UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 1-7784
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Louisiana 72-0651161
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
100 Century Park Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (318) 388-9000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[X] Yes [ ] No
As of October 31, 1998, there were 91,938,325 shares of common stock
outstanding.
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
--------
Part I. Financial Information:
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income--Three Months and Nine
Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income--
Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 4
Consolidated Balance Sheets--September 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1997 5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 11-24
Part II. Other Information:
Item 5. Other Information 25
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 25
Signature 26
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months Nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars, except per share amounts,
and shares expressed in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES
Telephone $ 275,397 121,934 800,532 359,454
Wireless 106,662 80,163 305,699 220,472
Other 19,890 16,254 55,816 47,986
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues 401,949 218,351 1,162,047 627,912
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of sales and
operating expenses 192,155 111,462 559,955 329,254
Depreciation and amortization 81,610 37,074 242,288 108,740
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 273,765 148,536 802,243 437,994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME 128,184 69,815 359,804 189,918
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Gain on sale or exchange of
assets, net - - 49,859 70,121
Interest expense (41,904) (11,175) (126,785) (33,539)
Income from unconsolidated
cellular entities 9,162 8,371 25,105 21,750
Minority interest (3,619) (1,817) (10,264) (3,722)
Other income and expense 1,159 1,174 2,454 3,467
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total other income (expense) (35,202) (3,447) (59,631) 58,077
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE 92,982 66,368 300,173 247,995
Income tax expense 38,304 24,935 123,610 90,251
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 54,678 41,433 176,563 157,744
================================================================================
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE* $ .60 .46 1.93 1.75
================================================================================
diluted earnings per share* $ .59 .45 1.90 1.73
================================================================================
Dividends per common share* $ .065 .0617 .195 .1851
================================================================================
Average basic shares outstanding* 91,471 90,134 91,238 89,802
================================================================================
Average diluted shares outstanding* 93,548 91,710 93,272 91,325
================================================================================
*Reflects March 1998 stock split. See Note 5.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months Nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 54,678 41,433 176,563 157,744
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains
(losses) arising during
period, net of tax (631) 37,473 10,310 62,038
Reclassification adjustment
for gains included in net
income, net of tax - - (20,478) -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax (631) 37,473 (10,168) 62,038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income $ 54,047 78,906 166,395 219,782
================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
- ------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,940 26,017
Accounts receivable, less allowance
of $4,824 and $5,954 182,117 227,272
Materials and supplies, at average cost 24,841 21,994
Other 7,442 8,197
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218,340 283,480
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 2,245,445 2,258,563
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
Excess cost of net assets acquired,
less accumulated amortization of
$119,620 and $84,132 1,741,491 1,767,352
Other 430,894 400,006
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,172,385 2,167,358
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,636,170 4,709,401
================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
- ----------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 45,015 55,244
Accounts payable 77,194 83,378
Accrued expenses and other liabilitiesz
Salaries and benefits 46,737 38,225
Taxes 19,746 74,898
Interest 23,416 20,821
Other 24,506 25,229
Advance billings and customer deposits 28,285 24,213
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
264,899 322,008
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT 2,392,685 2,609,541
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES 509,951 477,580
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 175,000,000
shares authorized, 91,924,239 and
91,103,674 shares issued and outstanding 91,924 91,104
Paid-in capital 487,221 469,586
Accumulated other comprehensive income-
unrealized holding gain on investments,
net of taxes 1,725 11,893
Retained earnings 886,479 728,033
Unearned ESOP shares (6,820) (8,450)
Preferred stock-non-redeemable 8,106 8,106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,468,635 1,300,272
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,636,170 4,709,401
================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months
ended September 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCK
Balance at beginning of period $ 91,104 * 59,859
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions 28 -
Conversion of convertible securities
into common stock 169 237
Issuance of common stock through dividend
reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans 623 423
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period 91,924 60,519
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAID-IN CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of period 469,586 * 474,607
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions 1,059 -
Conversion of convertible securities
into common stock 3,131 4,998
Issuance of common stock through dividend
reinvestment, incentive and benefit plans 11,410 10,448
Amortization of unearned compensation
and other 2,035 608
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period 487,221 490,661
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Balance at beginning of period 11,893 -
Change in unrealized holding gain on
investments, net of reclassification
adjustment (10,168) 62,038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period 1,725 62,038
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period 728,033 494,726
Net income 176,563 157,744
Cash dividends declared
Common stock - $.195 and $.1851 per
share, respectively* (17,811) (16,622)
Preferred stock (306) (357)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period 886,479 635,491
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNEARNED ESOP SHARES
Balance at beginning of period (8,450) (11,080)
Release of ESOP shares 1,630 1,880
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period (6,820) (9,200)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCK - NON-REDEEMABLE
Balance at beginning of period 8,106 10,041
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock - (1,935)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period 8,106 8,106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,468,635 1,247,615
================================================================================
*Reflects March 1998 stock split. See Note 5.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months
ended September 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 176,563 157,744
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 242,288 108,740
Deferred income taxes 30,241 31,667
Income from unconsolidated cellular entities (25,105) (21,750)
Minority interest 10,264 3,722
Gain on sales of assets (49,859) (70,121)
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
Accounts receivable (15,370) (12,170)
Accounts payable (6,184) (6,110)
Other accrued taxes (55,152) 8,624
Other current assets and other current
liabilities, net 9,364 9,853
Changes in other noncurrent liabilities 3,535 3,259
Other, net (3,408) 4,040
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 317,177 217,498
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment (204,627) (123,344)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (5,028) (30,398)
Proceeds from sales of assets 132,307 -
Distributions from unconsolidated cellular entities 17,715 9,173
Purchase of life insurance investment, net (2,557) (12,936)
Proceeds from note receivable - 22,500
Other, net 2,337 (4,320)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (59,853) (139,325)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 772,894 12,151
Payments of long-term debt (999,877) (78,377)
Payment upon settlement of hedge contracts (40,237) -
Payment of deferred debt issuance costs (6,625) -
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 12,110 10,860
Cash dividends (18,117) (16,979)
Other, net 451 (2,947)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (279,401) (75,292)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (22,077) 2,881
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 26,017 8,402
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3,940 11,283
================================================================================
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid $ 158,365 53,978
Interest paid $ 124,190 28,963
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
(UNAUDITED)
(1) Basis of Financial Reporting
The consolidated financial statements of Century Telephone Enterprises,
Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") include the accounts of Century
Telephone Enterprises, Inc. ("Century") and its majority-owned subsidiaries and
partnerships. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission; however, the Company believes the
disclosures which are made are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading. The financial statements and footnotes included in this Form 10-Q
should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997. Certain 1997 amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with the
1998 presentation.
The unaudited financial information for the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 has not been audited by independent public
accountants; however, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which
include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the
results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods have been
included therein. The results of operations for the first nine months of the
year are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which might be
expected for the entire year.
(2) Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Net property, plant and equipment is composed of the following:
September 30, December 31,
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Telephone, at original cost $ 3,414,234 3,295,860
Accumulated depreciation (1,520,474) (1,375,835)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,893,760 1,920,025
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless, at cost 421,412 380,218
Accumulated depreciation (166,949) (133,357)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
254,463 246,861
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate and other, at cost 191,138 169,420
Accumulated depreciation (93,916) (77,743)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
97,222 91,677
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,245,445 2,258,563
===========================================================================
(3) Earnings from Unconsolidated Cellular Entities
The following summarizes the unaudited combined results of operations of
the cellular entities in which the Company's investments (as of September 30,
1998 and 1997) were accounted for by the equity method:
Nine months
ended September 30,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Results of operations
Revenues $ 937,670 930,860
Operating income $ 334,405 310,236
Net income $ 336,393 277,464
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Accounting Pronouncements
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS 130"), "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131
("SFAS 131"), "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information." SFAS 130 established standards for reporting the components of
comprehensive income, which is defined to include all changes in equity during a
period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to
shareholders. SFAS 131 established standards for reporting information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and interim financial reports
to shareholders. The Company adopted both statements in the first quarter of
1998; however, the provisions of SFAS 131 need not be applied to interim periods
in the initial year of application. SFAS 131 is not expected to materially
impact how the Company currently reports its segment information.
In June 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 133 ("SFAS 133"), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." SFAS 133 established accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments and for hedging activities by requiring that entities
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the
balance sheet. Based on the Company's current use of derivatives, SFAS 133 is
not expected to materially impact the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
(5) Stock Split
On March 31, 1998, the Company effected a three-for-two common stock split
by means of a 50% stock dividend. Shares outstanding and per share data for the
nine months and three months ended September 30, 1997 have been restated to
reflect this stock split.
(6) Debt Issuance
On January 15, 1998, Century issued $100 million of 7-year, 6.15% senior
notes (Series E); $240 million of 10-year, 6.3% senior notes (Series F); and
$425 million of 30-year, 6.875% debentures (Series G) under its shelf
registration statements. The net proceeds of approximately $758 million
(excluding payment obligations of approximately $40 million related to interest
rate hedging effected in connection with the offering) were used to reduce the
bank indebtedness incurred by the Company in connection with its December 1,
1997 acquisition of Pacific Telecom, Inc. ("PTI").
In mid-January 1998, the Company settled numerous interest rate hedge
contracts that had been entered into in anticipation of these debt issuances.
The amounts paid by the Company upon settlement of the hedge contracts
aggregated approximately $40 million, which will be amortized as interest
expense over the lives of the underlying debt instruments. The effective
weighted average interest rate of the above-mentioned debt (after giving
consideration to these payment obligations) is 7.15%. In March 1998 the Company
paid approximately $250,000 upon settlement of its remaining interest rate hedge
contracts.
(7) Sale or Exchange of Assets
In connection with the first quarter 1998 acquisition of Brooks Fiber
Properties, Inc. ("Brooks") by WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom") , the Company's
551,000 shares of Brooks' common stock were converted into approximately 1.0
million shares of WorldCom common stock. The Company recorded such conversion at
fair value which resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $22.8 million
($14.8 million after-tax; $.16 per diluted share). In the second quarter of
1998, the Company sold 750,000 shares of WorldCom common stock for $35.6 million
cash and recorded a pre-tax gain of $8.7 million ($5.7 million after tax; $.06
per diluted share).
In the second quarter of 1998, the Company sold its minority interests in
two non-strategic cellular entities for approximately $31.0 million cash which
resulted in a pre-tax gain of $21.8 million ($12.3 million after-tax; $.13 per
diluted share). Additionally, in the second quarter the Company wrote off its
minority investment in a start-up company.
During the second quarter of 1998, the Company also sold various other
properties that were acquired in the PTI acquisition, including, but not limited
to, the Company's submarine cable operations. The Company utilized the proceeds
from these transactions to reduce its debt associated with the acquisition of
PTI. In accordance with purchase accounting, no gain or loss was recorded upon
the disposition of these assets.
During the second quarter of 1997, the Company sold its competitive access
subsidiary to Brooks and recorded a pre-tax gain of $71 million ($46 million
after-tax; $.50 per diluted share).
(8) Pending Acquisition
On March 12, 1998, the Company entered into definitive agreements to
purchase from affiliates of Ameritech Corporation ("Ameritech") the assets of
certain local telephone and directory operations in parts of northern and
central Wisconsin, in exchange for approximately $225 million cash (subject to
adjustments). The assets to be purchased include (i) access lines and related
property and equipment in 21 predominantly rural communities in Wisconsin which
serve approximately 68,000 customers, (ii) Ameritech's directory publishing
operations that relate to nine telephone directories serving such customers, and
(iii) approximately $4 million in net receivables. Subject to the satisfaction
of various closing conditions, this transaction is expected to be completed in
the fourth quarter of 1998.
(9) Pending Disposition
In August 1998, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell
the stock of the entities conducting the Company's Alaska operations to ALEC
Acquisition Corporation for $415 million cash, subject to various adjustments.
Proceeds from this transaction will be used to reduce debt and to fund the
Company's pending acquisition of telephone access lines from Ameritech described
in Note 8. The Alaska transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter
of 1999, subject to regulatory approvals and various closing conditions.
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations ("MD&A") included herein should be read in conjunction with MD&A and
the other information included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997. The results of operations for the three months
and nine months ended September 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations which might be expected for the entire year.
Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc., which operates under the trade name of
CenturyTel, and its subsidiaries (the "Company"), is a regional diversified
communications company that is primarily engaged in providing local telephone
services and cellular telephone communications services. At September 30, 1998,
the Company's local exchange telephone subsidiaries operated over 1.2 million
telephone access lines primarily in rural, suburban and small urban areas in 21
states, and the Company's majority-owned and operated cellular entities had more
than 591,000 cellular subscribers. On December 1, 1997, the Company
significantly expanded its operations by acquiring Pacific Telecom, Inc.
("PTI"). As a result of the acquisition, the Company acquired (i) over 660,000
telephone access lines, (ii) over 88,000 cellular subscribers and (iii) various
wireless, cable television and other communications assets.
In addition to historical information, management's discussion and
analysis includes certain forward-looking statements regarding events and
financial trends that may affect the Company's future operating results and
financial position. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties
that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from such
statements. Such uncertainties include but are not limited to: the effects of
ongoing deregulation in the telecommunications industry; the effects of greater
than anticipated competition in the Company's markets; possible changes in the
demand for the Company's products and services; the Company's ability to
successfully introduce new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; the
risks inherent in rapid technological change; the Company's ability to
effectively manage its growth, including integrating the operations of PTI into
the Company's operations; the success and expense of the remediation efforts of
the Company and its vendors in achieving year 2000 compliance; and the effects
of more general factors such as changes in general market or economic conditions
or in legislation, regulation or public policy. These and other uncertainties
related to the business are described in greater detail in Item 1 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. You
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to
update any of its forward-looking statements for any reason.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 Compared
to Three Months Ended September 30, 1997
Net income for the third quarter of 1998 was $54.7 million compared to
$41.4 million during the third quarter of 1997. Diluted earnings per share
increased to $.59 during the three months ended September 30, 1998 from $.45
during the three months ended September 30, 1997, a 31.1% increase.
Three months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars, except per
share amounts,and
shares in thousands)
Operating income
Telephone $ 88,210 40,114
Wireless 36,693 27,403
Other 3,281 2,298
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
128,184 69,815
Interest expense (41,904) (11,175)
Income from unconsolidated cellular entities 9,162 8,371
Minority interest (3,619) (1,817)
Other income and expense 1,159 1,174
Income tax expense (38,304) (24,935)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 54,678 41,433
===========================================================================
Diluted earnings per share* $ .59 .45
===========================================================================
Average diluted shares outstanding* 93,548 91,710
===========================================================================
* Reflects March 1998 stock split. See Note 5.
Contributions to operating revenues and operating income by the Company's
telephone, wireless, and other operations for the three months ended September
30, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
Three months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
Telephone operations 68.5% 55.8
Wireless operations 26.5% 36.7
Other operations 5.0% 7.5
Operating income
Telephone operations 68.8% 57.5
Wireless operations 28.6% 39.2
Other operations 2.6% 3.3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone Operations
Three months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Local service $ 84,082 33,443
Network access 159,422 73,385
Other 31,893 15,106
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
275,397 121,934
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Plant operations 62,402 24,971
Customer operations 22,107 11,931
Corporate and other 37,436 18,679
Depreciation and amortization 65,242 26,239
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
187,187 81,820
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 88,210 40,114
===========================================================================
Telephone operating income increased $48.1 million (119.9%) due to an
increase in operating revenues of $153.5 million (125.9%) which more than offset
an increase in operating expenses of $105.4 million (128.8%).
Of the $153.5 million increase in operating revenues, $139.8 million was
attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI acquisition. The remaining
$13.7 million increase in revenues was partially due to a $2.5 million increase
in revenues due to increased minutes of use; a $2.5 million increase resulting
from favorable prior period revenue settlements; a $3.4 million increase in the
partial recovery of increased operating expenses through revenue pools in which
the Company participates with other telephone companies; a $1.9 million increase
in amounts received from the federal Universal Service Fund; and a $1.6 million
increase resulting from internal growth in the number of customer access lines.
During the third quarter of 1998, operating expenses, exclusive of
depreciation and amortization, increased $66.4 million, of which $61.1 million
was attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI acquisition. The
remainder of the increase in operating expenses was due to increases in general
operating expenses.
Depreciation and amortization increased $39.0 million, of which $35.2
million (which includes $6.9 million of amortization of excess cost of net
assets acquired) was attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI
acquisition. The remainder of the increase was primarily due to higher recurring
rates or nonrecurring depreciation charges which have been approved for certain
subsidiaries.
Wireless Operations and Income From Unconsolidated Cellular Entities
Three months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating income - wireless operations $ 36,693 27,403
Minority interest (3,619) (2,044)
Income from unconsolidated cellular entities 9,162 8,371
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 42,236 33,730
===========================================================================
The Company's wireless operations (discussed below) reflect 100% of the
results of operations of the cellular entities in which the Company has a
majority ownership interest. The minority interest owners' share of the income
of such entities is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income
as an expense in "Minority interest." See Minority Interest for additional
information. The Company's share of earnings from the cellular entities in which
it has less than a majority interest is accounted for using the equity method
and is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as "Income
from unconsolidated cellular entities." See Income from Unconsolidated Cellular
Entities for additional information.
Wireless Operations
Three months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Service revenues $ 104,527 78,839
Equipment sales 2,135 1,324
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
106,662 80,163
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment sold 3,784 2,987
System operations 15,326 12,549
General, administrative and customer service 21,991 15,090
Sales and marketing 13,312 11,918
Depreciation and amortization 15,556 10,216
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
69,969 52,760
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 36,693 27,403
===========================================================================
Wireless operating income increased $9.3 million (33.9%) to $36.7 million
in the third quarter of 1998 from $27.4 million in the third quarter of 1997.
Wireless operating revenues increased $26.5 million (33.1%) while operating
expenses increased $17.2 million (32.6%).
Of the $25.7 million increase in service revenues, $23.0 million was
attributable to acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, roaming revenues increased
$3.0 million in the third quarter of 1998. The average number of cellular units
in service in majority-owned markets (exclusive of acquisitions) during the
third quarter of 1998 and 1997 was 449,600 and 411,300, respectively.
The average monthly cellular service revenue per customer (including
acquisitions) declined to $59 during the third quarter of 1998 from $64 during
the third quarter of 1997 partially due to the continued trend that a higher
percentage of new subscribers tend to be lower usage customers. In addition, the
properties acquired in the PTI acquisition historically have had a lower average
monthly service revenue per customer than the Company's incumbent properties.
The average monthly service revenue per customer may further decline (i) as
market penetration increases and additional lower usage customers are activated
and (ii) as competitive pressures from current and future wireless
communications providers intensify. The Company is responding to such
competitive pressures by, among other things, modifying certain of its price
plans and implementing certain other plans and promotions, all of which are
likely to result in lower average revenue per customer. The Company will
continue to focus on customer service and attempt to stimulate cellular usage by
promoting the availability of certain enhanced services and by improving the
quality of its service through the construction of additional cell sites and
other enhancements to its system.
System operations expenses increased $2.8 million (22.1%) in the third
quarter of 1998 primarily due to $4.8 million of expenses attributable to
acquisitions. Such increase was partially offset by a $1.7 million decrease in
the amounts paid to other carriers for cellular service provided to the
Company's customers who roam in the other carriers' service areas.
General, administrative and customer service expenses increased $6.9
million (45.7%), of which $3.4 million was attributable to expenses of entities
acquired. The remainder of the increase was primarily due to a $2.4 million
increase in the provision for doubtful accounts.
The Company's average monthly churn rate (the percentage of cellular
customers that terminate service) was 2.3% for the third quarter of 1998 and
2.2% for the third quarter of 1997.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $1.4 million (11.7%) in the third
quarter of 1998 primarily due to $2.8 million of expenses of entities acquired
and a $1.0 million increase in advertising expense. Commissions paid to agents
for selling services to new customers decreased $2.8 million primarily as a
result of fewer cellular units added during the third quarter of 1998 compared
to the third quarter of 1997. The Company will continue to focus on attracting
and retaining higher usage customers.
Depreciation and amortization increased $5.3 million (52.3%), of which
$3.5 million was attributable to acquisitions. The remainder of the increase was
due primarily to a higher level of plant in service.
Other Operations
Three months
ended September 30,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Long distance $ 13,263 9,810
Call center 2,754 3,866
Other 3,873 2,578
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
19,890 16,254
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Cost of sales and operating expenses 15,797 13,337
Depreciation and amortization 812 619
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
16,609 13,956
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 3,281 2,298
======================================================================
Other operations include the results of operations of subsidiaries of the
Company which are not included in the telephone or wireless segments, including,
but not limited to, the Company's nonregulated long distance and call center
operations. The $3.5 million increase in long distance revenues was primarily
attributable to the growth in the number of customers; the $1.1 million decrease
in call center revenues was primarily due to the loss of two major customers in
the fourth quarter of 1997. The increase in other revenues was primarily
attributable to the PTI acquisition and the acquisition of two security alarm
businesses subsequent to the third quarter of 1997.
Operating expenses increased due to (i) an increase of $3.5 million in
expenses of the Company's long distance operations due primarily to an increase
in customers and (ii) $1.9 million of operating expenses applicable to
acquisitions. Such increases were substantially offset because (i) the amount of
intercompany profit with regulated affiliates which, in accordance with
regulatory accounting principles, was not eliminated in connection with
consolidating the results of operations (which acts to offset operating
expenses) increased $1.1 million as a result of the PTI acquisition, and (ii)
the third quarter of 1997 included $1.7 million of costs applicable to entities
sold during 1997.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $30.7 million in the third quarter of 1998
compared to the third quarter of 1997 primarily due to $21.9 million of interest
expense on the borrowings used to finance the PTI acquisition and $7.5 million
of interest expense applicable to PTI's debt.
Income from Unconsolidated Cellular Entities
Earnings from unconsolidated cellular entities, net of the amortization of
associated goodwill, increased $791,000 (9.4%) primarily due to $2.2 million of
earnings from interests in unconsolidated entities acquired in the PTI
acquisition. Such increase was partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in
income due to the sale of the Company's minority interests in two non-strategic
cellular entities during the second quarter of 1998.
Minority Interest
Minority interest is the expense recorded by the Company to reflect the
minority interest owners' share of the earnings or loss of the Company's
majority-owned and operated cellular entities and majority-owned subsidiaries.
Minority interest increased $1.8 million primarily due to a $1.0 million
increase in expense related to the entities acquired in the PTI acquisition. The
remainder of the increase is primarily due to the increased profitability of the
Company's majority-owned and operated cellular entities.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased $13.4 million in the third quarter of 1998
compared to the third quarter of 1997. The effective income tax rate was 41.2%
and 37.6% in the three months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Such increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to an increase
in non-deductible amortization of excess cost of net assets acquired (goodwill)
attributable to the PTI acquisition.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 Compared
to Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997
Net income (excluding gain on sale or exchange of assets) for the first
nine months of 1998 was $146.0 million compared to $112.2 million during the
first nine months of 1997. Diluted earnings per share (excluding gain on sale or
exchange of assets) increased to $1.57 during the nine months ended September
30, 1998 from $1.23 during the nine months ended September 30, 1997, a 27.6%
increase.
Nine months
ended September 30,
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars, except per
share amounts, and
shares in thousands)
Operating income
Telephone $ 245,007 119,610
Wireless 103,859 65,752
Other 10,938 4,556
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
359,804 189,918
Gain on sale or exchange of assets, net 49,859 70,121
Interest expense (126,785) (33,539)
Income from unconsolidated cellular entities 25,105 21,750
Minority interest (10,264) (3,722)
Other income and expense 2,454 3,467
Income tax expense (123,610) (90,251)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 176,563 157,744
===========================================================================
Diluted earnings per share* $ 1.90 1.73
===========================================================================
Average diluted shares outstanding* 93,272 91,325
===========================================================================
* Reflects March 1998 stock split. See Note 5.
Contributions to operating revenues and operating income by the Company's
telephone, wireless, and other operations for the nine months ended September
30, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
Nine months
ended September 30,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues
Telephone operations 68.9% 57.2
Wireless operations 26.3% 35.1
Other operations 4.8% 7.7
Operating income
Telephone operations 68.1% 63.0
Wireless operations 28.9% 34.6
Other operations 3.0% 2.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone Operations
Nine months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Local service $ 243,664 98,749
Network access 462,576 217,407
Other 94,292 43,298
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
800,532 359,454
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Plant operations 176,609 73,013
Customer operations 67,956 34,674
Corporate and other 116,444 54,916
Depreciation and amortization 194,516 77,241
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
555,525 239,844
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 245,007 119,610
===========================================================================
Telephone operating income increased $125.4 million (104.8%) due to an
increase in operating revenues of $441.1 million (122.7%) which more than offset
an increase in operating expenses of $315.7 million (131.6%).
Of the $441.1 million increase in operating revenues, $410.1 million was
attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI acquisition. The remaining
$31.0 million increase in revenues was partially due to a $6.7 million increase
in amounts received from the federal Universal Service Fund; a $6.5 million
increase in revenues due to increased minutes of use; a $7.3 million increase
resulting from internal growth in the number of customer access lines; and a
$6.5 million increase in the partial recovery of increased operating expenses
through revenue pools in which the Company participates with other telephone
companies.
During the first nine months of 1998, operating expenses, exclusive of
depreciation and amortization, increased $198.4 million, of which $187.2 million
was attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI acquisition. The
remainder of the increase in operating expenses was due to increases in general
operating expenses.
Depreciation and amortization increased $117.3 million, of which $108.7
million (which includes $20.7 million of amortization of excess cost of net
assets acquired) was attributable to the properties acquired in the PTI
acquisition. The remainder of the increase was due to higher levels of plant in
service and higher recurring rates or nonrecurring depreciation charges which
have been approved for certain subsidiaries.
Wireless Operations and Income From Unconsolidated Cellular Entities
Nine months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating income - wireless operations $103,859 65,752
Minority interest (10,264) (5,140)
Income from unconsolidated cellular entities 25,105 21,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$118,700 82,362
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's wireless operations (discussed below) reflect 100% of the
results of operations of the cellular entities in which the Company has a
majority ownership interest. The minority interest owners' share of the income
of such entities is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income
as an expense in "Minority interest." See Minority Interest for additional
information. The Company's share of earnings from the cellular entities in which
it has less than a majority interest is accounted for using the equity method
and is reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as "Income
from unconsolidated cellular entities." See Income from Unconsolidated Cellular
Entities for additional information.
Wireless Operations
Nine months
ended September 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Service revenues $ 299,391 216,476
Equipment sales 6,308 3,996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
305,699 220,472
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Cost of equipment sold 11,182 10,373
System operations 44,211 33,946
General, administrative and customer service 60,435 43,568
Sales and marketing 40,745 37,345
Depreciation and amortization 45,267 29,488
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
201,840 154,720
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 103,859 65,752
===========================================================================
Wireless operating income increased $38.1 million (58.0%) to $103.9
million in the first nine months of 1998 from $65.8 million in the first nine
months of 1997. Wireless operating revenues increased $85.2 million (38.7%)
while operating expenses increased $47.1 million (30.5%).
Of the $82.9 million increase in service revenues, $62.7 million was
attributable to acquisitions. The remainder of the increase in cellular service
revenues was primarily due to the increase in the number of cellular customers
in the Company's incumbent markets. The average number of cellular units in
service in majority-owned markets (exclusive of acquisitions) during the first
nine months of 1998 and 1997 was 448,000 and 391,000, respectively. Excluding
acquisitions, local and toll revenues increased $12.1 million in the first nine
months of 1998 and roaming revenues increased $8.2 million.
The average monthly cellular service revenue per customer (including
acquisitions) declined to $57 during the first nine months of 1998 from $62
during the first nine months of 1997 partially due to the continued trend that a
higher percentage of new subscribers tend to be lower usage customers. In
addition, the properties acquired in the PTI acquisition historically have had a
lower average monthly service revenue per customer than the Company's incumbent
properties. The average monthly service revenue per customer may further decline
(i) as market penetration increases and additional lower usage customers are
activated and (ii) as competitive pressures from current and future wireless
communications providers intensify. The Company is responding to such
competitive pressures by, among other things, modifying certain of its price
plans and implementing certain other plans and promotions, all of which are
likely to result in lower average revenue per customer. The Company will
continue to focus on customer service and attempt to stimulate cellular usage by
promoting the availability of certain enhanced services and by improving the
quality of its service through the construction of additional cell sites and
other enhancements to its system.
System operations expenses increased $10.3 million (30.2%) in the first
nine months of 1998 primarily due to $12.5 million of expenses attributable to
acquisitions. A $4.4 million decrease in the amounts paid to other carriers for
cellular service provided to the Company's customers who roam in the other
carriers' service areas was substantially offset by a $2.1 million increase in
operating expenses due to an increase in the number of cell sites.
General, administrative and customer service expenses increased $16.9
million (38.7%), of which $9.9 million was attributable to expenses of entities
acquired. The remainder of the increase was primarily due to a $4.3 million
increase in the provision for doubtful accounts.
The Company's average monthly churn rate (the percentage of cellular
customers that terminate service) was 2.3% for the first nine months of 1998 and
1997.
Sales and marketing expenses increased $3.4 million in the first nine
months of 1998 primarily due to $8.1 million of expenses of entities acquired, a
$2.0 million increase in costs incurred in selling products and services in
retail locations and a $1.7 million increase in advertising expenses. Such
increases were substantially offset by a $7.6 million reduction in commissions
paid to agents for selling services to new customers primarily as a result of
fewer cellular units added during the first nine months of 1998 compared to the
first nine months of 1997. The Company will continue to focus on attracting and
retaining higher usage customers.
Depreciation and amortization increased $15.8 million (53.5%), of which
$10.5 million was attributable to acquisitions. The remainder of the increase
was due primarily to a higher level of plant in service.
Other Operations
Nine months
ended September 30,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
Operating revenues
Long distance $ 36,865 26,556
Call center 7,702 12,077
Competitive access - 2,499
Other 11,249 6,854
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
55,816 47,986
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Cost of sales and operating expenses 42,373 41,419
Depreciation and amortization 2,505 2,011
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
44,878 43,430
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 10,938 4,556
=========================================================================
Other operations include the results of operations of subsidiaries of the
Company which are not included in the telephone or wireless segments, including,
but not limited to, the Company's competitive access subsidiary (which was sold
to Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc. ("Brooks") in May 1997) and the Company's
nonregulated long distance and call center operations. The $10.3 million
increase in long distance revenues was attributable to the growth in the number
of customers; the $4.4 million decrease in call center revenues was primarily
due to the loss of two major customers in the fourth quarter of 1997. The
increase in other revenues was primarily attributable to the PTI acquisition and
the acquisition of two security alarm businesses subsequent to the third quarter
of 1997.
Operating expenses increased due to (i) an increase of $10.4 million in
expenses of the Company's long distance operations due primarily to an increase
in customers and (ii) $5.9 million of operating expenses applicable to
acquisitions. Such increases were substantially offset by decreases in operating
expenses because (i) the first nine months of 1997 included $9.2 million of
costs applicable to entities sold during 1997, (ii) the amount of intercompany
profit with regulated affiliates which, in accordance with regulatory accounting
principles, was not eliminated in connection with consolidating the results of
operations (which acts to offset operating expenses) increased $4.4 million as a
result of the acquisition of PTI and (iii) operating expenses of the Company's
call center business decreased $1.5 million primarily due to the loss of two
major customers in the fourth quarter of 1997.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $93.2 million in the first nine months of 1998
compared to the first nine months of 1997 primarily due to $68.6 million of
interest expense on the borrowings used to finance the PTI acquisition and $19.0
million of interest expense applicable to PTI's debt.
Gain on Sale or Exchange of Assets, Net
In the first nine months of 1998, the Company recorded pre-tax gains
aggregating $49.9 million ($30.5 million after-tax; $.33 per diluted share)
primarily due to the conversion of its investment in the common stock of Brooks
into common stock of WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom"), the subsequent sale of 750,000
shares of WorldCom stock, and the sale of minority interests in two
non-strategic cellular entities. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information.
In the first nine months of 1997, the Company sold its competitive access
subsidiary to Brooks and recorded a pre-tax gain of $71 million ($46 million
after tax; $.50 per diluted share).
Income from Unconsolidated Cellular Entities
Earnings from unconsolidated cellular entities, net of the amortization of
associated goodwill, increased $3.4 million (15.4%) primarily due to $5.0
million of earnings of the cellular entities acquired in the PTI acquisition.
Such increase was partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease due to the sale of
the Company's minority interests in two non-strategic cellular entities during
the second quarter of 1998.
Minority Interest
Minority interest is the expense recorded by the Company to reflect the
minority interest owners' share of the earnings or loss of the Company's
majority-owned and operated cellular entities and majority-owned subsidiaries.
Minority interest increased $6.5 million partially due to a $2.0 million
increase in expense related to the entities acquired in the PTI acquisition. The
remainder of the increase is primarily due to the increased profitability of the
Company's majority-owned and operated cellular entities.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense increased $33.4 million in the first nine months of
1998 compared to the first nine months of 1997 primarily due to an increase in
income before taxes. The effective income tax rate was 41.2% and 36.4% for the
nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Such increase in
the effective income tax rate was primarily due to an increase in non-deductible
amortization of excess cost of net assets acquired (goodwill) attributable to
the PTI acquisition.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Excluding cash used for acquisitions, the Company relies on cash provided
by operations to provide a substantial portion of its cash needs. The Company's
operations have historically provided a stable source of cash flow which has
helped the Company continue its long-term program of capital improvements.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $317.2 million during the
first nine months of 1998 compared to $217.5 million during the first nine
months of 1997. The Company's accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows
identify major differences between net income and net cash provided by operating
activities for each of these periods. For additional information relating to the
telephone operations, wireless operations, and other operations of the Company,
see Results of Operations.
Net cash used in investing activities was $59.9 million and $139.3 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Payments
for property, plant and equipment were $81.3 million more in the first nine
months of 1998 than in the comparable period during 1997. Capital expenditures
for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 were $142.0 million for telephone,
$42.8 million for wireless and $24.2 million for other operations. Proceeds from
the sales of assets were $132.3 million in the first nine months of 1998. Cash
used in connection with acquisitions was $30.4 million in the first nine months
of 1997, most of which was applicable to the acquisition of telephone properties
in Wisconsin.
Net cash used in financing activities was $279.4 million during the first
nine months of 1998 compared to $75.3 million during the first nine months of
1997. Net payments of long-term debt were $160.8 million more during the first
nine months of 1998 compared to the first nine months of 1997. During the first
nine months of 1998, the Company issued an aggregate of $765 million of senior
notes and debentures. The net proceeds of approximately $758 million were used
to reduce the bank indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of
PTI. In addition, the Company paid approximately $40 million to settle numerous
interest rate hedge contracts that had been entered into in anticipation of
these debt issuances.
Revised budgeted capital expenditures for 1998 total $220 million for
telephone operations, $65 million for wireless operations and $42 million for
corporate and other operations.
As of September 30, 1998, Century's telephone subsidiaries had available
for use $140.9 million of commitments for long-term financing from the Rural
Utilities Service and the Company had $519.1 million of undrawn committed bank
lines of credit.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company entered into definitive
agreements to purchase from affiliates of Ameritech the assets of certain local
telephone and directory operations in parts of northern and central Wisconsin,
in exchange for approximately $225 million cash (subject to adjustments). The
Company expects to provide initial financing for this acquisition through its
committed credit facilities and ultimately finance this transaction with
proceeds from the sale of the Company's Alaska operations. In August 1998, the
Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell the stock of its Alaska
operations for $415 million cash, subject to various adjustments.
In April 1998 the Company acquired 32 Local Multipoint Distribution System
licenses in the Federal Communications Commission's A and B band auction for an
aggregate of $9.7 million. The licenses acquired cover geographic areas with a
combined population of approximately 10.6 million. The Company has not finalized
capital expenditure or deployment plans for these systems.
OTHER MATTERS
Accounting for the Effects of Regulation
The Company currently accounts for its regulated telephone operations in
accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 71 ("SFAS 71"), "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation."
While the ongoing applicability of SFAS 71 to the Company's telephone operations
is being monitored due to the changing regulatory, competitive and legislative
environments, the Company believes that SFAS 71 still applies. However, it is
possible that changes in regulation or legislation or anticipated changes in
competition or in the demand for regulated services or products could result in
the Company's telephone operations not being subject to SFAS 71 in the near
future. In that event, implementation of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 101 ("SFAS 101"), "Regulated Enterprises - Accounting for the
Discontinuance of Application of FASB Statement No. 71," would require the
write-off of previously established regulatory assets and liabilities, along
with an adjustment of certain accumulated depreciation accounts to reflect the
difference between recorded depreciation and the amount of depreciation that
would have been recorded had the Company's telephone operations not been subject
to rate regulation. Such discontinuance of the application of SFAS 71 would
result in a material, noncash charge against earnings which would be reported as
an extraordinary item. While the effect of implementing SFAS 101 cannot be
precisely estimated at this time, management believes that the noncash,
after-tax, extraordinary charge would be between $250 million and $300 million.
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
The Year 2000 issue concerns the inability of computer systems and certain
other equipment to properly recognize and process data that uses two digits
rather than four to designate particular years. The Company has initiated a Year
2000 Project Plan ("the Plan") to assess whether its systems that process date
sensitive information will perform satisfactorily leading up to and beyond
January 1, 2000. The goal of the Plan is to correct, prior to January 1, 2000,
any Year 2000-related problem with critical systems, the failure of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. The Plan includes
steps to (i) identify each critical system element that requires date code
remediation, (ii) establish a plan to remediate such systems, (iii) implement
all required remediations and (iv) selectively test the remediated systems.
Thus far, the identification phase has identified Year 2000 issues in the
following critical Company-owned systems: (i) switching and transmission
hardware and software used by the Company to route and deliver telephone calls;
(ii) network support systems, including customer service systems and (iii)
billing and collection systems used by the Company to invoice and process most
of its customer payments. In addition, the Company (i) receives critical
services from providers of utilities and other services to facilities that house
employees and switching, transmission and other equipment and (ii) is dependent
upon outside vendors for, among other things, the provision of critical network
components and cellular billing services. The Company is also critically reliant
upon the systems of other telecommunication carriers with which the Company's
systems interconnect for the routing and delivery of telephone calls. The
Company has also identified potential Year 2000-related liability with respect
to telephone equipment manufactured by unaffiliated parties that the Company has
sold or leased to its customers ("Customer Premises Equipment" or "CPE"). The
identification and planning phases of the Plan are materially complete as they
relate to Company-owned systems. As they relate to third party vendors, other
telecommunications carriers and CPE customers, the identification and planning
phases are on-going and are expected to be materially complete by first quarter
1999.
Based on work completed under the Plan to date, the Company currently
intends to take the following additional steps under its Plan with respect to
Company-owned systems, third-party vendors, other telecommunications carriers,
and CPE customers:
o The Company generally plans to remediate Company-owned switching,
transmission, billing and collection and other critical systems
through the revision or replacement of current system
components. Necessary changes to Company-owned systems are in
process and are expected to be completed by mid-year 1999. The
selective testing and verification of such changes are expected
to be completed during 1999. Due to the large number of system
components requiring remediation, the Company does not intend to
test every remediated system but will rely upon the results of
selective testing to determine the effectiveness of remediation
efforts.
o With respect to critical services provided by utilities and other
third parties, the Company is in the process of contacting all
such suppliers and plans to have contacted all such suppliers
before the end of 1998. Thus far, a majority of those suppliers
contacted have responded that their systems and service delivery
mechanisms are Year 2000 compliant or can be made so through
currently available modifications. The Company plans to continue
monitoring all third-party remediation efforts and to make
contingency plans for the delivery of such services as necessary.
o The Year 2000 compliance status of other telecommunications carriers
with which the Company's switching systems interconnect is not yet
known. The Company is making inquiries with these carriers to
determine their compliance status and expects to obtain the results
of compliance tests during first quarter 1999, although there can be
no assurance that carriers will supply this information.
o Finally, the Company is in the process of obtaining Year 2000
compliance information from CPE manufacturers and plans to
provide this information to the Company's business customers in
early 1999. The Company plans to work with CPE manufacturers to
encourage the development of remedies for Year 2000 problems in
such equipment and to continue working with its customers to
identify Year 2000 problems in Customer Premises Equipment.
However, there can be no assurance that CPE manufacturers or
customers will cooperate with the Company's efforts to address
these problems.
While the Company currently believes that it will be able to remediate and
selectively test Company-owned systems in time to minimize any detrimental
effect on its operations, there can be no assurance that such steps will be
successful. Failure by the Company to timely and effectively remediate its
systems, or the failure of critical vendors and suppliers and other
telecommunications carriers to remediate affected systems, could have a material
adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects. Because the impact of Year 2000 issues on the Company
is materially dependent on the mitigation efforts of parties outside the
Company's control, the Company cannot assess with certainty the magnitude of any
such potential adverse impact. However, based upon risk assessment work
conducted thus far, the Company believes that the most reasonably likely worst
case scenario of the failure by the Company, its suppliers or other
telecommunications carriers with which the Company interconnects to resolve Year
2000 issues would be an inability by the Company (i) to provide
telecommunications services to the Company's customers, (ii) to route and
deliver telephone calls originating from or terminating with other
telecommunications carriers, (iii) to timely and accurately process service
requests and (iv) to timely and accurately bill its customers. In addition to
lost earnings, these failures could also result in loss of customers due to
service interruptions and billing errors, substantial claims by customers and
CPE purchasers and increased expenses associated with Year 2000 litigation,
stabilization of operations and executing mitigation and contingency plans.
Contingency planning to maintain and restore service in the event of
natural disasters, power failures and systems-related problems is a routine part
of the Company's operations. The Company believes that such contingency plans
will assist the Company in responding to the failure by outside service
providers to successfully address Year 2000 issues. In addition, the Company is
currently identifying and considering various Year 2000-specific contingency
plans, including identification of alternate vendors and service providers and
manual alternatives to system operations. These Year 2000-specific contingency
plans are expected to be materially completed during the first quarter of
1999, but their review and development will continue into 1999.
Although the total costs to implement the Plan cannot be precisely
estimated, the Company incurred costs of $2.5 million during the first nine
months of 1998 (none of which was related to hardware costs) and anticipates
spending an aggregate of approximately $33.8 million during the remainder of
1998 and 1999 (which includes $20.9 million of hardware costs.) These costs will
be expensed as incurred, unless new systems are purchased that should be
capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Some of
the costs represent ongoing investment in systems upgrades, the timing of which
is being accelerated in order to facilitate Year 2000 compliance. In some
instances, such upgrades will position the Company to provide more and
better-quality services to its customers than they currently receive. The
Company expects to fund these costs with cash provided by operations. Cost
estimates and statements of the Company's plans discussed above are
forward-looking statements that are derived using numerous assumptions of future
events, many of which are outside the Company's control, including the
availability and future cost of trained personnel and various other resources,
third party modification plans, the absence of systems requiring remediation
that have not yet been discovered, and other factors.
Regulatory Issues
In September 1998, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") initiated
a proceeding to represcribe the authorized rate of return for interstate access
services provided by local exchange carriers ("LECs"). The FCC periodically
represcribes this rate of return to ensure that the service rates filed by
incumbent LECs subject to rate of return regulation continue to be just and
reasonable. Responses to the FCC regarding the represcription proceeding are due
December 3, 1998. It is uncertain whether or by how much the FCC may lower the
authorized rate of return.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
Item 5. Other Information
- ------ -----------------
Recently the Company discovered that the trustee of its 401(k) plan has
inadvertently over the past several years sold shares of the Company's common
stock to plan participants in amounts that substantially exceed the number of
shares registered for sale under the Company's 1992 registration statement for
such plan filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company is
currently evaluating the number of unregistered shares sold, what remedial
steps, if any, that it may take, and whether any of the Company's other plans
have made any similar unregistered sales.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------ --------------------------------
A. Exhibits
--------
3(ii) Registrant's Bylaws, as amended through October 7, 1998.
10.1 Purchase Agreement by and among ALEC Acquisition Corporation,
CenturyTel of the Northwest, Inc. and CenturyTel Wireless,
Inc., dated August 14, 1998.
Pursuant to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, all schedules and exhibits to the foregoing
agreement have been intentionally omitted from this report.
The foregoing agreement contains a complete listing of all
schedules and exhibits. The registrant agrees to furnish
supplementary a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
10.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 2, 1998, to
Indenture between CenturyTel of the Northwest, Inc. and The
First National Bank of Chicago.
11 Computations of Earnings Per Share.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule as of and for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998.
27.2 Restated Financial Data Schedule as of and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1997.
B. Reports on Form 8-K
-------------------
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended
September 30, 1998.
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.
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
Date: November 12, 1998 /s/ R. Stewart Ewing
--------------------------------
R. Stewart Ewing
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 3(ii)
BYLAWS
OF
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(as amended through October 7, 1998)
<PAGE>
BYLAWS
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I - Officers.........................................................1
Section 1. Required and Permitted Officers............................1
Section 2. Election and Removal of Officers...........................4
ARTICLE II - Board of Directors..............................................4
Section 1. Powers.....................................................4
Section 2. Organizational and Regular Meetings........................4
Section 3. Special Meetings...........................................4
Section 4. Waiver of Notice...........................................5
Section 5. Quorum.....................................................5
Section 6. Notice of Adjournment......................................5
Section 7. Written Consents...........................................5
Section 8. Voting.....................................................6
Section 9. Use of Communications Equipment............................6
Section 10. Indemnification............................................6
Section 11. Certain Qualifications....................................10
ARTICLE III - Committees....................................................10
Section 1. Committees................................................10
Section 2. Appointment and Removal of Committee Members..............13
Section 3. Procedures for Committees.................................13
Section 4. Meetings..................................................13
Section 5. Authority of Chairman to Appoint Committees...............14
ARTICLE IV - Shareholders' Meetings.........................................14
Section 1. Place of Meetings.........................................14
Section 2. Annual Meeting............................................14
Section 3. Special Meetings..........................................14
Section 4. Notice of Meetings........................................15
Section 5. Notice of Shareholder Nominations and
Shareholder Business......................................15
Section 6. Quorum....................................................17
Section 7. Voting Power Present or Represented.......................17
Section 8. Voting Requirements.......................................17
Section 9. Proxies...................................................18
Section 10. Adjournments..............................................18
Section 11. Written Consents..........................................18
Section 12. List of Shareholders......................................18
Section 13. Procedure at Shareholders Meetings........................18
ARTICLE V - Certificates of Stock...........................................19
ARTICLE VI - Registered Shareholders........................................19
ARTICLE VII - Loss of Certificate...........................................19
ARTICLE VIII - Checks.......................................................19
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ARTICLE IX - Dividends......................................................19
ARTICLE X - Inapplicability of Louisiana Control Share Statute..............20
ARTICLE XI - Certain Definitions............................................20
ARTICLE XII - Amendments....................................................20
-ii-
<PAGE>
BYLAWS
(Amended entirely May 23, 1995)
(Amended Article I, Section I, Subsection 1.1(L), added new Subsection 1.1(O),
and amended Subsection 1.2 - October 7, 1996)
(Amended Article III, Section 1.1(B), Section 1 by adding new Subsection
1.3, Sections 3 and 4 amended in their entirety - November 21, 1996)
(Amended Article I, Section I by adding, deleting, revising or renumbering
various paragraphs of Subsection 1.1 and by revising
Subsection 1.2 - October 7, 1998)
ARTICLE I
---------
OFFICERS
Section 1. Required and Permitted Officers
- -------------------------------------------
1.1 Officers. The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman of the
--------
Board; a Chief Executive Officer; a President; a Secretary; and a Treasurer. The
Board may elect such other officers as the Board may determine. An officer need
not be a Director and any two or more of the offices may be held by one person,
provided, however, that a person holding more than one office may not sign in
more than one capacity any certificate or any instrument required to be signed
by two officers. The required and permitted officers and duties thereof are as
follows:
A. Chairman of the Board (Chairman). The Chairman shall preside at all
---------------------------------
meetings of the shareholders and Directors, ensure that all orders, policies and
resolutions of the Board are carried out and perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors or these Bylaws.
B. Vice Chairman. The Board may from time to time elect one or more Vice
--------------
Chairmen. The Vice Chairman shall serve in the absence or inability of the
Chairman to serve. In the event of the death, resignation or permanent inability
of the Chairman to serve, the Vice Chairman shall automatically succeed to the
office of Chairman until such time as the Board of Directors duly elects a new
Chairman. In the event that there is more than one Vice Chairmen, then the one
who has served in that capacity for the longest period of time shall serve in
the absence of the Chairman or assume the office of Chairman, as the case may
be.
C. Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO, subject to the powers of the
-----------------------------
Chairman and the supervision of the Board of Directors, shall have general
supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the
Corporation. He may sign, execute and deliver in the name of the Corporation
powers of attorney, contracts, bonds and other obligations and shall perform
such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of
Directors or these Bylaws. The CEO shall have general supervision and direction
of the officers of the Corporation and all such powers as may be reasonably
incident to such responsibilities except where the supervision and direction of
an officer is delegated expressly to another by the Board of Directors or these
Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing the CEO shall establish
the annual salaries of each non-executive officer of the Corporation, unless
otherwise directed by the Board, and the annual salaries of each officer of the
Corporation's subsidiaries, unless otherwise directed by the respective boards
of directors of such subsidiaries.
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<PAGE>
D. President. The President may sign, execute and deliver in the name of
---------
the Corporation powers of attorney, contracts, bonds, and other obligations and
shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman, the CEO, or these Bylaws.
E. Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO, subject to the powers of the
-----------------------------
CEO and the supervision of the Board of Directors, shall manage the day-to-day
operations of the Corporation, shall perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the Board of Directors or the CEO, and shall have the general
powers and duties usually vested in the chief operating officer of a
corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the COO shall
supervise and direct any other officer designated by the CEO and shall have all
such powers as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities. He may sign,
execute and deliver in the name of the Corporation powers of attorney,
contracts, and bonds.
F. Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the
-------------------------
principal financial officer of the Corporation. He shall manage the financial
affairs of the Corporation and direct the activities of the Treasurer,
Controller and other officers responsible for the Corporation's finances. He
shall be responsible for all internal and external financial reporting. He may
sign, execute and deliver in the name of the Corporation powers of attorney,
contracts, bonds, and other obligations and shall perform such other duties as
may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or by these
Bylaws.
G. General Counsel. The General Counsel shall be directly responsible for
---------------
advising the Board of Directors, the Corporation, and all its officers and
employees in all matters affecting the legal affairs of the Corporation. He
shall determine the need for and, if necessary, select outside counsel to
represent the Corporation and approve all fees in connection with their
representation. He shall also have such other powers, duties and authority as
may be prescribed to him from time to time by the CEO, the Board of Directors,
or these Bylaws.
H. Treasurer. As directed by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer
---------
shall have general custody of all the funds and securities of the Corporation.
He may sign, with the CEO, President, Chief Financial Officer or such other
person or persons as may be designated for the purpose by the Board of
Directors, all bills of exchange or promissory notes of the Corporation. He
shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the
Chief Financial Officer or these Bylaws.
I. Controller. As directed by the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller
----------
shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of the accounting
systems used by the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Controller shall be
authorized to implement policies and procedures to ensure that the Corporation
and its subsidiaries maintain internal accounting control systems designed to
provide reasonable assurance that the accounting records accurately reflect
business transactions and that such transactions are in accordance with
management's authorization. Additionally, as directed by the Chief Financial
Officer, the Controller shall be responsible for internal and external financial
reporting for the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
J. Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer shall have such powers and
-------------------
perform such duties as may be assigned by the Treasurer. In the absence or
disability of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer shall perform the duties
and exercise the powers of the Treasurer.
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<PAGE>
K. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the
---------
shareholders, the Board of Directors and its committees or subcommittees. He
shall cause notice to be given of meetings of shareholders, of the Board of
Directors and of any committee or subcommittee of the Board. He shall have
custody of the corporate seal and general charge of the records, documents and
papers of the Corporation not pertaining to the duties vested in other officers,
which shall at all reasonable times be open to the examination of any Director.
He may sign or execute contracts with any other officer thereunto authorized in
the name of the Corporation and affix the seal of Corporation thereto. He shall
perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of
Directors or these Bylaws.
L. Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall have powers and
--------------------
perform such duties as may be assigned by the Secretary. In the absence or
disability of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary shall perform the duties
and exercise the powers of the Secretary.
M. Executive Vice President(s). The Executive Vice President(s), if any,
---------------------------
shall assist the CEO in discharging the duties of that office in any manner
requested and perform any other duties as may be prescribed by the CEO, the
Board of Directors or these Bylaws.
N. Senior Vice President(s). The Senior Vice President(s) shall perform
-------------------------
such duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors, by
the CEO, or by these Bylaws (or, with respect to any Senior Vice President(s)
who reports to the COO, by the COO).
O. Vice President(s). The Vice President(s) shall have such powers and
------------------
perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the
CEO, the President, or any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or
other officer to whom they report. A Vice President may sign and execute
contracts and other obligations pertaining to the regular course of his duties.
P. Assistant Vice President(s). The Assistant Vice President(s) shall have
---------------------------
such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Board of
Directors, the CEO, the President or the officer to whom they report. An
Assistant Vice President may sign and execute contracts and other obligations
pertaining to the regular course of his duties.
1.2 Executive Officer Group. The Executive Officer Group shall be
-------------------------
comprised of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, the Chief Operating Officer, and each Executive or Senior Vice
President.
-3-
<PAGE>
Section 2. Election and Removal of Officers
- ---------- --------------------------------
2.1 Election. The officers shall be elected annually by the Board of
--------
Directors at its first meeting following the annual meeting of the shareholders
and, at any time, the Board may remove any officer (with or without cause, and
regardless of any contractual obligation to such officer) and fill a vacancy in
any office, but any election to, removal from or appointment to fill a vacancy
in any office, and the determination of the terms of employment thereof, shall
require the affirmative votes of (a) a majority of the Directors then in office
and (b) a majority of the Continuing Directors, voting as a separate group.
2.2 Removal. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is empowered in his
-------
sole discretion to remove or suspend any officer or other employee of the
Corporation who (a) fails to respond satisfactorily to the Corporation
respecting any inquiry by the Corporation for information to enable it to make
any certification required by the Federal Communications Commission under the
Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, (b) is arrested or convicted of any offense
concerning the distribution or possession of, or trafficking in, drugs or other
controlled substances, or (c) the Chief Executive Officer believes to have been
engaged in actions that could lead to such an arrest or conviction.
ARTICLE II
----------
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
------------------
Section 1. Powers
- ---------- ------
In addition to the powers and authorities by these Bylaws expressly
conferred upon it, the Board of Directors may exercise all such powers of the
Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by
the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws required to be exercised or
done by the shareholders.
Section 2. Organizational and Regular Meetings
- ---------- -----------------------------------
The Board of Directors shall hold an annual organizational meeting,
without notice, immediately following the adjournment of the annual meeting of
the shareholders and shall hold a regular meeting on the first Tuesday after the
twentieth day in the months of February, May, August and November of each year.
The Secretary shall give not less than five days' written notice to each
Director of all regular meetings, which notice shall state the time and place of
the meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings
- ---------- ----------------
3.1 Call of Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors
------------------------
may be called by the Chairman of the Board or, if he is absent or unable or
unwilling to act, by the President. Upon the written request of any two
Directors delivered to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary
of the Corporation, a special meeting shall be called.
-4-
<PAGE>
3.2 Notice. Written notice of the time and place of special meetings shall
------
be delivered personally to the Directors or sent to each Director by letter or
by telegram, charges prepaid, addressed to him at his address shown in the
Corporation's records. In case such notice is mailed or telegraphed, it shall be
deposited in the United States mail at least 72 hours prior to the meeting or
delivered to an overnight mail delivery service or to the telegraph company in
the place in which the principal office of the corporation is located at least
48 hours prior to the meeting. In case such notice is personally delivered as
above provided, it shall be so delivered at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
The foregoing notwithstanding, if the Chairman or the President shall determine,
in his sole discretion, that the subject of the special meeting is urgent and
must be considered by the Board without delay, notice may be given by personal
delivery or by telephone not less than 12 hours prior to the time set for the
meeting, provided a confirming telegram or overnight letter is sent to the
Director contemporaneously. Such mailing, telegraphing, telephoning or personal
delivery as above provided shall be due, legal and personal notice to such
Director.
Section 4. Waiver of Notice
- ---------- ----------------
Any Director may waive notice of a meeting by written waiver executed
either before or after the meeting. Directors present at any regular or special
meeting shall be deemed to have received due, or to have waived, notice thereof,
provided that a director who participates in a meeting by telephone shall not be
deemed to have received or waived due notice if, at the beginning of the
meeting, he objects to the transaction of any business because the meeting is
not lawfully called.
Section 5. Quorum
- ---------- ------
A majority of the authorized number of Directors as fixed by or pursuant
to the Articles of Incorporation shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business, provided, however, that a minority of the
Directors, in the absence of a quorum, may adjourn from time to time, but may
not transact any business. If a quorum is present when the meeting convened, the
directors present may continue to do business, taking action by vote of a
majority of a quorum, until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of
enough directors to leave less than a quorum or the refusal of any director
present to vote.
Section 6. Notice of Adjournment
- ---------- ---------------------
Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be
given to absent Directors if the time and place is fixed at the meeting
adjourned.
Section 7. Written Consents
- ---------- ----------------
Anything to the contrary contained in these Bylaws notwithstanding, any
action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken
without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors shall individually
or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or
consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Such
action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous
vote of such Directors at a meeting.
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<PAGE>
Section 8. Voting
- ---------- ------
At all meetings of the Board, each Director present shall have one vote.
At all meetings of the Board, all questions, the manner of deciding which is not
otherwise specifically regulated by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these
Bylaws, shall be determined by a majority of the Directors present at the
meeting, provided, however, that any shares of other corporations owned by the
Corporation shall be voted only pursuant to resolutions duly adopted upon the
affirmative votes of (a) 80% of the Directors then in office and (b) a majority
of the Continuing Directors, voting as a separate group.
Section 9. Use of Communications Equipment
- ---------- -------------------------------
Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held by means of telephone
conference calls or similar communications equipment provided that all persons
participating in the meeting can hear and communicate with each other.
Section 10. Indemnification
- ----------- ---------------
10.1 Definitions. As used in this Section:
-----------
(a) The term "Expenses" shall mean any expenses or costs (including,
without limitation, attorney's fees, judgments, punitive or exemplary damages,
fines and amounts paid in settlement). If any of the foregoing amounts paid on
behalf of Indemnitee are not deductible by Indemnitee for federal or state
income tax purposes, the Corporation will reimburse Indemnitee for tax liability
with respect thereto by paying to Indemnitee an amount which, after taking into
account taxes on such amount, equals Indemnitee's incremental tax liability.
(b) The term "Claim" shall mean any threatened, pending or completed
claim, action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative and whether made judicially or extra-judicially, or any separate
issue or matter therein, as the context requires.
(c) The term "Determining Body" shall mean (i) those members of the
Board of Directors who are not named as parties to the Claim for which
indemnification is being sought ("Impartial Directors"), if there are at least
three Impartial Directors, or (ii) a committee of at least three directors
appointed by the Board of Directors (regardless of whether the members of the
Board of Directors voting on such appointment are Impartial Directors) and
composed of Impartial Directors or (iii) if there are fewer than three Impartial
Directors or if the Board of Directors or a committee appointed thereby so
directs (regardless of whether the members thereof are Impartial Directors),
independent legal counsel, which may be the regular outside counsel of the
Corporation.
(d) The term "Indemnitee" shall mean each director and officer and
each former director and officer of the Corporation.
10.2 Indemnity. (a) To the extent any Expenses incurred by Indemnitee are
---------
in excess of the amounts reimbursed or indemnified pursuant to policies of
liability insurance maintained by the Corporation, the Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against any such Expenses actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with any Claim against Indemnitee (whether as
a subject of or party to, or a proposed or threatened subject of or party to,
the Claim) or in which Indemnitee is involved solely as a witness or person
required to give evidence, by reason of his position (i) as a director or
officer of the Corporation, (ii) as a director or officer of any subsidiary of
the Corporation or as a fiduciary with respect to any employee benefit plan of
the Corporation, or (iii) as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or
other for-profit or not-for-profit entity or enterprise, if such position is or
was held at the request of the Corporation, whether relating to service in such
position before or after the effective date of this Section 10, if (i) the
Indemnitee is successful in his defense of the Claim on the merits or otherwise
or (ii) the Indemnitee has been found by the Determining Body (acting in good
faith) to have met the Standard of Conduct; provided that (a) the amount of
Expenses for which the Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee may be reduced by
the Determining Body to such amount as it deems proper if it determines in good
faith that the Claim involved the receipt of a personal benefit by Indemnitee
and (b) no indemnification shall be made in respect of any Claim as to which
Indemnitee shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after
exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable for willful or intentional
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Corporation or to have obtained
an improper benefit, unless, and only to the extent that, a court shall
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in
view of all the circumstances of the case, the Indemnitee is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court shall deem
proper; and provided further that, if the Claim involves Indemnitee by reason of
his position with an entity or enterprise described in clause (ii) or (iii) of
this Section 10.2(a) and if Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification with
respect to such Claim from such entity or enterprise, Indemnitee shall be
entitled to indemnification hereunder only (x) if he has applied to such entity
or enterprise for indemnification with respect to the Claim and (y) to the
extent that indemnification to which he would be entitled hereunder but for this
proviso exceeds the indemnification paid by such other entity or enterprise.
(b) For purposes of this Section, the Standard of Conduct is met
when conduct by an Indemnitee with respect to which a Claim is asserted was
conduct that he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interest of the Corporation, and, in the case of a Claim which is a criminal
action or proceeding, conduct that the Indemnitee had no reasonable cause to
believe was unlawful. The termination of any Claim by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent,
shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet the
Standard of Conduct.
(c) Promptly upon becoming aware of the existence of any Claim,
Indemnitee shall notify the Chief Executive Officer of the existence of the
Claim, who shall promptly advise the members of the Board of Directors thereof
and that establishing the Determining Body will be a matter presented at the
next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. After the
Determining Body has been established the Chief Executive Officer shall inform
Indemnitee thereof and Indemnitee shall immediately notify the Determining Body
of all facts relevant to the Claim known to such Indemnitee. Within 60 days of
the receipt of such notice and information, together with such additional
information as the Determining Body may request of Indemnitee, the Determining
Body shall report to Indemnitee of its determination whether Indemnitee has met
the Standard of Conduct. The Determining Body may extend the period of time for
determining whether the Standard of Conduct has been met, but in no event shall
such period of time be extended beyond an additional 60 days.
(d) If, after determining that the Standard of Conduct has been met,
the Determining Body obtains facts of which it was not aware at the time it made
such determination, the Determining Body on its own motion, after notifying the
Indemnitee and providing him an opportunity to be heard, may, on the basis of
such facts, revoke such determination, provided that, in the absence of actual
fraud by Indemnitee, no such revocation may be made later than 30 days after
final disposition of the Claim.
-7-
<PAGE>
(e) Indemnitee shall promptly inform the Determining Body upon his
becoming aware of any relevant facts not theretofore provided by him to the
Determining Body, unless the Determining Body has obtained such facts by other
means.
(f) In the case of any Claim not involving a proposed, threatened or
pending criminal proceeding (i) if Indemnitee has, in the good faith judgment of
the Determining Body, met the Standard of Conduct, the Corporation may, in its
sole discretion, assume all responsibility for the defense of the Claim, and, in
any event, the Corporation and Indemnitee each shall keep the other informed as
to the progress of the defense of the Claim, including prompt disclosure of any
proposals for settlement; provided that if the Corporation is a party to the
Claim and Indemnitee reasonably determines that there is a conflict between the
positions of the Corporation and Indemnitee with respect to the Claim, then
Indemnitee shall be entitled to conduct his defense with counsel of his choice;
and provided further that Indemnitee shall in any event be entitled at his
expense to employ counsel chosen by him to participate in the defense of the
Claim; and (ii) the Corporation shall fairly consider any proposals by
Indemnitee for settlement of the Claim. If the Corporation proposes a settlement
of the Claim and such settlement is acceptable to the person asserting the Claim
or the Corporation believes a settlement proposed by the person asserting the
Claim should be accepted, it shall inform Indemnitee of the terms of such
proposed settlement and shall fix a reasonable date by which Indemnitee shall
respond. If Indemnitee agrees to such terms, he shall execute such documents as
shall be necessary to make final the settlement. If Indemnitee does not agree
with such terms, Indemnitee may proceed with the defense of the Claim in any
manner he chooses, provided that if Indemnitee is not successful on the merits
or otherwise, the Corporation's obligation to indemnify such Indemnitee as to
any Expenses incurred by following his disagreement shall be limited to the
lesser of (A) the total Expenses incurred by Indemnitee following his decision
not to agree to such proposed settlement or (B) the amount that the Corporation
would have paid pursuant to the terms of the proposed settlement. If, however,
the proposed settlement would impose upon Indemnitee any requirement to act or
refrain from acting that would materially interfere with the conduct of
Indemnitee's affairs, Indemnitee shall be permitted to refuse such settlement
and proceed with the defense of the Claim, if he so desires, at the
Corporation's expense in accordance with the terms and conditions of these
Bylaws without regard to the limitations imposed by the immediately preceding
sentence. In any event, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify
Indemnitee for an amount paid in settlement that the Corporation has not
approved.
(g) In the case of a Claim involving a proposed, threatened or
pending criminal proceeding, Indemnitee shall be entitled to conduct the defense
of the Claim and to make all decisions with respect thereto, with counsel of his
choice; provided that the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify
Indemnitee for an amount paid in settlement that the Corporation has not
approved.
(h) After notification to the Corporation of the existence of a
Claim, Indemnitee may from time to time request of the Chief Executive Officer
or, if the Chief Executive Officer is a party to the Claim as to which
indemnification is being sought, any officer who is not a party to the Claim and
who is designated by the Chief Executive Officer (the "Disbursing Officer"),
which designation shall be made promptly after receipt of the initial request,
that the Corporation advance to Indemnitee the Expenses (other than fines,
penalties, judgments or amounts paid in settlement) that he incurs in pursuing a
defense of the Claim prior to the time that the Determining Body determines
whether the Standard of Conduct has been met. The Disbursing Officer shall pay
to Indemnitee the amount requested (regardless of Indemnitee's apparent ability
to repay the funds) upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee
to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not
entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation under the circumstances, provided
that if the Disbursing Officer does not believe such amount to be
-8-
<PAGE>
reasonable, he shall advance the amount deemed by him to be reasonable and
Indemnitee may apply directly to the Determining Body for the remainder of the
amount requested.
(i) After a determination that the Standard of Conduct has been met,
for so long as and to the extent that the Corporation is required to indemnify
Indemnitee under these Bylaws, the provisions of Paragraph (h) shall continue to
apply with respect to Expenses incurred after such time except that (i) no
undertaking shall be required of Indemnitee and (ii) the Disbursing Officer
shall pay to Indemnitee the amount of any fines, penalties or judgments against
him which have become final for which the Corporation is obligated to indemnify
him or any amount of indemnification ordered to be paid to him by a court.
(j) Any determination by the Corporation with respect to settlement
of a Claim shall be made by the Determining Body.
(k) The Corporation and Indemnitee shall keep confidential to the
extent permitted by law and their fiduciary obligations all facts and
determinations provided pursuant to or arising out of the operation of these
Bylaws and the Corporation and Indemnitee shall instruct its or his agents and
employees to do likewise.
10.3 Enforcement. (a) The rights provided by this Section shall be
-----------
enforceable by Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) If Indemnitee seeks a judicial adjudication of his rights under
this Section, Indemnitee shall be entitled to recover from the Corporation, and
shall be indemnified by the Corporation against, any and all Expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such proceeding, but only if
he prevails therein. If it shall be determined that Indemnitee is entitled to
receive part but not all of the relief sought, then Indemnitee shall be entitled
to be reimbursed for all Expenses incurred by him in connection with such
proceeding if the indemnification amount to which he is determined to be
entitled exceeds 50% of the amount of his claim. Otherwise, the Expenses sought
incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such judicial adjudication shall be
appropriately prorated.
(c) In any judicial proceeding described in this subsection, the
Corporation shall bear the burden of proving that Indemnitee is not entitled to
Expenses sought with respect to any Claim.
10.4 Saving Clause. If any provision of this Section is determined by a
--------------
court having jurisdiction over the matter to require the Corporation to do or
refrain from doing any act that is in violation of applicable law, the court
shall be empowered to modify or reform such provision so that, as modified or
reformed, such provision provides the maximum indemnification permitted by law
and such provision, as so modified or reformed, and the balance of this Section,
shall be applied in accordance with their terms. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, if any portion of this Section shall be invalidated on any
ground, the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify and Indemnitee to the full
extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section that shall not have
been invalidated and to the full extent permitted by law with respect to that
portion that has been invalidated.
10.5 Non-Exclusivity. (a) The indemnification and payment of Expenses
---------------
provided by or granted pursuant to this Section shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which Indemnitee is or may become entitled under any
statute, article of incorporation, bylaw, authorization of shareholders or
directors, agreement or otherwise.
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<PAGE>
(b) It is the intent of the Corporation by this Section to indemnify
and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, so that if
applicable law would permit the Corporation to provide broader indemnification
rights than are currently permitted, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold
harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
notwithstanding that the other terms of this Section would provide for lesser
indemnification.
10.6 Successors and Assigns. This Section shall be binding upon the
----------------------
Corporation, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of
Indemnitee's heirs, personal representatives, and assigns and to the benefit of
the Corporation, its successors and assigns.
10.7 Indemnification of Other Persons. The Corporation may indemnify any
--------------------------------
person not a director or officer of the Corporation to the extent authorized by
the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board expressly authorized by the
Board of Directors.
Section 11. Certain Qualifications
- ----------------------------------
No person shall be eligible for nomination, election or service as a
director of the Corporation who shall (i) in the opinion of the Board of
Directors fail to respond satisfactorily to the Corporation respecting any
inquiry of the Corporation for information to enable the Corporation to make any
certification required by the Federal Communications Commission under the
Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 or to determine the eligibility of such persons
under this section; (ii) have been arrested or convicted of any offense
concerning the distribution or possession of, or trafficking in, drugs or other
controlled substances, provided that in the case of an arrest the Board of
Directors may in its discretion determine that notwithstanding such arrest such
persons shall remain eligible under this Section; or (iii) have engaged in
actions that could lead to such an arrest or conviction and that the Board of
Directors determines would make it unwise for such person to serve as a director
of the Corporation. Any person serving as a director of the Corporation shall
automatically cease to be a director on such date as he ceases to have the
qualifications set forth in this Section, and his position shall be considered
vacant within the meaning of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation.
ARTICLE III
-----------
COMMITTEES
----------
Section 1. Committees
- ----------------------
1.1 Standing Committees. The Board of Directors shall have six standing
--------------------
committees, the names, functions and powers of each of which shall be as
follows:
A. The Executive Committee shall consist of not less than three Directors,
-----------------------
one of whom shall be the Chairman of the Board, who shall also serve as chairman
of the Executive Committee. To the full extent permitted by law and the Articles
of Incorporation, the Executive Committee shall have and may exercise all of the
powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation when the Board is not in session.
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<PAGE>
B. The Compensation Committee shall consist of two or more Directors (the
--------------------------
exact number of which shall be set from time to time by the Board), none of whom
shall be a current or former officer or employee of the Corporation or any of
its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee is empowered to:
1. after receiving and considering the recommendations of the Chief
Executive Officer, determine from time to time the salary of the
Corporation's executive officers (as defined in Section 1.2 of
Article I of these Bylaws) and the fees of the Corporation's
directors;
2. administer each of the Corporation's incentive compensation plans
and stock-based plans (including its 1983 Restricted Stock Plan, Key
Employee Incentive Compensation Plan, 1988 Incentive Compensation
Program, 1990 Incentive Compensation Program, 1995 Incentive
Compensation Plan and any successor plans), and exercise all powers
provided for in such plans;
3. approve any (i) proposed plan or arrangement offering or
providing any benefits to one or more of the Corporation's
executive officers or directors (other than any plan or
arrangement offering benefits that do not discriminate in
scope, terms or operation in favor of executive officers or
directors and that are generally available to all salaried
employees) and (ii) proposed amendment or change to any
such plan or arrangement;
4. approve any (i) proposed employment or severance contract between
the Corporation and an executive officer or proposed executive
officer thereof and (ii) proposed extension or material amendment
thereto;
5. issue executive compensation reports to the Corporation's
shareholders in the manner required under the rules and
regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
6. retain independent consultants and legal advisors who will report
directly to the Compensation Committee and be paid with funds of the
Corporation; and
7. if requested by the Board, (i) review, determine or approve
the compensation of any non-executive officer of the
Corporation or any officer of the Corporation's
subsidiaries, (ii) review, determine or approve any
proposed amendments, contributions or changes to any of the
Corporation's employee benefit plans, welfare plans,
insurance or other benefit arrangements that are not
directly administered or monitored by the Compensation
Committee pursuant to the powers granted in paragraphs 2
and 3 above, and (iii) perform such other services as may
be delegated to it by the Board.
No action of the type described in paragraphs 1 - 6 shall be valid unless
it has been approved by the Compensation Committee or a duly-authorized
subcommittee thereof. All actions of the Compensation Committee or any
subcommittee thereof shall be subject to ratification by the full Board of
Directors unless the Compensation Committee or the subcommittee reasonably
determines that submitting a matter to the full Board of Directors for
ratification would be
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<PAGE>
prohibited by, or contrary to the intents and purposes of, any laws, rules, or
regulations that require or contemplate that such matter be authorized by
independent directors.
C. The Nominating Committee shall consist of two or more Directors and
------------------------
shall perform the following functions:
1. To consider and recommend to the Board nominees for election by
shareholders or for appointment by the remaining Directors to fill
vacancies on the Board;
2. To review and consider the performance of and to recommend the
appointment or reappointment of officers of the Corporation.
D. The Audit Committee shall consist of two or more Directors, none of
-------------------
whom shall otherwise be employed by the Corporation, and shall have the
following responsibilities:
1. To recommend to the Board the engagement or discharge of
the Corporation's independent auditor of its financial
statements;
2. To direct and supervise all investigations into matters relating to
or rising from the performance and results of each independent
audit;
3. To review with the Corporation's independent auditor the plan and
results of each independent audit engagement;
4. To review the scope, adequacy and results of the Corporation's
internal auditing procedures;
5. To review and to approve or disapprove each service to be
performed for the Corporation by the independent auditor
before such service is performed; except that the Committee
is authorized to permit the President or the Chief
Financial Officer to engage the independent auditor or
perform any category of service specified by the Committee
under circumstances deemed appropriate by the Audit
Committee;
6. To review the degree of independence of the independent auditor;
7. To consider the range of audit and non-audit fees; and
8. To review the adequacy of the Corporation's system of internal
accounting controls.
E. The Insurance Evaluation Committee shall consist of two or more
----------------------------------
Directors, and shall have the following responsibilities:
1. To review periodically the Corporation's insurance programs and to
advise and recommend any action deemed appropriate with respect
thereto; and
2. To review periodically the Corporation's insurance needs and to
advise and recommend any action deemed appropriate with respect
thereto.
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<PAGE>
F. The Shareholder Relations Committee shall consist of three or more
-----------------------------------
non-officer directors and shall have the authority of the Board of Directors
with respect to investigating, inquiring into and considering issues related to
certain shareholders' interest and rights and considering and acting upon
shareholder matters as assigned, from time to time, by the Chairman of the
Board.
1.2 Special Purpose Committees. The Board may authorize on an ad hoc
--------------------------
basis special pricing committees in connection with the issuance of securities
or such other special purpose committees as may be necessary or appropriate in
connection with the Board's management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation.
1.3 Subcommittees. As necessary or appropriate, each of the standing
-------------
committees listed in Section 1.1 may organize a standing or ad hoc subcommittee
for such purposes within the scope of its powers as it sees fit, and may
delegate to such subcommittee any of its powers as may be necessary or
appropriate to enable such subcommittee to discharge its duties and
responsibilities. Any such subcommittee shall be composed of two or more members
of the standing committee. Each subcommittee member shall hold office during the
term designated by the standing committee, provided that such term shall
automatically lapse if such member ceases to be a member of the standing
committee or fails to meet any other qualifications that may be imposed by the
standing committee.
Section 2. Appointment and Removal of Committee Members
- --------------------------------------------------------
Subject to Section 5 below, Directors shall be appointed to or removed
from a committee only upon the affirmative votes of:
1. A majority of the Directors then in office; and
2. A majority of the Continuing Directors, voting as a separate group.
Each member of a committee shall hold office during the term designated by
the Board.
Section 3. Procedures for Committees
- -------------------------------------
Each Committee and subcommittee shall keep written minutes of its
meetings. All action taken by a committee or any of its subcommittees shall be
reported to the Board of Directors at its next meeting, whether regular or
special. Failure to keep written minutes or to make such a report shall not
affect the validity of action taken by a committee or subcommittee. Each
committee or subcommittee may adopt such regulations (not inconsistent with the
Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or any regulations specified for such
committee by the Board of Directors or for such subcommittee by the standing
committee that authorized its organization under Section 1.3) as it shall deem
necessary for the proper conduct of its functions and the performance of its
responsibilities.
Section 4. Meetings
- --------------------
A majority of the members of any committee or subcommittee shall
constitute a quorum and action by a majority (or by any super-majority required
by law, the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws or any applicable resolution
adopted by the Board of Directors) of a quorum at any meeting of a committee or
subcommittee shall be deemed action by the committee or subcommittee. The
Committee or subcommittee may also take action without meeting if all members
thereof consent in writing thereto. Meetings of a committee or subcommittee may
be held by telephone conference
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<PAGE>
calls or other communications equipment provided each person participating may
hear and be heard by all other meeting participants.
Section 5. Authority of Chairman to Appoint Committees
- -------------------------------------------------------
Whenever the Board of Directors is not in session, the Chairman may fill
vacancies in any committees and may create such new committees as he deems
necessary or useful and appoint Directors as members thereof. Any such action by
the Chairman, and any action taken by such new committee, shall be subject to
ratification or disapproval by the Board at its next meeting.
ARTICLE IV
----------
SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS
Section 1. Place of Meetings
- -----------------------------
Unless otherwise required by law or these By-laws, all meetings of the
shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation or at such
other place, within or without the State of Louisiana, as may be designated by
the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Annual Meeting
- --------------------------
An annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held on the date and at the
time as the Board of Directors shall designate for the purpose of electing
directors and for the transaction of such other business as may be properly
brought before the meeting. If no annual shareholders' meeting is held for a
period of 18 months, any shareholder may call such meeting to be held at the
registered office of the Corporation as shown on the records of the Secretary of
State of the State of Louisiana.
Section 3. Special Meetings
- ----------------------------
Special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be
called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Board of Directors.
Subject to the terms of any outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock that
entitles the holders thereof to call special meetings, the holders of a majority
of the Total Voting Power shall be required to cause the Secretary of the
Corporation to call a special meeting of shareholders pursuant to La. R.S.
12:73B (or any successor provision). Such requests of shareholders must state
the specific purpose or purposes of the proposed special meeting, and the
business to be brought before such meeting by the shareholders shall be limited
to such purpose or purposes.
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<PAGE>
Section 4. Notice of Meetings
- ------------------------------
Except as otherwise provided by law, the authorized person or persons
calling a shareholders' meeting shall cause written notice of the time and place
of the meeting to be given to all shareholders of record entitled to vote at
such meeting at least 10 days and not more than 60 days prior to the day fixed
for the meeting. Notice of the annual meeting need not state the purpose or
purposes thereof, unless action is to be taken at the meeting as to which notice
is required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws. Notice of a
special meeting shall state the purpose or purposes thereof. Any previously
scheduled meeting of the shareholders may be postponed, and (unless provided
otherwise by law or the Articles of Incorporation) any special meeting of the
shareholders may be canceled, by resolution of the Board of Directors upon
public notice given prior to the date previously scheduled for such meeting of
shareholders.
Section 5. Notice of Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Business
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
5.1 Business Brought Before Meetings. At any meeting of the shareholders,
--------------------------------
only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before
the meeting. Nominations for the election of directors at a meeting at which
directors are to be elected may be made by or at the direction of the Board of
Directors, or a committee duly appointed thereby, or by any shareholder of
record entitled to vote generally for the election of directors who complies
with the procedures set forth below. Other matters to be properly brought before
a meeting of the shareholders must be (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or
any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,
including matters covered by Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors, or (c) otherwise properly brought before
the meeting by any shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting who
complies with the procedures set forth below.
5.2 Required Notice. A notice of the intent of a shareholder to make a
---------------
nomination or to bring any other matter before the meeting shall be made in
writing and received by the Secretary of the Corporation not more than 210 days
and not less than 70 days in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding
year's annual meeting of shareholders or, in the event of a special meeting of
shareholders or an annual meeting scheduled to be held either 30 days earlier or
later than such anniversary date, such notice shall be received by the Secretary
of the Corporation within 15 days of the earlier of the date on which notice of
such meeting is first mailed to shareholders or public disclosure of the meeting
date is made. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of a
shareholders' meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a
shareholder's notice as described above.
5.3 Contents of Notice. Every such notice by a shareholder shall set
------------------
forth:
(a) the name, age, business address and residential address of the
shareholder of record who intends to make a nomination or bring up any other
matter, and any beneficial owner or other person acting in concert with such
shareholder;
(b) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of
shares of the Corporation's capital stock that accord such shareholder the
voting rights specified in paragraph 5.1 above and that the shareholder intends
to appear in person at the meeting to make the nomination or bring up the matter
specified in the notice;
(c) with respect to notice of an intent to make a nomination, a
description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings among the
shareholder, any person acting in concert with the shareholder, each proposed
nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant
to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the shareholder;
-5-
<PAGE>
(d) with respect to notice of an intent to make a nomination, (i)
the name, age, business address and residential address of each person proposed
for nomination, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such person,
(iii) the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation of
which such person is the beneficial owner, and (iv) any other information
relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy
statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission had such nominee been nominated by the Board of Directors; and
(e) with respect to notice of an intent to bring up any other
matter, a complete and accurate description of the matter, the reasons for
conducting such business at the meeting, and any material interest in the matter
of the shareholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the
proposal is made.
5.4 Other Required Information. Notice of an intent to make a nomination
--------------------------
shall be accompanied by the written consent of each nominee to serve as a
director of the Corporation if so elected and an affidavit of each such nominee
certifying that he meets the qualifications specified in Section 11 of Article
II of these Bylaws. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish
such other information or certifications as may be reasonably required by the
Corporation to determine the eligibility and qualifications of such person to
serve as a director.
5.5 Disqualification of Certain Proposals. With respect to any proposal
-------------------------------------
by a shareholder to bring before a meeting any matter other than the nomination
of directors, the following shall govern:
(a) If the Secretary of the Corporation has received sufficient
notice of a proposal that may properly be brought before the meeting, a proposal
sufficient notice of which is subsequently received by the Secretary and that is
substantially duplicative of the first proposal shall not be properly brought
before the meeting. If in the judgment of the Board of Directors a proposal
deals with substantially the same subject matter as a prior proposal submitted
to shareholders at a meeting held within the preceding five years, it shall not
be properly brought before any meeting held within three years after the latest
such previous submission if (i) the proposal was submitted at only one meeting
during such preceding period and it received affirmative votes representing less
than 3% of the total number of votes cast in regard thereto, (ii) the proposal
was submitted at only two meetings during such preceding period and it received
at the time of its second submission affirmative votes representing less than 6%
of the total number of votes cast in regard thereto, or (iii) the proposal was
submitted at three or more meetings during such preceding period and it received
at the time of its latest submission affirmative votes representing less than
10% of the total number of votes cast in regard thereto.
(b) Notwithstanding compliance with all of the procedures set forth
above in this Section, no proposal shall be deemed to be properly brought before
a meeting of shareholders if, in the judgment of the Board, it is not a proper
subject for action by shareholders under Louisiana law.
5.6 Power to Disregard Proposals. At the meeting of shareholders, the
----------------------------
chairman shall declare out of order and disregard any nomination or other matter
not presented in accordance with the foregoing procedures or which is otherwise
contrary to the foregoing terms and conditions.
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5.7 Rights of Shareholders Under Federal Proxy Rules. Nothing in this
------------------------------------------------
Section shall be deemed to modify any rights or obligations of shareholders with
respect to requesting inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy
statement or soliciting their own proxies pursuant to the proxy rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
5.8 Rights of Preferred Shareholders. Nothing in this Section shall be
--------------------------------
deemed to modify any rights of holders of any outstanding class or series of
Preferred Stock to elect directors or bring other matters before a shareholders'
meeting in the manner specified by the terms and conditions governing such
stock.
Section 6. Quorum
- ------------------
6.1 Establishment of Quorum. At all meetings of shareholders,the holders
-----------------------
of a majority of the Total Voting Power shall constitute a quorum to organize
the meeting, provided, however, that at any meeting the notice of which sets
forth any matter that, by law or the Articles of Incorporation, must be approved
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a specified percentage in excess of a
majority of the Total Voting Power present or represented at the shareholders'
meeting, the holders of that specified percentage shall constitute a quorum, and
further provided that when specified business is to be voted on by a class or
series of stock voting as a class, the holders of a majority of the voting power
of such class or series shall constitute a quorum of such class or series for
the transaction of such business. Shares of Voting Stock as to which the holders
have voted or abstained from voting with respect to any matter considered at a
meeting, or which are subject to Non-Votes (as defined in Section 6.3 below),
shall be counted as present for purposes of constituting a quorum to organize a
meeting.
6.2 Withdrawal. If a quorum is present or represented at a duly
----------
organized meeting, such meeting may continue to do business until adjournment,
notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a
quorum, or the refusal of any shareholders present to vote.
6.3 Non-Votes. As used in these Bylaws,"Non-Votes" shall mean the number
---------
of votes as to which the record holder or proxy holder of shares of Capital
Stock has been precluded from voting thereon (whether by law, regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, rules or bylaws of any national securities
exchange or other self-regulatory organization, or otherwise), including without
limitation votes as to which brokers may not or do not exercise discretionary
voting power under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange with respect to any
matter for which the broker has not received voting instructions from the
beneficial owner of the voting shares.
Section 7. Voting Power Present or Represented
- -----------------------------------------------
For purposes of determining the amount of Total Voting Power present or
represented at any annual or special meeting of shareholders with respect to
voting on any particular matter, shares as to which the holders have abstained
from voting, and shares which are subject to Non-Votes (as defined in Section
6.3), will be treated as not present and not cast.
Section 8. Voting Requirements
- -------------------------------
When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a
majority of the Total Voting Power present in person or represented by proxy
shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is
one upon which, by express provision of law or the Articles
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of Incorporation, a different vote is required, in which case such express
provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Directors
shall be elected by plurality vote.
Section 9. Proxies
- -------------------
At any meeting of the shareholders, every shareholder having the right to
vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy appointed by an instrument
in writing subscribed by such shareholder and bearing a date not more than 11
months prior to the meeting, unless the instrument provides for a longer period,
but in no case will an outstanding proxy be valid for longer than three years
from the date of its execution. The person appointed as proxy need not be a
shareholder of the Corporation.
Section 10. Adjournments
- ------------------------
10.1 Adjournments of Meetings. Adjournments of any annual or special
------------------------
meeting of shareholders may be taken without new notice being given unless a new
record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, but any meeting at which
directors are to be elected shall be adjourned only from day to day until such
directors shall have been elected.
10.2 Lack of Quorum.If a meeting cannot be organized because a quorum has
--------------
not attended, those present may adjourn the meeting to such time and place as
they may determine, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 10.1 hereof.
In the case of any meeting called for the election of directors, those who
attend the second of such adjourned meetings, although less that a quorum as
fixed in Section 6.1 hereof, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the
purpose of electing directors.
Section 11. Written Consents
- ----------------------------
Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special
meeting of shareholders may be taken only upon the vote of the shareholders,
present in person or represented by duly authorized proxy, at an annual or
special meeting duly noticed and called, as provided in these Bylaws, and may
not be taken by a written consent of the shareholders pursuant to the Business
Corporation Law of the State of Louisiana.
Section 12. List of Shareholders
- --------------------------------
At every meeting of shareholders, a list of shareholders entitled to vote,
arranged alphabetically and certified by the Secretary or by the agent of the
Corporation having charge of transfers of shares, showing the number and class
of shares held by each shareholder on the record date for the meeting, shall be
produced on the request of any shareholder.
Section 13. Procedure at Shareholders' Meetings
-----------------------------------
The Chairman of the Board, or in his absence, the Vice Chairman, shall
preside as chairman at all shareholders' meetings. The organization of each
shareholders' meeting and all matters relating to the manner of conducting the
meeting shall be determined by the chairman, including the order of business,
the conduct of discussion and the manner of voting. Meetings shall be conducted
in a manner designed to accomplish the business of the meeting in a prompt and
orderly fashion and to be fair and equitable to all shareholders, but it shall
not be necessary to follow Roberts' Rules of Order or any other manual of
parliamentary procedure.
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ARTICLE V
---------
CERTIFICATES OF STOCK
Certificates of stock issued by the Corporation shall be numbered and
shall be entered into the books of the Corporation as they are issued. They
shall exhibit the holder's name and number of shares and shall be signed by the
President or any Vice-President and by the Treasurer, Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary, all in the manner required by law.
ARTICLE VI
----------
REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS
The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any
share or shares of stock as the holder in fact thereof and accordingly shall not
be bound to recognize any beneficial, equitable or other claim to or interest in
such share on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express
or other notice thereof, except as expressly provided by the laws of Louisiana.
ARTICLE VII
-----------
LOSS OF CERTIFICATE
Any person claiming a certificate of stock to be lost or destroyed shall
make an affidavit or affirmation of that fact, and the Board of Directors, the
General Counsel or the Secretary may, in his or its discretion, require the
owner of the lost of destroyed certificate or his legal representative, to give
the Corporation a bond, in such sum as the Board of Directors, the General
Counsel or the Secretary may require, to indemnify the Corporation against any
claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss or
destruction of any such certificate; a new certificate of the same tenor and for
the same number of shares as the one alleged to be lost or destroyed, may be
issued without requiring any bond when, in the judgment of the Board of
Directors, the General Counsel or the Secretary, it is proper to do so.
ARTICLE VIII
------------
CHECKS
All checks, drafts and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such
officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors
may from time to time designate.
ARTICLE IX
----------
DIVIDENDS
Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the
provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the
Board of Directors at any regular or special meetings, pursuant to law.
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ARTICLE X
---------
INAPPLICABILITY OF LOUISIANA CONTROL SHARE STATUTE
Effective May 23, 1995, the provisions of La. R.S. 12:135 through
12:140.2 shall not apply to control share acquisitions of shares of the
Corporation's Capital Stock.
ARTICLE XI
----------
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
The terms Capital Stock, Continuing Directors, Total Voting Power and
Voting Stock shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Articles of
Incorporation, provided, however, that for purposes of Sections 3 and 6 of
Article IV of these Bylaws, Total Voting Power shall mean the total number of
votes that holders of Capital Stock are entitled to cast generally in the
election of directors.
ARTICLE XII
-----------
AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may only be altered, amended or repealed in the manner
specified in the Articles of Incorporation.
-20-
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION COPY
--------------
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
---------------------
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
ALEC ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.
AND
CENTURYTEL WIRELESS, INC.
DATED AUGUST 14, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS................................................ 2
1.1 Defined Terms.............................................. 2
1.2 Singular and Plural........................................ 7
1.3 Capitalized Terms.......................................... 7
SECTION 2 SALE OF PROPERTIES......................................... 8
2.1 Purchase and Sale.......................................... 8
2.2 Purchase Price; Adjustments................................ 8
2.3 Signing and Closing........................................ 12
SECTION 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS.................. 13
3.1 Organization and Qualification of Sellers.................. 13
3.2 Authorization of Agreement................................. 13
3.3 Alaska Entities............................................ 14
3.4 Organization and Qualification of the Alaska Entities...... 14
3.5 Capital Stock and Equity Interests......................... 14
3.6 Organizational Documents................................... 15
3.7 Financial Statements....................................... 15
3.8 Absence of Material Changes................................ 16
3.9 Indebtedness............................................... 19
3.10 Litigation and Claims...................................... 20
3.11 Title to Property and Leases............................... 20
3.12 Sufficiency and Condition of Assets........................ 22
3.13 Insurance.................................................. 23
3.14 Contracts.................................................. 23
3.15 No Violation............................................... 24
3.16 Undisclosed Liabilities.................................... 25
3.17 Compliance with Laws, Permits.............................. 25
3.18 ERISA...................................................... 26
3.19 Environmental Matters...................................... 32
3.20 Employees.................................................. 34
3.21 Tax Matters................................................ 35
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3.22 No Finder.................................................. 37
3.23 Labor Relations............................................ 37
3.24 Rights to Trade Name....................................... 39
3.25 Books and Records.......................................... 39
3.26 Intellectual Properties.................................... 40
3.27 Affiliate Transactions..................................... 41
3.28 Telephone Operations....................................... 41
3.29 Alaska Division Headquarters Relocation Costs.............. 42
SECTION 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER................... 42
4.1 Organization of Buyer...................................... 42
4.2 Authorization of Agreement................................. 43
4.3 No Violation ............................................... 43
4.4 Financing Commitments...................................... 44
4.5 Due Diligence.............................................. 44
4.6 Incorporation.............................................. 44
4.7 Buyer's Management......................................... 45
SECTION 5 CONDUCT PENDING CLOSING.................................... 45
5.1 HSR, FCC and APUC Approvals................................ 45
5.2 Other Consents............................................. 46
5.3 Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing Date.............. 46
5.4 Notification of Certain Matters............................ 51
5.5 Notice of Litigation....................................... 52
5.6 Access to Information...................................... 52
5.7 Maintenance of Financing Commitments....................... 53
5.8 Consulting Agreement....................................... 53
SECTION 6 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS...................................... 54
6.1 Public Announcements....................................... 54
6.2 Indemnification by Sellers................................. 53
6.3 Indemnification by Buyer................................... 61
6.4 Sellers Covenant Not to Compete............................ 65
6.5 Employment Matters......................................... 66
6.6 Multiemployer Plans........................................ 68
6.7 License of Tradenames...................................... 69
6.8 Transition Services........................................ 69
6.9 Nonsolicitation and No Hire................................ 70
6.10 Support Software........................................... 70
6.11 Remediation................................................ 70
6.12 Advances to Alaska Entities................................ 71
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6.13 Severance Pay for Alaska Entities Employees................ 71
6.14 Ancillary Agreements....................................... 71
6.15 Intercompany Accounts...................................... 72
SECTION 7 COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO TAXES............................ 73
7.1 Tax Sharing Agreements..................................... 73
7.2 Returns for Periods Through the Closing Date............... 73
7.3 Audits..................................................... 74
7.4 Section 338(h)(10) Election................................ 75
7.5 Taxes Other Than Income Taxes.............................. 75
7.6 Allocation Among Periods................................... 76
7.7 Cooperation on Tax Matters................................. 77
7.8 Contests................................................... 78
7.9 Resolution of Disagreements Between Parent,
CWI or CNI and Buyer...................................... 79
7.10 Allocation of Purchase Price............................... 79
SECTION 8 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER............... 80
8.1 Representations and Warranties............................. 80
8.2 Covenants.................................................. 81
8.3 Material Adverse Effect.................................... 81
8.4 Certificates............................................... 82
8.5 Certified Copy of Charter, Resolutions, etc. .............. 82
8.6 Opinion of Counsel for Sellers............................. 82
8.7 Consents and Approvals..................................... 83
8.8 Prohibitions............................................... 83
8.9 Resignations............................................... 83
8.10 Stock Certificates; Closing Documents...................... 84
8.11 Ancillary Agreements....................................... 84
8.12 Outstanding Indebtedness................................... 84
8.13 FIRPTA Affidavit........................................... 84
8.14 Intercompany Accounts...................................... 84
SECTION 9 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLERS............. 85
9.1 Representations and Warranties............................. 85
9.2 Covenants.................................................. 85
9.3 Certificate................................................ 85
9.4 Certified Copy of Resolutions.............................. 86
9.5 Opinion of Counsel for Buyer............................... 86
9.6 Consents and Approvals..................................... 86
9.7 Prohibitions............................................... 87
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9.8 Closing Documents.......................................... 87
SECTION 10 CLOSING DOCUMENTS.......................................... 87
10.1 By Sellers................................................. 87
10.2 By Buyer................................................... 88
SECTION 11 TERMINATION................................................ 88
11.1 Right of Termination....................................... 88
11.2 Effect of Termination...................................... 90
SECTION 12 MISCELLANEOUS.............................................. 90
12.1 Fees and Expenses.......................................... 90
12.2 Rights of Third Parties.................................... 90
12.3 Confidential Information................................... 91
12.4 Waiver..................................................... 92
12.5 Specific Performance....................................... 92
12.6 Entirety of Agreement...................................... 92
12.7 Prohibited Negotiations.................................... 93
12.8 Survival................................................... 93
12.9 Arbitration................................................ 94
12.10 Attorney Fees.............................................. 94
12.11 Notices.................................................... 94
12.12 Amendment.................................................. 96
12.13 Further Assurances......................................... 96
12.14 Governing Law.............................................. 97
12.15 Counterparts............................................... 97
12.16 Binding Effect; Assignment................................. 97
12.17 Meanings of Pronouns, Singular and Plural Words............ 98
12.18 Headings................................................... 98
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PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Purchase Agreement (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
the 14th day of August, 1998, by and among ALEC Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Buyer"), and CenturyTel of the Northwest, Inc., f/k/a
Pacific Telecom, Inc., a Washington corporation ("CNI") and CenturyTel Wireless,
Inc., f/k/a Century Cellunet, Inc., a Louisiana corporation ("CWI"), with CNI's
and CWI's offices at 100 Century Park Drive, Monroe, Louisiana, 71203. CNI and
CWI are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as "Seller" or
collectively as "Sellers".
WITNESSETH:
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WHEREAS, Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana corporation
("Parent"), owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of CNI and CWI, and CNI and CWI own all of the issued
and outstanding shares of capital stock of Telephone Utilities of Alaska Inc.,
Telephone Utilities of the Northland, Inc., PTI Communications of Alaska, Inc.,
Pacific Telecom Cellular of Alaska, Inc. and Pacific Telecom of Alaska PCS, Inc.
(collectively the "Alaska Entities");
WHEREAS, Sellers desire to sell and Buyer desires to purchase all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Alaska Entities (the
"Purchase Transactions");
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of CNI, CWI and Buyer have determined
that this Agreement is in the best interest of their respective corporations and
shareholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein the parties hereto agree
as follows:
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SECTION 1
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DEFINITIONS
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1.1 Defined Terms. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise
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expressly provided herein, terms defined above in the preamble and recitals
shall have the meanings set forth therein and the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below:
"Affiliate" means (unless otherwise provided herein), with
respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person.
"Affiliated Group" means any affiliated group within the
meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code or any similar group defined
under a similar provision of state, local or foreign law.
"Alaska Entity" or "Alaska Entities" means, individually, any
one of, or collectively, all of, the following corporations listed
below:
Telephone Utilities of Alaska, Inc.
Telephone Utilities of the Northland, Inc.
PTI Communications of Alaska, Inc. ("PTIC")
Pacific Telecom Cellular of Alaska, Inc. ("PTC") and its
wholly-owned subsidiary:
Pacific Telecom Cellular of Alaska RSA #1, Inc.
Pacific Telecom of Alaska PCS, Inc.
"Alaska Entity Employee" means any employee actively employed
by the Alaska Entities as of the Closing Date and shall not include
any employee of an Alaska Entity who is retired or who is on
long-term disability leave on the Closing Date.
"Alaska PCS Licenses" means, individually, any one of, or
collectively,all of, the following PCS Licenses:
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BTA NAME
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B014 Anchorage, Alaska
B136 Fairbanks, Alaska
B221 Juneau-Ketchikan, Alaska
"Alaska Stock" means all of the issued and outstanding capital
stock of the Alaska Entities.
"Alaska Telco Entity" or "Alaska Telco Entities" means,
individually, any one of, or collectively, all of, the following
corporations:
Telephone Utilities of Alaska, Inc.
Telephone Utilities of the Northland, Inc.
PTI Communications of Alaska, Inc.
"Applicable Law" means any federal, state, or local (domestic
or foreign) statute, law, rule, regulation or ordinance or any
judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any Governmental
Entity to which a specified Person or property is subject.
"APUC" means the Alaska Public Utilities Commission.
"APUC Licenses" means all licenses, permits, franchises,
certificates, consents, approvals and other authorizations issued by
the APUC, and all applications therefor, together with any renewals,
extensions or modifications thereof and additions thereto.
"Basic Trading Area" or "BTA" shall mean a service area
designated as such in the Broadband PCS Reconsideration Order issued
by the FCC.
"Budget" shall mean the approved 1998 capital expenditures and
operating budget of the Alaska Entities attached hereto as Schedule
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1.1.
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"Business" shall mean the operations and businesses of the
Alaska Entities conducted in the State of Alaska, including, without
limitation, the provision of local exchange telephone services,
Cellular Service, PCS (including any services or operations related
to the Alaska PCS Licenses), or any other services in Alaska, as
conducted since December 1, 1997, taken as a whole.
"Cellular Service" means the provision of cellular radio
telephone service pursuant to authority granted by the FCC under the
Communications Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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"Closing" means the closing of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, to be scheduled and held in accordance with
Section 2.3.
"Closing Date" means the date on which the Closing occurs, as
determined in accordance with Section 2.3.
"Closing Instruments" means, with respect to any Party hereto,
all of the agreements, certificates, resignations, acknowledgments,
releases, documents and other instruments to be delivered by such
Party at or prior to the Closing, pursuant to Sections 8, 9 or 10.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Combined Intercompany Receivable" means the net amount owed
by the Sellers and their Affiliates to the Alaska Entities, on a
combined basis, netting all amounts that are Intercompany Accounts,
as of August 31, 1998.
"Communications Act" shall mean the Communications Act of
1934, as amended, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
"Contract(s)" means, with respect to any specified Person, any
written or oral, contract, agreement, lease, or commitment to which
such Person or its properties are legally bound, or under which such
Person is legally obligated, whether on an absolute or contingent
basis.
"DOJ" means the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Employee Benefit Plan" means each plan or agreement that any
Alaska Entity maintains, administers, participates in, contributes
to, or has any absolute or continent liability with respect to, or
under which any employees of an Alaska Entity participate or
benefit, that is (i) an "employee welfare benefit plan," as defined
in Section 3(l) of ERISA ("Employee Welfare Benefit Plan"), (ii) an
"employee pension benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(2) of
ERISA, but excluding, any "multiemployer plans" ("Employee Pension
Benefit Plan"), (iii) a "multiemployer plan," as defined in Section
4001(a)(3) and 3(37) of ERISA ("Multiemployer Plan"), (iv) a
voluntary employees' beneficiary association and related trusts
("VEBA") or (v) a retirement or deferred compensation plan,
incentive compensation plan, profit sharing plan, stock purchase
plan, stock option plan, stock appreciation plan, restricted stock,
unemployment compensation plan, chance in control plan, vacation
pay, sick pay, death benefit, severance pay, bonus or benefit
arrangement, medical, medical reimbursement, post retirement health,
dental, disability, insurance or hospitalization program or benefit
or any other fringe benefit arrangement for any director, officer,
employee, consultant or agent, whether active or retired, and
whether pursuant to contract, plan or any other legally binding
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arrangement, custom or understanding, that does not constitute an
Employee Welfare Benefit Plan, Employee Pension Benefit Plan,
Multiemployer Plan or VEBA.
"Encumbrances" means any and all liens, charges, pledges,
options, mortgages, rights of refusal, deeds of trust, security
interests, claims, transfer restrictions, easements, title defects,
and other restrictions or encumbrances of every type and
description, whether choate or inchoate and whether imposed by law,
contract or otherwise of any kind whatsoever.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
"FCC Licenses" means all licenses, permits, franchises,
certificates, consents, approvals and other authorizations issued by
the FCC (including the Alaska PCS Licenses), and all applications
therefor, together with any renewals, extensions or modifications
thereof and additions thereto.
"FTC" means the Federal Trade Commission.
"GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting
principles applied on a basis consistent with prior accounting
periods.
"Governmental Entity" means any court or tribunal in any
jurisdiction (domestic or foreign) or any public, governmental,
legislative or regulatory body, agency, department, commission,
board, bureau, or other authority or instrumentality (domestic or
foreign), including but not limited to the DOJ, FCC, FTC, IRS or the
APUC.
"HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976, as amended.
"Indebtedness" means all debt obligations (whether for
principal, interest, premium, fees or otherwise and whether
classified as current or long-term) for or arising under (i)
borrowed money (including all notes payable and all obligations
evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments)
or purchase money indebtedness; (ii) all reimbursement obligations
under letters of credit, bankers' acceptances and similar
instruments (whether or not matured) (iii) all obligations under
conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to
property purchased, (iv) any sale-leaseback obligations or lease
obligations that would be required to be capitalized in accordance
with GAAP or (v) any guarantee or assumption of any of the
foregoing, in clauses (i) through (iv) or guaranty to
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maintain minimum equity or capital in any Person or any similar
obligation.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
"Knowledge" means, with respect to any Seller, actual
knowledge of W. Bruce Hanks, R. Stewart Ewing, Jr., David D. Cole,
Kenneth R. Cole, Nick Bowman, Calvin Simshaw, Murray Greer, Mary
Cunningham, Chris Watkins and Gary Perleberg.
"Losses" shall have the meaning given it in Section 6.2.
"Material" means material to the Alaska Entities, taken as
a whole.
"Material Adverse Effect" means any effect that is materially
adverse to the business, assets, properties, financial condition or
results of operations of the Alaska Entities, taken as a whole.
"Material Contract" means any Contract of the type described
in the first sentence of Section 3.14 or any other Contract the
termination of which would be reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
"Material Indebtedness" means Indebtedness in excess of
$500,000 and including all indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant
to the Consolidating Telephone Loan Contract, dated as of June 1,
1987, between Telephone Utilities of the Northland, Inc., United
States of America and Rural Telephone Bank, as amended, modified or
supplemented to date.
"Net Working Capital" means current assets minus current
liabilities, in each case, determined in accordance with GAAP on a
combined basis, but shall exclude all intercompany payables,
intercompany receivables and other intercompany accounts
(collectively, the "Intercompany Accounts") between any Alaska
Entity, on the one hand, and Sellers or any Affiliate of Sellers
(other than the Alaska Entities), on the other hand. For the
purposes of this definition, current income Taxes payable are not to
be included as Intercompany Account.
"Party" or "Parties" means, individually, CNI, CWI or Buyer
and, collectively, CNI, CWI and Buyer.
"PCS" or "Broadband PCS" means the provision of personal
communications services in the 2GHz band, pursuant to authority
granted by the FCC under the Communications Act and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
"PCS License" or "Broadband PCS License" shall mean an E Block
Broadband 10 MHz PCS Permit granted by the FCC to construct and/or
operate a
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telecommunications system to provide PCS in a particular
Basic Trading Area.
"Permits" mean permits, licenses, franchises, certificates,
consents, approvals, and other authorizations issued or granted by
Governmental Entities, including all FCC Licenses, all APUC Licenses
and all such other authorizations issued or granted by the FCC or
the APUC.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock
company, trust, enterprise, unincorporated organization,
Governmental Entity, or other entity.
"Proceedings" means any and all actions, suits, hearings,
investigations or other proceedings by or before any arbitrator,
court or Governmental Entity.
"Purchase Price" Purchase Price shall have the meaning given
to it in Section 2.2(a) hereof.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any entity, any
corporation at least 50% of whose outstanding voting securities are
owned, directly or indirectly, by such entity or any partnership,
joint venture or other entity at least 50% of whose total equity
interest is directly or indirectly owned by such entity.
"Tax(es)" means any federal, state, local, or foreign income,
gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance,
stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental
(including taxes under Code Sec. 59A), customs, duties, capital
stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or
similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal
property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added,
alternative or add-on minimum, hearing impaired, 911 surcharge,
estimated, or other tax or levy, including any interest, penalty, or
addition thereto, whether disputed or not.
"Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for
refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes,
including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any
amendment thereof.
1.2 Singular and Plural. Defined terms in this Agreement shall also mean
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in the singular number the plural, and in the plural number the singular.
1.3 Capitalized Terms. In addition to such terms as are defined in the
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preamble and recitals to this Agreement and in Section 1.1, any other
capitalized term appearing herein shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the
Section in which it is defined.
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SECTION 2
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SALE OF PROPERTIES
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2.1 Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, and in
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reliance upon the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein,
at the Closing, Sellers agree to sell and deliver to Buyer and Buyer agrees to
purchase, accept and pay for, all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and
to the Alaska Stock, free and clear of all Encumbrances.
2.2 Purchase Price; Adjustments.
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(a) As consideration for the Alaska Stock, Buyer will pay to Sellers
the sum of $415,000,000 (the "Purchase Price"), adjusted pursuant to
Section 2.2(b) below.
(b) The Purchase Price shall be adjusted (i)upwards or downwards,on
a dollar-for-dollar basis by the amount that Net Working Capital of the
Alaska Entities as of August 31, 1998 is either a positive or negative
number, respectively; (ii) downwards, on a dollar-for-dollar basis by an
amount equal to the amount of all long-term liabilities as of August 31,
1998 (excluding the current portion of long-term Indebtedness) of the
Alaska Entities; (iii) upwards or downwards, on a dollar-for-dollar basis,
by the amount that actual capital expenditures of the Alaska Entities have
been greater or less than $18,199,000, in the aggregate, from January 1,
1998 until August 31, 1998;(iv) downwards,on a dollar-for-dollar basis,by
the aggregate amount of dividends paid by the Alaska Entities to Sellers
pursuant to Section 2.2(c);(v) upwards, on a dollar-for-dollar basis by
the amount of Advances (as defined below) that Sellers make to the Alaska
Entities from August 31, 1998 until the Closing that have not been repaid
prior to the Closing;(vi) upwards, on a dollar for dollar basis, by an
amount equal to $33,333.00 per day for each day from August 31,
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1998 through the day prior to the Closing Date; and (vii) upwards, on
a dollar-for-dollar basis, by the Estimated Income Tax Amount (as defined
in Section 7.2) (the aggregate net amount of the adjustments pursuant to
subsections (i)-(iii) above being referred to as the "Adjustment Amount"
and the aggregate net amount of the adjustments pursuant to (iv)-(vii)
being the "Additional Amount").
(c) In the event the Net Working Capital of the Alaska Entities at
August 31, 1998 exceeds $2,000,000, Sellers and Buyer will cooperate to
allow the Alaska Entities to pay cash dividends to Sellers between
September 1, 1998 and the Closing Date (without any negative tax impact on
the Alaska Entities or Buyer) equal to the amount by which Net Working
Capital as of August 31, 1998 exceeds $2,000,000.
(d) On the Closing Date, Buyer shall pay to Sellers, by wire
transfer(s) of immediately available funds to the account(s) specified by
Sellers:
(i) in the event that, on or prior to the Closing Date, the
Adjustment Amount has been finally and conclusively determined
pursuant to this Section 2.2, the Purchase Price, as adjusted by the
Adjustment Amount and the Additional Amount, or
(ii) in the event that, as of the Closing Date, the Adjustment
Amount has not been finally and conclusively determined pursuant to
this Section 2.2, the Purchase Price as adjusted by the Additional
Amount and as adjusted by the Estimated Adjustment Amount (as de-
fined below); provided that, within five (5) business days of any
final, binding, and conclusive determination of the Adjustment
Amount (whether through non-objection, agreement, or otherwise),
Buyer and
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Sellers shall recalculate the Purchase Price adjusted by the Adjust-
ment Amount and the Additional Amount. If the Adjustment Amount is
less than the Estimated Adjustment Amount, Sellers shall promptly
pay to Buyer such difference (without interest). If, on the other
hand, the Adjustment Amount is more than the Estimated Adjustment
Amount, then Buyer shall promptly pay the amount of such excess
(without interest) to Sellers.
(e) As soon as practicable,but in no event later than November 30,
1998, Sellers shall prepare a combined balance sheet of the Alaska
Entities as of August 31, 1998 (including the notes thereto, the "Signing
Date Balance Sheet"). The Signing Date Balance Sheet shall be prepared in
accordance with GAAP and shall be accompanied by a special report of KPMG
Peat Marwick ("KPMG"), Seller's independent public accountants, resulting
from agreed-upon procedures performed pertinent to the individual compo-
nents of Net Working Capital (the "Special Report"). Buyer and Sellers
agree to work together in specifying the agreed-upon procedures to be
performed by KPMG no later than September 15, 1998. Sellers shall also
prepare a certificate (the "Calculation Certificate") setting forth the
amount (and the underlying calculation thereof) estimated to be the
Adjustment Amount (the "Estimated Adjustment Amount"). Sellers shall
deliver copies of the Signing Date Balance Sheet, Special Report and the
Calculation Certificate to Buyer promptly after they have been prepared.
Upon receipt of the Signing Date Balance Sheet, Special Report and
Calculation Certificate, Buyer shall have thirty (30) days to notify
Sellers in writing of any objections that they may have to such Calcu-
lation Certificate. If no written objection is delivered by Buyer to
Sellers within such thirty (30) day period, the Calculation Certificate
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shall conclusively be deemed to have been agreed upon by the Parties and
shall be final, binding and conclusive with respect to all Parties hereto,
and shall not be subject to review, absent manifest error. If, on the
other hand, Buyer gives timely notice of their objections to the
Calculation Certificate, Sellers and Buyer shall attempt to resolve any
disputed matters by negotiating in good faith and attempting to agree in
writing as to the Adjustment Amount. If Sellers and Buyer are unable to
agree within fifteen (15) days from the date of delivery of Buyer's
written objection, then Buyer and Sellers shall submit any disputed
matters to a nationally recognized accounting firm mutually acceptable to
both Buyer and Sellers (which shall not be any certified public accounting
firm retained within the past two (2) years by either Buyer (or its
majority shareholder), or Sellers to audit their respective financial
statements). If Buyer and Sellers are unable to agree on a nationally
recognized accounting firm within ten (10) days following the expiration
of such fifteen (15) day period, then Sellers on the one hand and Buyer on
the other shall each select a nationally recognized accounting firm (which
shall not be any certified public accounting firm retained within the past
two (2) years by either Buyer (or its majority shareholder) or Sellers to
audit their respective financial statements), and the two firms selected
shall together select a third nationally recognized accounting firm (which
shall not be any certified public accounting firm retained within the past
two (2) years by either Buyer or Sellers to audit their respective
financial statements), to resolve the dispute. If the two accounting firms
selected by the Parties are unable to agree within thirty (30) days on a
third accounting firm to resolve the dispute, then either Buyer or Sellers
may commence court proceedings to name a nationally recognized accounting
firm (which shall not be any certified public accounting firm retained
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within the past two (2) years by either Buyer or Sellers to audit their
respective financial statements), to resolve the dispute. The accounting
firm selected hereunder to resolve the dispute shall make a final
determination as soon as reasonably practicable of the actual amount of
the disputed matters, which will be provided in writing to each Party, and
its resolution shall be final, conclusive and binding, on all Parties to
this Agreement and shall not be subject to judicial review. Each of the
Parties agrees to execute, if necessary, a reasonable engagement letter
with the accounting firm selected to resolve the dispute. All fees, costs,
and expenses of the accounting firms selected pursuant to this Section
shall be borne equally by Buyer, on the one hand, and Sellers, on the
other hand.
2.3 Signing and Closing. The signing of this Agreement will take place at
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the offices of Boles, Boles & Ryan in Monroe, Louisiana. The Closing of the
transactions contemplated herein will take place at the offices of Wachtell,
Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York, New York beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time
on the first business day of the month following the month in which the satis-
faction or waiver of all conditions to the obligations of the Parties set forth
in Sections 8.7 and 9.6 occurs, or, if not then satisfied, as soon thereafter as
all other conditions in Sections 8 and 9 have been satisfied or waived. The date
on which the Closing occurs shall be known as the "Closing Date".
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SECTION 3
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
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For the purpose of inducing Buyer to enter into this Agreement, Sellers
hereby make the following representations and warranties to Buyer.
3.1 Organization and Qualification of Sellers. CNI is a corporation duly
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incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Washington. CWI is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing, and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Louisiana. Each Seller possesses
full corporate power and authority to carry on the business in which it is
presently engaged, to own, lease and operate its properties and to enter into
and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
3.2 Authorization of Agreement. The respective Boards of Directors of
--------------------------------
Parent and each Seller have duly approved and authorized the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Purchase Transactions,
and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Parent or any Seller are
necessary to approve or authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Sellers or the consummation by Sellers of the Purchase Transactions. Assuming
due execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer, this
Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of each Seller,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general
application relating to or affecting creditors' rights and the application of
equitable principles in any action, legal or equitable.
3.3 Alaska Entities. Schedule 3.3 sets forth a listing of each of the
---------------------- -------------
Alaska Entities, their respective jurisdictions of incorporation and each
Seller's equity interest therein.
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3.4 Organization and Qualification of the Alaska Entities. Except as
--------------------------------------------------------------
disclosed on Schedule 3.4, each of the Alaska Entities is duly incorporated and
------------
validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such jurisdictions provide
evidence of good standing) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation. Each Alaska Entity possesses full corporate power and authority
to carry on the business in which it is presently engaged and to own, lease and
operate its properties. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.4 no Alaska Entity has
failed to qualify as a foreign corporation in any state or jurisdiction where
the nature of its activities or the character or location of its properties
requires such qualification.
3.5 Capital Stock and Equity Interests. The Alaska Entities each have an
--------------------------------------
authorized capitalization and the number of issued and outstanding shares as set
forth on Schedule 3.5 hereto. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Alaska
Stock are owned, directly or indirectly, by either CNI or CWI, as listed on
Schedule 3.5, have been duly authorized and are duly and validly issued and
outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, and are owned of record and
beneficially by either CNI or CWI, except as indicated on Schedule 3.5, free and
clear of any and all Encumbrances. There are no outstanding options, warrants or
other rights of any nature providing for the purchase, issuance or sale of any
stock of any of the Alaska Entities, and there are no outstanding securities or
debt obligations of any of the Alaska Entities or any of the Sellers convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or equity interests of any of
Alaska Entities. Upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
Buyer will acquire direct lawful title to all of the stock of the Alaska
Entities, free and clear of all Encumbrances of any kind whatsoever.
3.6 Organizational Documents. Sellers have delivered to Buyer true,correct
----------------------------
and complete copies of: (i) the articles or certificates of incorporation of
each Seller and each Alaska
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Entity, together with all amendments thereto, as certified by the Secretary of
State of their respective corporate domiciles and (ii) the bylaws of each Seller
and each Alaska Entity as currently in effect, as certified by the respective
Secretary of each such entity.
3.7 Financial Statements. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.7, Sellers
--------------------------
have delivered to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of the unaudited
(except as specified below) balance sheets and statements of income of
each of the Alaska Entities for the year ending December 31, 1997 (the
"1997 Financial Statements") and have also delivered to Buyer true,
correct and complete copies of unaudited balance sheets and income
statements for the Alaska Entities, as of, and for the interim period
ending, on June 30, 1998 (the "Interim Financial Statements" and, together
with the 1997 Financial Statements, the "Financial Statements"). The 1997
Financial Statements for Telephone Utilities of the Northland, Inc. have
been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, certified public accountants, and a
copy of its statement of cash flows, statement of changes in shareholders'
equity and unqualified opinion with respect thereto has been delivered to
Buyer. The Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP
(except for any changes in accounting methods referred to in the notes
thereto and subject in the case of unaudited interim financial statements
to normal year end adjustments (the effect of which will not, individually
or in the aggregate, be material) and, in the case of all unaudited
Financial Statements, the absence of footnotes) and fairly present (i) the
financial condition of the Alaska Entities as of the respective dates
thereof, and (ii) the results of operations of the Alaska Entities for the
periods therein set forth. All such unaudited Financial Statements
included in the Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that are
necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition and results of
operations for the periods presented therein, except as disclosed on
Schedule 3.7.
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3.8 Absence of Material Changes. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.8,
--------------------------------
since December 31, 1997, neither the Business nor any Alaska Entity has:
(a) undergone any change in its business, assets, properties,
financial condition, or results of operations other than changes in the
ordinary course of business, none of which, individually or in the
aggregate, has had or, to the knowledge of Sellers, would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there has not been any
condition, event or occurrence which, individually or in the aggregate,
has had or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered
by insurance, that was, individually or in the aggregate, Material;
(c) issued, sold, redeemed or repurchased any capital stock or other
equity interests or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or
granted any options, warrants or other rights to acquire, any such
securities, or directly or indirectly redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired any shares of its capital stock or equity interests; mortgaged,
pledged or subjected to any Encumbrance any of its properties or assets
valued, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $250,000;
(d) except in accordance with the Budget, incurred any Material
Indebtedness or amended, varied or altered the payment obligations with
respect to, or requested any waivers with respect to, the terms of any
existing Material Indebtedness, or entered into, amended, modified or
renewed or terminated any lease of material real estate or lease of
material personal property;
(e) entered into any transactions that create an impediment to
satisfaction of the
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conditions and covenants contained in this Agreement or to timely
consummation of the Closing;
(f) acquired or disposed of any assets or properties not
contemplated in the Budget having a value in excess of $250,000 in the
case of any single item or $1,000,000 in the aggregate, or relocated or
otherwise transferred any assets to other areas of Seller's operations;
(g) merged or consolidated with any other corporation or entered
into any joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement or formed
any other new material arrangement for the conduct of its business or made
any material investment in the securities or businesses of any Person, or
amended its certificate or articles of incorporation or bylaws;
(h) received notice of any dispute, claim, event or condition of
any character (including but not limited to any notices from any Govern-
mental Entity) that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (except for changes in
accounting principles or interpretations adopted by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, changes in general economic conditions,
including any change in the level of interest rates, or industry-wide
changes in the regulatory environment, including but not limited to the
loss of, or changes resulting from the loss of, the Rural Exemption (as
defined in Section 251(f)(1) of the Communications Act));
(i) terminated, modified, extended or amended any Material Contract
or, except as contemplated in the Budget, entered into any Material
Contract;
(j) made any change in its accounting methods or practices other
than changes
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in estimates related to the determination of expense accruals for health,
pension and other post-retirement benefits which are disclosed in the
Financial Statements;
(k) hired any new employees, agents or representatives (except new
employees, agents or representatives hired in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice whose annual compensation is not
expected to exceed $50,000) or entered into any new employment, severance,
consulting or other compensation agreement with any director, officer,
employee, agent or representative or other Person, except as contemplated
herein;
(l) increased the compensation (including bonuses, commissions,
fringe benefits, severance or retirement benefits) payable or to become
payable to any officer, director, employee, agent or representative,
except increases required by written Contracts or Employee Benefit Plans
then in effect and disclosed on Schedule 3.18 or increases and bonuses to
employees who are not officers or directors in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices or required by mandated ERISA
changes, or adopted, committed itself to adopt, or amended or modified in
any material respect or terminated any Employee Benefit Plan except as
expressly permitted under this Agreement or as required by Applicable Law,
or taken any action that could result in a withdrawal or partial
withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan;
(m) amended, renegotiated or entered into any collective bargaining
or similar agreement;
(n) received any notice indicating that there exists any material
labor unrest among its employees or that any group, labor union or similar
organization has tried to organize any of its employees;
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(o) declared or paid any dividend or distribution with respect to
its stock, other than dividends permitted pursuant to Section 6.15;
(p) amended the Budget or otherwise taken any action to reduce the
amount of capital spending identified in the Budget, or otherwise operated
other than in compliance with the Budget in all significant respects;
(q) settled or compromised any pending or threatened material
Proceeding, or canceled, compromised, settled or given up, waived or
released any material claims or rights;
(r) authorized, announced or implemented any new pricing, discount
or marketing programs or introduced any new services, except as
specifically contemplated by the Budget; or
(s) entered into any Contract or made any commitment to do or to
take any of the actions referred to in subsections (a) through (r) of this
Section 3.8.
3.9 Indebtedness. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.9, all Material
------------------
Indebtedness of each Alaska Entity is prepayable at any time at the option of
such entity, without premium or penalty, and none of such Material Indebtedness
is subject to acceleration or a penalty upon change of control of any Alaska
Entity (a "Change of Control"). Schedule 3.9 sets forth the prepayment terms
with respect to all outstanding Material Indebtedness. No Alaska Entity is in
default under any Contract evidencing any Material Indebtedness or in the
performance, observance or fulfillment of any covenant or condition relating
thereto, and to the knowledge of Sellers no event has occurred and is continuing
which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a
default, or result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate
any obligation or right under
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any such Material Indebtedness.
3.10 Litigation and Claims. Schedule 3.10 sets forth a list of each
Material Proceeding in which any Alaska Entity is a party or which otherwise
relates to the Alaska Entities. Except as specifically disclosed on Schedule
3.10, there are no decrees, judgments, fines, forfeiture, awards, orders or
injunctions to which any Alaska Entity is subject, or which otherwise relates to
the Alaska Entities, and there is no Proceeding pending, or to the Knowledge of
Sellers, threatened against or relating to any Seller or any Alaska Entity or
which otherwise relates to the Alaska Entities, that if determined adversely to
such Seller or Alaska Entity, would, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.11 Title to Property and Leases. Set forth on Schedule 3.11 is a list
----------------------------------
of all real property and buildings owned or leased by any Alaska Entity or used
in the Business with a value in excess of $250,000, with respect to owned
properties, and monthly payments in excess of $10,000 with respect to leased
properties. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11, each Alaska Entity owns or
leases all of the real and tangible personal property reflected on its December
31, 1997 balance sheet included in the Financial Statements except (i) property
disposed of since said date for fair and adequate consideration in the ordinary
course of business or dispositions which are not, in the aggregate, Material and
(ii) leases which have expired since said date and which are not, in the
aggregate, Material. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.11, title to all real and
tangible personal property owned by each Alaska Entity is, in each case, held in
the name of such Alaska Entity, and is good and lawful, marketable and free and
clear of any Encumbrances, except for (i) Encumbrances arising under indentures,
security interests, mortgages and/or deeds of trust securing indebtedness
disclosed in the Financial Statements, (ii) Encumbrances for Taxes or
assessments not
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yet due and payable or being contested in good faith, (iii) imperfections of
title and Encumbrances, if any, that do not materially detract from the use,
utility or value, or Materially interfere with the use or marketability of the
property affected thereby, (iv) all rights reserved to or vested in any
Governmental Entity to control or regulate any such entity's property or assets
in any manner and (v) Encumbrances which are otherwise not in the aggregate
Material. All real estate leases to which any Alaska Entity is a Party
(collectively, the "Leases") are legal, valid and enforceable in accordance with
their respective tenants, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or other laws of general application
relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors' rights and the application of
equitable principles in any action, legal or equitable; no Alaska Entity is in
default under any of such lease, and, to the Knowledge of Sellers, no event has
occurred which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a
default by any party under any such Lease. Each Alaska Entity owns or leases all
the real and tangible personal property and assets necessary for the continued
conduct of its present business in the ordinary course and in the manner it has
been operated since January 1, 1998, except where the failure to own or lease
such property or assets could not reasonably be expected to, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The
Alaska Entities purchase the predominance of their information services from
Affiliates. The software associated therewith is not owned by or licensed to the
Alaska Entities. The Alaska Entities utilize such software through license
agreements between Affiliates and third parties and those agreements will not
continue to be utilized beyond the Closing Date by any Alaska Entity unless such
utilization is pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.
3.12 Sufficiency and Condition of Assets.
-----------------------------------------
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(a) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12(a) or with respect to the
services provided in the Transition Services Agreement, as of the Closing
Date, Sellers will transfer to Buyer valid rights to use all of the
assets, rights and/or interests which are used in, and are sufficient for,
the operation of the Business as conducted by Sellers since December 1,
1997.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.12(b), all buildings,
equipment and other tangible assets owned by each Alaska Entity are in
good operating condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and do not
require any maintenance or repairs except for routine maintenance and
repairs that arise in the ordinary course of business, maintenance and
repairs that are contemplated in the Budget or maintenance and repairs
that in the aggregate are not Material in nature or cost.
(c) Prior to the date hereof, (i) PolarNet, Inc., an Alaska
corporation was merged with and into PTIC with PTIC as the surviving
corporation, and (ii) MVI Corp., an Oregon corporation ("MVI") has
transferred good title to each of the Alaska PCS Licenses, free and clear
of all Encumbrances, to Pacific Telecom of Alaska PCS, Inc., a
newly-formed wholly owned subsidiary of CNI, whose sole assets are and, as
of the Closing, shall be the Alaska PCS Licenses.
3.13 Insurance. Schedule 3.13 sets forth a list of all insurance policies
---------------
covering the businesses, properties and assets of the Alaska Entities. All such
policies are in full force and effect. All property of any Alaska Entity of an
insurable nature and of a character usually insured by companies carrying on
similar businesses has been insured in such amounts and against such Losses
(as defined herein) as is customary for such companies. Since December 1, 1997,
none of
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the Sellers has received notice of (a) any failure to pay premiums under any
policy, (b) any cancellation of any Material policy, (c) any insurer denying
any Material claim or (d) any insurer defending any Material claim with
a reservation of rights, which, in any such case, relates to the Alaska Entities
or the Business. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, no liability policy to
which the Alaska Entities is a party or under which the Business is covered has
a deductible in excess of $100,000.00.
3.14 Contracts. Schedule 3.14 identifies all Contracts to which an Alaska
--------------
Entity is a party that are not terminable within one year from the date hereof
or which obligate any Alaska Entity to make annual payments in excess of
$250,000. Each Material Contract to which any Alaska Entity is a party is valid,
binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws of general
application relating to or affecting creditor's rights and the application of
equitable principles in any action, legal or equitable and, except as set forth
on Schedule 3.14, the Alaska Entities are not in default under any such Material
Contract, and to Seller's Knowledge, no event has occurred which, with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute such a default, or result in the
acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate any obligation or right under
any such Contract, except such defaults that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as
set forth on Schedule 3.14 no Material Contract contains any provision providing
that it may be canceled, terminated or accelerated upon a Change of Control,
provides for any changes in the rates or other terms upon a Change of Control,
or requires the consent to such a Change in Control. Each Alaska Entity has in
effect all Material Contracts that are necessary for the conduct of its
business as presently conducted in the ordinary course. Except as set forth on
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Schedule 3.14, no Seller or any Affiliate of any Seller (other than the Alaska
Entities) is a party to any agreement for the benefit of any Alaska Entity or
the Business. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.14, there are no Contracts
which restrict or inhibit the ability of the Alaska Entities or any stockholder
or Affiliate thereof from doing business in any manner or in any geographic
location. To the extent this Section 3.14 relates to oral Contracts entered
into prior to December 1, 1997, the representations and warranties contained
herein with respect to such oral contracts shall be deemed to be qualified by
the phrase "to the Knowledge of Sellers."
3.15 No Violation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.15, with respect to
------------------
each Seller and each Alaska Entity, the execution, delivery, and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the Purchase Transactions will not: (1)
violate or conflict with or result in a breach of the articles or certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of any Seller or any Alaska Entity, (ii) except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.15, violate or conflict with, or result in the
imposition or creation of any Encumbrance upon or in any of the Alaska Stock or
properties or assets owned or leased by any of the Alaska Entities pursuant to
any Applicable Law or any other material restriction of any kind or character to
which any Seller or any Alaska Entity is or may be subject or by which any of
them or any of their assets or properties is or may be bound or (iii) conflict
with, violate or constitute a default under any provision of, or be an event
that is (or with the giving of notice or passage of time or both will result in)
a violation of or default under, or result in the acceleration of or entitle any
party to accelerate (whether after the giving of notice or passage of time or
both) any obligation or right under, or require a consent or create a penalty or
increase any Seller's or Alaska Entities' payment or performance obligations
under, any Encumbrance, order, arbitration award, judgment or decree, or any
Material Contract or Permit, to which any Seller or any Alaska Entity is a party
or by
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which any of them or any of their property is bound.
3.16 Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.16 or in
-----------------------------
any of the other Schedules to this Agreement, no Alaska Entity has any liability
or obligation of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, known,
unknown or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, which was not reflected
in the Financial Statements, except for liabilities and obligations incurred by
such Alaska Entity in the ordinary course of business since December 31, 1997,
which, in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
3.17 Compliance with Laws, Permits. Set forth on Schedule 3.17 is a list
-----------------------------------
of all Material Permits (and the beneficiaries and holders thereof) under which
the Alaska Entities or the Business provide or are authorized to provide local
exchange telephone services, cellular telephone services, cable television
services, personal communication services, or any other services provided by the
Alaska Entities or, in connection with the Business, the Sellers. Except as
disclosed on Schedule 3.17 each of the Alaska Entities and the Sellers has
complied with all Applicable Laws except where the failure to so comply would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Alaska Entity
has obtained all Material Permits required in order to conduct the Business as
presently conducted. The present use by each Alaska Entity of its properties and
the conduct of the Business does not violate any Applicable Law or Permit,
except where such violations, in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect. All Permits which are Material are in full
force and effect, have been legally and validly issued, and will continue in
full force and effect after the Closing Date without the consent, approval or
act of, or the making of any filing with, any Governmental Entity, subject to
the receipt of the approvals and the completion of the filings described in
Section 5.1 hereof. No Alaska Entity is in default
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under the terms of any Permit which is Material and no such entity has received
written notice of any default thereunder. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.17,
no Government Entity has notified any Alaska Entity of its intent to modify,
revoke, terminate or fail to renew any Permit which is Material.
3.18 ERISA.
-----------
(a) Set forth on Schedule 3.18 hereto is a list identifying each
"Employee Benefit Plan". Except for any plan that is a Multiemployer Plan,
the Sellers have made available to Buyer accurate and complete copies of
all Employee Benefit Plans maintained, adopted or participated in by any
Alaska Entity (and, if applicable, the related trust agreements) and all
amendments thereto, together with the three most recent annual reports
(Form 5500 including, if applicable, Schedule B thereto) prepared in
connection with any such Employee Benefit Plan. For purposes of this
Section 3.18 only, an "Affiliate" of any person means any other person
which, together with such person, would be treated as a single employer
under Section 414 of the Code.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.18, (i) no Employee Benefit
Plan constitutes a Multiemployer Plan, and (ii) no Employee Benefit Plan
is subject to Title IV of ERISA or to the minimum funding standards of
ERISA and the Code. There are no accumulated funding deficiencies as
defined in Section 412 of the Code (whether or not waived) with respect to
any Employee Benefit Plan. No Alaska Entity has incurred any Material
liability under Title IV of ERISA arising in connection with the
termination of, or complete or partial withdrawal from, any Employee
Benefit Plan covered or previously covered by Title IV of ERISA. Each
Alaska Entity has paid and discharged promptly when
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due all liabilities and obligations with respect to any Employee
Benefit Plan arising under ERISA or the Code of a character which if
unpaid or unperformed might result in the imposition of an Encumbrance
against any of the assets of any Alaska Entity or assets currently held by
Sellers, but which would, upon consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, be assets of any Alaska Entity. Nothing done or
omitted to be done and no transaction or holding of any asset under or in
connection with any Employee Benefit Plan has made or will make any Alaska
Entity, subject to any liability under Section 502(i) or (1) of Title I of
ERISA or liable for any tax pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code that
could have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Each Employee Benefit Plan which is designated on Schedule 3.18
as being intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so
qualified, and each trust forming a part thereof is exempt from Tax
pursuant to Section 501(a) of the Code. CNI has made available to Buyer
accurate and complete copies of the most recent IRS determination letters
with respect to any such Employee Benefit Plans and the related trust that
have not been revoked. Each Employee Benefit Plan is being maintained, in
all Material respects, in compliance with its terms and with the
requirements prescribed by all Applicable Law, except where the failure to
so maintain such Employee Benefit Plan would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, since January 1, 1991, no
Alaska Entity has maintained or contributed to a Multiemployer Plan.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, with respect to each Multiemployer
Plan in which any Alaska Entity participates or has participated,(i) since
January 1, 1991, no Alaska Entity has withdrawn,
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partially withdrawn, or received any notice of any claim or demand
for withdrawal liability or partial withdrawal liability and (ii) the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement does not constitute a
withdrawal or partial withdrawal under any Multiemployer Plan maintained
or previously maintained or contributed to by any Alaska Entity. Until the
Closing, Sellers will advise Buyer in the event that any Alaska Entity has
received any notice (i) that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization,
(ii) that increased contributions may be required to avoid a reduction in
Multiemployer Plan benefits or the imposition of any excise tax, (iii)
that any Multiemployer Plan is or may become insolvent, (iv) that any
Multiemployer Plan is a party to any pending merger or asset transfer, or
(v) that any Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") proceedings
against or affecting any Multiemployer Plan have been initiated.
(e) All contributions (including all employer contributions and
employee salary reduction contributions) that are due have been paid to
each Employee Benefit Plan, and all contributions for any period ending on
or before (i) August 31, 1998 and (ii) the Closing Date, that are not yet
due will be paid to each Employee Benefit Plan or accrued in accordance
with past custom and practice, and to the extent they relate to the Alaska
Entity Employees will be fully reflected on the financial statements of
the Alaska Entities as of (i) August 31, 1998 and (ii) the Closing Date,
respectively. All premiums, including without limitation, premiums payable
to the PBGC, or other payments for all periods ending on or before the
Closing Date which have become due have been paid or will be paid prior
to the Closing Date with respect to each such Employee Benefit Plan
which is an Employee Welfare Benefit Plan and, to the extent they
relate to the Alaska Entity Employees, any
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unpaid premiums will be fully accrued on the financial statements of the
Alaska Entities as of (i) August 31, 1998 and (ii) the Closing Date, as
appropriate.
(f) All required reports and descriptions (including Form 5500
Annual Reports, Summary Annual Reports, Summary Plan Descriptions, and
reports required by Labor Department Regulation Section 2520.104-23) have
been filed or distributed appropriately with respect to each Employee
Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) except where failure to
do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The requirements of Part 6
of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and of Section 4980B of the Code have
been met in all material respects with respect to each such Employee
Benefit Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) which is an Employee
Welfare Benefit Plan. No claim, lawsuit, arbitration or Proceeding is
pending or to Sellers' Knowledge has been threatened, asserted or
instituted against CNI, CWI or any Alaska Entity, or any Employee Benefit
Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) in connection with or arising out
of, directly or indirectly, Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA as it
applies to the Alaska Entities, and, to Sellers' Knowledge, there are no
facts that exist which could give rise to any such claims or other
Proceedings.
(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, no Alaska Entity
maintains or contributes to or is required to contribute to any material
Employee Welfare Benefit Plan or other program or arrangement providing
medical, health, or life insurance or other welfare-typ benefits for
current or future retired or terminated employees, their spouses, or their
dependents (other than in accordance with Section 4980B of the Code or
Sections 601-607 of ERISA).
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(h) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.18, consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein (either alone or in conjunction with any
other event) will not entitle any officer or employee of any Alaska Entity
to severance pay and will not increase, or accelerate the time of payment
or vesting, of, any compensation due to any officer, director or employee
of any Alaska Entity under any Employee Benefit Plan.
(i) Except as indicated on Schedule 3.18, the fair market value of
the assets of each Employee Benefit Plan which is subject to Title IV of
ERISA or the minimum funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code
exceeds the amount of benefit liabilities for such plan, computed on a
termination basis utilizing PBGC factors. Except as indicated on Schedule
3.18, to Seller's Knowledge, the fair market value of the assets of each
Multiemployer Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA or the minimum
funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code exceeds the amount of
benefit liabilities for such plan, computed on a termination basis
utilizing PBGC factors.
(j) No Employee Benefit Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA
has been completely or partially terminated in the preceding six years.
The PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any Employee Benefit
Plan. There has been no reportable event (as such term is defined in
Section 4043(c) of ERISA) with respect to an Employee Benefit Plan for
which notice to the PBGC has not, by rule or regulation, been waived or
which, individually or in the aggregate with other reportable events,
would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(k) There are no pending claims (other than claims for benefits in
the ordinary course), lawsuits or arbitrations which have been asserted or
instituted, or to Seller's
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Knowledge, which have been threatened against the Employee Benefit Plans,
any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the
Employee Benefit Plans or the assets of any of the trusts under any of the
Employee Benefit Plans which could reasonably be expected to result in any
material liability of any Alaska Entity to the PBGC, the Department of
Treasury, the Department of Labor, any Multiemployer Plan, any Employee
Benefit Plan or any participant in an Employee Benefit Plan.
(l) The Alaska Entities are in compliance with the Family and
Medical Leave Act of 1993, except with respect to any noncompliance that
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The
Alaska Entities and each member of their business enterprises have
complied with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act,
except with respect to any noncompliance that would not have a Material
Adverse Effect.
3.19 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19:
---------------------------
(a) Each Alaska Entity possesses all Permits which are Material
that are required under Applicable Laws relating to pollution or the
protection of the environment, including, without limitation, all laws and
regulations governing the generation, use, collection, treatment, storage,
transportation, recovery, removal, discharge or disposal of all hazardous
substances or hazardous wastes (collectively, "Environmental Laws"). Each
Alaska Entity is in Material compliance with all Environmental Laws. For
purposes of this Section 3.19, "hazardous substances" and "hazardous
wastes" are materials defined as "hazardous substances", "hazardous
wastes", "hazardous constituents", "pollutants" or "contaminants" in (i)
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
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Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, and any amendments thereto and regulations
thereunder, (ii) the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as
amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, and any
amendments thereto and regulations thereunder or (iii) any other
Environmental Law regulating gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum
hydrocarbons, including without limitation asbestos and polychlorinated
biphenols ("PCBs").
(b) No Alaska Entity has been subject to any enforcement actions or
lawsuits pursuant to, nor has it received any notice from any Governmental
Entity of any Material violations of, any Environmental Law, and, to the
Knowledge of Sellers, there are no facts or circumstances that it
currently anticipates could reasonably be expected to form the basis of a
claim or citation against any Alaska Entity for a violation of any such
Environmental Laws, except for violations that, in the aggregate, would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) There are no hazardous substances or hazardous wastes (or any
asbestos, fuel oil or other petroleum compounds or PCBs) used, disposed
of, discharged or stored by any Alaska Entity, except in the ordinary
course of their business and in Material compliance with all Environmental
Laws. At no time has any Alaska Entity caused or, to the Knowledge of
Sellers, permitted, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances or any other
such materials to be treated, stored, disposed of, released, discharged or
deposited on, under, at or from premises owned or operated by any Alaska
Entity, which materials if known to be present, would reasonably be
anticipated now to require the expenditures of a Material
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amount for clean-up, removal, response, remediation or other obligations
("Response") under any Environmental Law.
(d) To the Knowledge of Sellers, there are no disposal sites for
hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or any other wastes located on or
under the real estate now owned or operated by any Alaska Entity. Each
Person retained by or on behalf of any Alaska Entity to handle, transport
or dispose of hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or other wastes since
June 11, 1993 was, to the Knowledge of Sellers then duly licensed under
all Applicable Laws to handle, transport or dispose of such substances or
wastes, and, in each instance in which the hazardous substances or
hazardous wastes of the Alaska Entities were disposed of, the disposal
site was, to the Knowledge of Sellers, then duly licensed under all
Applicable Laws to receive such substances or wastes. To the Knowledge of
Sellers, none of the disposal sites that in the past have been the
recipient of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes generated by any
Alaska Entity are or have been listed on the US EPA National Priority List
or are Superfund or other sites subject to Response under any
Environmental Law.
(e) CNI has provided Buyer with access to true and complete copies
of any reports, studies, analyses or tests currently in its or its
Affiliates' possession pertaining to hazardous substances or hazardous
wastes or concerning compliance with environmental laws in, on or under
the real estate owned or operated by any Alaska Entity.
3.20 Employees.
---------------
(a) CNI has provided to Buyer a list by job location or employing
entity of each employee of any Alaska Entity together with each such
person's date of hire, employment
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status (e.g., active, long-term disability, retired, etc.), position or
function, and annual base salary or wages, including any incentive or
bonus arrangement with respect to such person.
(b) Sellers have provided to Buyer a list of all Contracts between
any Alaska Entity, or, with respect to any Alaska Entity Employees, any
Seller, on the one hand, and any union or collective bargaining unit, on
the other hand.
(c) Sellers have provided to Buyer a list and copies by bargaining
unit of each employee of any Alaska Entity who is a member of any
collective bargaining unit of any Alaska Entity, together with each such
person's classification or position, job location, and bargaining unit
seniority date.
(d) The estimated liability for all welfare benefit claims,
including, without limitation, life insurance, accidental death and
dismemberment, medical, dental,vision, health and disability claims and
expenses incurred by any employee of the Alaska Entities and his or her
eligible dependents on or prior to August 31, 1998 will be recorded on the
Signing Date Balance Sheet. For purposes hereof, a claim or expense shall
be considered to be incurred when the service giving rise to the claim or
expense is provided.
3.21 Tax Matters. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.21:
-----------------
(a) Each of the Alaska Entities has filed or caused to be filed all
Tax Returns that it was required to file or which were required to be
filed with respect to it. All Taxes owed by any of the Alaska Entities and
the Affiliated Group shown on such Tax Returns have been paid. None of
Parent and its Affiliated Group or the Alaska Entities currently is the
beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return.
(b) Each Alaska Entity has withheld and paid all Material Taxes
required to
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have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or
owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or
other third party.
(c) There is no dispute or claim concerning any Tax Liability of
the Alaska Entities claimed or raised by an authority in writing.
(d) Each of the Alaska Entities have (and as of the Closing Date
will have) made all deposits required with respect to Taxes.
(e) No waiver of any statute of limitations as to any Tax
assessment or deficiency which affects any Alaska Entity has been given
by CNI, CWI, Parent's Affiliated Group or any of the Alaska Entities.
(f) None of CNI, CWI or its Subsidiaries, the Alaska Entities or
Parent's Affiliated Group has filed a consent under Section 341(f) of the
Code.
(g) None of the Alaska Entities is obligated to make any payments
that will not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code.
(h) None of the Alaska Entities is a party to any Tax allocation or
sharing contract.
(i) Neither the Alaska Entities nor any of their Subsidiaries has
been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal Tax
Return (other than Parent's Affiliated Group or PacifiCorp's Affiliated
Group or as set forth on Schedule 3.21) or has any liability for the Taxes
of any person (other than any of Sellers or Parent's Affiliated Group or
Pacificorp's Affiliated Group)under Treasury Regulation ss. 1.1502-6 (or
any similar provision of state, local, or foreign law).
(j) As of August 31,1998, there will be no deferred Tax liabilities
based upon
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any intercompany transactions between or among the Alaska Entities.
(k) The unpaid Taxes of the Alaska Entities (i) did not, as of
December 31, 1997, or June 30, 1998, exceed by any Material amount the
reserve for Tax liability (other than any reserve for deferred Taxes
established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set
forth on the combined balance sheets of the Alaska Entities (other than in
any notes thereto) as of December 31, 1997 or June 30, 1998, respectively,
and (ii) will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of time
through August 31, 1998 and as reflected on the Signing Date Balance Sheet
in accordance with the past custom and practice of the Alaska Entities in
filing their Tax Returns.
(l) For both accounting and rate making purposes in its regulated
books of account, each Alaska Telco Entity has been using, and will
continue to use up to the Closing Date, a normalization method of
accounting as described in Section 167(l) (as in effect at the time the
related assets were placed in service) and 168(i) of the Code for the
federal Tax effect of the use of accelerated depreciation.
(m) For both accounting and rate-making purposes in its regulated
books of account, each Alaska Telco Entity has been using, and will
continue to use through the Closing Date, a method of accounting for
investment credits which conforms with the requirements of Section 46(f)
of the Code, as in effect at the time the related assets were placed in
service.
(n) The regulated books of account of each Alaska Entity will
reflect the Tax payments made by each Alaska Telco Entity through the
Closing Date.
(o) None of the Alaska Entities are subject to any foreign Tax.
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(p) Sellers are, and on the Closing Date will be, eligible to make
an election under Section 338(h)(10) with respect to the sale of the
Alaska Stock pursuant to this Agreement.
3.22 No Finder. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.22, no Alaska Entity
---------------
has paid or become obligated, nor will any Alaska Entity upon consummation of
the transactions contemplated herein become obligated, to pay any fee or any
commission to any broker, finder or intermediary for or on account of the
transactions contemplated herein.
3.23 Labor Relations. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.23, none of the
---------------------
following is presently pending, or to the Knowledge of Sellers, is contemplated
or threatened, against any Alaska Entity (except for those items, which, in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to leave a Material Adverse Effect):
(a) Unfair labor practice charges, complaints or Proceedings, or
representation elections, petitions or demands;
(b) Grievances or arbitration demands arising pursuant to any
collective bargaining agreement or other Contract;
(c) Claims, charges, complaints or other Proceedings alleging
wrongful discharge, breach of any employment Contract or right, or breach
of public policy, unlawful retaliation, or employment discrimination of
any nature including but not limited to sex (including pregnancy, equal
pay and sexual harassment), race, color, national origin or ancestry,
age, religion, disability or handicap, AIDS or HIV-positive status, sickle
cell trait, veterans' status, or the perception of any such character-
istic, or any other characteristic or condition protected under any
Applicable Law or enactment;
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(d) Work stoppages, strikes or other concerted action by Alaska
Entity Employees;
(e) Payments for or provisions for payments to any former employee
or person who retired from any Alaska Entity of any post-retirement health
insurance or other healthcare benefit (other than a benefit pursuant to an
Employee Benefit Plan disclosed in Schedule 3.18), or payments for or
provisions for payments to any such former employee or person of any
retiree health insurance or other health-care benefit;
(f) Employment-related claims or investigations including but not
limited to those arising under the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the
Family and Medical Leave Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Rehabilitation Act of
1973; or any corresponding or related Applicable Law or enactment; or
(g) Worker's compensation disability claims.
3.24 Rights to Trade Name. To the Knowledge of Sellers, each of the
--------------------------
Alaska Entities currently possesses (either through direct ownership or pursuant
to the License Agreement) all rights to the use of the name "PTI", "Cellulink",
"Pacific Telecom", "PTI Net" and "PTI Communications", and any trade marks,
service marks or other depiction relating thereto in Alaska.
3.25 Books and Records.
-----------------------
(a) The minute books of the Alaska Entities contain, in all Material
respects, accurate records of all meetings of and corporate actions or
written consents by the shareholders and directors of such entities.
(b) Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.25, all of the other books and
records
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of the Alaska Entities and all files, data and other materials relating to
the businesses of the Alaska Entities have been prepared and maintained
in accordance with good business practices and comply with all Applicable
Laws, except where the failure to so comply would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
The Alaska Entities do not have any of their records, systems, controls,
data or information recorded, stored, maintained, operated or otherwise
wholly or partly dependent upon or held by any means (including any
electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or
not) that are not under their control, either through direct ownership or
rights of use, except that Affiliates of the Alaska Entities provide
services and retain records, systems, controls, data and other infor-
mation and services.
3.26 Intellectual Properties.
-----------------------------
(a) The use by the Alaska Entities of the respective patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, design rights,
computer programs or data bases, or applications or registrations therefor
used in the conduct of the Business (collectively "Intellectual
Property"), does not infringe on the rights of any Person, except for any
such infringements that would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Alaska Entities purchase
the predominance of their information services from Affiliates. The
software associated therewith is not owned by or licensed to the Alaska
Entities. The Alaska Entities utilize such software through license
agreements between Affiliates and third parties and those agreements will
not continue to be utilized beyond the Closing Date by any Alaska Entity
unless such utilization is pursuant to the
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Transition Services Agreement or Section 6.10. No Proceedings by or
against any Alaska Entity or with respect to the Business are pending, or
to the Knowledge of Sellers, threatened, that challenge the right of any
Alaska Entity to use its Intellectual Property or challenge the right of
any other Person to use the Intellectual Property of the Business, and no
order, decree, judgment, stipulation, injunction, restriction or agreement
restricts the scope of the use of the Intellectual Property in the conduct
of the Business, except for any such Proceeding that would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) To the Knowledge of Sellers, neither the Sellers (in connection
with the Business), the Business nor any Alaska Entity has infringed or
violated any Intellectual Property of any Person, nor used without
permission any confidential information, trade secrets, patentable or
unpatentable inventions, technology, new ideas or know-how (collectively,
"Proprietary Information") of any Person, including without limitation,
any former employer of an employee of any Alaska Entity or any Seller.
(c) To the Knowledge of Sellers, no other Person is currently using
any Intellectual Property or Proprietary Information of any Alaska Entity
or otherwise used in the Business in an unauthorized manner.
3.27 Affiliate Transactions. Except as contemplated by this Agreement,the
----------------------------
only agreements or arrangements between Sellers and their Affiliates (other than
the Alaska Entities), on the one hand, and the Alaska Entities, on the other
hand, that will remain in place from and after the Closing are those items
contemplated pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.
3.28 Telephone Operations. Since December 1, 1997, except as set forth on
--------------------------
Schedule 3.28:
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(a) no Alaska Telco Entity has elected to file interexchange
tariffs under the FCC's price cap order;
(b) no Alaska Telco Entity has any inventory, plant or equipment
reflected on the Financial Statements that has been disallowed from the
rate base or excluded from the revenue calculations for any pool (unless
such assets are allocated to unregulated businesses) on the basis of used
and useful, excess capacity or prudency findings in any order issued by
APUC or the FCC or in any determination by an administrator of an
interstate or intrastate pool, nor has any Alaska Entity received
notification that the APUC or the FCC or any pool administrator proposes
to exclude any such assets from the rate base or revenue calculations for
the pools;
(c) no Alaska Telco Entity has received any interconnection or
resale request pursuant to Section 251 (c) of the Communications Act of
1934, as amended;
(d) no Alaska Telco Entity is subject to any pending or, to the
Knowledge of Sellers, threatened earnings reduction Proceeding; and
(e) no Alaska Telco Entity has agreed to, and no Alaska Telco
Entity currently intends to agree to, any reduction in its authorized
revenues, except on a revenue neutral basis.
3.29 Alaska Division Headquarters Relocation Costs. All costs and
---------------------------------------------------
expenses reasonably expected to be incurred by the Alaska Entities in connection
with the transfer of the "Alaska Division" headquarters and the relocation of
employees from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska have been either paid, fully
accrued on the balance sheet included in the Interim Financial Statements or
will be fully accrued on the Signing Date Balance Sheet.
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SECTION 4
---------
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
---------------------------------------
For the purpose of inducing Sellers to enter into this Agreement, Buyer
hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Sellers.
4.1 Organization of Buyer. Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated,
---------------------------
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
with full corporate power and authority to carry on the business in which it is
presently engaged, to own, lease and operate its properties, and to enter into
and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
4.2 Authorization of Agreement. The Board of Directors of Buyer has duly
--------------------------------
approved and authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the Purchase Transactions, and no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Buyer are necessary to approve or authorize the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or the consummation by Buyer of the Purchase
Transactions. Assuming due execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
by the Sellers, this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding
obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other laws of general application relating to or affecting creditors' rights
and the application of equitable principles in any action, legal or equitable.
4.3 No Violation. Except as disclosed on Schedule 4.3, the execution,
------------------
delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Purchase
Transactions will not: (i) violate or result in a breach of or default or
acceleration under the Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws of Buyer; (ii)
result in the imposition or creation of any Encumbrance upon or in any of
Buyer's assets or properties pursuant to any Applicable Law or any other
material restriction of any
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kind or character to which Buyer is or may be subject or by which any of them or
any of Buyer's assets or properties is or may be bound (other than in connection
with the Financing Commitments); or (iii) conflict with, violate or constitute
a default under any provision of, or be an event that is (or with the giving
of notice or passage of time or both will result in) a violation of or default
under, or result in the acceleration of or entitle any party to accelerate
(whether after the giving of notice or passage of time or both) any obligation
or right under, or require a consent or create a penalty or increase any payment
or performance obligations of Buyer under, any Encumbrance, order, arbitration
award, judgment or decree, or any Contract or Permit, to which Buyer is a party
or by which Buyer or any of its property is bound.
4.4 Financing Commitments. Buyer has obtained financing commitments for
-------------------------
$65 million of equity, as provided in the letters, dated the date hereof, true
and complete copies which are attached hereto as Exhibit 4.4(a) (the "Equity
Commitments") and for $410 million of debt, as provided in the letters, dated
the date hereof, true and complete copies of which are attached hereto as
Exhibit 4.4(b) (the "Debt Commitments" and, together with the Equity
Commitments, the "Financing Commitments"), which are sufficient to enable Buyer
to financially consummate the Purchase Transactions contemplated hereby.
4.5 Due Diligence. Buyer is a sophisticated Person that was advised by
------------------
knowledgeable counsel and other representatives in connection with this
Agreement, and Buyer and its representatives have been permitted access to the
management, facilities and books and records of the Alaska Entities for the
purpose of conducting a due diligence review and has had the opportunity to
discuss with such management any such matters relating to the Alaska Entities
and the Purchase Transactions as Buyer has elected in its sole discretion.
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4.6 Incorporation. Buyer is a newly formed corporation which, as of the
------------------
date hereof, has no operations and has not conducted any business other than in
connection with the Purchase Transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Buyer,
as of the date hereof, has no assets other than the Financing Commitments.
4.7 Buyer's Management. The anticipated management of Buyer has
-----------------------
substantial experience and skill in the telecommunications industry and
specifically with the Alaska Entities. Buyer's anticipated management recognizes
that the Alaska Entities purchase the predominance of their information services
from Affiliates. The software associated therewith is not owned by or licensed
to the Alaska Entities. Additionally, the Buyers understand the Alaska Entities
utilize certain software through license agreements between Affiliates and third
parties and those agreements will not continue to be utilized beyond the Closing
Date by any Alaska Entity unless such utilization is pursuant to the Transition
Services Agreement.
SECTION 5
---------
CONDUCT PENDING CLOSING
-----------------------
5.1 HSR, FCC and APUC Approvals.
---------------------------------
(a) The Parties shall, as promptly as practicable after the date
hereof but in any event no later than 10 business days after the date
hereof, file all notification reports required under the HSR Act, and
file, as promptly as practicable after any request therefor, any
additional information required under the HSR Act.
(b) The Parties shall cooperate and use their respective reasonable
best efforts (i) to obtain all of such consents, approvals or statements
of non-objection of the FCC and the APUC as shall be necessary for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by
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this Agreement, (ii) to defend such consents, approvals or statements of
non-objection in any administrative or judicial review proceeding,(iii) to
secure such consents, approvals or statements of non-objection free of any
condition on any Alaska Entity, and (iv) if such consents, approvals or
statements of non-objection impose any condition on any Alaska Entity,
to use their best efforts to comply with or, if appropriate, to attempt
to remove such condition; provided that nothing herein shall require Buyer
to agree to, or operate subject to, any condition which would reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect on Buyer and its subsid-
iaries, taken as a whole after giving effect to the Closing. In
furtherance thereof, the Parties shall submit to the FCC and the APUC,
as promptly as practicable after the date hereof but in no event later
than 10 business days after the date hereof, all correspondence,
notifications, petitions, applications and other filings necessary to
obtain such consents, approvals or statements of non-objection.
5.2 Other Consents. The Parties agree to cooperate and use their
-------------------
respective reasonable best efforts in obtaining the consents of any third
parties (in addition to the FCC, APUC, DOJ or FTC, whose consents or approvals
are covered in Section 5.1) required in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereunder.
5.3 Conduct of Business Prior to the Closing Date. Except as disclosed on
--------------------------------------------------
Schedule 5.3, as otherwise permitted or required by this Agreement, or consented
to in writing by Buyer, from the date hereof until the Closing Date, each Alaska
Entity will, and Sellers will, as appropriate, cause each Alaska Entity to:
(a) carry on its business in the ordinary course in all material
respects in the same manner as heretofore conducted and maintain its
existence and powers and all of its
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Material Permits and Material Contracts and books of account and records
necessary to the conduct of its business (it being understood that each
Alaska Entity will be deemed to have maintained any Material Permit or
Material Contract if,in connection with the lapse of the normal term of
any such Permit or Contract, such entity promptly secures a replacement
Permit or Contract providing benefits to such entity substantially
similar to the lapsed Permit or Contract);
(b) not issue, sell, redeem or repurchase any additional capital
stock or other equity interests or securities convertible into, or grant
any options, warrants or other rights to acquire, any such securities, or
directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of
its capital stock or equity interests;
(c) not hire any new employees, agents or representatives (except
new employees, agents or representatives hired in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice whose annual compensation is not
expected to exceed $50,000) or enter into any new employment, severance,
consulting or other compensation agreement with any director, officer,
employee, agent or representative or other Person, except as contemplated
herein;
(d) not make any increase in the compensation (including bonuses,
commissions, fringe benefits, severance or retirement benefits) payable or
to become payable to any officer, director, employee, agent or represen-
tative, except increases required by written Contracts or Employee
Benefit Plans currently in effect and disclosed on Schedule 3.18 and
increases and bonuses to employees who are not officers or directors in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or required
by mandated
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ERISA chances, or adopt, commit itself to adopt, or amend or modify
in any material respect or terminate any Employee Benefit Plan
except as expressly permitted under this Agreement or as required by
Applicable Law, or take any action that could result in a withdrawal or
partial withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan;
(e) except in accordance with the Budget or pursuant to Advances
contemplated by Section 6.12 incur any Indebtedness or enter into any
financing transaction, or vary, or request any waivers with respect to,
the terms of any existing Material Indebtedness, enter into, amend, modify
or renew or terminate any lease of real estate or material lease of
personal property, or create or allow the imposition of any Material
Encumbrance, except pursuant to after-acquired title clauses in any
security instruments in effect on the date hereof and listed on Schedule
3.9 hereto;
(f) not make any expenditure in excess of $250,000 except pursuant
to a Contract or in accordance with the Budget, or enter into any Contract
to make such an expenditure;
(g) amend the Budget or otherwise take any action to reduce the
amount of capital spending identified in the Budget, or otherwise operate
other than in compliance with the Budget in all significant respects;
(h) not sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset
having a value in excess of $250,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the
aggregate, or relocate or otherwise transfer any assets to other areas of
Seller's operations;
(i) not declare, make or pay dividends or distributions to
shareholders unless approved by Buyer as contemplated in and subject to
Sections 2.2(c) and 6.15;
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(j) not amend its certificate or articles of incorporation or
bylaws;
(k) not settle or compromise any pending or threatened Proceeding,
or cancel, compromise, settle or give up, waive or release any claims or
rights;
(l) advise and consult with Buyer with respect to (i) any matter
which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Business, or (ii) any proposed amendment to, or deviation from, the
Budget;
(m) consult with Buyer concerning labor relations issues prior to
establishing the bargaining, agenda for any Alaska Entity and advise Buyer
on the status of any collective bargaining with certified representatives
of Alaska Entities Employees;
(n) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact the
current organization of its business, keep available the services of its
current officers and employees and maintain good relations with its
suppliers, customers, creditors and employees;
(o) maintain in effect insurance comparable in amount and scope of
coverage to such insurance now carried by an Alaska Entity;
(p) deliver to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of its
monthly Financial Statements no later than 20 business days following the
end of the previous month;
(q) not take any action or omit to take any action that would
result in the breach of any representation or warranty made pursuant to
Section 3 hereof or cause any condition set forth in Section 8 or 9 not
to be satisfied;
(r) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the Rural
Exemption, and to keep Buyer fully informed and communicate with the
Consultant with respect to any chances in the status of such matter;
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(s) not enter into any joint venture, partnership or other similar
arrangement or form any other new material arrangement for the conduct of
its business or make any material investment in or purchase any material
assets or securities or businesses of any Person;
(t) not enter into any noncompetition agreement or any other
agreement which would restrict or inhibit the ability of the Alaska
Entities to do business, except as contemplated hereby;
(u) not authorize, announce or implement any new material pricing,
discount or marketing programs or introduce any new services, except as
specifically contemplated by the Budget;
(v) not take any action, and shall not permit the Alaska Entities
to take any action, which is inconsistent with, or not contemplated by,
the Consulting Agreement (as defined in Section 5.8);
(w) not permit a chance in its methods of maintaining its books,
accounts or business records or, except as required by GAAP (in which
event prior notice shall be given to Buyer), change any of its accounting
principles or the methods by which such principles are applied for tax or
financial reporting purposes;
(x) not make any election with respect to Taxes, consent to any
waiver or extension of time to assess or collect any Taxes or file any Tax
Return other than a Tax Return filed in the ordinary course of business
and prepared in a manner consistent with past practice;
(y) not directly or indirectly allocate or charge costs or
expenses related to
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services provided by Affiliates of the Alaska Entities except
pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement; and
(z) not agree to take any action prohibited by this Section 5.3.
5.4 Notification of Certain Matters.
-------------------------------------
(a) Sellers shall give prompt written notice to Buyer (i) if they
become aware that any representation or warranty contained in Sections 3
or 4 was untrue or inaccurate in any material respect as of the date made
or deemed made; (ii) if they become aware that any event has or has not
occurred which causes or would be reasonably likely to cause any condition
set forth in Sections 8 or 9 not to be satisfied; and (iii) of any failure
or anticipated failure of any Seller or Alaska Entity to comply in any
material respect with any covenant or agreement to be complied with at or
prior to Closing.
(b) Buyer shall give prompt written notice to Sellers (i) if it
becomes aware that any representation or warranty contained in Sections 3
or 4 was untrue or inaccurate in any material respect as of the date made
or deemed made, (ii) if it becomes aware that any event has or has not
occurred which causes or would be reasonably likely to cause any condition
set forth in Sections 8 or 9 not to be satisfied; (iii) of any failure or
anticipated failure of Buyer to comply in any material respect with any
covenant or agreement to be complied with at or prior to Closing; and (iv)
upon receipt from The Chase Manhattan Bank ("Chase") of a notice pursuant
the last sentence of the seventh paragraph of the Commitment Letter
contained in Exhibit 4.4(b), which notice, in the case of subclause (iv)
shall include a copy of any such notice received from Chase.
(c) The delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section shall not
be deemed to (i)
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modify the representations or warranties hereunder of the
party delivering such notice; (ii) modify any condition to Closing set
forth in Section 8 or Section 9; or (iii) limit or otherwise affect the
remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice; provided
however that notification that a Material Adverse Effect has occurred
shall only give rise to Buyer's right to accept such Material Adverse
Effect and proceed to the Closing of the Purchase Transactions or
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 11 and with the effects
described in Section 11.2.
5.5 Notice of Litigation. Until the Closing,(i) Buyer, upon learning of
--------------------------
the same, shall promptly notify Sellers of any Proceeding which is commenced or
threatened against Buyer and which seeks to enjoin or impede the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and (ii) Sellers upon learning
of the same, shall promptly notify Buyer of any Proceeding which is commenced or
threatened against any Seller or Alaska Entity and which seeks to enjoin or
impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or
which would otherwise reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.6 Access to Information. From the date hereof through the Closing Date,
-------------------------
the Sellers shall afford to the officers, employees and authorized
representatives of Buyer (including its independent public accountants,
consultants and attorneys and the Consultant), complete access during normal
business hours to (i) the offices, operations, properties and business and
financial records (including computer files, retrieval programs and similar
documentation, and including all Contracts and Permits and all FCC and APUC
records) of the Alaska Entities, and of the Sellers, to the extent relating
thereto, (ii) the Alaska Entities Employees and (iii) the outside accountants of
the Sellers and the Alaska Entities and their workpapers relating to the Alaska
Entities, in each case to
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the extent Buyer shall deem necessary or desirable,and shall furnish to Buyer
or its authorized representatives such additional information concerning the
respective operations, properties and business of the Alaska Entities,as Buyer
shall reasonably request. No investigation made by Buyer or its authorized
representatives hereunder shall affect the representations and warranties of
Sellers hereunder, provided however that nothing contained in this Section
5.6 shall limit Buyer's notification obligations contained in Section 5.4(b).
5.7 Maintenance of Financing Commitments. Buyer shall maintain in
------------------------------------------
effect until the Closing Date the Financing Commitments in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Sellers and Sellers have advised Buyer that the
Financing Commitments attached as Exhibits 4.4(a)and(b) hereto are in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers.
5.8 Consulting Agreement. Sellers shall enter into and comply with the
--------------------------
terms of the consulting agreement with LEC Consulting Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Consultant"), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 5.8 (the
"Consulting Agreement"), as of the date hereof, pursuant to which the Consultant
shall be retained to manage and operate the Business prior to Closing in
accordance with the terms thereof. Any actions taken by Sellers or the Alaska
Entities with the explicit approval or consent of, or at the direction of, the
Consultant, shall be deemed to have been approved by Buyer for purposes of
Section 5.3 and shall be deemed not to be breaches of such covenant for purposes
of Section 6.2 or 8.2.
SECTION 6
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ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
---------------------
6.1 Public Announcements. The Parties hereto covenant and agree that,
--------------------------
except as provided below, none of them will make, issue or release a public
announcement, press release,
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public statement or public acknowledgment of the existence of, or reveal
publicly the terms, conditions and status of, the transactions provided for
herein without the prior consent of Sellers, in the case of an announcement by
Buyer, or the prior consent of Buyer in the case of an announcement by Sellers,
as to the content and time of release of and the media in which such statement
or announcement is to be made; provided, that each of the parties hereto
expressly consents to the press releases being issued on the date hereof by the
other party; and provided, further, that in the case of announcements which
outside counsel for any Party believes such Party or its parent corporation is
required by law or under applicable stock exchange (or similar securities
trading) rules to make, issue or release, the making, issuing or releasing of
any such announcement by such Party or its parent corporation shall not
constitute a breach of this Agreement if such Party shall have given, to the
extent reasonably possible, not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior notice to
the other Parties and shall have attempted, to the extent reasonably possible,
to clear the content and time of such announcement, statement, acknowledgment or
revelation with the other Party. Each Party hereto agrees that it will not
unreasonably withhold any such consent or clearance. After the Closing Date,
except as required by law, Buyer shall not make any public references to any
Seller or any of its Affiliates in conjunction with references to this
Agreement, its contents, the Purchase Transactions or Sellers' past operation of
the Business or ownership of the Alaska Entities, except to identify any Seller
as the past operator of the Business and the past owner of the Alaska Entities.
6.2 Indemnification by Sellers.
--------------------------------
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(a) If the Closing occurs, subject to the terms and conditions of
this Section 6.2, including without limitation the limits on indemnity set
forth in Section 6.2(d) hereof, Sellers, jointly and severally, shall on
an after-tax basis indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and its Affiliates
(including the Alaska Entities after the Closing) and their respective
controlling persons, officers, directors and representatives
(individually, "Buyer Indemnitee" and collectively, "Buyer Indemnities")
from, and will pay to any Buyer Indemnitee the amount (net of any proceeds
received by the Buyer Indemnities from any form of insurance, indemnity or
other source of reimbursement, or other offsets or benefits, including tax
benefits, obtained) of, any loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage, cost
or expense (including, without limitation, interest, penalties, and the
reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of attorneys, accountants and
other professional advisors) or diminution in value, whether or not
involving a third-party claim (collectively, "Losses"), arising, directly
or indirectly from or in connection with:
(i) any breach or violation of any representation or warranty
of any Seller contained in this Agreement as of the date such
representation or warranty is made or deemed made under Section 8.1
(other than those contained in Section 3.19 hereof, which are solely
covered by Section 6.2(b) below) or a material breach of any
agreement or covenant or any material failure of any Seller to
perform any of its obligations under this Agreement; and
(ii) any Losses resulting from any liability of any of the
Alaska Entities (A) for any Taxes of Sellers, the Alaska Entities
and their Affiliates with respect to
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any Tax period or portion thereof ending on or before August 31,
1998 (or for any Tax period beginning before and ending after
August 31, 1998 to the extent allocable (determined in a manner
consistent with Section 7) to the portion of such period beginning
before and ending on August 31, 1998) to the extent such Taxes are
not reflected in the Net Working Capital of the Alaska Entities as
of August 31, 1998, (B) any Taxes payable as a result of the
Section 338(h)(10) Election (as hereinafter defined)),(C) for the
unpaid Taxes of any Person (other than any of the Alaska Entities)
under Reg. ss. 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local,
or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or
otherwise and (D) for any Taxes attributable to any deferred
income attributable to any deferred income by Reg. ss.ss. 1.1502-13
and 1.1502-14 or to any excess loss account taken into income
under Reg. ss. 1.1502-19, in either case as a result of the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) (i) After the date hereof, Sellers, jointly and severally,
shall:
(A) hold Buyer and each Alaska Entity harmless from any
Losses, incurred by such entity to remove or decommission all
underground storage tanks identified on Schedule 3.19 or
otherwise located on any property owned, leased or otherwise
operated by any Alaska Entity (plus all associated expenses to
remediate such sites in compliance with applicable
Environmental Laws); and
(B) on an after-tax basis, indemnify and hold harmless
each Buyer Indemnitee for, and reimburse each Buyer Indemnitee
against, any
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and all Losses (net of any proceeds received by
the Buyer Indemnities from any form of insurance, indemnity by
prior owner or other source of reimbursement, or other offsets
or benefits including tax benefits obtained) arising directly
or indirectly from or in connection with any breach or
violation of any representation or warranty of any Seller
contained in Section 3.19 of this Agreement.
(ii) Except to the extent of the environmental indemnity in
Section 6.2(b), Buyer covenants not to and to cause any Buyer
Indemnitee not to sue, directly or indirectly, any Seller (or any
Affiliate thereof) for damages, injunctive relief or any other
relief or remedy in any way related to any hazardous substance or
hazardous waste on under, in or from the real property owned or
operated by any Alaska Entity (the "Real Property") or any non-owned
and operated disposal sites and Buyer releases and agrees to cause
each Buyer Indemnitee to release Sellers from any and all claims or
liabilities arising out of such hazardous substances or hazardous
wastes.
(iii) Buyer shall have no right to claim indemnity for or
relating to Losses pursuant to this Section 6.2(b) to the extent
that such Losses could have been avoided or reduced through the
exercise of due care or reasonable mitigation measures. Buyer shall
also have no right to indemnification for or related to any Losses
for which payment is obtained from insurance or from other
third-party sources. Prior to asserting a claim for indemnification
or reimbursement against Sellers, Buyer shall use all reasonable
efforts to initiate all claims for recovery of
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any claimed amounts from all other sources from which recovery may
reasonably be sought and expected, including GovernmentalEntities,
third parties or insurers. Any indemnity payment due under this
Section 6.2(b) shall be subject to the limitations set forth in
Section 6.2(d); provided, however, that no indemnity payment due
under Section 6.2(b)(i)(A)shall be subject to such limitations
except the $60,000,000 cap on the maximum amount of indemnification
payable by Sellers pursuant to this Agreement. Sellers' environ-
mental indemnity obligation shall be extinguished and be of no
further force and effect as of November 1, 2002, except with
respect to claims against Sellers for which Buyer has provided
notice to Sellers in accordance with Section 6.2(c)(i), prior to
such date.
(c) The following procedures will govern indemnification of all
claims against Sellers under this Agreement.
(i) A Buyer Indemnitee seeking indemnification hereunder shall
give written notice to Sellers of any matter with respect to which
the Buyer Indemnitee seeks to be indemnified (the "Buyer Indemnity
Claim") prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period
specified in Section 12.8. Such notice shall state the nature of the
Buyer Indemnity Claim and, if known, the amount of the Loss. If the
Buyer Indemnity Claim arises from a claim of a third party, the
Buyer Indemnitee shall give such notice within a reasonable period
of time after the Buyer Indemnitee has actual notice of such claim,
and in the event that a suit or other Proceeding is commenced,
within 20 days after receipt of written notice by the Buyer
Indemnitee thereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the failure of a Buyer
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Indemnitee to give timely notice of a Buyer Indemnity Claim shall
not bar such Buyer Indemnity Claim except and to the extent that the
failure to give timely notice has materially impaired the ability
of Sellers to defend the Buyer Indemnity Claim or the time period
for claiming indemnification has expired.
(ii) Promptly after receipt by a Buyer Indemnitee of notice of
the commencement of any Proceeding, the Buyer Indemnitee shall, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against Sellers under this
Section 6.2, give written notice to Sellers of the commencement
thereof. Sellers, or any of them, shall be entitled to participate
in such Proceeding and, to the extent that any Sellers may wish, to
assume the defense thereof. If any Seller elects to assume the
defense of such Proceeding, the Buyer Indemnitee shall cooperate in
the defense of such Proceeding. Sellers shall pay such Buyer
Indemnitee's reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
connection with such cooperation. Sellers shall keep the Buyer
Indemnitee reasonably informed as to the status of the defense of
such Proceeding. If Sellers elect not to assume(or fail to assume)
the defense of such Proceeding, the Buyer Indemnitee may assume the
defense of such Proceeding with counsel of its choice (and reason-
ably acceptable to Sellers) at the expense of Sellers. The Buyer
Indemnitee shall conduct any such defense, and shall not settle any
such Proceeding without the consent of Sellers, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. A Buyer Indemnitee shall have the right to
employ separate counsel if, in such Buyer Indemnitee's reasonable
judgment at any time, either a conflict of interest between such
Buyer Indemnitee and any Seller exists in respect of such claim,
or there may
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be defenses available to such Buyer Indemnitee which are different
from or in addition to those available to any Seller and the
representation of both parties by the same counsel would be
inappropriate,and in that event (i) the reasonable fees and
expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by the Sellers and
(ii) each of such Buyer Indemnitee and the Sellers shall have the
right to conduct its own defense in respect of such claim. If
Sellers elect to assume the defense of a Proceeding asserted against
the Buyer Indemnitee or against the Buyer Indemnitee and any Seller,
(A) no compromise or settlement thereof may be effected by Sellers
without the Buyer Indemnitee's written consent (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld) unless the sole relief provided is monetary
damages that are paid in full by Sellers and the settlement
includes an unconditional release of all claims against the Buyer
Indemnitee and (B) the Buyer Indemnitee shall have no liability with
respect to any compromise or settlement thereof effected without its
written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).
(d) (i) For purposes of this Section 6.2, the representations and
warranties of the Sellers contained herein shall be deemed to have been
made without the modifying language "material," "Material" "Material
Adverse Effect," or "to the Knowledge of Sellers" (or modifying language
of similar import). Accordingly,(A) all determinations under Section 6.2
as to whether a representation or warranty has been breached or violated
shall be made as if such representation or warranty, as the case may be,
contained no such modifying language, and (B) the amount of the Loss with
respect to any claim arising from a breach or violation of any
representation or warranty of Sellers contained in this
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Agreement shall be determined without respect to any limitation of
materiality or knowledge contained in such representation or warranty.
(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, no
indemnification shall be required to be made by Sellers pursuant to
this Section 6.2 with respect to any individual claim for Losses for
which the amount claimed is $10,000 or less. An individual claim for
Losses greater than $10,000 shall be indemnified to the extent that
the aggregate amount of all Losses exceeds $2,000,000. A claim for
Losses that is less than $10,000 will not be considered in
determining whether the aggregate amount of all Losses exceeds
$2,000,000. In addition, the aggregate amount of indemnification
payable by Sellers pursuant to this Agreement shall in no event
exceed $60,000,000 except with respect to breaches of Section 3.5
as it relates to title to the stock of any of the Alaska Entities.
Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, breaches
of Section 3.21 shall not be subject to,or included for purposes of
determining the amounts under, any of thresholds contained in this
paragraph and the Buyer Indemnified Parties shall be indemnified to
the full extent of any Losses thereunder, provided however that it
shall be subject to the $60,000,000 cap. Seller's obligation to
indemnify Buyer hereunder shall be extinguished and be of no
further force and effect upon expiration of the applicable survival
period specified in Section 12.8, except with respect to claims
against Sellers for which Buyer has provided notice to Sellers
prior to such expiration in accordance with Section 6.2(c)(i).
Following the Closing, the sole remedy of Buyer for any breach of a
representation, warranty or
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covenant (other than representations, warranties or covenants that
specifically provide for equitable relief and subject to Section
12.5) made by Sellers pursuant to this Agreement (except for a claim
based on common-law fraud) is to assert an indemnification claim
pursuant to this Section 6.2 or any other provision of this
Agreement providing for indemnity.
(iii) To the extent included in revenues before August 31,
1998 and not booked as a payable at August 31, 1998, any amounts
required to be refunded to NECA for the carrier common line pool for
1997 and the 8 months ended August 31, 1998 shall be reimbursed by
the Sellers to the Alaska Entities without reference to the limits
set forth in (ii) above.
(e) For purposes of this Section 6.2, tax benefits shall include
the present value of the benefit of the carry-forward losses that can
reasonably be expected to be used before the expiration of the
carry-forward period.
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6.3 Indemnification by Buyer.
------------------------------
(a) If the Closing occurs, subject to the terms and conditions of
this Section 6.3, including, without limitation, the limits on indemnity
set forth in Section 6.3(c)(ii) hereof, Buyer shall, on an after-tax basis
indemnify and hold harmless each Seller and their Affiliates and their
respective controlling persons, officers, directors and representatives
(individually, "Seller Indemnitee" and collectively, "Seller Indemnities")
from and will pay to any Seller Indemnitee the amount (net of proceeds
received by the Seller Indemnitee from any form of insurance, indemnity or
other source of reimbursement, or other offsets or benefits, including tax
benefits, obtained) of any Losses arising directly or indirectly from or
in connection with:
(i) any breach or violation of any representation or warranty
of Buyer contained in this Agreement or a material breach of any
agreement or covenant or any material failure of Buyer to perform
any of its obligations under this Agreement;
(ii) the presence of hazardous substances or hazardous wastes
on, under, above or from the Real Property after the Closing Date,
to the extent that such Losses are related to Buyer's use, operation
or occupancy of the Real Property and to the extent that such
Losses' were caused, contributed to or exacerbated by Buyer's
activities, operations or omissions; or
(iii) any claim made for severance pay or other remuneration
related to termination of employment occurring on or after the
Closing Date.
(b) The following procedures will govern indemnification of all
claims against Buyer under this Agreement:
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(i) A Seller Indemnitee seeking indemnification hereunder
shall give written notice to Buyer of any matter with respect to
which the Seller Indemnitee seeks to be indemnified (the "Seller
Indemnity Claim") prior to the expiration of the applicable survival
period specified in Section 12.8. Such notice shall state the nature
of the Seller Indemnity Claim and, if known, the amount of the Loss.
If the Seller Indemnity Claim arises from a claim of a third party,
the Seller Indemnitee shall give such notice within a reasonable
period of time after the Seller Indemnitee has actual notice of such
claim,and in the event that a suit or other proceeding is commenced,
within 20 days after receipt of written notice by the Seller
Indemnitee thereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the failure of a Seller Indemnitee to give timely notice of a Seller
Indemnity Claim shall not bar such Seller Indemnity Claim except and
to the extent that the failure to give timely notice has materially
impaired the ability of Buyer to defend the Seller Indemnity Claim
or the time period for claiming indemnification has expired.
(ii) Promptly after receipt by a Seller Indemnitee of notice
of the commencement of any Proceeding, the Seller Indemnitee shall,
if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against Buyer under this
Section 6.3, give written notice to Buyer of the commencement
thereof. Buyer shall be entitled to participate in such Proceeding
and, to the extent that Buyer may wish, to assume the defense
thereof. If Buyer elects to assume the defense of such Proceeding,
the Seller Indemnitee shall cooperate in the defense of such
Proceeding. Buyer shall pay such Seller Indemnitee's reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such
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cooperation. Buyer shall keep the Seller Indemnitee reasonably
informed as to the status of the defense of such Proceeding. If
Buyer elects not to assume (or fails to assume) the defense of such
Proceeding, the Seller Indemnitee may assume defense of such
Proceeding with counsel of its choice (and reasonably acceptable to
Buyer) at the expense of Buyer. The Seller Indemnitee shall conduct
any such defense, and shall not settle any such Proceeding without
the consent of Buyer, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. A
Seller Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel
if, in such Seller Indemnitee's reasonable judgment at any time,
either a conflict of interest between such Seller Indemnitee and
Buyer exists in respect of such claim, or there may be defenses
available to such Seller Indemnitee which are different from or in
addition to those available to Buyer and the representation of both
parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate, and in that
event (i) the reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel
shall be paid by Buyer and (ii) each of such Seller Indemnitee and
Buyer shall have the right to conduct its own defense in respect of
such claim. If Buyer elects to assume the defense of an Proceeding
asserted against the Seller Indemnitee or against the Seller
Indemnitee and Buyer, (A) no compromise or settlement thereof may be
effected by Buyer without the Seller Indemnitee's written consent
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld) unless the sole relief
provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by Buyer and the
settlement includes an unconditional release of all claims against
the Seller Indemnitee and (B) the Seller Indemnitee shall have no
liability with respect to any compromise or settlement thereof
effected without its
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written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld).
(c) (i) For purposes of this Section 6.3, the representations and
warranties of the Buyer contained herein shall be deemed to have been made
without the modifying language "material" or "material adverse effect" (or
modifying language of similar import). Accordingly, (A) all determinations
under Section 6.3 as to whether a representation or warranty has been
breached or violated shall be made as if such representation or warranty,
as the case may be, contained no such modifying language, and (B) the
amount of the Loss with respect to any claim arising from a breach or
violation of any representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this
Agreement shall be determined without respect to any limitation of
materiality contained in such representation or warranty.
(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, no
indemnification shall be required to be made by Buyer pursuant to
this Section 6.3 with respect to any individual claim for Losses for
which the amount claimed is $10,000 or less. An individual claim for
Losses greater than $10,000 shall be indemnified to the extent that
the aggregate amount of all Losses exceeds $2,000,000. A claim for
Losses that is less than $10,000 will not be considered in
determining whether the aggregate amount of all Losses exceeds
$2,000,000. In addition, the aggregate amount of indemnification
payable by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement shall in no event exceed
$60,000,000. Buyer's obligation to indemnify the Seller Indemnitee
hereunder shall be extinguished and be of no further force and
effect upon expiration of the applicable survival period specified
in Section 12.8, except with respect to claims against Buyer for
which a Seller Indemnitee has
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provided notice to Buyer prior to such expiration in accordance with
Section 6.3(b)(i). Following the Closing, the sole remedy of a
Seller Indemnitee for any breach of a representation, warranty or
covenant (other than representations, warranties or covenants that
specifically provide for equitable relief and subject to Section
12.5) made by Buyer pursuant to this Agreement is to assert an
indemnification claim pursuant to this Section 6.3 or any other
provision of this Agreement providing for indemnification.
(d) For purposes of this Section 6.3, tax benefits shall include
the present value of the benefit of the carry-forward losses that can
reasonably be expected to be used before the expiration of the
carry-forward period.
6.4 Sellers Covenant Not to Compete. Sellers agree that, from the date
-------------------------------------
hereof until one year after the Closing Date, they will not, and will cause
their Affiliates (other than the Alaska Entities prior to Closing) not to,
own, manage, operate, promote or have any interest in (other than passive
ownership of less than 10% of the equity interests of any publicly-held
entity in which they do not have any board representation and do not have any
positive or negative governance rights other than pro rata voting rights) or
provide consulting or advisory services to any other corporation, entity or
other Person engaged in the provision of any telecommunications services
within the State of Alaska (provided Sellers and their Affiliates may provide
such services to a Person not more than 10% of whose revenues are generated
in the State of Alaska to the extent such consulting or advisory services are
not provided primarily with or for the benefit of such Alaska related
telecommunications services). Sellers agree that such restrictive covenant is
reasonable in scope both in duration and geographic coverage. This covenant may
be specifically enforced by Buyer.
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6.5 Employment Matters.
------------------------
(a) Alaska Entity Employees. Following the Closing Date, the Alaska
Entity Employees shall be employed by Buyer. Buyer shall be responsible
for any reemployment rights of any employees of Alaska Entities.
(b) Welfare Benefit Plans. Sellers and their Affiliates shall
continue to provide coverage under Sellers' welfare benefit plans,
including, without limitation, life insurance, accidental death and
dismemberment, medical, dental, vision, health and disability ("Welfare
Benefit Plans") for each eligible Alaska Entity Employee and his or her
eligible dependents from August 31, 1998 to the Closing Date. Sellers
shall retain the responsibility for all post-retirement benefit
obligations and liabilities with respect to any employee of any Alaska
Entity who retired prior to the Closing Date and Buyer shall not assume
any liability with respect to such claims. Following the Closing Date, all
Welfare Benefit Plan claims incurred by the Alaska Entity Employees and
their eligible dependents after the Closing Date shall be Buyer's
responsibility and shall be determined under Buyer's benefit plans. For
purposes hereof, a claim or expense shall be considered to be "incurred"
when the service giving rise to such claim or expense is provided.
(c) Qualified Plan Transfer. Buyer shall provide for a defined
contribution tax-qualified employee pension benefit plan and trust as a
replacement plan and trust to accept from the Century Telephone
Enterprises, Inc. Dollars & Sense Plan and Trust ("Dollars & Sense") a
plan-to-plan transfer of assets, in cash, attributable to accounts of
Alaska Entity Employees. The following shall apply to Alaska Entity
Employees:
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(i) the plan-to-plan transfer may include one or more notes
evidencing loans to the Alaska Entity Employee from Dollars & Sense;
(ii) the loan shall be maintained under such replacement plan
substantially in accordance with the current terms of such loan;
(iii) prior to such plan-to-plan transfer, Sellers shall
provide Buyer with a copy of the latest favorable determination
letter (which has not been revoked) recognizing the qualified status
of Dollars & Sense under Section 401(a) of the Code;
(iv) the plan-to-plan transfer shall occur as soon as
reasonably practicable following the Closing Date; and
(v) the plan-to-plan transfer will be equal to the account
balances of the Alaska Entity Employees and any Buyer Employees (as
defined herein), determined as of the close of business of the day
immediately preceding the date of such transfer.
Pacific Telecom Retirement Plan. Buyer shall provide for a defined
benefit tax qualified employee pension benefit plan and trust as a
replacement plan and trust to which shall be transferred or spun off,
within a reasonable period of time after the Closing and after receipt by
Buyer of a favorable determination letter that the Pacific Telecom
Retirement Plan and the related trust are qualified under Section 401(a)
of the Code, cash or cash equivalents, or to the extent requested by
Buyer, assets, equal to an amount sufficient to fund, as of the Closing
Date, benefits accrued by the Alaska Entity Employees and Buyer Employees
under the Pacific Telecom Retirement Plan, based on the actuarial
assumptions
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attached hereto as Exhibit 6.5(d), plus $250,000. For purposes
of this Section 6.5, "Buyer Employees" shall include only those persons,
who are employed by Buyer within 90 days of the Closing and who have a
vested benefit under either Dollars & Sense or the Pacific Telecom
Retirement Plan, as applicable.
Controlled Group Liability. Neither Buyer nor any of the Alaska
Entities shall be responsible for, and Sellers and their Affiliates shall
pay for and, to the extent necessary, reimburse, Buyer and the Alaska
Entities for any and all Losses arising out of or relating to any
Controlled Group Liability (as hereinafter defined). For purposes hereof,
"Controlled Group Liability" means any liability (a) under Title IV of
ERISA, (b) under Section 302 of ERISA, and (c) under Sections 412 and 4971
of the Code, other than such liabilities that arise out of, or relate to,
the employee benefit plans maintained exclusively for the benefit of the
Alaska Entities Employee(s).
6.6 Multiemployer Plans. After the date hereof and prior to Closing,
-------------------------
Sellers agree to use their best efforts to ensure that no Alaska Entity
withdraws or partially withdraws from any Multiemployer Plan. The Parties agree
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not constitute a
withdrawal or partial withdrawal under any Multiemployer Plan maintained or
previously maintained by any Alaska Entity, and the Parties agree to take
no position inconsistent therewith. If it is determined that following
the Closing, Sellers or Buyer would incur a "withdrawal liability"
within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA) as a result of a complete or partial
withdrawal from any of the Multiemployer Plans listed on Schedule 3.18 on the
day after the Closing, then (i) to the extent that such complete or partial
withdrawal arises from or relates to the consummation of the Purchase
Transactions, Sellers shall be responsible for such withdrawal
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liability and shall hold harmless and indemnify Buyer for any withdrawal
liability assessed against or imposed upon Buyer or its Affiliates and (ii) in
all other cases, Buyer shall be responsible for such withdrawal liability and
shall hold harmless and indemnify Sellers for any withdrawal liability assessed
against or imposed upon Sellers or their Affiliates.
6.7 License of Tradenames. At the time of the Closing, Sellers shall grant
-------------------------
to Buyer perpetual exclusive royalty-free licenses in Alaska of the trademarks,
tradenames and service marks of Pacific Telecom, Inc. and PTI Communications,
Inc., including, without limitation, "Cellulink", "Digicall", "Digitrex",
"Pacific Telecom", "PTI", "PTI Communications", "The Directory", and "PTI Net",
pursuant to a license agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.7 (the
"License Agreement"); provided, however, the license hereunder shall only be
effective as to the use of such trademarks, tradenames and service marks in the
State of Alaska, and Buyer and its Affiliates shall not be entitled to, and are
specifically prohibited from, the use of any such trademarks, tradenames and
service marks in any and all locations other than the State of Alaska, and the
breach or threatened breach of the License Agreement shall give rise to
immediate injunctive relief without necessity of posting bond, as provided
therein.
6.8 Transition Services. Sellers and Buyer will enter into an agreement as
-----------------------
of the date hereof, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.8 (the "Transition
Services Agreement") for the continued provision of certain services to the
Alaska Entities by any Seller or Affiliate thereof from the date hereof until
180 days following the Closing Date (or until Buyer sooner terminates with
respect to certain or all services as provided for in the Transition Services
Agreement).
6.9 Nonsolicitation and No Hire. Each Party agrees not to, and shall cause
-------------------------------
its Affiliates not to, recruit, solicit, or otherwise induce or intentionally
influence any individual who
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was an employee of the other Party (with respect to
the Sellers, the Alaska Entities shall be included as an "other party" for
purposes of this Section 6.9) or its Affiliates as of June 30, 1998 or
thereafter (an "Employee") to discontinue employment with such entity, or
actually employ (or retain as consultant) any such Employee for a period of two
(2) years from the date hereof, without the written consent of the other Party.
Each Party acknowledges that the violations of this Section 6.10 could cause
irreparable harm to the other Party and any breach or threatened breach of this
Section shall give rise to injunctive relief without the necessity of posting
bond. This Section shall survive termination pursuant to Section 11.2.
6.10 Support Software. At the Closing, Sellers hereby grant to Buyer an
----------------------
option to purchase any software associated with the billing, accounting,
customer service, and network information of the Alaska Entities, to the extent
Sellers (i) have no further need for such software and (ii) are legally capable
of such transfer. It shall be Buyer's responsibility to obtain any consents for
such transfer at Buyer's cost. The purchase price shall be negotiated in good
faith and shall approximate a reasonable market price. Such option shall expire
90 days subsequent to Closing.
6.11 Remediation. Prior to the Closing,Sellers shall use all commercially
----------------
reasonable efforts to remove and remediate in compliance with Environmental Laws
all underground storage tanks located on property owned, leased or operated by
all Alaska Entities at Sellers' sole cost and expense, provided however, that in
the event all such tanks are not removed or remediated prior to the Closing,
Sellers shall continue to use all commercially reasonable efforts, at Sellers'
sole cost and expense, in compliance with Environmental Laws until such removal
and remediation process is concluded. Subsequent to the Closing, the removal and
remediation process shall be conducted in such a manner as to not unreasonably
interfere with the operations of the Alaska Entities.
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6.12 Advances to Alaska Entities. As contemplated by Section 2.2(b),
---------------------------------
Sellers agree to make available to the Alaska Entities cash advances (the
"Advances") upon request by the Alaska Entities from time to time during the
period from August 31, 1998 to the Closing Date. The Advances shall bear
interest at a rate equal to the 30 day London Interbank Offered Rate ("LI]BOR")
plus 100 basis points, adjusted monthly. All Advances shall be repaid in full on
the Closing Date by payment of the Additional Amount calculated pursuant to
Section 2.2.
6.13 Severance Pay for Alaska Entities Employees. From the day after the
------------------------------------------------
Closing Date until December 1, 1999, Buyer will provide non-represented Alaska
Entity Employees who are terminated following the Closing Date because of a
reduction in work force (layoff), job elimination, dismissed because the
employee is not properly qualified or other termination by the employer without
good cause related to the employee's conduct, with severance pay which is not
less than the termination allowance set forth in the Century Termination
Allowance Policy dated October 1,1 996, except that the minimum amount of
severance shall be four (4) weeks severance pay.
An Alaska Entity Employee's years of service for purposes of this Section
6.13 shall include the employee's pre-losing service with PacifiCorp, PacifiCorp
Holdings, Inc., any Seller, any Alaska Entity, or any Affiliate of any of the
foregoing.
6.14 Ancillary Agreements. Sellers shall not, and shall not permit the
---------------------------
Alaska Entities to, make any change, addition, amendment or other modification
to the forms attached hereto or terms thereof, or waive any provision of, or
terminate any of, the Consulting Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement or
the License Agreement (collectively, the "Ancillary Agreements"), without the
prior written consent of Buyer.
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6.15 Intercompany Accounts. (a) From and after August 31, 1998, neither
---------------------------
the Alaska Entities, on the one hand, nor the Sellers or any Affiliates of
Sellers (other than the Alaska Entities), on the other hand, shall increase any
Intercompany Account, except with respect to Advances or payables incurred under
the Transition Services Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to the Closing
Date, and upon prior written notice to Buyer, Sellers may cause the Alaska
Entities to declare and pay a dividend of intercompany receivables equal
to the net Combined Intercompany Receivable to the extent that it is
positive, as of August 31, 1998, provided that all Taxes and other costs
related to the declaration or payment of such dividend shall be borne by
Sellers. Buyer agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts to
cooperate with Sellers with respect to the foregoing. To the extent the
Alaska Entities cannot declare and pay the dividends contemplated by this
Section 6.15(b) because of loan restrictions or other legal issues,
Buyer will pay an amount equal to the net amount of the Combined
Intercompany Receivable if positive to Sellers at Closing and Sellers will
pay the net Combined Intercompany Receivables to the Alaska Entities at
such time and in such amount. In addition, after the dividend or payment
contemplated by the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.15(b), all
remaining Intercompany Accounts, which, by virtue of the foregoing
provisions will have a net amount due equal to zero, will be transferred
to Buyer at the Closing without additional payment and there will be no
other Intercompany Accounts outstanding.
SECTION 7
---------
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COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO TAXES
-------------------------------
7.1 Tax Sharing Agreements. Any Tax allocation, indemnity or sharing
--------------------------
policy between Parent, CWI, CNI, or their Affiliated Group, on the one hand, and
any of the Alaska Entities, on the other hand, shall be terminated as of the
Closing Date and will have no further effect for any taxable year (whether the
current year, a future year, or a past year).
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7.2 Returns for Periods Through the Closing Date. Sellers will include, or
------------------------------------------------
cause to be included, the income of the Alaska Entities (including any deferred
income triggered into income by Reg. ss.ss. 1.1502-13 and 1.1502-14 and any
excess loss accounts taken into income under Reg. ss. 1.1502-19) for all periods
through the Closing Date on the consolidated federal and consolidated, unitary
or combined state and local income Tax Returns of Parent and its Affiliated
Group and, on behalf of the Alaska Entities, will pay or cause to be paid any
federal and state income Taxes attributable to such income. Estimates of such
Taxes for the period between September 1, 1998 and the Closing Date (the
"Estimated Income Tax Amount") shall be accrued monthly on the books of the
Alaska Entities and any amount not previously paid to Sellers shall be included
in the Additional Amount set forth in Section 2.2(b). Subsequent to Closing,
Buyer shall pay to Sellers at least two (2) business days prior to the date on
which Taxes are to be paid by Sellers with respect to such Tax Returns an
amount equal to the amount by which the portion of such Taxes currently payable
which relate to the portion of such taxable period beginning after August 31,
1998 through the Closing Date (but excluding Taxes attributable to any deferred
income triggered into income by Reg. ss.ss. 1.1502-13 and 1.1502-14 and any
excess loss accounts taken into income under Reg. ss. 1.1502-19) exceeded the
Estimated Income Tax Amount, and Sellers shall pay to Buyer within two (2) days
of the filing of such Tax Returns, an amount equal to the amount by which the
Estimated Income Tax Amount exceeded the actual amount of the portion of such
Taxes currently payable on such Tax Return which relate to the period beginning
after August 31, 1998 through the Closing Date. In the event that the amount
paid by Buyer pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence exceeds, or is
exceeded by, the amount properly allocable to Buyer under such sentence,
Sellers shall pay to Buyer the amount of any excess, and Buyer shall pay to
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Sellers the amount of any shortfall. Buyer will cause the
Alaska Entities to furnish Tax information for periods ending on or prior to the
Closing Date to Parent for inclusion in the consolidated federal and state
consolidated, unitary or combined income Tax Returns for Parent and its
Affiliated Group in accordance with the past custom and practice of the Alaska
Entities. Sellers will not take, or cause or permit to be taken, any position on
such returns that relate to the Alaska Entities that would adversely affect the
Alaska Entities after the Closing Date, unless such position would be reasonable
in the case of a person that owned the Alaska Entities both before and after the
Closing Date. The income of the Alaska Entities will be apportioned to
the period up to and including the Closing Date and to the period after the
Closing Date by closing the books of the Alaska Entities as of the end of the
Closing Date.
7.3 Audits. Sellers will allow, or cause to be allowed, Buyer (without
----------
counsel present) to participate at Buyer's own expense in any audits of the
consolidated federal and consolidated, unitary or combined income Tax Returns of
Parent and its Affiliated Group to the extent that such audits relate to the
Alaska Entities. Sellers will not settle, or cause or permit to be settled any
such audit in a manner which would adversely affect the Alaska Entities after
the Closing Date unless (i) such settlement would be reasonable in the case of a
person that owned the Alaska Entities both before and after the Closing Date, or
(ii) Sellers obtain the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not
unreasonably be withheld.
7.4 Section 338(h)(10) Election. At Buyer's option, Sellers will join, and
-------------------------------
will cause their Affiliated Group to join, with Buyer in making an election
under ss.338(h)(10) of the Code (and any corresponding or similar elections
under state, local, or foreign Tax law) (collectively a "ss.338(h)(10)
Election") with respect to the purchase and sale of the Alaska Stock hereunder;
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provided that all Taxes solely payable as a result of such ss.338(h)(10)
Election shall be the sole responsibility of Parent, CWI and CNI and their
Affiliate Group.
7.5 Taxes Other Than Income Taxes.
-----------------------------------
(a) Periods Ending on or Prior to the Closing Date. Sellers shall
prepare or cause to be prepared and timely file or cause to be timely
filed, all Tax Returns (other than Tax Returns covered under Section 7.2)
for the Alaska Entities for all periods ending on or prior to the Closing
Date. The Alaska Entities shall pay all such Taxes. Sellers shall make
available copies of such Tax Returns to Buyer at Buyer's request. Sellers
shall pay to the Alaska Entities at least two (2) business days prior to
the date on which Taxes are paid by the Alaska Entities an amount equal
to the portion of such Taxes which relates to the portion of such taxable
period ending on August 31, 1998, to the extent such Taxes are not
reflected in the Net Working Capital of the Alaska Entities as of August
31, 1998. To the extent the amount of such Taxes reflected in Net Working
Capital of the Alaska Entities as of August 31, 1998 exceeds the amount
of such Taxes applicable to the period ending on August 31, 1998, the
Alaska Entities will pay such excess to Sellers.
(b) Periods Ending Subsequent to the Closing Date. Buyers shall
prepare or cause to be prepared and timely file or cause to be timely
filed, all Tax Returns (other than Tax Returns covered under Section 7.2)
for the Alaska Entities for all periods subsequent to the Closing Date.
The Alaska Entities shall pay all such Taxes. Buyer shall make available
copies of such Tax Returns to Sellers at Sellers' request. Upon five (5)
days written notice, Sellers shall pay to the Alaska Entities at least two
(2) business days prior to the date on which Taxes are paid by the Alaska
Entities, an amount equal to the portion of such Taxes
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which relates to the portion of such taxable period ending on August 31,
1998, to the extent such Taxes are not reflected in the Net Working
Capital of the Alaska Entities as of August 31, 1998. To the extent the
amount of such Taxes reflected in Net Working Capital of the Alaska
Entities as of August 31, 1998 exceeds the amount of such Taxes applicable
to the period ending on August 31, 1998, the Alaska Entities will pay
such excess to Sellers.
7.6 Allocation Among Periods. For purposes of this Section 7, in the case
----------------------------
of any Taxes that are imposed on a periodic basis and are payable for a taxable
period that includes (but does not end on) August 31, 1998, the portion of such
Tax which relates to the portion of such taxable period ending on August 31,
1998 shall (i) in the case of any Taxes not based upon or related to income or
receipts, be deemed to be the amount of such Tax for the entire taxable period
multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days in the
taxable period ending on August 31, 1998 and the denominator of which is the
number of days in the entire taxable period, and (ii) in the case of any Tax
based upon or related to income or receipts be deemed to be the amount which
would be payable if the relevant taxable period ended on August 31, 1998. All
determinations necessary to give effect to the foregoing allocations shall be
made in a manner consistent with prior practice of the Alaska Entities.
7.7 Cooperation on Tax Matters.
--------------------------------
(a) Buyer, the Alaska Entities, Sellers and their respective
Affiliates shall cooperate fully, and to the extent reasonably requested
by the other party, in connection with the filing of Tax Returns pursuant
to this Section 7 and in connection with any audit, litigation or other
Proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include the
retention and (upon the other party's request) the provision, of records
and information
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which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or
other Proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient
basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material
provided hereunder. The Alaska Entities, and Sellers agree (i) to retain
or cause to be retained all books and records with respect to Tax matters
pertinent to the Alaska Entities relating to any taxable period beginning
before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of limitations
(and, to the extent notified by Buyer or CNI, any extensions thereof) of
the respective taxable periods, and to abide by all record retention
agreements entered into with any taxing authority, and (ii) to give the
other party reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or
discarding any such books and records and, if the other party so requests,
Buyer, the Alaska Entities, Sellers or an Affiliate of CNI, as the case
may be, shall reasonably allow the other party to take possession of such
books and records in such circumstances at such other party's expense.
(b) Buyer and Sellers further agree, upon request, to use, or cause
to be used, best efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from
any Governmental Entity or any other person as may be necessary to
mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including,
but not limited, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(c) Buyer and Sellers further agree, upon request, to provide, or
cause to be provided, to the other party all information that either party
may be required to report pursuant to Section 6043 of the Code and all
Treasury Department Regulations promulgated thereunder.
7.8 Contests. Whenever any taxing authority asserts a claim, makes an
------------
assessment, or otherwise disputes the amount of Taxes for which any Seller is
or may be liable under
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this Agreement, Buyer shall, if informed of such an assertion, promptly
inform CNI. CNI shall have the right to control any resulting Proceedings to
represent the Alaska Entities' interests therein, and to determine whether and
when to settle any such claim, assessment or dispute, except to the extent
such Proceedings or determinations affect the amount of Taxes for which Buyer
is liable under this Agreement. Whenever any taxing authority asserts a claim,
makes an assessment or otherwise disputes the amount of Taxes for which Buyer is
liable under this Agreement, Sellers shall, if informed of such an assertion,
promptly inform Buyer. Buyer shall have the right to control any resulting
Proceedings and to determine whether and when to settle any such claim,
assessment or dispute, except to the extent such Proceedings or determinations
affect the amount of Taxes for which Sellers are liable under this Agreement;
provided, however, that Buyer agrees, unless otherwise required by law, not to
take any position that is inconsistent with a position taken by CNI and its
Affiliated Group with respect to Taxes on or prior to the Closing Date, which
position is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the
Tax liability of CNI or its Affiliated Group.
7.9 Resolution of Disagreements Between Parent, CWI or CNI and Buyer. If
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sellers and Buyer disagree as to the amount of Taxes for which each is liable
under this Agreement or as to the allocation pursuant to Section 7.10, Sellers
and Buyer shall promptly consult each other in an effort to resolve such
dispute. If any such point of disagreement cannot be resolved within sixty (60)
days of the date of consultation, Sellers and Buyer shall within ten (10) days
after such sixty (60)-day period jointly select a nationally recognized
independent public accounting firm which has not, except pursuant to this
Section 7.9, performed any services since January 1, 1996 for any of Parent,
Sellers or Buyer or their respective Affiliated Groups or Subsidiaries, to act
as an arbitrator to resolve, within sixty (60) days after their selection, all
points of disagreement
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concerning Tax matters with respect to this Agreement and presented to such
accounting firm at the time of its selection. If no nationally recognized
independent public accounting firm meets the aforementioned standard, Sellers
and Buyer nonetheless shall attempt to agree on an accounting firm that
is satisfactory to both Parties. If the Parties cannot agree on the selection of
an accounting firm within such ten-day period, within two (2) business days
after such ten-day period, the Parties shall select an eligible nationally
recognized accounting firm by lot.
7.10 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Parties agree that the Purchase
----------------------------------
Price (as finally adjusted pursuant to Section 2.2) and the liabilities of the
Alaska Entities (plus other relevant items), reduced by (i) $3,000,000 of the
Purchase Price that is properly allocable to the Alaska PCS Licenses and (ii)
$5,000,000 of the Purchase Price that is properly allocable to Sellers' covenant
in Section 6.4, will be allocated to the assets of the Alaska Entities for all
purposes (including Tax and financial accounting purposes) in a manner
consistent with the requirements of Regulations ss.ss. 1.338(h)(10)-1 and
1.338(h)-2T and mutually agreed upon by Sellers and Buyer. Buyer, the Alaska
Entities, and Sellers will file, or cause to be filed, all Tax Returns
(including amended returns and claims for refund) and information reports in a
manner consistent with such allocation.
SECTION 8
---------
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER
--------------------------------------------
The obligations of Buyer to consummate the Closing under this Agreement
are subject to the fulfillment prior to or on the Closing Date of the following
conditions precedent, except such of the following conditions precedent as shall
have been expressly waived in writing by Buyer.
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8.1 Representations and Warranties. (a) The representations and warranties
----------------------------------
of Sellers contained in this Agreement that contain the modifying language
"material," "Material," or "Material Adverse Effect" are true and correct in all
respects, and any such representations and warranties that are not so qualified
are true and correct in all material respects, in each case, on and as of the
date hereof and, with respect to the representations and warranties contained in
Section 3.16 and any other representations which speak as of August 31, 1998, on
and as of August 31, 1998, and, for purposes of Section 6.2 shall be deemed
made as of such date or dates, as the case may be.
(b) To the extent actions are taken by Sellers or the Alaska
Entities without the consent of the Consultant, or not taken after such
actions are requested to be taken by the Consultant (those so taken
without consent or not taken following such request being, "Seller
Actions"), any representations and warranties which have been affected by
such Seller Actions shall also be true and correct as of the Closing Date
with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made as of such date, with respect only to such Seller Actions and
the effects thereof, and, for purposes of Section 6.2 shall be deemed made
as of such date.
(c) The representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.1
through 3.6, 3.15, 3.21(p), 3.22, 3.25(a), 3.26(c) and 3.27, that contain
the modifying language "material," "Material," or "Material Adverse
Effect" shall also be true and correct in all respects, and any of such
representations and warranties that are not so qualified shall be true and
correct in all material respects, in each case, as of the Closing Date
with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made as of such date and, for
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purposes of Section 6.2 shall be deemed made as of such date.
8.2 Covenants. Sellers shall have performed, satisfied and
--------------
complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements
required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by them
on or before the Closing Date; provided that, for purposes of this Section 8.2,
any action, or failure to act, taken at the written request of, or pursuant to
explicit approval or consent of the Consultant or at the explicit direction
of the Consultant shall be deemed not to be a material breach of covenant or
agreement or the material failure to perform, satisfy or comply with any
obligation contained herein.
8.3 Material Adverse Effect. From the date hereof until the Closing Date,
---------------------------
there shall have been no change that would have a Material Adverse Effect;
provided, however, that Material Adverse Effects shall not include changes as a
result of actions taken by or with the consent of the Consultant, changes in
accounting principles or interpretations adopted by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, changes in general economic conditions, including any change in
the level of interest rates, or industry-wide changes in the regulatory
environment (including but not limited to the loss of, or changes resulting from
the loss of, the Rural Exemption (as defined in Section 251(f)(1) of the
Communications Act)); provided further, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, a
Material Adverse Effect shall be deemed to have occurred in the event that Buyer
shall not have obtained, pursuant to the Debt Commitments and in accordance with
the terms set forth therein, the funds that, when aggregated with the funds to
be provided pursuant to the Equity Commitment, are necessary to consummate the
Purchase Transactions contemplated hereby.
8.4 Certificates. Buyer shall have received certificates, dated the
-----------------
Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Seller, in such
officer's representative capacity, without
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personal liability, certifying to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth
in Sections 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.
8.5 Certified Copy of Charter, Resolutions, etc. Sellers shall have
------------------------------------------------
delivered to Buyer (i) copies, certified by the duly qualified and acting
Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Seller of resolutions adopted by Boards
of Directors of such Sellers approving this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) certificates of incumbency
dated the Closing Date of all officers of Sellers who have been or will be
authorized to execute or attest to this Agreement, or any statement, certificate
or other instrument on behalf of Sellers each showing specimen signatures of
each such officer and executed by the President or a Vice President and the
Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Seller and (iii) copies of the
documents required by Section 3.6, dated as of the Closing Date.
8.6 Opinion of Counsel for Sellers. Buyer shall have received an opinion
----------------------------------
of Boles, Boles & Ryan, counsel for Sellers, dated the Closing Date, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer. In expressing any opinions as to
matters of fact relevant to conclusions of law, such counsel may rely upon
certificates of Sellers, the officers and agents of Sellers, and of public
officials. In expressing any opinions as to matters involving the law of other
jurisdictions such counsel may rely on the opinion of other counsel.
8.7 Consents and Approvals. (i) All waiting periods applicable under the
--------------------------
HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) all consents and approvals
required by the FCC and the APUC, in each case, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer, shall have been obtained, and (iii) all other
registrations, Permits, filings, applications, notices, consents, approvals,
orders, qualifications and waivers required to be obtained or made as of the
Closing Date shall have been filed, made or obtained, except, in the case of
this clause (iii), for such registrations, filings, notices,
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consents, pprovals, orders, qualifications and waivers which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect following the Closing.
8.8 Prohibitions. There shall have been no statute, rule, injunction,
-----------------
restraining order, decree or other order of any nature promulgated, enacted,
entered or enforced by any Governmental Entity which shall remain in effect
which restrains, prohibits or delays the performance of this Agreement or
imposes significant penalties or damages on Buyer or the Alask Entities
with respect to (or any other materially adverse relief or remedy in
connection with), the consummation of the Purchase Transactions or the
performance of the material obligations of the Buyer or the Alaska Entities
hereunder, and there shall be no Proceeding pending or threatened seeking such
relief.
8.9 Resignations. Buyer shall have received from each director and
-----------------
officer of each Alaska Entity from whom such a resignation is requested a
resignation from all directorships and offices held by such directors and
officers in such entities.
8.10 Stock Certificates; Closing Documents. Sellers shall have delivered
------------------------------------------
to Buyer certificates representing the Alaska Stock, duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by stock powers or other instruments of transfer duly executed in
blank, and bearing or accompanied by all requisite stock transfer stamps. All
Encumbrances on the Alaska Stock shall have been eliminated or discharged and
all Encumbrances on assets of the Alaska Entities, other than those set forth on
Schedule 8.10, shall have been eliminated or discharged, and Buyer shall have
received evidence thereof which is satisfactory to it. Sellers shall have
delivered to Buyer all documents or instruments required to be delivered
pursuant to Section 10.1.
8.11 Ancillary Agreements. Each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have
--------------------------
been executed and delivered by the appropriate Parties and shall be in full
force and effect as of the Closing Date.
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8.12 Outstanding Indebtedness. Sellers shall have taken all necessary
-------------------------------
actions, in a manner that does not require Sellers to prepay any outstanding
Indebtedness if the Purchase Transactions are not consummated, such that, as of
the Closing Date, all outstanding Indebtedness shall be prepayable and
accelerated as of the Closing Date with Buye responsible for all costs,
expenses and fees related thereto. To the exten reasonably possible,
Buyer agrees to prepay all such outstanding Indebtedness, at the direction of
Sellers, on the Closing Date.
8.13 FIRPTA Affidavit. Sellers shall have delivered to Buyer an affidavit
---------------------
(a so-called "FIRPTA affidavit") in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Buyer duly executed and acknowledged, certifying facts that would exempt the
transactions contemplated hereby from the provisions of the Foreign Investment
in Real Property Tax Act.
8.14 Intercompany Accounts. In accordance with Section 6.15, Sellers shall
--------------------------
cause all Intercompany Accounts maintained between any Alaska Entity and Sellers
or any Affiliate of Sellers to be satisfied and canceled and shall release and
waive, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, all claims of
Sellers or any Affiliate of Sellers, against any Alaska Entity. A positive net
Combined Intercompany Receivable balance shall be satisfied in accordance with
Section 6.15(b). A negative net Combined Intercompany Receivable shall be
satisfied through conversion of the balance into an equity contribution from the
Sellers to the Alaska Entities.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 9
---------
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLERS
----------------------------------------------
The obligations of Sellers under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment prior to or on the Closing Date of the following conditions
precedent, except such of the following conditions precedent as shall have been
expressly waived in writing by Sellers.
9.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
----------------------------------
Buyer contained in this Agreement that contain the modifying language
"material," or "material adverse effect" are true and correct in all respects,
and any such representations and warranties that are not so qualified are true
and correct in all material respects, in each case, on and as of the Closing
Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had
been made on and as of such date.
9.2 Covenants. Buyer shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all
-------------
material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement
to be performed, satisfied or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date.
9.3 Certificate. Sellers shall have received a certificate, dated the
----------------
Closing Date, signed by a duly authorized officer of Buyer, in such officer's
representative capacity, without personal liability, certifying to the
fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 hereof.
9.4 Certified Copy of Resolutions. Buyer shall have delivered to Sellers
----------------------------------
(i) copies, certified by the duly qualified and acting Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of Buyer, of resolutions adopted by Buyer's Board of Directors
approving this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, and (ii) certificates of incumbency dated the Closing Date of
all officers of Buyer who have been or will be authorized to execute or attest
to this
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<PAGE>
Agreement, or any statement, certificate or other instrument on behalf
of Buyer, each showing specimen signatures of each such officer and executed by
the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of
Buyer.
9.5 Opinion of Counsel for Buyer. Sellers shall have received an opinion
--------------------------------
of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, counsel for Buyer, dated the Closing Date, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Sellers. In expressing any opinion
as to matters of fact relevant to conclusions of law, such counsel may rely upon
certificates of Buyer, the officers and agents of Buyer, and of public
officials. In expressing its opinion as to matters involving the law of
other jurisdictions such counsel may rely on the opinion of other counsel.
9.6 Consents and Approvals. (i) All waiting periods applicable under the
--------------------------
HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, (ii) all consents and approvals
required by the FCC and the APUC, in each case, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to Sellers shall have been obtained, and (iii) all other
registrations, permits, filings, applications, notices, consents, approvals,
orders, qualifications and waivers required to be obtained or made as of the
Closing Date shall have been filed, made or obtained, except, in the case of
this clause (iii), for such registrations, filings, notices, consents,
approvals, orders, qualifications and waivers which would not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
Buyer's ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by, or fulfill its
obligations under, this Agreement.
9.7 Prohibitions. There shall have been no statute, rule, injunction,
-----------------
restraining order, decree or other order of any nature promulgated, enacted,
entered or enforced by any Governmental Entity which shall remain in effect
which restrains, prohibits or delays the performance of this Agreements or
imposes significant penalties or damages on any Seller.
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<PAGE>
9.8 Closing Documents. Buyers shall have delivered to Sellers all other
-----------------------
documents or instruments required to be delivered pursuant to Section 10.2.
SECTION 10
----------
CLOSING DOCUMENTS
-----------------
10.1 By Sellers. In addition to any other documents or instruments to be
----------------
delivered by Sellers to Buyer, Sellers shall, on the Closing Date:
(a) deliver to Buyer certificates representing all of the
outstanding capital stock of the Alaska Entities, duly endorsed for
transfer, either in blank on the certificates or on separate stock powers
(assignments) accompanying the certificates, free of Encumbrances;
(b) deliver all minute books and stock registers and other records
of the Alaska Entities;
(c) deliver the certificates required by Section 8.4 and 8.5;
(d) deliver the legal opinion required by Section 8.6;
(e) deliver documents evidencing the continued existence or good
standing of the Alaska Entities;
(f) deliver any resignations required by Section 8.9;
(g) deliver proof of acceleration of the Indebtedness required by
Section 8.12;
(h) deliver the FIRPTA Affidavit required by Section 8.14; and
(i) provide such other proof or indication of satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 8 as Buyer may reasonably request.
10.2 By Buyer. In addition to any other documents or instruments to be
-------------
delivered by Buyer to Sellers, Buyer shall, on the Closing Date:
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(a) deliver the Purchase Price,as adjusted, by amounts equal to the
Adjustment Amount (or the Estimated Adjustment Amount as provided in
Section 2.2(c)) and the Additional Amount, in immediately available funds;
(b) deliver any amounts payable under the Transition Services
Agreement in immediately available funds;
(c) deliver the certificates required by Sections 9.3 and 9.4;
(d) deliver the legal opinion required by Section 9.5; and
(e) provide any such other proof or indication of satisfaction of
the conditions set forth in Section 9 as Sellers may reasonably request.
SECTION 11
----------
TERMINATION
-----------
11.1 Right of Termination.
--------------------------
(a) This Agreement may be terminated:
(i) at any time prior to the Closing by the mutual written
consent of Sellers and Buyer;
(ii) by Sellers or Buyer by written notice to the other if the
Closing shall not have occurred on or before the date that is one
year from the date hereof; provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(a)(ii) shall not be
available to Sellers or Buyer if Sellers' or Buyer's, respectively,
failure to fulfill or perform any obligation under this Agreement
has been a substantial cause of, or has substantially resulted in,
the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date;
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<PAGE>
(iii) by Sellers or Buyer in the event there is a final and
nonappealable order of a Governmental Entity prohibiting the
Purchase Transactions contemplated hereby;
(iv) by Buyer or Sellers in the event that any condition to
the obligations of such Party contained in Section 8 and 9,
respectively, becomes incapable of being satisfied prior to the
first anniversary of the date hereof;
(v) by Buyer if there has been a material breach by any Seller
of a covenant and such breach has not been cured within 30 days
after receipt of written notice thereof from Buyer;
(vi) by Sellers if there has been a material breach by Buyer
of a covenant and such breach has not been cured within thirty (30)
days after receipt of written notice thereof from Sellers
(vii) by Sellers upon 10 business days' written notice if
Buyer falls to maintain the Financing Commitments; or
(viii)by Buyer if a Material Adverse Effect was in effect prior
to the date hereof.
11.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement
---------------------------
pursuant to Section 11.1, except as provided in this Section 11.2, Section 6.9,
Section 12.1, and Section 12.3 hereof, this Agreement shall forthwith become
void and have no effect, and there shall be no liability on the part of Buyer or
Sellers, or their respective officers, directors or agents, except that nothing
contained in this provision shall relieve any Party from liability for any
willful and knowing breach of any covenant or any willful and knowing breach of
any representation or warranty.
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<PAGE>
The Parties acknowledge that the sole remedy for any breach prior to the
Closing Date (other than a willful and knowing breach)is to assert the failure
of a condition under Section 8 or Section 9 or to assert its rights under
Sections 11.1(a)(v), (vi), (vii) or (viii).
SECTION 12
----------
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
12.1 Fees and Expenses. Except as disclosed on Schedule 12.1, the Parties
----------------------
represent to each other that no broker or other person is entitled to any fee or
commission in connection with the negotiation or consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except for the fees of attorneys and
accountants for the respective Parties. Sellers and Buyer shall each pay their
own expenses incident to this Agreement and the performance of their respective
obligations hereunder, including the fees of their respective accountants,
counsel and investment bankers, provided, however, that any filing fees for (i)
the HSR Act application shall be paid by Buyer and (ii) the APUC and the FCC
shall be paid equally by Sellers on the one hand and Buyer on the other hand.
12.2 Rights of Third Parties. Nothing in this Agreement, other than the
----------------------------
indemnification provisions contained in Sections 6.2 and 6.3 whether express or
implied, is intended to confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement on any Person other than the Parties hereto, their respective
successors and permitted assigns, nor is anything in this Agreement intended to
relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any third person to any
Party to this Agreement, nor shall any provision give any third person any right
of subrogation or action over or against any Party to this Agreement.
12.3 Confidential Information.
------------------------------
(a) Buyer will hold in strict confidence and will cause its
attorneys, accountants,
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<PAGE>
employees, advisers and other agents acting for or on its behalf to hold
in strict confidence, all documents, information concerning the Sellers
and, prior to the Closing Date, information concerning the Alaska
Entities, obtained pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the
transactions provided for herein (except to the extent that such documents
or information (i) are required to be disclosed by Applicable law or any
Governmental Entity; (ii) are already generally available to the public
other than as a result of a disclosure by Buyer or its representatives
or (iii) become lawfully available to Buyer on a nonconfidential basis
from any third party (excluding Affiliates of Buyer) who is not under an
obligation of confidence) and, if the transactions provided for herein
are not consummated, such confidence shall be maintained and all such
documents shall be returned to Sellers together with any copies thereof.
(b) Each of the Sellers will hold in strict confidence and will
cause its attorneys, accountants, employees, advisers and other agents
acting for or on its behalf to hold in strict confidence, all documents
and information concerning the Alaska Entities (except to the extent that
such documents or information (i) are required to be disclosed by
Applicable law or any Governmental Entity or (ii) are already generally
available to the public prior to the date hereof or (iii) following the
date hereof, are generally available other than as a result of a
disclosure by any Seller or its representatives). As soon as practicable
following the Closing Date, Sellers will deliver to Buyer all materials,
documents or information related to the Alaska Entities and not required
to be retained by Sellers pursuant to Applicable Law.
12.4 Waiver. Sellers on the one hand and Buyer on the other may, by
-----------
written instrument, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the
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<PAGE>
other, (ii) waive any inaccuracies of the other in its representations
and warranties, (iii) waive compliance with any of the covenants or closing
conditions of the other contained in this Agreement and (iv) waive the other's
performance of any of the obligations set out in this Agreement, provided,
however, that no Party may grant any waiver, the effect of which would be
unlawful. No waiver by a Party to this Agreement of a breach of any term or
condition hereof shall be construed to operate as a waiver of a subsequent
breach of any such term or condition or of any other term or condition hereof.
12.5 Specific Performance. The Parties acknowledge that their obligations
-------------------------
hereunder are unique, and that it would be extremely impracticable to measure
the resulting damages if any Party should default in its obligations under this
Agreement. Accordingly, in the event of the failure by a Party to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, or perform its obligations hereunder, which
failure constitutes a breach hereof by such Party, the nondefaulting Party may,
in addition to any other available rights or remedies, sue in equity for
specific performance.
12.6 Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits and
---------------------------
schedules hereto, states the entire agreement of the Parties and merges all
prior negotiations, agreements and understandings, if any. The Parties agree
that in dealing with third parties no contrary representations will be made.
12.7 Prohibited Negotiations. Prior to the Closing Date or the termination
----------------------------
of this Agreement, Sellers will not, and will cause their respective Affiliates,
directors, officers, employees and representatives not to, solicit, encourage or
respond to inquiries or proposals with respect to, or furnish any information
relating to or participate in any negotiations or discussions concerning, any
acquisition or purchase of all or substantially all of the stock, the assets of,
or of a substantial equity
-94-
<PAGE>
interest in, or any business combination with, any of the Alaska Entities,
other than as contemplated by this Agreement, and Sellers shall notify Buyer
immediately if any such inquiries or proposals are received by, any such
information is requested from, or any such negotiations or discussions are
sought to be initiated with any Seller or Alaska Entity.
12.8 Survival. The representations and warranties made by or on behalf of
-------------
(i) Sellers and (ii) Buyin this Agreement shall survive for a period of two (2)
years from the Closing Date, except for (a) the representations and warranties
contained in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5 (but only as the representations and
warranties in Section 3.5 relate to title to the stock of any Alaska Entity)
which will survive without limit; (b) the representations and warranties
contained in Section 3.19, which will survive until November 1, 2002; and (c)
the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.21, which will survive
for six (6) months beyond the applicable statute of limitations. The covenants
and agreements set forth herein shall survive the Closing in accordance with
their terms. The Parties hereto, in executing and carrying out the provisions of
this Agreement, are relying solely on the representations, warranties, covenants
and agreements contained or referred to herein and not upon any representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement, promise or information, written or oral, made by
any Person or entity other than as specifically set forth herein.
12.9 Arbitration. Except as set forth in Section 2.2(e), or in any
-----------------
Sections permitting specific performance or injunctive relief, any claim,
controversy or other dispute arising out of this Agreement shall be resolved by
arbitration. A single arbitrator having at least five years experience in the
telephone industry shall conduct the arbitration under the then current rules of
The American Arbitration Association. Such arbitrator shall be mutually agreed
upon by the Parties. If the Parties are unable to agree upon an arbitrator each
Party shall select a natural person who meets the
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<PAGE>
qualifications for the arbitrator. Together these two individuals shall select
a third natural person who meets the arbitrator criteria, and such third person
shall serve as the arbitrator. The Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. ss.ss.
1-15, not state law, shall govern the arbitrability of all claims. The
arbitrator shall have authority to award compensatory damages only.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the non-prevailing Party shall bear
responsibility for the prevailing Party's costs and attorneys' fees. The
arbitrator's award shall be final and binding and may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitration shall be conducted in Dallas,
Texas.
12.10 Attorney Fees. If any arbitration, legal action or other Proceeding
--------------------
is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement, or because of an alleged
dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any of the
provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing Party shall be
entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in that
action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it may be
entitled.
12.11 Notices. Any notices or other communications required or permitted
-------------
under this Agreement shall be sufficiently given if sent by commercial overnight
delivery, facsimile (followed by otherwise sufficient delivery within a
reasonable time), registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
SELLERS:
-------
Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc.
100 Century Park Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71203
Attn: W. Bruce Hanks
Facsimile No.: (318) 362-1684
Copy to:
-------
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<PAGE>
Harvey P. Perry, Esq.
General Counsel
Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc.
100 Century Park Drive
Monroe, LA 71203
Facsimile No.: (318) 388-9488
and
William R. Boles, Jr., Esq. and
G. Robert Collier, Jr., Esq.
Boles, Boles & Ryan
1805 Tower Drive
Monroe, LA 71201
Facsimile No. (318) 329-9150
BUYER:
-----
W. Dexter Paine III
ALEC Acquisition Corporation
c/o Fox Paine & Company LLC
950 Tower Lane
Suite 1950
Foster City, CA 94404
Facsimile No.: (650) 525-1396
Copies to:
---------
Mitchell S. Presser
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
51 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
Facsimile No.: (212) 403-2000
Deborah J. Harwood
LEC Consulting Corporation
100 West 11th Street, Suite A
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Facsimile No.: (360) 993-5156
or to such other address as shall be furnished in writing by any party and any
such notice or communications shall be deemed to have been given as of the date
actually received.
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<PAGE>
12.12 Amendment. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by an
----------------
instrument in writing, duly executed by the Parties hereto.
12.13 Further Assurances.
------------------------
(a) After the Closing Date, the Parties, without further
consideration, agree to execute such additional documents as may be
reasonably requested by the other Party to carry out the purposes and
intent of this Agreement and to fulfill their respective obligations
hereunder. In case at any time after the Closing Date any further action
is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the
proper officers and directors of each Party to this Agreement shall take
all such necessary or desirable action.
(b) Prior to and after the Closing Date, to the extent reasonably
requested by Buyer, Sellers agree to provide the Alaska Entities with
copies of and access to all records, data or other information held by
Sellers or its Affiliates (other than the Alaska Entities) relating to the
Alaska Entities, and to cooperate with and to assist Buyer in the
preparation of audited financial statements of the Alaska Entities, to the
extent such financial statements relate to periods prior to the Closing.
(c) Without limiting Sellers' obligations otherwise under this
Agreement, Sellers agree that to the extent there are any assets,
services, facilities, rights, interests or agreements needed for the
operation of the Business, and not transferred to Buyer as of the Closing
Date or provided pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, Sellers
will work with Buyer to find a solution for the Buyer to obtain such
needed assets, services and facilities.
12.14 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted
--------------------
and the rights
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<PAGE>
of the Parties covered by and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of Washington; provided, however, that any dispute regarding the reasonableness
of the covenants and agreements set forth in Sections 6.4 and 6.11 hereof,
or the territorial scope or duration thereof, shall be governed by the laws
applicable to such dispute.
12.15 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
-------------------
counterparts, all of which shall be one and the same Agreement and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each Party and
delivered to the other Party.
12.16 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on, and
--------------------------------
shall inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that Buyer may not
assign its rights hereunder (other than to any Subsidiary or Affiliate of Buyer
to which assignment is expressly allowed) without the prior written consent of
Sellers and Sellers may not assign their rights hereunder without the prior
written consent of Buyer.
12.17 Meanings of Pronouns, Singular and Plural Words. All pronouns used
-----------------------------------------------------
in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter,
singular and plural, as the identity of the person to which or to whom reference
is made may require. Unless the context in which it is used shall clearly
indicate to the contrary, words used in the singular shall include the plural,
and words used in the plural shall include the singular.
12.18 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for
----------------
convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC. has
executed this Agreement this 14th day of August, 1998.
CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.:
BY: /s/ W. Bruce Hanks
---------------------
ITS: Senior Vice President
----------------------
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CENTURYTEL WIRELESS, INC. has executed this
Agreement this 14th day of August, 1998.
CENTURYTEL WIRELESS, INC.:
BY: /s/ W. Bruce Hanks
--------------------
ITS: Senior Vice President
----------------------
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BUYER has executed this Agreement this 14th day of
August, 1998.
ALEC ACQUISITION CORPORATION:
BY: /s/ W Dexter Paine,III
----------------------
ITS: President
----------------------
SIGNATURE PAGE TO THAT CERTAIN PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN ALEC
ACQUISITION CORPORATION, CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC., F/K/A PACIFIC
TELECOM, INC., AND CENTURYTEL WIRELESS, INC. F/K/A CENTURYTEL CELLUNET, INC.,
DATED AUGUST 14, 1998.
-100-
Exhibit 10.2
CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.
(formerly known as PACIFIC TELECOM, INC.)
as the Issuer and
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
as Guarantor and
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
as Trustee
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Dated as of November 2, 1998
to
INDENTURE
between
CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.
(formerly known as PACIFIC TELECOM, INC.)
as the Issuer
and
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
as Trustee
Dated as of September 20, 1991
<PAGE>
FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
----------------------------
This FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of November 2, 1998 (this
"First Supplemental Indenture"), is among CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.
(formerly known as Pacific Telecom, Inc.), a Washington corporation, as the
Issuer (the "Company"), CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC., a Louisiana
corporation, as the Guarantor ("Century"), and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF
CHICAGO, a national banking association, as Trustee (the "Trustee").
R E C I T A L S:
---------------
WHEREAS, the Company and Trustee executed and delivered an Indenture,
dated as of September 20, 1991 (the "Original Indenture"), pursuant to which
unsecured Securities (as defined in the Original Indenture) of the Company were
issued;
WHEREAS, Section 901(6) of the Original Indenture provides that the
Company and the Trustee may enter into an indenture supplemental to the Original
Indenture without the consent of the Holders (as defined in the Original
Indenture) to provide security for the Securities;
WHEREAS, on December 1, 1997, Century acquired all of the common stock
of the Company;
WHEREAS, as the parent of the Company, Century is willing to guaranty
the repayment of the Securities on the terms hereinafter set forth;
WHEREAS, the Company and Century desire to amend the Original Indenture
pursuant to this First Supplemental Indenture to provide for such guaranty;
WHEREAS, the Company further desires to amend the Original Indenture
pursuant to this First Supplemental Indenture to reflect the change in the
Company's name from "Pacific Telecom, Inc." to "CenturyTel of the Northwest,
Inc." and to reflect the Company's new address for purposes of notices provided
under the Original Indenture;
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture
have been duly authorized and approved by resolutions of the Board of Directors
of the Company and the Board of Directors of Century; and
WHEREAS, the Company and Century desire and have requested the Trustee to
join in the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture for the
purpose of amending the Original Indenture.
-1-
<PAGE>
NOW, THEREFORE, for the equal and ratable benefit of all Holders of the
Securities, the Original Indenture is hereby amended as follows:
ARTICLE 1
AMENDMENTS TO ORIGINAL INDENTURE
--------------------------------
Section 1.1 Addition of Century as a Party. Century is hereby made a party
------------------------------
to the Original Indenture, as amended by this First Supplemental Indenture, to
the extent hereinafter provided.
Section 1.2 Change of the Company's Name and Address. The first paragraph
----------------------------------------
of the Original Indenture is hereby amended in its entirety to state:
This INDENTURE, dated as of September 20, 1991, is between
CenturyTel of the Northwest, Inc. (formerly known as Pacific
TeleCom, Inc.), a corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Washington (herein called the "Company"),
having its principal office at 100 Century Park Drive, Monroe,
Louisiana 71230, and The First National Bank of Chicago, a national
banking association, as Trustee hereunder (herein called the
"Trustee").
Section 1.3 Definitions. Section 101 of the Original Indenture is hereby
-----------
amended by adding the following definitions in their appropriate alphabetical
positions:
"Century" means Century Telephone Enterprises,
Inc., a Louisiana corporation.
"Guaranty" means the guarantee by Century of the payment of
principal and interest on the Securities pursuant to Section 312
hereof.
"Trustee Compensation" has the meaning
specified in Section 312.
Section 1.4 Notices, Etc., to Trustee, the Company and Century. Article
--------------------------------------------------
One of the Original Indenture is hereby amended by adding a new subparagraph (3)
to Section 105 to provide:
(3) Century by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be
sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein
expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, by first class mail,
to Century at the following address:
Century Telephone Enterprises, Inc.
100 Century Park Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71203
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
-2-
<PAGE>
(with a separate copy mailed, by first class
mail, to the Treasurer)
or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the
Trustee by Century. Century shall be provided with a contemporaneous
copy of all notices delivered to the Company.
Section 1.5 Guaranty. Article Three of the Original Indenture is hereby
--------
amended by adding the following new section in its appropriate numerical
position:
Section 312. Guaranty.
--------
Century hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to
each Holder the due and punctual payment of the principal of and the
interest (including any additional interest, redemption premiums or
other amounts payable in accordance with the terms of the
Securities) on the Securities held by such Holder, when and as the
same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise,
according to the terms of such Securities and of this Indenture.
Century hereby unconditionally and irrevocably further guarantees to
the Trustee the due and punctual payment of any sums due to the
Trustee under Section 607 of this Indenture, when and as the same
shall become due and payable, in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture (the "Trustee Compensation"). In case of the failure of
the Company punctually to make any such payment of principal,
interest (including any additional interest, redemption premiums or
other amounts payable in accordance with the terms of the
Securities) or Trustee Compensation, Century hereby agrees to cause
any such payment to be made punctually when and as the same shall
become due and payable, whether at maturity or by declaration of
acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, and as if such
payment were made by the Company. Century hereby agrees that its
obligations under this Section 312 shall be as if it were principal
debtor and not merely surety, and shall be absolute, irrevocable and
unconditional, irrespective of the delay of any action to enforce
the same or the recovery of any judgment against the Company. Except
as provided in Section 502 of this Indenture, Century hereby waives
diligence, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with
the court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company,
any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest
or notice with respect to any of the Securities or the indebtedness
evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that
this Guaranty will not be discharged except by complete performance
of the obligations contained in such Securities, this Guaranty and
this Indenture.
-3-
<PAGE>
Century shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders of
any Securities against the Company in respect of any amounts paid to
such Holders by Century pursuant to the provisions of this Guaranty;
provided, however, that Century shall not be entitled to enforce, or
to receive any payments arising out of or based upon, such right of
subrogation until the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
all of the Securities shall have been paid in full.
Section 1.6 Enforcement of Guaranty. Article Five of the Original
-----------------------
Indenture is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph after the first
paragraph of Section 502:
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such
case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent
in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series may also declare all amounts due by Century to the Holders
under the Guaranty pursuant to Section 312 hereof to be due and
payable immediately, by a notice in writing to Century and the
Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon such
declaration the same shall become immediately due and payable.
Section 1.7 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. Article
--------------------------------------------------
Five of the Original Indenture is hereby amended by inserting in Section 502 of
the Original Indenture, in line seven (7) of the paragraph beginning with the
words "At any time after such", after the word "Company", the word and
punctuation ", Century".
Section 1.8 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
-------------------------------------------------------
Trustee. Article Five of the Original Indenture is hereby amended by deleting
- -------
from Section 503 of the Original Indenture (i) the paragraph beginning with the
words "If the Company fails" and (ii) the paragraph beginning with the words "If
an Event of Default with respect", and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express
trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the
sums so due and unpaid against the Company, Century or both, may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may
enforce the same against the Company upon such Securities and
Century upon the Guaranty and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed
to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of
the Company upon such Securities and/or the property of Century upon
such Guaranty, wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion
proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial
proceedings as
-4-
<PAGE>
the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any
such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or
agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy, including,
without limitation, the enforcement of the Guaranty against Century.
Section 1.9 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Article Five of the Original Indenture is hereby amended by inserting in line
one (1) of Section 505 of the Original Indenture, after the word "Indenture",
the words and punctuation ", the Guaranty".
Section 1.10 Limitations on Suits. Article Five of the Original Indenture
--------------------
is hereby amended by inserting, in the third line of Section 507 of the Original
Indenture, after the word "Indenture", the words "or the Guaranty".
Section 1.11 Reports by Century. Article Seven of the Original
--------------------
Indenture is hereby amended by adding the following new section in its
appropriate numerical position:
Section 705 Reports by Century.
------------------
Century shall:
(1) file with the Trustee, within fifteen days after Century
is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the
annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or
copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission
may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which
Century may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended; or, if Century is not required to file information,
documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it
shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with
the rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in respect of a
security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as
may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;
(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance
with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
respect to compliance by Century with the conditions and covenants
of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules
and regulations;
(3) transmit, within thirty days after the filing thereof with
the Trustee, to the Holders, in the manner and to the extent
provided
-5-
<PAGE>
in Section 703(c) with respect to reports pursuant to Section
703(a), such summaries of any information, documents and reports
required to be filed by Century pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)
of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations
prescribed from time to time by the Commission; and
(4) furnish to the Trustee annually a brief certificate from
the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or
principal accounting officer, as to his or her knowledge, of
Century's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this
Indenture which are applicable to Century. For the purposes of this
paragraph, such compliance will be determined without regard to any
period of grace or requirement of notice provided under the
Indenture.
ARTICLE 2
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
Section 2.1 Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition
-----------
shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Original Indenture.
Section 2.2 Confirmation of Indenture. Except as specifically amended
-------------------------
and supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, the Original Indenture
shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed.
Section 2.3 Concerning the Trustee. The Trustee assumes no duties,
------------------------
responsibilities or liabilities by reason of this First Supplemental Indenture
other than as set forth in the Original Indenture.
Section 2.4 Governing Law. This First Supplemental Indenture, including,
-------------
without limitation, the Guaranty, shall be governed by the laws of the State of
New York.
Section 2.5 Separability. In the event any one or more of the provisions
------------
contained in this First Supplemental Indenture shall for any reason be held to
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality
or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this First
Supplemental Indenture, which shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
Section 2.6 Counterparts. This First Supplemental Indenture may be
------------
executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original,
but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.
-6-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental
Indenture to be executed and delivered effective as of the date first above
written.
CENTURYTEL OF THE NORTHWEST, INC.
(formerly known as Pacific Telecom, Inc.)
BY: /s/ David G. Thiels
--------------------------
NAME: David G. Thiels
TITLE: Vice-President, Treasurer
and Secretary
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
BY: /s/ R. Stewart Ewing, Jr.
--------------------------
NAME: R. Stewart Ewing, Jr.
TITLE: Senior Vice-President and
Chief Financial Officer
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
BY: /s/ R. Tarnas
--------------------------
NAME: R. Tarnas
TITLE: President
EXHIBIT 11
CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC.
COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(UNAUDITED)
Three months Nine months
ended September 30, ended September 30,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars, except per share amounts,
and shares expressed in thousands)
Income (Numerator):
Net income $ 54,678 41,433 176,563 157,744
Dividends applicable to
preferred stock (102) (102) (306) (357)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income applicable to
common stock 54,576 41,331 176,257 157,387
Dividends applicable to
preferred stock 102 102 306 357
Interest on convertible
securities, net of taxes 93 120 279 360
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income as adjusted for
purposes of computing
diluted earnings per share $ 54,771 41,553 176,842 158,104
===============================================================================
Shares (Denominator)*:
Weighted average number of shares:
Outstanding during period 91,841 90,566 91,620 90,247
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
shares not committed to
be released (370) (432) (382) (445)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares for computing
basic earnings per share 91,471 90,134 91,238 89,802
Incremental common shares
attributable to additional
dilutive effect of convertible
securities 2,077 1,576 2,034 1,523
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares as adjusted for
purposes of computing diluted
earnings per share 93,548 91,710 93,272 91,325
===============================================================================
Basic earnings per share * $ .60 .46 1.93 1.75
===============================================================================
Diluted earnings per share * $ .59 .45 1.90 1.73
===============================================================================
* Reflects March 1998 stock split. See Note 5.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND THE RELATED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1998
<CASH> 3,940
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 128,628
<ALLOWANCES> 4,824
<INVENTORY> 24,841
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 218,340
<PP&E> 4,026,784
<DEPRECIATION> 1,781,339
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,636,170
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 264,899
<BONDS> 2,392,685
0
8,106
<COMMON> 91,924
<OTHER-SE> 1,368,605
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,636,170
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,162,047
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 802,243
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 126,785
<INCOME-PRETAX> 300,173
<INCOME-TAX> 123,610
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 176,563
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 176,563
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.93
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.90
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS RESTATED SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET OF CENTURY TELEPHONE ENTERPRISES, INC. AND
SUBSIDIARIES AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND THE RELATED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD THEN ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997
<CASH> 11,283
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 74,571
<ALLOWANCES> 4,188
<INVENTORY> 9,139
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 123,913
<PP&E> 1,781,170
<DEPRECIATION> 635,613
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,273,704
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 152,283
<BONDS> 565,633
0
8,106
<COMMON> 60,519
<OTHER-SE> 1,178,990
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,273,704
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 627,912
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 437,994
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 33,539
<INCOME-PRETAX> 247,995
<INCOME-TAX> 90,251
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 157,744
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 157,744
<EPS-PRIMARY> 2.63
<EPS-DILUTED> 2.60
</TABLE>
