the Common
Stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided,
that in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared on
the Common Stock during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment
Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of
$1.00 per share on the Junior Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be payable
on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
(C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of Junior Preferred Stock from the Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares, unless the
date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares
shall begin to accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the
date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the
record date for the determination of holders of shares of Junior Preferred
Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin
to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the
shares of Junior Preferred Stock in an amount less than the total amount of
such dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall be
allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the
time outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for the
determination of holders of shares of Junior Preferred
2
<PAGE>
Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution declared
thereon, which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to the date
fixed for the payment thereof.
Section 3. Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock
shall have the following voting rights:
(A) Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth,
each share of Junior Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to
100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the
Company. In the event the Company shall at any time declare or pay any
dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a
subdivision or combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a
dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of
shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the number of votes per
share to which holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock were entitled
immediately prior to such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such
number by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator
of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
(B) Except as otherwise provided herein, in any other Certificate
of Designation creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar stock,
or by law, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock and the holders
of shares of Common Stock and any other capital stock of the Company having
general voting rights shall vote together as one class on all matters
submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company.
(C) Except as set forth herein, or as otherwise provided by law,
holders of Junior Preferred Stock shall have no special voting rights and
their consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled
to vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth herein) for taking any
corporate action.
Section 4. Certain Restrictions.
(A) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or
distributions payable on the Junior Preferred Stock as provided in Section
2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and
distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Junior Preferred Stock
outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Company shall not:
(i) declare or pay dividends, or make any other
distributions, payable on the Junior Preferred Stock as provided in
Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accured and unpaid
windin g up) to the Junior Preferred Stock;
(ii) declare or pay dividends, or make any other
distributions, on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Junior
Preferred Stock, except dividends paid ratably on the Junior Preferred
Stock and all such parity stock on which dividends are payable or in
arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such
shares are then entitled;
3
<PAGE>
(iii) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration shares of any stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock,
provided that the Company may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire shares of any such junior stock in exchange for shares of any stock
of the Company ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock; or
(iv) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration
any shares of Junior Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock ranking on a
parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up) with the Junior Preferred Stock, except in accordance with a purchase
offer made in writing or by publication (as determined by the Board of
Directors) to all holders of such shares upon such terms as the Board of
Directors, after consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and
other relative rights and preferences of the respective series and classes,
shall determine in good faith will result in fair and equitable treatment
among the respective series or classes.
(B) The Company shall not permit any subsidiary of the Company to
purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of stock of the
Company unless the Company could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.
Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Junior Preferred Stock
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company in any manner whatsoever shall be
retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares
shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred
Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock subject to
the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein, in the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or in any other Certificate of
Designation creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar stock or as
otherwise required by law.
Section 6. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Upon any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, no distribution shall be made (1) to
the holders of shares of stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Junior Preferred Stock unless,
prior thereto, the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall have
received $100 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends
and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment,
provided that the holders of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall be entitled
to receive an aggregate amount per share, subject to the provision for
adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to 100 times the aggregate amount to be
distributed per share to holders of shares of Common Stock, or (2) to the
holders of shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Junior Preferred Stock, except
distributions made ratably on the Junior Preferred Stock and all such parity
stock in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares
are entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a
greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
aggregate amount to which holders of shares of Junior
4
<PAGE>
Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior to such event under the proviso
in clause (1) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such
amount by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to
such event.
Section 7. Consolidation, Merger, Etc. In case the Company shall enter
into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the
shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or
securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case each share of
Junior Preferred Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed
into an amount per share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter
set forth, equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash
and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or
for which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged. In the event the
Company shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision or combination or
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a
greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or
change of shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such
amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to
such event.
Section 8. No Redemption. The shares of Junior Preferred Stock shall
not be redeemable.
Section 9. Rank. The Junior Preferred Stock shall rank, with respect
to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, junior to all series
of any other class of the Company's Preferred Stock.
Section 10. Amendment. The Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company shall not be amended in any manner which would
materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
Junior Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely without the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Junior
Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class.
5
<PAGE>
In Witness Whereof, the undersigned have executed this certificate as of
February 23, 1999.
-----------------------------------------------
George A. Hallenback
President and Chief Executive Officer
-----------------------------------------------
Anita Moseley
Secretary
6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.4
<PAGE>
FORM OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE
Certificate No. R- _____ Rights
NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 23, 2009 OR EARLIER IF REDEMPTION OR
EXCHANGE OCCURS. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION AT $.01 PER RIGHT
AND TO EXCHANGE ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.
RIGHT CERTIFICATE
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
This certifies that ___________________ or registered assigns, is the
registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles
the owner thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights
Agreement, dated as of February 23, 1999 the "Rights Agreement"), between
Evolving Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "Rights Agent"), to purchase from the
Company at any time after the Distribution Date (as such term is defined in the
Rights Agreement) and prior to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, on February 23, 2009 at
the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, or at the office of
its successor as Rights Agent, one one-hundredth of a fully paid non-assessable
share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per
share (the "Preferred Shares"), of the Company, at a purchase price of $40.00
per one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share (the "Purchase Price"), upon
presentation and surrender of this Right Certificate with the Form of Election
to Purchase duly executed. The number of Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate (and the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which may
be purchased upon exercise hereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set
forth above, are the number and Purchase Price as of February 23, 1999, based on
the Preferred Shares as constituted at such date.
From and after the time any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, (as such
terms are defined in the Rights Agreement), if the Rights evidenced by this
Right Certificate are beneficially owned by (i) an Acquiring Person or an
Affiliate or Associate of any such Acquiring Person (as such terms are defined
in the Rights Agreement), (ii) a transferee of any such Acquiring Person,
Associate or Affiliate who becomes a transferee after the Acquiring Person
becomes such, or (iii) under certain circumstances specified in the Rights
Agreement, a transferee of any such Acquiring Person, Associate or Affiliate who
becomes a transferee prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person becoming
such, such Rights shall become null and void without any further action and no
holder hereof shall have any right with respect to such Rights from and after
the time any Person becomes an Acquiring Person.
1
<PAGE>
As provided in the Rights Agreement, the Purchase Price and the number of
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which may be purchased upon the exercise
of the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate are subject to modification
and adjustment upon the happening of certain events.
This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms, provisions and
conditions of the Rights Agreement, as amended from time to time, which terms,
provisions and conditions are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof and to which Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full
description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and
immunities hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the
Right Certificates. Copies of the Rights Agreement are on file at the principal
executive offices of the Company and the above-mentioned offices of the Rights
Agent.
This Right Certificate, with or without other Right Certificates, upon
surrender at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, may be
exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates of like tenor and
date evidencing Rights entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate number
of Preferred Shares as the Rights evidenced by the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this
Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall be entitled to
receive upon surrender hereof another Right Certificate or Right Certificates
for the number of whole Rights not exercised.
Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Rights evidenced by
this Certificate (i) may be redeemed by the Company at a redemption price of
$.01 per Right or (ii) may be exchanged in whole or in part for shares of the
Company's Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, or, upon circumstances set
forth in the Rights Agreement, cash, property or other securities of the
Company, including fractions of a share of Preferred Stock.
No fractional Preferred Shares will be issued upon the exercise of any
Right or Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions which are integral
multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, which may, at the election
of the Company, be evidenced by depositary receipts) but in lieu thereof a cash
payment will be made, as provided in the Rights Agreement.
No holder of this Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote or receive
dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Preferred Shares or of
any other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the
exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or herein
be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any of the rights of a
stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of directors or
upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or
withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or
other actions affecting stockholders (except as provided in the Rights
Agreement), or to receive dividends or subscription rights, or otherwise, until
the Right or Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate shall have been
exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.
This Right Certificate shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose
until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.
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<PAGE>
Witness the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the Company and
its corporate seal. Dated as of February 23, 1999.
Attest: Evolving Systems, Inc.
- ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Anita Moseley George A. Hallenbeck
Secretary President and Chief Executive Officer
Countersigned:
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
as Rights Agent
By:-------------------------------
Name: ----------------------------
Title:
- ------
3
<PAGE>
Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered holder if such
holder desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)
For Value Received ______________________________________ hereby sells,
assigns and transfers unto
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address of transferee)
______________________________________________________________ this Right
Certificate, together with all right, title and interest therein, and does
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________ Attorney, to
transfer the within Right Certificate on the books of the within-named Company,
with full power of substitution.
Dated: ____________________
-------------------------------------------
Signature
FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE - continued
4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEED:
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as
defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
----------------------------------------------
The undersigned hereby certifies that (1) the Rights evidenced by this
Right Certificate are not being sold, assigned or transferred by or on behalf of
a Person who is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder or an
Affiliate or Associate thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights
Agreement); and (2) after due inquiry and to the best of the knowledge of the
undersigned, the undersigned did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate from any Person who is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested
Stockholder, or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.
-------------------------------------------
Signature
5
<PAGE>
FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
(To be executed if holder desires to exercise
Rights represented by the Right Certificate.)
To American Stock Transfer & Trust Company:
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise ---------------------
Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the Preferred Shares
issuable upon the exercise of such Rights and requests that certificates for
such Preferred Shares be issued in the name of:
Please insert social security
or other identifying number: ______________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the balance remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:
Please insert social security
or other identifying number: ______________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: _________________
--------------------------------------------
Signature
FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF RIGHT CERTIFICATE - continued
6
<PAGE>
B-7
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as
defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
----------------------------------------------
The undersigned hereby certifies that (1) the Rights evidenced by this
Right Certificate are not beneficially owned by nor are they being exercised on
behalf of an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder or an Affiliate or
Associate thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement); and (2)
after due inquiry and to the best of the knowledge of the undersigned, the
undersigned did not acquire the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate from
any Person who is or was an Acquiring Person, an Interested Stockholder, or an
Affiliate or Associate thereof.
--------------------------------------------
Signature
----------------------------------------------
NOTICE
The signature in the Form of Assignment or Form of Election to Purchase, as
the case may be, must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change
whatsoever.
In the event the certification set forth above in the Form of Assignment or
the Form of Election to Purchase, as the case may be, is not completed, the
Company and the Rights Agent will deem the beneficial owner of the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate to be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or
Associate thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement) and such Assignment or
Election to Purchase will not be honored.
7
