<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 20, 1995
REGISTRATION NO. 33-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
(to be renamed "First Interstate Bancorp" upon consummation of the merger
discussed herein)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 6711 41-0255900
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
organization)
</TABLE>
FIRST BANK PLACE
601 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4302
(612) 973-1111
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive offices)
LEE R. MITAU, ESQ.
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
FIRST BANK PLACE
601 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4302
(612) 973-1111
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
------------------------------
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Victor I. Lewkow, Esq. Patrick F. Courtemanche, Esq. Fred B. White, III, Esq.
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Hamilton
One Liberty Plaza 220 South Sixth Street 919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10006 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 New York, New York 10022
</TABLE>
------------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC:
At the Effective Time as described in the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
------------------------------
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
------------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PROPOSED PROPOSED
TITLE OF EACH AMOUNT MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) PER SHARE(2) OFFERING PRICE(2) FEE(2)
Common Stock, $1.25 par value............... 207,480,000 shares(3) Not Applicable Not Applicable $3,620,238(2)
Depositary shares, each representing a one-
eighth interest in a share of 9.875%
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value........... 8,000,000 shares Not Applicable Not Applicable $73,276(2)
Depositary shares, each representing a one-
eighth interest in a share of 9.0%
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per
share...................................... 6,000,000 shares Not Applicable Not Applicable $54,699(2)
9.875% Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value..... 1,000,000 Not Applicable Not Applicable -- (2)
9.0% Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value....... 750,000 Not Applicable Not Applicable -- (2)
</TABLE>
(1) The number of shares to be registered is based upon (a) the number of shares
of common stock, $2.00 par value ("First Interstate Common Stock"), of First
Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate") presently outstanding and reserved
for issuance under various plans or otherwise expected to be issued on or
before the closing date of the transaction to which this Registration
Statement relates multiplied by the exchange ratio of 2.60 shares of
Registrant's common stock, $1.25 par value ("Registrant's Common Stock"),
for each share of First Interstate Common Stock, (b) the number of
depositary shares ("First Interstate 9.875% Depositary Shares"), each
representing a one-eighth interest in a share of 9.875% preferred stock,
Series F, $200 liquidation preference ("First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock") presently outstanding and (c) the number of depositary shares
("First Interstate 9.0% Depositary Shares"), each representing a one-eighth
interest in a share of 9.0% preferred stock, Series G, $200 liquidation
preference ("First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock") presently outstanding.
(2) The registration fee was computed pursuant to Rules 457(f) and 457(c) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based, in the case of Registrant's
Common Stock, on the average of the high and low sales prices of First
Interstate Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") on November 15, 1995, in the case of the Registrant's depositary
shares representing a one-eighth interest in a share of the Registrant's
9.875% preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, on the average of the
high and low sales prices of the First Interstate 9.875% Depositary Shares,
as reported on the NYSE on November 15, 1995, and in the case of the
Registrant's depositary shares representing a one-eighth interest in a share
of the Registrant's 9.0% preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, on the
average of the high and low sales prices of the First Interstate 9.0%
Depositary Shares as reported on the NYSE on November 15, 1995.
(3) Includes associated Rights (the "Rights") to purchase the Registrant's
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Until the occurrence of
certain prescribed events, none of which has occurred, the Rights are not
exercisable, are evidenced by the certificates representing the Registrant's
Common Stock, and will be transferred along with and only with the
Registrant's Common Stock.
------------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NO. IN FORM S-4 LOCATION IN JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A. INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside Facing page of registration statement; Outside
Front Cover Page of Prospectus front cover page of Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of Available Information; Incorporation of Certain
Prospectus Documents by Reference; Table of Contents
3. Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges Summary; Comparative Unaudited Per Share Data;
and Other Information Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data
4. Terms of the Transaction Summary; The Merger; Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference; Description of FBS and New
First Interstate Capital Stock
5. Pro Forma Financial Information Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data; Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Financial Information
6. Material Contacts with the Company Being Acquired Summary; The Merger
7. Additional Information Required for Reoffering by *
Persons and Parties Deemed to be Underwriters
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel Legal Opinions; Experts
9. Disclosure of Commission Position on *
Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
B. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
10. Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants Available Information; Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference; Summary; Business of FBS;
Description of FBS and New First Interstate
Capital Stock
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference
12. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Registrants *
13. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference *
14. Information with Respect to Registrants Other Than *
S-2 or S-3 Registrants
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NO. IN FORM S-4 LOCATION IN JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING
ACQUIRED
15. Information with Respect to S-3 Companies Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference;
Summary; Business of First Interstate; Description
of FBS and New First Interstate Capital Stock
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Companies *
17. Information with Respect to Companies Other Than *
S-3 or S-2 Companies
D. VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18. Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference;
are to be Solicited Summary; Information Concerning the FBS Special
Meeting; Information Concerning the First
Interstate Special Meeting; The Merger; Management
and Additional Information
19. Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations *
are not to be Solicited or in an Exchange Offer
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
*Answer is negative or item is not applicable.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
FIRST BANK PLACE
601 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4302
, 1995
Dear Shareholder:
A special meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the
"FBS Special Meeting") of holders of the common stock ("FBS Common Stock" and,
after the merger (the "Merger") described below, "New First Interstate Common
Stock") of First Bank System, Inc. ("FBS" and, after the Merger, "New First
Interstate") has been scheduled for , , 1996 at
, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at a.m. local time.
The accompanying Notice of the FBS Special Meeting, Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and Proxy Card set forth the formal business to be
transacted at the FBS Special Meeting. I encourage you to review these materials
and to attend the FBS Special Meeting.
At the FBS Special Meeting, holders of FBS Common Stock are being asked to
approve (i) the issuance of shares of FBS Common Stock to holders of the common
stock ("First Interstate Common Stock") of First Interstate Bancorp ("First
Interstate") in connection with the consummation of the Merger, (ii) an
amendment to FBS's Certificate of Incorporation (the "FBS Certificate") to
change its name to "First Interstate Bancorp" upon the effectiveness of the
Merger and (iii) an amendment to the FBS Certificate to increase the number of
its authorized shares of common stock from 200,000,000 to 500,000,000 and its
authorized shares of preferred stock from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 immediately
prior to the effectiveness of the Merger (collectively, the "FBS Vote Matters").
The FBS Vote Matters are being considered by holders of FBS Common Stock in
connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") among
FBS, a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS and First Interstate pursuant to which
First Interstate would become a wholly owned subsidiary of New First Interstate.
In the Merger, each outstanding share of First Interstate Common Stock will be
converted into the right to receive 2.60 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of New
First Interstate Common Stock (with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares),
each share of First Interstate 9.875% preferred stock, Series F ("First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock") will be converted into the right to receive
one share of New First Interstate 9.875% preferred stock ("New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock") and each share of First Interstate 9.0% preferred
stock, Series G (collectively with the First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock,
"First Interstate Preferred Stock") will be converted into the right to receive
one share of New First Interstate 9.0% preferred stock ("New First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock"). The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and the
New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will have substantially the same terms
as the corresponding series of First Interstate Preferred Stock and, as in the
case of the First Interstate Preferred Stock, will be represented by depositary
shares. Each outstanding share of FBS Common Stock and preferred stock will
remain outstanding after the Merger as shares of New First Interstate.
THE FBS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE FBS VOTE MATTERS AND BELIEVES
THAT THESE ACTIONS ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF FBS AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS.
ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR EACH OF THE FBS VOTE
MATTERS. FBS's financial advisor, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., has rendered its
written opinion to the FBS Board of Directors that the Exchange Ratio is fair to
holders of FBS Common Stock from a financial point of view.
Approval of each of the FBS Vote Matters is contingent upon the approval of
each of the other FBS Vote Matters.
If the accompanying Proxy Card is executed properly and returned to FBS in
time to be voted at the FBS Special Meeting, the shares represented thereby will
be voted in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. EXECUTED BUT
UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE FBS VOTE MATTERS. The
presence of a shareholder at the FBS Special Meeting will not automatically
revoke such shareholder's proxy. A shareholder may, however, revoke a proxy at
any time prior to its exercise by filing a written notice of revocation with or
delivering a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to Lee R. Mitau,
Secretary, First Bank System, Inc., First Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302 or by attending the FBS Special Meeting and
voting in person.
The issuance of the FBS Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the FBS Special
Meeting, and that the holders of a majority of the FBS Common Stock are present,
in person or by proxy, and vote at the FBS Special Meeting. The proposed
amendments to the FBS Certificate require the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock. Approval of each of
the FBS Vote Matters is contingent upon the approval of each of the other
matters. Accordingly, it is very important that your shares are represented at
the FBS Special Meeting. I urge you to vote FOR each of the FBS Vote Matters and
to complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card as soon as
possible, even if you plan to attend the FBS Special Meeting. This procedure
will not prevent you from voting in person, but will ensure that your vote is
counted if you are unable to attend.
Very truly yours,
[LOGO]
John F. Grundhofer
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
FIRST BANK PLACE
601 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4302
------------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON , 1996
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting (including any adjournments or
postponements thereof, the "FBS Special Meeting") of holders of the common
stock, $1.25 par value ("FBS Common Stock" and, after the merger (the "Merger")
described below, "New First Interstate Common Stock"), of First Bank System,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("FBS" and, after the Merger, "New First
Interstate"), will be held on , 1996, at
, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at a.m. local time. A Proxy
Card and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the FBS Special Meeting are
enclosed.
The FBS Special Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:
1. A proposal to approve the issuance of up to 207,480,000 shares of
FBS Common Stock to holders of the common stock, $2.00 par value ("First
Interstate Common Stock"), of First Interstate Bancorp, a Delaware
corporation ("First Interstate"), in connection with the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of November 5, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), among FBS,
Eleven Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS and a Delaware
corporation ("Merger Sub"), and First Interstate. Pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, among other things, Merger Sub will, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, merge with and into
First Interstate. As a result, First Interstate will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of New First Interstate and each outstanding share of First
Interstate Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive 2.60
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock (with cash paid in lieu of
fractional shares), each outstanding share of 9.875% preferred stock, Series
F, $200 liquidation preference of First Interstate ("First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive one share of
9.875% preferred stock of New First Interstate, $1.00 par value ("New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock"), and each outstanding share of 9.0%
preferred stock, Series G, $200 liquidation preference of First Interstate
(collectively with the First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock, "First
Interstate Preferred Stock") will be converted into the right to receive one
share of 9.0% preferred stock of New First Interstate, $1.00 par value ("New
First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock"). The New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock and the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will have
terms substantially the same as the corresponding series of First Interstate
Preferred Stock and, as in the case of the First Interstate Preferred Stock,
will be represented by depositary shares. Each outstanding share of FBS
Common Stock and FBS preferred stock will remain outstanding as shares of
New First Interstate following the Merger. A copy of the Merger Agreement is
attached as Appendix A to the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
2. A proposal to approve an amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation of FBS (the "FBS Certificate") to change its name from "First
Bank System, Inc." to "First Interstate Bancorp" upon the effectiveness of
the Merger.
3. A proposal to approve an amendment to the FBS Certificate to
increase the number of its authorized shares of common stock from
200,000,000 to 500,000,000 and its authorized shares of preferred stock from
10,000,000 to 15,000,000 immediately prior to effectiveness of the Merger.
4. Such other matters as may properly come before the FBS Special
Meeting.
The proposals listed above are referred to collectively as the "FBS Vote
Matters." The approval of each of the FBS Vote Matters is contingent upon
approval of each of the other FBS Vote Matters. The Board of Directors of FBS is
not aware of any other business to come before the FBS Special Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FBS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR EACH OF
THE FBS VOTE MATTERS.
The Board of Directors of FBS has fixed the close of business on
, 1995 as the record date for determination of the shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the FBS Special Meeting.
<PAGE>
A list of FBS's shareholders will be available for examination by any FBS
shareholder for purposes germane to the FBS Special Meeting at FBS's
headquarters located at First Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis,
Minnesota during normal business hours for a period of at least 10 days prior to
the FBS Special Meeting and at the FBS Special Meeting.
It is very important that your shares be represented at the FBS Special
Meeting. You are urged to complete and sign the accompanying Proxy Card, which
is solicited by the Board of Directors of FBS, and mail it promptly in the
enclosed envelope. All proxies are important, so please complete each Proxy Card
sent to you and return it in the envelope provided. No proxy will be used if you
attend and vote at the FBS Special Meeting in person.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
[LOGO]
Lee R. Mitau
SECRETARY
Minneapolis, Minnesota
, 1995
IMPORTANT: PLEASE RETURN EACH PROXY CARD SENT TO YOU. THE PROMPT RETURN OF
PROXIES WILL SAVE FBS THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER REQUESTS FOR PROXIES IN ORDER TO
ASSURE A QUORUM. AN ADDRESSED ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. NO
POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
[FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP LETTERHEAD]
, 1995
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of
First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate") to be held on , 1996
at , at a.m. local time (the "Special Meeting").
At the Special Meeting, holders of First Interstate Common Stock will be
asked to consider and vote on a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") providing for the merger (the "Merger")
of First Interstate with a wholly owned subsidiary of First Bank System, Inc.
("FBS"). In the Merger, each outstanding share of First Interstate Common Stock
will be converted into the right to receive 2.60 shares (the "Exchange Ratio")
of FBS Common Stock (with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) and each share
of preferred stock of First Interstate will be converted into the right to
receive one newly issued share of preferred stock of FBS with terms
substantially similar to the corresponding series of First Interstate preferred
stock.
The First Interstate Board of Directors has approved the proposed Merger and
has determined that the Merger is in the best interests of First Interstate and
its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board recommends that you vote in favor of
the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, First Interstate's financial advisors, have each delivered their
written opinion to the First Interstate Board of Directors that the Exchange
Ratio is fair to the holders of First Interstate Common Stock.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including, but
not limited to, approvals by the requisite vote of the shareholders of both
First Interstate and FBS and the approval of the Merger by various regulatory
agencies.
The enclosed Notice of Special Meeting and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
describe the Merger and provide specific information regarding the Special
Meeting. Please read these materials carefully.
It is very important that your shares are represented at the Special
Meeting, whether or not you plan to attend in person. The affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the votes that may be cast by all First Interstate
shareholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is required for approval of
the Merger Agreement. A failure to vote for approval of the Merger Agreement
will have the same effect as a vote against the Merger Agreement. Therefore, I
urge you to execute, date and return the enclosed proxy appointment card in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as possible to assure that your shares
will be voted at the Special Meeting. YOU SHOULD NOT SEND IN CERTIFICATES FOR
YOUR FIRST INTERSTATE SHARES AT THIS TIME.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your support, and again
urge you to vote FOR approval of the Merger.
Very truly yours,
William E. B. Siart
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
633 WEST FIFTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
------------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON , 1996
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting (including any adjournments or
postponements thereof, the "First Interstate Special Meeting") of holders of
common stock, $2.00 par value (the "First Interstate Common Stock"), of First
Interstate Bancorp, a Delaware corporation ("First Interstate"), will be held on
, 1996, at , at a.m. local time. A Proxy
Card and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for the First Interstate Special
Meeting are enclosed. The First Interstate Special Meeting is for the purpose of
considering and acting upon:
1. A proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of November 5, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among First
Bank System, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("FBS" and, after the merger
described in the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus, "New First
Interstate"), Eleven Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS and
a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), and First Interstate, and the
transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger (the "Merger") of
Merger Sub, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Merger Agreement, with and into First Interstate, with First Interstate
surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of New First Interstate. A
copy of the Merger Agreement is attached as Appendix A to the accompanying
Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
2. Such other matters as may properly come before the First Interstate
Special Meeting.
The Board has fixed the close of business on , 1995 as the
record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the First Interstate Special Meeting. A list of shareholders of record
will be available for examination by any shareholder for purposes germane to the
First Interstate Special Meeting at First Interstate's headquarters located at
633 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, California during ordinary business hours
for a period of at least 10 days prior to the First Interstate Special Meeting
and at the First Interstate Special Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE AND ADOPT THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE
MERGER.
Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. Each
shareholder, even if he or she now plans to attend the First Interstate Special
Meeting, is requested to sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy Card without
delay in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You may revoke your proxy at any
time prior to its exercise. Any shareholder present at the First Interstate
Special Meeting may revoke his or her proxy and vote personally on each matter
brought before the First Interstate Special Meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward S. Garlock
SECRETARY
Los Angeles, California
, 1995
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
YOU SHOULD NOT FORWARD SHARE CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 20, 1995
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
OF
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
AND
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
, 1996
------------------------
PROSPECTUS
OF
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
(TO BE RENAMED "FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP"
FOLLOWING CONSUMMATION OF THE
MERGER DESCRIBED HEREIN)
------------------------
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the "Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus") is being furnished to holders of the common stock, $1.25
par value ("FBS Common Stock" and, after the Merger (as defined herein), "New
First Interstate Common Stock"), of First Bank System, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("FBS" and, after the Merger, "New First Interstate"), in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of FBS (the "FBS
Board") for use at the special meeting of shareholders of FBS (including any
adjournments or postponements thereof, the "FBS Special Meeting") to be held on
, 1996, at a.m. local time at . At the FBS Special
Meeting, holders of FBS Common Stock are being asked to approve (i) the issuance
(the "Proposed Issuance") of shares of FBS Common Stock to holders of First
Interstate Common Stock in connection with the consummation of the Merger, (ii)
an amendment to FBS's Certificate of Incorporation (the "FBS Certificate") to
change its name to "First Interstate Bancorp" and (iii) an amendment
(collectively with the amendment described in clause (ii), the "Certificate
Amendments") to the FBS Certificate to increase the number of authorized shares
of FBS Common Stock from 200,000,000 to 500,000,000 and the number of authorized
shares of FBS preferred stock from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000. The Certificate
Amendments (collectively with the Proposed Issuance, the "FBS Vote Matters")
will become effective immediately prior to or at the effective time (the
"Effective Time") of the Merger. Approval of each of the FBS Vote Matters is
contingent upon the approval of each of the other FBS Vote Matters.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also is being furnished to holders of
the common stock, $2.00 par value ("First Interstate Common Stock"), of First
Interstate Bancorp, a Delaware corporation ("First Interstate"), in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of First Interstate
(the "First Interstate Board") for use at the special meeting of shareholders of
First Interstate (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the
"First Interstate Special Meeting") to be held on , 1996, at a.m.,
local time at . At the First Interstate Special Meeting, holders
of First Interstate Common Stock will be asked to consider and act upon a
proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
November 5, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among FBS, Eleven Acquisition
Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS and a Delaware corporation ("Merger
Sub"), and First Interstate, providing for, among other things, the merger (the
"Merger") of Merger Sub with and into First Interstate. As a result of the
Merger, First Interstate will become a wholly owned subsidiary of New First
Interstate. A copy of the Merger Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix A and
is incorporated herein by reference. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus may
be used by FBS in discussions with First Interstate shareholders that may
constitute the solicitation of proxies.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also constitutes a prospectus of FBS
with respect to the securities of New First Interstate issuable to holders of
First Interstate Capital Stock (as defined herein) upon consummation of the
Merger. Copies of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also are being furnished
to the holders of the First Interstate Preferred Stock and the First Interstate
Depositary Shares (each as defined herein), but proxies are not being solicted
from such holders and such holders are not entitled, and are not being asked, to
vote at the First Interstate Special Meeting.
------------------------ (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER
OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR SAVINGS ASSOCIATION AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE
SAVINGS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE FUND OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCY.
THE DATE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS , 1995.
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE)
Upon consummation of the Merger, (i) each outstanding share of First
Interstate Common Stock, other than shares held in First Interstate's treasury
or directly or indirectly by FBS or its subsidiaries or by First Interstate or
its subsidiaries (except in both cases for shares ("Trust Account Shares") held
for others in trust or in a fiduciary or custodial capacity or in respect of a
debt previously contracted) will be converted into the right to receive 2.60
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock (the "Exchange Ratio"), with cash
being paid in lieu of fractional shares, (ii) each outstanding share of First
Interstate 9.875% preferred stock, Series F, $200 liquidation preference ("First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive
one share of New First Interstate 9.875% preferred stock, par value $1.00 ("New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock") and (iii) each outstanding share of
First Interstate 9.0% preferred stock, Series G, $200 liquidation preference
("First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock" and, collectively with the First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock, "First Interstate Preferred Stock"; the First
Interstate Common Stock and the First Interstate Preferred Stock are
collectively referred to herein as the "First Interstate Capital Stock"), will
be converted into the right to receive one share of New First Interstate 9.0%
preferred stock, par value $1.00 ("New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock"
and, collectively with the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock, the "New
First Interstate Preferred Stock"). The terms, designations, preferences,
limitations, privileges and rights of the respective series of New First
Interstate Preferred Stock will be substantially the same as those of the
corresponding series of First Interstate Preferred Stock. As in the case of the
First Interstate Preferred Stock, each share of New First Interstate Preferred
Stock will be represented by depositary shares (the "New First Interstate
Depositary Shares"), each representing a one-eighth interest in a share of New
First Interstate Preferred Stock.
The FBS Common Stock, First Interstate Common Stock and depositary shares
("First Interstate Depositary Shares") representing the First Interstate
Preferred Stock are, and the New First Interstate Common Stock and New First
Interstate Depositary Shares to be outstanding after the Merger will be, listed
on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). The last reported sales prices of
FBS Common Stock and First Interstate Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape on
November 17, 1995 were $53.00 and $135.00 per share, respectively. Based on such
last reported sale price of the FBS Common Stock, the Exchange Ratio would
result in an indicated per share purchase price for the First Interstate Common
Stock of $137.80. See "Summary--Markets and Market Prices." Because the Exchange
Ratio is fixed, each change in the market price of FBS Common Stock before the
Effective Time will affect the indicated value of the New First Interstate
Common Stock to be received in the Merger in exchange for the First Interstate
Common Stock. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE AS TO THE MARKET PRICE OF THE FBS COMMON
STOCK AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME OR AS TO THE MARKET PRICES OF THE
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK OR NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES AT
ANY TIME THEREAFTER. Shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations.
All references to the New First Interstate Common Stock and the FBS Common
Stock in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus include the associated rights
("FBS Rights" and, after the Merger, "New First Interstate Rights") to purchase
shares of FBS's Series A junior participating preferred stock pursuant to a
Rights Agreement, dated as of December 21, 1988, between FBS and First Chicago
Trust Company of New York, as rights agent, as amended (the "FBS Rights
Agreement" and, after the Merger, the "New First Interstate Rights Agreement").
All references to the First Interstate Common Stock in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus include the associated First Interstate Rights (as defined
herein) to purchase First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the First
Interstate Rights Agreement (as defined herein).
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying forms of proxies
for the FBS Special Meeting and the First Interstate Special Meeting
(collectively with the FBS Special Meeting, the "Special Meetings") are first
being mailed to the shareholders of FBS and First Interstate on or about
, 1995.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is included as part of a registration
statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto,
including documents and information incorporated by reference, the "Registration
Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
by FBS, relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), of up to 207,480,000 shares of New First
Interstate Common Stock, 1,750,000 shares of New First Interstate Preferred
Stock and 14,000,000 New First Interstate Depositary Shares to be issued in
connection with the Merger.
2
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
FBS and First Interstate are subject to the informational requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in
accordance therewith, file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Commission. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning FBS
and First Interstate can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at the Commission's Regional Offices at Seven World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 Madison Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials also can be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. In addition, reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning FBS and First Interstate can be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
FBS has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission under the
Securities Act relating to the shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and
New First Interstate Preferred Stock and the New First Interstate Depositary
Shares to be issued in connection with the Merger. This Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. Such information may be inspected
and copied as set forth above. For further information, reference is hereby made
to the Registration Statement. Statements contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus as to the contents of any document are not necessarily
complete, and in each instance reference is made to such document itself, each
such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO FBS
(EXCLUDING EXHIBITS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED THEREIN) ARE AVAILABLE TO
EACH PERSON, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO
KARIN E. GLASGOW, INVESTOR RELATIONS, FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC., FIRST BANK PLACE,
601 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402-4302, TELEPHONE NUMBER
(612) 973-2264. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO FIRST INTERSTATE (EXCLUDING EXHIBITS
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED THEREIN) ARE AVAILABLE TO EACH PERSON,
INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER, TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO
DAVID S. BELLES, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER, FIRST INTERSTATE
BANCORP, P.O. BOX 29791, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85038-9791, TELEPHONE NUMBER (602)
949-4019. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST
SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN [FIVE BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE RESPECTIVE
MEETING DATE].
The following documents that have been filed by FBS with the Commission are
hereby incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus: (i)
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; (ii) quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1995, June 30, 1995 and
September 30, 1995; (iii) Current Reports on Form 8-K filed March 3, 1995 (as
amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed March 7, 1995), April 13, 1995,
April 25, 1995, July 6, 1995, August 18, 1995 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 on
Form 8-K/A filed August 30, 1995 and Amendment No. 2 on Form 8-K/A filed
November 15, 1995), September 11, 1995, November 13, 1995, and November 16, 1995
(two Reports); (iv) Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed February 13, 1995
(constituting Amendment No. 4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 5,
1994); (v) the description of FBS Common Stock contained in Item 1 of the FBS
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 19, 1984, as amended in its
entirety by that Form 8 Amendment dated February 26, 1993 and that Form 8-A/A-2
dated October 6, 1994, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
updating such description filed subsequent to the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering described
herein; and (vi) the description of the Rights contained in Item 1 of the FBS
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated December 21, 1988, as amended by that
Form 8 Amendment dated June 11, 1990, as amended in its entirety by that Form 8
Amendment dated February 26, 1993 and as further amended by that Form 8-A/A-3
filed November 16, 1995, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
updating such description filed subsequent to the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering described
herein.
3
<PAGE>
The following documents that have been filed by First Interstate with the
Commission are hereby incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus: (i) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994; (ii) quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
1995, June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995; (iii) Current Reports on Form 8-K
dated February 17, 1995, March 24, 1995, May 1, 1995, November 9, 1995 and
November 15, 1995 and on Form 8-K/A dated May 26, 1995; (iv) the description of
First Interstate Common Stock contained in the First Interstate Registration
Statement on Form 10/A dated August 3, 1993, and any amendment or report filed
for the purpose of updating such description filed subsequent to the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the termination of the
offering described herein; and (v) the description of the common stock purchase
rights contained in Item 1 of the First Interstate Registration Statement on
Form 8-A dated November 23, 1988, as amended by that Form 8-A/A dated November
15, 1995 and any amendment or report updating such description filed subsequent
to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering described herein.
All documents filed by FBS or First Interstate pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and before their
respective Special Meetings shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by
reference and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in another subsequently filed document that also
is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
AND THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY FBS OR
FIRST INTERSTATE.
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SOLICITATION
OF A PROXY, OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE ANY
SECURITIES BY ANYONE IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT
QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION.
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT COVER ANY RESALES OF SHARES
OF NEW FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK OR NEW FIRST INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK OR
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES OFFERED HEREBY TO BE RECEIVED BY
SHAREHOLDERS OF FIRST INTERSTATE DEEMED TO BE "AFFILIATES" OF FIRST INTERSTATE
OR NEW FIRST INTERSTATE UPON THE CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER. NO PERSON IS
AUTHORIZED TO MAKE USE OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION
WITH ANY SUCH RESALES.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER SHALL IMPLY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF FBS OR FIRST
INTERSTATE SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE. FBS HAS SUPPLIED ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS RELATING TO FBS AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, AND
FIRST INTERSTATE HAS SUPPLIED ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS RELATING TO FIRST INTERSTATE AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES.
FOR NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS:
THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAS NOT
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THIS OFFERING NOR HAS THE COMMISSIONER PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
4
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION................................................................. 3
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE....................................... 3
SUMMARY............................................................................... 7
The Parties to the Merger........................................................... 7
Effects of the Merger............................................................... 7
Effective Time...................................................................... 8
Conversion of First Interstate Capital Stock; First Interstate Options.............. 8
Effects on FBS Shareholders......................................................... 8
The Special Meetings................................................................ 8
Votes Required...................................................................... 9
Recommendation of the FBS Board..................................................... 10
Recommendation of the First Interstate Board........................................ 10
Certain Anticipated Benefits of the Merger.......................................... 10
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.......................................... 10
Opinion of FBS Financial Advisor.................................................... 11
Opinions of First Interstate Financial Advisors..................................... 11
Business Pending Consummation of the Merger......................................... 11
Regulatory Approvals Required....................................................... 12
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger............................................ 12
Termination of the Merger Agreement................................................. 12
Termination Fees.................................................................... 13
Stock Option Agreements............................................................. 13
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences............................................. 14
No Appraisal Rights................................................................. 15
Accounting Treatment................................................................ 15
Markets and Market Prices........................................................... 15
Differences in Rights of Shareholders............................................... 16
Dividends........................................................................... 16
Expenses............................................................................ 16
COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA.................................................. 17
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA............................ 19
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE FORECASTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS.................. 26
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FBS SPECIAL MEETING........................................ 28
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING........................... 30
THE MERGER............................................................................ 33
General............................................................................. 33
Effective Time...................................................................... 33
Background of the Merger............................................................ 33
Reasons of FBS for the Merger; Recommendation of FBS Board.......................... 38
Reasons of First Interstate for the Merger; Recommendation of First Interstate
Board.............................................................................. 41
Opinion of FBS Financial Advisor.................................................... 44
Opinions of First Interstate Financial Advisors..................................... 48
Conversion of First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders........... 57
Exchange of Certificates and Depositary Receipts; Fractional Shares................. 58
Representations and Warranties...................................................... 60
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger and Other Agreements......................... 60
Conditions to the Consummation of the Merger........................................ 62
Regulatory Approvals Required....................................................... 63
Termination of the Merger Agreement................................................. 69
</TABLE>
5
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Termination Fees.................................................................... 70
Stock Option Agreements............................................................. 71
Amendments to Rights Agreements..................................................... 75
Accounting Treatment................................................................ 75
No Appraisal Rights................................................................. 76
Extension, Waiver and Amendment of the Merger Agreement............................. 76
Management and Operations of New First Interstate Following the Merger.............. 76
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.......................................... 78
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences............................................. 82
Stock Exchange Listing of New First Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate
Depositary Shares.................................................................. 83
Resale of New First Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate Depositary
Shares Received by First Interstate Shareholders................................... 83
FBS Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan............................ 84
Expenses............................................................................ 84
Certain Litigation.................................................................. 84
Certain Differences in Rights of Shareholders of First Interstate and New First
Interstate......................................................................... 85
Dividends........................................................................... 88
BUSINESS OF FBS....................................................................... 88
BUSINESS OF FIRST INTERSTATE.......................................................... 89
DESCRIPTION OF FBS AND NEW FIRST INTERSTATE CAPITAL STOCK............................. 89
General............................................................................. 89
Preferred Stock..................................................................... 90
Common Stock........................................................................ 92
New First Interstate Preferred Stock................................................ 95
New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock......................................... 95
New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock........................................... 99
New First Interstate Depositary Shares.............................................. 100
AMENDMENTS TO NEW FIRST INTERSTATE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION....................... 103
LEGAL OPINIONS........................................................................ 104
EXPERTS............................................................................... 105
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS........................................................ 105
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS................................................................. 105
MANAGEMENT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION................................................. 106
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................... F-1
APPENDIX A -- AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER............................................ A-1
APPENDIX B -- STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1995, BETWEEN FIRST
INTERSTATE BANCORP AND FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC........................................ B-1
APPENDIX C -- STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1995, BETWEEN FIRST BANK
SYSTEM, INC. AND FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP............................................ C-1
APPENDIX D -- TERMINATION FEE LETTER, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1995, BETWEEN FIRST BANK
SYSTEM, INC. AND FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP............................................ D-1
APPENDIX E -- TERMINATION FEE LETTER, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1995, BETWEEN FIRST
INTERSTATE BANCORP AND FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC........................................ E-1
APPENDIX F -- OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC................................... F-1
APPENDIX G -- OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.......................................... G-1
APPENDIX H -- OPINIONS OF MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED........................... H-1
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ALL RESPECTS BY THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE APPENDICES
HERETO AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHAREHOLDERS ARE
URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE ENTIRE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING
THE APPENDICES. AS USED IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE TERMS
"FBS" AND "FIRST INTERSTATE" REFER TO FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC. AND FIRST
INTERSTATE BANCORP, RESPECTIVELY, AND, WHERE THE CONTEXT SO REQUIRES, TO SUCH
CORPORATIONS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES. THE TERM "NEW FIRST INTERSTATE"
REFERS TO FBS AFTER THE MERGER AND, WHERE THE CONTEXT SO REQUIRES, TO IT AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES. CERTAIN CAPITALIZED TERMS THAT ARE USED BUT NOT DEFINED IN THIS
SUMMARY ARE DEFINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER
FBS. FBS is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"), headquartered in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. At September 30, 1995, FBS owned eight subsidiary banks, a savings
association and other financial companies with 350 offices, located primarily in
Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin,
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. Through its subsidiaries, FBS provides
commercial and agricultural finance, consumer banking, trust, capital markets,
treasury management, investment management, data processing, leasing, mortgage
banking and brokerage services. At September 30, 1995, FBS and its consolidated
subsidiaries had consolidated assets of $33.0 billion, consolidated deposits of
$21.9 billion and shareholders' equity of $2.7 billion.
For further information concerning FBS, see "Business of FBS" and "Selected
Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data" herein and the FBS documents
incorporated by reference herein as described under "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference." The principal executive offices of FBS are located at
First Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302
(telephone number (612) 973-1111).
FIRST INTERSTATE. First Interstate is a bank holding company registered
under the BHC Act headquartered in Los Angeles, California. At September 30,
1995, First Interstate, through its 16 subsidiary banks, operated approximately
1,150 banking offices in California, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Nevada,
Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico and Alaska. Through its
subsidiaries, First Interstate provides commercial and consumer banking
services, trust services and other banking-related financial services and
products, including asset-based commercial financing, asset management and
investment counseling, bank card operations, mortgage banking, venture capital
and investment products. At September 30, 1995, First Interstate and its
consolidated subsidiaries had consolidated assets of $55.1 billion, consolidated
deposits of $48.2 billion and shareholders' equity of $4.0 billion.
For further information concerning First Interstate, see "Business of First
Interstate" and "Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data"
herein and the First Interstate documents incorporated by reference herein as
described under "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." The principal
executive offices of First Interstate are located at 633 West Fifth Street, Los
Angeles, California 90071 (telephone number (213) 614-3001).
EFFECTS OF THE MERGER
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub will be
merged with and into First Interstate, with First Interstate as the surviving
corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") under the name "Eleven Acquisition
Corp." The Surviving Corporation will be a wholly owned subsidiary of New First
Interstate. See "The Merger -- General."
For information on how First Interstate shareholders will be able to
exchange certificates representing shares of First Interstate Common Stock and
depositary receipts (the "First Interstate Depositary Receipts") evidencing
First Interstate Depositary Shares for certificates representing the
7
<PAGE>
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and depositary receipts (the "New
First Interstate Depositary Receipts") evidencing New First Interstate
Depositary Shares to be issued to them in the Merger, see "The Merger --
Exchange of Certificates and Depositary Receipts; Fractional Shares."
EFFECTIVE TIME
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, the Effective
Time will occur on a date no later than two business days after the conditions
to the consummation of the Merger have been satisfied or waived. Such conditions
relate generally to the approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of
First Interstate and the approval of the FBS Vote Matters by the shareholders of
FBS, receipt of the Requisite Regulatory Approvals and third party consents and
the listing on the NYSE of the shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and
New First Interstate Depositary Shares. Subject to the foregoing, it is
currently anticipated that the Merger will be consummated by
1996. See "The Merger -- Effective Time" and "-- Conditions to Consummation of
the Merger."
CONVERSION OF FIRST INTERSTATE CAPITAL STOCK; FIRST INTERSTATE OPTIONS
Upon consummation of the Merger, (i) each outstanding share of First
Interstate Common Stock, other than shares held in First Interstate's treasury
or directly or indirectly by FBS or its subsidiaries or by First Interstate or
its subsidiaries (except, in both cases, for Trust Account Shares), will be
converted into the right to receive 2.60 shares of New First Interstate Common
Stock, with cash being paid in lieu of fractional shares, (ii) each outstanding
share of First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will be converted into the
right to receive one share of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and
(iii) each outstanding share of First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will be
converted into the right to receive one share of New First Interstate 9.0%
Preferred Stock. The terms, designations, preferences, limitations, privileges
and rights of the respective series of New First Interstate Preferred Stock will
be substantially the same as those of the corresponding series of First
Interstate Preferred Stock. See "The Merger -- Conversion of First Interstate
Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders," "-- Certain Differences in Rights
of Shareholders of First Interstate and New First Interstate" and "Description
of FBS and "New First Interstate Capital Stock."
Upon consummation of the Merger, each option to purchase shares of First
Interstate Common Stock (each a "First Interstate Stock Option") issued by First
Interstate pursuant to any of its employee or director stock option programs
(each a "First Interstate Stock Plan") that is outstanding and unexercised
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted automatically into an
option to purchase shares of New First Interstate Common Stock (each a "New
First Interstate Option"). The number of shares of New First Interstate Common
Stock subject to the New First Interstate Option will be equal to the product of
the number of shares of First Interstate Common Stock underlying the First
Interstate Stock Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio and rounded down to the
nearest share, and the exercise price per share of New First Interstate Common
Stock subject to the New First Interstate Option will be equal to the exercise
price per share of First Interstate Common Stock underlying the First Interstate
Stock Option divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the nearest cent.
See "The Merger -- Conversion of First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS
Shareholders."
EFFECTS ON FBS SHAREHOLDERS
At the Effective Time, (i) each share of FBS Common Stock then issued and
outstanding will continue as one share of New First Interstate Common Stock and
(ii) each share of FBS Series 1991A Convertible Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value
("FBS 1991A Preferred Stock") then issued and outstanding will continue as one
share of preferred stock of New First Interstate. See "The Merger -- Conversion
of First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
FBS SPECIAL MEETING. The FBS Special Meeting to consider and vote upon the
FBS Vote Matters will be held at
, Minneapolis,
8
<PAGE>
Minnesota, on , 1996, at a.m. local time. Only holders of record
of FBS Common Stock at the close of business on (the "FBS Record
Date") will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the FBS Special Meeting. At
the close of business on the FBS Record Date, there were outstanding and
entitled to vote shares of FBS Common Stock. Each share of FBS Common
Stock is entitled to one vote on each of the FBS Vote Matters. See "Information
Concerning the FBS Special Meeting."
FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING. The First Interstate Special Meeting to
consider and vote upon the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby will be held at , Los Angeles,
California, on , 1996 at a.m. local time. Only holders of record
of First Interstate Common Stock at the close of business on (the
"First Interstate Record Date") will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the
First Interstate Special Meeting. At the close of business on the First
Interstate Record Date, there were outstanding and entitled to vote shares
of First Interstate Common Stock. Each share of First Interstate Common Stock is
entitled to one vote on the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby. See "Information Concerning the First
Interstate Special Meeting."
VOTES REQUIRED
FBS VOTES REQUIRED. Under NYSE rules, the Proposed Issuance of FBS Common
Stock contemplated by the Merger Agreement must be approved by a majority of the
votes cast on such proposal at the FBS Special Meeting, and over 50% of the
shares of FBS Common Stock entitled to do so must in fact vote on such proposal
at the FBS Special Meeting. Pursuant to Delaware law, approval of the
Certificate Amendments to increase the authorized capital stock of FBS and to
change its name to "First Interstate Bancorp" requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of all shares of FBS Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at
the FBS Special Meeting. Approval of each of the FBS Vote Matters is contingent
upon the approval of each of the other FBS Vote Matters and, accordingly,
approval of the FBS Vote Matters will require the affirmative vote of a majority
of all shares of FBS Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the FBS
Special Meeting. Approval of the FBS Vote Matters by the requisite votes of the
holders of FBS Common Stock is a condition to the consummation of the Merger.
Holders of shares of FBS 1991A Preferred Stock are not entitled to and are not
being requested to vote at the FBS Special Meeting.
It is expected that all of the shares of FBS Common Stock (excluding
shares subject to stock options) beneficially owned by directors and executive
officers of FBS and their affiliates at the FBS Record Date ( % of the total
number of outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock at such date) will be voted for
approval of the FBS Vote Matters. As of the FBS Record Date, First Interstate
beneficially owned shares of FBS Common Stock (excluding shares issuable
to First Interstate under certain circumstances as described under "The Merger
- -- Stock Option Agreements"), and directors and executive officers of First
Interstate beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of FBS
Common Stock. See "Information Concerning the FBS Special Meeting."
FIRST INTERSTATE VOTES REQUIRED. Pursuant to Delaware law, approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby
requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all shares of First
Interstate Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the First Interstate
Special Meeting. The approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby by the requisite vote of the holders of the
First Interstate Common Stock is a condition to the consummation of the Merger.
Holders of First Interstate Preferred Stock and First Interstate Depositary
Shares are not entitled to and are not being requested to vote on the approval
and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
It is expected that all of the shares of First Interstate Common Stock
(excluding shares subject to stock options) beneficially owned by directors and
executive officers of First Interstate and their affiliates at the First
Interstate Record Date ( % of the total number of outstanding shares of First
Interstate Common Stock at such date) will be voted for approval and adoption of
the Merger
9
<PAGE>
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. As of the First Interstate
Record Date, FBS beneficially owned shares of First Interstate Common Stock
(excluding shares issuable to FBS under certain conditions as described under
"The Merger -- Stock Option Agreements"), all of which are held in a fiduciary
or custodial capacity, and directors and executive officers of FBS beneficially
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of First Interstate Common Stock.
See "Information Concerning the First Interstate Special Meeting."
RECOMMENDATION OF THE FBS BOARD
The FBS Board (with one director absent) has unanimously determined that the
Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby are fair to, and in the best
interests of, FBS and its shareholders, and has unanimously approved the FBS
Vote Matters. THE FBS BOARD THEREFORE RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF EACH OF
THE FBS VOTE MATTERS.
For a discussion of the factors considered by the FBS Board in reaching its
decision to approve the FBS Vote Matters, see "The Merger -- Background of the
Merger" and "-- Reasons of FBS for the Merger; Recommendation of FBS Board."
RECOMMENDATION OF THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD
The First Interstate Board (with two directors absent) has unanimously
determined that the terms of the Merger are fair to, and in the best interests
of, First Interstate and its shareholders. THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD RECOMMENDS
THAT THE FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
For a discussion of the factors considered by the First Interstate Board in
reaching its decision to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, see "The Merger
- -- Background of the Merger" and "-- Reasons of First Interstate for the Merger;
Recommendation of First Interstate Board."
CERTAIN ANTICIPATED BENEFITS OF THE MERGER
Although no assurances can be given in such regard, FBS and First Interstate
expect to achieve cost savings of approximately $500 million (pre-tax) in
various phases during the one-year period following the Effective Time. Such
cost savings are expected to be realized primarily through integration of data
processing and other back office operations, as well as the elimination of
redundant corporate overhead and staff positions. Cost reductions will come from
both companies and will be spread throughout New First Interstate on a
geographic basis. FBS and First Interstate also anticipate that they will incur
one-time expenses and restructuring charges in connection with the Merger, which
expenses and changes are estimated to be approximately $225 million (pre-tax) in
the aggregate. These items principally result from expenses to be incurred in
connection with the integration of operations and systems, elimination of
redundancies and staff reductions. It is anticipated that substantially all of
these expenses and charges will be incurred during 1996 in connection with the
Merger.
New First Interstate's corporate headquarters will be located in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its core business lines will be directed from Los
Angeles, California. In addition, it is expected that New First Interstate will
continue to operate portions of its businesses from existing FBS and First
Interstate locations on the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountain region. See
"Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data" and notes thereto,
"New First Interstate Forecasted Consolidated Statement of Operations" and notes
thereto and "The Merger -- Management and Operations of New First Interstate
Following the Merger."
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
Certain members of FBS's management and the FBS Board, and First
Interstate's management and the First Interstate Board, respectively, may be
deemed to have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to their
interests as shareholders of FBS or First Interstate, as the case may be,
generally. The FBS Board and the First Interstate Board were aware of these
interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
10
<PAGE>
At the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of New First Interstate (the
"New First Interstate Board") will consist of 20 persons (unless otherwise
agreed to in writing prior to the Effective Time), 10 of whom shall be FBS
Directors and 10 of whom shall be First Interstate Directors. The Merger
Agreement provides that after the Effective Time, the New First Interstate Board
will consist of an even number of directors, and for a period of at least three
years following the Effective Time, to the extent practicable, each class of
directors of New First Interstate and each committee of the New First Interstate
Board will contain an equal number of FBS Directors and First Interstate
Directors. The Merger Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, John F.
Grundhofer, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
FBS, will be Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of New First
Interstate and that William E. B. Siart, the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of First Interstate, will be the President and Chief Operating
Officer of New First Interstate. The Merger Agreement contains provisions
relating to, among other things, continuation of employee benefits,
indemnification of First Interstate's directors and officers and continuation of
directors' and officers' liability insurance for First Interstate directors and
officers after the Merger. In addition, each of FBS and First Interstate has
entered into agreements with certain of their respective executive officers
under which such individuals may become entitled to receive certain benefits if
their employment is terminated under certain circumstances involving a change in
control of FBS or First Interstate, as the case may be, including the Merger.
The vesting of most outstanding FBS and First Interstate stock options
accelerates and restrictions on restricted stock lapse upon a change in control
of FBS and First Interstate, respectively. Consummation of the Merger will
constitute a change in control of FBS for purposes of FBS's benefit plans, and
approval of the Merger Agreement by First Interstate's shareholders will
constitute a change in control for purposes of First Interstate's benefit plans.
See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and
"-- Management and Operations of New First Interstate Following the Merger."
OPINION OF FBS FINANCIAL ADVISOR
FBS's financial advisor, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("J.P. Morgan"), has
rendered its opinion to the FBS Board, dated November 5, 1995, that the Exchange
Ratio is fair to holders of FBS Common Stock from a financial point of view. A
copy of such opinion is attached hereto as Appendix F and should be read in its
entirety with respect to the assumptions made, other matters considered and
limitations on the reviews undertaken in connection with such opinion.
OPINIONS OF FIRST INTERSTATE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
First Interstate's financial advisors, Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman,
Sachs") and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley"), have each
rendered their opinion, dated November 6, 1995 and November 5, 1995,
respectively, to the First Interstate Board that the Exchange Ratio is fair or,
in the case of Morgan Stanley's opinion, fair from a financial point of view to
the holders of First Interstate Common Stock. On November 19, 1995 Goldman,
Sachs advised the First Interstate Board that nothing had come to its attention
that would cause it to withdraw or amend its opinion, and Morgan Stanley
reaffirmed its previous opinion. Copies of such opinions are attached hereto as
Appendices G and H, respectively. Each opinion should be read in its entirety
with respect to the assumptions made, other matters considered and limitations
on the reviews undertaken in connection with such opinion.
BUSINESS PENDING CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of FBS and First Interstate has made
certain covenants relating to the conduct of their respective businesses pending
consummation of the Merger. Among other things, each has agreed (except as
otherwise contemplated by or disclosed in connection with the Merger Agreement)
to conduct its business in the usual, regular and ordinary course. In addition,
each has agreed (except as otherwise contemplated by or disclosed in connection
with the Merger Agreement) not to, among other things, (i) declare or pay
dividends in a manner inconsistent with past practice or redeem or otherwise
acquire shares of its capital stock or issue additional shares of its capital
stock; (ii) dispose of any of its material properties or assets or make any
material acquisition
11
<PAGE>
other than in the ordinary course consistent with its past practices; (iii)
enter into, amend or terminate any material contract or agreement; or (iv)
increase in any material respect the compensation or fringe benefits of any of
its employees or enter into or modify any employee benefit plans or employment
agreements except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice. See "The Merger -- Conduct of Business Pending the Merger and Other
Agreements."
REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED
The Merger is subject to the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board") under the BHC Act, and,
with respect to certain aspects of the Merger, of the Alaska Department of
Commerce and Economic Development, the Arizona Superintendent of Banking, the
Arizona Department of Insurance, the California Superintendent of Banking, the
Colorado Banking Board, the Idaho Director of the Department of Finance, the
Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions, the Utah Commissioner of
Financial Institutions and the Wyoming Commissioner of Banking. FBS filed its
final Federal Reserve Board application with the Federal Reserve Bank of
Minneapolis on November 10, 1995. FBS filed all notices and/or applications
required to obtain the other required regulatory approvals on or before November
, 1995. There can be no assurance that such approvals will be received on a
timely basis, or at all. See "The Merger -- Regulatory Approvals Required."
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Consummation of the Merger is subject, among other things, to (i) approval
and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the requisite affirmative vote of the
holders of the outstanding First Interstate Common Stock, (ii) approval of the
FBS Vote Matters by the requisite affirmative vote of the holders of the
outstanding FBS Common Stock, (iii) the shares of New First Interstate Common
Stock and the New First Interstate Depositary Shares to be issued to First
Interstate shareholders upon consummation of the Merger having been authorized
for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, (iv) receipt of
the Requisite Regulatory Approvals without the imposition of any conditions or
restrictions that will have or could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on New First Interstate, (v) no court or agency having taken any
action, nor any law or regulation having been enacted, which prohibits or makes
illegal the consummation of the Merger, (vi) receipt by FBS and First Interstate
of opinions of their respective counsel as to the tax-free nature of the Merger
for federal income tax purposes, (vii) receipt of letters from Ernst & Young
LLP, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that the Merger will qualify
for "pooling-of-interests" accounting treatment, and (viii) certain other
closing conditions. There can be no assurance as to when or if such conditions
will be satisfied (or, where permissible, waived) or that the Merger will be
consummated. See "The Merger -- Conditions to Consummation of the Merger" and
"-- Regulatory Approvals Required."
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The Merger Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of the FBS Board
and the First Interstate Board. The Merger Agreement also may be terminated by
either the FBS Board or the First Interstate Board if (i) a governmental
authority finally has denied an application with respect to any of the Requisite
Regulatory Approvals, (ii) the Merger does not occur on or before December 31,
1996 (subject to extension to June 30, 1997 under certain circumstances set
forth in the Merger Agreement), provided that the failure of the Merger to occur
by such date is not caused by a breach of the Merger Agreement by the party
seeking such termination, (iii) in the event of a material breach by the other
party of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the
Merger Agreement that cannot be or has not been cured within 30 days of notice
of such breach, (iv) the requisite approval of either the FBS shareholders or
the First Interstate shareholders is not obtained at their respective Special
Meetings, (v) prior to the receipt of the requisite approval of the terminating
party's shareholders, there is an outstanding proposal by a third party to merge
with or acquire a substantial equity interest in, or a substantial portion of
the assets of, the terminating party and the Board of Directors of the
terminating party determines that termination of the Merger Agreement is
necessary
12
<PAGE>
in the exercise of its fiduciary duties and (vi) the Board of Directors of the
other party shall have withdrawn or adversely modified its recommendation of the
matters to be voted on at such other party's Special Meeting. See "The Merger --
Termination of the Merger Agreement."
TERMINATION FEES
As an inducement and condition to FBS's willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, First Interstate (as payor) entered into a Termination Fee Agreement
with FBS (as recipient), dated as of November 5, 1995 (the "First Interstate Fee
Agreement"), and as an inducement and condition to First Interstate's
willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, FBS (as payor) entered into a
Termination Fee Agreement with First Interstate (as recipient), dated as of
November 5, 1995 (the "FBS Fee Agreement" and, together with the First
Interstate Fee Agreement, the "Fee Agreements"). The Fee Agreements are set
forth in Appendices D and E to this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
Pursuant to the Fee Agreements, First Interstate (pursuant to the First
Interstate Fee Agreement) and FBS (pursuant to the FBS Fee Agreement) each
agreed to pay (as "Payor") the other party (as "Recipient") a cash fee of $25
million in the event certain First Trigger Events occur prior to or concurrently
with the termination of the Merger Agreement, except where a Nullifying Event
has occurred and is continuing at such time. Under the First Interstate Fee
Agreement, a First Trigger Event would include, among other things, the failure
of the shareholders of First Interstate to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement at the First Interstate Special Meeting following the public
announcement of an Acquisition Proposal. For purposes of the First Interstate
Fee Agreement, various actions taken by Wells in connection with the Wells Offer
constituted the public announcement of an Acquisition Proposal.
Pursuant to the Fee Agreements, First Interstate and FBS each also agreed,
subject to certain conditions, to pay the other party an additional $75 million
cash fee if (i) the Merger Agreement is terminated, (ii) prior to or
concurrently with such termination a First Trigger Event shall have occurred and
(iii) prior to, concurrently with or within 18 months following such termination
an Acquisition Event occurs, unless a Nullifying Event has occurred and is
continuing at the time the Merger Agreement is terminated. If Wells acquires
more than 50% of the outstanding First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the
Wells Offer or otherwise, an Acquisition Event will have occurred for purposes
of the First Interstate Fee Agreement. To the best of First Interstate's and
FBS's knowledge, as of the date hereof, no event has occurred that would require
FBS to pay a termination fee to First Interstate pursuant to the FBS Fee
Agreement upon termination of the Merger Agreement.
The Fee Agreements are intended, among other things, to increase the
likelihood that the Merger will be consummated on the terms set forth in the
Merger Agreement. These agreements may have the effect of discouraging offers by
third parties to acquire First Interstate or FBS prior to the Merger, even if,
in the case of First Interstate, such persons were prepared to offer to pay
consideration to First Interstate's shareholders that has a higher current
market price than the shares of FBS Common Stock to be received by the holders
of First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement. See "The
Merger -- Termination Fees" and Appendices D and E to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
As a further inducement and condition to FBS's willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, First Interstate (as issuer) entered into a Stock Option
Agreement with FBS (as grantee), dated as of November 5, 1995 (the "First
Interstate Stock Option Agreement"), and as an inducement and condition to First
Interstate's willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, FBS (as issuer)
entered into a Stock Option Agreement with First Interstate (as grantee), dated
as of November 5, 1995 (the "FBS Stock Option Agreement" and, together with the
First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, the "Stock Option Agreements"). The
Stock Option Agreements are set forth in Appendices B and C to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
Pursuant to the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, First Interstate
granted to FBS an irrevocable option (the "First Interstate Option") to purchase
a number of shares of First Interstate Common Stock approximately equal to 19.9%
of the number of shares of First Interstate Common Stock outstanding immediately
before exercise of the First Interstate Option for a purchase price of $127.75
per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
Pursuant to the FBS Stock Option Agreement, FBS granted to First Interstate
an irrevocable option (the "FBS Option" and, collectively with the First
Interstate Option, the "Options") to purchase a number of shares of FBS Common
Stock approximately equal to 19.9% of the number of shares of FBS Common Stock
outstanding immediately before exercise of the FBS Option for a purchase price
of $50.875 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Each of
the Options will become exercisable in whole or in part at any time prior to its
expiration, if, but only if, both an Initial Triggering Event and a Subsequent
Triggering Event has occurred prior to the occurrence of an Exercise Termination
Event.
For purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, various actions
taken by Wells in connection with the Wells Offer have resulted in the
occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event. In addition, if Wells acquires more
than 20% of the outstanding First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the Wells
Offer or otherwise, or if the First Interstate Board recommends that First
Interstate shareholders accept the Wells Offer, a Subsequent Triggering Event
will occur for purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement. To the
best of First Interstate's and FBS's knowledge, as of the date hereof, no event
has occurred that would trigger the exercisability of the FBS Option.
Under certain circumstances, if one of the Options becomes exercisable, the
holder of such Option will have the right to require the issuer of the Option to
repurchase such Option (or the shares purchased pursuant thereto) at formula
prices set forth in the Stock Option Agreements.
The purchase of any shares of First Interstate Common Stock or FBS Common
Stock pursuant to the Options is subject to compliance with applicable law,
including receipt of any necessary approvals under the BHC Act.
The Options are intended, among other things, to increase the likelihood
that the Merger will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Merger
Agreement. The Options may have the effect of discouraging offers by third
parties to acquire First Interstate or FBS prior to the Merger, even if, in the
case of First Interstate, such persons were prepared to offer to pay
consideration to First Interstate's shareholders that has a higher current
market price than the shares of FBS Common Stock to be received by the holders
of First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Option Agreements, the "Total Profit" (as
such term is defined in the Stock Option Agreements) that the grantee of an
Option can realize thereunder may not exceed $100 million.
See "The Merger -- Stock Option Agreements" and Appendices B and C to this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The obligation of each of First Interstate and FBS to consummate the Merger
is conditioned on, among other things, the receipt of an opinion of its
respective counsel based upon certain representations and assumptions set forth
therein, substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes the
Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that accordingly: (i) no gain
or loss will be recognized by FBS, First Interstate or Merger Sub as a result of
the Merger, (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by any First Interstate
shareholder (except in connection with the receipt of cash in lieu of a
fractional share interest in New First Interstate Common Stock) upon the
exchange of First Interstate Common Stock or First Interstate Preferred Stock
for New First Interstate Common Stock or New First Interstate Preferred Stock,
respectively, in the Merger and (iii) the basis of the New First Interstate
Common Stock and New First Interstate Preferred Stock received by a First
Interstate shareholder
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<PAGE>
who exchanges First Interstate Common Stock for New First Interstate Common
Stock or First Interstate Preferred Stock for New First Interstate Preferred
Stock will be the same as the basis of the First Interstate Common Stock or
First Interstate Preferred Stock, as the case may be, surrendered in exchange
therefor (subject to any adjustments required as the result of the receipt of
cash in lieu of a fractional share of New First Interstate Common Stock). EACH
FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR
CONCERNING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, AS WELL AS ANY
APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES, BASED UPON SUCH
SHAREHOLDER'S OWN PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. See "The Merger -- Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences."
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Holders of First Interstate Common Stock, First Interstate Preferred Stock,
First Interstate Depositary Shares, FBS Common Stock and preferred stock of FBS
will not have any appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL") in connection with the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby. See "The Merger -- No Appraisal Rights."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
It is intended that the Merger will be accounted for as a
"pooling-of-interests" under generally accepted accounting principles.
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon receipt of letters from FBS's and
First Interstate's independent auditors to the effect that the Merger may be
accounted for in such manner. See "The Merger -- Accounting Treatment" and "--
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger."
MARKETS AND MARKET PRICES
FBS Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "FBS" and First
Interstate Common Stock is listed on the NYSE and the Pacific Stock Exchange
under the symbol "I." The following table sets forth the closing price per share
of FBS Common Stock and the closing price per share of First Interstate Common
Stock, each as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape, and the "equivalent per
share price" (as defined below) of First Interstate Common Stock as of (i)
November 3, 1995, the last trading day before FBS and First Interstate announced
the execution of the Merger Agreement, and (ii) November 17, 1995, the last
practicable date prior to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
The "equivalent per share price" of First Interstate Common Stock as of such
dates equals the closing price per share of FBS Common Stock on such dates
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio. See "The Merger -- Conversion of First
Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST EQUIVALENT
FBS COMMON INTERSTATE PER
MARKET PRICE PER SHARE AS OF STOCK COMMON STOCK SHARE PRICE
- ----------------------------------- ----------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
November 3, 1995................... $ 50.875 $ 127.75 $ 132.275
November 17, 1995.................. $53.00 $ 135.00 $137.80
</TABLE>
FBS and First Interstate shareholders are advised to obtain current market
quotations for FBS Common Stock and First Interstate Common Stock. Because the
Exchange Ratio is fixed, a change in the market price of FBS Common Stock before
the Merger would affect the market value as of the Effective Time of the New
First Interstate Common Stock to be received in the Merger in exchange for the
First Interstate Common Stock. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE AS TO THE MARKET PRICE
OF THE FBS COMMON STOCK AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE TIME OR AS TO THE
MARKET PRICE OF THE NEW FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK AT ANY TIME THEREAFTER.
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR FBS COMMON STOCK
AND FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK. SEE "THE MERGER -- CONVERSION OF FIRST
INTERSTATE CAPITAL STOCK; EFFECTS ON FBS SHAREHOLDERS."
Following the Merger, the First Interstate Common Stock and the First
Interstate Depositary Shares will no longer exist and, as a result, will no
longer be listed on the NYSE. The New First Interstate Common Stock and the New
First Interstate Depositary Shares are expected to be listed on the NYSE.
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<PAGE>
DIFFERENCES IN RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Upon consummation of the Merger, holders of First Interstate Common Stock
will become holders of New First Interstate Common Stock. As a result, their
rights as shareholders, which are now governed by the DGCL and First
Interstate's Certificate of Incorporation (the "First Interstate Certificate")
and the First Interstate Bylaws, will be governed by the DGCL and the FBS
Certificate (as amended in accordance with the Merger Agreement) and the FBS
Bylaws. There are certain differences between the provisions of the First
Interstate Certificate and the First Interstate Bylaws and the FBS Certificate
and the FBS Bylaws, and so the rights of holders of First Interstate Common
Stock will change somewhat after the Merger. The holders of shares of each
series of New First Interstate Preferred Stock will be entitled to rights and
preferences substantially the same as the rights and preferences of the
corresponding series of First Interstate Preferred Stock. The holders of New
First Interstate Depositary Shares will have one-eighth of a vote per share on
all matters submitted generally to the shareholders of New First Interstate and
will, except as otherwise required by law, vote together with the holders of the
New First Interstate Common Stock as a single class. For a discussion of the
material differences between the rights of holders of First Interstate Common
Stock and the rights of holders of New First Interstate Common Stock, see "The
Merger -- Certain Differences in Rights of Shareholders of First Interstate and
New First Interstate."
DIVIDENDS
In connection with the Merger, FBS and First Interstate will coordinate the
declaration and payment of dividends in respect of FBS Common Stock and First
Interstate Common Stock. See "The Merger -- Dividends."
EXPENSES
The Merger Agreement provides that, except as set forth in the Fee
Agreements, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and
the transactions contemplated thereby shall be paid by the party incurring such
costs and expenses, except that the costs and expenses of printing and mailing
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and all filing and other fees paid to the
Commission in connection with the Merger, shall be borne equally by FBS and
First Interstate. See "The Merger -- Expenses."
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<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA
The following table presents selected comparative unaudited per share data
for FBS on a historical and pro forma combined basis, and for First Interstate
on a historical and pro forma equivalent basis, giving effect to the Merger
using the pooling-of-interests method of accounting, and to the acquisition by
FBS of FirsTier Financial, Inc. ("FirsTier") using the purchase method of
accounting. The information presented below is derived from the consolidated
historical financial statements of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier, including
the related notes thereto, and the unaudited pro forma combined financial
information, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference into, or
appearing elsewhere in, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. This information
should be read in conjunction with such historical and pro forma financial
statements and the related notes thereto. See "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Information."
The per share data included within are presented for comparative purposes
only and are not necessarily indicative of the future combined financial
position, the results of the future operations or the actual results or combined
financial position of the combined entity that would have been achieved had the
Merger and the acquisition of FirsTier been consummated prior to the periods
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST INTERSTATE
FBS COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
---------------------- ------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL COMBINED HISTORICAL EQUIVALENT
--------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BOOK VALUE (1):
September 30, 1995.............................................. $20.33 $19.76 $ 47.95 $ 51.38
December 31, 1994............................................... 18.63 17.72 41.59 46.07
DIVIDENDS DECLARED (2):
Nine Months Ended:
September 30, 1995............................................ 1.0875 1.0875 2.30 2.8275
Year Ended:
December 31, 1994............................................. 1.16 1.16 2.75 3.02
December 31, 1993............................................. 1.00 1.00 1.60 2.60
December 31, 1992............................................. 0.88 0.88 1.20 2.29
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM AND
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (3):
Nine Months Ended:
September 30, 1995............................................ 3.05 3.13 8.36 8.14
Year Ended:
December 31, 1994............................................. 2.21 2.90 8.71 7.54
December 31, 1993............................................. 2.46 2.47 6.68 6.42
December 31, 1992............................................. 1.46 1.29 3.23 3.35
</TABLE>
(Notes on following page)
17
<PAGE>
NOTES TO COMPARATIVE UNAUDITED PER SHARE DATA
(1) The pro forma combined book values per share of FBS Common Stock are based
upon the pro forma total common equity for FBS, First Interstate and
FirsTier, divided by the total pro forma common shares of the combined
entity assuming conversion of First Interstate and FirsTier common stock at
the respective exchange ratios, net of related repurchases of existing FBS
Common Stock equal to one-half of the FBS Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the FirsTier acquisition (the "FirsTier Acquisition"). The
pro forma equivalent book values per share of First Interstate Common Stock
represent the pro forma combined amounts multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.
See "The Merger -- Conversion of First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on
FBS Shareholders."
(2) The pro forma combined dividends declared assume no changes in the
historical dividends declared per share of FBS Common Stock. The pro forma
equivalent dividends per share of First Interstate Common Stock represent
the cash dividends declared on one share of FBS Common Stock multiplied by
the Exchange Ratio. See "The Merger -- Conversion of First Interstate
Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
(3) The pro forma combined income from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
per share of FBS Common Stock are based upon the pro forma combined income
from continuing operations before extraordinary item and cumulative effect
of changes in accounting principles for FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier,
divided by the average pro forma common shares of the combined entity. The
pro forma equivalent income from continuing operations per share of First
Interstate Common Stock represents the pro forma combined income multiplied
by the Exchange Ratio. See "The Merger -- Conversion of First Interstate
Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
After the Merger FBS expects to achieve operating cost savings by various
means including reductions in staff and consolidation of certain data
processing and other back office operations. No adjustment has been included
in the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements for the anticipated
operating cost savings.
Financial results for FBS in 1994 include merger-related items with an
after-tax effect of $156.9 million ($1.15 per share) associated with the
merger with Metropolitan Financial Corporation. Financial results for FBS in
1993 include merger-related charges with an after-tax effect of $50.0
million ($.37 per share) associated with the merger with Colorado National
Bankshares, Inc. Included in FBS results of operations in 1992 are after-tax
merger-related charges of $81.8 million ($.66 per share) associated with the
merger with Western Capital Investment Corporation and Bank Shares
Incorporated.
The First Interstate results of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994 include after-tax
charges of $9.5 million and $87.6 million, respectively, related to the
adoption of a restructuring plan designed to improve efficiency and better
position First Interstate for the introduction of full interstate banking.
18
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth certain selected historical consolidated
financial information for FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier, and certain
unaudited pro forma combined financial information giving effect to the Merger
using the pooling-of-interests method of accounting and the pending acquisition
of FirsTier using the purchase method of accounting (included in the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994 only). The pro
forma combined balance sheet information for September 30, 1995 also includes
Midwestern Services, Inc. and Southwest Holdings, Inc., both of which
acquisitions were consummated on November 1, 1995, as well as the intangible
assets related to the pending purchase of the corporate trust relationships and
accounts of BankAmerica Corporation (the "Corporate Trust Acquisition"). The pro
forma combined income statement information does not include Midwestern
Services, Inc. and Southwest Holdings, Inc., or the fees from the Corporate
Trust Acquisition, as they are immaterial. The historical selected financial
data for the years ended December 31, 1990 through 1994 are derived from audited
consolidated financial statements of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier. The
historical selected financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 1994
and 1995 are derived from the unaudited historical financial statements of FBS,
First Interstate and FirsTier and reflect, in the respective opinions of the
managements of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier, all adjustments (consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such
data. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
historical financial statements of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier, and the
related notes thereto, incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus, and in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial information, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information."
The unaudited pro forma combined financial data are presented for
informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the future
combined financial position or results of the future operations of the combined
entity or the actual results or combined financial position that would have been
achieved had the Merger and the other transactions described above been
consummated on these dates or prior to the periods presented. In addition,
results for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 are not necessarily
indicative of results expected for the entire year.
19
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1994 (4) 1993 (5) 1992 (6) 1991 1990
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND PERCENTAGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Interest income............................... $ 1,903.0 $ 1,668.2 $ 2,288.1 $ 2,134.5 $ 2,106.1 $ 2,369.0 $ 2,745.3
Interest expense.............................. 823.1 615.4 868.7 796.3 953.1 1,354.2 1,844.2
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income..................... 1,079.9 1,052.8 1,419.4 1,338.2 1,153.0 1,014.8 901.1
Provision for credit losses................... 84.0 79.6 123.6 133.1 191.7 210.2 219.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income after provision for credit
losses....................................... 995.9 973.2 1,295.8 1,205.1 961.3 804.6 681.4
Noninterest income............................ 585.8 497.5 558.9 618.9 613.7 557.0 472.1
Noninterest expense........................... 918.6 913.7 1,349.4 1,264.7 1,246.3 1,067.9 1,063.0
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before
income taxes and cumulative effect of changes
in accounting principles..................... 663.1 557.0 505.3 559.3 328.7 293.7 90.5
Applicable income taxes....................... 245.7 210.1 191.8 198.6 115.7 30.3 6.5
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before
cumulative effect of accounting changes...... 417.4 346.9 313.5 360.7 213.0 263.4 84.0
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
(1).......................................... -- (6.6) (8.5) 2.5 2.7 1.1 0.6
Cumulative effect of accounting changes....... -- -- -- -- 233.2 -- 1.0
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income.................................... $ 417.4 $ 340.3 $ 305.0 $ 363.2 $ 448.9 $ 264.5 $ 85.6
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Average common and common equivalent shares... 135.0 136.0 136.3 134.6 124.7 117.3 106.1
PER COMMON SHARE
Income from continuing operations before
cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles................................... $ 3.05 $ 2.47 $ 2.21 $ 2.46 $ 1.46 $ 2.00 $ 0.53
Net income.................................... 3.05 2.43 2.15 2.48 3.35 2.01 0.55
Dividends paid................................ 1.0875 0.87 1.16 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.82
Common shareholders' equity................... 20.33 19.77 18.63 18.91 17.89 14.67 13.28
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END
Assets........................................ $ 32,958 $ 34,364 $ 34,128 $ 33,370 $ 32,758 $ 28,508 $ 29,339
Securities.................................... 3,302 3,990 5,185 5,030 6,092 4,744 5,061
Loans......................................... 25,877 24,360 24,556 23,497 20,692 18,766 18,870
Deposits...................................... 21,895 24,299 24,256 26,386 26,395 22,969 22,772
Long-term debt................................ 3,127 2,730 2,981 2,070 1,151 1,360 2,085
Shareholders' equity.......................... 2,736 2,800 2,612 2,744 2,745 2,131 1,826
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AT PERIOD END
Common shareholders' equity to assets......... 8.0% 7.8% 7.3% 7.4% 7.2% 5.9% 5.1%
Total shareholders' equity to assets.......... 8.3 8.1 7.7 8.2 8.4 7.5 6.2
Tier 1 capital ratio (2)...................... 7.4 8.2 7.3 9.4 9.8 8.5 6.8
Total capital ratio (2)....................... 12.3 12.2 11.4 13.4 13.0 11.3 9.7
Allowance for credit losses................... $ 469 $ 478 $ 475 $ 466 $ 484 $ 453 $ 484
Percentage of loans....................... 1.81% 1.96% 1.93% 1.98% 2.34% 2.42% 2.57%
Nonperforming assets (3)...................... $ 167 $ 245 $ 232 $ 341 $ 511 $ 658 $ 737
Percentage of total assets................ 0.51% 0.71% 0.68% 1.02% 1.56% 2.31% 2.51%
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
Return on average assets from continuing
operations before cumulative effect of
accounting changes........................... 1.70% 1.39% 0.93% 1.12% 0.74% 0.95% 0.28%
Return on average assets...................... 1.70 1.36 0.91 1.13 1.56 0.96 0.29
Return on average common equity from
continuing operations before cumulative
effect of accounting changes................. 20.9 17.3 11.6 13.8 8.7 14.7 4.1
Return on average common equity............... 20.9 17.0 11.2 13.9 20.0 14.8 4.2
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent
basis)....................................... 4.94 4.72 4.74 4.69 4.54 4.15 3.46
Net interest margin without taxable-equivalent
increments................................... 4.89 4.67 4.69 4.63 4.45 4.01 3.29
</TABLE>
See notes to historical selected financial data
20
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
1995 (7) 1994 1994 (7) 1993 (8) 1992 1991 1990 (9)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND PERCENTAGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Interest income......................... $2,789.1 $2,329.8 $3,192.0 $2,944.2 $3,189.7 $3,935.3 $4,820.8
Interest expense........................ 884.5 619.8 865.5 872.1 1,175.1 1,843.6 2,517.6
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net interest income................... 1,904.6 1,710.0 2,326.5 2,072.1 2,014.6 2,091.7 2,303.2
Provision for credit losses............. -- -- -- 112.6 314.3 810.2 499.4
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net interest income after provision for
credit losses.......................... 1,904.6 1,710.0 2,326.5 1,959.5 1,700.3 1,281.5 1,803.8
Noninterest income...................... 823.3 792.0 1,054.3 954.2 912.1 1,184.4 1,203.5
Noninterest expense..................... 1,638.3 1,659.6 2,197.8 2,032.4 2,209.2 2,732.2 2,562.3
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes........... 1,089.6 842.4 1,183.0 881.3 403.2 (266.3) 445.0
Applicable income taxes................. 419.9 320.1 449.5 319.9 120.9 21.8 6.4
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting
changes................................ 669.7 522.3 733.5 561.4 282.3 (288.1) 438.6
Extraordinary item...................... -- -- -- (24.8) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes................................ -- -- -- 200.1 -- -- 30.1
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss)....................... $ 669.7 $ 522.3 $ 733.5 $ 736.7 $ 282.3 $ (288.1) $ 468.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Average common and common equivalent
shares................................. 77.2 81.7 80.4 77.0 69.1 62.5 58.9
PER COMMON SHARE
Income (loss) before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting
changes................................ $ 8.36 $ 6.09 $ 8.71 $ 6.68 $ 3.23 $ (5.24) $ 6.79
Extraordinary item...................... -- -- -- (0.32) -- -- --
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes................................ -- -- -- 2.60 -- -- 0.51
Net income (loss)....................... 8.36 6.09 8.71 8.96 3.23 (5.24) 7.30
Dividends paid.......................... 2.30 2.00 2.75 1.60 1.20 1.80 3.00
Common shareholders' equity............. 47.95 41.24 41.59 41.36 35.04 32.57 39.78
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END
Assets.................................. $ 55,067 $ 54,207 $ 55,813 $ 51,461 $ 50,863 $ 48,922 $ 51,356
Securities.............................. 9,432 14,744 13,851 16,542 13,913 8,496 6,975
Loans................................... 35,967 30,331 33,222 25,988 24,201 28,182 33,007
Deposits................................ 48,236 48,055 48,427 44,701 43,675 41,433 43,141
Long-term debt.......................... 1,368 1,261 1,388 1,533 2,702 3,108 3,178
Shareholders' equity.................... 3,981 3,550 3,436 3,548 3,251 2,639 2,868
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AT PERIOD END
Common shareholders' equity to assets... 6.6% 5.9% 5.5% 6.2% 5.2% 4.2% 4.8%
Total shareholders' equity to assets.... 7.2 6.5 6.2 6.9 6.4 5.4 5.6
Tier 1 capital ratio (2)................ 7.5 8.6 7.2 9.9 9.4 6.3 5.6
Total capital ratio (2)................. 10.5 11.5 10.2 13.1 13.9 10.6 9.4
Allowance for credit losses............. $ 847 $ 952 $ 934 $ 1,001 $ 1,068 $ 1,273 $ 1,011
Percentage of loans................... 2.35% 3.14% 2.81% 3.85% 4.41% 4.52% 3.06%
Nonperforming assets (3)................ $ 206 $ 291 $ 258 $ 309 $ 751 $ 1,588 $ 1,749
Percentage of total assets............ 0.37% 0.54% 0.46% 0.60% 1.48% 3.25% 3.41%
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR THE PERIOD
ENDED
Return on average assets before
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes........... 1.61% 1.33% 1.38% 1.14% 0.57% (0.59)% 0.81%
Return on average assets................ 1.61 1.33 1.38 1.49 0.57 (0.59) 0.86
Return on average common equity before
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes........... 25.4 20.1 21.6 17.3 9.6 (14.0) 18.2
Return on average common equity......... 25.4 20.1 21.6 23.2 9.6 (14.0) 19.6
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent
basis)................................. 5.41 5.09 5.14 4.91 4.89 5.04 5.06
Net interest margin without taxable-
equivalent increments.................. 5.37 5.05 5.10 4.87 4.84 4.98 4.95
</TABLE>
See notes to historical selected financial data
21
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF
FIRSTIER FINANCIAL, INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------- -----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1994 1993 1992 (10) 1991 (10) 1990 (10)
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND PERCENTAGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Interest income................................... $195.0 $171.0 $231.5 $223.8 $225.1 $251.6 $248.1
Interest expense.................................. 94.5 69.6 97.1 92.0 103.4 142.8 155.1
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income............................. 100.5 101.4 134.4 131.8 121.7 108.8 93.0
Provision for credit losses....................... 0.8 (1.2) (0.2) 5.4 9.7 10.7 27.1
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income after provision for credit
losses........................................... 99.7 102.6 134.6 126.4 112.0 98.1 65.9
Noninterest income................................ 42.4 41.7 52.0 59.0 56.7 54.5 46.1
Noninterest expense............................... 84.0 87.7 118.1 115.4 109.1 107.0 110.2
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes........................ 58.1 56.6 68.5 70.0 59.6 45.6 1.8
Applicable income taxes........................... 15.5 15.2 17.6 18.8 16.2 11.0 (0.8)
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income........................................ $ 42.6 $ 41.4 $ 50.9 $ 51.2 $ 43.4 $ 34.6 $ 2.6
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Average common and common equivalent shares....... 18.7 19.0 18.8 19.1 19.0 19.0 17.2
PER COMMON SHARE
Net income........................................ $ 2.28 $ 2.18 $ 2.69 $ 2.68 $ 2.30 $ 1.85 $ 0.15
Dividends paid.................................... 0.86 0.78 1.04 0.66 0.47 0.42 0.40
Common shareholders' equity....................... 20.30 18.43 18.53 17.30 15.09 13.22 11.97
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END
Assets............................................ $3,585 $3,517 $3,540 $3,400 $3,302 $3,113 $3,076
Securities........................................ 1,002 990 938 1,035 961 803 676
Loans............................................. 2,191 2,056 2,149 1,953 1,875 1,785 1,801
Deposits.......................................... 2,776 2,624 2,815 2,721 2,776 2,552 2,583
Long-term debt.................................... 164 148 154 38 23 47 35
Shareholders' equity.............................. 376 343 342 326 284 248 206
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AT PERIOD END
Common shareholders' equity to assets............. 10.5% 9.7% 9.7% 9.6% 8.6% 8.0% 6.7%
Total shareholders' equity to assets.............. 10.5 9.7 9.7 9.6 8.6 8.0 6.7
Tier 1 capital ratio (2).......................... 15.0 14.2 13.5 14.0 13.3 11.5 9.8
Total capital ratio (2)........................... 16.3 15.5 14.8 15.2 14.6 12.8 11.3
Allowance for credit losses....................... $ 52 $ 53 $ 53 $ 54 $ 50 $ 46 $ 43
Percentage of loans............................. 2.38% 2.59% 2.48% 2.78% 2.69% 2.71% 2.39%
Nonperforming assets (3).......................... $ 12 $ 15 $ 14 $ 18 $ 28 $ 31 $ 29
Percentage of total assets...................... 0.34% 0.41% 0.40% 0.53% 0.85% 1.00% 0.94%
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
Return on average assets.......................... 1.59% 1.62% 1.47% 1.54% 1.40% 1.14% 0.09%
Return on average common equity................... 15.9 16.4 14.9 16.6 16.4 14.8 1.2
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent basis).... 4.46 4.68 4.61 4.73 4.71 4.25 4.02
Net interest margin without taxable-equivalent
increments....................................... 4.11 4.35 4.26 4.63 4.35 4.01 3.75
</TABLE>
See notes to historical selected financial data
22
<PAGE>
NOTES TO HISTORICAL SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(1) FBS acquired Edina Realty, Inc., a real estate brokerage, as part of its
merger with Metropolitan Financial Corporation on January 24, 1995. Because
of regulatory restrictions on non-banking activities, FBS has entered into
an agreement to sell Edina Realty, Inc. Accordingly, its operations are
accounted for as discontinued operations.
(2) Capital ratios are computed based on 1992 Federal Reserve Board rules and
regulations, as in effect in 1992.
(3) Includes non accrual and restructured loans, other nonperforming assets and
other real estate owned.
(4) Financial results for FBS for 1994 include charges with an after-tax effect
of $156.9 million ($1.15 per share) associated with the merger with
Metropolitan Financial Corporation.
(5) The FBS results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1993 include
merger-related charges of $50.0 million ($.37 per share), on an after-tax
basis, associated with FBS's acquisition of Colorado National Bankshares,
Inc.
(6) The FBS results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1992 include
merger-related charges of $81.8 million ($.66 per share), on an after-tax
basis, associated with FBS's acquisition of Western Capital Investment
Corporation and Bank Shares Incorporated. The results of operations for that
year also include the effect of adopting two new accounting standards:
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. ("SFAS") 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes," and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other than Pensions." The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109
was an increase of $264.8 million in net income. The cumulative effect of
adopting SFAS 106 was a decrease of $31.6 million in net income.
(7) The First Interstate results of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994, include after-tax
charges of $9.5 million and $87.6 million, respectively, related to the
adoption of a restructuring plan to improve efficiency and better position
First Interstate for the introduction of full interstate banking.
(8) First Interstate's 1993 financial results include an extraordinary loss of
$24.8 million related to the early extinguishment of debt. Also included in
1993 is the effect of adopting SFAS 109 and SFAS 106. The cumulative effect
of adopting SFAS 109 was an increase of $305.0 million in net income. The
cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 106 was a decrease of $104.9 million in
net income.
(9) First Interstate's 1990 financial results include the effect of adopting
SFAS No. 96, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The cumulative effect of
adopting SFAS 96 was an increase of $30.1 million in net income.
(10) Historical Selected Financial Data for FirsTier for the year ended December
31, 1990 has not been restated to reflect FirsTier's acquisition of
Cornerstone Bank Group, Inc. ("CBG"). Tier 1 capital ratios and total
capital ratios have not been restated to reflect the acquisition of CBG for
the years ended December 31, 1992 and 1991. In addition, net interest margin
(taxable-equivalent basis) and net interest margin without
taxable-equivalent increments have not been restated to reflect the
acquisition of CBG for the year ended December 31, 1991. The effect of the
restatement would not be material.
23
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
OF FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.,
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP AND
FIRSTIER FINANCIAL, INC. (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992
------------- --------- --------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND
PERCENTAGES)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Interest income................................... $4,887.1 $5,711.6 $5,078.7 $5,295.8
Interest expense.................................. 1,817.1 1,848.1 1,668.4 2,128.2
------------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income............................. 3,070.0 3,863.5 3,410.3 3,167.6
Provision for credit losses....................... 84.8 123.4 245.7 506.0
------------- --------- --------- ---------
Net interest income after provision for credit
losses........................................... 2,985.2 3,740.1 3,164.6 2,661.6
Noninterest income................................ 1,451.5 1,665.2 1,573.1 1,525.8
Noninterest expense............................... 2,653.6 3,682.2 3,297.1 3,455.5
------------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before income
taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect
of accounting changes............................ 1,783.1 1,723.1 1,440.6 731.9
Applicable income taxes........................... 675.5 652.5 518.5 236.6
------------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
accounting changes............................... $1,107.6 $1,070.6 $ 922.1 $ 495.3
------------- --------- --------- ---------
------------- --------- --------- ---------
Average common and common equivalent shares....... 344.5 353.7 343.1 312.7
PER COMMON SHARE
Income from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles................. $ 3.13 $ 2.90 $ 2.47 $ 1.29
Dividends paid.................................... 1.0875 1.16 1.00 0.88
Common shareholders' equity....................... 19.76 17.72 17.09 15.25
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA AT PERIOD END
Assets............................................ $ 88,847 $ 93,853 $ 84,831 $ 83,621
Securities........................................ 9,836 19,974 21,572 20,005
Loans............................................. 64,301 59,927 49,485 44,893
Deposits.......................................... 73,637 75,498 71,087 70,070
Long-term debt.................................... 4,669 4,523 3,603 3,853
Shareholders' equity.............................. 7,138 6,405 6,292 5,996
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AT PERIOD END
Common shareholders' equity to assets............. 7.5% 6.3% 6.7% 6.0%
Total shareholders' equity to assets.............. 8.0 6.8 7.4 7.2
Tier 1 capital ratio.............................. 7.5 7.0 9.7 9.6
Total capital ratio............................... 11.2 10.4 13.2 13.5
Allowance for credit losses....................... $ 1,121 $ 1,462 $ 1,467 $ 1,552
Percentage of loans............................. 1.74% 2.44% 2.96% 3.46%
Nonperforming assets (2).......................... $ 385 $ 504 $ 650 $ 1,262
Percentage of total assets...................... 0.43% 0.54% 0.77% 1.51%
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
Return on average assets from continuing
operations before extraordianary item and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles....................................... 1.60% 1.19% 1.13% 0.64%
Return on average common equity from continuing
operations before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles....................................... 22.6 16.5 15.7 9.2
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent basis).... 5.18 4.95 4.82 4.76
Net interest margin without taxable-equivalent
increments....................................... 5.12 4.89 4.78 4.70
</TABLE>
See notes to unaudited pro forma combined selected financial data
24
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(1) The Merger will be accounted for by FBS under the pooling-of-interests
method of accounting in accordance with APB No. 16 and, accordingly, this
method has been applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements. Under this method of accounting, the recorded assets,
liabilities, shareholders' equity, income and expenses of FBS and First
Interstate are combined and recorded at their historical amounts.
The FirsTier Acquisition will be accounted for by FBS under the purchase
method of accounting in accordance with APB No. 16 and, accordingly, this
method has been applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements. Under this method of accounting, the purchase price
will be allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their
estimated fair values at the closing of the transaction. The historical cost
of FirsTier's assets and liabilities approximates fair value, making
mark-to-market adjustments immaterial. Accordingly, the historical cost of
FirsTier's assets and liabilities have been combined with the historical
consolidated balance sheet of FBS. Based on current estimates, the amount of
intangible assets relating to FirsTier is $338 million, calculated as the
purchase price of $714 million less FirsTier's September 30, 1995 common
equity of $376 million. Certain adjustments, primarily to accrue for costs
related to the FirsTier acquisition expected to be incurred within one year
of the closing, are not material and have not been reflected in the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
Amortization expense relating to the FirsTier acquisition has been included
in the unaudited pro forma combined income statement data for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994.
Amortization expense was calculated based on the intangible asset balance of
$338 million using the straight-line method over an average estimated period
of benefit of 20 years.
FBS expects to achieve operating cost savings by various means including
reductions in staff and consolidation of certain data processing and other
back office operations. The operating cost savings are expected to be
achieved in various amounts at various times during the year subsequent to
the closing and not ratably over, or at the beginning or end of, such
periods. No adjustment has been included in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial statements for the anticipated operating cost
savings.
Pro forma adjustments related to the Merger and the FirsTier Acquisition
represent management's best estimate based on all available information at
this time. These adjustments may change as additional information becomes
available. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Information" for additional details on these adjustments.
(2) Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual and restructured loans, other
nonperforming assets and other real estate owned.
25
<PAGE>
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE FORECASTED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
The following forecast was not prepared with a view toward compliance with
published guidelines of the Commission or the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants regarding forecasts or generally accepted accounting
principles. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors of FBS and First
Interstate, has not examined, reviewed, compiled, or applied agreed-upon
procedures to the forecast and, consequently, does not express an opinion or any
other form of assurance with respect thereto and assumes no responsibility with
respect thereto. FBS and First Interstate believe, however, that the forecast is
presented on a basis consistent with generally accepted accounting principles as
applied to the historical financial statements of FBS and First Interstate. The
forecast necessarily is based upon several estimates and assumptions that, while
presented with numerical specificity and considered reasonable by FBS and First
Interstate, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the
control of either company, and upon assumptions with respect to future business
decisions that are subject to change. Material assumptions made in this forecast
are set forth below. FBS and First Interstate believe that all such assumptions
are reasonable; however, such forecast and assumptions are not necessarily
indicative of current values or future performance, which may be significantly
less favorable or more favorable than as set forth below. Although the forecast
reflects the best estimates by FBS and First Interstate, for which each of FBS
and First Interstate believes it had a reasonable basis as of the time of the
preparation thereof, of the combined results of operations after giving effect
to the Merger, it is only an estimate, and actual results may vary considerably
from the forecast. Shareholders of FBS and First Interstate are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on the forecast.
FBS and First Interstate have no obligation to update or otherwise revise
this forecast to reflect circumstances existing after the date hereof or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even in the event that the
assumptions underlying the forecast have been shown to be in error, except as
required by applicable law prior to the Effective Time. The forecast should not
be relied on for any purpose other than in connection with this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. The forecast should be read together with the information
contained in the "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information,"
and the Consolidated Financial Statements of FBS, First Interstate and FirstTier
and the related notes incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest Income (taxable-equivalent basis)......................................... $ 6,706 $ 7,060 $ 7,496
Interest Expense................................................................... 2,400 2,639 2,920
--------- --------- ---------
Net Interest Income................................................................ 4,306 4,421 4,576
Provision for Loan Losses.......................................................... 330 411 493
--------- --------- ---------
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses................................ 3,976 4,010 4,083
Noninterest Income................................................................. 2,066 2,291 2,464
Noninterest Expense................................................................ 3,410 3,106 3,169
--------- --------- ---------
Income before Income Taxes and Taxable-Equivalent Adjustments...................... 2,632 3,195 3,378
Income Taxes and Taxable-Equivalent Adjustments.................................... 1,008 1,224 1,295
--------- --------- ---------
Net Income......................................................................... 1,624 1,971 2,083
Dividends on Preferred Stock....................................................... 31 31 31
--------- --------- ---------
Net Income Applicable to Common Shareholders....................................... $ 1,593 $ 1,940 $ 2,052
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings per Common Share.......................................................... $ 4.64 $ 6.09 $ 6.99
Average Common Shares (in millions)................................................ 343.5 318.6 293.5
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FORECASTED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
The forecast is based upon assumptions that the managements of FBS and First
Interstate believe provide a reasonable basis for presenting the combined
operations of New First Interstate. The selected assumptions described below are
those that the managements of FBS and First Interstate believe are significant
to the forecast or are the key factors upon which the results shown in the
forecast depend. However, not all assumptions used in the preparation of these
statements have been set forth below. The forecast was prepared by the
managements of FBS and First Interstate in good faith and is based upon a
variety of estimates and assumptions that, although considered reasonable by the
managements of FBS and First Interstate, may not be achieved and are inherently
subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive
uncertainties and contingencies, including possible competitive responses, many
of which are not within the control of either company and are not possible to
assess accurately, and upon assumptions with respect to future business
decisions that are subject to change. Therefore, the actual results achieved
during the forecast period will vary from those set forth in the forecast, and
the variations may be material. The following is a summary of the basis of
presentation and selected assumptions:
1. The combined forecasts were derived from the internal long-term
financial plans of FBS and First Interstate that were prepared prior to
the execution of the Merger Agreement as part of the ongoing management
process.
2. The Merger is consummated in mid-1996, and is accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
3. FBS completes the pending FirsTier Acquisition in January 1996 and the
Corporate Trust Acquisition during 1996.
4. The projected cost takeouts and operational efficiencies expected by
management are achieved in 1996 and 1997. The total annual cost takeouts
are $500 million when fully implemented in 1997. Approximately 25 percent
of the ultimate cost savings are achieved in 1996, assuming system
conversion early in the fourth quarter thereof.
5. Moderate growth in the economy through 1998 with stable interest rates
and annual inflation of approximately 3%. The combined entities achieve
moderate growth in earning assets with a relatively constant net interest
margin.
6. The Earnings per Common Share assume FBS will continue its capital
management program. Under such program, FBS manages excess capital that
may result from future earnings retained that cannot otherwise be
reinvested at a suitable return by buying shares of FBS Common Stock. The
Earnings per Common Share also assume no business combinations accounted
for under the purchase method of accounting in the forecast period, with
the exception of the FirsTier Acquisition, and that FBS will not make
(and the forecasts do not include) any share buybacks that in the opinion
of management would affect the accounting for the Merger as a
pooling-of-interests. FBS will not purchase treasury shares under its
existing authorizations within 90 days of consummation of the Merger
(i.e., in the second and third quarters of 1996). Although the forecasted
data assumes future excess capital retention, such excess is not assured.
27
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FBS SPECIAL MEETING
GENERAL
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to holders of FBS
Common Stock as part of the solicitation of proxies by the FBS Board for use at
the FBS Special Meeting to be held on , 1996 at
, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
accompanying Proxy Card are first being mailed to holders of FBS Common Stock on
or about .
The purpose of the FBS Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon (a) the
FBS Vote Matters, such matters being proposals to approve (i) the Proposed
Issuance of up to shares of FBS Common Stock to holders of First Interstate
Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the Merger; (ii) an amendment to the FBS
Certificate to change its name to "First Interstate Bancorp" upon the
effectiveness of the Merger; and (iii) an amendment to the FBS Certificate to
increase the number of authorized shares of FBS Common Stock from 200,000,000 to
500,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of FBS preferred stock from
10,000,000 to 15,000,000 immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Merger
and (b) such other matters as may properly come before the FBS Special Meeting.
The persons named as proxies by a shareholder may, in their discretion, propose
and vote for one or more adjournments or postponements of the FBS Special
Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies in favor of the proposal to
approve the FBS Vote Matters or to permit dissemination of information regarding
material developments relating to the Merger or otherwise germane to the FBS
Special Meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no proxy that is voted against the
proposal to approve the FBS Vote Matters will be voted in favor of any
adjournment or postponement for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.
Based on the number of shares of First Interstate Common Stock outstanding
on the First Interstate Record Date, consummation of the Merger would result in
the issuance of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock to persons
other than FBS (approximately % of the total number of shares of FBS Common
Stock outstanding at September 30, 1995, after giving effect to such issuance).
Based on the total number of shares and rights to acquire shares of First
Interstate Common Stock outstanding on such record date, a maximum aggregate of
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock could be issued to persons
other than FBS in the Merger, or approximately % of the New First Interstate
Common Stock outstanding after consummation of the Merger (based on the number
of shares of FBS Common Stock outstanding at September 30, 1995).
The principal purpose and effect of the amendment to increase the authorized
number of shares of FBS Common Stock to 500,000,000 and the authorized number of
shares of preferred stock of FBS to 15,000,000 will be to provide for a
sufficient number of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock for issuance to
shareholders of First Interstate in the Merger and to authorize additional
shares of capital stock that may be issued upon the approval of the New First
Interstate Board without further shareholder approval. See "Amendments to New
First Interstate Certificate of Incorporation."
Approval of each of the FBS Vote Matters is contingent upon the approval of
each of the other FBS Vote Matters. The Merger is subject to a number of
conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory and shareholder
approvals. See "The Merger -- Conditions to Consummation of the Merger" and "--
Regulatory Approvals Required."
SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
The FBS Board has fixed the close of business on , 1995 (the
"FBS Record Date") as the record date for the determination of the shareholders
of FBS entitled to notice of and to vote at the FBS Special Meeting and any
adjournments or postponements thereof. Accordingly, only holders of record of
shares of FBS Common Stock at the close of business on such date will be
entitled to vote at the FBS Special Meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof, with each share entitling
28
<PAGE>
its owner to one vote on all matters properly presented at the FBS Special
Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. On the FBS Record Date,
there were approximately holders of record of the shares of FBS
Common Stock then outstanding. The presence, in person or by proxy, of not less
than one-third of the total number of outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock
entitled to vote at the FBS Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum
at the FBS Special Meeting. Under NYSE rules, the Proposed Issuance of New First
Interstate Common Stock as contemplated by the Merger Agreement must be approved
by a majority of the votes cast at the FBS Special Meeting, and over 50% of the
shares of FBS Common Stock entitled to do so must in fact vote at the FBS
Special Meeting. In addition, under Delaware law, the affirmative vote of at
least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock
entitled to vote is required to approve the proposed Certificate Amendments. If
an executed proxy card is returned and the shareholder has abstained from voting
on any matter, the shares represented by such proxy will be considered present
at the FBS Special Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and for purposes
of calculating the vote, but will not be considered to have been voted in favor
of such matter. Under the rules of the NYSE, brokers who hold shares in street
name for customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares are prohibited
from giving a proxy to vote shares held for such customers on the approval of
the FBS Vote Matters without specific instructions from such customers. Given
that the DGCL requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposed
Certificate Amendments in order to adopt them, the failure of such customers to
provide specific instructions with respect to their shares of FBS Common Stock
to their broker will have the same effect as a vote against the adoption of the
Certificate Amendments. In addition, such a failure will also result in a
customer's shares not being deemed present and voting for purposes of the NYSE
rules relating to the Proposed Issuance. FAILURE TO RETURN A PROPERLY EXECUTED
PROXY CARD OR TO VOTE AT THE FBS SPECIAL MEETING WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A
VOTE AGAINST THE CERTIFICATE AMENDMENTS AND MAY PREVENT A VOTE FROM BEING TAKEN
ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE.
It is expected that all of the shares of FBS Common Stock (excluding
shares subject to stock options) beneficially owned by directors and executive
officers of FBS and their affiliates at the FBS Record Date ( % of the total
number of outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock at such date) will be voted for
approval of the FBS Vote Matters. As of the FBS Record Date, First Interstate
owned shares of FBS Common Stock (excluding shares issuable to First
Interstate under certain conditions as described under "The Merger -- Stock
Option Agreements"), and directors and executive officers of First Interstate
beneficially owned less than % of the outstanding shares of FBS Common
Stock.
If the accompanying Proxy Card is properly executed and returned to FBS in
time to be voted at the FBS Special Meeting, the shares represented thereby will
be voted in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. EXECUTED BUT
UNMARKED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE FBS VOTE MATTERS. The FBS
Board does not know of any matters other than those described in the notice of
the FBS Special Meeting that are to come before the FBS Special Meeting. If any
other matters are properly brought before the FBS Special Meeting, including,
among other things, a motion to adjourn or postpone the FBS Special Meeting to
another time and/or place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in
favor of the proposal to approve the FBS Vote Matters or to permit dissemination
of information regarding material developments relating to the Merger or
otherwise germane to the FBS Special Meeting, one or more of the persons named
in the proxy card will vote the shares represented by such proxy upon such
matters as determined in their discretion, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no proxy that
is voted against the proposal to approve the FBS Vote Matters will be voted in
favor of any such adjournment or postponement for the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FBS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF FBS VOTE
FOR APPROVAL OF THE FBS VOTE MATTERS.
The presence of a shareholder at the FBS Special Meeting will not
automatically revoke such shareholder's proxy. A shareholder may, however,
revoke a proxy at any time prior to its exercise by
29
<PAGE>
filing a written notice of revocation with, by delivering a duly executed proxy
bearing a later date to, Lee R. Mitau, Secretary, First Bank System, Inc., First
Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302 or by
attending the FBS Special Meeting and voting in person.
The cost of soliciting proxies for the FBS Special Meeting will be borne by
FBS, except that the cost of preparing and mailing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus will be borne equally by FBS and First Interstate. In
addition to use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone, telegraph, facsimile or other means of communication by directors,
officers and employees of FBS, who will not be specially compensated for such
activities, but who may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
connection with such solicitation. FBS will also request persons, firms and
companies holding shares in their names or in the name of their nominees, which
are beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to and obtain proxies
from such beneficial owners. FBS will reimburse such persons for their
reasonable expenses incurred in that connection. FBS has retained Morrow & Co.,
Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies at a cost of approximately
$ , plus customary expenses.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING
GENERAL
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to holders of First
Interstate Common Stock as part of the solicitation of proxies by the First
Interstate Board and by FBS for use at the First Interstate Special Meeting to
be held on , 1996 at and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the
accompanying Proxy Card, are being first mailed to First Interstate shareholders
on or about , 1995.
The purpose of the First Interstate Special Meeting is to consider and vote
upon (i) the proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby and (ii) such other matters as may properly
come before the First Interstate Special Meeting or any adjournments or
postponements thereof. The persons named as proxies by a shareholder may, in
their discretion, propose and vote for one or more adjournments or postponements
of the First Interstate Special Meeting to permit further solicitation of
proxies in favor of such proposal or to permit dissemination of information
regarding material developments relating to the Merger or otherwise germane to
the First Interstate Special Meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no proxy that is
voted against the proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby will be voted in favor of any adjournment or
postponement for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.
SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
The First Interstate Board has fixed the close of business on
(the "First Interstate Record Date") as the record date for the determination of
the shareholders of First Interstate entitled to notice of and to vote at the
First Interstate Special Meeting. Accordingly, only holders of record of shares
of First Interstate Common Stock at the close of business on such date will be
entitled to vote at the First Interstate Special Meeting with each share
entitling its owner to one vote on each matter properly presented at the First
Interstate Special Meeting. On the First Interstate Record Date, there were
approximately holders of record of the shares of First Interstate
Common Stock then outstanding. The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least
a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of First Interstate Common
Stock entitled to vote at the First Interstate Special Meeting is necessary to
constitute a quorum at the First Interstate Special Meeting.
Under Delaware law, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total
number of outstanding shares of First Interstate Common Stock entitled to vote
at the First Interstate Special Meeting is required to approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. Shares represented
by a properly executed proxy received prior to the vote at the First Interstate
Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the First Interstate Special
Meeting as directed in the proxy. IF A PROXY IS SUBMITTED AND NO DIRECTIONS ARE
GIVEN, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE
30
<PAGE>
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY. First Interstate intends to count shares of
First Interstate Common Stock present in person at the First Interstate Special
Meeting but not voting, and shares of First Interstate Common Stock for which it
has received proxies but with respect to which holders of shares have abstained
on any matter, as present at the First Interstate Special Meeting for purposes
of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of
business. Because the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of First Interstate Common Stock entitled to vote on the
Merger is required to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby, such non-voting shares and abstentions will
have the effect of a vote against the approval of the Merger Agreement. In
addition, under the rules of the NYSE, brokers who hold shares in street name
for customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares are prohibited from
giving a proxy to vote shares held for such customers on the approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement without specific instructions from such
customers. Given that Delaware law requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of First Interstate Common Stock
entitled to vote on the Merger Agreement in order to approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement, the failure of such customers to provide specific instructions
with respect to their shares of First Interstate Common Stock to their broker
will have the effect of a vote against the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement. FAILURE TO RETURN A PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXY CARD OR TO VOTE AT THE
FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE
MERGER AGREEMENT.
It is expected that all of the shares of First Interstate Common Stock
(excluding shares subject to stock options) beneficially owned by directors and
executive officers of First Interstate and their affiliates at the First
Interstate Record Date ( % of the total number of outstanding shares of First
Interstate Common Stock at such date) will be voted for approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement. As of the First Interstate Record Date, FBS beneficially
owned shares of First Interstate Common Stock (excluding shares issuable
to FBS under certain conditions as described under "The Merger -- Stock Option
Agreements"), all of which were Trust Account Shares, and directors and
executive officers of FBS beneficially owned less than % of the outstanding
shares of First Interstate Common Stock.
The First Interstate Board does not know of any matters other than those
described in the notice of the First Interstate Special Meeting that are to come
before the First Interstate Special Meeting. If any other matters are properly
brought before the First Interstate Special Meeting, including, among other
things, a motion to adjourn or postpone the First Interstate Special Meeting to
another time and/or place for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies in
favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement or to permit
dissemination of information regarding material developments relating to the
Merger or otherwise germane to the First Interstate Special Meeting, one or more
of the persons named in the proxy card will vote the shares represented by such
proxy upon such matters as determined in their best judgment; provided, however,
that no proxy that is voted against the proposal to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement will be voted in favor of any adjournment or postponement for the
purpose of soliciting additional proxies.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST INTERSTATE RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS
OF FIRST INTERSTATE VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
The giving of a proxy does not affect the rights of a holder of First
Interstate Common Stock who attends the First Interstate Special Meeting to vote
at such meeting, since a shareholder may revoke his or her proxy at any time
before it is voted at the First Interstate Special Meeting. A shareholder of
record may revoke a proxy by filing a written notice of revocation with Edward
S. Garlock, Secretary of First Interstate (633 West Fifth Street, TC 7-10, Los
Angeles, California 90071), by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date, or by appearing at the First Interstate Special Meeting in person,
notifying the Secretary, and voting by ballot at the First Interstate Special
Meeting. Any shareholder of record attending the First Interstate Special
Meeting may vote in person whether or not a proxy has been previously given, but
the mere presence (without notifying the Secretary) of a shareholder at the
31
<PAGE>
First Interstate Special Meeting will not constitute revocation of a previously
given proxy. In addition, shareholders whose shares of First Interstate Common
Stock are not registered in their own name will need additional documentation
from the record holder of such shares to vote personally at the First Interstate
Special Meeting.
The cost of soliciting proxies for the First Interstate Special Meeting will
be borne by First Interstate, except that the cost of preparing and mailing this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be borne equally by FBS and First
Interstate. In addition to use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally
or by telephone, telegraph, facsimile or other means of communication by
directors, officers and employees of First Interstate who will not be specially
compensated for such activities, but who may be reimbursed for reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation. In addition,
proxies may be solicited in the manner described in the immediately preceding
sentence by directors, officers, employees and representatives of FBS, who will
be compensated as set forth under "Information Concerning the FBS Special
Meeting." First Interstate will also request persons, firms and companies
holding shares in their names or in the name of their nominees, which are
beneficially owned by others, to send proxy materials to and obtain proxies from
such beneficial owners. First Interstate will reimburse such persons for their
reasonable expenses incurred in that connection.
First Interstate has retained Georgeson & Co., Inc. ("Georgeson") to assist
First Interstate in connection with its communications with its shareholders
with respect to, and to provide other services to First Interstate in connection
with, the Merger and the Wells Offer (as defined herein). Georgeson will receive
reasonable and customary compensation for its services and reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. First Interstate has agreed to
indemnify Georgeson against certain liabilities arising out of or in connection
with its engagement.
SHAREHOLDERS OF FIRST INTERSTATE ARE INSTRUCTED NOT TO SEND IN THE
INSTRUMENTS REPRESENTING THEIR SECURITIES WITH THEIR PROXY CARDS. IF THE MERGER
IS CONSUMMATED, SHAREHOLDERS OF FIRST INTERSTATE WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS
REGARDING THE PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE EXCHANGE OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS. SEE "THE
MERGER -- EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES AND DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS; FRACTIONAL SHARES."
32
<PAGE>
THE MERGER
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE MERGER IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS JOINT
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING THE APPENDICES HERETO, AND THE DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. A COPY OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT (EXCLUDING THE
EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES THERETO) IS SET FORTH IN APPENDIX A TO THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, AND REFERENCE IS
MADE THERETO FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMS OF THE MERGER. SHAREHOLDERS
ARE URGED TO READ THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE OTHER APPENDICES HERETO
CAREFULLY.
GENERAL
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the
Effective Time, Merger Sub will merge with and into First Interstate. Merger Sub
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FBS that was incorporated on November 3, 1995
solely as a vehicle to facilitate the Merger. First Interstate will be the
Surviving Corporation in the Merger, and will continue its corporate existence
under the DGCL under the name "Eleven Acquisition Corp." At the Effective Time,
the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will terminate. The First
Interstate Certificate and the First Interstate Bylaws as in effect at the
Effective Time will be the certificate of incorporation and bylaws,
respectively, of the Surviving Corporation. After the consummation of the
Merger, the Surviving Corporation will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of New First
Interstate. Upon consummation of the Merger, FBS will change its name to "First
Interstate Bancorp."
EFFECTIVE TIME
The Effective Time will be set forth in the Certificate of Merger that will
be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on a date to be
specified by the parties, which date will be no later than two business days
after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to applicable law) of the latest to
occur of the conditions precedent to the Merger set forth in the Merger
Agreement. FBS and First Interstate each anticipate that the Merger will be
consummated by , 1996.
Consummation of the Merger, however, could be delayed as a result of delays
in obtaining the Requisite Regulatory Approvals. There can be no assurances as
to (i) if or when such approvals will be obtained or that if obtained, such
approvals will satisfy the conditions to consummation of the Merger set forth in
the Merger Agreement or (ii) whether all of the other conditions precedent to
the Merger will be satisfied or waived by the party permitted to do so. If the
Merger is not effected on or before December 31, 1996 (subject to extension
under certain circumstances set forth in the Merger Agreement), the Merger
Agreement may be terminated by either FBS or First Interstate, unless the
failure to effect the Merger by such date is due to the failure of the party
seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement to perform or observe the covenants
and agreements of such party set forth therein. See "-- Conditions to
Consummation of the Merger," "-- Regulatory Approvals Required" and "--
Termination of the Merger Agreement."
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
On February 11, 1994, Wells Fargo & Co., a Delaware corporation ("Wells"),
delivered an unsolicited letter to First Interstate proposing a merger of the
two companies in which each share of First Interstate Common Stock would be
converted into common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of Wells (the "Wells
Common Stock") with a then-current trading value of $90. After carefully
considering that proposal, the First Interstate Board determined to decline to
pursue a merger with Wells and instead to implement strategies aimed at
enhancing shareholder value as an independent company.
During the remainder of 1994 and throughout the first three quarters of
1995, First Interstate took a number of actions aimed at achieving this goal.
These actions included implementing a corporate restructuring program designed
to rationalize First Interstate's corporate structure and achieve greater
operating efficiencies; announcing on March 22, 1994 a repurchase program for
eight
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million shares of First Interstate Common Stock which was completed in November
1994; and completing a series of acquisitions designed to enhance First
Interstate's competitive position in certain key markets.
As these various strategies were implemented, First Interstate's business,
financial condition and results of operations all continued to improve. This
improvement was reflected in the market price of the First Interstate Common
Stock, which rose from $63 1/4 on January 3, 1994 to $100 3/4 on September 29,
1995.
Throughout this period, the First Interstate Board considered possible
alternative strategies for enhancing shareholder value. These included the
alternative of remaining independent, as well as the alternative of seeking a
strategic partnership with either a larger or similar-sized bank holding company
with a similar strategic focus and business strengths complementary to and
compatible with those of First Interstate. With respect to potential strategic
partnerships, the First Interstate Board continued to consider the possibility
of a transaction with Wells, as well as the possibility of a strategic
partnership with one of several other companies (including FBS) which, unlike a
strategic partnership with Wells, would serve to further the First Interstate
Board's goal of reducing the risk profile of First Interstate by achieving even
greater geographic diversification.
As part of First Interstate's assessment of which strategy would best
enhance shareholder value, Mr. William E. B. Siart, the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of First Interstate, from time to time engaged in exploratory
conversations with his counterparts at various other large regional bank holding
companies, including FBS, concerning the respective strategic directions of
First Interstate and such other company, the degree to which such strategic
directions were compatible, and the level of interest which such other company
might have in a potential strategic partnership with First Interstate. During
the first quarter of 1995, general discussions were held with Mr. John F.
Grundhofer, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FBS, concerning the
strategic advantages of a possible combination. However, none of the discussions
described in this paragraph were conducted with the aim of generating, and none
resulted in, a firm merger proposal being submitted to First Interstate or any
merger proposal being considered by the First Interstate Board.
As the pace of consolidation in the banking industry reached unprecedented
levels during the first half of 1995, Mr. Siart initiated a series of
discussions at which the First Interstate Board would continue its ongoing
review of the appropriate strategic direction for First Interstate in light of
the significant changes affecting the industry. At the April 28, 1995 meeting of
the First Interstate Board, Mr. Siart announced that at future Board meetings
management would discuss its views concerning the strategic alternatives
available to First Interstate and the critical elements that would affect the
Board's selection of the strategic alternative which would be in the best
interests of First Interstate and its shareholders. The first such discussion
was held at the July 17, 1995 meeting of the First Interstate Board.
In August 1995, Messrs. Siart and Grundhofer met at Mr. Grundhofer's request
and discussed corporate strategic compatibility and management philosophy. On
September 7, 1995, Mr. Siart met with Mr. Paul Hazen, the Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board of Wells, at Mr. Hazen's request. At this
meeting, Mr. Hazen stated his belief that a merger of First Interstate and Wells
was very compelling. He also stated that after evaluating Wells' strategic
alternatives, Wells had concluded that such a merger was a strategic imperative
to Wells and that no alternative would provide values to Wells' shareholders
which were comparable to the values which could be achieved in such a merger.
Mr. Hazen then suggested that Mr. Siart could serve as the President and Chief
Operating Officer of the combined company, and that the merger would
significantly enhance shareholder value for each company's shareholders. In this
regard, he noted that Wells had performed extensive analyses of the cost savings
and operating efficiencies which could be achieved by consolidating the two
companies' respective California branch systems.
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At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Hazen suggested a second meeting for
purposes of reviewing Wells' analyses in detail. Mr. Siart responded by
explaining the process for reviewing strategic alternatives previously commenced
by the First Interstate Board. In particular, he summarized the presentations
made at the July Board meeting, his expectations regarding the subject matter of
the presentation which would be made to the First Interstate Board in October
(which presentation was to include an assessment of potential strategic
partners, including Wells), and the additional future presentations which were
expected to be made to the First Interstate Board concerning, among other
matters, developments in technology and non-bank financial providers. Mr. Hazen
then inquired as to Mr. Siart's expectations concerning how long the Board's
process for reviewing strategic alternatives would take. Mr. Siart responded
that although he was not sure, his best guess was that the process would be
complete in approximately six months (although it could take as few as four and
as many as nine months). Mr. Hazen again suggested a second meeting to discuss
Wells' analyses in detail, and Mr. Siart responded that he believed that it was
more important for Mr. Hazen and him to determine if the two companies'
management philosophies and strategic outlooks were compatible. On the same day
as the meeting, Mr. Siart called Mr. Hazen and scheduled a second meeting for
October 30, 1995.
On October 17, 1995, the First Interstate Board met and reviewed possible
strategic partnerships with five large bank holding companies, including Wells
and FBS. The advantages and disadvantages of a transaction with each company
were reviewed.
In a telephone conversation initiated by Mr. Hazen later that day, Mr. Hazen
told Mr. Siart that he intended to deliver and make public the following morning
a letter proposing a merger of the two companies in which each share of First
Interstate Common Stock would be converted into .625 shares of Wells Common
Stock (the "Initial Wells Proposal"). In a subsequent call a short time later,
Messrs. Siart and Hazen discussed under what circumstances Mr. Hazen would agree
not to make his letter public. Mr. Hazen stated that Mr. Siart would have to
begin merger negotiations the next day, which Mr. Siart rejected as
inappropriate and inconsistent with both the strategic process the First
Interstate Board had already undertaken and the interests of the shareholders of
First Interstate being served by that process. Mr. Siart suggested that inasmuch
as the Board's process was already underway, and that Wells was included, it
seemed prudent for Wells to wait for the process to conclude.
On October 18, 1995, Wells publicly announced that it had delivered an
unsolicited letter to Mr. Siart the previous evening proposing a merger of the
two companies. Later that day, three large regional bank holding companies,
including FBS (each of which had been considered as a potential strategic
partner at the previous day's Board meeting), contacted First Interstate to
express an interest in initiating discussions to assess the merits of a
strategic partnership. Mr. Siart contacted all of the members of the First
Interstate Board to discuss the Initial Wells Proposal, the need to accelerate
the Board's process for reviewing strategic alternatives and the inquiries
received from these three regional bank holding companies.
First Interstate's senior management, together with First Interstate's
financial advisors, Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman, Sachs") and Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley," and together with Goldman, Sachs, the "First
Interstate Financial Advisors"), at the direction of the First Interstate Board,
then engaged in preliminary discussions concerning potential strategic
partnerships with the three large regional bank holding companies that had
contacted Mr. Siart on October 18. First Interstate's management and the First
Interstate Financial Advisors also continued to explore the values to
shareholders which could be achieved (i) if First Interstate chose to remain
independent rather than pursuing a strategic partnership at the present time and
(ii) if a transaction with Wells were pursued.
The First Interstate Board met to consider the Initial Wells Proposal on
October 25, 1995. At this meeting, First Interstate's management and the First
Interstate Financial Advisors reviewed with the Board the status of the
preliminary discussions with the three large regional bank holding companies as
well as the Initial Wells Proposal.
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On October 26, 1995, Mr. Siart met with Mr. Hazen to discuss the possibility
of pursuing a merger of First Interstate and Wells. Mr. Siart stated his desire
to learn more about the Initial Wells Proposal. At this meeting, Mr. Hazen
discussed Wells' reasons for publicly announcing its unsolicited proposal.
Messrs. Siart and Hazen also discussed the possible advantages of a combination
of First Interstate and Wells, with particular attention being paid to the cost
savings and operating efficiencies which could be achieved in a merger.
Messrs. Siart and Hazen were joined later that day by William J. Bogaard,
First Interstate's general counsel, George Roberts of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts &
Co. ("KKR"), First Interstate's largest shareholder, Mr. Rodney L. Jacobs, the
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Wells, and Mr. Warren Buffett,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the largest
shareholder of Wells. Extensive dialogue ensued concerning the two companies and
their respective strategies, potential cost savings, operating efficiencies and
reductions in revenue, and the consolidation of a substantial number of First
Interstate's and Wells' respective California branch offices and the revenue
loss associated therewith. Mr. Siart asserted that the reductions in revenue
which would result from the transaction would significantly exceed those
estimated by Wells (see paragraph (v) under "Reasons of First Interstate for the
Merger; Recommendation of First Interstate Board" below).
Mr. Siart stated that he nevertheless believed that a merger of First
Interstate and Wells could enhance shareholder value. Mr. Buffett stated that he
had studied both companies in some detail. He also stated that one could come up
with positives and negatives of one company compared to the other, but in the
end, when evaluating each company, one would conclude that they were about equal
and that accordingly the exchange ratio of .625 made sense to him.
Mr. Roberts also stated his view, speaking as a major shareholder of First
Interstate and not on behalf of First Interstate's management or the First
Interstate Board, that given the other attractive strategic alternatives
available to First Interstate, the substantial risk created by a merger of the
two companies due to the increased concentration of assets in California, and
the tremendous value of the First Interstate franchise, a minimum exchange ratio
of .70 shares of Wells Common Stock for each share of First Interstate Common
Stock was required in order to make the transaction equitable. During these
discussions, Mr. Hazen stated that although Wells might consider increasing the
exchange ratio offered to First Interstate's shareholders, the maximum exchange
ratio it might be prepared to offer was .65. However, he emphasized that he and
Mr. Buffett viewed an exchange ratio of .625 as fair to each company's
shareholders. Mr. Roberts indicated that the possible increase of the exchange
ratio to .65 seemed inadequate to him. Mr. Hazen told Mr. Siart that in no way
should their conversation be construed as meaning Wells had raised its offer.
On October 30, 1995, the First Interstate Board met to review the
discussions that had been held with Wells and the three other potential
strategic partners. Mr. Siart reported that FBS had indicated that it would
consider increasing its exchange ratio from the previously stated range of 2.3
to 2.4 shares of FBS Common Stock for each First Interstate share to 2.5.
Management and the First Interstate Financial Advisors also discussed their
views as to the values which could be achieved if First Interstate remained
independent, and the risks associated with this strategy. At the conclusion of
this meeting, the First Interstate Board determined to continue to explore a
merger with each of Wells and FBS. With respect to Wells, it was the sense of
the Board that Mr. Siart should determine if Wells would consider increasing the
exchange ratio significantly above .65.
Messrs. Siart and Hazen again met on the morning of October 31, 1995. At
this meeting, Mr. Siart informed Mr. Hazen that the First Interstate Board had
been fully informed of all of the matters discussed at their October 26 meeting
and was considering carefully all of the advantages and disadvantages of a
potential merger with Wells, as well as the advantages and disadvantages
associated with the other strategic alternatives available to First Interstate.
Extensive discussions concerning potential cost savings, operating efficiencies
and revenue losses also took place, with Mr. Siart voicing the various concerns
of the First Interstate Board in this regard. Mr. Hazen stated that he
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believed that the $100 million in revenue losses estimated by Wells were on the
high side. Mr. Siart stated that First Interstate might consider further
exploratory discussions concerning the value to First Interstate's shareholders
of a potential merger with Wells if Wells would offer an exchange ratio of
approximately .68. Mr. Hazen then excused himself from the meeting. Upon his
return, Mr. Hazen stated that he had consulted with Mr. Buffett, reiterated that
the maximum exchange ratio that Wells and its major shareholder would consider
was .65 shares of Wells Common Stock for each share of First Interstate Common
Stock, and stated that Mr. Buffett fully concurred with this decision. In
closing the meeting, Mr. Siart again stated that Mr. Hazen should bear in mind
that First Interstate had available a number of attractive strategic
alternatives.
On November 1, 1995, Mr. Siart contacted Mr. Grundhofer and they agreed to
meet the next day. Messrs. Siart and Hazen also talked by phone that day. Mr.
Siart asked Mr. Hazen if he had reconsidered his position. Mr. Hazen stated that
his position remained unchanged and that .65 was the maximum exchange ratio that
Wells would consider.
On November 2, 1995, Mr. Siart met with Mr. Grundhofer and Mr. Richard A.
Zona, the Chief Financial Officer of FBS. At this meeting, FBS increased the
exchange ratio it was prepared (subject to the approval of the FBS Board) to
offer to First Interstate's shareholders to 2.6 from the previous indication of
2.5 and First Interstate and FBS continued their discussions concerning a
potential merger. A number of the significant business terms relating to a
merger transaction were discussed. Mr. Siart reported these developments to the
members of the First Interstate Board later that day. On November 3, 1995, the
First Interstate Board met to consider the potential merger with FBS and the
results of Mr. Siart's conversations with Mr. Hazen. This meeting included an
executive session of all of First Interstate's outside directors (other than Mr.
Edward M. Carson, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First
Interstate), who discussed the matters under consideration with their special
outside counsel. During this period, negotiations between the legal and
financial advisors of First Interstate and FBS began concerning the terms of
definitive transaction agreements.
On November 5, 1995, the First Interstate Board met to again consider both
the potential merger with FBS and Wells' merger proposal. At this meeting, the
management of First Interstate, as well as First Interstate's legal and
financial advisors, made presentations regarding their due diligence findings
concerning FBS, the strategic alternatives other than the potential FBS merger
available to First Interstate (including a merger with Wells assuming for
purposes of such presentations that Wells would actually increase its proposed
exchange ratio to .65), the terms of the definitive agreements negotiated
between First Interstate and FBS, the fairness opinions of each of Goldman,
Sachs and Morgan Stanley concerning the exchange ratio for the potential merger,
the fairness opinion of Morgan Stanley concerning the .65 exchange ratio which
might be proposed by Wells and the judgments of the First Interstate Financial
Advisors that the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement and the First
Interstate Fee Agreement (each as defined herein) were within the normal range
and consistent with comparable transactions. Another executive session of all of
First Interstate's outside directors (other than Mr. Carson) was also held, with
the outside directors consulting with both their special counsel and the First
Interstate Financial Advisors. Based upon its consideration of those
presentations and other factors more fully described below, the First Interstate
Board unanimously approved and authorized (with two directors absent) the
execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, the Stock Option Agreements and
the Fee Agreements (each as defined herein).
The Merger was publicly announced on November 6, 1995.
On November 13, 1995, Wells issued a press release (the "Wells Press
Release") which stated that Wells intended to file a registration statement with
the Commission with respect to an exchange offer pursuant to which Wells would
offer to exchange two-thirds of a share of Wells Common Stock for each share of
First Interstate Common Stock (such proposed exchange offer is referred to
herein as the "Wells Offer"). The Wells Press Release also stated that Wells
anticipated (i) filing proxy materials with the Commission (a) to solicit
written consents from shareholders of First Interstate to remove the members of
the First Interstate Board and to replace them with nominees of Wells who are
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committed to removing any impediments to the consummation of the acquisition of
First Interstate by Wells and (b) to solicit proxies from the shareholders of
First Interstate against the approval of the Merger Agreement and (ii) filing an
application with the Federal Reserve Board seeking its approval of Wells'
acquisition of First Interstate and Wells' election of its board nominees.
Finally, the Wells Press Release stated that Wells had commenced litigation
against First Interstate, the members of the First Interstate Board and FBS in
the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware which is described under "-- Certain
Litigation" below.
On November 19, 1995, the First Interstate Board met to consider both the
Wells Offer and the Merger. At this meeting, following an executive session of
all of First Interstate's outside directors (other than Mr. Carson) with their
special counsel, the management of First Interstate, as well as First
Interstate's legal and financial advisors and the outside directors' special
counsel, reviewed, among other things, the analyses which had been presented to
the First Interstate Board at its November 5, 1995 meeting, with these analyses
updated where appropriate to reflect the increase in Wells' indicated maximum
exchange ratio from .65 to two-thirds of a share of Wells Common Stock for each
First Interstate share. At its November 19 meeting, the First Interstate Board
determined by a unanimous vote (with two directors absent) that the Wells Offer
is not in the best interests of First Interstate and its shareholders.
Accordingly, the First Interstate Board determined to recommend that First
Interstate shareholders reject the Wells Offer and not tender their shares of
First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the Wells Offer.
The First Interstate Board also reaffirmed its determination that the terms
of the Merger are fair to, and in the best interests of, First Interstate and
its shareholders. The factors considered by the First Interstate Board in making
its determinations with respect to the Merger and the Wells Offer are described
below.
REASONS OF FBS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF FBS BOARD
In arriving at its determination that the Merger and the Merger Agreement
are fair to, and in the best interests of, FBS and its shareholders, the FBS
Board consulted with J.P. Morgan with respect to the financial aspects and
fairness of the transaction. The FBS Board also considered a variety of factors,
including the fact that the Merger will result in the ninth largest banking
institution in the United States in terms of total assets and the fifth largest
in terms of market value (based on total assets and market prices as of
September 30, 1995), uniquely positioned to take advantage of growth
opportunities and potentially to build a nationwide banking franchise with the
size, geographical diversity and capability to meet the constantly changing
demands of the financial services business and to withstand economic downturns
in individual geographic markets, as well as the following:
1. GREATER OVERALL RESOURCES. The FBS Board considered that the Merger
will result in the fifth largest financial institution in the nation (in
terms of market capitalization) and one of the three largest financial
institutions (in terms of deposits) in each of ten states. The FBS Board was
advised that, on a pro forma basis as of September 30, 1995 giving effect to
the Merger and the FirsTier Acquisition, the combined company would have had
approximately $88.8 billion in assets, approximately $73.6 billion in
deposits, approximately $7.1 billion in shareholders' equity and a market
capitalization exceeding $16.6 billion. The FBS Board determined that, as a
result, the Merger would significantly enhance FBS's ability to compete
effectively in a rapidly changing financial marketplace. See "Selected
Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data."
2. COMPLEMENTARY MARKETS; DIVERSIFICATION OF ECONOMIC RISK. The FBS
Board considered the highly complementary nature of the Midwestern United
States markets of FBS and the West Coast/Rocky Mountain markets of First
Interstate, noting that the combined company's franchise would be broadly
diversified over 21 contiguous states from Illinois to California, including
83 metropolitan areas. The FBS Board recognized that the geographical
diversification of the combined entity through the Merger would reduce the
risk of a significant adverse impact
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resulting from an economic downturn in an individual market area and, more
generally, should result in more stable and predictable financial results
over time, increasing the potential effectiveness of long-term financial and
strategic planning.
3. ENHANCED FRANCHISE. The FBS Board considered that the Merger will
result in a combined company serving approximately 7.6 million retail
customers and approximately 462,000 business customers through over 1,500
branches and approximately 4,700 automated teller machines. The FBS Board
was advised that, as of June 30, 1994 (the latest date for which such
information is available, updated to take into account subsequent
acquisitions), the combined company would be among the three largest
financial institutions in terms of deposits in 10 of the 21 states, and 35
of the 83 metropolitan areas, comprising its franchise area, including
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Denver, Phoenix/Mesa, Houston,
Portland/Vancouver, San Diego and Las Vegas.
4. COMPLEMENTARY STRENGTHS. The FBS Board considered the complementary
nature of the strengths of FBS and First Interstate, including the fact that
FBS has focused its efforts upon the development of new financial products
and new services through the use of technology, while First Interstate has
successfully established a strong marketing capability and brand identity,
as well as a broad retail and commercial customer base to which FBS's
financial products and services could be marketed. The FBS Board also noted
that First Interstate's loan to deposit ratio (74.6% on deposits of $48.2
billion, as of September 30, 1995) was substantially less than that of FBS's
(118.2% on deposits of $21.9 billion, as of September 30, 1995), and that by
combining First Interstate's deposit base with FBS's stronger loan
production capabilities, the combined company should be able to enhance the
growth of its asset portfolio at lower cost than FBS currently incurs
through external funding. The FBS Board also believed that each of FBS and
First Interstate is well managed and that the respective managements of the
two companies are experienced in effecting substantial merger and
acquisition transactions, providing them with the capability of successfully
integrating their businesses with minimal disruption and risk to New First
Interstate, its employees and its customers. In this regard, the FBS Board
was advised that FBS and First Interstate have compatible data processing
and other operating systems, which should ease the integration of their
businesses and reduce the cost thereof. The FBS Board determined that,
although no assurance can be given, these factors should result in greater
earnings potential for the combined company than either FBS or First
Interstate would have on a stand-alone basis. See "New First Interstate
Forecasted Consolidated Statement of Operations."
5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR EFFICIENCIES AND COST SAVINGS. The FBS Board took
into account its expectation that the combined company will be capable of
increasing its capitalization and profitability through the achievement of
economies of scale and the elimination of redundancies. The FBS Board was
advised that, although no assurances can be given that any particular level
of cost savings will be achieved, the managements of FBS and First
Interstate estimated that New First Interstate would be able to achieve $500
million in annual pre-tax expense savings attributable to the integration of
data processing and other back office operations, the elimination of
redundant corporate overhead and staff positions, and the consolidation of
certain business lines. The potential cost savings are expected to be
achieved in various amounts at various times during the one-year period
following the Effective Time. The FBS Board recognized, however, that FBS
and First Interstate are expected to incur one-time net pre-tax
merger-related charges, estimated to be approximately $225 million in the
aggregate, in connection with the Merger. See "Selected Historical and
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data" and notes thereto and "The Merger --
Management and Operations of New First Interstate Following the Merger."
6. OTHER FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS. The FBS Board considered, among
other things, the Exchange Ratio, the resulting relative interests of the
common shareholders of FBS and First Interstate in the equity of the
combined company, the potential for increased earnings per share for common
shareholders of FBS resulting from the Merger, including the estimates of
FBS's management that the Merger will be accretive to per share earnings
attributable to FBS Common
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Stock by 18.2% in 1997, and that common shareholders of FBS would continue
to participate in the earnings and growth of the combined company through
their ownership of New First Interstate Common Stock.
7. ECONOMIC AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT; STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES. The
FBS Board took into account the current and prospective economic and
competitive environment facing FBS and First Interstate and other financial
institutions in the markets in which they participate. The FBS Board also
evaluated the proposed Merger in the context of its ongoing review of
strategic alternatives that are, or might in the future be, available to FBS
in light of ongoing consolidation and other developments in the banking
industry and the financial institution industry generally.
8. ADVICE OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND FAIRNESS OPINION. The FBS Board
considered the financial advice of J.P. Morgan and the opinion of J.P.
Morgan that, as of November 5, 1995, the Exchange Ratio was fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of FBS Common Stock. The opinion of
J.P. Morgan and the analysis underlying such opinion are summarized below,
and a copy of such opinion, setting forth the procedures followed, the
matters considered, the scope of the review undertaken and the assumptions
made by J.P. Morgan in connection with its opinion, is attached as Appendix
F hereto. See "-- Opinion of FBS Financial Advisor."
9. TERMS OF MERGER AGREEMENT, STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS AND FEE
AGREEMENTS. The FBS Board took into consideration the terms of the Merger
Agreement, the Stock Option Agreements and the Fee Agreements and the
transactions contemplated thereby.
10. DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW. The FBS Board considered the results of the
due diligence investigations regarding First Interstate conducted by the
management of FBS.
11. DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMBINED COMPANY. The FBS Board
took into account that the board of directors of New First Interstate would,
for a minimum of three years, be equally comprised of directors of FBS and
First Interstate, respectively, and that the current management of each
company would have a significant influence in the management of the combined
company with John F. Grundhofer continuing as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of New First Interstate. See "-- Management and Operations of New
First Interstate Following the Merger."
12. TAX AND ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OF THE MERGER. The FBS Board
considered that the Merger was expected to be tax free to shareholders of
FBS for federal income tax purposes and to be accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting.
13. REGULATORY APPROVALS. The FBS Board was advised that it was likely
that the Requisite Regulatory Approvals would be obtained without undue
delay.
The FBS Board also took into account the feasibility, advantages and
disadvantages of various strategic alternatives to the Merger. The FBS Board
also noted that neither the size nor any other aspect of the combined
institution would preclude a future acquisition offer by an interested potential
acquiror, although it was aware that the Stock Option Agreements and Fee
Agreements might discourage an offer for either company prior to consummation of
the Merger. See "-- Stock Option Agreements" and "-- Termination Fees."
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
FBS Board is not intended to be exhaustive but includes all material factors
considered by the FBS Board. In reaching its determination that the Merger and
the Merger Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, FBS and its
shareholders, the FBS Board did not assign any relative or specific weight to
the foregoing factors, and individual directors may have given differing weights
to different factors. Throughout its deliberations, the FBS Board received the
advice of J.P. Morgan and Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton and Dorsey &
Whitney P.L.L.P., the firms retained to serve as its counsel.
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REASONS OF FIRST INTERSTATE FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF FIRST INTERSTATE
BOARD
THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING THE MERGER. THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD BELIEVES
THAT THE MERGER SHOULD PROVIDE LONG-TERM VALUE TO FIRST INTERSTATE'S
SHAREHOLDERS SUPERIOR TO THAT PROVIDED BY A TRANSACTION WITH WELLS PURSUANT TO
THE TERMS OF THE WELLS OFFER.
THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT SHAREHOLDERS REJECT THE
WELLS OFFER AND, WHEN AND IF SUCH OFFER IS COMMENCED, NOT TENDER ANY OF THEIR
SHARES OF FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK OR RIGHTS PURSUANT THERETO.
In reaching its determination to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and
in determining to recommend rejection of the Wells Offer, the First Interstate
Board considered the following factors, which, together, constitute all material
factors considered by the First Interstate Board:
(i) the First Interstate Board's familiarity with and review of First
Interstate's business, operations, financial condition and earnings on both
an historical and a prospective basis;
(ii) the First Interstate Board's review, based in part on presentations
by the First Interstate Financial Advisors and First Interstate management,
of (a) the strategy, business, operations, earnings and financial condition
of FBS on both an historical and a prospective basis and (b) the historical
market price of FBS Common Stock. In this regard, the First Interstate Board
noted that (I) given the geographic continuity of the regions currently
served by each company, the Merger would serve to (x) further diversify the
assets (and thereby reduce the attendant credit risks), liabilities and
operations of First Interstate into eight additional contiguous states, with
the combined institution obtaining a top three ranking (in terms of deposit
market share) in ten states (as opposed to a top three ranking in only four
states in a First Interstate/Wells merger), and (y) reduce to less than 30%
(from in excess of 40%) the total assets of First Interstate located in
California, (II) First Interstate and FBS possess compatible and
complementary corporate philosophies with respect to strategies for
enhancing profitability, business line diversification, asset quality and
risk management and (III) FBS has multiple product lines which are
complementary to First Interstate's product offerings;
(iii) the First Interstate Board's review, based in part on presentations
by the First Interstate Financial Advisors and First Interstate management,
of (a) the strategy, business, operations, earnings and financial condition
of Wells on both a historical and a prospective basis and (b) the historical
market price of Wells Common Stock. In this regard, the First Interstate
Board noted that although Wells was a highly regarded institution, its
strategies were very different from those of First Interstate and a merger
with Wells would create a company with significantly different
characteristics than both First Interstate currently and the company to be
created in the Merger with FBS. These differences include (I) substantially
greater concentration in the California market (with 70% of the combined
company's total assets and 78% of its real estate loans being located in
California), which concentration is inconsistent with the First Interstate
Board's longstanding desire to achieve greater geographic diversification,
(II) a materially increased exposure to real estate lending, which exposure
is inconsistent with First Interstate's credit philosophy, (III) the
financial impact of a purchase accounting transaction (see paragraph (xiii)
below) and (IV) a narrower business strategy with fewer product lines and
revenue growth opportunities which, in the view of the First Interstate
Board, would emphasize stock repurchases and other financial strategies
rather than core business growth as a key means of increasing earnings per
share;
(iv) the anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies available to
First Interstate and FBS as a combined institution following the Merger, the
potential for revenue enhancements at
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the combined institution and the likelihood of achieving these cost savings,
operating efficiencies and revenue enhancements relative to the likelihood
that they could be achieved in a merger with Wells (see also paragraphs (vi)
- (viii) below);
(v) the anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies available to
First Interstate and Wells as a combined institution following an
affiliation of the two institutions and the potential for revenue
enhancements at the combined institution. In this regard, the First
Interstate Board noted its belief that although the cost savings which might
be achieved in connection with a First Interstate/Wells merger could be as
high as the $800 million announced by Wells, it was likely that the
decreases in revenue at the combined institution would significantly exceed
the $100 million level publicly projected by Wells due to (a) the
divestitures which were anticipated to be required in order to obtain
regulatory approval for the transaction, (b) the decreases in the levels of
service and ability to generate revenue (both through branch consolidations
and substantial cuts in employment in the corporate banking and trust area)
which would be required to achieve such cost savings and (c) the likelihood,
based upon First Interstate's experience in acquiring other California
financial institutions, that the branch consolidations required to achieve
such cost savings would result in significant deposit attrition;
(vi) the fact that the cost savings and operating efficiencies expected
to result from the Merger primarily involve the consolidation of back office
and operating systems, which cost savings and operating efficiencies are
expected to be achieved without corresponding significant reductions in
revenues. In comparison, the cost savings and operating efficiencies
expected to result from a merger of First Interstate and Wells would, as
explained in paragraph (v) above, be accomplished, in large measure, by
reductions in line operations and therefore result in significant revenue
reductions;
(vii) the fact that First Interstate and FBS share common information
systems which should greatly facilitate the integration of the two
companies' operations and the achievement of cost savings and operating
efficiencies at a minimal cost. In contrast, Wells utilizes a system which
is incompatible with First Interstate's, which in turn could greatly impair
the combined company's ability to implement the technology conversion
required in the merger on a timely basis and which would require significant
expenditures before any cost savings and operating efficiencies could be
achieved at a later date;
(viii) the significant experience of the senior managements of each of
First Interstate and FBS in managing the operations of a multi-bank,
multi-state network and their proven record of achieving cost savings,
operating efficiencies and revenue enhancements in connection with the
integration of acquired companies. In particular, the First Interstate Board
noted that FBS had successfully integrated 22 acquisitions in the preceding
four years. In contrast, although Wells' senior management has a good
reputation for efficient, low-cost management, their experience has been
limited to the operation of a single bank in the State of California, and
they have not managed the process of consummating a significant bank
acquisition since 1988;
(ix) a comparison, based upon publicly available earnings estimates for
each of First Interstate, FBS and Wells for the fiscal years 1996-1998, of
the reported earnings per share and cash earnings per share attributable to
a share of First Interstate Common Stock (a) if First Interstate remained as
a stand-alone entity and (b) on a pro-forma per share equivalent basis
giving effect to each of the Merger and a merger with Wells, which
demonstrates the higher per share values which could be realized by First
Interstate shareholders in the Merger compared to those which could be
realized either in the stand-alone case or a First Interstate-Wells
combination;
(x) the First Interstate Board's assessment, with the assistance of
counsel, concerning the relative likelihood that each of FBS and Wells would
obtain all required regulatory approvals for a transaction with First
Interstate. In this regard, the First Interstate Board determined that
although it was likely that each of FBS and Wells would ultimately receive
all such approvals, because of significant antitrust concerns raised only in
a transaction with Wells, (a) it was
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possible that Wells would require a significantly longer period of time than
FBS to obtain all required regulatory approvals and (b) there was
significant risk that the divestitures which the appropriate governmental
entities would require as a condition to granting the required regulatory
approvals to Wells would significantly exceed Wells' estimates of such
divestitures, which would in turn contribute to reductions in revenue at the
combined institution in excess of those estimated by Wells;
(xi) the financial presentations of the First Interstate Financial
Advisors (including presentations of pro forma financial information with
respect to both the Merger and a merger of First Interstate and Wells) and
(a) the oral opinion of Goldman, Sachs rendered on November 5, 1995 (which
opinion was confirmed in writing the following day) that, as of the date of
such opinion, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the shareholders of First
Interstate (which opinion was not amended or withdrawn on November 19, 1995)
and (b) the November 5, 1995 opinion of Morgan Stanley that, as of the date
of such opinion, each of the Exchange Ratio, the exchange ratio of .625
proposed by Wells and the exchange ratio of .65 which might be proposed by
Wells was fair from a financial point of view to the shareholders of First
Interstate (which opinion with respect to the Exchange Ratio was reaffirmed
on November 19, 1995). See " -- Opinions of First Interstate Financial
Advisors." Copies of such opinions, setting forth the assumptions made,
matters considered and review undertaken, are attached as Appendices G and H
to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The full text of each such opinion
is incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing descriptions thereof
are qualified in their entirety by such reference. First Interstate
shareholders are urged to read these opinions carefully in their entirety;
(xii) the First Interstate Board's concerns, based upon presentations by
the First Interstate Financial Advisors and First Interstate management,
that because the Wells Common Stock currently is trading at ratios of price
to earnings, price to estimated 1996 earnings, price to book value and price
to tangible book value which are among the highest in the banking industry,
a risk exists that the value of the Wells Common Stock which would be
received by First Interstate's shareholders in the Wells Offer could decline
if these ratios are not sustained;
(xiii) the First Interstate Board's concerns that because the transaction
contemplated by the Wells Offer would be accounted for as a purchase rather
than as a pooling of interests, (a) the combined institution would have
limited flexibility to participate in the continuing unprecedented
consolidation of the banking industry (whether such participation would
consist of seeking to acquire additional financial institutions or seeking
to sell itself and receive a control premium) due to (x) its inability,
absent massive stock reissuances, to engage in a transaction accounted for
as a pooling-of-interests until the two years following the termination of
Wells' stock repurchases and (y) the fact that no other significant United
States bank holding company currently carries on its books the amount of
goodwill which would be carried by the combined institution (most of which
would result from the combination of First Interstate and Wells) and (b) a
risk existed that the value of the Wells Common Stock received by First
Interstate's shareholders in the Wells Offer would decline if the market was
to reject the view of Wells that, contrary to common practice in the banking
industry, the combined company should be valued with an emphasis on
cash-flows rather than reported earnings. In contrast, neither of these
concerns were raised by the Merger, which will be accounted for as a pooling
of interests;
(xiv) the favorable response of First Interstate's non-shareholder
constituencies (including its customers, communities served and employees)
to the Merger relative to their response to a transaction with Wells, and
the positive effect such response could have on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the combined company following the
Merger;
(xv) the current and prospective economic, regulatory and competitive
environment facing financial institutions, including First Interstate, FBS
and Wells, including without limitation the unprecedented consolidation
currently underway in the banking industry; and
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(xvi) the following additional factors which contributed to the First
Interstate Board's conclusion that the Merger is in the best interests of
First Interstate and its shareholders:
(A) the fact that the combined entity resulting from the Merger would
be the ninth largest banking institution in the United States in terms of
total assets and the fifth largest in terms of market value (based on
total assets and market prices as of September 30, 1995). The First
Interstate Board recognized that such an institution would be likely to
possess the financial resources necessary to compete more effectively in
the rapidly changing marketplace for banking and financial services and
would be effective in fulfilling First Interstate's long-term objectives
of increasing its overall size, continuing to increase geographic
diversification and enhancing its market presence while maintaining its
asset quality and credit standards;
(B) the expectation that the Merger will generally be a tax-free
transaction to First Interstate and its shareholders; and
(C) the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Stock Option Agreements
and the Fee Agreements, which were generally reciprocal in nature, and
certain other information regarding the Merger, including the terms and
structure of the Merger, the proposed arrangements with respect to the
board of the combined institution and the management structure of the
combined institution following the Merger.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
First Interstate Board is not intended to be exhaustive but includes all
material factors considered by the First Interstate Board. In reaching its
determination to approve and recommend the Merger and to recommend rejection of
the Wells Offer, the First Interstate Board did not assign any relative or
specific weights to the foregoing factors, and individual directors may have
given differing weights to different factors. Throughout its deliberations, the
First Interstate Board received the advice of the First Interstate Financial
Advisors and representatives of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, the firm
retained to serve as special counsel to First Interstate, and Irell & Manella,
the firm retained by the outside directors of First Interstate to serve as their
special counsel.
OPINION OF FBS FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated November 5, 1995, FBS retained J.P.
Morgan as its financial advisor in connection with the Merger.
At the meeting of the FBS Board on November 5, 1995, J.P. Morgan rendered
its oral opinion to the FBS Board that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio was
fair from a financial point of view to holders of FBS Common Stock. J.P. Morgan
has confirmed its November 5, 1995 oral opinion by delivering its written
opinion to the FBS Board, dated November 5, 1995, that, as of such date, the
Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to holders of FBS Common
Stock.
The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan, dated November 5, 1995,
which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the
review undertaken, is attached as Appendix F to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. FBS shareholders
are urged to read the opinion in its entirety. The summary of the opinion of
J.P. Morgan set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of such opinion. J.P. Morgan's written opinion is addressed to the FBS
Board, is directed only to the Exchange Ratio and does not constitute a
recommendation to any holder of FBS Common Stock as to how such shareholder
should vote at the FBS Special Meeting.
In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan, among other things: (i) reviewed
the Merger Agreement; (ii) reviewed First Interstate's Annual Report on Form
10-K and related financial information for the three fiscal years ending
December 31, 1992 through December 31, 1994, First Interstate's Form 10-Q for
the quarters ending March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995 and First Interstate's
unaudited financial results for the three-month period ending September 30,
1995; (iii) reviewed FBS's Annual Report on
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Form 10-K and related financial information for each of the three fiscal years
ending December 31, 1992 through December 31, 1994, FBS's Form 10-Q for the
quarters ending March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, FBS's unaudited financial
results for the three-month period ending September 30, 1995 and the unaudited
balance sheet and shares outstanding for FBS, pro forma for the FirsTier
Acquisition as of September 30, 1995; (iv) held discussions with certain members
of the senior management of First Interstate and FBS regarding the Merger,
certain aspects of past and current business operations, financial condition and
future prospects of their respective companies, and the effects of the Merger on
the financial condition and future prospects of FBS and First Interstate; (v)
reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for the FBS Common
Stock and First Interstate Common Stock and compared them with those of certain
publicly traded companies that it deemed to be relevant; (vi) compared the
financial terms of the Merger with the financial terms of certain other mergers
and acquisitions that were publicly available and that it deemed to be relevant;
(vii) considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on FBS's capitalization
ratios, earnings, and book value per share; and (viii) reviewed such other
information, financial studies and analyses and performed such other
investigations and took into account such other matters as it deemed necessary.
J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the
accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was
furnished to it by FBS or First Interstate or otherwise reviewed by it, and J.P.
Morgan has not assumed any responsibility or liability therefor. J.P. Morgan
also relied upon the management of FBS and First Interstate as to the
reasonableness and achievability of the financial and other operating forecasts
(and the assumptions and bases therefor) provided to it. In that regard, J.P.
Morgan assumed with FBS's consent that such forecasts, including, without
limitation, projected cost savings and operating synergies resulting from the
Merger and projections regarding underperforming and nonperforming assets, net
charge-offs and the adequacy of reserves, reflect the best currently available
estimates and judgments of such respective matters. In rendering its opinion,
J.P. Morgan did not act as an expert in the evaluation of allowances for loan
losses or related matters and it has not made an independent evaluation of the
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses of FBS or First Interstate nor has it
reviewed any credit files of FBS or First Interstate in connection with its
opinion. In addition, J.P. Morgan has not conducted any valuation or appraisal
of any assets or liabilities of FBS or First Interstate nor have any valuations
or appraisals been provided to J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan also assumed without
independent verification that the obligations of FBS and First Interstate
pursuant to derivatives, swaps, foreign exchange financial instruments and
off-balance-sheet lending related financial instruments will not have an adverse
effect that would be relevant to its analysis. J.P. Morgan has also assumed that
the Merger will have the tax consequences contemplated by the Merger Agreement,
and that the other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be
consummated as described in the Merger Agreement.
J.P. Morgan's opinion was based on economic, market and other conditions as
in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the date
of its opinion. Subsequent developments may affect J.P. Morgan's opinion, and
J.P. Morgan does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its
opinion beyond the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
J.P. Morgan's opinion has been rendered without regard to the necessity for,
or level of, any restrictions that may be imposed or divestitures that may be
required in the course of obtaining regulatory approvals for the Merger.
Set forth below is a summary of certain analyses performed by J.P. Morgan in
reaching its opinion dated November 5, 1995.
INTRODUCTION. Based on the aggregate consideration offered, using a
November 3, 1995 price for the FBS Common Stock, J.P. Morgan calculated the
price to market, price to book, price to tangible book, price to earnings, and
price to asset ratios for First Interstate. This analysis yielded a price
premium to market multiple of 3.5%, a price to book multiple of 2.8x, a price to
tangible book multiple of 3.5x, and a price to earnings multiple of 12.0x (based
on First Interstate's net earnings for the twelve months ended September 30,
1995).
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PRO FORMA MERGER ANALYSIS. J.P. Morgan analyzed certain pro forma effects
resulting from the Merger. This analysis indicated that the transaction would
result in earnings accretion per FBS Common Stock equivalent share in 1996 and
1997 (based upon projections provided by FBS and giving effect to merger synergy
assumptions provided by FBS). In this analysis, J.P. Morgan assumed that First
Interstate performed in accordance with the earnings forecast provided to J.P.
Morgan by FBS's management.
DISCOUNTED DIVIDEND STREAM ANALYSIS. Using a discounted dividend stream
analysis, J.P. Morgan estimated the present value of the future streams of
after-tax cash flows that First Interstate could produce, on a stand-alone
basis, through 2001 and distribute to shareholders ("dividendable net income").
In this analysis, J.P. Morgan assumed, for its base case, that First Interstate
performed in accordance with the earnings forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan by
FBS's management and that First Interstate could pay out up to 100% of its
available net income subject to the maintenance of First Interstate's tangible
common equity to tangible asset ratio at a minimum level of 6%. In estimating
the terminal values for First Interstate Common Stock, J.P. Morgan considered a
range of valuation methodologies, including perpetual earnings growth, price to
book and net earnings multiples. Based upon First Interstate's financial and
other characteristics, J.P. Morgan estimated the terminal values for the First
Interstate Common Stock using 10.5x and 11.0x net earnings multiples in the
terminal years. The dividendable net income streams and terminal values were
then discounted to present values using different discount rates (ranging from
10.2% to 11.2%) chosen to reflect First Interstate's estimated risk
characteristics. This base case discounted dividend stream analysis indicated a
reference range of between $132.92 and $142.78 per fully diluted share of First
Interstate Common Stock. This analysis was based upon FBS's management
projections, which were based upon many factors and assumptions, many of which
are beyond the control of FBS and First Interstate. As indicated below, this
analysis is not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual future results
and does not purport to reflect the prices at which any securities may trade at
the present or at any time in the future.
CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS. J.P. Morgan analyzed and compared the respective
contributions of each of FBS and First Interstate to New First Interstate based
upon a comparison of certain stock market and financial information for each
company as a separate entity on a stand-alone basis. This analysis did not take
into account any synergies. This analysis indicated that FBS would contribute to
New First Interstate (i) as of September 30, 1995, 37% based upon total assets,
42% based upon total loans, 31% based upon total deposits, 41% based upon total
shareholders' equity and (ii) 42% based upon fully diluted market capitalization
as of November 3, 1995. The relative contributions of FBS and First Interstate
based upon projected earnings were also analyzed. The Exchange Ratio would
result in holders of FBS Common Stock owning approximately 42% of New First
Interstate immediately after the Effective Time.
ANALYSIS OF SELECTED BANK MERGER TRANSACTIONS. In connection with its
opinion, J.P. Morgan reviewed and analyzed certain financial, operating and
stock market information relating to all merger transactions in excess of $1.0
billion announced during 1995 involving large commercial banking organizations.
J.P. Morgan focused on six such transactions because it believed that the banks
or the transactions were most closely comparable to FBS and First Interstate or
the Merger, as the case may be. These six transactions were the mergers of
CoreStates Financial Corp and Meridian Bancorp, Inc. (first announced on October
10, 1995), UJB Financial Corp and The Summit Bancorporation (first announced on
September 11, 1995), National City Corporation and Integra Financial Corporation
(first announced on August 28, 1995), PNC Bank Corporation and Midlantic
Corporation (first announced on July 10, 1995), First Union Corporation and
First Fidelity Bancorporation (first announced on June 19, 1995), and U.S.
Bancorp and West One Bancorp (first announced on May 8, 1995). This analysis
indicated that the exchange ratio received by the shareholders of the acquired
company represented (i) a percentage above market value ranging from
approximately 22% to 44% based upon closing stock prices five days prior to the
public announcement of the transaction, (ii) a multiple of latest twelve month
earnings per share ranging from approximately 10.9x to 34.7x (with
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only two transactions with a multiple in excess of 13.9x) and (iii) a multiple
of 1995 estimated earnings per share ranging from approximately 11.7x to 15.7x.
Based upon currently outstanding shares and the November 3, 1995 market prices
for FBS Common Stock and First Interstate Common Stock, the Exchange Ratio
represented (i) a percentage above the market value of First Interstate Common
Stock of approximately 3.5%, (ii) a multiple to the latest twelve months
earnings per share of First Interstate of approximately 12.0x and (iii) a
multiple to First Interstate's estimated 1995 earnings, normalized for estimated
excess loan loss provision, of approximately 13.3x. Earnings per share estimates
used in this analysis were the median Institutional Brokers Estimate System
("IBES") estimates as of October 26, 1995. IBES is a data service that monitors
and publishes a compilation of earnings estimates produced by selected research
analysts regarding companies of interest to institutional investors.
No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is
identical to FBS, First Interstate or the Merger. Accordingly, an analysis of
the results of the foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of
the companies involved and other factors that could affect the public trading
value of the companies that were compared. Mathematical analysis (such as
determining the average or median) is not, in itself, a meaningful method of
using comparable company or transaction data.
COMPARISON OF SELECTED COMPANIES. J.P. Morgan compared selected operating
and stock market data for First Interstate to the corresponding data of a peer
group of twelve super regional bank holding companies. J.P. Morgan focused on
the corresponding data of six such super regional bank holding companies that it
believed were most closely comparable to First Interstate. These six bank
holding companies were Wells, KeyCorp, Wachovia Corporation, SunTrust Banks,
Inc., PNC Bank Corp. and Norwest Corporation (collectively, the "First
Interstate Composite"). This analysis showed, among other things, that (i) the
ratio of First Interstate's market price to its estimated earnings per share
estimate for 1995, normalized for estimated excess loan loss provision, was
12.8x, as compared to a mean of 11.7x and a median of 11.3x for the First
Interstate Composite (with a range from 10.0x to 13.3x); (ii) the ratio of First
Interstate's market price to its estimated earnings per share estimate for 1996,
normalized for excess loan loss provision, was 11.6x, as compared to a mean of
10.5x and a median of 10.0x for the First Interstate Composite (with a range
from 9.1x to 12.2x); and (iii) as of November 3, 1995, the ratio of First
Interstate's market price to its book value per share was 2.7x, compared to a
mean of 2.0x and a median of 2.0x for the First Interstate Composite (with a
range from 1.4x to 3.0x). Earnings per share estimates used in this analysis
were the median IBES estimates as of October 28, 1995.
The summary of the J.P. Morgan opinion set forth above provides a
description of the principal elements of the analysis performed by J.P. Morgan
in arriving at its opinion. It does not purport to be a complete description of
such analyses. The preparation of a fairness opinion is not necessarily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes
that its analyses and the summary set forth above must be considered as a whole
and that selected portions of its analyses, without considering all analyses, or
selecting all or part of its analyses, without considering all factors and
analyses, would create an incomplete view of the procedures underlying the J.P.
Morgan opinion. In addition, while J.P. Morgan gave the various analyses
approximately similar weight it may have used them for different purposes, and
may have deemed various assumptions more or less reliable than other
assumptions, so that the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular
analysis described above should not be taken to be J.P. Morgan's view of the
actual value of First Interstate or FBS. The fact that any specific analysis has
been referred to in the summary above is not meant to indicate that such
analysis was given more weight than any other analyses.
In performing its analyses, J.P. Morgan made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of First Interstate or FBS.
The analyses performed by J.P. Morgan are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as
part of J.P. Morgan's analysis
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of the fairness of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of FBS Common Stock, the
conclusions of which were provided to the FBS Board. The analyses do not purport
to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which a company might actually be
sold or the prices at which any securities may trade at the present time or at
any time in the future. In addition, as described above, J.P. Morgan's opinion
to the FBS Board is just one of many factors taken into consideration by the FBS
Board.
As part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates
are regularly engaged in valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control
purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements, and valuation for estate, corporate and
other purposes. The FBS Board selected J.P. Morgan to act as FBS's financial
advisor with respect to the Merger based on J.P. Morgan's substantial experience
in mergers and acquisitions and its familiarity with FBS.
For services rendered in connection with the Merger, FBS has paid J.P.
Morgan $500,000 and has agreed to pay J.P. Morgan an additional fee upon
consummation of the Merger. This additional fee will be calculated as a minimum
of $10.0 million, providing the aggregate value (as defined) does not exceed
approximately $10,411,186,000; should the aggregate value exceed this amount, an
additional fee over the $10.0 million shall be payable to J.P. Morgan calculated
as .655% of the positive difference between the aggregate value and
approximately $10,411,186,000; provided that in no event may J.P. Morgan's total
compensation, including the fee previously paid and reimbursement for
out-of-pocket expenses, exceed $15.0 million. FBS has agreed to reimburse J.P.
Morgan for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
services provided by it, subject to the overall cap described above, and FBS has
agreed to indemnify J.P. Morgan against certain liabilities relating to or
arising out of its engagement, including liabilities under the securities laws.
J.P. Morgan and its affiliates maintain banking and other business
relationships with FBS, including financial advisory services, for which J.P.
Morgan and its affiliates earn customary fees.
In the ordinary course of their businesses, affiliates of J.P. Morgan may
actively trade the debt and equity securities of FBS or First Interstate for
their own accounts or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, they may
at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.
OPINIONS OF FIRST INTERSTATE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
PRESENTATIONS BY FIRST INTERSTATE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
First Interstate retained the First Interstate Financial Advisors in
connection with its consideration of the potential alternatives faced by First
Interstate. The First Interstate Financial Advisors were retained based upon the
qualifications, expertise and reputation of Goldman, Sachs and Morgan Stanley,
as well as upon their prior investment banking relationships with First
Interstate.
The following summarizes the material financial and comparative analyses
presented by the First Interstate Financial Advisors to the First Interstate
Board at its meeting on November 5, 1995. This summary does not purport to be a
complete description of the analyses underlying the opinions of the First
Interstate Financial Advisors.
SUMMARY COMPARISON OF POTENTIAL MERGER ALTERNATIVES. The First
Interstate Financial Advisors presented a brief summary of the Merger
compared to (i) a transaction in which each share of First Interstate Common
Stock would be exchanged for .625 shares of Wells Common Stock, the exchange
ratio offered by Wells (the ".625 Exchange Ratio") in the Initial Wells
Proposal and (ii) a potential merger between First Interstate and Wells in
which each share of First Interstate Common Stock would be exchanged for
.650 shares of Wells Common Stock, an exchange ratio discussed by Wells and
First Interstate, but not offered by Wells (the ".650 Exchange Ratio"). The
indicated values of the Exchange Ratio, the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650
Exchange Ratio were $132.28, $132.66 and $137.96, respectively. The
indicated values were determined by multiplying the applicable exchange
ratio by the closing price of the offeror's common stock on November 3, 1995
and each therefore necessarily was dependent upon the closing price of the
offeror's common stock at a specific time. The indicated values reflected
premiums over the closing price of First Interstate Common Stock on October
17, 1995, the last trading day prior to the date that the Initial Wells
Proposal was made, of 25% for the Exchange Ratio, 25% for the .625 Exchange
Ratio and 30% for the .650 Exchange Ratio.
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Among the other matters reviewed in that comparison were the indicated
values resulting from the Exchange Ratio, the .625 Exchange Ratio and the
.650 Exchange Ratio expressed as a multiple of First Interstate's tangible
book value and as a multiple of First Interstate's 1995 estimated earnings
per share. The Exchange Ratio, the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange
Ratio reflected multiples of 3.5, 3.5 and 3.6 times the tangible book value
of First Interstate at September 30, 1995, respectively. With respect to
First Interstate's 1995 estimated earnings per share, the Exchange Ratio and
the .625 Exchange Ratio each represented a multiple of 13.7 times the Wall
Street consensus estimates compared to a multiple of 14.3 for the .650
Exchange Ratio. Wall Street consensus estimates for First Interstate were
based upon earnings estimates compiled by First Interstate from a number of
research analysts, assuming a normalized loan loss provision. The analysis
also compared the indicated dividend and prospective ownership of the
combined entities. The indicated annual dividend to First Interstate common
shareholders was calculated to be $3.77 per share for the Exchange Ratio and
$3.20 for both the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio. The
First Interstate common shareholders were projected to own 58% of the
combined companies under the Merger, 50% of the combined companies under the
.625 Exchange Ratio, and 51% of the combined companies under the .650
Exchange Ratio.
SUMMARY FINANCIAL COMPARISON. The First Interstate Financial Advisors
made a summary financial comparison of First Interstate, FBS, Wells and a
super-regional composite consisting of BankAmerica Corporation, Banc One
Corporation, Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc., First Union Corporation, Fleet
Financial Corporation, KeyCorp, First Chicago NBD Corporation, National City
Corporation, NationsBank Corporation, Norwest Corporation, PNC Bank Corp.,
SunTrust Banks, Inc. and Wachovia Corporation (the "Super-Regional
Composite") on the basis of various financial ratios, including price to
book ratio, price to tangible book ratio, return on average common equity,
return on average assets, efficiency ratio, fee income ratio, reserves to
non-performing loans and tangible common equity ratio. The First Interstate
Financial Advisors also compared First Interstate, FBS and Wells on the
basis of estimated net income growth, earnings per share growth and 1995 and
1996 estimated price to earnings ratios. The historical financial data
summarized was at or for the quarter ended September 30, 1995. Except for
First Interstate, the summary was based upon the closing common stock prices
on November 2, 1995; in the case of First Interstate the summary was based
upon the closing common stock prices on October 17, 1995. Earnings estimates
for First Interstate, FBS and Wells were based upon Wall Street consensus
estimates assuming normalized loan loss provisions for First Interstate and
Wells. Growth rate estimates for First Interstate and FBS were based upon
estimates prepared by Goldman Sachs Equity Research and by the managements
of First Interstate and FBS. Growth rate estimates for Wells were based upon
an analysis of Wall Street consensus estimates and Goldman Sachs Equity
Research estimates.
Estimated price to earnings ratios based upon the Wall Street consensus
estimates were 11.0, 12.5, 14.6 and 10.8 times 1995 estimated earnings for
First Interstate, FBS, Wells and the Super-Regional Composite, respectively,
and 9.6, 11.1, 13.2 and 9.8 times 1996 estimated earnings for First
Interstate, FBS, Wells and the Super-Regional Composite, respectively. Wall
Street consensus estimates for FBS, Wells and the Super-Regional Composite
were based on the most recent available IBES estimates. Based on the closing
price of the First Interstate Common Stock on October 17, 1995, First
Interstate's per share price to book ratio and per share price to tangible
book ratio were 2.2 and 2.8, respectively. Based on the closing price of the
FBS Common Stock on November 2, 1995, FBS's per share price to book ratio
and per share price to tangible book ratio were 2.5 and 3.3 times,
respectively. Based on the closing price of the Wells Common Stock on
November 2, 1995, Wells's per share price to book ratio and per share price
to tangible book ratio were 3.0 and 3.9, respectively. The Super-Regional
Composite per share price to book ratio and per share price to tangible book
ratio, respectively, were 1.7 and 2.0 times the closing prices for the
common stock comprising the Super-Regional Composite banks on November 2,
1995. First
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Interstate's, FBS's, Wells' and the Super-Regional Composite's annualized
returns on average common equity and returns on average assets for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995 were 23.0% and 1.55%; 21.5% and 1.76%;
24.6% and 1.73%; and 17.2% and 1.25%, respectively.
The First Interstate Financial Advisors presented tangible common equity
ratios of 5.32% for First Interstate, 6.15% for FBS, 5.20% for Wells and
6.29% for the Super-Regional Composite and a ratio of reserves to
non-performing loans of 356% for First Interstate, 390% for FBS, 312% for
Wells and 281% for the Super-Regional Composite.
Projected earnings per share growth rates for the period 1995-1999 were
16.8% for First Interstate and 12.6% for FBS based on the respective
management's estimates and 11.4% for Wells based on analysis of Wall Street
estimates. Projected earnings per share growth by Goldman Sachs Equity
Research for 1995-1997 were 10.4%, 14.0% and 14.2% for First Interstate, FBS
and Wells, respectively. The net income growth rate for the period 1995-1999
was estimated to be 11.7% and 9.5% for First Interstate and FBS based on the
respective management's estimates and 5.6% for Wells based on an analysis of
Wall Street estimates. For the quarter ended September 30, 1995, annualized,
First Interstate had an efficiency ratio of 56%, FBS had an efficiency ratio
of 49%, Wells had an efficiency ratio of 52% and the Super-Regional
Composite had an efficiency ratio of 60%. The efficiency ratio is the ratio
of non-interest expense (excluding restructuring charges, other real estate
owned and goodwill amortization) to the sum of (i) net income before the
provision for loan and lease losses and (ii) non-interest income (excluding
securities gains and losses). For the quarter ended September 30, 1995,
First Interstate had a fee income ratio of 31% and FBS, Wells and the
Super-Regional Composite had fee income ratios of 34%, 33% and 34%,
respectively. The fee income ratio is the ratio of fee income to total
revenues.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL ANALYSIS. The First Interstate Financial Advisors
analyzed the pro forma per share financial impact of the Exchange Ratio, the
.625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio from the perspective of
First Interstate as well as from the perspectives of FBS and Wells. The
analysis considered the pro forma effects of the transaction on a variety of
financial measures, including, among others, earnings per share, cash
earnings per share (I.E. earnings per share before goodwill amortization),
net income growth and tangible book value per share, capital ratios and
various profitability measures. The analysis was based alternatively on
either (a) the internal financial forecast of First Interstate's management
(the "First Interstate Management Forecast") or (b) Wall Street consensus
estimates for First Interstate (the "First Interstate Wall Street Consensus
Estimates"), and in all cases on FBS' management's internal financial
forecast for FBS and the Wall Street consensus estimates for Wells. In
preparing the analysis, all earnings data were adjusted for normalized loan
loss provisions for First Interstate and Wells and excluded restructuring
charges and reserve reversals. This analysis was based on the assumption
that the combined companies would realize the projected operating
performance assumptions within the specified time range as indicated by FBS
or Wells.
FIRST INTERSTATE PRO FORMA PER SHARE ANALYSIS. The analysis performed
indicated that the Merger would be accretive to earnings per share from
First Interstate's perspective in 1996 and 1997 by 6% and 19%, respectively,
under the First Interstate Management Forecast and by 8% and 23%,
respectively, under the First Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates. By
the same measures, a combination with Wells under the .625 Exchange Ratio
would be dilutive by 10% and 9% under the First Interstate Management
Forecast; and by 8% and 6% under the First Interstate Wall Street Consensus
Estimates and under the .650 Exchange Ratio would be dilutive by 8% and 8%
under the First Interstate Management Forecast and by 6% and 5% under the
First Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates, respectively. The Merger
would also be accretive to 1996 earnings per share from First Interstate's
perspective on a full cost savings basis which gives effect to the full
amount of estimated cost savings in that year, by 22% and 24% under the
First Interstate Management Forecast and the First Interstate Wall Street
Consensus Estimates, respectively. On the same basis, a combination with
Wells under the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio would be
accretive by 9% and 10%, respectively, under the First Interstate
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Management Forecast and by 11% and 11%, respectively, under the First
Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates. In addition, the Merger was
projected to be accretive to 1996 and 1997 cash earnings per share by 8% and
20% under the First Interstate Management Forecast and by 10% and 24% under
the First Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates; a combination with
Wells was projected to be (i) dilutive to 1996 and 1997 cash earnings per
share by 4% and 1% under the .625 Exchange Ratio, and dilutive to 1996 cash
earnings per share by 2% and accretive to 1997 cash earnings per share by 1%
under the .650 Exchange Ratio using the First Interstate Management Forecast
and (ii) dilutive to 1996 cash earnings per share by 3% and accretive to
1997 cash earnings per share by 2% under the .625 Exchange Ratio and
accretive to 1997 cash earnings per share by 4% with an immaterial impact on
1996 cash earnings per share using the .650 Exchange Ratio under the First
Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates.
The analysis also estimated the percentage growth in net income during
the period 1996 through 1999 based on the First Interstate Management
Forecast to be 12.3% for the Exchange Ratio, 11.8% for the .625 Exchange
Ratio and 11.7% for the .650 Exchange Ratio. The net income growth rates
assuming First Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates were 10.6%, 10.3%
and 10.2% for the Exchange Ratio, the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650
Exchange Ratio, respectively. From First Interstate's perspective, tangible
book value per share was estimated to decrease by (i) 1% under the Exchange
Ratio, (ii) 13% under the .625 Exchange Ratio and (iii) 11% under the .650
Exchange Ratio. The projected impact of the Merger and a combination with
Wells on First Interstate's per share return on average assets, return on
average common equity and return on average tangible common equity for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995 (assuming normalized loan loss provision
and full phase in of expense savings and in the case of return on average
tangible common equity before goodwill amortization) were also analyzed. The
returns estimated to result from the Merger were: a 1.98% return on average
assets, a 27.5% return on average common equity and a 38.1% return on
average tangible common equity. The returns estimated to result from the
.625 Exchange Ratio were a 1.68% return on average assets, a 13.4% return on
average common equity, and a 33.2% return on average tangible common equity;
and the returns estimated to result from the .650 Exchange Ratio were a
1.66% return on average assets, a 12.8% return on average common equity and
a 32.9% return on average tangible common equity).
The First Interstate pro forma per share fee income ratio was estimated
to be 32% for the Exchange Ratio compared to 33% for each of the .625
Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio, based upon results for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995. The efficiency ratio was estimated to be
45% for the Exchange Ratio and 44% for the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650
Exchange Ratio. The theoretical market value of the combined companies based
upon market capitalization and the present value of estimated cost savings
was estimated to be $138 per share for the Exchange Ratio and $141 and $144
per share for the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio,
respectively.
FBS PRO FORMA PER SHARE ANALYSIS. From FBS' perspective, the analysis
performed indicates, among other things, that the Merger would be (i)
accretive to 1997 earnings per share by 20% using the First Interstate
Management Forecast and by 15% using the First Interstate Wall Street
Consensus Estimate, (ii) accretive to 1997 cash earnings per share by 16%
using the First Interstate Management Forecast and 11% using the First
Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates and (iii) dilutive to FBS'
tangible book value per share by 5%. Under the Merger, FBS' ratio of
tangible common equity to tangible assets would be reduced to 5.48% from
6.15%.
WELLS PRO FORMA PER SHARE ANALYSIS. From Wells' perspective, the
analysis performed indicated, among other things, that a combination with
Wells would be (i) accretive by 6% and 3% to 1997 earnings per share under
the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio, respectively, under the
First Interstate Management Forecast and accretive by 1% and dilutive by 2%
under the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio, respectively,
using the First Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates, (ii) accretive
by 18% and 16% to 1997 cash earnings per share under the .625 Exchange Ratio
and the .650 Exchange Ratio, respectively, using the First
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Interstate Management Forecast and accretive by 13% and 11% under the .625
Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio, respectively, under the First
Interstate Wall Street Consensus Estimates, and (iii) dilutive to Wells'
tangible book value per share by 1% under the .625 Exchange Ratio and by 3%
under the .650 Exchange Ratio. Under both the .625 Exchange Ratio and the
.650 Exchange Ratio, Wells' ratio of tangible common equity to tangible
assets would be reduced to 4.86% from 5.20%.
EXCHANGE RATIO VALUATIONS, STOCK PRICE STUDY AND SUMMARY INVESTMENT
RESEARCH OUTLOOK. The First Interstate Financial Advisors compared the
implied value of the Exchange Ratio with the .625 Exchange Ratio and the
.650 Exchange Ratio for four periods; the one month and three month periods
preceding the Initial Wells Proposal (September 18 to October 17 and July 17
to October 17) and the one month and three month periods preceding the
November 5, 1995 First Interstate Board meeting (October 2 to November 2 and
August 2 to November 2). Implied value was determined for these purposes by
multiplying the applicable exchange ratio by the closing prices per share of
the offeror's common stock on each trading day in the relevant period. The
high and low implied values for the period September 18 to October 17, 1995
for the Exchange Ratio were $135.20 and $120.25, for the .625 Exchange Ratio
were $133.52 and $113.83 and for the .650 Exchange Ratio were $138.86 and
$118.38. The high and low implied values for the period July 17 to October
17, 1995 for the Exchange Ratio were $135.20 and $110.50, for the .625
Exchange Ratio were $133.52 and $111.09 and for the .650 Exchange Ratio were
$138.86 and $115.54. The high and low implied values for the period October
2 to November 2, 1995 for the Exchange Ratio were $135.20 and $125.45, for
the .625 Exchange Ratio were $143.13 and $118.75 and for the .650 Exchange
Ratio were $148.85 and $123.50. The high and low implied values for the
period August 2 to November 2, 1995 for the Exchange Ratio were $135.20 and
$111.80, for the .625 Exchange Ratio were $143.13 and $111.09 and for the
.650 Exchange Ratio were $148.85 and $115.54.
OTHER. In addition, the First Interstate Financial Advisors examined
and presented data on the historical impact of selected banking transactions
on the price of an acquiror's common stock, and summarized the historical
common stock performance of First Interstate, FBS, Wells and the
Super-Regional Composite. The First Interstate Financial Advisors also
provided the First Interstate Board with a summary of publicly available
research reports on First Interstate, FBS and Wells, the rating given to
each by the analyst, the estimated price target for the common stock of each
institution, which ranged from $113-$120 per share for First Interstate,
$50-$58 per share for FBS and $210-$229 per share for Wells, depending upon
the analyst, and 1996 and 1997 earnings per share estimates, ranging from
$11.00-$11.85 per share for First Interstate ($10.40-$11.00 adjusted for
normalized loan loss provisions), $4.40-$4.70 per share for FBS and $21-$23
per share for Wells ($17.55-$18.85 adjusted for normalized loan loss
provisions), depending upon the analyst.
At the meeting of the First Interstate Board of Directors held on November
19, 1995, the First Interstate Financial Advisors updated their analysis in
light of the Wells Offer and to reflect common stock prices on November 17,
1995. The November 19 presentation analyzed the Wells Offer in comparison to the
Exchange Ratio using substantially the same methods as described above for the
November 5, 1995 board meeting, except for the additional analyses summarized
below. The indicated values on November 17, 1995 were $137.80 for the Exchange
Ratio and $141.17 for the Wells Offer. The summary financial comparison of
selected banks included additional financial information for each of the banks
comprising the Super-Regional Composite. The pro forma financial analyses
compared the pro forma First Interstate, FBS and Wells per share impact of the
Exchange Ratio and the Wells Offer. The Wells Offer was analyzed using both $700
million and revised $900 million net cost savings estimates provided by Wells
(net of anticipated revenue attrition of $100 million in each case). The
earnings estimates used in the pro forma analysis were Wall Street consensus
estimates compiled by First Interstate management for First Interstate,
management estimates for FBS and Wall Street consensus estimates for Wells. A
five-year indexed common stock price history and a comparison of
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historical returns and projected five-year earnings per share growth for FBS and
Wells and the Super-Regional Composite were presented at the November 19
meeting. The First Interstate Financial Advisors also presented an analysis of
the sensitivity of (x) hypothetical prices per share of FBS and Wells Common
Stock to (y) various 1997 estimated price to pro forma earnings ratios for FBS
and Wells multiplied by 2.60 in the case of FBS and two-thirds in the case of
Wells. The exchange ratio valuations were updated to include the one week, one
month and three months periods prior to the November 19, 1995 board meeting.
The projections furnished to the First Interstate Financial Advisors for
First Interstate and FBS were prepared by the respective managements of each
company. As of November 5, 1995, as a matter of policy, neither First Interstate
nor FBS publicly disclosed internal management projections of the type provided
to the First Interstate Financial Advisors in connection with their analyses of
the Merger, and such projections were not prepared with a view toward public
disclosure. These projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions
which are inherently uncertain and which may not be within the control of
management, including, without limitation, factors related to general economic,
competitive and regulatory conditions and prevailing interest rates.
Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in
such projections.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. Each of
the First Interstate Financial Advisors believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses, without
considering the analyses taken as a whole, would create an incomplete view of
the process underlying the analyses set forth in its opinions. In addition, each
of the First Interstate Financial Advisors may have given various analyses more
or less weight than other analyses, and may have deemed various assumptions more
or less probable than others, so that the ranges of valuations resulting from
any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be the First
Interstate Financial Advisors' view of the actual value of First Interstate or a
combination of either First Interstate and FBS or First Interstate and Wells.
In performing its analyses, each of the First Interstate Financial Advisors
made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general
business, economic and regulatory conditions and other matters, many of which
are beyond the control of First Interstate or FBS. The analyses performed by the
First Interstate Financial Advisors are not necessarily indicative of actual
values, trading values or actual future results that might be achieved, all of
which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such
analyses. Such analyses were prepared solely as a part of each First Interstate
Financial Advisor's analysis of the fairness of the Merger and were provided to
the First Interstate Board. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to
reflect the prices at which a company might be sold. In addition, as described
above, the opinions of the First Interstate Financial Advisors were one of many
factors taken into consideration by the First Interstate Board in making its
determination to approve the Merger. Consequently, the analyses described above
should not be viewed as determinative of the First Interstate Board's or First
Interstate management's opinion with respect to the value of First Interstate or
a combination of either First Interstate and FBS or First Interstate and Wells
or of whether the First Interstate Board or First Interstate management would
have been willing to agree to a different exchange ratio.
Each First Interstate Financial Advisor is an internationally recognized
investment banking and advisory firm. Each, as part of its investment banking
business, is continuously engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities
in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities,
private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. In the
course of its market making and other trading activities, each may, from time to
time, have a long or short position in, and may buy and sell, securities of
First Interstate, FBS, Wells and other relevant financial institutions. In the
past, each of the First Interstate Financial Advisors and certain of their
affiliates have provided financial advisory and financial services to First
Interstate, FBS and Wells and have received customary fees for the rendering of
these services.
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First Interstate agreed to pay each of the First Interstate Financial
Advisors fees of $10 million, half of which was paid upon the execution of the
engagement letter with each firm and half of which was paid upon execution of
the Merger Agreement. An additional fee is payable upon consummation of the
Merger (or any other transaction in which at least 50% of the outstanding First
Interstate Common Stock is acquired) calculated as .655% of the positive
difference between the aggregate value (as defined in the engagement letters)
and approximately $10,411,186,000; PROVIDED that in no event may the aggregate
of all compensation to each First Interstate Financial Advisor exceed .175% of
the aggregate value. For purposes of calculating the amount due the First
Interstate Financial Advisors, securities are valued on the basis of the average
of the last sales prices for such securities on the twenty trading days ending
five days prior to the consummation of the transaction. In addition, First
Interstate has agreed to reimburse each of the First Interstate Financial
Advisors for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
the services provided by it and to indemnify and hold harmless each of the First
Interstate Financial Advisors and certain related parties, to the full extent
lawful, from and against certain liabilities and expenses, including certain
liabilities under the federal securities laws, incurred in connection with its
engagement.
OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
At the November 5, 1995 meeting of the First Interstate Board, Goldman,
Sachs rendered an oral opinion that, as of such date and based upon and subject
to various qualifications and assumptions described with respect to its opinion,
the Exchange Ratio was fair to the holders of First Interstate Common Stock.
Goldman, Sachs delivered to the First Interstate Board a written opinion dated
as of November 6 confirming its November 5, 1995 oral opinion. At the First
Interstate Board meeting held on November 19, 1995, Goldman, Sachs advised the
First Interstate Board in writing that nothing had come to its attention that
would cause it to withdraw or amend either its oral opinion given to the First
Interstate Board on November 5, 1995, or the written confirmation thereof dated
November 6, 1995.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS, WHICH SETS FORTH ASSUMPTIONS
MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS ON THE SCOPE OF REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS
ATTACHED AS APPENDIX G TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS. FIRST
INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THIS OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY. NO
LIMITATIONS WERE IMPOSED BY THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD UPON GOLDMAN, SACHS WITH
RESPECT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS MADE OR PROCEDURES FOLLOWED BY IT IN RENDERING ITS
OPINIONS. GOLDMAN, SACHS' OPINION WHICH IS ADDRESSED TO THE FIRST INTERSTATE
BOARD, IS DIRECTED ONLY TO THE EXCHANGE RATIO AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
RECOMMENDATION TO ANY FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH SHAREHOLDER
SHOULD VOTE AT THE FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINION
OF GOLDMAN, SACHS SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
In connection with rendering its oral opinion presented to the First
Interstate Board of Directors on November 5, 1995 and its written opinion dated
November 6, 1995, Goldman, Sachs, among other things: (i) analyzed certain
publicly available financial statements and other information of First
Interstate and FBS, respectively, (ii) analyzed certain internal financial
analyses and forecasts prepared by the managements of First Interstate and FBS,
respectively, including analyses of certain cost savings, operating efficiences,
revenue effects and financial synergies expected by First Interstate and FBS to
be achieved as a result of the Merger; (iii) reviewed and considered information
prepared by senior management of First Interstate and FBS relating to the
relative contributions of First Interstate and FBS to the combined company and
the estimated pro forma impact of the Merger on earnings per share, consolidated
capitalization and certain other financial ratios for the combined company as
compared to First Interstate and FBS; (iv) discussed the past and current
business operations, regulatory relationships, financial condition and future
prospects of First Interstate and FBS with senior executives of First Interstate
and FBS and each senior management's assessment of the strategic fit and
implications of the Merger; (v) reviewed certain public research reports
concerning First Interstate, FBS and Wells, including earnings estimates
contained therein, with the management of First Interstate; (vi) reviewed the
results of First Interstate's due diligence review of FBS with senior management
of First Interstate; (vii) compared the financial performance of First
Interstate and FBS and the prices and trading activity of First Interstate
Common Stock and FBS Common
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Stock with that of certain other comparable publicly traded super-regional bank
and bank holding companies and their securities; (viii) reviewed the financial
terms of certain recent business combinations in the commercial banking industry
specifically and in other industries generally; (ix) reviewed the draft Merger
Agreement and certain related documents; and (x) performed such other analyses
as it deemed appropriate.
Goldman, Sachs assumed and relied upon, without independent verification,
the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by it for the purposes
of its opinion. With respect to the financial forecasts, including, without
limitation, the analyses and forecasts of certain cost savings, operating
efficiencies, revenue effects and financial synergies expected to result from a
merger with FBS, projections regarding under-performing and non-performing
assets and net charge-offs, Goldman, Sachs assumed that they were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and
judgments of the future competitive, operating and regulatory environments and
related financial performance of First Interstate or FBS, respectively, and that
such forecasts will be realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated.
Goldman, Sachs did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets
or liabilities of First Interstate or FBS, nor was it furnished with any such
appraisals. In addition, Goldman, Sachs did not examine any individual loan
credit files of First Interstate or FBS. Goldman, Sachs assumed that the
allowances for loan and lease losses established by First Interstate and FBS are
adequate to cover such losses, and derivatives, swaps, foreign exchange,
financial instruments and off-balance lending-related financial instruments of
First Interstate and FBS will not have an adverse effect that would be relevant
to its analysis. Goldman, Sachs has also assumed that any necessary regulatory
approvals and third-party consents obtained for the Merger would not have a
material adverse effect on First Interstate, FBS or New First Interstate.
Goldman, Sachs has also assumed, based upon information provided by senior
management of First Interstate, that the Merger is of long-term strategic
importance to First Interstate.
Goldman, Sachs further assumed that the Merger would qualify as a tax-free
reorganization, would be accounted for as a pooling of interests business
combination under the requirements of APB No. 16 and would be consummated in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. Goldman, Sachs' opinion was
based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information available to it as of, the date of its opinion. Goldman, Sachs did
not express any opinion as to the price or range of prices at which the New
First Interstate Common Stock might trade subsequent to the Merger. In addition,
Goldman, Sachs' opinion did not address the relative merits of the Merger and
alternative potential transactions. No opinion was rendered by Goldman, Sachs as
to the fairness of the Merger to the holders of any series of First Interstate
Preferred Stock.
OPINION OF MORGAN STANLEY
At the November 5, 1995 meeting of the First Interstate Board, Morgan
Stanley rendered its written opinion to the First Interstate Board that, as of
such date, the Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the
holders of First Interstate Common Stock (other than FBS and its affiliates). At
the November 19, 1995 meeting of the First Interstate Board, Morgan Stanley
reaffirmed as of such date its opinion of November 5, 1995.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINIONS OF MORGAN STANLEY, WHICH SET FORTH ASSUMPTIONS
MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, ARE ATTACHED AS
APPENDIX H TO THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. NO LIMITATIONS WERE IMPOSED
BY THE FIRST INTERSTATE BOARD UPON MORGAN STANLEY WITH RESPECT TO THE
INVESTIGATIONS MADE OR PROCEDURES FOLLOWED BY IT IN RENDERING ITS OPINIONS.
FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE OPINIONS IN THEIR
ENTIRETY. MORGAN STANLEY'S OPINIONS ARE DIRECTED ONLY TO THE FAIRNESS FROM A
FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW OF THE EXCHANGE RATIO AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A
RECOMMENDATION TO ANY FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH SHAREHOLDER
SHOULD VOTE AT THE FIRST INTERSTATE SPECIAL MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINIONS
OF MORGAN STANLEY SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINIONS.
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In connection with rendering its opinion dated as of November 5, 1995,
Morgan Stanley, among other things: (i) analyzed certain publicly available
financial statements and other information of First Interstate and FBS,
respectively; (ii) analyzed internal financial statements and other financial
and operating data concerning First Interstate and FBS prepared by the
managements of First Interstate and FBS, respectively; (iii) analyzed financial
projections prepared by the managements of First Interstate and FBS,
respectively; (iv) discussed the past and current operations and financial
condition and the prospects of First Interstate and FBS with senior executives
of First Interstate and FBS, respectively; (v) reviewed the reported prices and
trading activity for the First Interstate Common Stock and the FBS Common Stock;
(vi) compared the financial performance of First Interstate and FBS and the
prices and trading activity of the First Interstate Common Stock and the FBS
Common Stock with that of certain other comparable bank holding companies and
their securities; (vii) discussed the strategic objectives of the Merger and the
plan for the combined company with senior executives of First Interstate and
FBS; (viii) analyzed certain pro forma financial projections for the combined
company prepared by First Interstate and FBS; (ix) reviewed and discussed with
the senior managements of First Interstate and FBS certain estimates of the
potential cost savings and anticipated revenue enhancements expected to result
from the Merger; (x) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly
available, of certain comparable bank holding company merger transactions; (xi)
participated in discussions among representatives of First Interstate and FBS
and their financial and legal advisors; (xii) reviewed the proposed Merger
Agreement and certain related agreements; and (xiii) performed such other
analyses as it deemed appropriate.
Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon without independent verification the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by it for the purposes of
its November 5, 1995 opinion. With respect to the financial projections,
including estimates of cost savings and revenue enhancements expected to result
from the Merger, Morgan Stanley assumed that they were reasonably prepared on
bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the
future financial performance of First Interstate and FBS, respectively. Morgan
Stanley also assumed that off-balance sheet activities of First Interstate and
FBS, including derivatives and other similar financial instruments, will not
adversely affect the future financial position and results of operations of the
combined enterprise. Morgan Stanley did not make any independent valuation or
appraisal of the assets or liabilities of First Interstate or FBS, nor was it
furnished with any such appraisals. In addition, Morgan Stanley did not examine
any individual loan credit files of First Interstate or FBS. Morgan Stanley also
assumed that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under
generally accepted accounting principals. Morgan Stanley's November 5, 1995
opinion was based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and
the information made available to it as of, the date of such opinion.
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Morgan Stanley noted in its November 5, 1995 opinion that based on closing
prices on November 3, 1995, the indicated values of both the .625 Exchange Ratio
and the .650 Exchange Ratio were higher than the indicated value of the Exchange
Ratio. Morgan Stanley also noted in its November 5, 1995 opinion that, as of
November 5, 1995 based upon publicly available information in the case of Wells,
each of the .625 Exchange Ratio and the .650 Exchange Ratio would have been fair
from a financial point of view to the holders of First Interstate Common Stock
(other than Wells and its affiliates).
In connection with its opinion dated November 19, 1995, Morgan Stanley among
other things: (i) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the
First Interstate Common Stock and the FBS Common Stock from November 3, 1995 to
the date thereof; (ii) confirmed with senior managements of First Interstate and
FBS that there have been no material changes or developments in the information
previously provided to it by the respective managements in connection with
Morgan Stanley's November 5, 1995 opinion, except for information relating to
the Wells Offer; and (iii) performed such other analyses as it deemed
appropriate. In addition, the information, analyses, assumptions and limitations
contained or referred to in Morgan Stanley's November 5, 1995 opinion letter
were made a part of the November 19, 1995 opinion letter and were incorporated
therein by reference.
In its November 19, 1995 opinion Morgan Stanley noted that it had been
informed of the Wells Offer. Based on the closing price of Wells Common Stock on
November 17, 1995, Morgan Stanley noted that the indicated value of the Wells
Offer would be $141.17 per share of First Interstate Common Stock.
CONVERSION OF FIRST INTERSTATE CAPITAL STOCK; EFFECTS ON FBS SHAREHOLDERS
CONVERSION OF FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK. At the Effective Time, each
share of First Interstate Common Stock outstanding, other than shares held in
First Interstate's treasury, by any of its subsidiaries or held by FBS or any
subsidiary of FBS (except, in both cases, for Trust Account Shares), will be
converted into the right to receive 2.60 shares of New First Interstate Common
Stock.
CONVERSION OF FIRST INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK. At the Effective Time, each
share of First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the right to
receive one share of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and each share
of First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive one
share of New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock. The terms of the New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred
Stock will be substantially the same as the terms of the corresponding series of
First Interstate Preferred Stock. See "The Merger -- Certain Differences in
Rights of Shareholders of First Interstate and New First Interstate." At the
Effective Time, New First Interstate will assume the obligations of First
Interstate under the Deposit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 1991, between
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of California, as depositary
(relating to the First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock), and the Deposit
Agreement, dated as of May 29, 1992, between First Interstate and First
Interstate Bank of California, as depositary (relating to the First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock). New First Interstate will instruct First Interstate Bank
of California (the "Depositary"), as depositary under each of the deposit
agreements (the "Deposit Agreements"), to treat the shares of New First
Interstate Preferred Stock received by it in exchange for shares of First
Interstate Preferred Stock as new deposited securities under the applicable
Deposit Agreement. In accordance with the terms of the relevant Deposit
Agreement, the First Interstate Depositary Receipts then outstanding will
thereafter represent the shares of the relevant series of New First Interstate
Preferred Stock. New First Interstate will request that the Depositary call for
surrender of all outstanding First Interstate Depositary Receipts to be
exchanged for New First Interstate Depositary Receipts evidencing the New First
Interstate Depositary Shares. See "Description of FBS and New First Interstate
Capital Stock."
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Each outstanding share of First Interstate Capital Stock owned by FBS or its
subsidiaries or First Interstate or its subsidiaries (except for Trust Account
Shares) or by First Interstate as treasury stock will be canceled at the
Effective Time and will cease to exist, and no securities of FBS or other
consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor. All shares of FBS Common
Stock that are owned by First Interstate or its subsidiaries (except for Trust
Account Shares) will become treasury stock of FBS.
CONVERSION OF FIRST INTERSTATE STOCK OPTIONS. Upon consummation of the
Merger, each First Interstate Stock Option issued by First Interstate pursuant
to any First Interstate Stock Plan that is outstanding and unexercised
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted automatically into a
New First Interstate Option to purchase shares of New First Interstate Common
Stock with (i) the number of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock subject
to the New First Interstate Option being equal to the product of the number of
shares of First Interstate Common Stock subject to the First Interstate Stock
Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio and rounded down to the nearest share
and (ii) the exercise price per share of New First Interstate Common Stock
subject to the New First Interstate Option being equal to the exercise price per
share of First Interstate Common Stock under the First Interstate Stock Option
divided by the Exchange Ratio and rounded up to the nearest cent. The conversion
is intended to be effected in a manner such that any First Interstate Stock
Options that are "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of
the Code shall remain so. As discussed below, pursuant to the terms of the First
Interstate Stock Plans and the FBS stock option plans, respectively, each First
Interstate Stock Option held by active employees will vest and become
exercisable, and each option to purchase FBS Common Stock granted under the FBS
Stock Option Plans will vest and become exercisable, in connection with the
Merger. See "-- Conduct of Business Pending the Merger and Other Agreements" and
"-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger." Consummation of the Merger will
constitute a change in control of FBS for purposes of FBS's benefit plans, and
approval of the Merger Agreement by First Interstate's shareholders will
constitute a change in control of First Interstate for purposes of First
Interstate's benefit plan. Other than with respect to the acceleration of the
exercisability of such First Interstate Stock Options upon approval of the
Merger Agreement by the shareholders of First Interstate, the duration and other
terms of the New First Interstate Stock Options shall be the same as the
predecessor First Interstate Stock Options.
EFFECT ON FBS SHAREHOLDERS. At the Effective Time, each share of FBS Common
Stock then issued and outstanding will continue as one share of New First
Interstate Common Stock. Also at the Effective Time, each share of FBS 1991A
Preferred Stock then issued and outstanding will continue as one share of
preferred stock of New First Interstate.
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES AND DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS; FRACTIONAL SHARES
FIRST INTERSTATE. At or prior to the Effective Time, FBS will deposit, or
cause to be deposited, with First Chicago Trust Company of New York (the
"Exchange Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of certificates of First
Interstate Capital Stock, certificates representing the shares of New First
Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate Preferred Stock (and cash in
lieu of fractional shares of New First Interstate Capital Stock, if applicable).
As soon as is practicable after the Effective Time, and in no event later
than ten business days thereafter, the Exchange Agent will mail a form of
transmittal letter to the holders of certificates representing shares of First
Interstate Capital Stock. The form of transmittal letter will contain
instructions with respect to the surrender of such certificates in exchange for
shares of New First Interstate Capital Stock (and cash in lieu of fractional
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock, if applicable).
THE DEPOSITARY IS THE ONLY HOLDER OF RECORD OF SHARES OF FIRST INTERSTATE
PREFERRED STOCK, WHICH ARE REPRESENTED BY THE FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY
SHARES. THE EXCHANGE AGENT WILL EFFECT THE EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING
THE FIRST INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK FOR CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING THE NEW FIRST
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INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER. ALL HOLDERS OF RECORD
OF FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES EVIDENCED BY FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY
RECEIPTS SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXCHANGE PROCEDURES OUTLINED IMMEDIATELY BELOW.
Promptly after the Effective Time, the Depositary will mail to each holder
of record of First Interstate Depositary Shares a notice advising the holder of
the effectiveness of the Merger accompanied by a transmittal form (the
"Depositary Receipt Transmittal Form"). The Depositary Receipt Transmittal Form
will contain instructions with respect to the surrender of First Interstate
Depositary Receipts evidencing First Interstate Depositary Shares and will
specify that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to such First
Interstate Depositary Receipts will pass, only upon delivery of the First
Interstate Depositary Receipts to the Depositary. Upon surrender in accordance
with the instructions contained in the Depositary Receipt Transmittal Form, to
the Depositary of First Interstate Depositary Receipts evidencing First
Interstate Depositary Shares, the holder thereof will be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor New First Interstate Depositary Receipts evidencing the
appropriate number of New First Interstate Depositary Shares.
FIRST INTERSTATE STOCK CERTIFICATES AND FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
SHOULD NOT BE RETURNED WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND SHOULD NOT BE FORWARDED
TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT OR THE DEPOSITARY EXCEPT WITH A TRANSMITTAL FORM, WHICH
WILL BE PROVIDED TO HOLDERS FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
No dividends or other distributions declared with respect to New First
Interstate Common Stock or New First Interstate Preferred Stock (including the
related New First Interstate Depositary Shares) with a record date after the
Effective Time will be paid to the holder of any certificate representing shares
of First Interstate Capital Stock or any First Interstate Depositary Receipt
until such certificate or receipt has been surrendered for exchange. Holders of
certificates representing shares of First Interstate Common Stock or First
Interstate Preferred Stock (or First Interstate Depositary Receipts representing
First Interstate Depositary Shares) will be paid the amount of dividends or
other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time after surrender
of such certificates, without any interest thereon.
No fractional shares of New First Interstate Common Stock will be issued to
any holder of First Interstate Common Stock upon consummation of the Merger. In
lieu of each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, FBS will pay cash
in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the average of the closing
sale prices of FBS Common Stock on the NYSE as reported by THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of the
Effective Time. No interest will be paid or accrued on the cash in lieu of
fractional shares payable to holders of such certificates. No such holder will
be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights as a shareholder in
respect of any fractional share of New First Interstate Common Stock that such
holder otherwise would have been entitled to receive.
None of FBS, First Interstate, the Exchange Agent or any other person will
be liable to any former holder of First Interstate Capital Stock for any amount
delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar laws.
If a certificate representing First Interstate Capital Stock or a First
Interstate Depositary Receipt has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange
Agent will issue the consideration properly payable in accordance with the
Merger Agreement upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to such loss, theft or
destruction, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of such certificate or
receipt by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification.
For a description of the differences between the rights of the holders of
New First Interstate Capital Stock and First Interstate Capital Stock, see "--
Certain Differences in Rights of Shareholders of First Interstate and New First
Interstate." For a description of the New First Interstate Capital Stock,
including the New First Interstate Preferred Stock and the New First Interstate
Depositary Shares, see "Description of FBS and New First Interstate Capital
Stock."
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FBS. Shares of FBS Common Stock and FBS 1991A Preferred Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will remain issued and
outstanding and be unaffected by the Merger, and holders of such stock will not
be required to exchange the certificates representing such stock or take any
other action by reason of the consummation of the Merger. See "-- Conversion of
First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
In the Merger Agreement each of FBS and First Interstate makes
representations and warranties to the other regarding, among other things, (i)
its corporate organization and existence; (ii) its capitalization; (iii) its
corporate power and authority to enter into, and its due authorization,
execution and delivery of, the Merger Agreement and related agreements and
documents; (iv) the Merger Agreement and related agreements and documents not
violating its charter and bylaws, applicable law and certain material
agreements; (v) required governmental and third party approvals; (vi) timely
filing of required regulatory reports; (vii) its financial statements and
filings with the Commission; (viii) its investment banking arrangements; (ix)
the absence of certain materially adverse changes in its business since June 30,
1995; (x) the absence of certain material legal proceedings; (xi) the filing and
accuracy of its tax returns; (xii) its employee benefit plans and related
matters; (xiii) its compliance with applicable law; (xiii) the absence of
material defaults under certain of its contracts; (xiv) the absence of
agreements between it and regulatory agencies; (xv) the absence of undisclosed
liabilities; (xvi) the inapplicability to the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement of Section 203 of the DGCL (which relates to certain business
combinations specified in such statute) and of similar statutes of other states;
(xvii) the Merger Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby not resulting in the grant of any rights to any person
under such party's respective Rights Agreement; (xviii) environmental
liabilities; and (xix) certain interest rate risk management instruments.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, prior to the Effective Time, FBS and First
Interstate have each agreed to, and to cause their respective subsidiaries to,
(i) conduct its business in the usual, regular and ordinary course consistent
with past practice, (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to maintain and
preserve intact its business organization, employees and advantageous business
relationships and retain the services of its officers and key employees and
(iii) refrain from taking any action that would adversely affect or delay the
ability of either FBS or First Interstate to obtain any Requisite Regulatory
Approvals or to perform its covenants and agreements under the Merger Agreement,
the Stock Option Agreements and the Fee Agreements.
In addition, except as expressly contemplated by the Merger Agreement or
specified in a schedule thereto or as contemplated by the Stock Option
Agreements, each of FBS and First Interstate has agreed that, without the
consent of the other party, it and its subsidiaries will not, among other
things: (i) declare or pay dividends in a manner inconsistent with past practice
or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any securities or
obligations convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock
or issue any additional shares of capital stock except pursuant to certain
exceptions set forth in the Merger Agreement; (ii) dispose of any of its
material properties or assets or make any material acquisition or investment
except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or
pursuant to certain exceptions set forth in the Merger Agreement; (iii) except
for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, enter into, amend or terminate any material contract or agreement
other than renewals of contracts and leases without material adverse changes of
terms; or (iv) increase the compensation or fringe benefits of any of its
employees or enter into or modify any employee benefit plans or employment
agreements except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or in an aggregate amount not exceeding $10 million or as otherwise
disclosed to the other party in connection with the Merger Agreement.
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In the Merger Agreement, each party has agreed not to, and not to authorize
or permit any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to, directly or
indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries relating to, or the
making of any proposal which constitutes, a "Takeover Proposal" (as defined
below), recommend or endorse any Takeover Proposal, participate in any
discussions or negotiations regarding any Takeover Proposal, provide third
parties with any nonpublic information relating to any Takeover Proposal or
otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement a Takeover
Proposal; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each party may, and may authorize and permit
its officers, directors, employees or agents to, provide third parties with
nonpublic information, or otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt by any
third party to make or implement a Takeover Proposal, recommend or endorse any
Takeover Proposal with or by any third party and participate in discussions and
negotiations with any third party relating to any Takeover Proposal if such
party's Board of Directors, after having consulted with and considered the
advice of outside counsel, reasonably determines in good faith that the failure
to do so would cause the members of such Board of Directors to breach their
fiduciary duties under applicable law. Each party is obligated to advise the
other party immediately following receipt of a Takeover Proposal and to further
advise the other party immediately of any developments relating thereto. As used
in the Merger Agreement, "Takeover Proposal" means any tender or exchange offer,
proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving
First Interstate or FBS or any of their respective subsidiaries or any proposal
or offer to acquire in any manner a substantial equity interest in, or a
substantial portion of the assets of, First Interstate or FBS or any of their
respective subsidiaries other than the transactions contemplated or permitted by
the Merger Agreement.
FBS and First Interstate have also agreed to use their reasonable best
efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation to effect all
applications, notices, petitions and filings, and to obtain and to cooperate in
obtaining permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties
and governmental entities necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement and to comply with the terms and conditions
of all such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations. FBS and First
Interstate have, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Merger Agreement,
each agreed, upon request, to furnish to the other party all information
concerning themselves and their subsidiaries, directors, officers and
shareholders and such other matters as may be necessary in furtherance of the
Merger. FBS and First Interstate have also agreed, subject to the terms and
conditions of the Merger Agreement, to use their best efforts to take, or cause
to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with
all legal requirements which may be imposed on such party or its subsidiaries
and to consummate the Merger. FBS has further agreed to use its best efforts to
cause the shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and the New First
Interstate Depositary Shares to be issued in the Merger to be approved for
listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
FBS and First Interstate have also agreed that the employee benefit plans in
place at the Effective Time with respect to employees of FBS and First
Interstate (the "FBS Benefit Plans" and the "First Interstate Benefit Plans,"
respectively), as the case may be, will remain in effect for such employees
until such time as New First Interstate adopts new benefit plans (the "New
Benefit Plans") covering employees of both parties who continue to be employed
by New First Interstate or any of its subsidiaries. FBS and First Interstate
have stated their intention to develop New Benefit Plans that, among other
things, treat similarly situated employees on a substantially equivalent basis,
taking into account all relevant factors, including, without limitation, duties,
geographic location, tenure, qualifications and abilities. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, New First Interstate will honor in accordance with their terms all
benefits that had vested as of the date of the Merger Agreement under the FBS
Benefit Plans and the First Interstate Benefit Plans or under certain other
contracts, arrangements, commitments, or understandings disclosed between the
parties.
The approval of the Merger Agreement by First Interstate's shareholders will
constitute a change in control of First Interstate for purpose of First
Interstate's benefit plans, and consummation of the Merger will constitute a
change in control of FBS for purposes of FBS's benefit plans; accordingly,
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provisions of certain of these benefit plans will cause the acceleration of
vesting and/or payment of certain equity-based and cash-based incentives. New
First Interstate also will be obligated to indemnify the officers and directors
of FBS and First Interstate for any liabilities incurred in connection with any
matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time and to provide
Directors and Officers liability insurance with respect to such matters for six
years. See "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
CONDITIONS TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Each party's obligation to effect the Merger is subject, among other things,
to satisfaction, at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(i) the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby shall have
been approved and adopted by the requisite affirmative votes of the holders of
First Interstate Common Stock and the FBS Vote Matters shall have been approved
by the requisite votes of the holders of FBS Common Stock; (ii) the shares of
New First Interstate Common Stock and the New First Interstate Depositary Shares
to be issued in the Merger shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE,
subject to official notice of issuance; (iii) all regulatory approvals required
to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall have
been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect and all statutory
waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired (all such approvals and
the expiration of all such waiting periods being referred to herein as the
"Requisite Regulatory Approvals"), and no Requisite Regulatory Approval shall
contain any conditions or restrictions that the Board of Directors of either
party reasonably determines will have or could reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on New First Interstate (a "Burdensome Condition"); (iv)
the Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities Act,
no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall
have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated
or threatened by the Commission; and (v) no order, injunction or decree issued
by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or
prohibition preventing the consummation of the Merger or any of the other
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall be in effect and no
statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been enacted,
entered or promulgated which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal consummation
of the Merger.
FBS's obligation to effect the Merger is also subject, among other things,
to the satisfaction or waiver by FBS at or prior to the Effective Time of, among
others, the following conditions: (i) (x) certain representations and warranties
of First Interstate set forth in the Merger Agreement (including, without
limitation, the representation that since June 30, 1995, no event has occurred
which has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a "Material Adverse Effect" (as such term is defined in the Merger
Agreement) on First Interstate or the Surviving Corporation) shall be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier
date) as of the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time
and (y) the representations and warranties of First Interstate set forth in the
Merger Agreement other than those specifically enumerated in the provision
described in clause (x) hereof shall be true and correct in all respects as of
the date of the Merger Agreement and (except to the extent such representations
and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Effective Time as though
made on and as of the Effective Time; provided, however, that for purposes of
determining the satisfaction of the condition described in this clause (y), no
effect shall be given to any exception in such representations and warranties
relating to materiality or a Material Adverse Effect, and provided, further,
however, that, for purposes of the provision described in this clause (y), such
representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct in all
respects unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties
to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, results or would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on First
Interstate and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) First Interstate shall
have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by it under the Merger Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time; (iii) the
First Interstate Rights issued pursuant to the First Interstate Rights Agreement
shall not have become nonredeemable, exercisable, distributed
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or triggered pursuant to the terms of such agreement; (iv) receipt of a letter
from Ernst & Young LLP, addressed to FBS, dated as of the Effective Time, to the
effect that the Merger will qualify for "pooling-of-interests" accounting
treatment; and (v) receipt of an opinion of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P., addressed
to FBS, substantially to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a
"reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Code.
First Interstate's obligation to effect the Merger is also subject, among
other things, to: the satisfaction or waiver by First Interstate at or prior to
the Effective Time of, among others, the following conditions: (i) (x) certain
representations and warranties of FBS set forth in the Merger Agreement
(including, without limitation, the representation that since June 30, 1995, no
event has occurred which has had or would reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on FBS) shall be
true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the Merger Agreement
and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an
earlier date) as of the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective
Time and (y) the representations and warranties of FBS set forth in the Merger
Agreement other than those specifically enumerated in the provision described in
clause (x) hereof shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of
the Merger Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Effective Time as though made
on and as of the Effective Time; provided, however, that for purposes of
determining the satisfaction of the condition described in this clause (y), no
effect shall be given to any exception in such representations and warranties
relating to materiality or a Material Adverse Effect, and provided, further,
however, that, for purposes of the provision described in this clause (y), such
representations and warranties shall be deemed to be true and correct in all
respects unless the failure or failures of such representations and warranties
to be so true and correct, individually or in the aggregate, results or would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on FBS and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) FBS shall have performed in all material
respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the Merger
Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time; (iii) the FBS Rights issued
pursuant to the FBS Rights Agreement shall not have become nonredeemable,
exercisable, distributed or triggered pursuant to the terms of such agreement;
(iv) receipt of a letter from Ernst & Young LLP, addressed to First Interstate,
dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that the Merger will qualify for
"pooling-of-interests" accounting treatment; and (v) receipt of an opinion of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, addressed to First Interstate,
substantially to the effect that, the Merger will qualify as a "reorganization"
under Section 368(a) of the Code.
REGULATORY APPROVALS REQUIRED
Under the Merger Agreement, the obligations of both FBS and First Interstate
to consummate the Merger are conditioned upon the receipt of all Requisite
Regulatory Approvals (without the imposition of any Burdensome Condition). See
"-- Conditions to Consummation of the Merger." Each of FBS and First Interstate
has agreed to use its best efforts to obtain the Requisite Regulatory Approvals.
There can be no assurance that any applicable regulatory authority will approve
or take any required action with respect to the Merger (or if such approval is
given, that no Burdensome Condition will be imposed) or as to the date of such
regulatory approval or other action. FBS and First Interstate are not aware of
any governmental approvals or actions that are required in order to consummate
the Merger except the Requisite Regulatory Approvals, which are described below.
Should any other approval or action be required, FBS and First Interstate
currently intend to seek such approval or action. There can be no assurance as
to whether or when any such other required approval or action could be obtained.
The acquisition of First Interstate Common Stock by FBS pursuant to the
First Interstate Stock Option Agreement and the acquisition of FBS Common Stock
by First Interstate pursuant to the FBS Stock Option Agreement would be subject
to approval by the Federal Reserve Board under Sections 3(a)(3) and 4(c)(8) of
the BHC Act and to approval by most, if not all, of the state regulatory
authorities that must approve the Merger. See "-- Stock Option Agreements."
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FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD. The Merger is subject to the prior approval of the
Federal Reserve Board under Sections 3(a)(3) and 4(c)(8) of the BHC Act. Under
the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve Board is required, in approving a transaction
such as the Merger, to take into consideration the financial and managerial
resources and future prospects of the existing and proposed institutions and the
convenience and needs of the communities to be served. The BHC Act prohibits the
Federal Reserve Board from approving the Merger if it would result in a monopoly
or be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to
attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any part of the United States.
The BHC Act also prohibits the Federal Reserve Board from approving the Merger
if its effect in any section of the United States may be substantially to lessen
competition or tend to create a monopoly, or if it would in any other manner
result in a restraint of trade, unless the Federal Reserve Board finds that the
anticompetitive effects of the Merger are clearly outweighed in the public
interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience
and needs of the communities to be served.
In addition, the Douglas Amendment to the BHC Act, as amended by the
Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "IBBE
Act"), authorizes "adequately capitalized" and "adequately managed" bank holding
companies to make acquisitions of banks located anywhere in the United States
without regard to state laws that might otherwise prohibit such transactions.
The Federal Reserve Board's authority to approve such transactions, however, is
subject to compliance with the following conditions: (i) the Federal Reserve
Board must consider a bank holding company's record of compliance with Community
Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (the "Community Reinvestment Act") and
similar state laws; (ii) the Federal Reserve Board may not approve a transaction
if a bank holding company controls, or would control, deposits in excess of
applicable state or federal concentration limits (a "deposit cap"); and (iii)
the Federal Reserve Board may not approve a transaction if the bank(s) to be
acquired by a bank holding company do not satisfy any state-imposed minimum age
requirements (up to a maximum of five years). Of the thirteen states in which
First Interstate has a bank subsidiary, three states have both a deposit cap and
a minimum age requirement (Colorado, Montana, and Texas), one state has a
deposit cap but no minimum age requirement (New Mexico), seven states have a
minimum age requirement but no deposit cap (Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming), and two states have no deposit cap or minimum age
requirement (Arizona and California).
Finally, under the Community Reinvestment Act, the Federal Reserve Board
must take into account the record of performance of FBS's and First Interstate's
existing depository institution subsidiaries in meeting the credit needs of the
entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, served by
such institutions.
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Under Section
06.05.570(a) of the Alaska Banking Code, FBS must obtain a permit from the
Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development before it may acquire
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Alaska, National Association. In
determining whether to issue a permit, the Department is required to consider
(i) the benefits to the public, (ii) the preservation of a competitive banking
industry, and (iii) the maintenance of a safe and sound bank industry. In
addition, FBS may not acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of
Alaska, National Association unless First Interstate Bank of Alaska, National
Association was either (i) established on or before July 1, 1982 or, (ii) if
established after that date, has been in existence and continuously operating
for a period of three years or more. With respect to compliance with these
requirements, First Interstate Bank of Alaska, National Association has been in
existence and continuously operating for more than three years.
ARIZONA SUPERINTENDENT OF BANKING. FBS's acquisition of First Interstate
and First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association is subject to the
prior approval of the Arizona Superintendent of Banking under Sections 6-144 and
6-322 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The Superintendent must deny FBS's
application to acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Arizona,
National Association if he finds any of the following: (i) the financial
condition of FBS is such that it may jeopardize the financial stability of First
Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association or prejudice
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the interests of the depositors, beneficiaries, creditors, or shareholders of
First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association; (ii) any plan or
proposal to merge or consolidate First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National
Association or to make any other major change in the business, corporate
structure, or management of First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National
Association is not fair and reasonable to the depositors, beneficiaries,
creditors, or shareholders of First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National
Association; (iii) FBS has exhibited, or has acquired a reputation for, such
lack of honesty or integrity to indicate that it would not be in the interest of
the depositors, beneficiaries, creditors, or shareholders of First Interstate
Bank of Arizona, National Association or in the interest of the public, to
permit FBS to control First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association;
(iv) FBS neglects, fails, or refuses to furnish any information requested by the
Superintendent; or (v) the acquisition is contrary to law. In addition, under
Section 6-322(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, FBS may not acquire and
operate First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association as a bank unless
First Interstate Bank of Arizona, National Association's home office will remain
in the State of Arizona.
ARIZONA DIRECTOR OF INSURANCE. Under Section 20-481.02(B) of the Arizona
Revised Statutes, FBS must provide at least 30-days prior written notice to the
Director of Insurance (the "Director") of its intent to acquire First Interstate
and its second-tier insurance company subsidiary, First Interstate Insurance
Company. The Director must issue an order disapproving FBS's acquisition of
First Interstate Insurance Company and requiring its expeditious divestiture if
he finds that the acquisition of control: (i) is contrary to law; (ii) is
inequitable to the shareholders of First Interstate Insurance Company; (iii)
would substantially reduce the security of and service to be rendered to
policyholders of First Interstate Insurance Company in the State of Arizona or
elsewhere; (iv) after the change of control First Interstate Insurance Company
would not be able to satisfy the requirements for the reissuance of a
certificate of authority to write the line or lines of insurance for which it is
presently licensed; (v) the effect of the acquisition of control would be to
substantially lessen competition in insurance in the State of Arizona or tend to
create a monopoly; (vi) the financial condition of FBS might jeopardize the
financial stability of First Interstate Insurance Company or prejudice the
interest of its policyholders; (vii) the plans or proposals that FBS has to
liquidate First Interstate Insurance Company, sell its assets, or consolidate or
merge it with any person, or to make any other material change in its business
or corporate structure or management, are unfair and unreasonable to
policyholders of First Interstate Insurance Company and are not in the public
interest; (viii) the competence, experience, and integrity of FBS are such that
it would not be in the interest of policyholders of First Interstate Insurance
Company and of the public to permit the acquisition of control; or (ix) the
acquisition is likely to be hazardous or prejudicial to the insurance-buying
public.
CALIFORNIA SUPERINTENDENT OF BANKING. FBS's acquisition of First Interstate
and its California bank subsidiaries, First Interstate Bank of California, First
Interstate Bank, Ltd., and First Interstate Central Bank (the "California
Banks") as a result of the Merger is subject to the prior approval of the
California Superintendent of Banking under Section 701(c) of the California
Financial Code. Under Section 703 of the California Financial Code, the
Superintendent must deny FBS's application to acquire control of First
Interstate and the California Banks if he finds that: (i) the proposed
acquisition of control would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of
any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the
business of banking in any part of the State of California; (ii) the effect of
the proposed acquisition of control in any section of the State of California
may be to substantially lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly or
that the proposed acquisition of control would in any other manner be in
restraint of trade, and that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed
acquisition of control are not clearly outweighed in the public interest by the
probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the
communities to be served; (iii) the financial condition of FBS is such as might
jeopardize the financial stability of the California Banks or First Interstate,
or prejudice the interest of the depositors, creditors, or shareholders of the
California Banks or First Interstate; (iv) plans or proposals to liquidate the
California Banks or First Interstate, to sell the assets of the California Banks
or First Interstate, to merge or consolidate the California Banks or First
Interstate, or to make any other major changes in the
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business, corporation structure, or management of the California Banks or First
Interstate are not fair and reasonable to the depositors, creditors, and
shareholders of the California Banks or First Interstate; (v) the competence,
experience, or integrity of FBS indicates that it would not be in the interest
of the depositors, creditors, or shareholders of the California Banks or First
Interstate or in the interest of the public to permit FBS to control the
California Banks or First Interstate; (vi) the proposed acquisition is unfair,
unjust, or inequitable to the California Banks or First Interstate or to the
depositors, creditors, or shareholders of the California Banks or First
Interstate; or (vii) FBS neglects, fails, or refuses to furnish all information
required by the Superintendent. Further, under Section 703.5 of the California
Financial Code, the Superintendent may find, for purposes of Section 703, that
(i) the integrity of FBS indicates that it would not be in the interest of
depositors, creditors, or shareholders of the California Banks or First
Interstate or in the interest of the public to permit FBS to control the
California Banks or First Interstate if FBS or any director or officer of FBS
has been convicted of, or has pleaded nolo contendere to, any crime involving
fraud or dishonesty, and (ii) a plan to make a major change in the management of
the California Banks or First Interstate is not fair and reasonable to the
depositors, creditors, or shareholders of the California Banks or First
Interstate if the plan provides for a person who has been convicted of, or has
pleaded nolo contendere to, any crime involving fraud or dishonesty to become a
director or officer of the California Banks or First Interstate. With respect to
compliance with these requirements, to the best knowledge of FBS, none of its
directors or officers has been convicted of, or pleaded nolo contendere to, any
crime involving fraud or dishonesty. The Superintendent must approve FBS's
application to acquire control of First Interstate and the California Banks in
the absence of any of the factors in Section 703 of the California Financial
Code.
COLORADO BANKING BOARD. Under Section 11-6.4-104(10) of the Colorado
Revised Statutes, FBS may not acquire First Interstate and its Colorado bank
subsidiaries, First Interstate Bank of Denver, National Association and First
Interstate Bank of Englewood, National Association (the "Colorado Banks") unless
FBS obtains a certificate from the Colorado Banking Board certifying to the
Federal Reserve that the acquisition complies with Colorado law. In addition,
under Sections 11-6.4-103(2), (4) and (5) of the Colorado Revised Statutes, FBS
may not acquire control of First Interstate and the Colorado Banks (i) if, after
the acquisition, FBS would control more than 25% of the aggregate of all
federally insured deposits in banks and other financial institutions located in
the State of Colorado, (ii) unless the Colorado Banks have been in operation for
at least five years at the time of the acquisition, or (iii) unless immediately
before the acquisition, FBS has such capital as the Colorado Banking Board may
require by rule or regulation. With respect to compliance with these
requirements, each of the Colorado Banks has been in operation for more than
five years and, after the Merger, FBS will control less than 25% of the
aggregate deposits of all federally insured banks and other financial
institutions located in the State of Colorado.
IDAHO DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE. FBS may not acquire control of
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Idaho, National Association
without the prior approval of the Director of the Department of Finance under
Section 26-2606 of the Idaho Code. The Director must disapprove FBS's
application to acquire control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of
Idaho, National Association if any of the following conditions exist: (i) the
proposed transaction would be detrimental to the safety and soundness of FBS or
First Interstate Bank of Idaho, National Association; (ii) FBS or its affiliates
do not have a record of sound performance, efficient management, financial
responsibility, and integrity; (iii) the financial condition of FBS or First
Interstate Bank of Idaho, National Association might be jeopardized or the
interests of depositors or other customers of FBS or First Interstate Bank of
Idaho, National Association might be prejudiced; (iv) First Interstate Bank of
Idaho, National Association has been chartered and actively engaged in business
for less than five years; (v) the consummation of the proposed transaction will
tend substantially to lessen competition within the State of Idaho, unless the
Director finds that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are
clearly outweighed by the benefit of meeting the convenience and needs of the
community to be served; or (vi) FBS has not established a record of meeting the
credit needs of the
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communities which it or any subsidiary financial institution services. With
respect to compliance with these requirements, First Interstate Bank of Idaho,
National Association has been chartered and actively engaged in business for
more than five years.
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. Under Sections 32-1-383(1) and (3) of the
Montana Code, FBS may not acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of
Montana, National Association (i) if, after the acquisition, FBS would directly
or indirectly control more than 20% of all deposits in federally insured banks,
savings associations, and credit unions located in the State of Montana or (ii)
unless First Interstate Bank of Montana, National Association has been
conducting business for a continuous period of at least six years prior to the
effective date of the acquisition. In addition, under Section 32-1-383(4) of the
Montana Code, assuming that it has not been preempted by the IBBE Act, FBS may
not acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Montana, National
Association if, after the acquisition, all bank holding companies that do not
have headquarters in Montana control more than 49% of all deposits in federally
insured banks and savings associations located in the State of Montana. Finally,
under Section 32-1-384 of the Montana Code, FBS must submit a copy of the
Federal Reserve Board application to the Department of Commerce, together with a
statement verifying that the acquisition will not result in a violation of the
limits described above. With respect to compliance with these requirements,
First Interstate Bank of Montana, National Association has been conducting
business for a continuous period of more than six years and, after the Merger,
FBS will control less than 20% of all deposits in federally insured bank,
savings associations, and credit unions located in the State of Montana. In
addition, assuming Section 32-1-383(4) of the Montana Code has not been
preempted by the IBBE Act, all bank holding companies that do not have
headquarters in Montana will control less than 49% of all deposits in federally
insured banks and savings associations located in the State of Montana.
NEVADA COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. FBS may not acquire control
of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association
without the prior approval of the Nevada Commissioner of Financial Institutions
under Section 666.305 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Under Section 666.315 of
the Nevada Revised Statutes, the Commissioner must deny FBS's application to
acquire control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Nevada,
National Association if he finds: that (i) the proposed transaction would be
detrimental to the safety and soundness of FBS, to First Interstate Bank of
Nevada, National Association, or to any subsidiary or affiliate of First
Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association; (ii) FBS, its executive
officers, directors, or principal shareholders have not established a record of
sound performance, efficient management, financial responsibility, and integrity
so that it would be against the interest of depositors, other customers,
creditors or shareholders of First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National
Association, or the public to authorize the proposed transaction; (iii) the
transaction is detrimental to the financial condition of FBS or First Interstate
Bank of Nevada, National Association or might jeopardize the financial stability
of FBS or First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association, or prejudice
the interests of depositors or customers of FBS or First Interstate Bank of
Nevada, National Association; (iv) consummation of the proposed transaction
would tend to lessen banking competition substantially, unless the Commissioner
finds that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly
outweighed by the benefit of meeting the convenience and needs of the relevant
market to be served; or (v) FBS has not established a record of meeting the
needs for credit of the communities which it or any subsidiary depository
institution serves. In reviewing FBS's application, the Commissioner must also
consider FBS's record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act and
whether the proposed transaction will meet the needs of those counties whose
populations are less than 100,000 and whose residents are not being adequately
served by existing financial institutions. Finally, under Section 59(1) of 1995
Nev. Stat. Ch. 482 (effective September 28, 1995), FBS may not acquire control
of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association if
First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association was chartered after
September 28, 1995 and, at the time of the acquisition, had not been in
existence for at least five years. With respect to compliance with these
requirements, First Interstate Bank of Nevada, National Association was
chartered before September 28, 1995.
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NEW MEXICO DIRECTOR OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DIVISION OF THE REGULATION
AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT. Under Section 58-26-5 of the New Mexico Statutes, FBS
must provide at least 90-days prior written notice to the Director of the
Financial Institutions Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department of
its intent to acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of New Mexico,
National Association. Under Section 58-26-4(C) of the New Mexico Statutes, FBS
may not acquire control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of New
Mexico, National Association if the acquisition will result in undue
concentration of deposits totaling 40% or more of the total deposits in all
banks, savings institutions, and credit unions in the State of New Mexico. With
respect to compliance with these requirements, after the Merger, FBS will
control less than 40% or more of the total deposits in all banks, savings
institutions, and credit unions in the State of New Mexico.
OREGON LAW. Under Section 715.065(1)(a) of the Oregon Revised Statutes, FBS
may not acquire control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Oregon,
National Association unless First Interstate Bank of Oregon, National
Association has been engaged in the business of banking for at least three
years. With respect to compliance with these requirements, First Interstate Bank
of Oregon, National Association has been engaged in the business of banking for
more than three years.
TEXAS BANKING COMMISSIONER. Under Section 8.301 of the Texas Banking Act,
FBS must submit a copy of its Federal Reserve Board application to the Texas
Banking Commissioner when it is submitted to the Federal Reserve Board. The
Banking Commissioner must then state in writing to the Federal Reserve (i) his
views and recommendations concerning the application and (ii) his opinion
regarding whether the application evidences compliance with the Community
Reinvestment Act, except that the Banking Commissioner is not required to
disapprove the application solely because of the latter opinion. In addition,
under Sections 8.302 and 8.303 of the Texas Banking Act, FBS may not acquire
control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Texas, National
Association (i) if, after the acquisition, FBS would control more than 20% of
the total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions located in the
State of Texas or (ii) First Interstate Bank of Texas, National Association has
not existed and continuously operated as a bank for at least five years. With
respect to compliance with these requirements, First Interstate Bank of Texas,
National Association has existed and continously operated as a bank for more
than five years and, after the Merger, FBS will control less than 20% of the
total amount of deposits of insured depository institutions located in the State
of Texas.
UTAH COMMISSIONER OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. FBS may not acquire control of
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Utah, National Association without
the prior approval of the Utah Commissioner of Financial Institutions under
Sections 7-1-703 and 7-1-705 of the Utah Code. The Commissioner may disapprove
FBS's application if he finds that: (i) the proposed transaction would be
detrimental to the safety and soundness of FBS, First Interstate Bank of Utah,
National Association, or to any subsidiary or affiliate of First Interstate Bank
of Utah, National Association; (ii) FBS, its executive officers, directors, or
principal shareholders have not established a record of sound performance,
efficient management, financial responsibility, and integrity so that it would
be against the best interest of depositors, other customers, creditors, or
shareholders of First Interstate Bank of Utah, National Association, or the
public to authorize the transaction; (iii) the financial condition of FBS or
First Interstate Bank of Utah, National Association might jeopardize the
financial stability of FBS or First Interstate Bank of Utah, National
Association, or prejudice the interests of depositors or other customers of FBS
or First Interstate Bank of Utah, National Association; (iv) the consummation of
the proposed transaction will tend to substantially lessen competition, unless
the Commissioner finds that the anticompetitive effects of the proposed
transaction are clearly outweighed by the benefit of meeting the convenience and
needs of the relevant market area to be served; (v) FBS has not established a
record of meeting the needs for credit of the communities that it or any of its
subsidiary depository institutions serves; or (vi) FBS fails to obtain any
required approval from any federal or state agency with regulatory authority
over any of the institutions participating in the transaction. In addition,
under Section 7-1-703(7)(a)(i) of the Utah Code, FBS may not acquire control of
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Utah, National Association unless
First Interstate Bank of
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Utah, National Association has been in existence for at least five years. With
respect to compliance with these requirements, First Interstate Bank of Utah,
National Association has been in existence for more than five years.
WASHINGTON LAW. Under Section 30.04.232(1)(a) of the Washington Revised
Code, FBS may not acquire control of First Interstate and First Interstate Bank
of Washington, National Association unless First Interstate Bank of Washington,
National Association has been in existence for at least three years. With
respect to compliance with this requirement, First Interstate Bank of
Washington, National Association has been in existence for more than three
years.
WYOMING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING. FBS may not acquire control of First
Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Wyoming, National Association without
the prior approval of the Wyoming Commissioner of Banking under Section 13-9-303
of the Wyoming Statutes. The Commissioner must approve FBS's application to
acquire First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Wyoming, National
Association unless he finds that: (i) there is or recently has been evidence of
criminal activity on the part of FBS or any of its officers or directors; (ii)
the acquisition would jeopardize the integrity of First Interstate Bank of
Wyoming, National Association; or (iii) FBS has not responsibly met the service,
credit, and financing needs within the communities it serves. In addition, under
Section 13-9-303(c) of the Wyoming Statutes, FBS may not acquire control of
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank of Wyoming, National Association
unless First Interstate Bank of Wyoming, National Association has been in
existence for at least three years. With respect to compliance with this
requirement, First Interstate Bank of Wyoming, National Association has been in
existence for more than three years.
CURRENT STATUS OF REGULATORY APPROVALS. FBS filed its final Federal Reserve
Board application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on November 10,
1995. FBS filed all notices and/or applications required to obtain the other
Requisite Regulatory Approvals on or before November , 1995. There can be no
assurance that the Requisite Regulatory Approvals will be received or as to the
date of such approvals or if such approvals are obtained, that no Burdensome
Condition will be imposed.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The Merger Agreement may be terminated by mutual agreement of the First
Interstate Board and the FBS Board. The Merger Agreement may also be terminated
by either the First Interstate Board or the FBS Board: (a) if (i) any
governmental entity which must grant a Requisite Regulatory Approval has denied
approval of the Merger or has issued an order enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and
such denial or order shall have become final and nonappealable; (b) if the
Merger shall not have been consummated on or before December 31, 1996 (subject
to extension to June 30, 1997 under certain circumstances), unless the failure
of the Effective Time to occur by such date shall be due to the failure of the
party seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement to perform or observe the
covenants and agreements of such party set forth therein; (c) provided that the
terminating party is not then in material breach of the Merger Agreement, if the
other party shall have breached any of the covenants or agreements made by such
other party or any of the representations or warranties made by such other
party, and in either case, such breach is not cured within 30 days following
written notice to the breaching party, or which breach cannot be cured prior to
the Effective Time and would entitle the non-breaching party not to consummate
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; (d) if any approval of
the shareholders of FBS or First Interstate contemplated by the Merger Agreement
shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required
vote at the relevant Special Meeting; (e) prior to the approval of the Merger
Agreement by the requisite vote of First Interstate's shareholders (if First
Interstate is the terminating party) or the FBS Vote Matters (if FBS is the
terminating party), if there exists at such time an outstanding proposal by a
third party to merge with or acquire a substantial equity interest in, or a
substantial portion of the assets of the terminating party and the Board of
Directors of the terminating party, after having consulted with outside legal
counsel, reasonably determines in good faith that acceptance of such proposal is
necessary in the exercise of its fiduciary duties; or (f) if the Board of
Directors of the other party shall have withdrawn, modified or
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changed in a manner adverse to the terminating party its approval or
recommendation of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby
(in the case of First Interstate) or the FBS Vote Matters (in the case of FBS).
TERMINATION FEES
In order to induce FBS to enter into the Merger Agreement, and in
consideration of FBS's undertaking of efforts in furtherance of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, First Interstate entered into the First
Interstate Fee Agreement with FBS and, in order to induce First Interstate to
enter into the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of First Interstate's
undertaking of efforts in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, FBS entered into the FBS Fee Agreement with First Interstate.
The following description of the Fee Agreements is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the FBS Fee Agreement and the First Interstate Fee Agreement,
copies of which are set forth as Appendices D and E hereto, respectively, and
which are incorporated herein by reference.
For purposes of the following summary of the Fee Agreements, the term (i)
"Payor" means First Interstate with respect to the First Interstate Fee
Agreement and FBS with respect to the FBS Fee Agreement and (ii) "Recipient"
means FBS with respect to the First Interstate Fee Agreement and First
Interstate with respect to the FBS Fee Agreement.
Pursuant to the respective Fee Agreements, Payor shall pay Recipient
termination fees if the Merger Agreement is terminated in certain events. A cash
fee of $25 million (the "First Trigger Fee") would generally become payable if,
prior to a "Nullifying Event" (as hereinafter defined), the Merger Agreement is
terminated after or concurrently with the occurrence of a "First Trigger Event"
(as hereinafter defined). In addition, a fee of $75 million would generally
become payable if, prior to a Nullifying Event, (i) the Merger Agreement is
terminated, (ii) prior to or concurrently with such termination a First Trigger
Event shall have occurred and (iii) prior to, concurrently with or within 18
months after such termination an "Acquisition Event" (as hereinafter defined)
shall have occurred.
The Fee Agreements define the term "First Trigger Event" to mean the
occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Payor's Board of Directors shall have failed to approve or recommend
that the shareholders of Payor vote in favor of the matters to be approved
by such shareholders in connection with the Merger Agreement, or shall have
withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to Recipient its approval or
recommendation of such matters, or shall have resolved or publicly announced
an intention to do either of the foregoing;
(ii) Payor, or its Board of Directors, shall have recommended that the
shareholders of Payor approve any "Acquisition Proposal" (as hereinafter
defined) or shall have entered into an agreement with respect to,
authorized, approved, proposed or publicly announced its intention to enter
into, any Acquisition Proposal;
(iii) the matters to be voted on by Payor's shareholders in connection
with the Merger shall not have been approved at a meeting of Payor's
shareholders which has been held for that purpose prior to termination of
the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, if prior thereto it shall
have been publicly announced that any third party shall have made, or
disclosed an intention to make, an Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) a third party shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right
to acquire beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the then outstanding
shares of the stock then entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors of Payor; or
(v) following the making of an Acquisition Proposal with respect to it,
Payor shall have breached any covenant or agreement contained in the Merger
Agreement such that Recipient would be entitled to terminate the Merger
Agreement (without regard to any grace period provided for therein), unless
such breach is promptly cured without jeopardizing consummation of the
Merger.
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The Fee Agreements define the term "Acquisition Proposal" to mean the
occurrence of any (i) publicly announced proposal, (ii) regulatory application
or notice, (iii) agreement or understanding, (iv) disclosure of an intention to
make a proposal or (v) amendment to any of the foregoing, made or filed on or
after November 5, 1995, in each case with respect to any of the following
transactions with a third party: (A) a merger or consolidation, or any similar
transaction, involving Payor or any of its subsidiaries (other than mergers,
consolidations or similar transactions involving solely Payor and/or one or more
of its subsidiaries and other than a merger or consolidation as to which the
common shareholders of Payor immediately prior thereto in the aggregate own at
least 70% of the common stock of the publicly held surviving or successor
corporation (or any publicly held or ultimate parent company thereof)
immediately following consummation thereof); (B) a purchase, lease or other
acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or deposits of Payor or
any of its subsidiaries; or (C) a purchase or other acquisition (including by
way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or otherwise) of securities
representing 20% or more of the voting power of Payor. The Fee Agreements define
"Acquisition Event" to mean the consummation of any Acquisition Proposal;
PROVIDED, that the percentage referenced in clause (C) above shall be 50%
instead of 20%.
For purposes of the First Interstate Fee Agreement, various actions taken by
Wells in connection with the Wells Offer constitute an Acquisition Proposal. In
addition, if Wells acquires more than 50% of the outstanding First Interstate
Common Stock pursuant to the Wells Offer or otherwise, an Acquisition Event will
occur for purposes of the First Interstate Fee Agreement.
The Fee Agreements define the term "Nullifying Event" to mean any of the
following events occurring and continuing at a time when Payor is not in
material breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger
Agreement: (i) Recipient is in breach of any of its covenants or agreements
contained in the Merger Agreement such that Payor is entitled to terminate the
Merger Agreement (without regard to any grace period provided for therein), (ii)
the shareholders of Recipient shall have voted and failed to approve the matters
to be voted on at the Recipient's Special Meeting (unless the matters to be
voted on at the Payor's Special Meeting shall not have been approved at a
meeting of Payor shareholders which was held on or prior to such date) or (iii)
the Board of Directors of Recipient shall have failed to approve or recommend
the matters to be voted on at the Recipient's Special Meeting or shall have
withdrawn, modified or changed in any manner adverse to Payor its approval or
recommendation of the matters to be voted on at the Recipient's Special Meeting
or shall have resolved or publicly announced its intention to do any of the
foregoing.
The Fee Agreements are intended, among other things, to increase the
likelihood that the Merger will be consummated according to the terms of the
Merger Agreement and may be expected to discourage offers by third parties to
acquire First Interstate or FBS prior to the Merger, even if, in the case of
First Interstate, such persons were prepared to offer to pay consideration to
First Interstate's shareholders that has a higher current market price than the
shares of New First Interstate Common Stock to be received by such shareholders
pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Except as described above with respect to the
Wells Offer, to the knowledge of First Interstate and FBS, no event giving rise
to the right to receive any termination fee upon the termination of the Merger
Agreement has occurred as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Certain persons have filed lawsuits seeking to challenge the validity of the
First Interstate Fee Agreement. See "The Merger -- Certain Litigation."
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
As a further inducement and condition to FBS's willingness to enter into the
Merger Agreement, First Interstate entered into the First Interstate Stock
Option Agreement with FBS, and also as further inducement and condition to First
Interstate's willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement, FBS entered into
the FBS Stock Option Agreement with First Interstate. The following description
of the Stock Option Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
text of such Agreements copies of which are set forth as Appendices B and C
hereto, respectively, and which are incorporated herein by reference.
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For purposes of the following summary, the term (i) "Issuer" means First
Interstate with respect to the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement and FBS
with respect to the FBS Stock Option Agreement and (ii) "Grantee" means FBS with
respect to the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement and First Interstate with
respect to the FBS Stock Option Agreement.
Pursuant to the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, First Interstate
granted FBS an option (the "First Interstate Option") to purchase a number of
shares of First Interstate Common Stock approximately equal to 19.9% of the
number of shares of First Interstate Common Stock outstanding immediately before
exercise of the First Interstate Option. The exercise price of the First
Interstate Option is $127.75 per share (the closing market price on the trading
day preceding the execution of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement),
subject to adjustment under specified circumstances (such exercise price, as so
adjusted, being referred to herein as the "First Interstate Option Price").
Pursuant to the FBS Stock Option Agreement, FBS granted First Interstate an
option (the "FBS Option"and, together with the First Interstate Option, the
"Options") to purchase a number of shares of FBS Common Stock approximately
equal to 19.9% of the number of shares of FBS Common Stock outstanding
immediately before exercise of the FBS Option. The exercise price of the FBS
Option is $50.875 per share (the closing market price on the trading day
preceding the execution of the FBS Stock Option Agreement), subject to
adjustment under specified circumstances (such exercise price, as so adjusted,
being referred to herein as the "FBS Option Price").
Each of the Options will become exercisable in whole or in part if both an
"Initial Triggering Event" and a "Subsequent Triggering Event" occur with
respect to the Issuer prior to the occurrence of an "Exercise Termination
Event," as such terms are defined below. The purchase of any shares of First
Interstate Common Stock or FBS Common Stock pursuant to an Option is subject to
compliance with applicable law, including the receipt of necessary approvals
under the BHC Act.
The Stock Option Agreements define the term "Initial Triggering Event" to
mean any of the following events or transactions:
(i) Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, without Grantee's prior written
consent, enters into an agreement to engage in an "Acquisition Transaction"
(as hereinafter defined) with a third party or the Board of Directors of
Issuer recommends that the shareholders of Issuer approve or accept any
Acquisition Transaction, other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement;
(ii) A third party shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right
to acquire beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of
Issuer common stock;
(iii) The shareholders of Issuer shall have voted and failed to approve
the matters to be voted on at the Issuer's Special Meeting or such meeting
has not been held or has been canceled prior to termination of the Merger
Agreement if, prior to such Special Meeting (or if such Special Meeting
shall not have been held or shall have been canceled, such termination), it
shall have been publicly announced that any third party shall have made, or
disclosed an intention to make, a proposal to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction with respect to the Issuer;
(iv) Issuer's Board of Directors withdraws or modifies (or publicly
announces its intention to withdraw or modify) its recommendation that the
shareholders of Issuer approve the matters to be voted on at the Issuer's
Special Meeting, or Issuer, without Grantee's prior written consent,
authorizes, recommends or proposes (or publicly announces its intention to
authorize, recommend or propose) an agreement to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction with a third party;
(v) A third party makes a proposal to Issuer or its shareholders to
engage in an Acquisition Transaction and such proposal has been publicly
announced;
(vi) A third party shall have filed with the Commission a registration
statement with respect to a potential exchange offer that would constitute
an Acquisition Transaction (or filed a preliminary proxy statement with the
Commission with respect to a potential vote by its shareholders to approve
the issuance of shares to be offered in such an exchange offer);
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(vii) Issuer willfully breaches any covenant or obligation contained in
the Merger Agreement in anticipation of engaging in an Acquisition
Transaction, and following such breach Grantee would be entitled to
terminate the Merger Agreement (whether immediately or after the giving of
notice or passage of time or both); or
(viii) A third party files an application or notice with the Federal
Reserve Board or other federal or state bank regulatory authority, which
application or notice has been accepted for processing, for approval to
engage in an Acquisition Transaction.
As used in the Stock Option Agreements, the term "Acquisition Transaction"
means (a) a merger or consolidation or any similar transaction, involving Issuer
or any "Significant Subsidiary" (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated by the Commission) of Issuer (other than mergers, consolidations or
similar transactions involving solely Issuer and/or one or more of its
subsidiaries and other than a merger or consolidation as to which the common
shareholders of Issuer immediately prior thereto in the aggregate own at least
70% of the common stock of the publicly held surviving or successor corporation
immediately following consummation thereof), (b) a purchase, lease or other
acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or deposits of Issuer or
any of its subsidiaries or (c) a purchase or other acquisition (including by
merger, consolidation, share exchange or otherwise) of securities representing
10% or more of the voting power of Issuer or any of its subsidiaries.
The Stock Option Agreements define the term "Subsequent Triggering Event" to
mean any of the following events or transactions: (i) The acquisition by a third
party of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the then outstanding common
stock of Issuer or (ii) Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, without having
received the prior written consent of Grantee, enters into an agreement to
engage in an Acquisition Transaction with a third party or the Board of
Directors of Issuer recommends that the shareholders of Issuer approve or accept
any Acquisition Transaction, other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement;
provided, that for purposes of the definition of "Subsequent Triggering Event,"
the percentage referred to in clause (c) of the definition of "Acquisition
Transaction" above shall be 20% rather than 10%.
The Stock Option Agreements define the term "Exercise Termination Event" to
mean any of (i) the Effective Time; (ii) termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms, if such termination occurs prior to the occurrence of
an Initial Triggering Event; (iii) the passage of 18 months, subject to certain
extensions described in the Stock Option Agreements, after termination of the
Merger Agreement if such termination is concurrent with or follows the
occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event; (iv) the date on which the
shareholders of Grantee shall have voted and failed to approve the matters to be
voted on at the Grantee's Special Meeting (unless (A) Issuer shall then be in
material breach of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement
or (B) on or prior to such date, the shareholders of Issuer shall have also
voted and failed to approve and adopt the matters to be voted on at the Issuer's
Special Meeting); or (v) the date on which the reciprocal Option granted by
Grantee to Issuer shall have become exercisable in accordance with its terms.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Stock Option
Agreements, neither of the Options may be exercised at any time when the Grantee
thereunder is in breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the
Merger Agreement such that the Issuer thereof shall be entitled (without regard
to any grace period provided therein) to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant
to the terms thereof, and each of the Stock Option Agreements shall
automatically terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement by the
Issuer pursuant to the terms thereof as a result of a breach by the Grantee of
its covenants or agreements contained therein.
For purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, various actions
taken by Wells in connection with the Wells Offer have resulted in the
occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event. In addition, if Wells acquires more
than 20% of the outstanding First Interstate Common Stock pursuant
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<PAGE>
to the Wells Offer or otherwise, or if the First Interstate Board recommends
that First Interstate shareholders accept the Wells Offer, a Subsequent
Triggering Event will occur for purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option
Agreement.
If an Option becomes exercisable, it may be exercised in whole or in part
within 6 months following the applicable Subsequent Triggering Event. Grantee's
right to exercise the Option and certain other rights under the Stock Option
Agreements are subject to an extension in order to obtain required regulatory
approvals and comply with applicable regulatory waiting periods and to avoid
liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. The Option Price and the
number of shares issuable under the Option are subject to adjustment in the
event of specified changes in the capital stock of Issuer.
Upon the occurrence of a Subsequent Triggering Event that occurs prior to an
Exercise Termination Event, Grantee will have the right for 12 months (subject
to extension as described in the related Stock Option Agreement), on up to two
occasions, to require the Issuer to register the shares of Issuer common stock
issued or issuable pursuant to the Option under the Securities Act, subject to
specified conditions and limitations.
Each Stock Option Agreement also provides that at any time after the
occurrence of a "Repurchase Event" (as hereinafter defined), upon request,
Issuer shall be obligated to repurchase the Option and all or any part of the
shares ("Option Shares") received upon the full or partial exercise of the
Option from the holder thereof. Such repurchase of the Option shall be at a
price equal to the amount by which the "Market/Offer Price" (as hereinafter
defined) exceeds the Option Exercise Price (as adjusted), multiplied by the
number of Option Shares for which the Option may then be exercised. A repurchase
of Option Shares shall be at a price equal to the Market/Offer Price multiplied
by the number of Option Shares to be repurchased. The term Market/Offer Price
means the highest of (i) the price per share at which a tender or exchange offer
has been made for Issuer common stock, (ii) the price per share of Issuer common
stock that any third party is to pay pursuant to an agreement with Issuer, (iii)
the highest closing price per share of Issuer common stock within the six-month
period immediately preceding the date that notice to repurchase is given or
(iv), in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of Issuer's assets or
deposits, the sum of the price paid for such assets or deposits and the current
market value of the remaining assets (as determined by a nationally recognized
investment banking firm), divided by the number of shares of Issuer common stock
outstanding at the time of such sale. The term "Repurchase Event" is defined to
mean (i) the acquisition by any third party of beneficial ownership of 50% or
more of the outstanding shares of Issuer common stock or (ii) the consummation
of an Acquisition Transaction; provided, that for purposes of the definition of
"Repurchase Event," the percentage referred to in clause (c) of the definition
of "Acquisition Transaction" above shall be 50% rather than 10%.
Pursuant to the terms of the relevant Stock Option Agreements, in the event
that, prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer enters into certain
transactions in which Issuer is not the surviving corporation, certain
fundamental changes in the capital stock of Issuer occur or Issuer sells all or
substantially all of its or certain of its subsidiaries' assets, the Option
shall be converted into a substitute option (the "Substitute Option"), with
terms similar to those of the Option, to purchase capital stock of the entity
that is the effective successor to Issuer.
Pursuant to the terms of the relevant Stock Option Agreement, the "Total
Profit" (as hereinafter defined) that Grantee can realize with regard to the
Option may not exceed $100 million. If Grantee's Total Profit would exceed such
amount, Grantee would be required, at its sole election, to (a) reduce the
number of Option Shares subject to the Option, (b) deliver Option Shares to the
Issuer for cancellation, (c) pay cash to Issuer or (d) any combination of the
foregoing so that Grantee's actual realized Total Profit shall not exceed $100
million. "Total Profit" is defined to mean the aggregate (before taxes) of (i)
any amount received pursuant to Issuer's repurchase of the Option (or any
portion thereof), (ii) any amount received pursuant to Issuer's repurchase of
the Option Shares (less the purchase price for such Option Shares), (iii) any
net cash received pursuant to the sale of Option
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<PAGE>
Shares to any third party (less the purchase price of such Option Shares), (iv)
any amounts received on transfer of the Option or any portion thereof to a third
party and (v) any equivalent amounts received with respect to the Substitute
Option. In addition, Grantee may not exercise the Option for a number of Option
Shares as would, as of the date of such exercise, result in Grantee (if it were
immediately to sell such Option Shares, together with all other Option Shares
held by Grantee and its affiliates as of such date, at the closing market price
on the previous trading day) realizing a net gain in excess of $100 million.
The Stock Option Agreements provide that neither Grantee nor Issuer may
assign any of its rights or obligations thereunder without the written consent
of the other party, except that if a Subsequent Triggering Event occurs prior to
an Exercise Termination Event, Grantee may, subject to limitations contained in
the relevant Stock Option Agreement, assign its rights and obligations
thereunder in whole or in part within 12 months following such Subsequent
Triggering Event (subject to extension as described the relevant Stock Option
Agreement).
The Stock Option Agreements and the Options are intended, among other
things, to increase the likelihood that the Merger will be consummated according
to the terms found in the Merger Agreement, and may have the effect of
discouraging offers by third parties to acquire First Interstate or FBS prior to
the Merger, even if, in the case of First Interstate, such persons were prepared
to offer to pay consideration to First Interstate's shareholders which has a
higher current market price than the shares of New First Interstate Common Stock
to be received by such holders pursuant to the Merger Agreement. The Stock
Option Agreements are also intended to compensate the Grantee for the efforts
undertaken and expenses incurred by it in connection with the Merger Agreement
if the Merger is not consummated under certain circumstances involving an
acquisition or potential acquisition of the Issuer by a third party.
For purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement, various actions
taken by Wells in connection with the Wells Offer have resulted in the
occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event. In addition, if Wells acquires more
than 20% of the outstanding First Interstate Common Stock pursuant to the Wells
Offer or otherwise, or if the First Interstate Board recommends that First
Interstate shareholders accept the Wells Offer, a Subsequent Triggering Event
will occur for purposes of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement. To the
best knowledge of First Interstate and FBS, no event giving rise to the right to
exercise either of the Options has occurred as of the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. Certain persons have filed lawsuits seeking to challenge
the validity of the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement. See "The Merger --
Certain Litigation."
AMENDMENTS TO RIGHTS AGREEMENTS
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, First Interstate
amended the First Interstate Rights Agreement (as hereinafter defined) to
provide, among other things, that (i) the execution and delivery of the First
Interstate Stock Option Agreement and any acquisition of Option Shares upon the
exercise thereof and (ii) the acquisition by FBS of up to 5% of the outstanding
shares of First Interstate Common Stock will not cause the First Interstate
Rights (as hereinafter defined) to become exercisable. In addition, in
connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, FBS amended the FBS
Rights Agreement to provide, among other things, that (i) the execution and
delivery of the FBS Stock Option Agreement and any acquisition of Option Shares
by First Interstate (and certain related persons) upon the exercise thereof and
(ii) the acquisition by First Interstate of up to 5% of the outstanding shares
of FBS Common Stock, will not cause the FBS Rights to become exercisable. See
also "Description of FBS and New First Interstate Capital Stock" and "-- Certain
Differences in Rights of Shareholders of First Interstate and New First
Interstate."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
It is expected that the "pooling-of-interests" method of accounting will be
used to reflect the Merger, and it is a condition to consummation of the Merger
that First Interstate and FBS receive letters, dated as of the Effective Time,
from their independent auditors to the effect that the Merger qualifies for such
accounting treatment. See "-- Conditions to Consummation of the Merger." As
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required by generally accepted accounting principles, under
"pooling-of-interests" accounting, as of the Effective Time, the assets and
liabilities of First Interstate would be added to those of FBS at their recorded
book values and the shareholders' equity accounts of FBS and First Interstate
would be combined on New First Interstate's consolidated balance sheet. On a
"pooling-of-interests" accounting basis, income and other financial statements
of New First Interstate issued after consummation of the Merger would be
restated retroactively to reflect the consolidated combined financial position
and results of operations of FBS and First Interstate as if the Merger had taken
place prior to the periods covered by such financial statements. In order for
the Merger to qualify for pooling-of-interests accounting treatment, among other
criteria, substantially all (90% or more) of the outstanding First Interstate
Common Stock must be exchanged for New First Interstate Common Stock. The
unaudited pro forma financial information contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus has been prepared using the pooling-of-interests accounting
method to account for the Merger. See "Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro
Forma Financial Data."
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Under the DGCL, holders of First Interstate Common Stock, First Interstate
Preferred Stock (including the holders of First Interstate Depositary Shares),
FBS Common Stock, and FBS 1991A Preferred Stock will have no appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby.
EXTENSION, WAIVER AND AMENDMENT OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
At any time prior to the Effective Time, First Interstate and FBS, by action
taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, may, to the extent
legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other parties, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in
the representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement and (iii)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained in the
Merger Agreement. Subject to compliance with applicable law, the Merger
Agreement may be amended at any time by an agreement among the parties, approved
or authorized by their respective boards of directors; except that after any
approval of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement by the
shareholders of First Interstate, there may not be, without further approval of
such shareholders, any amendment to the Merger Agreement that reduces the amount
or changes the form of the consideration to be delivered to the First Interstate
shareholders thereunder.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF NEW FIRST INTERSTATE FOLLOWING THE MERGER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of New First Interstate will
consist of 20 persons (unless otherwise agreed to in writing prior to the
Effective Time), 10 of whom shall be FBS Directors and 10 of whom shall be First
Interstate Directors. The Merger Agreement provides that after the Effective
Time, the New First Interstate Board shall consist of an even number of
directors, and for a period of three years following the Effective Time, to the
extent practicable, each class of directors of New First Interstate and each
committee of the New First Interstate Board will contain an equal number of FBS
Directors and First Interstate Directors. See " -- Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger."
MANAGEMENT
The executive officers of New First Interstate will be comprised of certain
members of FBS's senior management and certain members of First Interstate's
senior management. The Merger Agreement provides that John F. Grundhofer, the
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of FBS, will be the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of New First Interstate
following the Merger, and William E. B. Siart, the Chairman of the Board and
Chief
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Executive Officer of First Interstate, will be the President and Chief Operating
Officer of New First Interstate following the Merger. In addition, the following
persons are expected to have the responsibilities set forth below with New First
Interstate after the Merger:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRESENT COMPANY
NAME AFFILIATION RESPONSIBILITY
- ----------------------------------- --------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard A. Zona FBS Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
Bruce G. Willison First Interstate Vice Chairman, Corporate Banking
Linnet F. Deily First Interstate Vice Chairman, Retail Banking
Philip G. Heasley FBS Vice Chairman, Retail Product/Operations
</TABLE>
Additional information about each of such persons is contained in FBS's and
First Interstate's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994, which are incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference."
Except for the foregoing, it has not yet been determined which members of
FBS's or First Interstate's senior management will also become executive
officers of New First Interstate following the Merger or what such persons'
titles or functions will be. From time to time prior to consummation of the
Merger, decisions may be made with respect to the management and operations of
New First Interstate following the Merger, including the selection of additional
executive officers of New First Interstate.
OPERATIONS
Although no assurances can be given in such regard, FBS and First Interstate
expect to realize cost savings of approximately $500 million (pre-tax), in
various phases during the one-year period following the Effective Time. Such
cost savings are expected to be realized primarily through integration of data
processing and other back office operations, as well as the elimination of
redundant corporate overhead and staff positions. Cost reductions will come from
both companies and will be spread throughout New First Interstate on a
geographic basis. The following table provides details of the estimated cost
savings by type.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF COST
- -------------------------------------------------------- ESTIMATED COST
SAVINGS
--------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Staff/Executive......................................... $ 114,000
Data Processing......................................... 83,000
Operations.............................................. 110,000
Occupancy/fixtures and equipment........................ 39,000
Business Lines:
Retail................................................ 100,000
Payment Systems....................................... 27,000
Commercial............................................ 18,000
Trust................................................. 9,000
--------------
Total........................................... $ 500,000
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
The extent to which cost savings will be achieved is dependent upon various
factors beyond the control of FBS and First Interstate, including regulatory
factors, economic conditions, unanticipated changes in business conditions,
inflation and the level of FDIC assessments. Therefore, no assurances can be
given with respect to the ultimate level of cost savings to be realized, or that
such savings will be realized in the time frame currently anticipated. See
"Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data."
FBS and First Interstate also anticipate that they will incur one-time
expenses and restructuring charges in connection with the Merger, which expenses
are estimated to be approximately $225 million (pre-tax) in the aggregate. These
items principally result from expenses to be incurred in
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connection with the integration of operations and systems, elimination of
redundancies and staff reductions. It is anticipated that substantially all of
these expenses and charges will be incurred during 1996 in connection with the
Merger. The following table provides details of the estimated charges by type.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF COST
- --------------------------------------------------------- ESTIMATED
CHARGE
-------------
(IN
THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Conversion costs......................................... $ 210,000
Severance................................................ 175,000
Occupancy/equipment writedowns........................... 40,000
Other merger expenses.................................... 50,000
-------------
Subtotal............................................... $ 475,000
Reserve adjustments...................................... (250,000)
-------------
Total............................................ $ 225,000
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
Conversion costs consist primarily of charges related to system and
operational integration. Severance costs consist of charges related to employee
severance, termination of certain employee benefit plans and other related costs
resulting from employee reductions. Occupancy/equipment writedowns relate
primarily to lease termination costs and computer equipment and software
writeoffs due to duplication. In addition, the combined allowance for credit
losses was reduced $250 million to conform First Interstate's reserve
methodology to FBS's. The expenses and charges to be incurred in connection with
the Merger are dependent upon various factors beyond the control of FBS and
First Interstate. No assurance can be given that such expenses and charges will
not exceed the amounts described above.
In connection with the Merger, First Interstate is currently reviewing its
investment securities portfolios to determine the classification of such
securities as either available for sale or held to maturity. As a result of this
review, certain reclassifications of FBS and First Interstate investment
securities may result. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Information."
New First Interstate's corporate headquarters will be located in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its core business lines will be directed from Los
Angeles, California. In addition, it is expected that New First Interstate will
continue to operate portions of its businesses from existing FBS and First
Interstate locations on the West Coast and in the Rocky Mountain region.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
Certain members of FBS's management and the FBS Board, and First
Interstate's management and the First Interstate Board, respectively, may be
deemed to have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to their
interests as shareholders of FBS or First Interstate, as the case may be,
generally. The FBS Board and the First Interstate Board were aware of these
interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS. At the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of New
First Interstate will consist of 20 persons (unless otherwise agreed to in
writing prior to the Effective Time), 10 of whom shall be "FBS Directors" (as
hereinafter defined) and 10 of whom shall be "First Interstate Directors" (as
hereinafter defined). The Merger Agreement provides that after the Effective
Time, the New First Interstate Board of Directors will consist of an even number
of directors, and for a period of three years following the Effective Time, to
the extent practicable, each class of directors and each committee of the Board
will contain an equal number of FBS Directors and First Interstate Directors. If
at any time during the three-year period following the Effective Time the number
of FBS Directors and First Interstate Directors serving, or that would be
serving following the next annual meeting of
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shareholders, as directors of New First Interstate, are or would not be equal,
then, subject to the fiduciary duties of the directors, the New First Interstate
Board of Directors and the nominating committee of New First Interstate shall
take such steps as may be requested by the FBS Directors (if the number of FBS
Directors is, or would otherwise become, less than the number of First
Interstate Directors) or the First Interstate Directors (if the number of First
Interstate Directors is, or would otherwise become, less than the number of FBS
Directors) to ensure that there will be an equal number of FBS Directors and
First Interstate Directors, including by nominating and/or electing a person or
persons designated by the FBS Directors or the First Interstate Directors, as
applicable. "FBS Directors" are directors of FBS at the Effective Time who are
chosen by the directors of FBS prior to the Effective Time to remain as
directors of New First Interstate at the Effective Time and any person who
becomes a director and is designated as a FBS Director by the then-existing FBS
Directors. "First Interstate Directors" are directors of First Interstate at the
Effective Time who are chosen by the directors of First Interstate prior to the
Effective Time to become directors of New First Interstate at the Effective Time
and any person who becomes a director and is designated as a First Interstate
Director by the then-existing First Interstate Directors.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT. The Merger Agreement provides that at the Effective
Time, John F. Grundhofer, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
FBS, will be Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of
New First Interstate. The Merger Agreement also provides that at the Effective
Time, William E. B. Siart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First
Interstate, will be the President and Chief Operating Officer of New First
Interstate.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF FIRST
INTERSTATE AND FBS DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The Merger Agreement requires that,
for a period of six years after the Effective Time, New First Interstate will
use its best efforts to provide that portion of directors and officers liability
insurance that serves to reimburse the present and former directors and officers
of FBS, First Interstate or any of their respective subsidiaries (determined as
of the Effective Time) (as opposed to FBS or First Interstate) with respect to
claims against such officers and directors arising from facts or events which
occurred before the Effective Time, of at least the same coverage and amounts,
and containing terms and conditions no less advantageous than the coverage
currently provided by FBS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the annual premiums for any
such coverage will not exceed 200% of the annual premiums currently paid by
First Interstate for such coverage; and provided, further, that the officers and
directors of First Interstate or any subsidiary may be required to make
application and provide customary representations and warranties to FBS's
insurance carrier for the purpose of obtaining such insurance; and provided,
further, that such coverage will have a single aggregate for such six-year
period in an amount not less than the annual aggregate of such coverage
currently provided by First Interstate.
The Merger Agreement also requires New First Interstate to indemnify and
hold harmless each present and former director and officer of First Interstate
and FBS and their respective subsidiaries, determined as of the Effective Time
(the "Indemnified Parties"), against any costs or expenses (including reasonable
attorneys fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities
(collectively, "Costs") incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit,
proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (each a "Claim"), arising out of or pertaining to matters existing
or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed
prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent that First
Interstate, FBS or such subsidiary would have been permitted under Delaware law
and the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of First Interstate, FBS or such
subsidiary, as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement, to indemnify such
person. The Merger Agreement also provides that New First Interstate will
advance expenses incurred by such persons in connection with Claims to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law; provided, that the person to whom
expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is
ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification. These
indemnification obligations of New First Interstate will continue in force for
at least six years after the
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Effective Time and will apply to any Claim asserted or made within such period
(including, without limitation, Claims arising out of or pertaining to the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement).
NEW EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. The Merger Agreement provides that the existing
employee benefit plans of FBS and First Interstate shall remain in effect until
such time as New Benefit Plans are developed by New First Interstate for
employees who were covered prior to the Effective Time by the benefit plans of
FBS or First Interstate. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, FBS and First
Interstate have also agreed that they will use their reasonable best efforts to
provide that the New Benefit Plans shall treat former employees of FBS, on the
one hand, and former employees of First Interstate, on the other hand, on a
substantially equivalent basis, taking into account all relevant factors,
including, without limitation, duties, geographic location, tenure,
qualifications and abilities.
The approval of the Merger Agreement by First Interstate's shareholders will
constitute a change in control of First Interstate for purpose of First
Interstate's benefit plans, and consummation of the Merger will constitute a
change in control of FBS for purposes of FBS's benefit plans; accordingly,
provisions of certain of these benefit plans will cause the acceleration of
vesting and/or payment of certain equity-based and cash-based incentives.
FBS CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. In January 1992, FBS adopted
change in control severance plans covering a broad range of salaried employees
and providing for different levels of payments based on job classification. The
consummation of the Merger will constitute a change in control under such plans.
FBS has entered into individual change in control severance agreements providing
for severance payments to 27 executive officers upon certain terminations of
employment during the two-year period following a change in control of FBS,
including the Merger. Termination of employment must be by FBS other than for
"cause" or by the individual for "good reason," as such terms are defined in the
relevant agreements. The agreements provide for a lump sum payment equal to
three times the terminated individual's annual salary, plus target bonus
potential, continuation of benefits for up to three years, the payment of
long-term cash incentive awards and individual outplacement services. FBS has
further agreed to compensate such officers for certain taxes and penalties
resulting from the severance pay agreement.
FBS STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK. The vesting of all outstanding FBS
stock options accelerates and restrictions on restricted stock lapse upon a
change in control of FBS, including the Merger.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER. Effective January 30, 1995,
FBS and John F. Grundhofer entered into an Employment Agreement (the "Employment
Agreement") with an initial three-year term that, subject to notice of
termination, automatically extends by one year on each anniversary of the
agreement. Under the Employment Agreement Mr. Grundhofer is entitled to receive
an annual salary of not less than $620,000 and is entitled to participate in
FBS's executive bonus program. Mr. Grundhofer is entitled to participate in
various benefit programs covering, and to receive various personal benefits
offered to, corporate executives of FBS. FBS has agreed to continue to provide
Mr. Grundhofer with a $1 million life insurance policy during the term of the
Employment Agreement.
Mr. Grundhofer's Employment Agreement also provides severance benefits in
the event of termination of employment under certain circumstances. In the event
of termination of employment without "cause" or by Mr. Grundhofer with "good
reason" (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement), in addition to
compensation and benefits already earned, he will be entitled to receive: (i) a
lump sum payment equal to three times annual salary plus target bonus potential,
(ii) continuation of his participation in FBS benefit and retirement plans and
continuation of the $1 million life insurance policy for a three year period,
(iii) continuation of personal benefits for a three year period, (iv) immediate
exercisability of all options and vesting of restricted stock that would have
become exercisable or vested during the remaining term of the Employment
Agreement if no
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such termination had occurred, (v) credit for three additional years of service
under FBS's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, and (vi) payment for
individual outplacement counseling services up to a maximum of $60,000. In the
event FBS terminates Mr. Grundhofer's employment with "cause," or he terminates
employment without "good reason," Mr. Grundhofer would forfeit all compensation
and benefits following such termination. In the event of termination of
employment without "cause" or by Mr. Grundhofer with "good reason" within 24
months following a change in control, including the Merger, the following
additional provisions will apply: (vii) the bonus used to calculate the lump sum
payment under (i) above will be the greatest of Mr. Grundhofer's (a) target
bonus potential available on the date of termination, (b) the bonus earned in
the last fiscal year prior to the date of termination, or (c) the average bonus
earned in the last three fiscal years prior to the date of termination; (viii)
credit shall be given for five (instead of three) additional years of service
under (v) above; and (ix) FBS will pay Mr. Grundhofer the full amount of any
long-term cash incentive award for any plan periods then in progress to the
extent not provided for in any FBS long-term cash incentive plan or plans.
Mr. Grundhofer's Employment Agreement provides that the payments and
benefits which he is entitled to receive in the event of termination of his
employment will be reduced by certain amounts which he earns from other
employment or services during the three-year period following his termination of
employment with FBS. FBS has agreed to compensate Mr. Grundhofer for certain
taxes and penalties which may be imposed as a result of payments and benefits
which he receives in the event of termination of his employment after a change
in control, including the Merger.
FIRST INTERSTATE CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. First Interstate
has entered into individual employment agreements with approximately 39
executive officers of First Interstate and its subsidiaries (nine of which,
including the agreements between First Interstate and each of Mr. Siart and
Messrs. William S. Randall, Bruce G. Willison and James J. Curran, each of whom
is one of the executive officers named in the proxy statement, dated March 20,
1995, sent by First Interstate to its shareholders in connection with First
Interstate's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 28, 1995, are "Tier I
Agreements," and the remainder of which are "Tier II Agreements") which provide,
among other things, for severance payments upon certain terminations of
employment during the two-year period following a change in control of First
Interstate. In order to qualify for the severance benefits described below,
termination of employment must be by First Interstate or a successor employer
during the two-year period following a change in control of First Interstate
other than for "cause" or by the executive for "good reason," as such terms are
defined in the agreements. The Tier I Agreements provide that, following a
qualifying termination, the executive is entitled to receive a lump sum payment
equal to (1) $30,000 (for the purpose of purchasing welfare benefits during the
three years following termination), (2) three times the sum of annual salary
plus the aggregate of the executive's target bonus awards for the year in which
the executive's employment terminates under all of First Interstate's incentive
plans under which the executive was then participating and (3) the benefit
attributable to enhancing the executive's retirement plan benefits by three
years' service and three years' age. If the qualifying termination occurs during
the calendar year in which the change in control of First Interstate occurs, the
severance benefit is reduced by a pro rata portion of the executive's target
bonus for the calendar year in which such termination occurs. The terms of the
Tier II Agreements are substantially similar to those of the Tier I Agreements,
except that the severance payments under the Tier II Agreements have a
multiplier of two, include a $20,000 cash payment to cover two years' health and
welfare benefit plan coverage, and provide for enhancement of retirement
benefits by two years' service and two years' age. The Tier I Agreements and
Tier II Agreements provide that an executive may refuse all or any portion of
the severance payments if the executive determines that receipt of such payment
may result in adverse tax consequences to him or her. The approval of the Merger
Agreement by the First Interstate shareholders will constitute a change in
control under the terms of the Tier I Agreements and the Tier II Agreements.
FIRST INTERSTATE EQUITY-BASED INCENTIVE AWARDS. The provisions of the
Merger Agreement relating to the conversion of stock options outstanding under
First Interstate Stock Plans are described under "The Merger -- Conversion of
First Interstate Capital Stock; Effects on FBS Shareholders."
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Pursuant to the terms of the First Interstate Stock Plans, upon the approval of
the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of First Interstate, each First
Interstate Stock Option and related stock appreciation right held by active
employees shall become immediately exercisable, all restrictions with respect to
restricted stock will automatically lapse and, unless otherwise provided in an
agreement evidencing a performance unit, all performance units shall be
immediately payable in New First Interstate Common Stock, provided in any case
that such awards (other than restricted stock awards) may not be accelerated to
a date less than six months after the date of grant.
FIRST INTERSTATE CASH-BASED INCENTIVE AWARDS. First Interstate maintains
for the benefit of certain of the executive officers and key employees of First
Interstate and its affiliates three cash-based incentive plans. Each of these
plans provides that, within 10 days following a change in control of First
Interstate, a participant will receive 100% of his or her target bonus for the
year in which the change in control occurs. The approval of the Merger Agreement
by First Interstate shareholders will constitute a change in control for
purposes of these cash-based incentive plans.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
First Interstate and FBS expect that the Merger will be treated as a
tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and
that for federal income tax purposes no gain or loss will be recognized by any
shareholder of First Interstate upon the receipt of New First Interstate Common
Stock for First Interstate Common Stock or New First Interstate Preferred Stock
for First Interstate Preferred Stock pursuant to the Merger (except for the
receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share interest in New First Interstate
Common Stock). The Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") has not been and
will not be asked to rule upon the tax consequences of the Merger. Instead,
First Interstate will rely upon the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom, its counsel, and FBS will rely upon the opinion of Dorsey & Whitney
P.L.L.P., its counsel, as to certain federal income tax consequences of the
Merger. Such opinions will be based upon facts described therein and upon
certain assumptions and representations that will be made by First Interstate
and FBS. The opinions of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Dorsey &
Whitney P.L.L.P. will be based upon the Code, the Regulations promulgated
thereunder, current administrative rulings and practice and judicial authority,
all of which are subject to change. An opinion of counsel is not binding on the
Service and there can be no assurance, and none is hereby given, that the
Service will not take a position contrary to one or more positions reflected in
such opinions or that such opinions will be upheld by the courts if challenged
by the Service. EACH HOLDER OF FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK AND FIRST
INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX AND FINANCIAL
ADVISORS AS TO THE EFFECT OF SUCH FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES ON HIS OR HER
OWN PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES AND ALSO AS TO ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN
OR OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING OUT OF THE MERGER.
The obligation of each of First Interstate and FBS to consummate the Merger
is conditioned on, among other things, the receipt by First Interstate of the
opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and the receipt by FBS of the
opinion of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P., each of which will be based upon facts and
representations to be provided to such firms, and subject to various assumptions
and qualifications, substantially to the effect that the Merger will qualify as
a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Code and that the following
material federal income tax consequences will result from the Merger:
(a) No gain or loss will be recognized by FBS, First Interstate or
Merger Sub as a result of the Merger;
(b) No gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of First
Interstate who exchange their First Interstate Common Stock or First
Interstate Preferred Stock solely for New First Interstate Common Stock or
New First Interstate Preferred Stock, respectively, pursuant to the Merger
(except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest
in New First Interstate Common Stock); and
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(c) The tax basis of the New First Interstate Common Stock and New First
Interstate Preferred Stock received by First Interstate shareholders who
exchange all of their First Interstate Common Stock and First Interstate
Preferred Stock solely for New First Interstate Common Stock and New First
Interstate Preferred Stock, respectively, in the Merger will be the same as
the tax basis of the First Interstate Common Stock or First Interstate
Preferred Stock, as the case may be, surrendered in exchange therefor
(reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest for which
cash is received).
The foregoing is only a summary description of certain anticipated federal
income tax consequences of the Merger, without regard to the particular facts
and circumstances of the tax situation of each shareholder of First Interstate.
It does not discuss all of the consequences that may be relevant to shareholders
of First Interstate entitled to special treatment under the Code (such as
insurance companies, dealers in securities, exempt organizations or foreign
persons) or to shareholders of First Interstate who acquired their First
Interstate capital stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or
otherwise as compensation. The summary set forth above does not purport to be a
complete analysis of all potential tax effects of the transactions contemplated
by the Merger Agreement or the Merger itself. No information is provided herein
with respect to the tax consequences, if any, of the Merger or the exchange of
shares pursuant thereto under state, local, foreign or other tax laws.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING OF NEW FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK AND NEW FIRST
INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES
FBS has agreed to use its best efforts to cause the shares of New First
Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate Depositary Shares which are
issuable in the Merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE prior to the
Effective Time, subject to official notice of issuance. It is a condition to the
obligations of First Interstate and FBS to consummate the Merger that such
securities be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance.
RESALE OF NEW FIRST INTERSTATE COMMON STOCK AND NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY
SHARES RECEIVED BY FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDERS
The shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate
Depositary Shares issuable to shareholders of First Interstate upon consummation
of the Merger have been registered under the Securities Act. Such securities may
be traded freely without restriction by those shareholders who are not deemed to
be "affiliates" of First Interstate or New First Interstate, as that term is
defined in rules promulgated under the Securities Act.
Shares of New First Interstate Common Stock or New First Interstate
Depositary Shares received by those shareholders of First Interstate who are
deemed to be "affiliates" of First Interstate at the time of the First
Interstate Special Meeting may be resold without registration under the
Securities Act only as permitted by Rule 145 under the Securities Act or as
otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. Commission guidelines regarding
qualifying for the pooling-of-interests method of accounting also limit sales of
shares of the acquiring and acquired company by affiliates of either company in
a business combination. Commission guidelines indicate further that the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting will generally not be challenged on
the basis of sales by affiliates of the acquiring or acquired company if they do
not dispose of any of the shares of the corporation they own or shares of a
corporation they receive in connection with a merger during the period beginning
30 days before the merger and ending when financial results covering at least 30
days of post-merger operations of the combined operations have been published.
Each of FBS and First Interstate has agreed in the Merger Agreement to use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain and deliver to the other party as soon as
practicable, and in any event prior to the date of the Special Meetings, signed
representation letters from each director, executive officer and other person
who may reasonably be deemed to be an "affiliate" of such party to the effect
that such persons will not, among other things, offer to sell, transfer or
otherwise dispose of any of the shares of New First Interstate Common Stock or
New First Interstate Depositary Shares distributed to them pursuant to the
Merger except (i) with respect to affiliates of First Interstate, in compliance
with Rule 145,
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or in a transaction that, in the opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to
New First Interstate, is otherwise exempt from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act, or in an offering which is registered under the Securities
Act and (ii) with respect to affiliates of each of First Interstate and FBS, in
compliance with Commission guidelines regarding qualifying for
pooling-of-interests accounting treatment. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
does not cover resales of New First Interstate Common Stock or New First
Interstate Depositary Shares received by persons who are deemed to be
"affiliates" of First Interstate. No person is authorized to make use of this
Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus in connection with any such resales.
FBS DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Pursuant to its Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase
Plan (the "FBS Reinvestment and Purchase Plan"), FBS provides eligible
shareholders with a method of investing cash dividends and optional cash
payments at 100% of the average price (as defined in the FBS Reinvestment and
Purchase Plan) in additional shares of FBS Common Stock without payment of any
brokerage commission or service charge. The FBS Reinvestment and Purchase Plan
includes certain dollar limitations on participation and provides for eligible
shareholders to elect dividend reinvestment on only a part of the shares
registered in the name of a participant (while continuing to receive cash
dividends on remaining shares). It is anticipated that the FBS Reinvestment and
Purchase Plan will continue after the Effective Time and that shareholders of
First Interstate who receive New First Interstate Common Stock in the Merger
will have the right to participate therein.
EXPENSES
The Merger Agreement provides that the costs and expenses incurred in
connection with such agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be
paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses, except that the costs and
expenses of printing and mailing this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus, and all
filing and other fees paid to the Commission in connection with the Merger, will
be borne equally by FBS and First Interstate.
CERTAIN LITIGATION
Certain present and former members of the First Interstate Board have been
named as defendants in several purported shareholder class actions in
California, and certain present members of the First Interstate Board and First
Interstate have been named as defendants in several purported shareholder class
actions in Delaware, alleging that the First Interstate Board will breach or has
breached its fiduciary duties to the shareholders of First Interstate in
responding to the Initial Wells Proposal. In Delaware, the following five
actions were filed on October 18 and 19, 1995: WILLIAMSON V. BRYSON, ET AL.,
Del. Ch., C.A. No. 14623; SHAEV V. FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP, ET AL., Del. Ch.,
C.A. No. 14629; BERNSTEIN V. CARSON, ET AL., Del. Ch., C.A. No. 14630; KATZ V.
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP, ET AL., Del. Ch., C.A. No. 14632 and SACHS AND FELDER
V. FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP, ET AL., Del. Ch., C.A. No. 14633. On October 25,
1995, an amended purported class action complaint to consolidate these actions
was filed. On October 27, 1995, these actions were consolidated in an action
captioned IN RE FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP SHAREHOLDER LITIG., Del. Ch., Consol.
C.A. No. 14623 (the "Delaware Consolidated Action"). The defendants in the
Delaware Consolidated Action have filed an answer denying the claims. The
parties in the Delaware Consolidated Action have agreed to a schedule of
discovery in an order that was entered on November 8, 1995. On November 13,
1995, the Delaware shareholder plaintiffs sought leave to file a Second Amended
and Supplemental Class Action Complaint (the "Second Amended Complaint"). Among
other things, the proposed Second Amended Complaint seeks to add FBS and Merger
Sub as parties and to assert aiding and abetting claims against them. Among
other claims, the proposed Second Amended Complaint alleges that the First
Interstate defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to conduct a
fair bidding contest for the company. In addition, it alleges that the
defendants have implemented certain measures which may impede any proxy
solicitation or consent solicitation that Wells may undertake. The plaintiffs
seek a variety of injunctive and other relief including an order enjoining the
Merger and a declaration that the Fee Agreements and the Stock Option Agreements
are null and void. The defendants intend to defend those claims vigorously.
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Six purported class actions have been filed in the Superior Court of the
State of California, County of Los Angeles. Those purported class actions (the
"California Actions") are entitled: MESKO V. BRYSON, ET AL., Case No. BC137379,
EAVES V. BRYSON, ET AL., Case No. BC137380, GRILL V. BRYSON, ET AL., Case No.
BC137508, MONDSHEIN V. BRYSON, ET AL., Case No. BC137509, KAPLAN V. BRYSON, ET
AL., Case No. BC138630 and KAPLAN V. BRYSON, ET AL., Case No. 138369. Defendants
in these six actions have moved the Court to stay the actions pending the
resolution of the Delaware Consolidated Action.
The complaints filed in the six California actions are similar and allege
that the directors of First Interstate will breach their fiduciary duties in
responding to the Initial Wells Proposal. In addition, these complaints allege
negligent breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control and tortious interference
with prospective economic advantage. Plaintiffs in the California Actions seek
declaratory relief as well as permanent and preliminary injunctive relief
enjoining the defendants from taking steps to prevent or frustrate the sale of
First Interstate to Wells. In addition, Plaintiffs seek monetary damages of an
unspecified amount together with prejudgment interest and attorneys' and
experts' fees. The defendants intend to defend the California Actions
vigorously.
In addition, on November 13, 1995, Wells filed in the Delaware Chancery
Court a Verified Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive Relief and
Declaratory Judgment (the "Wells Action") against First Interstate, and the
members of the First Interstate Board, FBS and Merger Sub. The Wells Action
alleges, among other things, that First Interstate and its directors have
breached their fiduciary duties by entering into the Merger Agreement and by
agreeing to the First Interstate Fee Agreement and the First Interstate Stock
Option Agreement. In addition, it alleges that the defendants have implemented
or may implement certain measures which may impede any proxy solicitation or
consent solicitation that Wells may undertake. For example, Wells has alleged
that the First Interstate defendants could amend the First Interstate Rights
Agreement to provide that the power to redeem the First Interstate Rights is
exercisable only by the current members of the First Interstate Board if Wells
succeeds in replacing them with directors nominated by Wells. Wells has also
alleged that if certain provisions of First Interstate's Bylaws regarding the
nomination of directors were to apply in the context of a consent solicitation,
such application of these provisions of the bylaws would be inconsistent with
the provisions of the DGCL. The Wells Action alleges that FBS has aided and
abetted First Interstate and its directors' alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Among other relief, Wells seeks to invalidate the First Interstate Fee Agreement
and the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement and to enjoin First Interstate
from consummating the Merger. Wells also seeks to enjoin the First Interstate
defendants from including any provisions similar to the First Interstate Fee
Agreement or the First Interstate Stock Option Agreement in any modified or
future agreement with FBS. In addition, Wells seeks to enjoin any action by
defendants which could interfere with any proxy solicitation or consent
solicitation that Wells may undertake. Wells seeks declaratory relief in the
form of an order declaring, among other things, that its exchange offer, proxy
solicitation and consent solicitation will not constitute tortious interference
with the Merger Agreement or any other business-related tort; that Section 203
of the DGCL would not apply to any second-step merger with Wells; that the
Merger Agreement, the First Interstate Fee Agreement and the First Interstate
Stock Option Agreement are void and unenforceable; and that the Wells Offer
would be a Qualified Offer within the meaning of the First Interstate Rights
Agreement. With respect to the First Interstate Rights Agreement, Wells seeks an
order requiring First Interstate to redeem the First Interstate Rights, or an
order requiring First Interstate to amend the First Interstate Rights Agreement
so as to make it inapplicable to the Wells Offer or to any second-step merger
which follows the Wells Offer. First Interstate and FBS intend to defend
vigorously against the claims asserted by Wells.
CERTAIN DIFFERENCES IN RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FIRST INTERSTATE AND NEW FIRST
INTERSTATE
The rights of of First Interstate shareholders are governed by the First
Interstate Certificate, the First Interstate Bylaws (the "First Interstate
Bylaws") and the laws of the State of Delaware. The rights of FBS shareholders
are governed by the FBS Certificate, the FBS bylaws (the "FBS Bylaws") and the
laws of the State of Delaware.
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After the Effective Time, the rights of First Interstate shareholders who
become shareholders of New First Interstate, will be governed by the FBS
Certificate, as amended in accordance with the Merger Agreement, the FBS Bylaws
and the laws of the State of Delaware. The following is a summary of certain
material differences between the rights of holders of First Interstate Common
Stock and First Interstate Preferred Stock and those of holders of New First
Interstate Common Stock and New First Interstate Preferred Stock. The following
does not purport to be a complete description of the differences between the
rights of First Interstate and FBS shareholders. Such differences may be
determined in full by reference to the First Interstate Certificate, the FBS
Certificate, the First Interstate By-laws, the FBS By-laws, the First Interstate
Rights Agreement and the FBS Rights Agreement.
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT. The DGCL provides that, unless otherwise
provided in the certificate of incorporation of a Delaware corporation,
shareholders may act by the written consent of the holders of not less than the
minimum number of shares that would be necessary to approve such action at a
meeting where all shares entitled to vote were present and voted. The First
Interstate Certificate of Incorporation does not provide otherwise. The First
Interstate Bylaws require that any shareholder seeking to have the shareholders
take action by written consent must provide notice requesting the
First Interstate Board to fix a record date for the purpose of determining the
shareholders entitled to provide such consents.
The FBS Certificate provides that FBS shareholders may not act by written
consent. Accordingly, all action to be taken by FBS shareholders may only be
taken at duly called annual or special meeting.
QUORUM AT SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS. The First Interstate Bylaws provide that
the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock entitled
to vote at a meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum
for purposes of such a meeting. The FBS Bylaws require that the holders of not
less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote at any shareholders' meeting
be present, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum.
NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR. The FBS Bylaws require that
any shareholder nominating a person for election as a director must give written
notice to the secretary of the corporation not less than 90 days prior to an
annual meeting of shareholders or not less than seven days after the date on
which notice of a special meeting of shareholders for the election of directors
is given. Under the First Interstate Bylaws, a shareholder's notice for
nominations of persons for election to the Board must be given not less than 30
days nor more than 60 days prior to the meeting, unless less than forty days'
notice of the meeting was given to shareholders, in which case the nomination
must be given within 10 days following the mailing of the notice of meeting.
NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDER BUSINESS PROPOSALS. The First Interstate Bylaws
provide that a shareholder seeking to properly bring business before an annual
meeting of shareholders must deliver notice to the Secretary of First Interstate
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date of the annual meeting,
unless less than 40 days' notice of the meeting date is given to First
Interstate shareholders, in which case the business proposal must be received by
First Interstate no later than 10 days following the date such notice was
delivered to shareholders.
The FBS Bylaws contain no advance notice requirements relating to
shareholder proposals for business to be conducted at a shareholders' meeting.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS. The First Interstate Bylaws provide that
a special meeting of First Interstate shareholders may be called by the Chairman
of the Board, and shall be called at the request, in writing, of shareholders
owning a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote or at the request
in writing of a majority of the Board. The FBS Bylaws provide that special
meetings of FBS shareholders may only be called by the FBS Board or the chief
executive officer of FBS.
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CLASSIFICATION OF BOARD. The FBS Certificate provides for classification of
the FBS Board into three classes of directors with each class as nearly equal in
number as possible and elected for a three-year term and only one class standing
for election each year. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80
percent of the outstanding voting stock of FBS is required to amend or repeal
this provision.
The First Interstate Bylaws provide that the number of directors
constituting the First Interstate Board shall be such number as is fixed from
time to time by resolution adopted by the First Interstate Board. The First
Interstate Board is not classified, and each of its directors are elected
annually for one-year terms.
VACANCIES AND NEWLY-CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS. The First Interstate Bylaws
provide that any vacancy in the First Interstate Board and any newly-created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of First
Interstate directors may be filled either by a majority of the First Interstate
directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the First Interstate
shareholders.
The FBS Certificate provides that vacancies and newly-created directorships
resulting from an increase in the number of FBS directors shall be filled only
by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or
by a sole remaining director. The FBS Certificate also provides that such
provision may not be amended or repealed unless approved by the affirmative vote
of holders of not less than 80% of the outstanding voting stock of FBS.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. The First Interstate Certificate provides that the
First Interstate shareholders may by a majority vote of the shareholders
entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting thereof remove any director
for any cause deemed sufficient. Under the FBS Certificate shareholders may
remove a director only for cause.
SUPERMAJORITY VOTING. The FBS Certificate provides for supermajority voting
requirements in connection with certain "Business Transactions" (as defined in
the FBS Certificate), involving a "Related Person" (as defined in the FBS
Certificate). The supermajority shareholder vote is not required if the Business
Transaction meets certain fair price criteria or in the event the "Continuing
Directors" (as defined in the FBS Certificate) approve the transaction. The
affirmative vote of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of FBS entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors is required to approve such a
transaction under the FBS Certificate. The FBS Certificate also requires the
vote of the holders of 80% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in the
election of directors, to add to, alter, change or repeal the supermajority
provisions. The First Interstate Certificate contains no such provisions.
MATERIAL DIFFERENCES IN RIGHTS AGREEMENTS. The FBS Rights Agreement (which
is described in "Description of FBS and First Interstate Capital Stock -- Common
Stock -- Preferred Stock Purchase Rights") and the Rights Agreement, dated as of
November 21, 1988, as amended (the "First Interstate Rights Agreement"), between
First Interstate and First Interstate Bank, Ltd., as rights agent (a description
of which is incorporated herein by reference under "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference"), contain substantially similar terms. The First
Interstate Rights Agreement provides that the rights to purchase First
Interstate Common Stock issued pursuant thereto (the "First Interstate Rights")
will expire on December 31, 1998 (subject to extension), unless the First
Interstate Rights are earlier redeemed by First Interstate. Pursuant to the FBS
Rights Agreement, the FBS Rights will expire on the earlier of (a) the date
which is 24 months after the first date upon which FBS can generally be acquired
by bank holding companies, and FBS is generally permitted to acquire banks
principally located in at least fifteen of the twenty states which as of
September 30, 1992 had the largest amount of bank deposits, or (b) January 4,
1999, unless the FBS Rights have previously been redeemed by FBS, or unless such
date is extended.
GENERAL. The foregoing discussion of certain material differences between
the rights of First Interstate shareholders and the rights of FBS shareholders
under their respective Certificates and Bylaws is only a summary of certain
provisions thereof and does not purport to be a complete description of such
similarities and differences. The foregoing discussion is qualified in its
entirety by
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reference to the DGCL, the common law thereunder and the full texts of the
Certificates and Bylaws of First Interstate and FBS. Such Certificates and
Bylaws are filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration
Statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part.
DIVIDENDS
The Merger Agreement provides that FBS and First Interstate will coordinate
the declaration and payment of dividends in respect of FBS Common Stock and
First Interstate Common Stock, it being the intent of FBS and First Interstate
that holders of FBS Common Stock or First Interstate Common Stock will not
receive more than one dividend, or fail to receive one dividend, for any single
calendar quarter in which they would otherwise receive a dividend in the absence
of the Merger.
BUSINESS OF FBS
FBS is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. As of September 30, 1995, FBS was comprised of eight banks, a savings
association and other financial companies with 350 offices, located primarily in
the 11 states of Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. Through its subsidiaries,
FBS provides commercial and agricultural finance, consumer banking, trust,
capital markets, treasury management, investment management, data processing,
leasing, mortgage banking and brokerage services. At September 30, 1995, FBS and
its consolidated subsidiaries had consolidated assets of $33.0 billion,
consolidated deposits of $21.9 billion and shareholders' equity of $2.7 billion.
The subsidiary banks of FBS engage in general commercial banking business,
principally in domestic markets, and provide banking and ancillary services to
individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and
other financial institutions. The largest subsidiary bank, First Bank National
Association ("FBNA"), had assets of $15.4 billion at September 30, 1995.
FBS is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and non-banking
affiliates. The principal sources of FBS's income are dividends, interest and
fees from FBNA and the other banking and non-banking affiliates. The bank and
thrift subsidiaries of FBS (the "Banks"), are subject to certain restrictions
imposed by federal law on any extensions of credit to, and certain other
transactions with, FBS and certain other affiliates; and on investments in stock
or other securities thereof. Such restrictions prevent FBS and such other
affiliates from borrowing from the Banks unless the loans are secured by various
types of collateral. Further, such secured loans, other transactions and
investments by any of the Banks are generally limited in amount as to FBS and as
to each of such other affiliates to 10% of such Bank's capital and surplus and
as to FBS and all of such other affiliates to an aggregate of 20% of such Bank's
capital and surplus. In addition, payment of dividends to FBS by the subsidiary
banks is subject to ongoing review by regulators and is subject to various
statutory limitations and in certain circumstances requires approval by
regulatory authorities.
FBS was incorporated under Delaware law in 1929 and has functioned as a
multi-bank holding company since that time. Its principal executive offices are
located at First Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
55402-4302 (telephone (612) 973-1111). For further information concerning FBS,
see the FBS documents incorporated by reference herein as described under
"Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."
As previously reported, FBS has ongoing stock repurchase programs pursuant
to which FBS has made, and expects to make in the future, purchases of shares of
FBS Common Stock in the open market or otherwise. On October 10, 1995, FBS
reported that it had repurchased approximately 4.3 million shares of FBS Common
Stock pursuant to such programs and in connection with the FirsTier Acquisition,
and that it intended to purchase a total of 24.3 million shares of FBS Common
Stock by the end of 1996. FBS will not, however, make any share repurchases
that, in the opinion of its management, would affect the accounting for the
Merger as a pooling-of-interests. All repurchases made by FBS pursuant to its
stock repurchase program are made in accordance with the Commission's safe
harbor rule with respect to issuer stock repurchases.
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BUSINESS OF FIRST INTERSTATE
First Interstate is a bank holding company registered under the BHC Act, and
conducts a commercial banking business through its bank subsidiaries. First
Interstate was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and began
operations in 1958. At September 30, 1995, First Interstate, through its 16
subsidiary banks (the "Subsidiary Banks"), operated approximately 1,150 banking
offices in 13 states.
At September 30, 1995, First Interstate and its consolidated subsidiaries
had total assets of $55.1 billion, consolidated deposits of $48.2 billion and
shareholders' equity of $4.0 billion. At that date, First Interstate was the
fourteenth largest commercial banking organization in the United States ranked
by total assets.
The Subsidiary Banks accept checking, savings and other time deposit
accounts and employ these funds by making principally consumer, real estate and
commercial loans and investing in securities and other interest bearing assets.
All of their deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC, all but three exercise
trust powers, and the thirteen national banks and one of the three state banks
are members of the Federal Reserve System. The larger Subsidiary Banks provide
international banking services throughout the international departments of their
domestic offices and through a business development agreement between First
Interstate Bank of California and Standard Chartered PLC. They also maintain
correspondent relationships with major banks throughout the world.
First Interstate also provides banking-related financial services and
products. These include asset-based commercial financing, asset management and
investment counseling, bank card operations, mortgage banking, venture capital
and investment products. It engages in these activities through non-bank
subsidiaries of First Interstate, through the Subsidiary Banks and through
subsidiaries of the Subsidiary Banks.
The largest of the Subsidiary Banks, First Interstate Bank of California, a
California state-chartered bank, had total assets of approximately $24.8
billion, total deposits of approximately $21.2 billion and shareholder's equity
of approximately $2.0 billion at September 30, 1995.
Additional information about First Interstate and its subsidiaries is
included in documents incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."
DESCRIPTION OF FBS AND NEW FIRST INTERSTATE CAPITAL STOCK
The following description of the capital stock of FBS does not purport to be
complete and is subject, in all respects, to applicable Delaware law and to the
provisions of the FBS Certificate. The following description is qualified by
reference to the FBS Certificate, the certificate of designation for each series
of preferred stock of FBS, and the agreements and documents referred to below
under
"-- Common Stock -- Preferred Stock Purchase Rights" and "-- Periodic Stock
Purchase Rights and Risk Event Warrants," copies of which are incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part.
GENERAL
The authorized capital stock of FBS consists of 200,000,000 shares of FBS
Common Stock, par value $1.25 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $1.00 per share ("preferred stock of FBS"). Under the FBS
Certificate, the FBS Board or a duly authorized committee thereof has the power,
without further action by the shareholders, unless action is required by
applicable laws or regulations or by the terms of outstanding preferred stock of
FBS, to provide for the issuance of preferred stock in one or more series and to
fix the voting rights, designations, preferences, and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof by adopting a resolution or resolutions creating and
designating such series. As of September 30, 1995, there were 2,095,800 shares
of preferred stock of FBS outstanding, having an aggregate
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liquidation preference of $104,790,000 million, and 1,412,750 shares of
preferred stock of FBS reserved for issuance. At September 30, 1995, 135,632,324
shares of FBS Common Stock were issued (including 6,202,961 shares held in
treasury), 7,680,088 shares were reserved for issuance under the FBS employee
plans and the FBS Reinvestment and Purchase Plan, 3,616,512 shares were reserved
for issuance upon conversion of the FBS 1991A Preferred Stock, and 15,000,000
shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Periodic Stock Purchase
Rights and Risk Event Warrants described below.
The FBS Board has approved a proposed amendment to the FBS Certificate that
would increase the number of authorized shares of FBS Common Stock from
200,000,000 to 500,000,000 and would increase the number of authorized shares of
preferred stock of FBS from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000. The increase in the number
of authorized shares of FBS Common Stock is necessary to have sufficient shares
available for consummation of the Merger, in connection with which FBS
anticipates issuing up to 207,480,000 shares of FBS Common Stock. The FBS Board
further believes that the authorization of additional shares of FBS capital
stock is advisable to provide FBS additional common and preferred shares for
general corporate purposes, including stock dividends, raising additional
capital, issuances pursuant to employee and shareholder stock plans and possible
future acquisitions. See "Amendment to FBS Certificate."
PREFERRED STOCK
GENERAL. FBS presently has one series of preferred stock issued and
outstanding and two series of preferred stock authorized for future issuance.
The FBS 1991A Preferred Stock, which is issued and outstanding, and the Series
1990A Preferred Stock, liquidation value $100,000 per Share ("Series 1990A
Preferred Stock"). The Series 1990A Preferred Stock is authorized for future
issuance as described below and ranks on a parity with the FBS 1991A Preferred
Stock. The Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the "Junior Preferred
Stock"), which is authorized for future issuance as described below, ranks
junior to the other two series of preferred stock of FBS.
SERIES 1990A PREFERRED STOCK. In connection with the sale by FBS of
12,600,000 shares of FBS Common Stock and accompanying periodic stock purchase
rights and risk event warrants in a private placement in July 1990, FBS may
under certain circumstances be obligated to issue up to 12,750 shares of Series
1990A Preferred Stock. See "-- FBS Common Stock -- Periodic Stock Purchase
Rights and Risk Event Warrants" below. The shares of Series 1990A Preferred
Stock would, if issued, provide for a liquidation preference of $100,000 per
share. The dividend rate would be adjusted quarterly and would be determined at
the time of issuance. If, at the time of any annual meeting of shareholders for
the election of directors, the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on the
Series 1990A Preferred Stock were equal to at least six quarterly dividends on
such series, then the number of directors of FBS would be increased by one and
the holders of such Series, voting as a separate class, would be entitled to
elect one additional director who would continue to serve the full term for
which he or she would have been elected, notwithstanding the declaration or
payment of any dividends on the Series 1990A Preferred Stock. Holders of Series
1990A Preferred Stock would not have any other voting rights, except as
described under "-- Preferred Stock Voting Rights" below.
FBS 1991A PREFERRED STOCK. In November 1991, FBS issued in a public
offering 2,290,000 shares of its FBS 1991A Preferred Stock and 2,095,800 of such
shares remained outstanding at September 30, 1995. Such shares bear a dividend
rate of 7.125% per annum of the liquidation preference per share. The shares of
FBS 1991A Preferred Stock are convertible at the option of the holder at any
time at the rate of 1.7256 shares of FBS Common Stock for each such share, which
is equivalent to a conversion price of $28.975 per share of FBS Common Stock.
The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified
events. The shares of FBS 1991A Preferred Stock are not subject to any sinking
fund provisions and have no preemptive rights. Such shares provide for a
liquidation preference of $50 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and
are subject to redemption, upon at least 30 days notice, at the option of FBS at
any time on or after January 1, 1996 at a redemption price equal to $52.1375 per
share, declining to $50 per share on or after January 1, 2002,
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plus in each case accrued and unpaid dividends; provided, however, that the
shares of FBS 1991A Preferred Stock are not redeemable in part in the event that
full cumulative dividends have not been paid. Holders of FBS 1991A Preferred
Stock do not have any voting rights, except as described under "-- Preferred
Stock Voting Rights" below.
JUNIOR PREFERRED STOCK. FBS has issued the FBS Rights to holders of FBS
Common Stock entitling such holders, under specified conditions, to purchase
Junior Preferred Stock of FBS. See "-- Common Stock -- Preferred Stock Purchase
Rights" below. If issued, each share of Junior Preferred Stock would have a
minimum liquidation preference of $100 per share plus accrued and unpaid
dividends and would be entitled to an aggregate payment equal to the liquidation
payment made on 100 shares of FBS Common Stock. In addition, each share of
Junior Preferred Stock would have a minimum preferential quarterly dividend
payment of $1.00 per share but would be entitled to an aggregate payment equal
to the dividends declared on 100 shares of FBS Common Stock. The shares of
Junior Preferred Stock would not be entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund
and would not be redeemable. Each share of Junior Preferred Stock would have 100
votes and would vote together with the FBS Common Stock.
PREFERRED STOCK VOTING RIGHTS. The following voting provisions apply to all
series of the preferred stock of FBS other than the Junior Preferred Stock. The
voting rights of the Junior Preferred Stock, and certain additional voting
rights of the Series 1990A Preferred Stock, are described above under "-- Series
1990A Preferred Stock" and "-- Junior Preferred Stock."
If, at the time of any annual meeting of shareholders for the election of
directors, the amount of accrued but unpaid dividends on any preferred stock of
FBS is equal to at least six quarterly dividends on such series of preferred
stock of FBS, the number of the directors of FBS will be increased by two and
the holders of all outstanding series of preferred stock of FBS (excluding the
Series 1990A Preferred Stock), voting as a single class without regard to
series, will be entitled to elect such additional two directors until all
dividends in default on all preferred stock of FBS have been paid or declared
and set apart for payment.
The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of any series of the preferred stock of FBS, voting as a
class, will be required for any amendment of the FBS Certificate (including any
certificate of designation or any similar document relating to any series of
preferred stock of FBS) which will adversely affect the powers, preferences,
privileges or rights of such series of preferred stock. The affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of any
series of preferred stock of FBS, voting as a single class without regard to
series, will be required to issue, authorize, or increase the authorized amount
of, or issue or authorize any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing a right to purchase, any additional class or series of stock ranking
prior to such series of preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. The rights of holders of FBS Common Stock will be
subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any
preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Any such issuance may
adversely affect the interests of holders of the FBS Common Stock by limiting
the control that such holders may exert by exercise of their voting rights, by
subordinating their rights in liquidation to the rights of the holders of the
preferred stock of FBS and otherwise. In addition, the issuance of shares of
preferred stock of FBS may, in some circumstances, deter or discourage takeover
attempts and other changes in control of FBS, including takeovers and changes in
control that some holders of the FBS Common Stock may deem to be in their best
interests and in the best interests of FBS, by making it more difficult for a
person who has gained a substantial equity interest in FBS to obtain voting
control or to exercise control effectively. FBS has no current plans or
agreements with respect to the issuance of any shares of preferred stock, except
as described above with respect to the Series 1990A Preferred Stock and in
connection with the consummation of the Merger.
The FBS Certificate requires the affirmative vote of the holders of 80% of
the "Voting Stock" (as defined therein) of FBS to approve certain mergers,
consolidations, reclassifications, dispositions of
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assets or liquidation, involving or proposed by certain significant
shareholders, unless certain price and procedural requirements are met or unless
the transaction is approved by the "Continuing Directors" (as defined therein).
In addition, the FBS Certificate provides for classification of the FBS Board
into three separate classes and authorizes action by the shareholders of FBS
only pursuant to a meeting and not by a written consent. The Bylaws of FBS
provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called only by the FBS
Board or the chief executive officer. The overall effect of these provisions may
be to delay or prevent attempts by other corporations or groups to acquire
control of FBS without negotiation with the FBS Board.
COMMON STOCK
GENERAL. Each share of FBS Common Stock is entitled to such dividends as
may from time to time be declared by the FBS Board from any funds legally
available for dividends. FBS may not declare any cash dividends on, or make any
payment on account of, the purchase, redemption or other retirement of, FBS
Common Stock unless full dividends (including accumulated dividends, if
applicable) have been paid or declared or set apart for payment upon all
outstanding shares of the preferred stock of FBS and FBS is not in default or in
arrears with respect to any sinking or other analogous fund or other agreement
for the purchase, redemption or other retirement of any shares of preferred
stock of FBS. Holders of FBS Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Shareholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of
directors. FBS Common Stock has no conversion rights and the holders of FBS
Common Stock have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for additional
securities of FBS. In the event of the liquidation of FBS, after the payment or
provision for payment of all debts and liabilities and subject to the rights of
the holders of preferred stock of FBS which may be outstanding, the holders of
FBS Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in the remaining assets of
FBS. Shares of FBS Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The FBS Common
Stock is listed on the NYSE.
PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. On December 21, 1988, the FBS Board
declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "FBS Right") for
each outstanding share of FBS Common Stock. The dividend was paid on January 4,
1989 to the FBS shareholders of record on that date. Each holder of shares of
New First Interstate Common Stock issued upon consummation of the Merger will
receive one New First Interstate Right for each share of New First Interstate
Common Stock.
Each FBS Right initially entitles the registered holder to purchase from FBS
one one-hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock of FBS at a price of
$80.00, subject to adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The FBS Rights are not and
will not be exercisable or represented by separate certificates until 10 days
following the earlier of a public announcement that a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired beneficial
ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock or have
commenced or announced an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer for
20% or more of such outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock (the earlier of such
dates being called the "Distribution Date"). In the event that any person or
group of affiliated or associated persons becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or
more of the outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock, each FBS Right (other than
any FBS Right held by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons
beneficially owning 20% or more of the outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock,
which FBS Rights will thereafter be void) will thereafter entitle the holder to
receive upon exercise that number of shares of FBS Common Stock having a market
value of twice the Purchase Price. In addition, in such event, the FBS Board
will thereafter be entitled to exchange the outstanding FBS Rights (other than
any FBS Right held by an Acquiring Person, which FBS Right shall thereafter be
void), in whole or in part, for shares of FBS Common Stock or Junior Preferred
Stock at an exchange ratio of one share of FBS Common Stock, or one
one-hundredth of a share of Junior Preferred Stock, per FBS Right. In connection
with the execution of the Merger Agreement, FBS amended the FBS Rights Agreement
to, among other things, provide that the execution and delivery of the FBS Stock
Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will not cause the
FBS Rights to be distributed or become exercisable. See " -- Amendments to
Rights Agreements."
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In the event that FBS is acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or earning power are sold,
each FBS Right will thereafter entitle the holder to receive upon exercise that
number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a market value
of twice the Purchase Price.
Prior to the Distribution Date, the FBS Rights cannot be transferred apart
from FBS Common Stock and are represented solely by the FBS Common Stock
certificates. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates representing the FBS Rights will be mailed to holders of record of
shares of FBS Common Stock as of such date, and the FBS Rights could then begin
to trade separately from FBS Common Stock.
The FBS Rights do not have any voting rights and are not entitled to
dividends. The terms of the FBS Rights may be amended without the consent of the
holders, provided that, after a person becomes an Acquiring Person, such
amendment may not adversely affect the interests of the holders.
The terms of the Junior Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of FBS Rights
are described above under "-- Preferred Stock -- Junior Preferred Stock."
The FBS Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The FBS
Rights will expire on the earlier of (a) the date which is 24 months after the
first date upon which FBS can generally be acquired by bank holding companies,
and FBS is generally permitted to acquire banks, principally located in at least
fifteen of the twenty states which as of September 30, 1992 had the largest
amount of bank deposits or (b) January 4, 1999, unless, before that date, all of
the FBS Rights are either redeemed by FBS at a price of $.01 per FBS Right prior
to the acquisition by a person or group of affiliated or associated persons of
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of FBS Common
Stock, or are exchanged by FBS for shares of FBS Common Stock or Junior
Preferred Stock as described above. It is currently anticipated that the first
date on which FBS can generally be acquired by bank holding companies, and FBS
is generally permitted to acquire banks, principally located in at least fifteen
of the twenty states which as of September 30, 1992 had the largest amount of
bank deposits will be in July 1996.
The FBS Rights may have certain anti-takeover effects. The FBS Rights may
cause substantial dilution to an Acquiring Person if it attempts to merge with,
or engage in certain other transactions with, FBS. The FBS Rights should not,
however, interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the
FBS Board prior to the occurrence of the Distribution Date because the FBS
Rights may be redeemed prior to such time.
The complete terms of the FBS Rights are set forth in the FBS Rights
Agreement. The description of the FBS Rights set forth herein does not purport
to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the FBS Rights
Agreement, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part.
PERIODIC STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS AND RISK EVENT WARRANTS. FBS has entered
into (i) a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1990 (the "Stock
Purchase Agreement"), by and among Corporate Partners, L.P. ("Corporate
Partners"), Corporate Offshore Partners, L.P. ("Offshore" and, together with
Corporate Partners, the "Partnerships"), The State Board of Administration of
Florida ("State Board") solely in its capacity as a managed account and not in
its individual capacity (State Board and the Partnerships being referred to
herein collectively as the "Purchasers"), Corporate Advisors, L.P. and FBS and
(ii) a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1990 (the "Florida Stock
Purchase Agreement"), by and between State Board in its individual capacity and
FBS. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, FBS sold (a) to Corporate
Partners 8,856,241 shares of FBS Common Stock, ten Periodic Stock Purchase
Rights (each a "PSPR") and one Risk Event Warrant, (b) to Offshore 643,976
shares of FBS Common Stock, ten PSPRs and one Risk Event Warrant and (c) to
State Board 939,783 shares of FBS Common Stock, ten PSPRs and one Risk Event
Warrant. Pursuant to the Florida Stock Purchase Agreement, FBS sold to State
Board 2,160,000 shares of FBS Common Stock, ten PSPRs and one Risk Event
Warrant. Effective as of May 30, 1990, FBS and First
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Chicago Trust Company of New York entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Rights
Agreement to exclude the acquisition of shares of FBS Common Stock by the
Purchasers and State Board pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and the
Florida Stock Purchase Agreement, respectively, and the transactions
contemplated thereby and certain other transactions from the operation of the
Rights Agreement. See "-- Common Stock -- Preferred Stock Purchase Rights"
above.
The Stock Purchase Agreement and the Florida Stock Purchase Agreement
contain transfer restrictions with respect to the shares of FBS Common Stock
acquired thereunder and standstill provisions limiting further acquisitions of
FBS Common Stock by the Purchasers and State Board. The Stock Purchase Agreement
and the Florida Stock Purchase Agreement also grant each of the Purchasers and
State Board the right to purchase its pro rata share of any Voting Securities
(as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) sold by FBS for cash, subject to
certain exceptions. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers
have designated one person to act as a non-voting observer of the FBS Board.
Each PSPR issued to the Purchasers and State Board relates to a specific
twelve-month period commencing with the twelve-month period following closing of
the transactions contemplated under the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Florida
Stock Purchase Agreement. Each PSPR shall become exercisable in the event that a
Dividend Shortfall (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) exists for the
specific twelve-month period to which such PSPR relates. A Dividend Shortfall
will be deemed to exist to the extent that FBS has not paid a cash dividend
equal to $0.205 per share of FBS Common Stock for each quarter within such
twelve-month period. The PSPRs will be exercisable for that number of shares of
FBS Common Stock or (subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board)
depositary shares representing one one-thousandth of a share of Series 1990A
Preferred Stock ("Depositary Shares") such that the holders of PSPRs will
receive value equal to the Dividend Shortfall. Once a PSPR has become
exercisable, it will remain exercisable for a one-year period at an exercise
price of $1.25 per share of FBS Common Stock or $1.00 per Depositary Share. If a
PSPR were to become exercisable and were not redeemed by FBS as described below,
the issuance of Depositary Shares or FBS Common Stock upon exercise of a PSPR
could adversely affect the market price of the FBS Common Stock. If the PSPRs
were to be exercised for FBS Common Stock, there could be substantial dilution
of the FBS Common Stock.
Each Risk Event Warrant shall become exercisable in the event of certain
defined change of control events with respect to FBS where the value received by
holders of the FBS Common Stock is less than $13.875 per share, or in certain
circumstances in the event the FBS Common Stock is valued at less than $13.875
per share on the tenth anniversary of the closing of the transactions
contemplated under the Stock Purchase Agreement. The Merger does not constitute
a change of control for purposes of the Risk Event Warrants. The Risk Event
Warrants will be exercisable for that number of shares of FBS Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.25 per share or, in certain circumstances (subject to the
prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board), Depositary Shares such that the
holders of Risk Event Warrants will receive value equal to such shortfall. If
the Risk Event Warrants were to become exercisable and were not redeemed by FBS
as described below, the issuance of Depositary Shares or FBS Common Stock upon
exercise of a Risk Event Warrant could adversely affect the market price of the
FBS Common Stock. If the Risk Event Warrants were to be exercised for FBS Common
Stock, there could be substantial dilution of the FBS Common Stock. In the event
of a change in control at a time when the market price of the FBS Common Stock
is less than $13.875 per share, the Risk Event Warrants may have the effect of
reducing the price per share to be received by the holders of the FBS Common
Stock.
In the event of the exercise of a Risk Event Warrant upon the occurrence of
certain change of control events, FBS may, at its option (subject to the prior
approval of the Federal Reserve Board), elect to have such Risk Event Warrant
become exercisable for other securities of FBS acceptable to the holder of such
Risk Event Warrant in lieu of the shares of FBS Common Stock for which such Risk
Event Warrant would otherwise become exercisable. In addition, FBS has the right
(subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board) to redeem any PSPR
at a price equal to the Dividend
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Shortfall and any Risk Event Warrant at a price equal to the Value Shortfall (as
defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) or the Termination Shortfall Amount (as
defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement), as applicable, after such PSPR or Risk
Event Warrant, as the case may be, shall have become exercisable. FBS also has
entered into a registration rights agreement with the Purchasers and with State
Board pursuant to which the Purchasers and State Board, respectively, are
granted certain rights to cause FBS to register with the Commission the FBS
Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Florida
Stock Purchase Agreement and the securities acquired upon exercise of the PSPRs
and the Risk Event Warrants.
The foregoing is a summary of the transactions contemplated by the Stock
Purchase Agreement and the Florida Stock Purchase Agreement and related
documents and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information
contained in such agreements and documents, copies of which are incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part.
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK
The summary of terms of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock contained
herein does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its
entirety by, the provisions of the FBS Certificate and the respective
Certificates of Designations of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock (each a
"Certificate of Designations") which have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part
and are incorporated herein by reference.
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE 9.875% PREFERRED STOCK
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will be converted into one share of New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock. The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock will be substantially the same as the First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock.
RANK. The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will rank on a parity
as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of New First Interstate with each other currently
outstanding shares of preferred stock of FBS and with the New First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock. See "Description of New First Interstate Capital
Stock--Preferred Stock." The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will
rank prior to the New First Interstate Common Stock and the Junior Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of New First Interstate.
DIVIDENDS. Holders of shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock
will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the New First
Interstate Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, out of assets of New
First Interstate legally available for payment, cash dividends, payable
quarterly, at the rate of 9.875% per share per annum (equivalent to $2.46875 per
New First Interstate 9.875% Depositary Share per annum). Dividends on the New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly on the last
day of March, June, September and December of each year (each, a "Dividend
Payment Date"), commencing on the first Dividend Payment Date following the
Effective Time. Dividends payable on the first Dividend Payment Date following
the Effective Time shall be in respect of the quarterly dividend period
commencing on and including the last dividend payment date with respect to the
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock on which dividends were paid prior to
the Effective Time. Each declared dividend shall be payable to holders of record
as they appear at the close of business on the stock books of New First
Interstate on such record dates, not more than 60 calendar days preceding the
payment dates therefor, as are determined by the New First Interstate Board.
Quarterly dividend periods shall commence on and include the Dividend Payment
Date and shall end on and include the day next preceding the next following
Dividend Payment Date. The right of holders of New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock to receive dividends is cumulative.
So long as any shares of the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no dividends shall be paid or declared upon any shares of any class
or series of stock of New First
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Interstate ranking on a parity with the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock in the payment of dividends for any period unless, at or prior to the time
of such payment or declaration, (i) all cumulative dividends payable on the New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock for all dividend periods ended prior to
the date of such payment or declaration shall have been paid and (ii) a like
proportionate dividend for the same dividend period, ratably in proportion to
the respective annual dividend rates fixed thereupon, shall be paid upon or
declared for the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock then issued and
outstanding.
So long as any shares of the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no full dividends shall be declared or paid or set apart for
payment on the preferred stock of any series ranking, as to dividends, on a
parity with or junior to the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock for any
period unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set
apart for such payment on the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock for
all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the date of payment of such full
cumulative dividends. When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and the shares of any other preferred
stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock, all dividends declared upon shares of New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock and any other preferred stock ranking on a parity as to
dividends shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared
per share on the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and such other
preferred stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that
accrued dividends per share on the shares of New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock bear to each other. Holders of
shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will not be entitled to
any dividends, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full
dividends, payable as herein provided, on the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock and no interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, will be
payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments of New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock which may be in arrears. Except as provided in the
preceding sentence, unless full dividends on the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or set apart for payment for a
dividend period, no dividends (other than in New First Interstate Common Stock
or another stock ranking junior to the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set
aside for payment or other distribution declared or made upon the New First
Interstate Common Stock or on any other stock of New First Interstate ranking
junior to or on a parity with the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock as
to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall any New First Interstate Common
Stock nor any other stock of New First Interstate ranking junior to or on parity
with the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon
liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration
(or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the
redemption of any shares of any such stock) by New First Interstate (except by
conversion into or exchange for stock of New First Interstate ranking junior to
the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon
liquidation) unless, in each case, the full dividends on all outstanding shares
of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock shall have been paid, including
dividends payable for all past dividend periods.
Any dividend payment made on shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend
due with respect to shares of such series which remains payable.
REDEMPTION. Prior to November 15, 1996, the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock is not redeemable. At any time on or after November 15, 1996,
the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in
part, from time to time at the option of New First Interstate upon not less than
40 nor more than 70 days' notice (or not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
notice in the case of the New First Interstate 9.875% Depositary Shares) at
$200.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per New First Interstate 9.875%
Depositary Share) plus all accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of
redemption.
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If less than all the outstanding shares of New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, New First Interstate will select those to be
redeemed pro rata, by lot or by a substantially equivalent method. On and after
the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on the shares, and they
shall be deemed to cease to be outstanding, provided that the redemption price
(including any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption)
has been duly paid or provided for.
The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will not be entitled to the
benefits of any sinking fund.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the full cumulative dividends on all
outstanding shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock shall have
been paid or contemporaneously are declared and paid for all past dividend
periods, no shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock shall be
redeemed unless all outstanding shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however that the foregoing shall
not prevent the purchase or acquisition of shares of New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock or of shares of such other series of preferred stock pursuant to
a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all
outstanding shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock, and, unless
the full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock and any other stock of New First Interstate ranking on a
parity with such series as to dividends and upon liquidation shall have been
paid or contemporaneously are declared and paid for all past dividend periods,
New First Interstate shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or
indirectly any shares of preferred stock of such series (except by conversion
into or exchange for stock of New First Interstate ranking junior to the
preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.)
In addition, in order to qualify as Tier 1 capital, New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock may not be redeemed at New First Interstate's option
without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of New First Interstate, the holders of
the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock will be entitled, subject to the
rights of creditors, but before any distribution or payment to the holders of
New First Interstate Common Stock or any other security ranking junior to the
New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock on liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of New First Interstate, to receive $200.00 per share (equivalent to
$25.00 per New First Interstate 9.875% Depositary Share) plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the available assets of New First
Interstate are insufficient to pay such amount on all outstanding shares of New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and the corresponding amounts payable on
all shares of other classes or series of stock of New First Interstate ranking
on a parity with the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock in the
distribution of assets, then the holders of the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock and of all other such classes or series shall share ratably in
any distribution of assets in proportion to the full amounts to which they would
otherwise be respectively entitled.
If such payment shall have been made in full to all holders of shares of New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock, the remaining assets of New First
Interstate shall be distributed among the holders of any other classes of stock
ranking junior to the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, according to their respective rights and
preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For
such purposes, the consolidation or merger of New First Interstate with any
other corporation shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of New First Interstate.
VOTING RIGHTS. Under regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board, a
holder of 25% or more of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock (or the New
First Interstate Depositary Shares (or a holder of 5% or more if it otherwise
exercises a "controlling influence" over New First Interstate) may then be
subject to regulation as a bank holding company in accordance with the BHC Act.
In addition,
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any other bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior approval of
the Federal Reserve Board to acquire 5% or more of the New First Interstate
Preferred Stock (or the New First Interstate Depositary Shares).
Each holder of shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock shall
be entitled to notice of shareholders' meetings and shall be entitled to one
vote for each share of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock held by such
holder as of the record date in connection with any such vote, on all matters
submitted to the holders of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock and the
holders of shares of any other stock of New First Interstate entitled to general
voting powers as of the relevant record date ("Other Voting Stock"). Except as
otherwise provided by law, holders of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock shall vote with holders of New First Interstate Common Stock and Other
Voting Stock, together as a class, on all matters submitted to holders of Other
Voting Stock of New First Interstate.
If at any time of any annual meeting of shareholders for the election of
directors of New First Interstate, a default in preference dividends (as defined
below) shall exist on the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock or on any
shares of preferred stock ranking on a parity with the shares of New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (the New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and any such shares of preferred stock
being herein referred to as "Parity Preferred Stock"), the maximum authorized
number of members of the New First Interstate Board of directors shall
automatically be increased by two. The two vacancies so created shall be filled
at such meeting by the vote of the holders of the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock and the holders of any other Parity Preferred Stock upon which
like voting rights have been conferred and are then exercisable (the New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and such other Parity Preferred Stock being
herein referred to as "Voting Parity Preferred Stock"), voting together as a
single class without regard to series, to the exclusion of the holders of the
New First Interstate Common Stock and any other class of capital stock that is
not Voting Parity Preferred Stock. The holders of the New First Interstate
Common Stock and any other class of capital stock which has the right to vote at
such meeting (other than the Voting Parity Preferred Stock) shall elect the
remaining directors. Such rights of the holders of Voting Parity Preferred Stock
shall continue until there are no preference dividends in arrears upon the
Parity Preferred Stock of any series at which time such right shall terminate,
except as by law expressly provided, subject to revesting in the event of each
and every subsequent default of the character above mentioned. Upon any such
termination of the right of the holders of shares of Voting Parity Preferred
Stock as a class to vote for directors as herein provided, the term of office of
each director then in office elected by such holders voting as a class (herein
called a "Preferred Director") shall terminate immediately. Any Preferred
Director may be removed by, and shall not be removed except by, the vote of the
holders of record of the outstanding shares of Voting Parity Preferred Stock,
voting together as a single class without regard to series, at a meeting of the
stockholders, or of the holders of shares of Voting Parity Preferred Stock,
called for such purpose. So long as a default in any preference dividends on any
Parity Preferred Stock of any series shall exist, (A) any vacancy in the office
of a Preferred Director may be filled (except as provided in the following
clause (B)) by the person appointed by an instrument in writing signed by the
remaining Preferred Director and filed with New First Interstate and (B) in the
case of the removal of any Preferred Director, the vacancy may be filled by the
person elected by the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of Voting
Parity Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class without regard to
series, at the same meeting at which such removal shall be voted or at any
subsequent meeting. Each director appointed as aforesaid by the remaining
Preferred Director shall be deemed to be a Preferred Director. Whenever a
default in preference dividends shall no longer exist: (i) the term of office of
the Preferred Directors shall end, (ii) the special voting powers vested in the
holders of the Voting Parity Preferred Stock as provided herein shall expire and
(iii) the number of members of the New First Interstate Board of Directors shall
be such number as may be provided for in New First Interstate's By-Laws
irrespective of any increase made as provided herein. A "default in preference
dividends" on the Voting Parity Preferred Stock of any series shall be deemed to
have occurred whenever the amount of unpaid accrued dividends upon any series of
preferred stock of New First Interstate through the last
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preceding dividend period therefor shall be equivalent to six quarterly
dividends (which, with respect to New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock or
any other series of Parity Preferred Stock, shall be deemed to be dividends in
respect of a number of dividend periods containing not less than 540 days) or
more, and, having so occurred, such default shall be deemed to exist thereafter
until, but only until, all accrued dividends on all shares of Voting Parity
Preferred Stock of each and every series then outstanding shall have been paid
to the end of the last preceding dividend period.
So long as any shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock remain
outstanding, New First Interstate shall not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of each series of
preferred stock outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in
writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class together with all other
series of Voting Parity Preferred Stock), (i) authorize, create or issue, or
increase the authorized or issued amount, of any class or series of stock
ranking prior to the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock with respect to
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on liquidation, or reclassify
any authorized stock of New First Interstate into any such shares, or create,
authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the
right to purchase any such shares or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions
of New First Interstate's Certificate, or of the resolutions contained in the
Certificate of Designations for such series of preferred stock whether by
merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any
right, preference, privilege or voting power of such series of preferred stock
or the holders thereof; provided, however, that any increase in the amount of
the authorized preferred stock or the creation or issuance of other series of
preferred stock, or any increase in the amount of authorized shares of such
series or of any other series of New First Interstate Preferred Stock, in each
case ranking on a parity with or junior to the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding shares of the New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds
shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.
CONVERSION RIGHTS. The New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock is not
convertible into shares of any other class or series of the capital stock of New
First Interstate.
NO OTHER RIGHTS. The shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock
shall not have any preferences, voting powers or relative, participating,
optional or other special rights except as set forth above, in the New First
Interstate Certificate or as otherwise required by law.
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE 9.0% PREFERRED STOCK
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of First
Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will be converted into one share of New First
Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock. The New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock
will be substantially the same as the First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock.
RANK. The New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will rank on a parity
as to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of New First Interstate with each other currently
outstanding shares of preferred stock of FBS and with the New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock. See "Description of FBS and New First Interstate Capital
Stock-- Preferred Stock." The New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will
rank prior to the New First Interstate Common Stock and the Junior Preferred
Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of New First Interstate.
DIVIDENDS. Holders of shares of New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock
will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the New First
Interstate Board, or a duly authorized committee thereof, out of assets of New
First Interstate legally available for payment, cash dividends, payable
quarterly, at the rate of 9.0% per share per annum (equivalent to $2.25 per New
First Interstate 9.0%
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Depositary Share per annum). Dividends on the New First Interstate 9.0%
Preferred Stock shall be payable quarterly on the last day of March, June,
September and December of each year (each, a "Dividend Payment Date"),
commencing on the first Dividend Payment Date following the Effective Time.
Dividends payable on the first Dividend Payment Date following the Effective
Time shall be in respect of the quarterly dividend period commencing on and
including the last dividend payment date with respect to the First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock on which dividends were paid prior to the Effective Time.
Each declared dividend shall be payable to holders of record as they appear at
the close of business on the stock books of New First Interstate on such record
dates, not more than 60 calendar days preceding the payment dates therefor, as
are determined by the New First Interstate Board (each of such dates, a "Record
Date"). Quarterly dividend periods shall commence on and include the Dividend
Payment Date and shall end on and include the day next preceding the next
following Dividend Payment Date. The right of holders of New First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock to receive dividends is cumulative.
All other terms and provisions governing the payment of dividends on the New
First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock are identical to those governing the New
First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock. See "-- New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock -- DIVIDENDS."
REDEMPTION. Prior to May 29, 1997, the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred
Stock is not redeemable. At any time on or after May 29, 1997, the New First
Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, from time to
time at the option of New First Interstate upon not less than 40 nor more than
70 days' notice (or not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice in the case
of the New First Interstate 9.0% Depositary Shares) at $200.00 per share
(equivalent to $25.00 per New First Interstate 9.0% Depositary Share) plus all
accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption.
The remaining provisions governing redemption of the New First Interstate
9.0% Preferred Stock are identical to those for the New First Interstate 9.875%
Preferred Stock. See "-- New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock --
REDEMPTION."
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of New First Interstate, the holders of
the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock will be entitled, subject to the
rights of creditors, but before any distribution or payment to the holders of
New First Interstate Common Stock or any other security ranking junior to the
New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock on liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of New First Interstate, to receive $200.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00
per New First Interstate 9.0% Depositary Share) plus accrued and unpaid
dividends.
The remaining provisions governing liquidation rights of the New First
Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock are identical to those governing the New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock. See "-- New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred
Stock -- LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE."
VOTING RIGHTS. Holders of the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock
will have voting rights identical to those of the holders of New First
Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock.
CONVERSION RIGHTS. The New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock is not
convertible into shares of any other class or series of the capital stock of New
First Interstate.
NO OTHER RIGHTS. The shares of New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock
shall not have any preferences, voting powers or relative, participating,
optional or other special rights except as set forth above, in the New First
Interstate Certificate or as otherwise required by law.
NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES
At the Effective Time, New First Interstate will assume the obligations of
First Interstate under the Deposit Agreements and will instruct the Depositary
to treat the shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock and New First
Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock, respectively, as new deposited securities under
the applicable Deposit Agreement. In accordance with the terms of the relevant
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Deposit Agreement, the First Interstate Depositary Shares then outstanding shall
thereafter represent the shares of New First Interstate 9.875% Preferred Stock
or New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock, as appropriate. New First
Interstate will request that the Depositary call for surrender of all
outstanding First Interstate Depositary Receipts to be exchanged for New First
Interstate Depositary Receipts specifically describing the New First Interstate
9.875% Preferred Stock or the New First Interstate 9.0% Preferred Stock, as the
case may be. The New First Interstate Depositary Receipts to be issued in
exchange for the First Interstate Depositary Receipts will evidence the New
First Interstate Depositary Shares.
Each New First Interstate Depositary Share will represent a one-eighth
interest in a share of New First Interstate Preferred Stock. FBS has agreed to
use its best efforts to list the New First Interstate Depositary Shares on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. The New First Interstate
Depositary Shares will be freely transferable under the Securities Act, subject
to the restrictions discussed under "-- Resales of New First Interstate Common
Stock and New First Interstate Depositary Shares Received by First Interstate
Shareholders."
Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreements, each owner of a New First
Interstate Depositary Share will be entitled through the Depositary, in
proportion to the one-eighth interest in a share of New First Interstate
Preferred Stock underlying such New First Interstate Depositary Shares, to all
rights and preferences of a share of New First Interstate Preferred Stock
(including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). Because each
share of New First Interstate Preferred Stock entitles the holder thereof to one
vote on matters on which the New First Interstate Preferred Stock is entitled to
vote, each New First Interstate Depositary Share will, in effect, entitle the
holder thereof to one-eighth of a vote thereon, rather than one full vote. See
"-- New First Interstate Preferred Stock -- VOTING RIGHTS."
Pending the preparation of definitive engraved New First Interstate
Depositary Receipts, the Depositary may, upon the written order of New First
Interstate, issue temporary New First Interstate Depositary Receipts
substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all the rights
pertaining to) the definitive New First Interstate Depositary Receipts but not
in definitive form. Definitive New First Interstate Depositary Receipts will be
prepared thereafter without unreasonable delay, and temporary New First
Interstate Depositary Receipts will be exchangeable for definitive New First
Interstate Depositary Receipts at New First Interstate's expense.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. The Depositary will distribute all cash
distributions received in respect of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock to
the record holders of New First Interstate Depositary Shares relating to such
New First Interstate Preferred Stock in proportion to the numbers of such New
First Interstate Depositary Shares owned by such holders on the relevant record
date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be
distributed without attributing to any holder of New First Interstate Depositary
Shares a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be added
to and treated as part of the next sum received by the Depositary for
distribution to record holders of New First Interstate Depositary Shares.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of New First Interstate
Depositary Shares entitled thereto, unless the Depositary determines that it is
not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the Depositary may, with
the approval of the New First Interstate, sell such property and distribute the
net proceeds from such sale to such holders.
The Deposit Agreements also contain provisions relating to the manner in
which any subscription or similar rights offered by New First Interstate to
holders of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock shall be made available to
holders of New First Interstate Depositary Shares.
REDEMPTION OF NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY SHARES. If a series of the
New First Interstate Preferred Stock underlying the New First Interstate
Depositary Shares is subject to redemption, the
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New First Interstate Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds
received by the Depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part,
of such series of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary. The Depositary shall mail notice of redemption not less than 30 and
not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the record
holders of the New First Interstate Depositary Shares to be so redeemed at their
respective addresses appearing in the Depositary's books. The redemption price
per New First Interstate Depositary Share will be equal to the applicable
fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to such series
of New First Interstate Preferred Stock. Whenever New First Interstate redeems
shares of New First Interstate Preferred Stock held by the Depositary, the
Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of New First
Interstate Depositary Shares relating to shares of New First Interstate
Preferred Stock so redeemed. If less than all the New First Interstate
Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the New First Interstate Depositary Shares
to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata, all as may be determined by
the Depositary.
After the date fixed for redemption, the New First Interstate Depositary
Shares so called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and
all rights of the holders of the New First Interstate Depositary Shares will
cease, except the right to receive the moneys payable upon such redemption and
any money or other property to which the holders of such New First Interstate
Depositary Shares were entitled upon such redemption upon surrender to the
Depositary of the New First Interstate Depositary Receipts evidencing such New
First Interstate Depositary Shares.
VOTING THE NEW FIRST INTERSTATE PREFERRED STOCK. Upon receipt of notice of
any meeting at which the holders of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock are
entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained in such
notice of meeting to the record holders of the New First Interstate Depositary
Shares relating to such New First Interstate Preferred Stock. Each record holder
of such New First Interstate Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be
the same date as the record date for the New First Interstate Preferred Stock)
will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting
rights pertaining to the number of shares of New First Interstate Preferred
Stock underlying such holder's New First Interstate Depositary Shares. The
Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of shares
of New First Interstate Preferred Stock underlying such New First Interstate
Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and New First Interstate
will agree to take action as may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order
to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting
shares of New First Interstate Depositary Shares relating to such New First
Interstate Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific
instructions from the holders of New First Interstate Depositary Shares
representing such shares of New First Interstate Preferred Stock.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE NEW FIRST INTERSTATE DEPOSITARY
AGREEMENT. The form of New First Interstate Depositary Receipts evidencing the
New First Interstate Depositary Shares and any provision of the Deposit
Agreements may at any time be amended by agreement between New First Interstate
and the Depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters
the rights of the existing holders of New First Interstate Depositary Shares
will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the record
holders of at least a majority of the New First Interstate Depositary Shares
then outstanding. A Deposit Agreement may be terminated by New First Interstate
or the Depositary only if (i) all outstanding New First Interstate Depositary
Shares relating thereto have been redeemed or (ii) there has been a final
distribution in respect of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock of the
relevant series in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
New First Interstate and such distribution has been distributed to the holders
of the related New First Interstate Depositary Receipts.
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY. New First Interstate will pay all transfer and other
taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the
depositary arrangements. New First Interstate will pay charges of the Depositary
in connection with the initial deposit of the New First Interstate
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Preferred Stock and any redemption of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock.
Holders of New First Interstate Depositary Receipts will pay other transfer and
other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly
provided in the Deposit Agreements to be for their accounts.
MISCELLANEOUS. The Depositary will forward to the holders of New First
Interstate Depositary Shares all reports and communications from New First
Interstate that are delivered to the Depositary and that New First Interstate is
required to furnish to the holders of the New First Interstate Preferred Stock.
Neither the Depositary nor New First Interstate will be liable if it is
prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing
its obligations under the Deposit Agreements. The obligations of New First
Interstate and the Depositary under the Deposit Agreements will be limited to
performance in good faith of their duties thereunder and they will not be
obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any New
First Interstate Depositary Shares or New First Interstate Preferred Stock
unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. They may rely upon written advice of
counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting New First
Interstate Preferred Stock for deposit, holders of New First Interstate
Depositary Receipts or other persons believed to be competent and on documents
believed to be genuine.
The Deposit Agreements will not permit holders of New First Interstate
Depositary Receipts to withdraw shares of New First Interstate Preferred Stock
held by the Depositary upon surrender of such New First Interstate Depositary
Receipts or otherwise.
RESIGNATION AND RENEWAL OF DEPOSITARY. The Depositary may resign at any
time by delivering to New First Interstate notice of its election to do so, and
New First Interstate may at any time remove the Depositary, any such resignation
or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor Depositary and its
acceptance of such appointment. Such successor Depositary must be appointed
within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must
be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and
having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
TAXATION. Owners of the New First Interstate Depositary Shares will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as if they were owners of the New First
Interstate Preferred Stock represented by such New First Interstate Depositary
Shares.
AMENDMENTS TO NEW FIRST INTERSTATE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
The Merger Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, the FBS
Certificate will be amended in accordance with the DGCL as follows: (i) an
amendment to the FBS Certificate to change the name of FBS to "First Interstate
Bancorp"; and (ii) an amendment to the FBS Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of FBS Common Stock to 500,000,000 and
of preferred stock of FBS to 15,000,000. The principal purpose and effect of the
Certificate Amendments will be to create a sufficient number of shares of New
First Interstate Common Stock for issuance to former shareholders of First
Interstate in the Merger and to authorize additional shares of capital stock
that may be issued upon the approval of the Board of Directors of New First
Interstate without shareholder approval. Approval of each of the Certificate
Amendments is contingent upon the approval of each of the other FBS Vote
Matters.
As of September 30, 1995, there were 129,429,363 shares of FBS Common Stock
outstanding and an additional 15,973,680 shares of FBS Common Stock were
reserved for issuance pursuant to various stock-based plans of FBS, in
connection with warrants and convertible preferred stock and in connection with
the pending FirsTier Acquisition. This leaves FBS with 54,596,957 authorized but
unissued, unreserved and uncommitted shares of FBS Common Stock available for
issuance. After giving effect to the Merger, approximately 353,000,000 shares of
New First Interstate Common Stock will be outstanding and reserved for issuance.
Accordingly, New First Interstate will have approximately 147,000,000 shares of
New First Interstate Common Stock available for issuance. As of September 30,
103
<PAGE>
1995, there were 2,095,800 preferred shares of FBS outstanding and an additional
1,412,750 preferred shares of FBS reserved for issuance. FBS had 4,884,500
authorized but unissued, unreserved and uncommitted preferred shares available
for issuance at September 30, 1995. Assuming no change in capitalization except
giving effect to the Merger, at the Effective Time, 3,845,800 shares of New
First Interstate Preferred Stock will be outstanding. Giving effect to the
Merger, aproximately 3,500,000 preferred shares will be reserved for issuance.
As a result, New First Interstate will have approximately 7,650,000 shares of
New First Interstate Preferred Stock authorized but unissued, unreserved and
uncommitted preferred shares available for issuance.
The additional shares of New First Interstate Common Stock for which
authorization is sought would be a part of the existing class of FBS Common
Stock and, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the
shares of FBS Common Stock presently outstanding. Such additional shares would
not (and the shares of FBS Common Stock presently outstanding do not) entitle
holders thereof to preemptive or cumulative voting rights. The increase in
authorized shares will, in addition to providing sufficient capital stock for
issuance in connection with the Merger, provide additional shares for general
corporate purposes, including stock dividends, raising additional capital,
issuances pursuant to employee and shareholder stock plans and possible future
acquisitions. There are, however, no present plans, understandings or agreements
for issuing a material number of additional shares of New First Interstate
Common Stock from the additional shares of stock proposed to be authorized
pursuant to the amendment.
The issuance of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock, including the
additional shares that would be authorized if the proposed amendment is adopted,
may dilute the present equity ownership position of current holders of FBS
Common Stock and may be made without shareholder approval, unless otherwise
required by applicable laws or stock exchange regulation. Under existing NYSE
regulations, approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of New First
Interstate Common Stock would nevertheless be required in connection with any
transaction or series of related transactions that would result in the original
issuance of additional shares of New First Interstate Common Stock, other than
in a public offering for cash, if (i) the New First Interstate Common Stock
(including securities convertible into New First Interstate Common Stock) has,
or will have upon issuance, voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the
voting power outstanding before the issuance of such New First Interstate Common
Stock, (ii) the number of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock to be
issued is or will be equal to or in excess of 20% of the number of shares
outstanding before the issuance of the New First Interstate Common Stock or
(iii) the issuance would result in a change of control of New First Interstate.
The additional authorized but unissued shares of New First Interstate
Preferred Stock that will become available if the Certificate Amendments are
adopted, whether alone or in tandem with the New First Interstate Rights
described above, could make a change in control of New First Interstate more
difficult to achieve. Under certain circumstances, such shares could be used to
create voting impediments to frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or
otherwise gain control of New First Interstate. Such shares could be sold to
purchasers who might side with the New First Interstate Board in opposing a
takeover bid that the Board determines not to be in the best interests of New
First Interstate or its shareholders. The amendment might also have the effect
of discouraging an attempt by another person or entity, through the acquisition
of a substantial number of shares of New First Interstate Common Stock, to
acquire control of New First Interstate with a view to consummating a merger,
sale of all or any part of New First Interstate's assets, or a similar
transaction, because the issuance of new shares could be used to dilute the
stock ownership of such person or entity.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the securities offered hereby has been passed upon for FBS
by Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P., Minneapolis, Minnesota.
104
<PAGE>
The Merger Agreement provides that, as a condition to FBS's obligation to
consummate the Merger, FBS receive the opinion of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, counsel to FBS, substantially to the effect that the
Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Code. The
Merger Agreement also provides that, as a condition to First Interstate's
obligation to consummate the Merger, First Interstate receive the opinion of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, New York, New York, special counsel to
First Interstate, substantially to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a
"reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Code.
Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. and certain of its members are indebted to and
have other banking and trust relationships with certain banking subsidiaries of
FBS.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of FBS as of December 31, 1994 and
1993, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994
appearing in FBS's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1995 have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated
financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of First Interstate as of December 31,
1994 and 1993, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1994 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Interstate for the
year ended December 31, 1994 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein and incorporated
herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated
herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of FirsTier appearing in FBS's
Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed August 30, 1995 to FBS's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed August 18, 1995 have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP
independent public accountants, as set forth in their report with respect
thereto, and are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP, FBS's and First Interstate's
independent auditors, are expected to be present at the FBS Special Meeting and
the First Interstate Special Meeting. They may be afforded the opportunity to
make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
FBS SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. In order to be eligible for inclusion in FBS's
proxy solicitation materials for its 1996 annual meeting of shareholders, any
shareholder proposal to be considered at such meeting must be received by FBS
Corporate Secretary, Lee R. Mitau, or his successor, at FBS's main office, First
Bank Place, 601 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302, no later
than November 16, 1995. Any such proposal shall be subject to the requirements
of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.
FIRST INTERSTATE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS. If the Merger is not consummated,
in order to be eligible for inclusion in First Interstate's proxy solicitation
materials for its 1996 annual meeting of shareholders, any shareholder proposal
to be considered at such meeting must be received by First Interstate's
Corporate Secretary, Edward S. Garlock, or his successor, at First Interstate's
main office, First
105
<PAGE>
Interstate Bancorp, 633 West Fifth Street, TC 7-10, Los Angeles, California
90071, no later than November 21, 1995. Any such proposal shall be subject to
the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.
MANAGEMENT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Certain information relating to the management, executive compensation,
various benefit plans (including stock plans), voting securities and the
principal holders thereof, certain relationships and related transactions and
other related matters as to FBS and First Interstate is set forth in or
incorporated by reference in the respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1994 of FBS and First Interstate, which are incorporated
by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "Incorporation of
Certain Documents by Reference." FBS and First Interstate shareholders who wish
to obtain copies of these documents may contact FBS or First Interstate, as
applicable, at its address or telephone number set forth under "Incorporation of
Certain Documents by Reference."
106
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of
September 30, 1995, combines the historical consolidated balance sheets of First
Bank System, Inc. ("FBS"), First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate"),
FirsTier Financial, Inc. ("FirsTier"), Midwestern Services, Inc., and Southwest
Holdings, Inc. as if the merger with First Interstate (the "Merger") and the
other acquisitions had been effective on September 30, 1995, after giving effect
to certain adjustments described in the attached Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Financial Statements. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Balance Sheet also includes the intangible assets related to the
purchase by FBS of the corporate trust relationships and accounts of BankAmerica
Corporation. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995, and the year ended December 31, 1994,
present the combined results of operations of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier
as if the Merger and the FirsTier acquisition had been effective at the
beginning of each period, after giving effect to certain adjustments described
in the attached Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for
the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992, present only the combined results of
operations of FBS and First Interstate as if the Merger had been effective at
the beginning of each period, after giving effect to certain adjustments
described in the attached Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and
accompanying notes reflect the application of the pooling-of-interests method of
accounting for the Merger. Under this method of accounting, the recorded assets,
liabilities, shareholders' equity, income and expenses of FBS and First
Interstate are combined and recorded at their historical amounts.
The FirsTier acquisition is reflected using the purchase method of
accounting. Under this method of accounting, the purchase price will be
allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated
fair values at the closing of the acquisition. The amount of the purchase
accounting adjustments included in these unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements are preliminary estimates. The actual amount of the
adjustments will be based on information available at the closing of the
acquisition and could be different from the estimates.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented
is included for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of
the combined financial position or results of the future operations of the
combined entity or the actual results that would have been achieved had the
Merger and the FirsTier acquisition been consumated prior to the periods
indicated.
The pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements of First Interstate and subsidiaries
included in FBS's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 1995, the
financial statements of FirsTier and subsidiaries included in FBS's Amendment
No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed August 30, 1995 and Amendment No. 2 on Form 8-K/A
filed November 15, 1995 and the financial statements of FBS and subsidiaries
included in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 3, 1995, and its Form
10-Q Quarterly Report for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet at September 30,
1995..................................................................... F-2
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income:
Nine months ended September 30, 1995.................................... F-3
Year ended December 31, 1994............................................ F-4
Year ended December 31, 1993............................................ F-5
Year ended December 31, 1992............................................ F-6
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements...... F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST INTERSTATE
FIRSTIER CONSOLIDATED
------------------------- -------------------------
FBS PURCHASE OTHER FBS PRO MERGER
ASSETS CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS ACQUISITIONS FORMA HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS
------------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ---------- ----------- ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and due from banks........... $ 1,586 $ 208 $ 10 $ 1,804 $ 5,916
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under agreements to
resell........................... 260 97 12 369 470
Trading account securities........ 164 164 116
Held-to-maturity securities....... 741 $ (741 ) 9,320 $ (4,000)
Available-for-sale securities..... 3,302 261 741 100 4,404 112
Loans............................. 25,877 2,191 266 28,334 35,967
Less allowance for credit
losses......................... 469 52 3 524 847 (250)
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
Net loans....................... 25,408 2,139 263 27,810 35,120 250
Bank premises and equipment....... 410 50 11 471 1,277 (40)
Interest receivable............... 189 35 224 326
Customers' liability on
acceptances...................... 165 1 166 54
Other assets...................... 1,474 53 338 208 2,073 2,356 85
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
Total assets.................. $ 32,958 $ 3,585 $ 338 $ 604 $ 37,485 $ 55,067 $ (3,705)
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing............. $ 5,779 $ 471 $ 74 $ 6,324 $ 17,044
Interest-bearing................ 16,116 2,305 656 19,077 31,192
------------- ----------- ------ -----------
Total deposits................ 21,895 2,776 730 25,401 48,236
Federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements
to repurchase.................... 1,602 204 $ 202 (200 ) 1,808 307 $ (2,115)
Other short-term funds borrowed... 2,554 6 4 2,564 69 (1,885)
Long-term debt.................... 3,127 164 10 3,301 1,368
Acceptances outstanding........... 165 1 166 54
Other liabilities................. 879 58 11 948 1,052 435
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
Total liabilities............. 30,222 3,209 202 555 34,188 51,086 (3,565)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock................. 105 105 350
Common stock.................... 169 94 (84 ) 2 181 169 77
Capital surplus................. 900 5 225 45 1,175 1,667 (719)
Retained earnings............... 1,837 283 (283 ) 2 1,839 2,436 (140)
Unrealized (loss) gain on
securities, net of tax......... (3 ) 4 (4 ) (3 ) 1
Less cost of common stock in
treasury....................... (272 ) (10 ) 282 (642) 642
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
Total shareholders' equity...... 2,736 376 136 49 3,297 3,981 (140)
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity......... $ 32,958 $ 3,585 $ 338 $ 604 $ 37,485 $ 55,067 $ (3,705)
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
------------- ----------- ------ ------ ---------- ----------- ------------
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
ASSETS COMBINED
----------
<S> <C>
Cash and due from banks........... $ 7,720
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under agreements to
resell........................... 839
Trading account securities........ 280
Held-to-maturity securities....... 5,320
Available-for-sale securities..... 4,516
Loans............................. 64,301
Less allowance for credit
losses......................... 1,121
----------
Net loans....................... 63,180
Bank premises and equipment....... 1,708
Interest receivable............... 550
Customers' liability on
acceptances...................... 220
Other assets...................... 4,514
----------
Total assets.................. $ 88,847
----------
----------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUI
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing............. $ 23,368
Interest-bearing................ 50,269
----------
Total deposits................ 73,637
Federal funds purchased and
securities sold under agreements
to repurchase.................... 0
Other short-term funds borrowed... 748
Long-term debt.................... 4,669
Acceptances outstanding........... 220
Other liabilities................. 2,435
----------
Total liabilities............. 81,709
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock................. 455
Common stock.................... 427
Capital surplus................. 2,123
Retained earnings............... 4,135
Unrealized (loss) gain on
securities, net of tax......... (2 )
Less cost of common stock in
treasury....................... 0
----------
Total shareholders' equity...... 7,138
----------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity......... $ 88,847
----------
----------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
F-2
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRSTIER
------------------------ FIRST
FBS PURCHASE FBS INTERSTATE PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTEREST INCOME
Loans...................................... $ 1,693.0 $ 142.9 $ 1,835.9 $ 2,282.7 $ 4,118.6
Securities:
Taxable.................................. 175.2 29.0 204.2 478.8 683.0
Exempt from federal income taxes......... 8.4 18.0 26.4 1.3 27.7
Other interest income...................... 26.4 5.1 31.5 26.3 57.8
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total interest income.................. 1,903.0 195.0 2,098.0 2,789.1 4,887.1
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits................................... 538.2 78.3 616.5 721.8 1,338.3
Federal funds purchased and repurchase
agreements................................ 87.6 8.2 $ 15.0 110.8 69.4 180.2
Other short-term funds borrowed............ 56.8 1.2 58.0 2.8 60.8
Long-term debt............................. 140.5 6.8 147.3 90.5 237.8
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total interest expense................. 823.1 94.5 15.0 932.6 884.5 1,817.1
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income........................ 1,079.9 100.5 (15.0) 1,165.4 1,904.6 3,070.0
Provision for credit losses................ 84.0 0.8 84.8 84.8
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income after provision for
credit losses............................. 995.9 99.7 (15.0) 1,080.6 1,904.6 2,985.2
NONINTEREST INCOME
Credit card fees........................... 171.0 7.3 178.3 41.4 219.7
Trust fees................................. 127.5 12.6 140.1 123.3 263.4
Service charges on deposit accounts........ 93.3 12.8 106.1 446.3 552.4
Securities gains........................... 5.6 5.6
Gain on sale of branches................... 31.0 31.0 31.0
Other...................................... 163.0 9.7 172.7 206.7 379.4
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest income............... 585.8 42.4 628.2 823.3 1,451.5
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and benefits...................... 405.9 41.4 447.3 804.2 1,251.5
Occupancy and equipment.................... 146.1 10.7 156.8 293.5 450.3
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangible assets......................... 42.2 1.3 12.7 56.2 45.3 101.5
Restructuring.............................. 15.7 15.7
Other...................................... 324.4 30.6 355.0 479.6 834.6
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest expense.............. 918.6 84.0 12.7 1,015.3 1,638.3 2,653.6
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Income before income taxes................. 663.1 58.1 (27.7) 693.5 1,089.6 1,783.1
Applicable income taxes.................... 245.7 15.5 (5.6) 255.6 419.9 675.5
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net Income................................. $ 417.4 $ 42.6 $ (22.1) $ 437.9 $ 669.7 $ 1,107.6
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net income applicable to common equity..... $ 411.8 $ 42.6 $ (22.1) $ 432.3 $ 644.8 $ 1,077.1
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
-------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Average common and common equivalent
shares.................................... 135,007,519 344,505,319
Net income................................. $ 3.05 $ 3.13
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
F-3
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRSTIER
------------------------ FIRST
FBS PURCHASE FBS INTERSTATE PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTEREST INCOME
Loans..................................... $1,914.7 $ 161.9 $ 2,076.6 $ 2,303.7 $4,380.3
Securities:
Taxable................................. 327.9 44.3 372.2 841.6 1,213.8
Exempt from federal income taxes........ 12.0 20.5 32.5 2.7 35.2
Other interest income..................... 33.5 4.8 38.3 44.0 82.3
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total interest income............... 2,288.1 231.5 2,519.6 3,192.0 5,711.6
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits.................................. 597.3 82.1 679.4 725.0 1,404.4
Federal funds purchased and repurchase
agreements............................... 103.1 7.9 $ 16.8 127.8 26.5 154.3
Other short-term funds borrowed........... 20.4 1.4 21.8 7.7 29.5
Long-term debt............................ 147.9 5.7 153.6 106.3 259.9
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total interest expense.............. 868.7 97.1 16.8 982.6 865.5 1,848.1
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income....................... 1,419.4 134.4 (16.8) 1,537.0 2,326.5 3,863.5
Provision for credit losses............... 123.6 (0.2) 123.4 -- 123.4
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income after provision for
credit losses............................ 1,295.8 134.6 (16.8) 1,413.6 2,326.5 3,740.1
NONINTEREST INCOME
Credit card fees.......................... 179.0 9.6 188.6 39.7 228.3
Trust fees................................ 159.2 16.1 175.3 193.3 368.6
Service charges on deposit accounts....... 127.3 15.6 142.9 561.9 704.8
Securities (losses) gains................. (115.0) (3.7) (118.7) 21.1 (97.6)
Other..................................... 208.4 14.4 222.8 238.3 461.1
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest income............ 558.9 52.0 610.9 1,054.3 1,665.2
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and benefits..................... 556.4 52.8 609.2 1,079.9 1,689.1
Occupancy and equipment................... 192.1 16.8 208.9 356.6 565.5
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangible assets........................ 50.4 1.7 16.9 69.0 35.3 104.3
Merger integration and severance costs.... 122.7 122.7 122.7
Restructuring............................. 141.3 141.3
Other..................................... 427.8 46.8 474.6 584.7 1,059.3
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest expense........... 1,349.4 118.1 16.9 1,484.4 2,197.8 3,682.2
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before
income taxes............................. 505.3 68.5 (33.7) 540.1 1,183.0 1,723.1
Applicable income taxes................... 191.8 17.6 (6.4) 203.0 449.5 652.5
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations......... $313.5 $ 50.9 $ (27.3) $ 337.1 $ 733.5 $1,070.6
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations
applicable to common equity.............. $300.9 $ 50.9 $ (27.3) $ 324.5 $ 700.2 $1,024.7
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
---------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- --------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Average common and common equivalent
shares................................... 136,274,991 353,672,040
Income from continuing operations......... $2.21 $2.90
---------------- --------------
---------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
F-4
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
FBS INTERSTATE PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
-------------- -------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INTEREST INCOME
Loans............................................................ $ 1,730.7 $ 1,980.9 $ 3,711.6
Securities:
Taxable........................................................ 352.1 861.4 1,213.5
Exempt from federal income taxes............................... 14.6 2.9 17.5
Other interest income............................................ 37.1 99.0 136.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total interest income........................................ 2,134.5 2,944.2 5,078.7
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits......................................................... 648.3 719.9 1,368.2
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements................ 31.8 10.2 42.0
Other short-term funds borrowed.................................. 20.1 5.8 25.9
Long-term debt................................................... 96.1 136.2 232.3
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total interest expense....................................... 796.3 872.1 1,668.4
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income.............................................. 1,338.2 2,072.1 3,410.3
Provision for credit losses...................................... 133.1 112.6 245.7
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income after provision for credit losses............ 1,205.1 1,959.5 3,164.6
NONINTEREST INCOME
Credit card fees................................................. 137.1 44.1 181.2
Trust fees....................................................... 146.1 177.4 323.5
Service charges on deposit accounts.............................. 126.0 513.0 639.0
Securities gains................................................. 0.3 9.7 10.0
Other............................................................ 209.4 210.0 419.4
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest income..................................... 618.9 954.2 1,573.1
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and benefits............................................ 538.9 975.3 1,514.2
Occupancy and equipment.......................................... 190.4 337.2 527.6
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets............. 41.3 24.2 65.5
Merger and integration........................................... 72.2 72.2
Other............................................................ 421.9 695.7 1,117.6
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest expense.................................... 1,264.7 2,032.4 3,297.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of changes in
accounting principles........................................... 559.3 881.3 1,440.6
Applicable income taxes.......................................... 198.6 319.9 518.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles........... $ 360.7 $ 561.4 $ 922.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles applicable
to common equity................................................ $ 331.5 $ 514.8 $ 846.3
-------------- -------------- --------------
-------------- -------------- --------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Average common and common equivalent shares...................... 134,588,664 343,147,811
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles........... $ 2.46 $ 2.47
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
F-5
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
FBS INTERSTATE PRO FORMA
CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
-------------- -------------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INTEREST INCOME
Loans............................................................ $ 1,687.2 $ 2,238.8 $ 3,926.0
Securities:
Taxable........................................................ 336.5 746.9 1,083.4
Exempt from federal income taxes............................... 12.0 3.9 15.9
Other interest income............................................ 70.4 200.1 270.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total interest income........................................ 2,106.1 3,189.7 5,295.8
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits......................................................... 797.7 932.8 1,730.5
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements................ 37.1 10.4 47.5
Other short-term funds borrowed.................................. 17.1 4.0 21.1
Long-term debt................................................... 101.2 227.9 329.1
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total interest expense....................................... 953.1 1,175.1 2,128.2
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income.............................................. 1,153.0 2,014.6 3,167.6
Provision for credit losses...................................... 191.7 314.3 506.0
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net interest income after provision for credit losses............ 961.3 1,700.3 2,661.6
NONINTEREST INCOME
Credit card fees................................................. 116.9 37.3 154.2
Trust fees....................................................... 127.8 170.3 298.1
Service charges on deposit accounts.............................. 114.8 478.9 593.7
Securities gains (losses)........................................ 46.3 (1.8) 44.5
Other............................................................ 207.9 227.4 435.3
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest income..................................... 613.7 912.1 1,525.8
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and benefits............................................ 521.2 1,035.4 1,556.6
Occupancy and equipment.......................................... 170.4 359.4 529.8
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets............. 34.0 33.0 67.0
Merger and integration........................................... 84.0 84.0
Other real estate................................................ 45.1 159.6 204.7
Other............................................................ 391.6 621.8 1,013.4
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total noninterest expense.................................... 1,246.3 2,209.2 3,455.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and
cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles........... 328.7 403.2 731.9
Applicable income taxes.......................................... 115.7 120.9 236.6
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles................................ $ 213.0 $ 282.3 $ 495.3
-------------- -------------- --------------
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles applicable to common equity.... $ 181.4 $ 223.1 $ 404.5
-------------- -------------- --------------
-------------- -------------- --------------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Average common and common equivalent shares...................... 124,670,657 312,722,239
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of
changes in accounting principles................................ $ 1.46 $ 1.29
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
F-6
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A: ANNOUNCED MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
On November 5, 1995, First Bank System, Inc. ("FBS") signed a definitive
agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with First Interstate Bancorp ("First
Interstate") pursuant to which a wholly owned acquisition subsidiary of FBS will
be merged (the "Merger") with and into First Interstate, subject to certain
conditions. First Interstate is an interstate financial services holding company
based in Los Angeles, California, with approximately $55.1 billion in assets,
$48.2 billion in deposits and $4.0 billion in shareholders' equity. The Merger
Agreement calls for a tax-free exchange of 2.60 shares of FBS Common Stock for
each common share of First Interstate, or approximately 200 million shares of
FBS Common Stock. The Merger will be accounted for by FBS under the
pooling-of-interests method of accounting in accordance with APB No. 16 and,
accordingly, this method has been applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined financial statements. Under this method of accounting, the recorded
assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity, income and expenses of FBS and First
Interstate are combined and recorded at their historical amounts.
On August 6, 1995, FBS signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire
FirsTier Financial, Inc. ("FirsTier"), a regional financial services holding
company based in Omaha, Nebraska, with approximately $3.6 billion in assets,
$2.8 billion in deposits and $376 million in shareholders' equity. The agreement
calls for a tax-free exchange of .8829 shares of FBS common stock for each
common share of FirsTier, or 16.6 million shares of FBS Common Stock. The
acquisition of FirsTier will be accounted for by FBS under the purchase method
of accounting in accordance with APB No. 16 and, accordingly, this method has
been applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.
Under this method of accounting, the purchase price will be allocated to assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the
closing of the transaction. The historical cost of FirsTier's assets and
liabilities approximates fair value, making mark-to-market adjustments
immaterial. Accordingly, the historical cost of FirsTier's assets and
liabilities have been combined with the historical consolidated balance sheet of
FBS. Certain adjustments, primarily to accrue for costs related to the FirsTier
acquisition expected to be incurred within one year of closing, are not material
and have not been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements.
FBS completed the acquisitions of two commercial bank holding companies --
Midwestern Services, Inc. and Southwest Holdings, Inc. -- both in Omaha,
Nebraska on November 1, 1995. Together, the two companies have total assets of
approximately $424 million and deposits of approximately $380 million. The
acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting as
described above.
On August 22, 1995, FBS signed a definitive agreement to buy the corporate
trust relationships and accounts of BankAmerica Corporation ("Corporate Trust").
NOTE B: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet is based on the
unaudited consolidated balance sheets of FBS, First Interstate, FirsTier,
Midwestern Services, Inc. and Southwest Holdings, Inc. as of September 30, 1995.
In addition, the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet reflects
the intangible assets related to the purchase of the Corporate Trust
relationships and accounts. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Statements of Income are based on the unaudited consolidated statements of
income of FBS, First Interstate and FirsTier for the nine months ended September
30, 1995, and the audited consolidated statements of income for the year ended
December 31, 1994. The Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of
Income for the years ended December 31, 1993, and 1992, are based on the audited
consolidated statements of
F-7
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE B: BASIS OF PRESENTATION (CONTINUED)
income of FBS and First Interstate for such years. The Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Statements of Income do not include the results of operations
of Midwestern Services, Inc. and Southwest Holdings, Inc., or the fees from
Corporate Trust, as they are immaterial.
FBS expects to achieve operating cost savings by various means including
reductions in staff, consolidation of certain data processing and other back
office operations, and consolidation and elimination of certain duplicate or
excess office facilities in connection with the Merger and the acquisitions. The
operating cost savings are expected to be achieved in various amounts at various
times during the year subsequent to the closing and not ratably over, or at the
beginning or end of, such periods. No adjustment has been included in the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements for the anticipated
operating cost savings. There can be no assurance that anticipated operating
cost savings will be achieved in the amounts or at the times anticipated.
Certain amounts in the historical financial statements of First Interstate
and FirsTier have been reclassified to conform with FBS's historical financial
statement presentation.
Financial results for FBS for 1994 include merger-related items with an
after-tax effect of $156.9 million ($1.15 per share) associated with the merger
of Metropolitan Financial Corporation. Financial results for FBS in 1993 include
merger-related charges with an after-tax effect of $50.0 million ($.37 per
share) associated with the merger of Colorado National Bankshares, Inc. Included
in FBS's results of operations in 1992 are after-tax merger-related charges of
$81.8 million ($.66 per share) associated with the merger of Western Capital
Investment Corporation and Bank Shares Incorporated. The First Interstate
results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1995, and the year
ended December 31, 1994, include after-tax charges of $9.5 million and $87.6
million, respectively, related to the adoption of a restructuring plan to
improve efficiency and better position First Interstate for the introduction of
full interstate banking.
The FBS results of operations in 1992 also include the effect of adopting
two new accounting standards: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" and SFAS No. 106, "Employers
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions". First Interstate's
results of operations in 1993 reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 109 and SFAS No.
106.
Pro forma adjustments related to these business combinations represent
management's best estimate based on all available information at this time.
These adjustments may change as additional information becomes available.
NOTE C: SECURITIES
Securities held by First Interstate may be reclassified to available for
sale in accordance with the pending one-time reclassification opportunity
approved by the Financial Accounting Standards Board at its October 18, 1995
meeting. Based on this one-time reclassification and preliminary analysis, FBS
anticipates selling approximately $4.0 billion of securities to reduce excess
liquidity based on the lower expected liquidity requirements of the combined
organizations and, accordingly, the adjustment has been reflected in the
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements. In addition, FBS
anticipates recording FirsTier's investment portfolio as available for sale in
connection with the application of purchase accounting.
NOTE D: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
As explained in Note B, purchase accounting adjustments may change as
additional information becomes available. When the ultimate allocation of the
purchase price for FirsTier is made, remaining
F-8
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE D: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONTINUED)
intangible assets will be recorded. Based on current estimates, the amount of
intangible assets relating to FirsTier is $338 million, calculated as the
purchase price of $714 million less FirsTier September 30, 1995 common equity of
$376 million.
Amortization expense relating to the FirsTier acquisition has been included
in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994.
Amortization expense was calculated based on the intangible asset balance using
the straight-line method over an average estimated period of benefit of 20 years
which is comprised of 25 years for goodwill and 10 years for other intangible
assets. The final allocation of intangible assets between goodwill and other
intangible assets, as well as the methods of amortization, has not been
determined. Subsequent changes to the purchase adjustments, as well as the final
allocation of the intangible assets between goodwill and other intangible assets
will result in an adjustment to goodwill, which will have a corresponding impact
on amortization expense. Accordingly, pro forma combined income for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1994,
would also change, as well as the related pro forma combined earnings per share
amounts.
NOTE E: MERGER AND INTEGRATION ACCRUALS
In connection with the Merger, FBS expects to incur merger-related costs as
follows: $175 million for severance, $40 million for occupancy/equipment
write-offs, $210 million for conversion costs, and $50 million for other
merger-related charges. In addition, the combined allowance for credit losses
was reduced by $250 million to conform First Interstate's reserve methodology to
that of FBS following the Merger. These amounts have been reflected in the
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1995.
These amounts will be recorded in the financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Certain merger-related costs are expected to be recorded in connection with
the FirstTier acquisition. Accruals or adjustments have not, however, been
reflected in the pro forma condensed combined financial statements related to
this at this time as these costs are not expected to be material.
NOTE F: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
In conjunction with the Merger, FBS will exchange 2.60 shares of FBS Common
Stock for each outstanding share of the common stock of First Interstate. Common
stock in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet has been
adjusted to reflect the par value of FBS Common Stock to be issued, with a
related adjustment to capital surplus. First Interstate's treasury stock will be
retired in conjunction with the Merger and has been eliminated in the Unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet. Pro forma combined retained earnings
reflects the adjustments for anticipated merger-related costs as discussed
above.
In conjunction with the acquisition of FirsTier, FBS will exchange .8829
shares of FBS Common Stock for each share of common stock of FirsTier. As part
of purchase accounting adjustments, retained earnings of FirsTier have been
eliminated. As previously announced, FBS intends to repurchase a number of
outstanding shares of FBS Common Stock approximately equal to one-half of the
number of shares of FBS Common Stock to be issued in connection with the
FirsTier acquisition. These shares, as well as all other treasury shares, will
be issued in connection with purchase acquisitions and other previously
authorized purposes. Accordingly, the treasury stock has been eliminated in the
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet.
F-9
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
MERGER WITH FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE G: INCOME TAX PROVISIONS
The income tax provision for adjustments related to the FirsTier acquisition
reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income has
been computed at FBS's effective combined federal and state marginal tax rate.
F-10
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of November 5, 1995, by and among
First Bank System, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Eleven Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger
Sub"), and First Interstate Bancorp, a Delaware corporation ("Subject Company").
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Parent and Subject Company have
determined that it is in the best interests of their respective companies and
their stockholders to consummate the strategic business combination transaction
provided for herein in which Merger Sub will, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein, merge (the "Merger") with and into Subject Company,
so that Subject Company is the surviving corporation in the Merger; and
WHEREAS, as a condition to, and immediately after the execution of, this
Agreement, Parent and Subject Company are entering into (i) a Parent Stock
Option Agreement (the "Parent Option Agreement") pursuant to which Parent has
granted Subject Company an option exercisable upon the occurrence of certain
events and (ii) the Parent Fee Letter (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to, and immediately after the execution of, this
Agreement, Parent and Subject Company are entering into (i) a Subject Company
Stock Option Agreement (the "Subject Company Option Agreement"; and together
with the Parent Option Agreement, the "Option Agreements") pursuant to which
Subject Company has granted Parent an option exercisable upon the occurrence of
certain events and (ii) the Subject Company Fee Letter (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and
agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe certain
conditions to the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations,
warranties and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
1.1 THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), at the
Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2 hereof), Merger Sub shall merge with
and into Subject Company. Subject Company shall be the surviving corporation
(hereinafter sometimes called the "Surviving Corporation") in the Merger, and
shall continue its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The name of the Surviving Corporation shall be Eleven Acquisition Corp. Upon
consummation of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall
terminate.
1.2 EFFECTIVE TIME. The Merger shall become effective as set forth in the
certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") which shall be filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Secretary") on
the Closing Date (as defined in Section 9.1 hereof). The term "Effective Time"
shall be the date and time when the Merger becomes effective, as set forth in
the Certificate of Merger.
1.3 EFFECTS OF THE MERGER. At and after the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the effects set forth in the DGCL.
A-1
<PAGE>
1.4 CONVERSION OF SUBJECT COMPANY COMMON STOCK, SUBJECT COMPANY PREFERRED
STOCK. At the Effective Time, subject to Section 2.2(e) hereof, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, Subject
Company or the holder of any of the following securities:
(a) Each share of the common stock, par value $2.00 per share, of Subject
Company (the "Subject Company Common Stock") issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of Subject Company Common Stock
held (x) in Subject Company's treasury or (y) directly or indirectly by Parent
or Subject Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries (as defined below)
(except for Trust Account Shares and DPC shares, as such terms are defined
below), together with the rights (the "Subject Company Rights") attached thereto
issued pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as of November 21, 1988, as
amended, between Subject Company and First Interstate Bank, Ltd., as Rights
Agent (the "Subject Company Rights Agreement"), shall be converted into the
right to receive 2.60 shares (the "Common Exchange Ratio") of the common stock,
par value $1.25 per share, of Parent (the "Parent Common Stock"), together with
the number of rights ("Parent Rights") issued pursuant to the Parent Rights
Agreement (as defined in Section 4.2 hereof) associated therewith.
(b) Each share of 9.875% preferred stock, Series F, of Subject Company (the
"Subject Company 9.875% Preferred") issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to receive one share of
9.875% preferred stock of Parent (the "Parent 9.875% Preferred"). The terms of
the Parent 9.875% Preferred shall be substantially the same as the terms of the
Subject Company 9.875% Preferred, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the terms of such
Parent 9.875% Preferred shall have such voting rights as the parties shall
reasonably agree are necessary in order to ensure that the Merger constitutes a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(c) Each share of 9.0% preferred stock, Series G, of Subject Company (the
"Subject Company 9.0% Preferred," and together with the Subject Company 9.875%
Preferred, the "Subject Company Preferred Stock") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the right to
receive one share of 9.0% preferred stock of Parent (the "Parent 9.0%
Preferred," and together with the Parent 9.875% Preferred, the "Parent New
Preferred"). The terms of the Parent 9.0% Preferred shall be substantially the
same as the terms of the Subject Company 9.0% Preferred, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the terms of such Parent 9.0% Preferred shall have such voting rights as the
parties shall reasonably agree are necessary in order to ensure that the Merger
constitutes a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
For purposes of this Agreement (i) the Subject Company Common Stock and Subject
Company Preferred Stock are referred to herein as the "Subject Company Capital
Stock," and (ii) the Parent Common Stock and Parent Preferred Stock (as defined
below) are collectively referred to as the "Parent Capital Stock."
(d) All of the shares of Subject Company Common Stock converted into Parent
Common Stock pursuant to this Article I shall no longer be outstanding and shall
automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist as of the Effective Time,
and each certificate (each a "Common Certificate") previously representing any
such shares of Subject Company Common Stock shall thereafter represent the right
to receive (i) a certificate representing the number of whole shares of Parent
Common Stock and (ii) the cash in lieu of fractional shares into which the
shares of Subject Company Common Stock represented by such Common Certificate
have been converted pursuant to this Section 1.4 and Section 2.2(e) hereof.
Common Certificates previously representing shares of Subject Company Common
Stock shall be exchanged for certificates representing whole shares of Parent
Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares issued in consideration
therefor upon the surrender of such Common Certificates in accordance with
Section 2.2 hereof, without any interest thereon. If prior to the Effective Time
the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock shall have been increased,
decreased, changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or
securities as a result of a reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification,
stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar change in
Parent's capitalization, then an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall
be made to the Common Exchange Ratio.
A-2
<PAGE>
(e) All of the shares of Subject Company Preferred Stock converted into
Parent New Preferred pursuant to this Article I shall no longer be outstanding
and shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist as of the
Effective Time, and each certificate (each a "Preferred Certificate," and
collectively with the Common Certificates, the "Certificates") previously
representing any such shares of Subject Company Preferred Stock shall thereafter
represent the right to receive a certificate representing the number of shares
of corresponding Parent New Preferred into which the shares of Subject Company
Preferred Stock represented by such Preferred Certificate have been converted
pursuant to this Section 1.4. Preferred Certificates previously representing
shares of Subject Company Preferred Stock shall be exchanged for certificates
representing shares of corresponding Parent New Preferred issued in
consideration therefor upon the surrender of such Preferred Certificates in
accordance with Section 2.2 hereof, without any interest thereon.
(f) At the Effective Time, all shares of Subject Company Capital Stock that
are owned by Subject Company as treasury stock and all shares of Subject Company
Capital Stock that are owned directly or indirectly by Parent or Subject Company
or any of their respective Subsidiaries (other than shares of Subject Company
Capital Stock held directly or indirectly in trust accounts, managed accounts
and the like or otherwise held in a fiduciary capacity that are beneficially
owned by third parties (any such shares, and shares of Parent Common Stock which
are similarly held, whether held directly or indirectly by Parent or Subject
Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries, as the case may be, being
referred to herein as "Trust Account Shares") and other than any shares of
Subject Company Capital Stock held by Parent or Subject Company or any of their
respective Subsidiaries in respect of a debt previously contracted (any such
shares of Subject Company Capital Stock, and shares of Parent Common Stock which
are similarly held, whether held directly or indirectly by Parent or Subject
Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries, being referred to herein as
"DPC Shares")) shall be cancelled and shall cease to exist and no stock of
Parent or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor. All
shares of Parent Common Stock that are owned by Subject Company or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than Trust Account Shares and DPC Shares) shall become
treasury stock of Parent.
(g) At the Effective Time, Parent shall assume the obligations of Subject
Company under the Deposit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 1991, between
Subject Company and First Interstate Bank of California, as depositary (relating
to the Subject Company 9.875% Preferred) and the Deposit Agreement, dated as of
May 29, 1992, between Subject Company and First Interstate Bank of California,
as depositary (relating to the Subject Company 9.0% Preferred). Parent shall
instruct the applicable depositary to treat the shares of Parent 9.875%
Preferred and Parent 9.0% Preferred received by such depositary in exchange for
and upon conversion of the shares of Subject Company 9.875% Preferred and
Subject Company 9.0% Preferred, respectively, as new deposited securities under
the applicable deposit agreement. In accordance with the terms of the relevant
deposit agreement, the depositary receipts then outstanding shall thereafter
represent the shares of Parent 9.875% Preferred and Parent 9.0% Preferred so
received upon conversion and exchange for the shares of Subject Company 9.875%
Preferred and Subject Company 9.0% Preferred, respectively. Parent shall request
that such depositary call for the surrender of all outstanding receipts to be
exchanged for new receipts (the "New Parent Depositary Shares") specifically
describing the relevant series of Parent New Preferred.
1.5 PARENT COMMON STOCK; PARENT PREFERRED STOCK. At and after the
Effective Time, each share of Parent Common Stock and each share of Parent
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall remain an issued and outstanding share of common stock or preferred stock,
as the case may be, of Parent and shall not be affected by the Merger.
1.6 MERGER SUB STOCK. At and after the Effective Time, each share of
Merger Sub common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger
shall remain issued and outstanding and shall constitute a share of the common
stock of the Surviving Corporation.
A-3
<PAGE>
1.7 OPTIONS. (a) At the Effective Time, each option granted by Subject
Company to purchase shares of Subject Company Common Stock (each a "Subject
Company Option") which is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior thereto
shall cease to represent a right to acquire shares of Subject Company Common
Stock and shall be converted automatically into an option to purchase shares of
Parent Common Stock in an amount and at an exercise price determined as provided
below (and otherwise subject to the terms of the Subject Company 1995
Performance Stock Plan, the Subject Company 1991 Performance Stock Plan (as
amended), the Subject Company 1988 Performance Stock Plan (as amended), the
Subject Company 1983 Performance Stock Plan (as amended), the Subject Company
Performance Stock Plan of 1980 (as amended and restated) and the Subject Company
1991 Director Option Plan (as amended and restated), as the case may be
(collectively, the "Subject Company Stock Option Plans"), and the agreements
evidencing grants thereunder, including, but not limited to, the accelerated
vesting of such options which shall occur in connection with and by virtue of
the Merger as and to the extent required by such plans and agreements)):
(1) the number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be subject to the new
option shall be equal to the product of the number of shares of Subject
Company Common Stock subject to the original option and the Common Exchange
Ratio, provided that any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock resulting
from such multiplication shall be rounded down to the nearest share; and
(2) the exercise price per share of Parent Common Stock under the new
option shall be equal to the exercise price per share of Subject Company
Common Stock under the original option divided by the Common Exchange Ratio,
provided that such exercise price shall be rounded up to the nearest cent.
The adjustment provided herein with respect to any options which are
"incentive stock options" (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")) shall be and is intended to be effected
in a manner which is consistent with Section 424(a) of the Code and, to the
extent it is not so consistent, such Section 424(a) shall override anything to
the contrary contained herein. The duration and other terms of the new option
shall be the same as the original option (subject to Section 6.7(b) hereof)
except that all references to Subject Company shall be deemed to be references
to Parent.
1.8 CERTIFICATES OF INCORPORATION. At the Effective Time, (i) the
Certificate of Incorporation of Subject Company, as in effect at the Effective
Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and
(ii) the Certificate of Incorporation of Parent, as amended to reflect the
amendments thereto contemplated by this Agreement and as otherwise in effect at
the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of Parent.
1.9 BYLAWS. At the Effective Time, the Bylaws of Subject Company, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with applicable
law.
1.10 TAX CONSEQUENCES. It is intended that the Merger shall constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that this
Agreement shall constitute a "plan of reorganization" for purposes of the Code.
1.11 MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION. At the Effective Time, John F. Grundhofer
shall be Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Parent. At the
Effective Time, William E. B. Siart shall be the President and Chief Operating
Officer of Parent.
1.12 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. At the Effective Time, the total number of
persons serving on the Board of Directors of Parent shall be 20 (unless
otherwise agreed in writing by the parties hereto prior to the Effective Time),
ten of whom shall be Parent Directors and ten of whom shall be Subject Company
Directors (as such terms are defined below). The persons to serve initially on
the Board of Directors of Parent at the Effective Time who are Parent Directors
shall be selected solely by and at the absolute discretion of the Board of
Directors of Parent prior to the Effective Time from among
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persons who are members of the Board of Directors of Parent prior to the
Effective Time; and the persons to serve on the Board of Directors of Parent at
the Effective Time who are Subject Company Directors shall be selected solely by
and at the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors of Subject Company
prior to the Effective Time from among persons who are members of the Board of
Directors of Subject Company prior to the Effective Time. Thereafter, the Board
of Directors of Parent shall consist of an even number of directors. To the
extent practicable, from and after the Effective Time, and until the third
anniversary thereof, each class of directors of Parent shall contain an equal
number of Parent Directors and Subject Company Directors, and each Committee of
the Board of Directors of Parent shall contain an equal number of Parent
Directors and Subject Company Directors. If at any time during the three-year
period following the Effective Time the number of Parent Directors and Subject
Company Directors serving, or that would be serving following the next annual
meeting of stockholders, as directors of Parent, would not be equal, then,
subject to the fiduciary duties of the directors, the Board of Directors and the
Nominating Committee of Parent shall take such steps as may be requested by the
Parent Directors (if the number of Parent Directors is, or would otherwise
become, less than the number of Subject Company Directors) or the Subject
Company Directors (if the number of Subject Company Directors is, or would
otherwise become, less than the number of Parent Directors) to assure that there
shall be an equal number of Parent Directors and Subject Company Directors,
including by nominating and/or electing a person or persons designated by the
Parent Directors or the Subject Company Directors, as applicable. The term
"Parent Directors" means (i) any person serving as a director of Parent prior to
the Effective Time who remains a director of Parent at the Effective Time and
(ii) any person who becomes a director of Parent pursuant to the immediately
preceding sentence and who is designated by the Parent Directors; and the term
"Subject Company Director" means (i) any person serving as a director of Subject
Company prior to the Effective Time who becomes a director of Parent at the
Effective Time and (ii) any person who becomes a director of Parent pursuant to
the immediately preceding sentence and who is designated by the Subject Company
Directors.
1.13 NAME. Effective immediately upon the consummation of the Merger, the
name of Parent shall be First Interstate Bancorp.
ARTICLE II.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
2.1 PARENT TO MAKE SHARES AVAILABLE. At or prior to the Effective Time,
Parent shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with a bank or trust
company which will be a Subsidiary of Parent (the "Exchange Agent"), for the
benefit of the holders of Certificates, for exchange in accordance with this
Article II, certificates representing the shares of Parent Common Stock and
Parent New Preferred and an estimated amount of cash in lieu of any fractional
shares (the cash payable in lieu of fractional shares and certificates for
shares of Parent Common Stock and Parent New Preferred, together with any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to
as the "Exchange Fund") to be issued pursuant to Section 1.4 and paid pursuant
to Section 2.2(a) in exchange for outstanding shares of Subject Company Capital
Stock.
2.2 EXCHANGE OF SHARES. (a) As soon as practicable after the Effective
Time, and in no event later than ten business days thereafter, the Exchange
Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a Certificate or Certificates a
form letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected,
and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of
the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting
the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing, as
the case may be, the shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent New Preferred and
the cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, into which the shares of Subject
Company Capital Stock represented by such Certificate or Certificates shall have
been converted pursuant to this Agreement. Upon proper surrender of a
Certificate for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with
such properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such
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Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, as applicable,
(i) a certificate representing that number of shares of Parent Common Stock, if
any, to which such holder of Subject Company Common Stock shall have become
entitled pursuant to the provisions of Article I hereof, (ii) certificates
representing that number of shares of Parent 9.875% Preferred and Parent 9.0%
Preferred, if any, to which such holder of Subject Company Preferred Stock shall
have become entitled pursuant to the provisions of Article I hereof and (iii) a
check representing the amount of cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any,
which such holder has the right to receive in respect of the Certificate
surrendered pursuant to the provisions of this Article II, and the Certificate
so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued
on the cash in lieu of fractional shares and unpaid dividends and distributions,
if any, payable to holders of Certificates.
(b) No dividends or other distributions with a record date after the
Effective Time with respect to Parent Common Stock or Parent New Preferred shall
be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until the holder thereof
shall surrender such Certificate in accordance with this Article II. After the
surrender of a Certificate in accordance with this Article II, the record holder
thereof shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions,
without any interest thereon, which theretofore had become payable with respect
to shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent New Preferred represented by such
Certificate.
(c) If any certificate representing shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent
New Preferred is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of the
issuance thereof that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed
(or accompanied by an appropriate instrument of transfer) and otherwise in
proper form for transfer, and that the person requesting such exchange shall pay
to the Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason
of the issuance of a certificate representing shares of Parent Common Stock or
Parent New Preferred in any name other than that of the registered holder of the
Certificate surrendered, or required for any other reason, or shall establish to
the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not
payable.
(d) At or after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of Subject Company of the shares of Subject Company Capital Stock
which were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If,
after the Effective Time, Certificates representing such shares are presented
for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for
certificates representing shares of Parent Capital Stock as provided in this
Article II.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no
certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Common Certificates, no
dividend or distribution with respect to Parent Common Stock shall be payable on
or with respect to any fractional share, and such fractional share interests
shall not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a
stockholder of Parent. In lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share,
Parent shall pay to each former stockholder of Subject Company who otherwise
would be entitled to receive such fractional share an amount in cash determined
by multiplying (i) the average of the closing sale prices of Parent Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") as reported by The Wall Street
Journal for the five trading days immediately preceding the date on which the
Effective Time occurs by (ii) the fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock to
which such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.4
hereto.
(f) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the
stockholders of Subject Company for twelve months after the Effective Time shall
be paid to Parent. Any stockholders of Subject Company who have not theretofore
complied with this Article II shall thereafter look only to Parent for payment
of the shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent New Preferred, cash in lieu of
any fractional shares and unpaid dividends and distributions on the Parent
Common Stock or Parent New Preferred deliverable in respect of each share of
Subject Company Common Stock or Subject Company Preferred Stock, as the case may
be, such stockholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each
case, without any interest thereon. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
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contained herein, none of Parent, Subject Company, the Exchange Agent or any
other person shall be liable to any former holder of shares of Subject Company
Common Stock or Subject Company Preferred for any amount properly delivered to a
public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
laws.
(g) In the event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed,
upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such
Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by Parent, the
posting by such person of a bond in such amount as Parent may determine is
reasonably necessary as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it
with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for
such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the shares of Parent Common Stock and
cash in lieu of fractional shares or Parent New Preferred, as the case may be,
deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SUBJECT COMPANY
Subject Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
3.1 CORPORATE ORGANIZATION. (a) Subject Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware. Subject Company has the corporate power and authority to own or lease
all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction
in which the nature of the business conducted by it or the character or location
of the properties and assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or qualified
would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as
defined below) on Subject Company. As used in this Agreement, the term "Material
Adverse Effect" means, with respect to Parent, Merger Sub, Subject Company or
the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, a material adverse effect on the
business, results of operations or financial condition of such party and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole or a material adverse effect on such party's
ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred there shall
be excluded any effect on the referenced party the cause of which is (i) any
change in banking and similar laws, rules or regulations of general
applicability or interpretations thereof by courts or governmental authorities,
(ii) any change in generally accepted accounting principles or regulatory
accounting requirements applicable to banks, thrifts or their holding companies
generally, (iii) any action or omission of Subject Company or Parent or any
Subsidiary of either of them taken with the prior written consent of Parent or
Subject Company, as applicable, in contemplation of the Merger, (iv) any changes
in general economic conditions affecting banks, thrifts or their holding
companies generally and (v) in the case of members of the Savings Association
Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the
funding of the SAIF. As used in this Agreement, the word "Subsidiary" when used
with respect to any party means any bank, corporation, partnership or other
organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which is consolidated with
such party for financial reporting purposes. Subject Company is duly registered
as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
(the "BHC Act"). The copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of
Subject Company which have previously been made available to Parent, are true,
complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect as of the date of
this Agreement.
(b) Each Subject Company Subsidiary (i) is duly organized and validly
existing as a bank, corporation or partnership under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization, (ii) is duly qualified to do business and in good
standing in all jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where
its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it
to be so qualified and in which the failure to be so qualified would have or
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company, and
(iii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.
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3.2 CAPITALIZATION. (a) The authorized capital stock of Subject Company
consists of 250,000,000 shares of Subject Company Common Stock, 15,000,000
shares of preferred stock, no par value, and 43,500,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock"). At the close of
business on October 31, 1995, there were 75,744,254 shares of Subject Company
Common Stock outstanding, 1,750,000 shares of Subject Company Preferred Stock
outstanding (evidenced by 14,000,000 Subject Company Depositary Shares,
8,000,000 of which each represent a one-eighth interest in a share of Subject
Company 9.875% Preferred and 6,000,000 of which each represent a one-eighth
interest in a share of Subject Company 9.0% Cumulative Preferred), no Shares of
Class A Common Stock outstanding, and 8,541,742 shares of Subject Company Common
Stock held in Subject Company's treasury. As of October 31, 1995, no shares of
Subject Company Common Stock or Subject Company Preferred Stock were reserved
for issuance, except (i) 392,936 shares of Subject Company Common Stock were
reserved for issuance pursuant to Subject Company's dividend reinvestment and
stock purchase plans, (ii) 3,740,384 shares of Subject Company Common Stock were
reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options pursuant to the Subject
Company Stock Option Plans, and (iii) the shares of Subject Company Common Stock
reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Subject Company Rights distributed to
holders of Subject Company Common Stock pursuant to the Subject Company Rights
Agreement. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Subject Company Common
Stock and Subject Company Preferred Stock have been duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no
personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this
Agreement, except (i) as set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the Subject Company
Disclosure Schedule (as defined below), (ii) for the Subject Company Option
Agreement, (iii) for the Subject Company Rights Agreement (a true and correct
copy of which, including all amendments thereto, has been made available to
Parent) and (iv) as set forth elsewhere in this Section 3.2(a), Subject Company
does not have and is not bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options,
warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any character calling for the
purchase or issuance of any shares of Subject Company Common Stock or Subject
Company Preferred Stock or any other equity securities of Subject Company or any
securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of
Subject Company Common Stock or Subject Company Preferred Stock. Except (i) as
set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the disclosure schedule of Subject Company
delivered to Parent concurrently herewith (the "Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule"), (ii) for options permitted by this Agreement to be granted
subsequent to the date of this Agreement, and (iii) for the Subject Company
Option Agreement, since October 31, 1995 Subject Company has not issued any
shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable
for any shares of its capital stock, other than pursuant to Subject Company's
dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans, the exercise of employee stock
options granted prior to such date and as disclosed in Section 3.2(a) of the
Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, and the issuance of rights pursuant to the
Subject Company Rights Agreement.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.2(b) of the Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule, Subject Company owns, directly or indirectly, at least 99% of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the material Subject
Company Subsidiaries, free and clear of any liens, charges, encumbrances,
adverse rights or claims and security interests whatsoever ("Liens"), and all of
such shares are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof. No Subject Company Subsidiary has or is
bound by any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or
agreements of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares
of capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any
securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of
capital stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary. Assuming
compliance by Parent with Section 1.7 hereof, at the Effective Time, there will
not be any outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or
agreements of any character by which Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries
will be bound calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of the capital
stock of Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
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3.3 AUTHORITY; NO VIOLATION. (a) Subject Company has full corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Fee Letter, of even
date herewith, between Parent and Subject Company (the "Subject Company Fee
Letter") pursuant to which Subject Company will in certain circumstances pay
certain amounts to Parent, the Subject Company Option Agreement and the other
documents contemplated to be executed and delivered by Subject Company in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (this Agreement, together
with the Subject Company Fee Letter, the Subject Company Option Agreement and
such other documents, collectively, the "Subject Company Documents"), and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and
delivery of each of the Subject Company Documents and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly approved
by the Board of Directors of Subject Company. The Board of Directors of Subject
Company has directed that the agreement of merger (within the meaning of Section
251 of the DGCL) contained in this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby be submitted to Subject Company's stockholders for approval at a meeting
of such stockholders and, except for the adoption of this Agreement by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Subject Company Common Stock, no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Subject Company are necessary to approve the Subject Company Documents and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Each of the Subject
Company Documents has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Subject
Company and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and
Merger Sub) this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Subject
Company, enforceable against Subject Company in accordance with its terms,
except as enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity whether
applied in a court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.3(b) of the Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of the Subject Company Documents by
Subject Company nor the consummation by Subject Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, nor compliance by Subject Company with any of
the terms or provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) violate any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Subject Company or any of the similar
governing documents of any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) assuming that the
consents and approvals referred to in Section 3.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate
any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or
injunction applicable to Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their respective properties or assets, or (y) violate, conflict with, result in
a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of
termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or
result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or
assets of Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Subject
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except (in the case of
clause (ii) above) for such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults which,
either individually or in the aggregate, will not have and would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
3.4 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. Except for (i) the filing of applications and
notices, as applicable, with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the "Federal Reserve Board") under the BHC Act and approval of such
applications and notices, (ii) the filing of any requisite applications with the
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC") and the approval of such
applications, (iii) the filing of any required applications or notices with any
state agencies and approval of such applications and notices (the "State
Approvals"), (iv) the filing of any requisite applications with the Office of
Thrift Supervision and the approval of such applications, (v) approval of the
listing of the Parent Capital Stock to be issued in the Merger on the NYSE, (vi)
the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a joint
proxy statement in definitive form relating to the
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meetings of Parent's and Subject Company's stockholders to be held in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Joint Proxy
Statement") and the filing and declaration of effectiveness of the registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "S-4") in which the Joint Proxy Statement will be
included as a prospectus, (vii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the
Delaware Secretary pursuant to the DGCL, (viii) such filings and approvals as
are required to be made or obtained under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of
various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of Parent Capital
Stock pursuant to this Agreement, (ix) the adoption of the agreement of merger
(within the meaning of Section 251 of the DGCL) contained in this Agreement by
the requisite vote of the stockholders of Subject Company and the approval of
the Parent Vote Matters (as defined below) by the requisite votes of the
stockholders of Parent, (x) the consents and approvals set forth in Section 3.4
of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, and (xi) the consents and approvals
of third parties which are not Governmental Entities (as defined below), the
failure of which to obtain will not have and would not be reasonably expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect, no consents or approvals of, or filings or
registrations with, any court, administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or instrumentality (each a "Governmental Entity") or with
any third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and delivery
by Subject Company of the Subject Company Documents and (B) the consummation by
Subject Company of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby.
3.5 REPORTS. Subject Company and each of its Subsidiaries have timely
filed all material reports, registrations and statements, together with any
amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to
file since January 1, 1993 with (i) the Federal Reserve Board, (ii) the OCC,
(iii) any state regulatory authority (each a "State Regulator"), (iv) the SEC
(Form BD), (v) the FDIC, (vi) any self-regulatory organization ("SRO") and (vii)
any foreign financial or self-regulatory organization (collectively "Regulatory
Agencies") and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection
therewith. Except for normal examinations conducted by a Regulatory Agency in
the regular course of the business of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries or as
set forth in Section 3.5 of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, no
Regulatory Agency has initiated any proceeding or, to the best knowledge of
Subject Company, investigation into the business or operations of Subject
Company or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 1993. Except as set forth in
Section 3.5 of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, there is no material
unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency with
respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of Subject
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The deposits of each Subject Company
Subsidiary that is an insured institution are insured by the FDIC in accordance
with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act up to applicable limits.
3.6 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Subject Company has previously made available to
Parent copies of (a) the consolidated balance sheets of Subject Company and its
Subsidiaries, as of December 31, for the fiscal years 1993 and 1994, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash
flows for the fiscal years 1992 through 1994, inclusive, as reported in Subject
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), in each case accompanied by the audit report of Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors with respect to Subject Company, (b) the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries as of June
30, 1994 and June 30, 1995 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the periods then ended as
reported in Subject Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended
June 30, 1995 filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act and (c) the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries as of
September 30, 1995 and the related unaudited consolidated statements of
operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the period then ended. The
December 31, 1994 consolidated balance sheet of Subject Company (including the
related notes, where applicable) fairly presents the consolidated financial
position of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, and the
other financial statements referred to in this Section 3.6 (including the
related notes, where applicable) fairly present, and the financial statements
referred to in Section 6.13 hereof will fairly present
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(subject, in the case of the unaudited statements, to recurring audit
adjustments normal in nature and amount), the results of the consolidated
operations and changes in stockholders' equity and consolidated financial
position of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries for the respective fiscal
periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth. Each of such statements
(including the related notes, where applicable) complies, and the financial
statements referred to in Section 6.13 hereof will comply, in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules
and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto and each of such statements
(including the related notes, where applicable) has been, and the financial
statements referred to in Section 6.13 will be, prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied during
the periods involved, except in each case as indicated in such statements or in
the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form
10-Q. The books and records of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries have been,
and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and
any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual
transactions.
3.7 BROKER'S FEES. Except as set forth in Section 3.7 of the Subject
Company Disclosure Schedule, neither Subject Company nor any Subject Company
Subsidiary nor any of their respective officers or directors has employed any
broker or finder or incurred any liability for any broker's fees, commissions or
finder's fees in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by the
Subject Company Documents.
3.8 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. (a) Except as publicly disclosed
in Subject Company Reports (as defined in Section 3.12) filed prior to the date
hereof, since June 30, 1995, no event (including, without limitation, any
earthquake or other act of God) has occurred which has had or would reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect
on Subject Company or the Surviving Corporation.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.8(b) of the Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule, since June 30, 1995, Subject Company and its Subsidiaries have carried
on their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course
of business, and neither Subject Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i)
except for normal increases in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice and except as required by applicable law, increased the wages,
salaries, compensation, pension or other fringe benefits or perquisites payable
to any named executive officer (within the meaning of Regulation S-K of the SEC)
or director, other than persons newly hired for such position, from the amount
thereof in effect as of June 30, 1995, or granted any severance or termination
pay, entered into any contract to make or grant any severance or termination
pay, or paid any bonus, in each case to any such named executive officer or
director, other than pursuant to preexisting agreements or arrangements or (ii)
suffered any strike, work stoppage, slow-down or other labor disturbance.
3.9 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. (a) Neither Subject Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the best of
Subject Company's knowledge, threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or
other proceedings, claims, actions or governmental or regulatory investigations
of any nature against Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries or challenging
the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by the Subject
Company Documents as to which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse
determination and which, if adversely determined, would, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Subject Company.
(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree or regulatory
restriction imposed upon Subject Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets
of Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries which has had, or would reasonably
be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
3.10 TAXES AND TAX RETURNS. (a) Subject Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all returns, declarations,
reports, estimates, information returns and statements required to be filed
under federal, state, local or any foreign tax laws ("Tax Returns") with respect
to
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Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except where the failure to file
timely such Tax Returns would not have and would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company. All Taxes shown to be due on
such Tax Returns have been paid or adequate reserves have been established for
the payment of such Taxes, except where the failure to pay or establish adequate
reserves would not have and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Subject Company. Except as set forth in Section 3.10(a) of the
Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, no material (i) audit or examination or
(ii) refund litigation with respect to any Tax Return is pending. All material
Tax Returns filed by Subject Company and each of its Subsidiaries are complete
and accurate in all material respects.
(b) Subject Company has no reason to believe that any conditions exist that
might prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, "Taxes" shall mean all taxes, charges,
fees, levies or other assessments, including, without limitation, all net
income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, AD VALOREM, goods and
services, capital, transfer, franchise, profits, license, withholding, payroll,
employment, employer health, excise, estimated, severance, stamp, occupation,
property or other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments or charges of any
kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax
or additional amounts imposed by any taxing authority.
3.11 EMPLOYEES. (a) Section 3.11(a) of the Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule sets forth a true and complete list of each material employee benefit
plan, arrangement or agreement that is maintained as of the date of this
Agreement (the "Plans") by Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by any
trade or business, whether or not incorporated (an "ERISA Affiliate"), all of
which together with Subject Company would be deemed a "single employer" within
the meaning of Section 4001 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA").
(b) As soon as practicable after the date hereof, Subject Company shall make
available to Parent true and complete copies of each of the Plans and all
related documents, including but not limited to (i) the actuarial report for
such Plan (if applicable) for each of the last two years, and (ii) the most
recent determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (if applicable)
for such Plan.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.11(c) of the Subject Company Disclosure
Schedule, (i) each of the Plans has been operated and administered in all
material respects in accordance with applicable laws, including but not limited
to ERISA and the Code, (ii) each of the Plans intended to be "qualified" within
the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified, (iii) with respect to
each Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA, the present value of accrued
benefits under such Plan, based upon the actuarial assumptions used for funding
purposes in the most recent actuarial report prepared by such Plan's actuary
with respect to such Plan, did not, as of its latest valuation date, exceed the
then current value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such accrued
benefits, (iv) no Plan provides benefits, including without limitation death or
medical benefits (whether or not insured), with respect to current or former
employees of Subject Company, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate beyond
their retirement or other termination of service, other than (w) coverage
mandated by applicable law, (x) death benefits or retirement benefits under any
"employee pension plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, (y)
deferred compensation benefits accrued as liabilities on the books of Subject
Company, its Subsidiaries or the ERISA Affiliates or (z) benefits the full cost
of which is borne by the current or former employee (or his beneficiary), (v) no
liability under Title IV of ERISA has been incurred by Subject Company, its
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full, and no
condition exists that presents a material risk to Subject Company, its
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability
thereunder, (vi) no Plan is a "multi-employer pension plan," as such term is
defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (vii) all contributions or other amounts
payable by Subject Company or its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time with
respect to each Plan in respect of current or prior plan years have been paid or
accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and Section
412 of the Code, (viii) since January 1, 1994 neither Subject
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Company, its Subsidiaries nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction
in connection with which Subject Company, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA
Affiliate could be subject to either a material civil penalty assessed pursuant
to Section 409 or 502(i) of ERISA or a material tax imposed pursuant to Section
4975 or 4976 of the Code, and (ix) to the best knowledge of Subject Company
there are no pending, threatened or anticipated claims (other than routine
claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or against any of the Plans or any trusts
related thereto which would, individually or in the aggregate, have or be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
3.12 SEC REPORTS. Subject Company has previously made available to Parent
an accurate and complete copy of each final registration statement, prospectus,
report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed since January 1, 1994 and
prior to the date hereof by Subject Company with the SEC pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act
(the "Subject Company Reports"), and no such registration statement, prospectus,
report, schedule or proxy statement contained any untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
in which they were made, not misleading. Subject Company has timely filed all
Subject Company Reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and, as of their respective dates, all
Subject Company Reports complied in all material respects with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.
3.13 COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. Except as disclosed in Section 3.13
of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, Subject Company and each of its
Subsidiaries hold, and have at all times held, all material licenses,
franchises, permits and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their
respective businesses under and pursuant to all, and have complied with and are
not in default in any material respect under any, applicable law, statute,
order, rule, regulation, policy and/ or guideline of any Governmental Entity
relating to Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except where the failure
to hold such license, franchise, permit or authorization or such noncompliance
or default would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company, and neither
Subject Company nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received notice of,
any violations of any of the above which, individually or in the aggregate,
would have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Subject Company.
3.14 CERTAIN CONTRACTS. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.14(a) of the
Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, neither Subject Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment
or understanding (whether written or oral) (i) which is a material contract (as
defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) to be performed after
the date of this Agreement that has not been filed or incorporated by reference
in the Subject Company Reports, (ii) which materially restricts the conduct of
any line of business by Subject Company, or (iii) with or to a labor union or
guild (including any collective bargaining agreement). Subject Company has made
available to Parent true and correct copies of all employment, consulting and
deferred compensation agreements to which Subject Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party. Each contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding
of the type described in this Section 3.14(a), other than the Subject Company
Documents, whether or not set forth in Section 3.14(a) of the Subject Company
Disclosure Schedule, is referred to herein as a "Subject Company Contract," and
neither Subject Company nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or has received
notice of, any violation of the above by any of the other parties thereto which,
individually or in the aggregate, would have or would reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
(b) (i) Each Subject Company Contract is valid and binding and in full force
and effect, (ii) Subject Company and each of its Subsidiaries has in all
material respects performed all obligations required to be performed by it to
date under each Subject Company Contract, and (iii) no event or condition exists
which constitutes or, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a
material default on the part of Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries under
any such Subject Company
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Contract, except, in each case, where such invalidity, failure to be binding,
failure to so perform or default, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject
Company.
3.15 AGREEMENTS WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES. Except as set forth in Section
3.15 of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, neither Subject Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order issued by,
or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of
understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar
undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has adopted any
board resolutions at the request of (each, whether or not set forth in Section
3.15 of the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, a "Regulatory Agreement"), any
Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that restricts the conduct of its
business or that in any manner relates to its capital adequacy, its credit
policies, its management or its business, nor has Subject Company or any of its
Subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity
that it is considering issuing or requesting any Regulatory Agreement.
3.16 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except for those liabilities that are fully
reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of Subject
Company included in the Subject Company Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1995, and for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, since June 30, 1995, neither Subject Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has incurred any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether
absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due)
that, either alone or when combined with all similar liabilities, has had, or
would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Subject
Company.
3.17 STATE TAKEOVER LAWS. The Board of Directors of Subject Company has
approved the execution of the Subject Company Option Agreement and authorized
and approved the Merger (prior to the execution by Subject Company of this
Agreement and prior to the execution of the Subject Company Option Agreement) in
accordance with Section 203 of the DGCL, such that Section 203 will not apply to
this Agreement, the Subject Company Option Agreement, the Subject Company Fee
Letter or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Board of
Directors of Subject Company has taken all such action required to be taken by
it to provide that this Agreement, the Subject Company Option Agreement, the
Subject Company Fee Letter and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
shall be exempt from the requirements of any "moratorium," "control share,"
"fair price" or other anti-takeover laws or regulations of any state.
3.18 RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Subject Company has taken all action (including, if
required, redeeming all of the outstanding common stock purchase rights issued
pursuant to the Subject Company Rights Agreement or amending or terminating the
Subject Company Rights Agreement) so that the entering into of the Subject
Company Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby do not and will not result in the grant of any rights to any person
under the Subject Company Rights Agreement or enable or require the Subject
Company Rights to be exercised, distributed or triggered.
3.19 POOLING OF INTERESTS. As of the date of this Agreement, Subject
Company has no reason to believe that the Merger will not qualify as a pooling
of interests for accounting purposes.
3.20 FIRST INTERSTATE NAME. Except as set forth in Section 3.20 of the
Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, Subject Company has the right to use the
First Interstate name in each state of the United States, free and clear of any
Liens, and no other person has the right to use such name in any such state.
3.21 SUBJECT COMPANY INFORMATION. The information relating to Subject
Company and its Subsidiaries to be provided by Subject Company to be contained
in the Joint Proxy Statement and the S-4, or in any other document filed with
any other regulatory agency in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the
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statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not
misleading. The Joint Proxy Statement (except for such portions thereof that
relate only to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) will comply in all material
respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
3.22. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY. Except as set forth in Section 3.22 of the
Subject Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no legal, administrative,
arbitral or other proceedings, claims, actions, causes of action, private
environmental investigations or remediation activities or governmental
investigations of any nature seeking to impose, or that reasonably could be
expected to result in the imposition, on Subject Company or any of its
Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation arising under common law standards
relating to environmental protection, human health or safety, or under any
local, state or federal environmental statute, regulation or ordinance,
including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (collectively, the
"Environmental Laws"), pending or, to the knowledge of Subject Company,
threatened, against Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which liability
or obligation would have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Subject Company. To the knowledge of Subject Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, there is no reasonable basis for any such proceeding, claim,
action or governmental investigation that would impose any liability or
obligation that would have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Subject Company. To the knowledge of Subject Company, during
or prior to the period of (i) its or any of its Subsidiaries' ownership or
operation of any of their respective current properties, (ii) its or any of its
Subsidiaries' participation in the management of any property, or (iii) its or
any of its Subsidiaries' holding of a security interest or other interest in any
property, there were no releases or threatened releases of hazardous, toxic,
radioactive or dangerous materials or other materials regulated under
Environmental Laws in, on, under or affecting any such property. Neither Subject
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, order,
judgment, decree, letter or memorandum by or with any court, governmental
authority, regulatory agency or third party imposing any material liability or
obligation pursuant to or under any Environmental Law that would have or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
3.23. INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS. All interest rate swaps,
caps, floors and option agreements and other interest rate risk management
arrangements, whether entered into for the account of Subject Company or for the
account of a customer of Subject Company or one of its Subsidiaries, were
entered into in accordance with prudent banking practices and applicable rules,
regulations and policies of any regulatory authority and with counterparties
believed to be financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and
binding obligations of Subject Company or one of its Subsidiaries enforceable in
accordance with their terms (except as enforcement may be limited by general
principles of equity whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity and
by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and
remedies generally), and are in full force and effect. Subject Company and each
of its Subsidiaries have duly performed in all material respects all of their
material obligations thereunder to the extent that such obligations to perform
have accrued; and, to Subject Company's knowledge, there are no breaches,
violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party
thereunder which would have or would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Subject Company.
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
Parent hereby represents and warrants to Subject Company as follows:
4.1. CORPORATE ORGANIZATION. (a) Parent is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Parent has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted,
and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of the business
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conducted by it or the character or location of the properties and assets owned
or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not have or reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Parent is duly registered
as a bank holding company under the BHC Act. The copies of the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Parent, which have previously been made available to
Subject Company, are true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in
effect as of the date of this Agreement.
(b) Each Parent Subsidiary is (i) duly organized and validly existing as a
bank, corporation or partnership under the laws of its jurisdiction of
organization, (ii) is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in all
jurisdictions (whether federal, state, local or foreign) where its ownership or
leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so
qualified and in which the failure to be so qualified would have or reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, and (iii) has all
requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as now conducted.
(c) Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
4.2. CAPITALIZATION. (a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists
of 200,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Parent Preferred Stock"). At the close of
business on October 31, 1995, there were 129,798,913 shares of Parent Common
Stock outstanding, 3,702,750 shares of Parent Preferred Stock designated and
2,077,800 shares issued and outstanding as Series 1991A Convertible Preferred
Stock ("Parent Series 1991A Preferred Stock"), 12,750 shares of Parent Preferred
Stock designated and no shares outstanding as Adjustable Rate Cumulative
Preferred Stock Series 1990A ("Parent Series 1990A Preferred Stock"), 1,400,000
shares of Parent Preferred Stock designated and no shares issued and outstanding
as Parent Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock pursuant to the Rights
Agreement, dated as of December 21, 1988, between Parent and Morgan Shareholder
Services Trust Company, as Rights Agent, as amended (the "Parent Rights
Agreement"), and 5,833,411 shares of Parent Common Stock held in Parent's
treasury. On October 31, 1995, no shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent
Preferred Stock were reserved for issuance, except that (i) 22,718,744 shares of
Parent Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding options,
warrants, periodic stock purchase rights ("PSPRs"), risk event warrants, the
Parent dividend reinvestment plan, the Parent employee stock purchase plan and
employee benefit plans, (ii) 3,585,452 shares of Parent Common Stock were
reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Parent Series 1991A Preferred
Stock, (iii) 16,950,057 shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for issuance
upon consummation of the acquisition by Parent of FirsTier Financial, Inc. (the
"FirsTier Acquisition"), (iv) 12,750 shares of Parent Series 1990A Preferred
Stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of PSPRs or risk event warrants,
and (v) 1,400,000 shares of Parent Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Parent Rights distributed to
holders of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Parent Rights Agreement. All of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Parent Common Stock and Parent
Preferred Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof. As of the date of this Agreement, except (i)
as set forth in Schedule 4.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule (as defined
below), (ii) for the Parent Rights Agreement (a true and correct copy of which,
including all amendments thereto, has been made available to Subject Company),
(iii) for the Parent Option Agreement and (iv) as set forth elsewhere in this
Section 4.2(a), Parent does not have and is not bound by any outstanding
subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements of any
character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of Parent Common
Stock or Parent Preferred Stock or any other equity securities of Parent or any
securities representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of
Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock. Except (i) as set forth in
Section 4.2(a) of the disclosure schedule of Parent delivered to Subject Company
concurrently herewith (the "Parent Disclosure Schedule") and (ii) for options
permitted by this Agreement to be granted subsequent to the date of this
Agreement, since
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October 31, 1995, Parent has not issued any shares of its capital stock or any
securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock,
other than pursuant to Parent's dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans,
the exercise of employee stock options granted prior to such date and as
disclosed in Section 4.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, warrants, PSPRs
and risk event warrants granted prior to such date and disclosed in Section
4.2(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, the conversion of shares of Parent
Series 1991A Preferred Stock, the Parent Rights Agreement and the FirsTier
Acquisition. The shares of Parent Capital Stock to be issued pursuant to the
Merger will be duly authorized and validly issued and, at the Effective Time,
all such shares will be fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights,
with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.2(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
Parent owns, directly or indirectly, (i) at least 99% of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the material Parent Subsidiaries
(other than Merger Sub) and (ii) all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of Merger Sub, in each case, free and clear of any Liens, and all
of such shares are duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, with no personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof. No Parent Subsidiary has or is bound by any
outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, commitments or agreements
of any character calling for the purchase or issuance of any shares of capital
stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary or any securities
representing the right to purchase or otherwise receive any shares of capital
stock or any other equity security of such Subsidiary.
4.3. AUTHORITY; NO VIOLATION. (a) Parent has full corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Fee Letter, of even date
herewith, between Parent and Subject Company (the "Parent Fee Letter," and
together with the Subject Company Fee Letter, the "Fee Letters") pursuant to
which Parent will in certain circumstances pay certain amounts to Subject
Company, the Parent Option Agreement and the other documents contemplated to be
executed and delivered by Parent in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby (this Agreement, together with the Parent Fee Letter, the
Subject Company Option Agreement and such other documents, collectively, the
"Parent Documents") and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution and delivery of each of the Parent Documents and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
and validly approved by the Board of Directors of Parent. The Board of Directors
of Parent has directed that the issuance of Parent Common Stock pursuant hereto
and an amendment (the "Charter Amendment") to Parent's Certificate of
Incorporation to (i) increase the number of authorized shares of Parent Common
Stock to 500,000,000 and to increase the number of authorized shares of Parent
Preferred Stock to 15,000,000 and (ii) to change the name of Parent to First
Interstate Bancorp (collectively, the "Parent Vote Matters") be submitted to
Parent's stockholders for approval at a meeting of such stockholders and, except
for the approval of the Charter Amendment by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock and the approval
of the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant hereto by a majority
of the shares of Parent Common Stock voting at the meeting of shareholders
called for such purpose at which a quorum was present, no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Parent are necessary to approve the Parent Documents
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Each of the
Parent Documents has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and
(assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Subject Company) this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Parent, enforceable
against Parent in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be
limited by general principles of equity whether applied in a court of law or a
court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights and remedies generally.
(b) Merger Sub has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly approved by the
Board of Directors of Merger Sub and by Parent as the sole stockholder of Merger
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Sub, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Merger Sub are necessary
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by Merger Sub and (assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery by Subject Company) constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Merger Sub, enforceable against Merger Sub in
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by general
principles of equity whether applied in a court of law or a court of equity and
by bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights and
remedies generally.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.3(c) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
neither the execution and delivery of the Parent Documents by Parent or Merger
Sub, nor the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, nor compliance by Parent or Merger Sub with any
of the terms or provisions hereof or thereof, will (i) violate any provision of
the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Parent or any of the similar
governing documents of any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) assuming that the
consents and approvals referred to in Section 4.4 are duly obtained, (x) violate
any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or
injunction applicable to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets, or (y) violate, conflict with, result in a
breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of
termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or
result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or
assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, any of the terms, conditions
or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license,
lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties
or assets may be bound or affected, except (in the case of clause (ii) above)
for such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults which either individually
or in the aggregate will not have and would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.4. CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. Except for (i) the filing of applications and
notices, as applicable, with the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act and
approval of such applications and notices, (ii) the filing of any requisite
applications with the OCC and the approval of such applications, (iii) the
filings with respect to the State Approvals (including receipt of such State
Approvals), (iv) the filing of any requisite applications with the Office of
Thrift Supervision and the approval of such applications, (v) approval of the
listing of the Parent Capital Stock to be issued in the Merger on the NYSE, (vi)
the filing with the SEC of the Joint Proxy Statement and the filing and
declaration of effectiveness of the S-4, (vii) the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the Delaware Secretary pursuant to the DGCL, (viii) such filings and
approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the securities or "Blue
Sky" laws of various states in connection with the issuance of the shares of
Parent Capital Stock pursuant to this Agreement, (ix) the adoption of the
agreement of merger (within the meaning of Section 251 of the DGCL) contained in
this Agreement by the requisite vote of the stockholders of Subject Company and
the approval of the Parent Vote Matters by the requisite votes of the
stockholders of Parent, (x) the filing of the appropriate documents necessary to
cause the Charter Amendment to become effective with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware, (xi) the consents and approvals set forth in Section 4.4
of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, and (xii) the consents and approvals of third
parties which are not Governmental Entities, the failure of which to obtain will
not have and would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,
no consents or approvals of, or filings or registrations with, any Governmental
Entity or any third party are necessary in connection with (A) the execution and
delivery by Parent and Merger Sub of the Parent Documents and (B) the
consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby.
4.5. REPORTS. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all
material reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments
required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since
January 1, 1993 with the Regulatory Agencies, and have paid all fees and
assessments due and payable in connection therewith. Except for normal
examinations conducted
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by a Regulatory Agency in the regular course of the business of Parent and its
Subsidiaries, no Regulatory Agency has initiated any proceeding or, to the best
knowledge of Parent, investigation into the business or operations of Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 1993. There is no material unresolved
violation, criticism, or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any
report or statement relating to any examinations of Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries. The deposits of each Parent Subsidiary that is an insured
institution are insured by the FDIC in accordance with the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act up to applicable limits.
4.6. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Parent has previously made available to Subject
Company copies of (a) the consolidated balance sheets of Parent and its
Subsidiaries, as of December 31, for the fiscal years 1993 and 1994, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for the fiscal years 1992 through 1994, inclusive, as reported in Parent's
Restated Annual Report as filed on Form 8-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1994 filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, in each case accompanied by
the audit report of Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants with
respect to Parent, (b) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Parent and
its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1994 and June 30, 1995 and the related unaudited
consolidated statements of income, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the
six month periods then ended as reported in Parent's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1995 filed with the SEC under the Exchange
Act and (c) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its
Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1995 and the related unaudited consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the period then
ended. The December 31, 1994 consolidated balance sheet of Parent (including the
related notes, where applicable) fairly presents the consolidated financial
position of Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, and the other
financial statements referred to in this Section 4.6 (including the related
notes, where applicable) fairly present, and the financial statements referred
to in Section 6.13 hereof will fairly present (subject, in the case of the
unaudited statements, to recurring audit adjustments normal in nature and
amount), the results of the consolidated income and changes in stockholders'
equity and consolidated financial position of Parent and its Subsidiaries for
the respective fiscal periods or as of the respective dates therein set forth.
Each of such statements (including the related notes, where applicable)
complies, and the financial statements referred to in Section 6.13 hereof will
comply, in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and
with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto; and
each of such statements (including the related notes, where applicable) has
been, and the financial statements referred to in Section 6.13 will be, prepared
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except
in each case as indicated in such statements or in the notes thereto or, in the
case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q. The books and records
of Parent and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all
material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and
accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.
4.7. BROKER'S FEES. Except as set forth in Section 4.7 of the Parent
Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary nor any of their
respective officers or directors has employed any broker or finder or incurred
any liability for any broker's fees, commissions or finder's fees in connection
with any of the transactions contemplated by the Parent Documents.
4.8. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. (a) Except as publicly
disclosed in Parent Reports (as defined below) filed prior to the date hereof,
since June 30, 1995, no event (including, without limitation, any earthquake or
other act of God) has occurred which has had or would reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(b) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule,
since June 30, 1995, Parent and its Subsidiaries have carried on their
respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course of
business, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) except for
normal increases in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice and except as required by applicable law, increased the wages,
salaries, compensation, pension or other fringe benefits or perquisites payable
to any named executive officer (within the meaning of Regulation S-K of the SEC)
or
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director, other than persons newly hired for such positions, from the amount
thereof in effect as of June 30, 1995, or granted any severance or termination
pay, entered into any contract to make or grant any severance or termination
pay, or paid any bonus, in each case to any such named executive officer or
director, other than pursuant to preexisting agreements or arrangements or (ii)
suffered any strike, work stoppage, slow-down or other labor disturbance.
4.9. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. (a) Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is
a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the best of Parent's knowledge,
threatened, legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceedings, claims,
actions or governmental or regulatory investigations of any nature against
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or challenging the validity or propriety of
the transactions contemplated by the Parent Documents as to which there is a
reasonable probability of an adverse determination and which, if adversely
determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
(b) There is no injunction, order, judgment, decree, or regulatory
restriction imposed upon Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or the assets of Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries which has had, or would reasonably be expected to
have, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or the Surviving Corporation.
4.10. TAXES AND TAX RETURNS. (a) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has
timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax Returns with respect to Parent or any
of its Subsidiaries, except where the failure to file timely such Tax Returns
would not have and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent. All Taxes shown to be due on such Tax Returns have been paid
or adequate reserves have been established for the payment of such Taxes, except
where the failure to pay or establish adequate reserves would not have and would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Except
as set forth in Section 4.10(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, no material
(i) audit or examination or (ii) refund litigation with respect to any Tax
Return is pending. All material Tax Returns filed by Parent and each of its
Subsidiaries are complete and accurate in all material respects.
(b) Parent has no reason to believe that any conditions exist that might
prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
4.11. EMPLOYEES. (a) Section 4.11(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule
sets forth a true and complete list of each material employee benefit plan,
arrangement or agreement that is maintained as of the date of this Agreement
(the "Parent Plans") by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or by any trade or
business, whether or not incorporated (a "Parent ERISA Affiliate"), all of which
together with Parent would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of
Section 4001 of ERISA.
(b) As soon as practicable after the date hereof, Parent shall make
available to Subject Company true and complete copies of each of the Parent
Plans and all related documents, including but not limited to (i) the actuarial
report for such Parent Plan (if applicable) for each of the last two years, and
(ii) the most recent determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (if
applicable) for such Parent Plan.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.11(c) of the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, (i) each of the Parent Plans has been operated and administered in all
material respects in accordance with applicable laws, including but not limited
to ERISA and the Code, (ii) each of the Parent Plans intended to be "qualified"
within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified, (iii) with
respect to each Parent Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA, the present
value of accrued benefits under such Parent Plan, based upon the actuarial
assumptions used for funding purposes in the most recent actuarial report
prepared by such Parent Plan's actuary with respect to such Parent Plan, did
not, as of its latest valuation date, exceed the then current value of the
assets of such Parent Plan allocable to such accrued benefits, (iv) no Parent
Plan provides benefits, including without limitation death or medical benefits
(whether or not insured), with respect to current or former employees of Parent,
its Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate beyond their retirement or other
termination of service, other than (w) coverage mandated by applicable law, (x)
death benefits or retirement benefits under
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any "employee pension plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA,
(y) deferred compensation benefits accrued as liabilities on the books of
Parent, its Subsidiaries or the Parent ERISA Affiliates or (z) benefits the full
cost of which is borne by the current or former employee (or his beneficiary),
(v) no liability under Title IV of ERISA has been incurred by Parent, its
Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full,
and no condition exists that presents a material risk to Parent, its
Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability
thereunder, (vi) no Parent Plan is a "multi employer pension plan," as such term
is defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (vii) all contributions or other amounts
payable by Parent or its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time with respect to
each Parent Plan in respect of current or prior plan years have been paid or
accrued in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and Section
412 of the Code, (viii) since January 1, 1994 neither Parent, its Subsidiaries
nor any Parent ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction in connection with
which Parent, its Subsidiaries or any Parent ERISA Affiliate could be subject to
either a material civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i) of
ERISA or a material tax imposed pursuant to Section 4975 or 4976 of the Code,
and (ix) to the best knowledge of Parent there are no pending, threatened or
anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or
against any of the Parent Plans or any trusts related thereto which would,
individually or in the aggregate, have or be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.12. SEC REPORTS. Parent has previously made available to Subject Company
an accurate and complete copy of each final registration statement, prospectus,
report, schedule and definitive proxy statement filed since January 1, 1994 and
prior to the date hereof by Parent with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act
or the Exchange Act (the "Parent Reports"), and no such registration statement,
prospectus, report, schedule or proxy statement contained any untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances in which they were made, not misleading. Parent has timely filed
all Parent Reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and, as of their respective dates, all
Parent Reports complied in all material respects with the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.
4.13. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. Except as disclosed in Section 4.13
of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, Parent and each of its Subsidiaries hold, and
have at all times held, all material licenses, franchises, permits and
authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of their respective businesses
under and pursuant to all, and have complied with and are not in default in any
material respect under any, applicable law, statute, order, rule, regulation,
policy and/or guideline of any Governmental Entity relating to Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries, except where the failure to hold such license, franchise,
permit or authorization or such noncompliance or default would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries knows of, or
has received notice of, any material violations of any of the above which,
individually or in the aggregate, would have or reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.14. CERTAIN CONTRACTS. (a) Except as set forth in Section 4.14(a) of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
party to or is bound by any contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding
(whether written or oral) (i) which is a material contract (as defined in Item
601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) to be performed after the date of this
Agreement that has not been filed or incorporated by reference in the Parent
Reports, (ii) which materially restricts the conduct of any line of business by
Parent, or (iii) with or to a labor union or guild (including any collective
bargaining agreement). Parent has made available to Subject Company true and
correct copies of all employment, consulting and deferred compensation
agreements to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party. Each contract,
arrangement, commitment or understanding of the type described in this Section
4.14(a), other than the Parent Documents, whether or not set
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forth in Section 4.14(a) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, is referred to
herein as a "Parent Contract," and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries
knows of, or has received notice of, any violation of the above by any of the
other parties thereto which, individually or in the aggregate, would have or
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
(b) (i) Each Parent Contract is valid and binding and in full force and
effect, (ii) Parent and each of its Subsidiaries has in all material respects
performed all obligations required to be performed by it to date under each
Parent Contract, and (iii) no event or condition exists which constitutes or,
after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute, a material default on
the part of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under any such Parent Contract,
except, in each case, where any such invalidity, failure to be binding, failure
to so perform or default, individually or in the aggregate, would not have or
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.15. AGREEMENTS WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES. Except as set forth in Section
4.15 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, neither Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order issued by, or is
a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of
understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar
undertaking to, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has adopted any
board resolutions at the request of (each, whether or not set forth in Section
4.15 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, a "Parent Regulatory Agreement"), any
Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity that restricts the conduct of its
business or that in any manner relates to its capital adequacy, its credit
policies, its management or its business, nor has Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Agency or other Governmental Entity
that it is considering issuing or requesting any Regulatory Agreement.
4.16. UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. Except for those liabilities that are fully
reflected or reserved against on the consolidated balance sheet of Parent
included in the Parent Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, and for
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, since June 30, 1995, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has
incurred any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due) that, either alone or
when combined with all similar liabilities, has had, or would reasonably be
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.17. STATE TAKEOVER LAWS; CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. The Board of
Directors of Parent has approved the execution of the Parent Option Agreement
and authorized and approved the Merger (prior to the execution by Parent of this
Agreement and prior to the execution of the Parent Option Agreement) in
accordance with Section 203 of the DGCL and Article Eight of Parent's
Certificate of Incorporation such that Section 203 and Article Eight will not
apply to this Agreement, the Parent Option Agreement, the Parent Fee Letter or
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Board of Directors of
Parent has taken all such action required to be taken by it to provide that this
Agreement, the Parent Option Agreement, the Parent Fee Letter and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be exempt from the
requirements of any "moratorium," "control share," "fair price" or other
anti-takeover laws or regulations of any state.
4.18. RIGHTS AGREEMENT. Subject to the execution of an amendment to the
Parent Rights Agreement which has been approved by Parent's Board of Directors
and shall be executed as promptly as practicable after the date of this
Agreement, Parent has taken all action (including, if required, redeeming all of
the outstanding preferred stock purchase rights issued pursuant to the Parent
Rights Agreement or amending or terminating the Parent Rights Agreement) so that
the entering into of the Parent Documents and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not result in the
grant of any rights to any person under the Parent Rights Agreement or enable or
require the Parent Rights to be exercised, distributed or triggered.
4.19. POOLING OF INTERESTS. As of the date of this Agreement, Parent has
no reason to believe that the Merger will not qualify as a pooling of interests
for accounting purposes.
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4.20. PARENT INFORMATION. The information relating to Parent and its
Subsidiaries to be provided by Parent to be contained in the Joint Proxy
Statement and the S-4, or in any other document filed with any other regulatory
agency in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
The Joint Proxy Statement (except for such portions thereof that relate only to
Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries) will comply in all material respects
with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder. The S-4 will comply in all material respects with the provisions of
the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
4.21. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY. Except as set forth in Section 4.21 of the
Parent Disclosure Schedule, there are no legal, administrative, arbitral or
other proceedings, claims, actions, causes of action, private environmental
investigations or remediation activities or governmental investigations of any
nature seeking to impose, or that reasonably would be expected to result in the
imposition, on Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any liability or obligation
arising under any Environmental Law, pending or, to the knowledge of Parent,
threatened, against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, which liability or
obligation would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent. To the knowledge of Parent, there is no reasonable basis for any such
proceeding, claim, action or governmental investigation that would impose any
liability or obligation that would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent. To the knowledge of Parent, during or prior to the
period of (i) its or any of its Subsidiaries' ownership or operation of any of
their respective current properties, (ii) its or any of its Subsidiaries'
participation in the management of any property, or (iii) its or any of its
Subsidiaries' holding of a security interest or other interest in any property,
there were no releases or threatened releases of hazardous, toxic, radioactive
or dangerous materials or other materials regulated under Environmental Laws in,
on, under or affecting any such property. Neither Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, order, judgment, decree, letter or
memorandum by or with any court, governmental authority, regulatory agency or
third party imposing any material liability or obligation pursuant to or under
any Environmental Law that would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.22. INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS. All interest rate swaps,
caps, floors and option agreements and other interest rate risk management
arrangements, whether entered into for the account of Parent or for the account
of a customer of Parent or one of its Subsidiaries, were entered into in
accordance with prudent banking practices and applicable rules, regulations and
policies of any regulatory authority and with counterparties believed to be
financially responsible at the time and are legal, valid and binding obligations
of Parent or one of its Subsidiaries enforceable in accordance with their terms
(except as enforcement may be limited by general principles of equity whether
applied in a court of law or a court of equity and by bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally), and are in
full force and effect. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed
in all material respects all of their material obligations thereunder to the
extent that such obligations to perform have accrued; and, to Parent's
knowledge, there are no material breaches, violations or defaults or allegations
or assertions of such by any party thereunder which would have or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
ARTICLE V.
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESSES PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME. Except as set
forth in the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule or the Parent Disclosure
Schedule, as the case may be, during the period from the date of this Agreement
to the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or the Option Agreements or as required by applicable law, each of
Parent and Subject Company shall, and shall cause each of their respective
Subsidiaries to, (i) conduct its business in the usual, regular and ordinary
course consistent with past practice, (ii) use reasonable
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best efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization,
employees and advantageous business relationships and retain the services of its
officers and key employees and (iii) take no action which would reasonably be
expected to adversely affect or delay the ability of either Parent or Subject
Company to obtain any approvals of any Regulatory Agency or other governmental
authority required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or by the
Option Agreements or to perform its covenants and agreements under the Subject
Company Documents or the Parent Documents, as the case may be.
5.2 FORBEARANCES. Except as set forth in Section 5.2 of the Subject
Company Disclosure Schedule or Section 5.2 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, as
the case may be, during the period from the date of this Agreement to the
Effective Time and, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or the Option Agreements or as required by applicable law, rule or
regulation, neither Parent nor Subject Company shall, and neither Parent nor
Subject Company shall permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to, without
the prior written consent of the other:
(a) adjust, split, combine or reclassify any capital stock; make, declare or
pay any dividend or make any other distribution on, or directly or indirectly
redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of its capital stock or any
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its
capital stock, or grant any stock appreciation rights or grant any individual,
corporation or other entity any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock
(except for regular quarterly cash dividends on Subject Company Common Stock and
on Parent Common Stock at a rate equal to the rates recently paid by each of
Subject Company and Parent, as the case may be, as such rates may be increased
by either party in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice
and, in the case of Subject Company Preferred Stock and Parent Preferred Stock,
for regular quarterly or semiannual cash dividends thereon at the rates set
forth in the applicable certificate of incorporation or certificate of
designation for such securities and except for dividends paid by any of the
wholly owned Subsidiaries of each of Parent and Subject Company to Parent or
Subject Company or any of their wholly owned Subsidiaries, respectively, and
except for the issuance of employee stock options and restricted stock
consistent with past practices); or issue any additional shares of capital stock
except pursuant to (A) the exercise of stock options, PSPRs or risk event
warrants outstanding as of the date hereof, (B) the vesting of Performance Units
outstanding as of the date hereof pursuant to Subject Company Stock Option
Plans, (C) the conversion of shares of Parent Series 1991A Preferred Stock, (D)
the Subject Company Rights Agreement, (E) the Parent Rights Agreement, (F) the
FirsTier Acquisition, (G) the Option Agreements and (H) acquisitions and
investments permitted by paragraph (c) hereof;
(b) sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its
properties or assets to any individual, corporation or other entity other than a
direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary, or cancel, release or assign any
indebtedness to any such person or any claims held by any such person, in each
case that is material to such party, except (i) in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (ii) pursuant to contracts or agreements
in force at the date of this Agreement or (iii) pursuant to plans disclosed in
writing prior to the execution of this Agreement to the other party;
(c) except for (i) transactions in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, or (ii) acquisitions of an entity or business
having assets not exceeding 10% of the consolidated assets of Subject Company or
Parent, as applicable, on a pro forma basis giving effect to such transaction,
make any material acquisition or investment either by purchase of stock or
securities, merger or consolidation, contributions to capital, property
transfers, or purchases of any property or assets of any other individual,
corporation or other entity other than a wholly owned Subsidiary thereof;
(d) except for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, enter into or terminate any contract or agreement, or make
any change in any of its leases or contracts, in each case that is material to
such party, other than renewals of contracts and leases without materially
adverse changes of terms thereof;
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(e) other than (i) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or (ii) in an aggregate amount not exceeding $10 million, increase in
any material respect the compensation or fringe benefits of any of its employees
or pay any pension or retirement allowance not required by any existing plan or
agreement to any such employees or become a party to, amend or commit itself to
any material pension, retirement, profit-sharing or welfare benefit plan or
agreement or employment agreement with or for the benefit of any employee or
accelerate the vesting of any stock options or other stock-based compensation;
(f) authorize or permit any of its officers, directors, employees or agents
to directly or indirectly solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries relating
to, or the making of any proposal which constitutes, a Takeover Proposal (as
defined below), or recommend or endorse any Takeover Proposal, or participate in
any discussions or negotiations, or provide third parties with any non-public
information, relating to any such inquiry or proposal or otherwise facilitate
any effort or attempt to make or implement a Takeover Proposal, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that each of Parent and Subject Company may, and may authorize and
permit its officers, directors, employees or agents to, provide third parties
with nonpublic information, otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt by any
third party to make or implement a Takeover Proposal, recommend or endorse any
Takeover Proposal with or by any third party, and participate in discussions and
negotiations with any third party relating to any Takeover Proposal, if such
party's Board of Directors, after having consulted with and considered the
advice of outside counsel, has reasonably determined in good faith that the
failure to do so would cause the members of such Board of Directors to breach
their fiduciary duties under applicable law. Subject Company will immediately
cease and cause to be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations
conducted prior to the date of this Agreement with any parties other than Parent
with respect to any of the foregoing. Each party shall immediately advise the
other following the receipt by it of any Takeover Proposal and the details
thereof, and advise the other of any developments with respect to such Takeover
Proposal immediately upon the occurrence thereof. As used in this Agreement,
"Takeover Proposal" shall mean, with respect to any person, any tender or
exchange offer, proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving Subject Company or Parent or any of their respective
Subsidiaries or any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner a substantial
equity interest in, or a substantial portion of the assets of, Subject Company
or Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries other than the transactions
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement;
(g) settle any claim, action or proceeding involving money damages which is
material to Parent or Subject Company, as applicable, except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(h) take any action that would prevent or impede the Merger from qualifying
(i) for pooling of interests accounting treatment or (ii) as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
nothing contained herein shall limit the ability of Parent or Subject Company to
exercise its rights under the Subject Company Option Agreement, the Parent
Option Agreement, the Subject Company Fee Letter or the Parent Fee Letter, as
the case may be;
(i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or similar governing
documents or the Parent Rights Agreement or Subject Company Rights Agreement, as
the case may be, in any case in a manner that would materially and adversely
effect either party's ability to consummate the Merger or the economic benefits
of the Merger to either party;
(j) except in the ordinary course or following prior consultation with the
other party to this Agreement, materially change its investment securities
portfolio policy, or the manner in which the portfolio is classified or
reported;
(k) take any action that is intended or may reasonably be expected to result
in any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being
or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time prior to the Effective
Time, or in any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VII not
being satisfied or in a violation of any provision of this Agreement, except, in
every case, as may be required by applicable law; or
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(l) agree to, or make any commitment to, take any of the actions prohibited
by this Section 5.2.
ARTICLE VI.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
6.1. REGULATORY MATTERS. (a) Parent and Subject Company shall promptly
prepare and file with the SEC a preliminary version of the Joint Proxy Statement
and, following comment thereon, Parent shall promptly prepare and file with the
SEC the S-4, in which the definitive Joint Proxy Statement will be included as a
prospectus. Each of Parent and Subject Company shall use all reasonable efforts
to have the S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable after such filing, and Parent and Subject Company shall thereafter
mail the definitive Joint Proxy Statement to their respective stockholders.
Parent shall also use all reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary state
securities law or "Blue Sky" permits and approvals required to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and Subject Company shall furnish
all information concerning Subject Company and the holders of Subject Company
Capital Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with any such action.
(b) The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and use reasonable
best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect
all applications, notices, petitions and filings, to obtain as promptly as
practicable all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third
parties and Governmental Entities which are necessary or advisable to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including without limitation
the Merger), and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such permits,
consents, approvals and authorizations of all such Governmental Entities. Parent
and Subject Company shall have the right to review in advance, and to the extent
practicable each will consult the other on, in each case subject to applicable
laws relating to the exchange of information, all the information relating to
Subject Company or Parent, as the case may be, and any of their respective
Subsidiaries which appear in any filing made with, or written materials
submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing right,
each of the parties hereto shall act reasonably and as promptly as practicable.
The parties hereto agree that they will consult with each other with respect to
the obtaining of all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all
third parties and Governmental Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each party will keep the other
apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions
contemplated herein.
(c) Parent and Subject Company shall, upon request, furnish each other with
all information concerning themselves, their Subsidiaries, directors, officers
and stockholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or
advisable in connection with the Joint Proxy Statement, the S-4 or any other
statement, filing, notice or application made by or on behalf of Parent, Subject
Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries to any Governmental Entity in
connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(d) Parent and Subject Company shall promptly advise each other upon
receiving any communication from any Governmental Entity whose consent or
approval is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement which causes such party to believe that there is a reasonable
likelihood that any Requisite Regulatory Approval (as defined below) will not be
obtained or that the receipt of any such approval will be materially delayed.
6.2. ACCESS TO INFORMATION. (a) Upon reasonable notice and subject to
applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, each of Parent and
Subject Company shall, and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to,
afford to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other
representatives of the other party access, during normal business hours during
the period prior to the Effective Time, to all its properties, books, contracts,
commitments and records, and to its officers, employees, accountants, counsel
and other representatives and, during such period, each of Parent
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and Subject Company shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to,
make available to the other party (i) a copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and other document filed or received by it during such
period pursuant to the requirements of Federal securities laws or Federal or
state banking laws (other than reports or documents which Parent or Subject
Company, as the case may be, is not permitted to disclose under applicable law)
and (ii) all other information concerning its business, properties and personnel
as such other party may reasonably request. Neither Parent nor Subject Company
nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to
or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or
prejudice the rights of its customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege
of the institution in possession or control of such information or contravene
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding
agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The parties hereto
will make appropriate substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in
which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.
(b) Each of Parent and Subject Company shall hold all information furnished
by the other party or any of such party's Subsidiaries or representatives
pursuant to Section 6.2(a) in confidence to the extent required by, and in
accordance with, the provisions of the confidentiality agreement, dated October
21, 1995 between Parent and Subject Company (the "Confidentiality Agreement").
(c) No investigation by either of the parties or their respective
representatives shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements of the other set forth herein.
6.3. STOCKHOLDERS' APPROVALS. Each of Parent and Subject Company shall
duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders to be
held as soon as practicable following the date hereof for the purpose of
obtaining the requisite stockholder approvals required in connection with this
Agreement and the Merger, and each shall use its best efforts to cause such
meetings to occur on the same date. Subject to the provisions of the next
sentence, each of Parent and Subject Company shall, through its Board of
Directors, recommend to its stockholders approval of such matters. The Board of
Directors of each party may fail to make such recommendation, or withdraw,
modify or change any such recommendation in a manner adverse to the other party
hereto, if such Board of Directors, after having consulted with and considered
the advice of outside counsel, has reasonably determined in good faith that the
making of such recommendation, or the failure to withdraw, modify or change its
recommendation, would constitute a breach of the fiduciary duties of the members
of such Board of Directors under applicable law.
6.4. LEGAL CONDITIONS TO MERGER. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, each of Parent and Subject Company shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to use their reasonable best efforts (i) to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to comply promptly with all
legal requirements which may be imposed on such party or its Subsidiaries with
respect to the Merger and, subject to the conditions set forth in Article VII
hereof, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii)
to obtain (and to cooperate with the other party to obtain) any consent,
authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental
Entity and any other third party which is required to be obtained by Subject
Company or Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of Parent
and Subject Company agrees to use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to
be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,
proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, as soon as practicable
after the date of this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby,
including, without limitation, using reasonable efforts to lift or rescind any
injunction or restraining order or other order adversely affecting the ability
of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and using
reasonable efforts to defend any litigation seeking to enjoin, prevent or delay
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or seeking material
damages.
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6.5. AFFILIATES; PUBLICATION OF COMBINED FINANCIAL RESULTS. Each of Parent
and Subject Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each
director, executive officer and other person who is an "affiliate" (for purposes
of Rule 145 under the Securities Act and for purposes of qualifying the Merger
for "pooling-of-interests" accounting treatment) of such party to deliver to the
other party hereto, as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and
in any event prior to the date of the stockholders meetings called by Parent and
Subject Company pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof, a written agreement, in the form
of Exhibit 6.5(a) hereto (in the case of affiliates of Subject Company) or
Exhibit 6.5(b) hereto (in the case of affiliates of Parent).
6.6. STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING. Parent shall use its best efforts to cause
the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and the New Parent
Depositary Shares to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official
notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.
6.7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. (a) From and after the Effective Time, unless
otherwise mutually determined and except as provided in Section 1.7 hereof,
Parent Plans and Plans in effect as of the date of this Agreement shall remain
in effect with respect to employees of Parent or Subject Company (or their
Subsidiaries) covered by such plans at the Effective Time until such time as
Parent shall, subject to applicable law, the terms of this Agreement and the
terms of such plans, adopt new benefit plans with respect to employees of Parent
and its Subsidiaries (including without limitation the Surviving Corporation and
its Subsidiaries) (the "New Parent Plans"). Prior to the Closing Date, Parent
and Subject Company shall cooperate in reviewing, evaluating and analyzing the
Parent Plans and the Plans with a view toward developing appropriate New Parent
Plans for the employees covered thereby subsequent to the Merger. Parent and
Subject Company shall use their reasonable best efforts to develop New Parent
Plans which, among other things, treat similarly situated employees of Parent
and its Subsidiaries (including without limitation the Surviving Corporation and
its Subsidiaries) on a substantially equivalent basis, taking into account all
relevant factors, including, without limitation, duties, geographic location,
tenure, qualifications and abilities. Parent agrees that if it establishes or
continues employee benefit plans (including severance plans) under which an
employee's benefit depends, in whole or in part, on length of service with
Subject Company or Parent prior to the Effective Time, credit will be given, to
the extent reasonably practicable, for service credited under similar plans of
Subject Company or Parent or any Subsidiary of either, PROVIDED that such
crediting of service does not result in duplication of benefits.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, honor in accordance with their terms all benefits vested as of
the date hereof under the Parent Plans or Plans or under other contracts,
arrangements, commitments or understandings described in the Parent Disclosure
Schedule and the Subject Company Disclosure Schedule. Parent and Subject Company
hereby acknowledge that the Merger will constitute a "Change in Control" for
purposes of the Parent Plans and the Plans and agree to abide by the provisions
of any Plan or Parent Plan which relate to a Change in Control, including, but
not limited to, the accelerated vesting and/or payment of equity-based awards
under the Parent Stock Option Plans and the Subject Company Stock Option Plans.
(c) Nothing in this Section 6.7 shall be interpreted as preventing Parent or
its Subsidiaries from amending, modifying or terminating any Parent Plans,
Plans, or other contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings, in
accordance with their terms and applicable law.
(d) It is the express understanding and intention of Subject Company, Parent
and Merger Sub that no Subject Company Employee or Parent Employee or other
person shall be deemed to be a third party beneficiary, or have or acquire any
right to enforce the provisions, of this Section 6.7, and that nothing in this
Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a Plan, a Parent Plan or a New Parent
Plan or an amendment to a Plan, a Parent Plan or a New Parent Plan.
6.8. INDEMNIFICATION; DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INSURANCE. (a) Each of
Subject Company and Parent agrees that from and after the Effective Time, Parent
will indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of
Subject Company and Parent and their respective Subsidiaries, determined as of
the Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties"), against any costs or expenses
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(including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (collectively "Costs") incurred in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to matters
existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or
claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent that
Subject Company, Parent, or such Subsidiary would have been permitted under
Delaware law and the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Subject Company,
Parent or such Subsidiary in effect on the date hereof to indemnify such person
(and Parent shall also advance expenses as incurred to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law; PROVIDED, that the person to whom expenses are
advanced provides an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately
determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification).
(b) To the extent that paragraph (a) shall not serve to indemnify and hold
harmless an Indemnified Party, for a period of six years after the Effective
Time, each of Subject Company and Parent agrees that Parent shall, subject to
the terms set forth herein, indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law (and Parent shall also advance expenses as
incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, PROVIDED, that
the person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such
advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to
indemnification), each Indemnified Party against any Costs incurred in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining
to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Option Agreements or the
Fee Letters. In the event any claim or claims are asserted or made within such
six-year period, all rights to indemnification in respect of any such claim or
claims shall continue until final disposition of any and all such claims.
(c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under Section
6.8(a) or (b), upon learning of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, shall promptly notify Parent thereof, but the failure to so
notify shall not relieve Parent of any liability it may have to such Indemnified
Party except to the extent such failure materially prejudices Parent. In the
event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether
arising before or after the Effective Time), Parent shall have the right to
assume the defense thereof and Parent shall not be liable to such Indemnified
Parties for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses
subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with the defense
thereof, except that, if Parent elects not to assume such defense or counsel for
the Indemnified Parties advises that there are issues which raise conflicts of
interest between Parent and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may
retain counsel satisfactory to them, and Parent shall pay all reasonable fees
and expense of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties promptly as statements
therefor are received. If such indemnity is not available with respect to any
Indemnified Party, then Parent and the Indemnified Party shall contribute to the
amount payable in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect relative faults
and benefits.
(d) From and after the Effective Time, the directors, officers and employees
of Subject Company and its Subsidiaries who become directors, officers or
employees of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, except for the indemnification
rights set forth in Section 6.8(a) or 6.8(b) or as otherwise provided by
applicable law, shall have indemnification rights (with respect to their
capacities as directors, officers or employees of Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries at or subsequent to the Effective Time) with prospective
application only. The prospective indemnification rights shall consist of such
rights to which directors, officers and employees of Parent and its Subsidiaries
are entitled under the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or similar
governing documents of Parent and its Subsidiaries, as in effect from time to
time after the Effective Time, as applicable, and provisions of applicable law
as in effect from time to time after the Effective Time.
(e) In the event Parent or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates
with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or
surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation
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or merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its
properties and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, to the extent
necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of
Parent assume the obligations set forth in this section.
(f) For a period of six years from the Effective Time, Parent shall use its
best efforts to provide that portion of directors' and officers' liability
insurance that serves to reimburse the present and former officers and directors
of Parent, Subject Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries (determined
as of the Effective Time) (as opposed to Parent or Subject Company) with respect
to claims against such officers and directors arising from facts or events which
occurred before the Effective Time, which insurance shall contain at least the
same coverage and amounts, and contain terms and conditions no less
advantageous, as that coverage currently provided by Parent; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that the annual premiums for such coverage will not exceed 200% of the annual
premiums currently paid by Subject Company for such coverage; PROVIDED, FURTHER,
that officers and directors of Subject Company or any Subsidiary may be required
to make application and provide customary representations and warranties to
Parent's insurance carrier for the purpose of obtaining such insurance; and
PROVIDED, FURTHER, that such coverage will have a single aggregate for such
six-year period in an amount not less than the annual aggregate of such coverage
currently provided by Subject Company.
(g) The provisions of this Section 6.8 are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and
representatives.
6.9 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS. In case at any time after the Effective Time
any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement (including, without limitation, any merger between a Subsidiary of
Parent and a Subsidiary of Subject Company) or to vest the Surviving Corporation
with full title to all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and
franchises of any of the parties to the merger, the proper officers and
directors of each party to this Agreement and their respective Subsidiaries
shall take all such necessary action as may be reasonably requested by, and at
the sole expense of, Parent.
6.10 ADVICE OF CHANGES. Parent and Subject Company shall promptly advise
the other party of any change or event which, individually or in the aggregate
with other such changes or events, has a Material Adverse Effect on it or which
it believes would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a
material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained
herein.
6.11 DIVIDENDS. After the date of this Agreement, each of Parent and
Subject Company shall coordinate with the other the declaration of any dividends
in respect of Parent Common Stock and Subject Company Common Stock and the
record dates and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the
parties hereto that holders of Parent Common Stock or Subject Company Common
Stock shall not receive more than one dividend, or fail to receive one dividend,
for any single calendar quarter with respect to their shares of Parent Common
Stock and/or Subject Company Common Stock and any shares of Parent Common Stock
any such holder receives in exchange therefor in the Merger.
6.12 MERGER SUB. Parent shall cause Merger Sub to take all necessary
action to complete the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to the terms
and conditions hereof.
6.13 SUBSEQUENT INTERIM AND ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. As soon as
reasonably available, but in no event more than 45 days after the end of each
fiscal quarter (other than the fourth quarter of a fiscal year) or 90 days after
the end of each fiscal year ending after the date of this Agreement, each party
will deliver to the other party its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or its Annual
Report on Form 10-K, as the case may be, as filed with the SEC under the
Exchange Act.
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ARTICLE VII.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
7.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(a) STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite affirmative votes
of the holders of Subject Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and the
Parent Vote Matters shall have been approved by the requisite affirmative vote
of the holders of Parent Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.
(b) NYSE LISTING. The shares of Parent Common Stock which shall be issued
to the stockholders of Subject Company upon consummation of the Merger and the
New Parent Depositary Shares shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE,
subject to official notice of issuance.
(c) OTHER APPROVALS. All regulatory approvals required to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained and shall remain in
full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall
have expired (all such approvals and the expiration of all such waiting periods
being referred to herein as the "Requisite Regulatory Approvals") and no such
approval shall contain any conditions or restrictions which the Board of
Directors of either Parent or Subject Company reasonably determines in good
faith will have or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent and its Subsidiaries (including the Surviving Corporation and its
Subsidiaries) taken as a whole.
(d) S-4. The S-4 shall have become effective under the Securities Act and
no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the S-4 shall have been issued and
no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the
SEC.
(e) NO INJUNCTIONS OR RESTRAINTS; ILLEGALITY. No order, injunction or
decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal
restraint or prohibition (an "Injunction") preventing the consummation of the
Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
in effect. No statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have
been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Entity which
prohibits, restricts or makes illegal the consummation of the Merger.
7.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT. The obligation of Parent to
effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Parent at or
prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. (i) The representations and warranties
of Subject Company set forth in Sections 3.2, 3.3(a), 3.6, 3.8(a), 3.17 and 3.18
of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on
and as of the Closing Date and (ii) the representations and warranties of
Subject Company set forth in this Agreement other than those specifically
enumerated in clause (i) hereof shall be true and correct in all respects as of
the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on
and as of the Closing Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for purposes of determining
the satisfaction of the condition contained in this clause (ii), no effect shall
be given to any exception in such representations and warranties relating to
materiality or a Material Adverse Effect, and PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, that,
for purposes of this clause (ii), such representations and warranties shall be
deemed to be true and correct in all respects unless the failure or failures of
such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually or
in the aggregate, results or would reasonably be expected to result in a
Material
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Adverse Effect on Subject Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Parent
shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Subject Company by the
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Subject Company to the
foregoing effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF SUBJECT COMPANY. Subject Company shall
have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall
have received a certificate signed on behalf of Subject Company by the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Subject Company to such
effect.
(c) SUBJECT COMPANY RIGHTS AGREEMENT. The rights issued pursuant to the
Subject Company Rights Agreement shall not have become nonredeemable,
exercisable, distributed or triggered pursuant to the terms of such agreement.
(d) POOLING OF INTERESTS. Parent shall have received a letter from Ernst &
Young LLP, addressed to Parent, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect
that the Merger will qualify for "pooling of interests" accounting treatment.
(e) FEDERAL TAX OPINION. Parent shall have received an opinion of Dorsey &
Whitney P.L.L.P., counsel to Parent, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Parent, dated as of the Effective Time, substantially to the
effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set forth in
such opinion which are consistent with the state of facts existing at the
Effective Time, the Merger will be treated for Federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and that
accordingly:
(1) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent, Subject Company or
Merger Sub as a result of the Merger;
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Subject
Company who exchange their Subject Company Capital Stock solely for
Parent Capital Stock pursuant to the Merger (except with respect to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share interest in Parent Common Stock);
and
(3) The tax basis of the Parent Capital Stock received by
stockholders who exchange all of their Subject Company Capital Stock
solely for Parent Capital Stock in the Merger will be the same as the tax
basis of the Subject Company Capital Stock surrendered in exchange
therefor (reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest
for which cash is received).
In rendering such opinion, Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. may require and rely
upon representations and covenants including those contained in certificates of
officers of Parent, Subject Company and Merger Sub and others.
7.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SUBJECT COMPANY. The obligation of
Subject Company to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or
waiver by Subject Company at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. (i) The representations and warranties
of Parent set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3(a), 4.3(b), 4.6, 4.8(a), 4.17 and 4.18
of this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on
and as of the Closing Date and (ii) the representations and warranties of Parent
set forth in this Agreement other than those specifically enumerated in clause
(i) hereof shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this
Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as
of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
Closing Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for purposes of determining the
satisfaction of the condition contained in this clause (ii), no effect shall be
given to any exception in such representations and warranties relating to
materiality or a Material Adverse Effect, and PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, that,
for purposes of this clause (ii), such representations and warranties shall be
deemed to be true and correct in all respects unless the failure
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or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct,
individually or in the aggregate, results or would reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect on Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole. Subject Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
Parent by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent
to the foregoing effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT. Parent shall have performed in
all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this
Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date, and Subject Company shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by the Chief Executive Officer
and the Chief Financial Officer of Parent to such effect.
(c) PARENT RIGHTS AGREEMENT. The rights issued pursuant to the Parent
Rights Agreement shall not have become nonredeemable, exercisable, distributed
or triggered pursuant to the terms of such agreement.
(d) POOLING OF INTERESTS. Subject Company shall have received a letter
from Ernst & Young LLP, addressed to Subject Company, dated as of the Effective
Time, to the effect that the Merger will qualify for "pooling of interests"
accounting treatment.
(e) FEDERAL TAX OPINION. Subject Company shall have received an opinion of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, counsel to Subject Company, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Subject Company, dated as of the Effective
Time, substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations
and assumptions set forth in such opinion which are consistent with the state of
facts existing at the Effective Time, the Merger will be treated for Federal
income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Code and that accordingly:
(1) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent, Subject Company or
Merger Sub as a result of the Merger;
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of Subject
Company who exchange their Subject Company Capital Stock solely for
Parent Capital Stock pursuant to the Merger (except with respect to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share interest in Parent Common Stock);
and
(3) The tax basis of the Parent Capital Stock received by
stockholders who exchange all of their Subject Company Capital Stock
solely for Parent Capital Stock in the Merger will be the same as the tax
basis of the Subject Company Capital Stock surrendered in exchange
therefor (reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share interest
for which cash is received).
In rendering such opinion, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom may require
and rely upon representations and covenants including those contained in
certificates of officers of Parent, Subject Company and Merger Sub and others.
ARTICLE VIII.
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
8.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Effective Time:
(a) by mutual consent of Parent and Subject Company in a written instrument,
if the Board of Directors of each so determines;
(b) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of
Subject Company if (i) any Governmental Entity which must grant a Requisite
Regulatory Approval has denied approval of the Merger and such denial has become
final and nonappealable or (ii) any Governmental Entity of competent
jurisdiction shall have issued a final nonappealable order enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement;
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(c) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of
Subject Company if the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before
December 31, 1996 (or, if at such date the Merger shall not have been
consummated as a result of the failure of the condition set forth in Section
7.1(e) to be satisfied, and such condition shall not have failed to have been
satisfied by reason of the enactment or promulgation of any statute, rule or
regulation which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal consummation of the
Merger, the earlier of (i) the date on which such condition is satisfied and
(ii) June 30, 1997), unless the failure of the Closing to occur by such date
shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement to
perform or observe the covenants and agreements of such party set forth herein;
(d) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of
Subject Company (provided that the terminating party is not then in material
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
herein) if the other party shall have breached (i) any of the covenants or
agreements made by such other party herein or (ii) any of the representations or
warranties made by such other party herein, and in either case, such breach (x)
is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the party
committing such breach, or which breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to
the Closing and (y) would entitle the non-breaching party not to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby under Article VII hereof;
(e) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of
Subject Company if any approval of the stockholders of Parent or the Subject
Company contemplated by this Agreement shall not have been obtained by reason of
the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held meeting of stockholders
or at any adjournment or postponement thereof;
(f) prior to the approval of (x) this Agreement by the requisite vote of
Subject Company's shareholders (if Subject Company is the terminating party) or
(y) the Parent Vote Matters (if Parent is the terminating party), by either the
Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of Subject Company, if
there exists at such time a Takeover Proposal for the party whose Board of
Directors is seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph (f)
and such Board of Directors, after having consulted with and considered the
advice of outside legal counsel, reasonably determines in good faith that such
action is necessary in the exercise of its fiduciary duties under applicable
laws; or
(g) by either the Board of Directors of Parent or the Board of Directors of
Subject Company, if the Board of Directors of the other party shall have
withdrawn, modified or changed in a manner adverse to the terminating party its
approval or recommendation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby (in the case of Subject Company) or the Parent Vote Matters (in the case
of Parent).
8.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of this Agreement
by either Parent or Subject Company as provided in Section 8.1, this Agreement
shall forthwith become void and have no effect, and none of Parent, Subject
Company, any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the officers or
directors of any of them shall have any liability of any nature whatsoever
hereunder, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, except
(i) Sections 6.2(b), 8.2, and 9.3 shall survive any termination of this
Agreement, and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, neither Parent nor Subject Company shall be relieved or released from
any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful breach of any provision of
this Agreement.
8.3 AMENDMENT. Subject to compliance with applicable law, this Agreement
may be amended by the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their
respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of the
matters presented in connection with the Merger by the stockholders of Subject
Company and Parent; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that after any approval of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement by Subject Company's stockholders,
there may not be, without further approval of such stockholders, any amendment
of this Agreement which reduces the amount or changes the form of the
consideration to be delivered to the Subject Company stockholders hereunder
other than as contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties
hereto.
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8.4 EXTENSION; WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Board of
Directors, may, to the extent legally allowed, (a) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto,
(b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained
herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance
with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the
part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if
set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party, but such
extension or waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance with an
obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of,
or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.
ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place at 10:00 a.m. on a date to
be specified by the parties, which shall be no later than two business days
after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to applicable law) of the latest to
occur of the conditions set forth in Article VII hereof (the "Closing Date").
9.2 NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS. None of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in
any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement (other than the Option
Agreements and the Fee Letters, for which provision has been made therein) shall
survive the Effective Time, except for those covenants and agreements contained
herein and therein which by their terms apply in whole or in part after the
Effective Time.
9.3 EXPENSES. Except as provided in the Fee Letters and the Option
Agreements, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring
such expense, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) the costs and expenses of printing and
mailing the Joint Proxy Statement, and all filing and other fees paid to the SEC
in connection with the Merger, shall be borne equally by Parent and Subject
Company and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, neither Parent nor Subject Company shall be relieved or released from
any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful breach of any provision of
this Agreement.
9.4 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopied (with
confirmation), mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested)
or delivered by an express courier (with confirmation) to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like notice):
(a) if to Parent, to:
First Bank System, Inc.
First Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302
Fax: (612) 973-0431
Attn: Lee R. Mitau, Esq.
with a copy to each of:
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
One Liberty Plaza
New York, New York 10006
Fax: (212) 225-3999
Attn: Victor I. Lewkow, Esq.
and
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Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P.
220 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Fax: (612) 340-8738
Attn: Jay L. Swanson, Esq.
(b) if to Subject Company, to:
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street, TC 2-10
Los Angeles, California 90071
Fax: (213) 614-3741
Attn: General Counsel
with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Fax: (212) 735-2000
Attn: Fred B. White, III, Esq.
9.5 INTERPRETATION. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to a Section of or
Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of
contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes
only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation." Whenever the word "material" is used in this Agreement and the
context in which it is used refers to any of the parties to this Agreement or
any of their respective Subsidiaries, it shall be deemed to be followed by "to
[Subject Company] [Parent] and its Subsidiaries, taken together as a whole," as
applicable. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to require Subject
Company, Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries or affiliates to take
any action which would violate or conflict with any applicable law (whether
statutory or common), rule or regulation.
9.6 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of
which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective
when counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the
other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same
counterpart.
9.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (together with the documents and the
instruments referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, other than the
Confidentiality Agreement, the Subject Company Documents and the Parent
Documents.
9.8 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to any
applicable conflicts of law.
9.9 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid
or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted
to be only so broad as is enforceable.
9.10 PUBLICITY. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or the
rules of the NYSE, neither Parent nor Subject Company shall, or shall permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, issue or cause the publication of any press release or
other public announcement with respect to, or otherwise make any
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public statement concerning, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
the Option Agreements or the Fee Letters without the consent of the other party,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
9.11 ASSIGNMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests or obligations of any party hereunder shall be assigned
by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without
the prior written consent of the other party. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in Section 6.8 hereof, this Agreement (including the
documents and instruments referred to herein) is not intended to confer upon any
person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
9.12 ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURE. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement, prior to the Effective Time, the parties may
mutually agree to revise the structure of the Merger and related transactions
provided that each of the transactions comprising such revised structure shall
(i) not change the amount or form of consideration to be received by the
stockholders of Subject Company and the holders of Subject Company Options, (ii)
be capable of consummation in as timely a manner as the structure contemplated
herein and (iii) not otherwise be prejudicial to the interests of the
stockholders of Subject Company. This Agreement and any related documents shall
be appropriately amended in order to reflect any such revised structure.
9.13 ENFORCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United
States or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other
remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Subject Company have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the
date first above written.
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By: /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
-----------------------------------
Name: John F. Grundhofer
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
ELEVEN ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
-----------------------------------
Name: John F. Grundhofer
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
By: /S/ WILLIAM E. B. SIART
-----------------------------------
Name: William E. B. Siart
Title: Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
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APPENDIX B
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated November 5, 1995, between FIRST INTERSTATE
BANCORP, a Delaware corporation ("Grantee"), and FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("Issuer").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Grantee and Issuer have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger immediately prior to the execution and delivery hereof (the "Merger
Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's pursuit of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and in consideration therefor
and in consideration of the grant of the Reciprocal Option (as hereinafter
defined), Issuer has agreed to grant Grantee the Option (as hereinafter
defined):
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. (a) Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an unconditional, irrevocable
option (the "Option") to purchase, subject to the terms hereof, up to
25,829,983 fully paid and nonassessable shares of the common stock, $1.25
par value, of Issuer ("Common Stock") at a price per share equal to the last
reported sale price per share of Common Stock as reported on the
consolidated tape for New York Stock Exchange issues on November 3, 1995;
provided, however, that in the event Issuer issues or agrees to issue any
shares of Common Stock at a price less than such last reported sale price
per share (as adjusted pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 5) other than
as permitted by the Merger Agreement, such price shall be equal to such
lesser price (such price, as adjusted if applicable, the "Option Price");
provided further that in no event shall the number of shares for which this
Option is exercisable exceed 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be received upon
the exercise of the Option and the Option Price are subject to adjustment as
herein set forth.
(b) In the event that any additional shares of Common Stock are issued
or otherwise become outstanding after the date of this Agreement (other than
pursuant to this Agreement and other than pursuant to an event described in
Section 5(a) hereof), the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the
Option shall be increased so that, after such issuance, such number together
with any shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant hereto, equals
19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding
without giving effect to any shares subject or issued pursuant to the
Option. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall be deemed to authorize Issuer or Grantee to breach any
provision of the Merger Agreement.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in the
Agreement, in no event shall (i) the number of shares of Common Stock for
which this Option is then exercisable, plus (ii) the number of Option Shares
(as hereinafter defined) theretofore purchased hereunder, plus (iii) the
number of other shares of Common Stock of which the Grantee is the
Beneficial Owner (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement dated as
of December 21, 1988 (as amended to date, the "Rights Agreement"), between
the Issuer and the Rights Agent (as such term is defined in the Rights
Agreement)) exceed 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock (computed in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Rights
Agreement) until after such time as the Rights Agreement is amended to
provide that neither the execution of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement
nor the exercise of the Option shall result in the Grantee becoming an
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Acquiring Person (as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement). Issuer's
Board has duly authorized such an amendment and Issuer agrees promptly to
take all steps necessary to enter into such an amendment with the Rights
Agent.
2. (a) The Holder (as hereinafter defined) may exercise the Option, in
whole or part, if, but only if, both an Initial Triggering Event (as
hereinafter defined) and a Subsequent Triggering Event (as hereinafter
defined) shall have occurred prior to the occurrence of an Exercise
Termination Event (as hereinafter defined), provided that the Holder shall
have sent the written notice of such exercise (as provided in subsection (e)
of this Section 2) within 6 months following such Subsequent Triggering
Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10). Each of the
following shall be an Exercise Termination Event: (i) the Effective Time of
the Merger; (ii) termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with the
provisions thereof if such termination occurs prior to the occurrence of an
Initial Triggering Event; (iii) the passage of 18 months (or such longer
period as provided in Section 10) after termination of the Merger Agreement
if such termination is concurrent with or follows the occurrence of an
Initial Triggering Event; (iv) the date on which the shareholders of the
Grantee shall have voted and failed to adopt and approve the Merger
Agreement and the Merger (unless (A) Issuer shall then be in material breach
of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement or (B) on
or prior to such date, the shareholders of the Issuer shall have also voted
and failed to approve the Parent Vote Matters (as defined in the Merger
Agreement); or (v) the date on which the Reciprocal Option shall have become
exercisable in accordance with its terms. The term "Holder" shall mean the
holder or holders of the Option. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, (i) the Option may not be exercised at any time when
Grantee shall be in breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained
in the Merger Agreement such that Issuer shall be entitled (without regard
to any grace period provided therein) to terminate the Merger Agreement
pursuant to Section 8.1(d) thereof and (ii) this Agreement shall
automatically terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement by
Issuer pursuant to Section 8.1(d) thereof as a result of the breach by
Grantee of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement.
(b) The term "Initial Triggering Event" shall mean any of the following
events or transactions occurring on or after the date hereof:
(i) Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined)
(each an "Issuer Subsidiary"), without having received Grantee's
prior written consent, shall have entered into an agreement to engage
in an Acquisition Transaction (as hereinafter defined) with any
person (the term "person" for purposes of this Agreement having the
meaning assigned thereto in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), and the rules and
regulations thereunder) other than Grantee or any of its Subsidiaries
(each a "Grantee Subsidiary") or the Board of Directors of Issuer
shall have recommended that the shareholders of Issuer approve or
accept any Acquisition Transaction other than as contemplated by the
Merger Agreement or this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement,
(a) "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (x) a merger or
consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Issuer or any
Significant Subsidiary (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")) of
Issuer (other than mergers, consolidations or similar transactions
involving solely Issuer and/or one or more wholly-owned Issuer
Subsidiaries and other than a merger or consolidation as to which the
common shareholders of the Issuer immediately prior thereto in the
aggregate own at least 70% of the common stock of the publicly held
surviving or successor corporation immediately following consummation
thereof), (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
substantially all of the assets or deposits of Issuer or any
Significant Subsidiary of Issuer, or (z) a purchase or other
acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation, share
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exchange or otherwise) of securities representing 10% or more of the
voting power of Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary of Issuer, and
(b) "Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 under
the 1934 Act;
(ii) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary
shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (the term "beneficial ownership" for purposes of this
Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the
1934 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder);
(iii) The shareholders of the Issuer shall have voted and failed
to approve the Parent Vote Matters at a meeting which has been held
for that purpose or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or such
meeting shall not have been held in violation of the Merger Agreement
or shall have been cancelled prior to termination of the Merger
Agreement if, prior to (x) such meeting or (y) if such meeting shall
not have been held or shall have been cancelled, such termination, it
shall have been publicly announced that any person (other than Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries) shall have made, or disclosed an
intention to make, a proposal to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction;
(iv) Issuer's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified
(or publicly announced its intention to withdraw or modify) its
recommendation that the shareholders of Issuer approve the Parent
Vote Matters, or Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary, without having
received Grantee's prior written consent, shall have authorized,
recommended, proposed (or publicly announced its intention to
authorize, recommend or propose) an agreement to engage in an
Acquisition Transaction with any person other than Grantee or a
Grantee Subsidiary;
(v) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary shall
have made a proposal to Issuer or its shareholders to engage in an
Acquisition Transaction and such proposal shall have been publicly
announced;
(vi) Any such person shall have filed with the SEC a registration
statement with respect to a potential exchange offer that would
constitute an Acquisition Transaction (or filed a preliminary proxy
statement with the SEC with respect to a potential vote by its
shareholders to approve the issuance of shares to be offered in such
an exchange offer);
(vii) Issuer shall have willfully breached any covenant or
obligation contained in the Merger Agreement in anticipation of
engaging in an Acquisition Transaction, and following such breach
Grantee would be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement (whether
immediately or after the giving of notice or passage of time or
both); or
(viii) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary,
other than in connection with a transaction to which Grantee has
given its prior written consent, shall have filed an application or
notice with the Federal Reserve Board or other federal or state bank
regulatory authority, which application or notice has been accepted
for processing, for approval to engage in an Acquisition Transaction.
(c) The term "Subsequent Triggering Event" shall mean any of the following
events or transactions occurring after the date hereof:
(i) The acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
then outstanding Common Stock; or
(ii) The occurrence of the Initial Triggering Event described in
clause (i) of subsection (b) of this Section 2, except that the
percentage referred to in clause (z) shall be 20%.
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(d) The term "Reciprocal Option" shall mean the option granted pursuant to
the option agreement dated the date hereof between the Grantee, as issuer of
such option, and the Issuer, as grantee of such option.
(e) Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence of
any Initial Triggering Event or Subsequent Triggering Event (together, a
"Triggering Event"), it being understood that the giving of such notice by
Issuer shall not be a condition to the right of the Holder to exercise the
Option.
(f) In the event the Holder is entitled to and wishes to exercise the
Option, it shall send to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being herein
referred to as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of shares it
will purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a place and date not earlier
than three business days nor later than 60 business days from the Notice Date
for the closing of such purchase (the "Closing Date"); provided that if prior
notification to or approval of the Federal Reserve Board or any other regulatory
agency is required in connection with such purchase, the Holder shall promptly
file the required notice or application for approval, shall promptly notify the
Issuer of such filing, and shall expeditiously process the same and the period
of time that otherwise would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
from the date on which any required notification periods have expired or been
terminated or such approvals have been obtained and any requisite waiting period
or periods shall have passed. Any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to
occur on the Notice Date relating thereto.
(g) At the closing referred to in subsection (f) of this Section 2, the
Holder shall (i) pay to Issuer the aggregate purchase price for the shares of
Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately
available funds by wire transfer to a bank account designated by Issuer,
provided that failure or refusal of Issuer to designate such a bank account
shall not preclude the Holder from exercising the Option and (ii) present and
surrender this Agreement to the Issuer at its principal executive offices.
(h) At such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds as provided in subsection (g) of this Section 2, Issuer shall
deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing the number of
shares of Common Stock purchased by the Holder and, if the Option should be
exercised in part only, a new Option evidencing the rights of the Holder thereof
to purchase the balance of the shares purchasable hereunder.
(i) Certificates for Common Stock delivered at a closing hereunder may be
endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read substantially as follows:
"The transfer of the shares represented by this
certificate is subject to certain provisions of an
agreement between the registered holder hereof and
Issuer and to resale restrictions arising under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A copy of
such agreement is on file at the principal office
of Issuer and will be provided to the holder
hereof without charge upon receipt by Issuer of a
written request therefor."
It is understood and agreed that: (i) the reference to the resale
restrictions of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") in the above legend
shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference
if the Holder shall have delivered to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff
of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not required for
purposes of the 1933 Act; (ii) the reference to the provisions of this Agreement
in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s)
without such reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not
require the retention of such reference; and (iii) the legend shall be removed
in its entirety if the conditions in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both
satisfied. In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend as may be
required by law.
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(j) Upon the giving by the Holder to Issuer of the written notice of
exercise of the Option provided for under subsection (f) of this Section 2
and the tender of the applicable purchase price in immediately available
funds, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the shares
of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise, notwithstanding that the stock
transfer books of Issuer shall then be closed or that certificates
representing such shares of Common Stock shall not then be actually
delivered to the Holder. Issuer shall pay all expenses, and any and all
United States federal, state and local taxes and other charges that may be
payable in connection with the preparation, issue and delivery of stock
certificates under this Section 2 in the name of the Holder or its assignee,
transferee or designee.
3. Issuer agrees: (i) that it shall at all times maintain, free from
preemptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued or treasury shares of
Common Stock so that the Option may be exercised without additional
authorization of Common Stock after giving effect to all other options,
warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase Common Stock;
(ii) that it will not, by charter amendment or through reorganization,
consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any other
voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed
hereunder by Issuer; (iii) promptly to take all action as may from time to
time be required (including (x) complying with all premerger notification,
reporting and waiting period requirements specified in 15 U.S.C. Section 18a
and regulations promulgated thereunder and (y) in the event, under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or any state or other federal
banking law, prior approval of or notice to the Federal Reserve Board or to
any state or other federal regulatory authority is necessary before the
Option may be exercised, cooperating fully with the Holder in preparing such
applications or notices and providing such information to the Federal
Reserve Board or such state or other federal regulatory authority as they
may require) in order to permit the Holder to exercise the Option and Issuer
duly and effectively to issue shares of Common Stock pursuant hereto; and
(iv) promptly to take all action provided herein to protect the rights of
the Holder against dilution.
4. This Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) are exchangeable,
without expense, at the option of the Holder, upon presentation and
surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of the Issuer, for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the
holder thereof to purchase, on the same terms and subject to the same
conditions as are set forth herein, in the aggregate the same number of
shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder. The terms "Agreement" and
"Option" as used herein include any Agreements and related Options for which
this Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) may be exchanged. Upon
receipt by Issuer of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss,
theft, destruction or mutilation of this Agreement, and (in the case of
loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and
upon surrender and cancellation of this Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will
execute and deliver a new Agreement of like tenor and date. Any such new
Agreement executed and delivered shall constitute an additional contractual
obligation on the part of Issuer, whether or not the Agreement so lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time be enforceable by anyone.
5. In addition to the adjustment in the number of shares of Common
Stock that are purchasable upon exercise of the Option pursuant to Section 1
of this Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the
exercise of the Option shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as
provided in this Section 5.
(a) In the event of any change in Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, split-ups, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations,
subdivisions, conversions, exchanges of shares or the like, the type and
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise hereof shall be
appropriately adjusted and proper provision shall be made so that, in the
event that any additional shares of Common Stock are to be issued or
otherwise become outstanding as a result of any such change (other than
pursuant to an exercise of the Option), the number of shares of
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Common Stock that remain subject to the Option shall be increased so that,
after such issuance and together with shares of Common Stock previously
issued pursuant to the exercise of the Option (as adjusted on account of any
of the foregoing changes in the Common Stock), it equals 19.9% of the number
of shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding.
(b) Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon
exercise hereof is adjusted as provided in this Section 5, the Option Price
shall be adjusted by multiplying the Option Price by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable prior to the adjustment and the denominator of which shall be
equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable after the
adjustment.
6. Upon the occurrence of a Subsequent Triggering Event that occurs
prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer shall, at the request of
Grantee delivered within 12 months (or such later period as provided in
Section 10) of such Subsequent Triggering Event (whether on its own behalf
or on behalf of any subsequent holder of this Option (or part thereof) or
any of the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant hereto), promptly prepare,
file and keep current a registration statement under the 1933 Act covering
any shares issued and issuable pursuant to this Option and shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective and remain current in order to permit the sale or other
disposition of any shares of Common Stock issued upon total or partial
exercise of this Option ("Option Shares") in accordance with any plan of
disposition requested by Grantee. Issuer will use its reasonable best
efforts to cause such registration statement first to become effective and
then to remain effective for such period not in excess of 180 days from the
day such registration statement first becomes effective or such shorter time
as may be reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions.
Grantee shall have the right to demand two such registrations. The Issuer
shall bear the costs of such registrations (including, but not limited to,
Issuer's attorneys' fees, printing costs and filing fees, except for
underwriting discounts or commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and
disbursements of Grantee's counsel related thereto). The foregoing
notwithstanding, if, at the time of any request by Grantee for registration
of Option Shares as provided above, Issuer is in registration with respect
to an underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock, and if in the
good faith judgment of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters,
or, if none, the sole underwriter or underwriters, of such offering the
inclusion of the Option Shares would interfere with the successful marketing
of the shares of Common Stock offered by Issuer, the number of Option Shares
otherwise to be covered in the registration statement contemplated hereby
may be reduced; provided, however, that after any such required reduction
the number of Option Shares to be included in such offering for the account
of the Holder shall constitute at least 25% of the total number of shares to
be sold by the Holder and Issuer in the aggregate; and provided further,
however, that if such reduction occurs, then the Issuer shall file a
registration statement for the balance as promptly as practicable thereafter
as to which no reduction pursuant to this Section 6 shall be permitted or
occur and the Holder shall thereafter be entitled to one additional
registration. Each such Holder shall provide all information reasonably
requested by Issuer for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed
hereunder. If requested by any such Holder in connection with such
registration, Issuer shall become a party to any underwriting agreement
relating to the sale of such shares, but only to the extent of obligating
itself in respect of representations, warranties, indemnities and other
agreements customarily included in such underwriting agreements for Issuer.
Upon receiving any request under this Section 6 from any Holder, Issuer
agrees to send a copy thereof to any other person known to Issuer to be
entitled to registration rights under this Section 6, in each case by
promptly mailing the same, postage prepaid, to the address of record of the
persons entitled to receive such copies. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, in no event shall Issuer be obligated to effect
more than two registrations pursuant to this Section 8 by reason of the fact
that there shall be more than one Holder as a result of any assignment or
division of this Agreement.
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7. (a) At any time after the occurrence of a Repurchase Event (as
defined below) (i) at the request of the Holder, delivered prior to an
Exercise Termination Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10),
Issuer shall repurchase the Option from the Holder at a price (the "Option
Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the amount by which (A) the market/offer
price (as defined below) exceeds (B) the Option Price, multiplied by the
number of shares for which this Option may then be exercised and (ii) at the
request of the owner of Option Shares from time to time (the "Owner"),
delivered prior to an Exercise Termination Event (or such later period as
provided in Section 10), Issuer shall repurchase such number of the Option
Shares from the Owner as the Owner shall designate at a price (the "Option
Share Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the market/offer price multiplied by
the number of Option Shares so designated. The term "market/offer price"
shall mean the highest of (i) the price per share of Common Stock at which a
tender or exchange offer therefor has been made, (ii) the price per share of
Common Stock to be paid by any third party pursuant to an agreement with
Issuer, (iii) the highest closing price for shares of Common Stock within
the six-month period immediately preceding the date the Holder gives notice
of the required repurchase of this Option or the Owner gives notice of the
required repurchase of Option Shares, as the case may be, or (iv) in the
event of a sale of all or substantially all of Issuer's assets or deposits,
the sum of the net price paid in such sale for such assets or deposits and
the current market value of the remaining net assets of Issuer as determined
by a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Holder or
the Owner, as the case may be, and reasonably acceptable to Issuer, divided
by the number of shares of Common Stock of Issuer outstanding at the time of
such sale. In determining the market/offer price, the value of consideration
other than cash shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by the Holder or Owner, as the case may be, and
reasonably acceptable to Issuer.
(b) The Holder and the Owner, as the case may be, may exercise its right
to require Issuer to repurchase the Option and any Option Shares pursuant to
this Section 7 by surrendering for such purpose to Issuer, at its principal
office, a copy of this Agreement or certificates for Option Shares, as
applicable, accompanied by a written notice or notices stating that the
Holder or the Owner, as the case may be, elects to require Issuer to
repurchase this Option and/or the Option Shares in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 7. As promptly as practicable, and in any event
within five business days after the surrender of the Option and/or
certificates representing Option Shares and the receipt of such notice or
notices relating thereto, Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to
the Holder the Option Repurchase Price and/or to the Owner the Option Share
Repurchase Price therefor or the portion thereof that Issuer is not then
prohibited under applicable law and regulation from so delivering.
(c) To the extent that Issuer is prohibited under applicable law or
regulation, or as a consequence of administrative policy, from repurchasing
the Option and/or the Option Shares in full, Issuer shall immediately so
notify the Holder and/or the Owner and thereafter deliver or cause to be
delivered, from time to time, to the Holder and/or the Owner, as
appropriate, the portion of the Option Repurchase Price and the Option Share
Repurchase Price, respectively, that it is no longer prohibited from
delivering, within five business days after the date on which Issuer is no
longer so prohibited; provided, however, that if Issuer at any time after
delivery of a notice of repurchase pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section
7 is prohibited under applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of
administrative policy, from delivering to the Holder and/or the Owner, as
appropriate, the Option Repurchase Price and the Option Share Repurchase
Price, respectively, in full (and Issuer hereby undertakes to use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain all required regulatory and legal
approvals and to file any required notices as promptly as practicable in
order to accomplish such repurchase), the Holder or Owner may revoke its
notice of repurchase of the Option or the Option Shares whether in whole or
to the extent of the prohibition, whereupon, in the latter case, Issuer
shall promptly (i) deliver to the Holder and/or the Owner, as appropriate,
that portion of the Option Purchase Price or the Option Share Repurchase
Price that Issuer is not prohibited from delivering; and (ii) deliver, as
appropriate, either (A) to the Holder, a new Agreement evidencing the right
of the Holder to purchase that number of shares of Common
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Stock obtained by multiplying the number of shares of Common Stock for which
the surrendered Agreement was exercisable at the time of delivery of the
notice of repurchase by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Option
Repurchase Price less the portion thereof theretofore delivered to the
Holder and the denominator of which is the Option Repurchase Price, or (B)
to the Owner, a certificate for the Option Shares it is then so prohibited
from repurchasing. If an Exercise Termination Event shall have occurred
prior to the date of the notice by Issuer described in the first sentence of
this subsection (c), or shall be scheduled to occur at any time before the
expiration of a period ending on the thirtieth day after such date, the
Holder shall nonetheless have the right to exercise the Option until the
expiration of such 30-day period.
(d) For purposes of this Section 7, a Repurchase Event shall be deemed
to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events or
transactions after the date hereof:
(i) the acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the
then outstanding Common Stock; or
(ii) the consummation of any Acquisition Transaction described in
Section 2(b)(i) hereof, except that the percentage referred to in
clause (z) shall be 50%.
8. (a) In the event that prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer
shall enter into an agreement (i) to consolidate with or merge into any
person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation of such consolidation or merger, (ii) to
permit any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, to merge into
Issuer and Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving corporation, but, in
connection with such merger, the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any
other person or cash or any other property or the then outstanding shares of
Common Stock shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the
outstanding shares and share equivalents of the merged company, or (iii) to
sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its or any
Significant Subsidiary's assets or deposits to any person, other than
Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, then, and in each such case, the agreement
governing such transaction shall make proper provision so that the Option
shall, upon the consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option
(the "Substitute Option"), at the election of the Holder, of either (x) the
Acquiring Corporation (as hereinafter defined) or (y) any person that
controls the Acquiring Corporation.
(b) The following terms have the meanings indicated:
(i) "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (i) the continuing or
surviving corporation of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if
other than Issuer), (ii) Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the
continuing or surviving person, and (iii) the transferee of all or
substantially all of Issuer's assets or deposits (or the assets or
deposits of a Significant Subsidiary of Issuer).
(ii) "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock issued
by the issuer of the Substitute Option upon exercise of the
Substitute Option.
(iii) "Assigned Value" shall mean the market/offer price, as
defined in Section 7.
(iv) "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
share of the Substitute Common Stock for one year immediately
preceding the consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in no
event higher than the closing price of the shares of Substitute
Common Stock on the day preceding such consolidation, merger or sale;
provided that if Issuer is the issuer of the Substitute Option, the
Average Price shall be computed with respect to a share of common
stock issued by the person merging into Issuer or by any company
which controls or is controlled by such person, as the Holder may
elect.
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(c) The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided, that if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal
reasons, be the same as the Option, such terms shall be as similar as
possible and in no event less advantageous to the Holder. The issuer of the
Substitute Option shall also enter into an agreement with the then Holder or
Holders of the Substitute Option in substantially the same form as this
Agreement (after giving effect for such purpose to the provisions of Section
9), which agreement shall be applicable to the Substitute Option.
(d) The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of shares
of Substitute Common Stock as is equal to the Assigned Value multiplied by
the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option is then
exercisable, divided by the Average Price. The exercise price of the
Substitute Option per share of Substitute Common Stock shall then be equal
to the Option Price multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option is then
exercisable and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of
Substitute Common Stock for which the Substitute Option is exercisable.
(e) In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall the
Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the shares of
Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of the Substitute
Option. In the event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable for
more than 19.9% of the shares of Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior
to exercise but for this clause (e), the issuer of the Substitute Option
(the "Substitute Option Issuer") shall make a cash payment to Holder equal
to the excess of (i) the value of the Substitute Option without giving
effect to the limitation in this clause (e) over (ii) the value of the
Substitute Option after giving effect to the limitation in this clause (e).
This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally recognized
investment banking firm selected by the Holder.
(f) Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in subsection
(a) of this Section 8 unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person that
controls the Acquiring Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of
Issuer hereunder.
9. (a) At the request of the holder of the Substitute Option (the
"Substitute Option Holder"), the issuer of the Substitute Option (the
"Substitute Option Issuer") shall repurchase the Substitute Option from the
Substitute Option Holder at a price (the "Substitute Option Repurchase
Price") equal to (x) the amount by which (i) the Highest Closing Price (as
hereinafter defined) exceeds (ii) the exercise price of the Substitute
Option, multiplied by the number of shares of Substitute Common Stock for
which the Substitute Option may then be exercised plus (y) Grantee's
Out-of-Pocket Expenses (to the extent not previously reimbursed), and at the
request of the owner (the "Substitute Share Owner") of shares of Substitute
Common Stock (the "Substitute Shares"), the Substitute Option Issuer shall
repurchase the Substitute Shares at a price (the "Substitute Share
Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the Highest Closing Price multiplied by the
number of Substitute Shares so designated plus (y) Grantee's Out-of-Pocket
Expenses (to the extent not previously reimbursed). The term "Highest
Closing Price" shall mean the highest closing price for shares of Substitute
Common Stock within the six-month period immediately preceding the date the
Substitute Option Holder gives notice of the required repurchase of the
Substitute Option or the Substitute Share Owner gives notice of the required
repurchase of the Substitute Shares, as applicable.
(b) The Substitute Option Holder and the Substitute Share Owner, as the
case may be, may exercise its respective right to require the Substitute
Option Issuer to repurchase the Substitute Option and the Substitute Shares
pursuant to this Section 9 by surrendering for such purpose to the
Substitute Option Issuer, at its principal office, the agreement for such
Substitute Option (or, in the absence of such an agreement, a copy of this
Agreement) and certificates for Substitute Shares accompanied by a written
notice or notices stating that the Substitute Option Holder or the
Substitute Share Owner, as the case may be, elects to require the Substitute
Option Issuer to repurchase the Substitute Option and/or the Substitute
Shares in accordance with the provisions
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of this Section 9. As promptly as practicable and in any event within five
business days after the surrender of the Substitute Option and/or
certificates representing Substitute Shares and the receipt of such notice
or notices relating thereto, the Substitute Option Issuer shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to the Substitute Option Holder the Substitute Option
Repurchase Price and/or to the Substitute Share Owner the Substitute Share
Repurchase Price therefor or the portion thereof which the Substitute Option
Issuer is not then prohibited under applicable law and regulation from so
delivering.
(c) To the extent that the Substitute Option Issuer is prohibited under
applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of administrative policy,
from repurchasing the Substitute Option and/or the Substitute Shares in part
or in full, the Substitute Option Issuer shall immediately so notify the
Substitute Option Holder and/or the Substitute Share Owner and thereafter
deliver or cause to be delivered, from time to time, to the Substitute
Option Holder and/or the Substitute Share Owner, as appropriate, the portion
of the Substitute Share Repurchase Price, respectively, which it is no
longer prohibited from delivering, within five business days after the date
on which the Substitute Option Issuer is no longer so prohibited; provided,
however, that if the Substitute Option Issuer is at any time after delivery
of a notice of repurchase pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 9
prohibited under applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of
administrative policy, from delivering to the Substitute Option Holder
and/or the Substitute Share Owner, as appropriate, the Substitute Option
Repurchase Price and the Substitute Share Repurchase Price, respectively, in
full (and the Substitute Option Issuer shall use its best efforts to receive
all required regulatory and legal approvals as promptly as practicable in
order to accomplish such repurchase), the Substitute Option Holder or
Substitute Share Owner may revoke its notice of repurchase of the Substitute
Option or the Substitute Shares either in whole or to the extent of
prohibition, whereupon, in the latter case, the Substitute Option Issuer
shall promptly (i) deliver to the Substitute Option Holder or Substitute
Share Owner, as appropriate, that portion of the Substitute Option
Repurchase Price or the Substitute Share Repurchase Price that the
Substitute Option Issuer is not prohibited from delivering; and (ii)
deliver, as appropriate, either (A) to the Substitute Option Holder, a new
Substitute Option evidencing the right of the Substitute Option Holder to
purchase that number of shares of the Substitute Common Stock obtained by
multiplying the number of shares of the Substitute Common Stock for which
the surrendered Substitute Option was exercisable at the time of delivery of
the notice of repurchase by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
Substitute Option Repurchase Price less the portion thereof theretofore
delivered to the Substitute Option Holder and the denominator of which is
the Substitute Option Repurchase Price, or (B) to the Substitute Share
Owner, a certificate for the Substitute Option Shares it is then so
prohibited from repurchasing. If an Exercise Termination Event shall have
occurred prior to the date of the notice by the Substitute Option Issuer
described in the first sentence of this subsection (c), or shall be
scheduled to occur at any time before the expiration of a period ending on
the thirtieth day after such date, the Substitute Option Holder shall
nevertheless have the right to exercise the Substitute Option until the
expiration of such 30-day period.
10. The 30-day, 6-month, 12-month or 18-month periods for exercise of
certain rights under Sections 2, 6, 7, 9 and 12 shall be extended: (i) to
the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the exercise of
such rights (for so long as the Holder is using commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain such regulatory approvals), and for the expiration of all
statutory waiting periods; and (ii) to the extent necessary to avoid
liability under Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act by reason of such exercise.
11. Issuer hereby represents and warrants to Grantee as follows:
(a) Issuer has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
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authorized by the Board of Directors of Issuer and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Issuer are necessary to authorize this Agreement
or to consummate the transactions so contemplated. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Issuer.
(b) Issuer has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve and to permit it to issue, and at all times from the date hereof
through the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms will
have reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the Option, that number of
shares of Common Stock equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock
at any time and from time to time issuable hereunder, and all such shares,
upon issuance pursuant thereto, will be duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid, nonassessable, and will be delivered free and clear of all
claims, liens, encumbrance and security interests and not subject to any
preemptive rights.
12. Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement or the Option created hereunder to any
other person, without the express written consent of the other party, except
that in the event a Subsequent Triggering Event shall have occurred prior to
an Exercise Termination Event, Grantee, subject to the express provisions
hereof, may assign in whole or in part its rights and obligations hereunder
within 12 months following such Subsequent Triggering Event (or such later
period as provided in Section 10); provided, however, that until the date 30
days following the date on which the Federal Reserve Board has approved
applications by Grantee to acquire the shares of Common Stock subject to the
Option, Grantee may not assign its rights under the Option except in (i) a
widely dispersed public distribution, (ii) a private placement in which no
one party acquires the right to purchase in excess of 2% of the voting
shares of Issuer, (iii) an assignment to a single party (E.G., a broker or
investment banker) for the purpose of conducting a widely dispersed public
distribution on Grantee's behalf, or (iv) any other manner approved by the
Federal Reserve Board.
13. Each of Grantee and Issuer will use its best efforts to make all
filings with, and to obtain consents of, all third parties and governmental
authorities necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including without limitation applying to the Federal
Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act for approval to acquire the
shares issuable hereunder, but Grantee shall not be obligated to apply to
state banking authorities for approval to acquire the shares of Common Stock
issuable hereunder until such time, if ever, as it deems appropriate to do
so.
14. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no
event shall the Grantee's Total Profit (as hereinafter defined) exceed $100
million and, if it otherwise would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its
sole election, shall either (a) reduce the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to this Option, (b) deliver to the Issuer for cancellation Option
Shares previously purchased by Grantee, (c) pay cash to the Issuer, or (d)
any combination thereof, so that Grantee's actually realized Total Profit
shall not exceed $100 million after taking into account the foregoing
actions.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Option
may not be exercised for a number of shares as would, as of the date of
exercise, result in a Notional Total Profit (as defined below) of more than
$100 million; PROVIDED, that nothing in this sentence shall restrict any
exercise of the Option permitted hereby on any subsequent date.
(c) As used herein, the term "Total Profit" shall mean the aggregate
amount (before taxes) of the following: (i) the amount received by Grantee
pursuant to Issuer's repurchase of the Option (or any portion thereof)
pursuant to Section 7, (ii) (x) the amount received by Grantee pursuant to
Issuer's repurchase of Option Shares pursuant to Section 7, less (y) the
Grantee's purchase price for such Option Shares, (iii) (x) the net cash
amounts received by Grantee pursuant to the sale of
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Option Shares (or any other securities into which such Option Shares are
converted or exchanged) to any unaffiliated party, less (y) the Grantee's
purchase price of such Option Shares, (iv) any amounts received by Grantee
on the transfer of the Option (or any portion thereof) to any unaffiliated
party, and (v) any equivalent amount with respect to the Substitute Option.
(d) As used herein, the term "Notional Total Profit" with respect to any
number of shares as to which Grantee may propose to exercise this Option
shall be the Total Profit determined as of the date of such proposed
exercise assuming that this Option were exercised on such date for such
number of shares and assuming that such shares, together with all other
Option Shares held by Grantee and its affiliates as of such date, were sold
for cash at the closing market price for the Common Stock as of the close of
business on the preceding trading day (less customary brokerage
commissions).
(e) The Grantee agrees, promptly following any exercise of all or any
portion of the Option, and subject to its rights under Section 7 hereof, to
use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to maximize the value of Option
Shares purchased taking into account market conditions, the number of Option
Shares, the potential negative impact of substantial sales on the market
price for Issuer Common Stock, and the availability of an effective
registration statement to permit public sale of Option Shares.
15. The parties hereto acknowledge that damages would be an inadequate
remedy for a breach of this Agreement by either party hereto and that the
obligations of the parties hereto shall be enforceable by either party
hereto through injunctive or other equitable relief.
16. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this
Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder
of the terms, provisions and covenants and restrictions contained in this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or
regulatory agency determines that the Holder is not permitted to acquire, or
Issuer is not permitted to repurchase pursuant to Section 7, the full number
of shares of Common Stock provided in Section 1(a) hereof (as adjusted
pursuant to Section 1(b) or 5 hereof), it is the express intention of Issuer
to allow the Holder to acquire or to require Issuer to repurchase such
lesser number of shares as may be permissible, without any amendment or
modification hereof.
17. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person,
by fax, telecopy, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested) at the respective addresses of the parties set
forth in the Merger Agreement.
18. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might
otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
19. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute
one and the same agreement.
20. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the parties
hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its
behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.
21. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the Merger
Agreement, this Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all
prior arrangements or understandings with respect thereof, written or oral.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assignees. Nothing
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in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any
party, other than the parties hereto, and their respective successors except
as assignees, any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by
reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
22. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Merger Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
date first above written.
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
By /s/ WILLIAM E. B. SIART
------------------------------------
Its Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By /s/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
------------------------------------
Its Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
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APPENDIX C
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated November 5, 1995, between FIRST BANK SYSTEM,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("Grantee"), and FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP, a
Delaware corporation ("Issuer").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Grantee and Issuer have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger immediately prior to the execution and delivery hereof (the "Merger
Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's pursuit of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and in consideration therefor
and in consideration of the grant of the Reciprocal Option (as hereinafter
defined), Issuer has agreed to grant Grantee the Option (as hereinafter
defined):
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. (a) Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an unconditional, irrevocable
option (the "Option") to purchase, subject to the terms hereof, up to
15,073,106 fully paid and nonassessable shares of the common stock, $2.00
par value, of Issuer ("Common Stock") at a price per share equal to the last
reported sale price per share of Common Stock as reported on the
consolidated tape for New York Stock Exchange issues on November 3, 1995;
provided, however, that in the event Issuer issues or agrees to issue any
shares of Common Stock at a price less than such last reported sale price
per share (as adjusted pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 5) other than
as permitted by the Merger Agreement, such price shall be equal to such
lesser price (such price, as adjusted if applicable, the "Option Price");
provided further that in no event shall the number of shares for which this
Option is exercisable exceed 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock that may be received upon
the exercise of the Option and the Option Price are subject to adjustment as
herein set forth.
(b) In the event that any additional shares of Common Stock are issued
or otherwise become outstanding after the date of this Agreement (other than
pursuant to this Agreement and other than pursuant to an event described in
Section 5(a) hereof), the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the
Option shall be increased so that, after such issuance, such number together
with any shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant hereto, equals
19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding
without giving effect to any shares subject or issued pursuant to the
Option. Nothing contained in this Section 1(b) or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall be deemed to authorize Issuer or Grantee to breach any
provision of the Merger Agreement.
2. (a) The Holder (as hereinafter defined) may exercise the Option, in
whole or part, if, but only if, both an Initial Triggering Event (as
hereinafter defined) and a Subsequent Triggering Event (as hereinafter
defined) shall have occurred prior to the occurrence of an Exercise
Termination Event (as hereinafter defined), provided that the Holder shall
have sent the written notice of such exercise (as provided in subsection (e)
of this Section 2) within 6 months following such Subsequent Triggering
Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10). Each of the
following shall be an Exercise Termination Event: (i) the Effective Time of
the Merger; (ii) termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with the
provisions thereof if such termination occurs prior to the occurrence of an
Initial Triggering Event; (iii) the passage of 18 months (or such longer
period as provided in Section 10) after termination of the Merger Agreement
if such termination is concurrent with or follows the occurrence of an
Initial Triggering
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Event; (iv) the date on which the shareholders of the Grantee shall have
voted and failed to approve the Parent Vote Matters (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) (unless (A) Issuer shall then be in material breach of its
covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement or (B) on or prior
to such date, the shareholders of the Issuer shall have also voted and
failed to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger); or (v) the
date on which the Reciprocal Option shall have become exercisable in
accordance with its terms. The term "Holder" shall mean the holder or
holders of the Option. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, (i) the Option may not be exercised at any time when Grantee shall
be in breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger
Agreement such that Issuer shall be entitled (without regard to any grace
period provided therein) to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1(d) thereof and (ii) this Agreement shall automatically terminate
upon the termination of the Merger Agreement by Issuer pursuant to Section
8.1(d) thereof as a result of the breach by Grantee of its covenants or
agreements contained in the Merger Agreement.
(b) The term "Initial Triggering Event" shall mean any of the following
events or transactions occurring on or after the date hereof:
(i) Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (as hereinafter defined)
(each an "Issuer Subsidiary"), without having received Grantee's
prior written consent, shall have entered into an agreement to engage
in an Acquisition Transaction (as hereinafter defined) with any
person (the term "person" for purposes of this Agreement having the
meaning assigned thereto in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), and the rules and
regulations thereunder) other than Grantee or any of its Subsidiaries
(each a "Grantee Subsidiary") or the Board of Directors of Issuer
shall have recommended that the shareholders of Issuer approve or
accept any Acquisition Transaction other than as contemplated by the
Merger Agreement or this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement,
(a) "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean (x) a merger or
consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Issuer or any
Significant Subsidiary (as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")) of
Issuer (other than mergers, consolidations or similar transactions
involving solely Issuer and/or one or more wholly-owned Issuer
Subsidiaries and other than a merger or consolidation as to which the
common shareholders of the Issuer immediately prior thereto in the
aggregate own at least 70% of the common stock of the publicly held
surviving or successor corporation immediately following consummation
thereof), (y) a purchase, lease or other acquisition of all or
substantially all of the assets or deposits of Issuer or any
Significant Subsidiary of Issuer, or (z) a purchase or other
acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation, share
exchange or otherwise) of securities representing 10% or more of the
voting power of Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary of Issuer, and
(b) "Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 under
the 1934 Act;
(ii) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary
shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (the term "beneficial ownership" for purposes of this
Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the
1934 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder);
(iii) The shareholders of the Issuer shall have voted and failed
to approve the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement at a
meeting which has been held for that purpose or any adjournment or
postponement thereof, or such meeting shall not have been held in
violation of the Merger Agreement or shall have been cancelled prior
to termination of the Merger Agreement if, prior to (x) such meeting
or (y) if such meeting shall not have been held or shall have been
cancelled, such termination, it shall have
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been publicly announced that any person (other than Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries) shall have made, or disclosed an intention to make,
a proposal to engage in an Acquisition Transaction;
(iv) Issuer's Board of Directors shall have withdrawn or modified
(or publicly announced its intention to withdraw or modify) its
recommendation that the shareholders of Issuer approve the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, or Issuer or any
Issuer Subsidiary, without having received Grantee's prior written
consent, shall have authorized, recommended, proposed (or publicly
announced its intention to authorize, recommend or propose) an
agreement to engage in an Acquisition Transaction with any person
other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary;
(v) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary shall
have made a proposal to Issuer or its shareholders to engage in an
Acquisition Transaction and such proposal shall have been publicly
announced;
(vi) Any such person shall have filed with the SEC a registration
statement with respect to a potential exchange offer that would
constitute an Acquisition Transaction (or filed a preliminary proxy
statement with the SEC with respect to a potential vote by its
shareholders to approve the issuance of shares to be offered in such
an exchange offer);
(vii) Issuer shall have willfully breached any covenant or
obligation contained in the Merger Agreement in anticipation of
engaging in an Acquisition Transaction, and following such breach
Grantee would be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement (whether
immediately or after the giving of notice or passage of time or
both); or
(viii) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary,
other than in connection with a transaction to which Grantee has
given its prior written consent, shall have filed an application or
notice with the Federal Reserve Board or other federal or state bank
regulatory authority, which application or notice has been accepted
for processing, for approval to engage in an Acquisition Transaction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the proposal made prior to the date hereof by
Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells") to enter into a business combination with Issuer
shall be deemed, for purposes of this Agreement, to constitute a proposal to
engage in an Acquisition Transaction that has been publicly announced; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that solely for purposes of the foregoing clause (v), such proposal
shall not constitute a publicly announced proposal to engage in an Acquisition
Transaction if Wells shall have publicly announced the withdrawal of such
proposal prior to the time Issuer mails to its stockholders a proxy statement in
connection with its stockholder meeting called to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement. Nothing contained in the proviso to the immediately preceding
sentence shall imply that any proposal made by Wells after the date hereof does
not constitute a proposal to engage in an Acquisition Transaction for purposes
of the foregoing clause (v).
(c) The term "Subsequent Triggering Event" shall mean any of the following
events or transactions occurring after the date hereof:
(i) The acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
then outstanding Common Stock; or
(ii) The occurrence of the Initial Triggering Event described in
clause (i) of subsection (b) of this Section 2, except that the
percentage referred to in clause (z) shall be 20%.
(d) The term "Reciprocal Option" shall mean the option granted pursuant to
the option agreement dated the date hereof between the Grantee, as issuer of
such option, and the Issuer, as grantee of such option.
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(e) Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence of
any Initial Triggering Event or Subsequent Triggering Event (together, a
"Triggering Event"), it being understood that the giving of such notice by
Issuer shall not be a condition to the right of the Holder to exercise the
Option.
(f) In the event the Holder is entitled to and wishes to exercise the
Option, it shall send to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being herein
referred to as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of shares it
will purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a place and date not earlier
than three business days nor later than 60 business days from the Notice Date
for the closing of such purchase (the "Closing Date"); provided that if prior
notification to or approval of the Federal Reserve Board or any other regulatory
agency is required in connection with such purchase, the Holder shall promptly
file the required notice or application for approval, shall promptly notify the
Issuer of such filing, and shall expeditiously process the same and the period
of time that otherwise would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
from the date on which any required notification periods have expired or been
terminated or such approvals have been obtained and any requisite waiting period
or periods shall have passed. Any exercise of the Option shall be deemed to
occur on the Notice Date relating thereto.
(g) At the closing referred to in subsection (f) of this Section 2, the
Holder shall (i) pay to Issuer the aggregate purchase price for the shares of
Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately
available funds by wire transfer to a bank account designated by Issuer,
provided that failure or refusal of Issuer to designate such a bank account
shall not preclude the Holder from exercising the Option and (ii) present and
surrender this Agreement to the Issuer at its principal executive offices.
(h) At such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds as provided in subsection (g) of this Section 2, Issuer shall
deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing the number of
shares of Common Stock purchased by the Holder and, if the Option should be
exercised in part only, a new Option evidencing the rights of the Holder thereof
to purchase the balance of the shares purchasable hereunder.
(i) Certificates for Common Stock delivered at a closing hereunder may be
endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read substantially as follows:
"The transfer of the shares represented by this
certificate is subject to certain provisions of an
agreement between the registered holder hereof and
Issuer and to resale restrictions arising under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A copy of
such agreement is on file at the principal office
of Issuer and will be provided to the holder
hereof without charge upon receipt by Issuer of a
written request therefor."
It is understood and agreed that: (i) the reference to the resale
restrictions of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") in the above legend
shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference
if the Holder shall have delivered to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff
of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not required for
purposes of the 1933 Act; (ii) the reference to the provisions of this Agreement
in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s)
without such reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not
require the retention of such reference; and (iii) the legend shall be removed
in its entirety if the conditions in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both
satisfied. In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend as may be
required by law.
(j) Upon the giving by the Holder to Issuer of the written notice of
exercise of the Option provided for under subsection (f) of this Section 2 and
the tender of the applicable purchase price in immediately available funds, the
Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon such exercise, notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of
Issuer
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shall then be closed or that certificates representing such shares of Common
Stock shall not then be actually delivered to the Holder. Issuer shall pay
all expenses, and any and all United States federal, state and local taxes
and other charges that may be payable in connection with the preparation,
issue and delivery of stock certificates under this Section 2 in the name of
the Holder or its assignee, transferee or designee.
3. Issuer agrees: (i) that it shall at all times maintain, free from
preemptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued or treasury shares of
Common Stock so that the Option may be exercised without additional
authorization of Common Stock after giving effect to all other options,
warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase Common Stock;
(ii) that it will not, by charter amendment or through reorganization,
consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any other
voluntary act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any
of the covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed
hereunder by Issuer; (iii) promptly to take all action as may from time to
time be required (including (x) complying with all premerger notification,
reporting and waiting period requirements specified in 15 U.S.C. Section18a
and regulations promulgated thereunder and (y) in the event, under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or any state or other federal
banking law, prior approval of or notice to the Federal Reserve Board or to
any state or other federal regulatory authority is necessary before the
Option may be exercised, cooperating fully with the Holder in preparing such
applications or notices and providing such information to the Federal
Reserve Board or such state or other federal regulatory authority as they
may require) in order to permit the Holder to exercise the Option and Issuer
duly and effectively to issue shares of Common Stock pursuant hereto; and
(iv) promptly to take all action provided herein to protect the rights of
the Holder against dilution.
4. This Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) are exchangeable,
without expense, at the option of the Holder, upon presentation and
surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of the Issuer, for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the
holder thereof to purchase, on the same terms and subject to the same
conditions as are set forth herein, in the aggregate the same number of
shares of Common Stock purchasable hereunder. The terms "Agreement" and
"Option" as used herein include any Agreements and related Options for which
this Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) may be exchanged. Upon
receipt by Issuer of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss,
theft, destruction or mutilation of this Agreement, and (in the case of
loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably satisfactory indemnification, and
upon surrender and cancellation of this Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will
execute and deliver a new Agreement of like tenor and date. Any such new
Agreement executed and delivered shall constitute an additional contractual
obligation on the part of Issuer, whether or not the Agreement so lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time be enforceable by anyone.
5. In addition to the adjustment in the number of shares of Common
Stock that are purchasable upon exercise of the Option pursuant to Section 1
of this Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the
exercise of the Option shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as
provided in this Section 5.
(a) In the event of any change in Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, split-ups, mergers, recapitalizations, combinations,
subdivisions, conversions, exchanges of shares or the like, the type and
number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise hereof shall be
appropriately adjusted and proper provision shall be made so that, in the
event that any additional shares of Common Stock are to be issued or
otherwise become outstanding as a result of any such change (other than
pursuant to an exercise of the Option), the number of shares of Common Stock
that remain subject to the Option shall be increased so that, after such
issuance and together with shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant
to the exercise of the Option (as adjusted on account of any of the
foregoing changes in the Common Stock), it equals 19.9% of the number of
shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding.
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(b) Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon
exercise hereof is adjusted as provided in this Section 5, the Option Price
shall be adjusted by multiplying the Option Price by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable prior to the adjustment and the denominator of which shall be
equal to the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable after the
adjustment.
6. Upon the occurrence of a Subsequent Triggering Event that occurs
prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer shall, at the request of
Grantee delivered within 12 months (or such later period as provided in
Section 10) of such Subsequent Triggering Event (whether on its own behalf
or on behalf of any subsequent holder of this Option (or part thereof) or
any of the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant hereto), promptly prepare,
file and keep current a registration statement under the 1933 Act covering
any shares issued and issuable pursuant to this Option and shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective and remain current in order to permit the sale or other
disposition of any shares of Common Stock issued upon total or partial
exercise of this Option ("Option Shares") in accordance with any plan of
disposition requested by Grantee. Issuer will use its reasonable best
efforts to cause such registration statement first to become effective and
then to remain effective for such period not in excess of 180 days from the
day such registration statement first becomes effective or such shorter time
as may be reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions.
Grantee shall have the right to demand two such registrations. The Issuer
shall bear the costs of such registrations (including, but not limited to,
Issuer's attorneys' fees, printing costs and filing fees, except for
underwriting discounts or commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and
disbursements of Grantee's counsel related thereto). The foregoing
notwithstanding, if, at the time of any request by Grantee for registration
of Option Shares as provided above, Issuer is in registration with respect
to an underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock, and if in the
good faith judgment of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters,
or, if none, the sole underwriter or underwriters, of such offering the
inclusion of the Option Shares would interfere with the successful marketing
of the shares of Common Stock offered by Issuer, the number of Option Shares
otherwise to be covered in the registration statement contemplated hereby
may be reduced; provided, however, that after any such required reduction
the number of Option Shares to be included in such offering for the account
of the Holder shall constitute at least 25% of the total number of shares to
be sold by the Holder and Issuer in the aggregate; and provided further,
however, that if such reduction occurs, then the Issuer shall file a
registration statement for the balance as promptly as practicable thereafter
as to which no reduction pursuant to this Section 6 shall be permitted or
occur and the Holder shall thereafter be entitled to one additional
registration. Each such Holder shall provide all information reasonably
requested by Issuer for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed
hereunder. If requested by any such Holder in connection with such
registration, Issuer shall become a party to any underwriting agreement
relating to the sale of such shares, but only to the extent of obligating
itself in respect of representations, warranties, indemnities and other
agreements customarily included in such underwriting agreements for Issuer.
Upon receiving any request under this Section 6 from any Holder, Issuer
agrees to send a copy thereof to any other person known to Issuer to be
entitled to registration rights under this Section 6, in each case by
promptly mailing the same, postage prepaid, to the address of record of the
persons entitled to receive such copies. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, in no event shall Issuer be obligated to effect
more than two registrations pursuant to this Section 8 by reason of the fact
that there shall be more than one Holder as a result of any assignment or
division of this Agreement.
7. (a) At any time after the occurrence of a Repurchase Event (as
defined below) (i) at the request of the Holder, delivered prior to an
Exercise Termination Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10),
Issuer shall repurchase the Option from the Holder at a price (the "Option
Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the amount by which (A) the market/offer
price (as defined below) exceeds (B) the Option Price, multiplied by the
number of shares for which this Option may then be exercised and (ii) at the
request of the owner of Option Shares from time to
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time (the "Owner"), delivered prior to an Exercise Termination Event (or
such later period as provided in Section 10), Issuer shall repurchase such
number of the Option Shares from the Owner as the Owner shall designate at a
price (the "Option Share Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the market/offer
price multiplied by the number of Option Shares so designated. The term
"market/offer price" shall mean the highest of (i) the price per share of
Common Stock at which a tender or exchange offer therefor has been made,
(ii) the price per share of Common Stock to be paid by any third party
pursuant to an agreement with Issuer, (iii) the highest closing price for
shares of Common Stock within the six-month period immediately preceding the
date the Holder gives notice of the required repurchase of this Option or
the Owner gives notice of the required repurchase of Option Shares, as the
case may be, or (iv) in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of
Issuer's assets or deposits, the sum of the net price paid in such sale for
such assets or deposits and the current market value of the remaining net
assets of Issuer as determined by a nationally recognized investment banking
firm selected by the Holder or the Owner, as the case may be, and reasonably
acceptable to Issuer, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock of
Issuer outstanding at the time of such sale. In determining the market/offer
price, the value of consideration other than cash shall be determined by a
nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Holder or
Owner, as the case may be, and reasonably acceptable to Issuer.
(b) The Holder and the Owner, as the case may be, may exercise its right
to require Issuer to repurchase the Option and any Option Shares pursuant to
this Section 7 by surrendering for such purpose to Issuer, at its principal
office, a copy of this Agreement or certificates for Option Shares, as
applicable, accompanied by a written notice or notices stating that the
Holder or the Owner, as the case may be, elects to require Issuer to
repurchase this Option and/or the Option Shares in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 7. As promptly as practicable, and in any event
within five business days after the surrender of the Option and/or
certificates representing Option Shares and the receipt of such notice or
notices relating thereto, Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to
the Holder the Option Repurchase Price and/or to the Owner the Option Share
Repurchase Price therefor or the portion thereof that Issuer is not then
prohibited under applicable law and regulation from so delivering.
(c) To the extent that Issuer is prohibited under applicable law or
regulation, or as a consequence of administrative policy, from repurchasing
the Option and/or the Option Shares in full, Issuer shall immediately so
notify the Holder and/or the Owner and thereafter deliver or cause to be
delivered, from time to time, to the Holder and/or the Owner, as
appropriate, the portion of the Option Repurchase Price and the Option Share
Repurchase Price, respectively, that it is no longer prohibited from
delivering, within five business days after the date on which Issuer is no
longer so prohibited; provided, however, that if Issuer at any time after
delivery of a notice of repurchase pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section
7 is prohibited under applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of
administrative policy, from delivering to the Holder and/or the Owner, as
appropriate, the Option Repurchase Price and the Option Share Repurchase
Price, respectively, in full (and Issuer hereby undertakes to use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain all required regulatory and legal
approvals and to file any required notices as promptly as practicable in
order to accomplish such repurchase), the Holder or Owner may revoke its
notice of repurchase of the Option or the Option Shares whether in whole or
to the extent of the prohibition, whereupon, in the latter case, Issuer
shall promptly (i) deliver to the Holder and/or the Owner, as appropriate,
that portion of the Option Purchase Price or the Option Share Repurchase
Price that Issuer is not prohibited from delivering; and (ii) deliver, as
appropriate, either (A) to the Holder, a new Agreement evidencing the right
of the Holder to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock obtained by
multiplying the number of shares of Common Stock for which the surrendered
Agreement was exercisable at the time of delivery of the notice of
repurchase by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Option Repurchase
Price less the portion thereof theretofore delivered to the Holder and the
denominator of which is the Option Repurchase Price, or (B) to the Owner, a
certificate for the Option Shares it is then so prohibited from
repurchasing. If an Exercise Termination Event shall have occurred prior to
the date of the notice by Issuer described in the
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first sentence of this subsection (c), or shall be scheduled to occur at any
time before the expiration of a period ending on the thirtieth day after
such date, the Holder shall nonetheless have the right to exercise the
Option until the expiration of such 30-day period.
(d) For purposes of this Section 7, a Repurchase Event shall be deemed
to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events or
transactions after the date hereof:
(i) the acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the
then outstanding Common Stock; or
(ii) the consummation of any Acquisition Transaction described in
Section 2(b)(i) hereof, except that the percentage referred to in
clause (z) shall be 50%.
8. (a) In the event that prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer
shall enter into an agreement (i) to consolidate with or merge into any
person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation of such consolidation or merger, (ii) to
permit any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, to merge into
Issuer and Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving corporation, but, in
connection with such merger, the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any
other person or cash or any other property or the then outstanding shares of
Common Stock shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the
outstanding shares and share equivalents of the merged company, or (iii) to
sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its or any
Significant Subsidiary's assets or deposits to any person, other than
Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, then, and in each such case, the agreement
governing such transaction shall make proper provision so that the Option
shall, upon the consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option
(the "Substitute Option"), at the election of the Holder, of either (x) the
Acquiring Corporation (as hereinafter defined) or (y) any person that
controls the Acquiring Corporation.
(b) The following terms have the meanings indicated:
(i) "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (i) the continuing or
surviving corporation of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if
other than Issuer), (ii) Issuer in a merger in which Issuer is the
continuing or surviving person, and (iii) the transferee of all or
substantially all of Issuer's assets or deposits (or the assets or
deposits of a Significant Subsidiary of Issuer).
(ii) "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock issued
by the issuer of the Substitute Option upon exercise of the
Substitute Option.
(iii) "Assigned Value" shall mean the market/offer price, as
defined in Section 7.
(iv) "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
share of the Substitute Common Stock for one year immediately
preceding the consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in no
event higher than the closing price of the shares of Substitute
Common Stock on the day preceding such consolidation, merger or sale;
provided that if Issuer is the issuer of the Substitute Option, the
Average Price shall be computed with respect to a share of common
stock issued by the person merging into Issuer or by any company
which controls or is controlled by such person, as the Holder may
elect.
(c) The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided, that if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal
reasons, be the same as the Option, such terms shall be as similar as
possible and in no event less advantageous to the Holder. The issuer of the
Substitute Option shall also enter into an agreement with the then Holder or
Holders of the Substitute Option in substantially the same form as this
Agreement (after giving effect for such purpose to the provisions of Section
9), which agreement shall be applicable to the Substitute Option.
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(d) The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of shares
of Substitute Common Stock as is equal to the Assigned Value multiplied by
the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option is then
exercisable, divided by the Average Price. The exercise price of the
Substitute Option per share of Substitute Common Stock shall then be equal
to the Option Price multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall
be the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option is then
exercisable and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of
Substitute Common Stock for which the Substitute Option is exercisable.
(e) In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall the
Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the shares of
Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of the Substitute
Option. In the event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable for
more than 19.9% of the shares of Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior
to exercise but for this clause (e), the issuer of the Substitute Option
(the "Substitute Option Issuer") shall make a cash payment to Holder equal
to the excess of (i) the value of the Substitute Option without giving
effect to the limitation in this clause (e) over (ii) the value of the
Substitute Option after giving effect to the limitation in this clause (e).
This difference in value shall be determined by a nationally recognized
investment banking firm selected by the Holder.
(f) Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in subsection
(a) of this Section 8 unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person that
controls the Acquiring Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of
Issuer hereunder.
9. (a) At the request of the holder of the Substitute Option (the
"Substitute Option Holder"), the issuer of the Substitute Option (the
"Substitute Option Issuer") shall repurchase the Substitute Option from the
Substitute Option Holder at a price (the "Substitute Option Repurchase
Price") equal to (x) the amount by which (i) the Highest Closing Price (as
hereinafter defined) exceeds (ii) the exercise price of the Substitute
Option, multiplied by the number of shares of Substitute Common Stock for
which the Substitute Option may then be exercised plus (y) Grantee's
Out-of-Pocket Expenses (to the extent not previously reimbursed), and at the
request of the owner (the "Substitute Share Owner") of shares of Substitute
Common Stock (the "Substitute Shares"), the Substitute Option Issuer shall
repurchase the Substitute Shares at a price (the "Substitute Share
Repurchase Price") equal to (x) the Highest Closing Price multiplied by the
number of Substitute Shares so designated plus (y) Grantee's Out-of-Pocket
Expenses (to the extent not previously reimbursed). The term "Highest
Closing Price" shall mean the highest closing price for shares of Substitute
Common Stock within the six-month period immediately preceding the date the
Substitute Option Holder gives notice of the required repurchase of the
Substitute Option or the Substitute Share Owner gives notice of the required
repurchase of the Substitute Shares, as applicable.
(b) The Substitute Option Holder and the Substitute Share Owner, as the
case may be, may exercise its respective right to require the Substitute
Option Issuer to repurchase the Substitute Option and the Substitute Shares
pursuant to this Section 9 by surrendering for such purpose to the
Substitute Option Issuer, at its principal office, the agreement for such
Substitute Option (or, in the absence of such an agreement, a copy of this
Agreement) and certificates for Substitute Shares accompanied by a written
notice or notices stating that the Substitute Option Holder or the
Substitute Share Owner, as the case may be, elects to require the Substitute
Option Issuer to repurchase the Substitute Option and/or the Substitute
Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Section 9. As promptly as
practicable and in any event within five business days after the surrender
of the Substitute Option and/or certificates representing Substitute Shares
and the receipt of such notice or notices relating thereto, the Substitute
Option Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Substitute
Option Holder the Substitute Option Repurchase Price and/or to the
Substitute Share Owner the Substitute Share Repurchase Price therefor or the
portion thereof which the Substitute Option Issuer is not then prohibited
under applicable law and regulation from so delivering.
C-9
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(c) To the extent that the Substitute Option Issuer is prohibited under
applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of administrative policy,
from repurchasing the Substitute Option and/or the Substitute Shares in part
or in full, the Substitute Option Issuer shall immediately so notify the
Substitute Option Holder and/or the Substitute Share Owner and thereafter
deliver or cause to be delivered, from time to time, to the Substitute
Option Holder and/or the Substitute Share Owner, as appropriate, the portion
of the Substitute Share Repurchase Price, respectively, which it is no
longer prohibited from delivering, within five business days after the date
on which the Substitute Option Issuer is no longer so prohibited; provided,
however, that if the Substitute Option Issuer is at any time after delivery
of a notice of repurchase pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 9
prohibited under applicable law or regulation, or as a consequence of
administrative policy, from delivering to the Substitute Option Holder
and/or the Substitute Share Owner, as appropriate, the Substitute Option
Repurchase Price and the Substitute Share Repurchase Price, respectively, in
full (and the Substitute Option Issuer shall use its best efforts to receive
all required regulatory and legal approvals as promptly as practicable in
order to accomplish such repurchase), the Substitute Option Holder or
Substitute Share Owner may revoke its notice of repurchase of the Substitute
Option or the Substitute Shares either in whole or to the extent of
prohibition, whereupon, in the latter case, the Substitute Option Issuer
shall promptly (i) deliver to the Substitute Option Holder or Substitute
Share Owner, as appropriate, that portion of the Substitute Option
Repurchase Price or the Substitute Share Repurchase Price that the
Substitute Option Issuer is not prohibited from delivering; and (ii)
deliver, as appropriate, either (A) to the Substitute Option Holder, a new
Substitute Option evidencing the right of the Substitute Option Holder to
purchase that number of shares of the Substitute Common Stock obtained by
multiplying the number of shares of the Substitute Common Stock for which
the surrendered Substitute Option was exercisable at the time of delivery of
the notice of repurchase by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
Substitute Option Repurchase Price less the portion thereof theretofore
delivered to the Substitute Option Holder and the denominator of which is
the Substitute Option Repurchase Price, or (B) to the Substitute Share
Owner, a certificate for the Substitute Option Shares it is then so
prohibited from repurchasing. If an Exercise Termination Event shall have
occurred prior to the date of the notice by the Substitute Option Issuer
described in the first sentence of this subsection (c), or shall be
scheduled to occur at any time before the expiration of a period ending on
the thirtieth day after such date, the Substitute Option Holder shall
nevertheless have the right to exercise the Substitute Option until the
expiration of such 30-day period.
10. The 30-day, 6-month, 12-month or 18-month periods for exercise of
certain rights under Sections 2, 6, 7, 9 and 12 shall be extended: (i) to
the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the exercise of
such rights (for so long as the Holder is using commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain such regulatory approvals), and for the expiration of all
statutory waiting periods; and (ii) to the extent necessary to avoid
liability under Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act by reason of such exercise.
11. Issuer hereby represents and warrants to Grantee as follows:
(a) Issuer has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
the Board of Directors of Issuer and no other corporate proceedings on the
part of Issuer are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate
the transactions so contemplated. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Issuer.
(b) Issuer has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve and to permit it to issue, and at all times from the date hereof
through the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms will
have reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the Option, that number of
shares of Common Stock equal to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock
at any time and from time to time issuable hereunder, and all such shares,
upon issuance pursuant
C-10
<PAGE>
thereto, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable,
and will be delivered free and clear of all claims, liens, encumbrance and
security interests and not subject to any preemptive rights.
12. Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement or the Option created hereunder to any
other person, without the express written consent of the other party, except
that in the event a Subsequent Triggering Event shall have occurred prior to
an Exercise Termination Event, Grantee, subject to the express provisions
hereof, may assign in whole or in part its rights and obligations hereunder
within 12 months following such Subsequent Triggering Event (or such later
period as provided in Section 10); provided, however, that until the date 30
days following the date on which the Federal Reserve Board has approved
applications by Grantee to acquire the shares of Common Stock subject to the
Option, Grantee may not assign its rights under the Option except in (i) a
widely dispersed public distribution, (ii) a private placement in which no
one party acquires the right to purchase in excess of 2% of the voting
shares of Issuer, (iii) an assignment to a single party (E.G., a broker or
investment banker) for the purpose of conducting a widely dispersed public
distribution on Grantee's behalf, or (iv) any other manner approved by the
Federal Reserve Board.
13. Each of Grantee and Issuer will use its best efforts to make all
filings with, and to obtain consents of, all third parties and governmental
authorities necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including without limitation applying to the Federal
Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act for approval to acquire the
shares issuable hereunder, but Grantee shall not be obligated to apply to
state banking authorities for approval to acquire the shares of Common Stock
issuable hereunder until such time, if ever, as it deems appropriate to do
so.
14. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no
event shall the Grantee's Total Profit (as hereinafter defined) exceed $100
million and, if it otherwise would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its
sole election, shall either (a) reduce the number of shares of Common Stock
subject to this Option, (b) deliver to the Issuer for cancellation Option
Shares previously purchased by Grantee, (c) pay cash to the Issuer, or (d)
any combination thereof, so that Grantee's actually realized Total Profit
shall not exceed $100 million after taking into account the foregoing
actions.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Option
may not be exercised for a number of shares as would, as of the date of
exercise, result in a Notional Total Profit (as defined below) of more than
$100 million; PROVIDED, that nothing in this sentence shall restrict any
exercise of the Option permitted hereby on any subsequent date.
(c) As used herein, the term "Total Profit" shall mean the aggregate
amount (before taxes) of the following: (i) the amount received by Grantee
pursuant to Issuer's repurchase of the Option (or any portion thereof)
pursuant to Section 7, (ii) (x) the amount received by Grantee pursuant to
Issuer's repurchase of Option Shares pursuant to Section 7, less (y) the
Grantee's purchase price for such Option Shares, (iii) (x) the net cash
amounts received by Grantee pursuant to the sale of Option Shares (or any
other securities into which such Option Shares are converted or exchanged)
to any unaffiliated party, less (y) the Grantee's purchase price of such
Option Shares, (iv) any amounts received by Grantee on the transfer of the
Option (or any portion thereof) to any unaffiliated party, and (v) any
equivalent amount with respect to the Substitute Option.
(d) As used herein, the term "Notional Total Profit" with respect to any
number of shares as to which Grantee may propose to exercise this Option
shall be the Total Profit determined as of the date of such proposed
exercise assuming that this Option were exercised on such date for such
number of shares and assuming that such shares, together with all other
Option Shares held by Grantee and its affiliates as of such date, were sold
for cash at the closing market price for the Common Stock as of the close of
business on the preceding trading day (less customary brokerage
commissions).
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<PAGE>
(e) The Grantee agrees, promptly following any exercise of all or any
portion of the Option, and subject to its rights under Section 7 hereof, to
use commercially reasonable efforts promptly to maximize the value of Option
Shares purchased taking into account market conditions, the number of Option
Shares, the potential negative impact of substantial sales on the market
price for Issuer Common Stock, and the availability of an effective
registration statement to permit public sale of Option Shares.
15. The parties hereto acknowledge that damages would be an inadequate
remedy for a breach of this Agreement by either party hereto and that the
obligations of the parties hereto shall be enforceable by either party
hereto through injunctive or other equitable relief.
16. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this
Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder
of the terms, provisions and covenants and restrictions contained in this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or
regulatory agency determines that the Holder is not permitted to acquire, or
Issuer is not permitted to repurchase pursuant to Section 7, the full number
of shares of Common Stock provided in Section 1(a) hereof (as adjusted
pursuant to Section 1(b) or 5 hereof), it is the express intention of Issuer
to allow the Holder to acquire or to require Issuer to repurchase such
lesser number of shares as may be permissible, without any amendment or
modification hereof.
17. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person,
by fax, telecopy, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested) at the respective addresses of the parties set
forth in the Merger Agreement.
18. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might
otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
19. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute
one and the same agreement.
20. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the parties
hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or on its
behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder, including
fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.
21. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the Merger
Agreement, this Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereunder and supersedes all
prior arrangements or understandings with respect thereof, written or oral.
The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assignees. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is
intended to confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto, and their
respective successors except as assignees, any rights, remedies, obligations
or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly
provided herein.
22. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Merger Agreement.
C-12
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
date first above written.
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
------------------------------------
Its Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
By /S/ WILLIAM E. B. SIART
------------------------------------
Its Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
C-13
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
First Bank System, Inc.
First Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302
November 5, 1995
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: William E.B. Siart
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "MERGER AGREEMENT") of
even date herewith among First Interstate Bancorp ("SUBJECT COMPANY"), First
Bank System, Inc. ("PARENT") and Eleven Acquisition Corp. ("MERGER SUB").
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in the Merger Agreement.
In order to induce Subject Company to enter into the Merger Agreement, and
in consideration of Subject Company's undertaking of efforts in futherance of
the transactions contemplated thereby, Parent agrees as follows:
1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Parent hereby represents and warrants
to Subject Company that Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority
to enter into this letter agreement (this "AGREEMENT") and to perform its
obligations set forth herein. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of Parent. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Parent.
2. TERMINATION FEE. (a) Unless a Nullifying Event (as such term is defined
below) shall have occurred and be continuing at the time the Merger Agreement is
terminated, in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Article VIII thereof (regardless of whether such termination is by Parent or
Subject Company) and prior to or concurrently with such termination a First
Trigger Event (as such term is defined below) shall have occurred, Parent shall
pay to Subject Company a cash fee of $25 million. Such fee shall be payable in
immediately available funds on or before the second business day following such
termination of the Merger Agreement.
(b) In addition, unless a Nullifying Event shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time the Merger Agreement is terminated, in the event that (i)
the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Article VIII
thereof, (ii) prior to or concurrently with such termination a First Trigger
Event shall have occurred, and (iii) prior to, concurrently with or within 18
months after such termination an Acquisition Event (as such term is defined
below) shall have occurred, Parent shall pay to Subject Company an additional
cash fee of (i) $100 million, less (ii) any amount paid by Parent pursuant to
Paragraph 2(a) hereof. Such fee shall be payable in immediately available funds
on or before the second business day following the occurrence of such
Acquisition Event.
(c) As used herein, a "FIRST TRIGGER EVENT" shall mean the occurrence of
any of the following events:
(i) Parent's Board of Directors shall have failed to approve or
recommend the Parent Vote Matters, or shall have withdrawn or modified in
a manner adverse to Subject Company its approval or recommendation of the
Parent Vote Matters, or shall have resolved or publicly announced an
intention to do either of the foregoing;
D-1
<PAGE>
(ii) Parent or any Significant Subsidiary (as such term is defined
below), or the Board of Directors of Parent or a Significant Subsidiary,
shall have recommended that the stockholders of Parent approve any
Acquisition Proposal (as such term is defined below) or shall have
entered into an agreement with respect to, authorized, approved, proposed
or publicly announced its intention to enter into, any Acquisition
Proposal;
(iii) the Parent Vote Matters shall not have been approved at a
meeting of Parent stockholders which has been held for that purpose prior
to termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, if
prior thereto it shall have been publicly announced that any person
(other than Subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries) shall have made,
or disclosed an intention to make, an Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) any person (together with its affiliates and associates) or group
(as such terms are used for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange
Act) (other than Subject Company and its Subsidiaries) shall have
acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is used for purposes of
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) or the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of 50% or more of the then outstanding shares of the stock then
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of Parent or a
Significant Subsidiary; or
(v) following the making of an Acquisition Proposal, Parent shall
have breached any covenant or agreement contained in the Merger Agreement
such that Subject Company would be entitled to terminate the Merger
Agreement under Section 8.1(d) thereof (without regard to any grace
period provided for therein) unless such breach is promptly cured without
jeopardizing consummation of the Merger pursuant to the terms of the
Merger Agreement.
(d) As used herein, "ACQUISITION EVENT" shall mean the consummation of any
event described in the definition of "Acquisition Proposal," except that the
percentage reference contained in clause (C) of such definition shall be 50%
instead of 20%.
(e) As used herein, "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" shall mean any (i) publicly
announced proposal, (ii) regulatory application or notice (whether in draft or
final form), (iii) agreement or understanding, (iv) disclosure of an intention
to make a proposal, or (v) amendment to any of the foregoing, made or filed on
or after the date hereof, in each case with respect to any of the following
transactions with a counterparty other than Subject Company or any of its
Subsidiaries: (A) a merger or consolidation, or any similar transaction,
involving Parent or any Significant Subsidiary (other than mergers,
consolidations or similar transactions involving solely Parent and/or one or
more wholly owned Subsidiaries of Parent and other than a merger or
consolidation as to which the common shareholders of Parent immediately prior
thereto in the aggregate own at least 70% of the common stock of the publicly
held surviving or successor corporation (or any publicly held ultimate parent
company thereof) immediately following consummation thereof); (B) a purchase,
lease or other acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or deposits
of Parent or any Significant Subsidiary; or (C) a purchase or other acquisition
(including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or otherwise) of
securities representing 20% or more of the voting power of Parent or any
Significant Subsidiary.
(f) As used herein, "NULLIFYING EVENT" shall mean any of the following
events occurring and continuing at a time when Parent is not in material breach
of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement: (i)
Subject Company shall be in breach of any of its covenants or agreements
contained in the Merger Agreement such that Parent shall be entitled to
terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d) thereof (without
regard to any grace period provided for therein), (ii) the stockholders of
Subject Company shall have voted and failed to approve the adoption of the
agreement of merger (within the meaning of section 251 of the DGCL) contained in
the Merger Agreement at a meeting of such stockholders which has been held for
that purpose or at any adjournment or postponement thereof (unless the Parent
Vote Matters shall not have been approved at a meeting of Parent stockholders
which was held on or prior to such date for the purpose of voting with respect
to the Parent Vote Matters) or (iii) the Board of Directors of Subject Company
shall have failed
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<PAGE>
to approve or recommend that the stockholders of Subject Company approve the
adoption of the agreement of merger (within the meaning of section 251 of the
DGCL) contained in the Merger Agreement or shall have withdrawn, modified or
changed in any manner adverse to Parent its approval or recommendation that the
stockholders of Subject Company approve the adoption of the agreement of merger
(within the meaning of section 251 of the DGCL) contained in the Merger
Agreement or shall have resolved or publicly announced its intention to do any
of the foregoing.
(g) As used herein, "SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" shall mean a "significant
subsidiary," as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, of Parent.
3. To the extent that Parent is prohibited by applicable law or regulation,
or by administrative actions or policy of a Federal or state financial
institution supervisory agency having jurisdiction over it, from making the
payments required to be paid by Parent herein in full, it shall immediately so
notify Subject Company and thereafter deliver or cause to be delivered, from
time to time, to Subject Company, the portion of the payments required to be
paid by it herein that it is no longer prohibited from paying, within five
business days after the date on which Parent is no longer so prohibited;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Parent at any time is prohibited by applicable law or
regulation, or by administrative actions or policy of a Federal or state
financial institution supervisory agency having jurisdiction over it, from
making the payments required hereunder in full, it shall (i) use its reasonable
best efforts to obtain all required regulatory and legal approvals and to file
any required notices as promptly as practicable in order to make such payments,
(ii) within five days of the submission or receipt of any documents relating to
any such regulatory and legal approvals, provide Subject Company with copies of
the same, and (iii) keep Subject Company advised of both the status of any such
request for regulatory and legal approvals, as well as any discussions with any
relevant regulatory or other third party reasonably related to the same.
4. Except where federal law specifically applies, this Agreement shall be
construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware without
regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
6. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize Subject Company or
Parent to breach any provision of the Merger Agreement.
Please confirm your agreement with the understandings set forth herein by
signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Agreement.
Very truly yours,
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By: /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
-----------------------------------
Name: John F. Grundhofer
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
By: /S/ WILLIAM E.B. SIART
-------------------------------------------
Name: William E.B. Siart
Title: Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
D-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX E
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
November 5, 1995
First Bank System, Inc.
First Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302
Attention: John F. Grundhofer
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "MERGER AGREEMENT") of
even date herewith among First Interstate Bancorp ("SUBJECT COMPANY"), First
Bank System, Inc. ("Parent") and Eleven Acquisition Corp. ("MERGER SUB").
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in the Merger Agreement.
In order to induce Parent and Merger Sub to enter into the Merger Agreement,
and in consideration of Parent's undertaking of efforts in furtherance of the
transactions contemplated thereby, Subject Company agrees as follows:
1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Subject Company hereby represents and
warrants to Parent that Subject Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this letter agreement (this "AGREEMENT") and to perform
its obligations set forth herein. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of Subject Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Subject Company.
2. TERMINATION FEE. (a) Unless a Nullifying Event (as such term is defined
below) shall have occurred and be continuing at the time the Merger Agreement is
terminated, in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Article VIII thereof (regardless of whether such termination is by Parent or
Subject Company) and prior to or concurrently with such termination a First
Trigger Event (as such term is defined below) shall have occurred, Subject
Company shall pay to Parent a cash fee of $25 million. Such fee shall be payable
in immediately available funds on or before the second business day following
such termination of the Merger Agreement.
(b) In addition, unless a Nullifying Event shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time the Merger Agreement is terminated, in the event that (i)
the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Article VIII
thereof, (ii) prior to or concurrently with such termination a First Trigger
Event shall have occurred, and (iii) prior to, concurrently with or within 18
months after such termination an Acquisition Event (as such term is defined
below) shall have occurred, Subject Company shall pay to Parent an additional
cash fee of (i) $100 million, less (ii) any amount paid by Subject Company
pursuant to Paragraph 2(a) hereof. Such fee shall be payable in immediately
available funds on or before the second business day following the occurrence of
such Acquisition Event.
(c) As used herein, a "FIRST TRIGGER EVENT" shall mean the occurrence of any
of the following events:
(i) Subject Company's Board of Directors shall have failed to approve or
recommend the Merger Agreement or the Merger, or shall have withdrawn or
modified in a manner adverse to Parent is approval or recommendation of the
Merger Agreement or the Merger, or shall have resolved or publicly announced
an intention to do either of the foregoing;
(ii) Subject Company or any Significant Subsidiary (as such term is
defined below), or the Board of Directors of Subject Company or a
Significant Subsidiary, shall have recommended that the stockholders of
Subject Company approve any Acquisition Proposal (as such term is defined
below) or shall have entered into an agreement with respect to, authorized,
approved, proposed or publicly announced its intention to enter into, any
Acquisition Proposal;
E-1
<PAGE>
(iii) the Merger Agreement shall not have been approved at a meeting of
Subject Company stockholders which has been held for that purpose prior to
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, if prior
thereto it shall have been publicly announced that any person (other than
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries) shall have made, or disclosed an
intention to make, an Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) any person (together with its affiliates and associates) or group
(as such terms are used for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act)
(other than Parent and its Subsidiaries) shall have acquired beneficial
ownership (as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) of the
Exchange Act) or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 50% or more of
the then outstanding shares of the stock then entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors of Subject Company or a Significant Subsidiary; or
(v) following the making of an Acquisition Proposal, Subject Company
shall have breached any covenant or agreement contained in the Merger
Agreement such that Parent would be entitled to terminate the Merger
Agreement under Section 8.1(d) thereof (without regard to any grace period
provided for therein) unless such breach is promptly cured without
jeopardizing consummation of the Merger pursuant to the terms of the Merger
Agreement.
(d) As used herein, "ACQUISITION EVENT" shall mean the consummation of any
event described in the definition of "Acquisition Proposal," except that the
percentage reference contained in clause (C) of such definition shall be 50%
instead of 20%.
(e) As used herein, "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" shall mean any (i) publicly
announced proposal, (ii) regulatory application or notice (whether in draft or
final form), (iii) agreement or understanding, (iv) disclosure of an intention
to make a proposal, or (v) amendment to any of the foregoing, made or filed on
or after the date hereof, in each case with respect to any of the following
transactions with a counterparty other than Parent or any of its Subsidiaries:
(A) a merger or consolidation, or any similar transaction, involving Subject
Company or any Significant Subsidiary (other than mergers, consolidations or
similar transactions involving solely Subject Company and/or one or more wholly
owned Subsidiaries of Subject Company and other than a merger or consolidation
as to which the common shareholders of Subject Company immediately prior thereto
in the aggregate own at least 70% of the common stock of the publicly held
surviving or successor corporation (or any publicly held ultimate parent company
thereof) immediately following consummation thereof); (B) a purchase, lease or
other acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or deposits of
Subject Company or any Significant Subsidiary; or (C) a purchase or other
acquisition (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or
otherwise) of securities representing 20% or more of the voting power of Subject
Company or any Significant Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Subject
Company confirms that the proposal made by Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells") prior
to the date hereof to enter into a business combination with Subject Company
shall also constitute an Acquisition Proposal which has been publicly announced;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that solely for purposes of Paragraph 2(c)(iii) hereof, such
proposal shall not constitute a publicly announced Acquisition Proposal if Wells
shall have publicly announced the withdrawal of such proposal prior to the time
Subject Company mails to its stockholders a proxy statement in connection with
the stockholder meeting called to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
Nothing contained in the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence shall
imply that any proposal made by Wells after the date hereof does not constitute
an Acquisition Proposal for purposes of Paragraph 2(e)(iii) hereof.
(f) As used herein, "NULLIFYING EVENT" shall mean any of the following
events occurring and continuing at a time when Subject Company is not in
material breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger
Agreement: (i) Parent shall be in breach of any of its covenants or agreements
contained in the Merger Agreement such that Subject Company shall be entitled to
terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d) thereof (without
regard to any grace period provided for therein), (ii) the stockholders of
Parent shall have voted and failed to approve the Parent Vote Matters at a
meeting of such stockholders which has been held for that purpose or at any
adjournment or postponement thereof (unless the Merger Agreement shall not have
been approved at a meeting of Subject Company stockholders which was held on or
prior to such date for the purpose of
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<PAGE>
voting with respect to the Merger Agreement) or (iii) the Board of Directors of
Parent shall have failed to approve or recommend the Parent Vote Matters or
shall have withdrawn, modified or changed in any manner adverse to Subject
Company its approval or recommendation of the Parent Vote Matters or shall have
resolved or publicly announced its intention to do any of the foregoing.
(g) As used herein, "SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" shall mean a "significant
subsidiary," as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, of Subject Company.
3. To the extent that Subject Company is prohibited by applicable law or
regulation, or by administrative actions or policy of a Federal or state
financial institution supervisory agency having jurisdiction over it, from
making the payments required to be paid by Subject Company herein in full, it
shall immediately so notify Parent and thereafter deliver or cause to be
delivered, from time to time, to Parent, the portion of the payments required to
be paid by it herein that it is no longer prohibited from paying, within five
business days after the date on which the Subject Company is no longer so
prohibited; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Subject Company at any time is prohibited
by applicable law or regulation, or by administrative actions or policy of a
Federal or state financial institution supervisory agency having jurisdiction
over it, from making the payments required hereunder in full, it shall (i) use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain all required regulatory and legal
approvals and to file any required notices as promptly as practicable in order
to make such payments, (ii) within five days of the submission or receipt of any
documents relating to any such regulatory and legal approvals, provide Parent
with copies of the same, and (iii) keep Parent advised of both the status of any
such request for regulatory and legal approvals, as well as any discussions with
any relevant regulatory or other third party reasonably related to the same.
4. Except where federal law specifically applies, this Agreement shall be
construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware without
regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
5. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
6. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize Subject Company or
Parent to breach any provision of the Merger Agreement.
Please confirm your agreement with the understandings set forth herein by
signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Agreement.
Very truly yours,
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
By: /S/ WILLIAM E.B. SIART
-----------------------------------
Name: William E.B. Siart
Title: Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By: /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
-------------------------------------------
Name: John F. Grundhofer
Title: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
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[J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. LETTERHEAD]
APPENDIX F
November 5, 1995
The Board of Directors
First Bank System, Inc.
First Bank Place
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4302
Attention: Mr. John F. Grundhofer
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of Common Stock of First Bank System, Inc. (the "Company"
or "FBS") of the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) in the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of the Company's subsidiary, Eleven
Acquisition Corp. ("Acquisition") with and into First Interstate Bancorp ("First
Interstate"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November
5, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement") between the Company, Acquisition and First
Interstate.
We understand that the Merger Agreement provides that:
(a) Each share of Common Stock of First Interstate will be converted in
the Merger into 2.6 shares of Common Stock of FBS (the "Exchange
Ratio").
(b) Acquisition will merge with and into First Interstate.
In arriving at our written opinion, we have, among other things: (i) reviewed
the Merger Agreement; (ii) reviewed First Interstate's Annual Report, Form 10-K
and related financial information for the three fiscal years ending December 31,
1992 through December 31, 1994, First Interstate's Form 10-Q for the quarters
ending March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, and First Interstate's unaudited
financial results for the three month period ending September 30, 1995; (iii)
reviewed FBS's Annual Report, Form 10-K and related financial information for
each of the three fiscal years ending December 31, 1992 though December 31,
1994, FBS's Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995,
FBS's unaudited financial results for the three month period ending September
30, 1995, and the unaudited balance sheet and shares outstanding for FBS, pro
forma for the acquisition of FirsTier Financial Inc. as at September 30, 1995;
(iv) held discussions with certain members of the senior management of First
Interstate and FBS regarding the Merger, certain aspects of past and current
business operations, financial condition and future prospects of their
respective companies, and the effects of the Merger on the financial condition
and future prospects of FBS and First Interstate; (v) reviewed the historical
market prices and trading activity for the Common Stock of each of FBS and First
Interstate and compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies
which we deemed to be relevant; (vi) compared the financial terms of the Merger
with the financial terms of certain other mergers and acquistions which were
publicly available and which we deemed to be relevant; (vii) considered the pro
forma effect of the Merger on FBS's capitalization ratios, earnings, and book
value per share; and (viii) reviewed such other information, financial studies
and analyses and performed such other investigations and took into account such
other matters as we deemed necessary.
In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly
available or was furnished to us by the Company or First Interstate or otherwise
reviewed by us, and we have not assumed any responsibility therefor. We have not
conducted any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities of First
Interstate or the Company, nor have any valuations or appraisals been provided
to us. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us, we have
assumed that they have been reasonably
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prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and
financial condition of the Company and First Interstate to which such analyses
or forecasts relate. We have also assumed that the Merger will have the tax
consequences contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and that the other actions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be consummated as described in such
Merger Agreement.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It
should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this opinion and
that we do not have any independent obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm
this opinion.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Company with respect to the proposed
Merger and will receive a fee from the Company for our services, and an
additional fee if the proposed Merger is consummated. From time to time, we have
offered and provided investment banking and other services to the Company. In
the ordinary course of their businesses, our affiliates may actively trade the
debt and equity securities of the Company and First Interstate for their own
accounts or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, they may at any time
hold long or short positions in such securities.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date
hereof that the Exchange Ratio in the proposed Merger is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of Common Stock of the Company.
This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection
with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Merger. This opinion does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how such
shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger. This opinion may not be
used, disclosed, referred to or communicated by you (in whole or in part) to any
third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written consent in
each instance. This opinion may be reproduced in full in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus mailed to shareholders of the Company, but may not
otherwise be disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written
approval.
Very truly yours,
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
By:/s/ NICHOLAS B. PAUMGARTEN____
Name: Nicholas B. Paumgarten
Title: Managing Director
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[GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. LETTERHEAD]
APPENDIX G
November 6, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Gentlemen and Madame:
You have requested that we confirm our oral opinion as of November 5, 1995
as to the fairness to the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, par
value $2.00 per share (the "Shares"), of First Interstate Bancorp (the
"Company") of the exchange ratio of 2.6 shares of Common Stock, par value $1.25
per share, of First Bank System, Inc. ("FBS") to be received for each Share (the
"Exchange Ratio") pursuant to the merger (the "Merger") contemplated by the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 5, 1995 among FBS, Eleven
Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FBS, and the Company (the
"Agreement").
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), as part of its investment banking
business, is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes. We are familiar with the Company having performed investment
banking services for the Company from time to time and having acted as its
financial advisor in connection with the Agreement. We also have provided
certain investment banking services to FBS from time to time and may provide
investment banking services to the combined company in the future. In addition,
Goldman Sachs is a full service securities firm and in the course of its trading
activities it may from time to time effect transactions, for its own account or
the account of customers, and hold positions in securities or options on
securities of the Company and FBS.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement; Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the
Company and FBS for the five years ended December 31, 1994; certain interim
reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company and
FBS; certain other communications from the Company and FBS to their respective
stockholders; and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the
Company and FBS prepared by their respective managements, including analyses and
forecasts of certain cost savings, operating efficiencies, revenue effects and
financial synergies (collectively, the "Synergies") expected by the Company and
FBS to be achieved as a result of the Merger. We have also reviewed, and
considered in our analysis, information prepared by senior managements of the
Company and FBS relating to the relative contributions of the Company and FBS to
the combined company and the estimated pro forma impact of the Merger on
earnings per share, consolidated capitalization and certain other financial
ratios for the combined company as compared to the Company and FBS. We also have
held discussions with members of the senior management of the Company and FBS
regarding the past and current business operations, regulatory relationships,
financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies, each
senior managements' assessment of the strategic fit and implications of the
Merger, and the Synergies. We also have reviewed with members of the senior
management of the Company the results of the Company's due diligence examination
of FBS. In addition, we have reviewed the reported price and trading activity
for the Shares and FBS Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock market
information for the Company and FBS with similar information for certain other
companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed
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the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the commercial
banking industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed
such other studies and analyses as we considered appropriate.
We have relied without independent verification upon the accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information reviewed by us or
conveyed to us in discussions with senior managements of the Company and FBS for
purposes of this opinion. In that regard, we have assumed, with your consent,
that the financial forecasts, including, without limitation, the Synergies and
projections regarding over-performing and non-performing assets and net
charge-offs have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best
currently available judgments and estimates of the Company and FBS and that such
forecasts will be realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated thereby.
We are not experts in the evaluation of loan and lease portfolios for purposes
of assessing the adequacy of the allowances for losses with respect thereto and
have assumed, with your consent, that such allowances for each of the Company
and FBS are in the aggregate adequate to cover all such losses. Similarly, we
have assumed, with your consent and without independent analysis, that the
obligations of the Company and FBS pursuant to derivatives, swaps, foreign
exchange, financial instruments and off-balance sheet lending-related financial
instruments will not have an adverse effect which would be relevant to our
analysis. In addition, we have not reviewed individual credit files nor have we
made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of the
Company or FBS or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not been
furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. You have informed us, and we
have assumed, that the Merger is of long-term strategic importance to the
Company. We also have assumed, with your consent, that obtaining any necessary
regulatory approvals and third-party consents for the Merger or otherwise will
not have a materially adverse effect on the Company, FBS or the combined
company. Our opinion as to the fairness of the Exchange Ratio addresses the
ownership position in the combined company to be received by the holders of
Shares pursuant to the Exchange Ratio on the terms set forth in the Agreement
and does not address the future trading or acquisition value for the stock of
the combined company. In addition, our opinion does not address the relative
merits of the Merger and alternative potential transactions. We also have
assumed with your consent that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of
interests under generally accepted accounting principles.
Our opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of the Company and does
not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of the Company as to how such
stockholder should vote at the stockholders' meeting to be held in connection
with the Merger.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters as
we consider relevant, we hereby confirm our oral opinion as of November 5, 1995
that the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Agreement is fair to the holders of
Shares.
Very truly yours,
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
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[GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. LETTERHEAD]
November 19, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Gentlemen and Madame:
On November 5, 1995, First Interstate Bancorp (the "Company") and First Bank
System, Inc. ("FBS") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
Agreement"), which provides, among other things, for the merger of the Company
with Eleven Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS (the "Merger").
Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of Common Stock, par value $2.00
per share (the "Shares"), of the Company will be converted into 2.6 shares (the
"Exchange Ratio") of Common Stock, par value $1.25 per share, of FBS.
We have delivered to you, on November 5, 1995, our oral opinion as to the
fairness of the Exchange Ratio to the holders of Shares. We also have confirmed
our oral opinion in our written opinion dated November 6, 1995. The information,
analyses, assumptions and limitations contained or referred to in our November
6, 1995 written opinion are made a part of this letter and are incorporated
herein by reference.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of the Company only and does not constitute a recommendation to
stockholders of the Company as to the voting of their shares on the proposed
Merger or any other transaction.
This is to advise you that, as of the date hereof, nothing has come to our
attention that would cause us to withdraw or amend either our oral opinion
delivered to you on November 5, 1995, or the confirmation thereof delivered to
you in our written opinion dated November 6, 1995.
Very truly yours,
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
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[MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INC. LETTERHEAD]
APPENDIX H
November 5, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Members of the Board:
We understand that First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate" or
"Company") and First Bank System, Inc. ("First Bank") are proposing to enter
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Proposed Merger Agreement"), which
will provide, among other things, for the merger of First Interstate with First
Bank (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of common
stock of First Interstate (the "First Interstate Common Stock"), other than
shares held in treasury or held by First Bank or any affiliate of First Bank or
as to which dissenters' rights have been perfected, will be converted into 2.60
shares (the "First Bank Exchange Ratio") of common stock of First Bank (the
"First Bank Common Stock"). Based on the closing price of First Bank Common
Stock on November 3, 1995, the indicated value of the First Bank Exchange Ratio
would be $132.28 per share of First Interstate Common Stock.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the First Bank Exchange Ratio
pursuant to the Proposed Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view
to holders of First Interstate Common Stock (other than First Bank and its
affiliates).
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i) analyzed certain publicly available financial statements and other
information of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(ii) analyzed internal financial statements and other financial and
operating data concerning First Interstate and First Bank prepared
by the managements of First Interstate and First Bank,
respectively;
(iii) analyzed financial projections prepared by the managements of First
Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(iv) discussed the past and current operations and financial condition
and the prospects of First Interstate and First Bank with senior
executives of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(v) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the First
Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock;
(vi) compared the financial performance of First Interstate and First
Bank and the prices, trading activity and trading multiples of the
First Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock with
that of certain other comparable bank holding companies and their
securities;
(vii) discussed the strategic objectives of the merger and the plan for
the combined company with senior executives of First Interstate and
First Bank;
(viii)analyzed certain pro forma financial projections for the combined
company prepared by First Interstate and First Bank;
(ix) reviewed and discussed with the senior managements of First
Interstate and First Bank certain estimates of the potential cost
savings and anticipated revenue enhancements expected to result
from the Merger;
(x) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain comparable bank holding company merger transactions;
(xi) participated in discussions among representatives of First
Interstate and First Bank and their financial and legal advisors;
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(xii) reviewed the Proposed Merger Agreement and certain related
agreements; and
(xiii)performed such other analyses as we have deemed appropriate.
We are aware of the proposal by Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo") to
combine with First Interstate at an exchange ratio of .625 of a share of Wells
Fargo Common Stock for each share of First Interstate Common Stock (the ".625
Wells Fargo Ratio"). We also have been advised by senior management of First
Interstate that senior management of Wells Fargo has orally indicated that under
certain conditions it might be willing to raise the proposed exchange ratio to
no higher than .650 of a share of Wells Fargo Common Stock for each share of
First Interstate Common Stock (the ".650 Wells Fargo Ratio"). Based on the
closing price of Wells Fargo Common Stock on November 3, 1995, the indicated
value of the .625 Wells Fargo Ratio and the .650 Wells Fargo Ratio would be
$132.66 and $137.96, respectively, per share of First Interstate Common Stock.
We note that based on closing prices on November 3, 1995, the indicated values
of both the Wells Fargo Ratios were higher than the indicated value of the First
Bank Exchange Ratio.
We have assumed and relied upon without independent verification the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of
this opinion. With respect to the financial projections, including estimates of
cost savings and revenue enhancements expected to result from the Merger, we
have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial
performance of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively. We have also
assumed that off-balance sheet activities of First Interstate and First Bank,
including derivatives and other similar financial instruments, will not
adversely affect the future financial position and results of operations of the
combined enterprise. We have not made any independent valuation or appraisal of
the assets or liabilities of First Interstate or First Bank, nor have we been
furnished with any such appraisals and we have not examined any individual loan
credit files of First Interstate and First Bank. We have also assumed with your
consent that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under
generally accepted accounting principals. Our opinion is necessarily based on
economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to us as of, the date hereof.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of First
Interstate in connection with this transaction and will receive a fee for our
services. In the past, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and its affiliates have
provided financial advisory and financing services for First Interstate and
First Bank and have received fees for the rendering of these services. We have
also provided financial advisory and financing services for Wells Fargo in the
past, and have received fees for the rendering of these services.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of First Interstate only and does not constitute a recommendation to
stockholders of First Interstate as to the voting of their shares on the
proposed Merger or any other transaction.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date hereof that the
First Bank Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to holders of
First Interstate Common Stock (other than First Bank and its affiliates).
We note that it is also our view on the date hereof, based upon publicly
available information in the case of Wells Fargo, that each of the .625 and .650
Wells Fargo Ratios would be fair from a financial point of view to the holders
of First Interstate Common Stock (other than Wells Fargo and its affiliates).
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: _____/s/_DONALD A. MOORE, JR._____
Donald A. Moore, Jr.
Managing Director
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[MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INC. LETTERHEAD]
November 19, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Members of the Board:
On November 5, 1995, First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate") and First
Bank System, Inc. ("First Bank") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Merger Agreement") which provides, among other things, for the merger of
First Interstate with First Bank (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each
outstanding share of First Interstate Common Stock, other than shares held in
treasury or held by First Bank or any affiliate of First Bank or as to which
dissenters' rights have been perfected, will be converted into 2.60 shares (the
"First Bank Exchange Ratio") of First Bank Common Stock. Based on the closing
price of First Bank Common Stock on November 17, 1995, the indicated value of
the First Bank Exchange Ratio would be $137.80 per share of First Interstate
Common Stock.
We have been informed of the revised offer by Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells
Fargo") on November 13, 1995 to combine with First Interstate at an exchange
ratio of two-thirds of a share of Wells Fargo Common Stock for each share of
First Interstate Common Stock (the "Two-Thirds Wells Fargo Ratio"). Based on the
closing price of Wells Fargo Common Stock on November 17, 1995 the indicated
value of the Two-Thirds Wells Fargo Ratio would be $141.17 per share of First
Interstate Common Stock.
You have asked us to reaffirm our opinion dated November 5, 1995 as to the
fairness from a financial point of view of the First Bank Exchange Ratio.
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i)
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the First
Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock from November
3, 1995 to the date hereof;
(ii)
confirmed with senior managements of First Interstate and First Bank
that there have been no material changes or developments in the
information previously provided to us by the respective managements in
connection with our November 5, 1995 opinion, except for information
relating to the revised offer by Wells Fargo; and
(iii)
performed such other analyses as we have deemed appropriate.
The information, analyses, assumptions and limitations contained or referred
to in our November 5, 1995 opinion letter are made a part of this letter and are
incorporated herein by reference.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of First Interstate only and does not constitute a recommendation to
stockholders of First Interstate as to the voting of their shares on the
proposed Merger or any other transaction.
Based on the foregoing, this is to advise you that on the date hereof we
reaffirm our opinion of November 5, 1995 that the First Bank Exchange Ratio is
fair from a financial point of view to holders of First Interstate Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: /s/_DONALD A. MOORE, JR.
Managing Director
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Under Delaware law, the directors and officers of First Bank System, Inc.
(the "Company") are entitled, under certain circumstances, to be indemnified by
the Company against all expenses and liabilities incurred or imposed upon them
as a result of suits brought against them as such directors and officers, if
they act in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believe to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, have no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful, except that no indemnification shall be made against expenses in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which they shall have been adjudged
to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the court in
which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that,
despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of
the case, they are fairly and reasonably entitled to be indemnified for such
expenses which such court shall deem proper. Any such indemnification may be
made by the Company only as authorized in each specific case upon a
determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors that
indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable
statutory standard of conduct.
Article Ninth of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, provides that a director shall not be liable to the Company or its
stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under
the Delaware statutory provisions making directors personally liable for
unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The Bylaws of the Company provide that the officers and directors of the
Company and certain others shall be indemnified substantially to the same extent
permitted by Delaware law.
The Company maintains a standard policy of officers' and directors'
liability insurance.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Exhibits
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2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 5, 1995, by and among First
Bank System, Inc., Eleven Acquisition Corp. and First Interstate Bancorp.
(Included in Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Appendix A.) The registrant
agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of omitted schedules to the Commission
upon request.
4.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of First Bank System, Inc.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant's Form 8-A/A-2
dated October 6, 1994, File No. 1-6880.)
4.2 Certificate of Designation for First Bank System, Inc. Series 1990A Preferred
Stock. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Amendment No. 1 to the
registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.3 Certificate of Designation for First Bank System, Inc. Series 1991A Convertible
Preferred Stock. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33-50700.)
4.4 Certificate of Designation for First Bank System, Inc. Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.4 to the registrant's Form 8-A/A-2 dated October 6, 1994, File No.
1-6880.)
4.5 Bylaws of First Bank System, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3B to
the registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993, File No. 1-6880.)
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4.6 Rights Agreement dated as of December 21, 1988, between First Bank System, Inc.
and Morgan Shareholder Services Trust Company (now known as First Chicago Trust
Company of New York). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the
registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 1989, File No.
1-6880.)
4.7 Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 30, 1990, to Rights Agreement. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 5, 1990, File No. 1-6880.)
4.8 Amendment No. 2 dated as of February 17, 1993, to Rights Agreement.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the registrant's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed March 1, 1993, File No. 1-6880.)
4.9 Amendment No. 3 dated November 9, 1995, to Rights Agreement. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
November 16, 1995, File No. 1-6880.)
4.10 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1990, among Corporate Partners,
L.P., Corporate Offshore Partners, L.P., The State Board of Administration of
Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (without exhibits). (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.11 First Amendment, dated as of June 30, 1990, to Stock Purchase Agreement among
Corporate Partners, L.P., Corporate Offshore Partners, L.P., The State Board of
Administration of Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.12 Second Amendment, dated July 18, 1990, to Stock Purchase Agreement among
Corporate Partners, L.P., Corporate Offshore Partners, L.P., The State Board of
Administration of Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.13 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1990, between The State Board of
Administration of Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (without exhibits).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the
registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.14 Form of Periodic Stock Purchase Right. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.12 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
File No. 33-42650.)
4.15 Form of Risk Event Warrant. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to
Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File
No. 33-42650.)
4.16 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 18, 1990, among Corporate
Partners, L.P., Corporate Offshore Partners, L.P., The State Board of
Administration of Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
4.17 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 18, 1990, between The State
Board of Administration of Florida and First Bank System, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42650.)
*5.1 Opinion and consent of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. as to legality of the
securities being registered.
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
*8.1 Opinion and consent of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. as to certain federal income
tax consequences described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
*8.2 Opinion and consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom as to certain
federal income tax consequences described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
10.1 Agreement of Merger and Consolidation dated August 6, 1995, by and between First
Bank System, Inc., and FirsTier Financial, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17,
1995, File No. 1-6880.)
10.2 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of August 6, 1995, between First Bank System,
Inc. and FirsTier Financial, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to
the registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 1995, File No.
1-6880.)
23.1 Consent of Dorsey & Whitney P.L.L.P. (Included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1.)
23.2 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. (Included in Exhibit 8.2.)
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of First Bank
System, Inc.).
23.4 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of First
Interstate Bancorp).
23.5 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (relating to financial statements of FirsTier
Financial, Inc.).
23.6 Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
23.7 Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
23.8 Consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
24.1 Powers of Attorney.
99.1 Form of proxy for Special Meeting of shareholders of First Bank System, Inc.
99.2 Form of proxy for Special Meeting of shareholders of First Interstate Bancorp.
99.3 Certificate of Incorporation of First Interstate Bancorp. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to First Interstate Bancorp's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989, File No. 1-4114.)
99.4 Bylaws of First Interstate Bancorp. (Incorporated by reference to First
Interstate Bancorp's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993, File No. 1-4114.)
99.5 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 5, 1995, between First Interstate
Bancorp and First Bank System, Inc. (Included in Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix B.)
99.6 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of November 5, 1995, between First Bank System,
Inc. and First Interstate Bancorp. (Included in Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus as Appendix C.)
99.7 Termination Fee Letter, dated as of November 5, 1995, between First Bank System,
Inc. and First Interstate Bancorp. (Included in Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus as Appendix D.)
99.8 Termination Fee Letter, dated as of November 5, 1995, between First Interstate
Bancorp and First Bank System, Inc. (Included in Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix E.)
99.9 Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (Included in Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus as Appendix F.)
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
99.10 Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Included in Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Appendix G.)
99.11 Opinions of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (Included in Joint Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus as Appendix H.)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
*To be filed by Amendment.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules.
None.
(c) Reports, Opinions and Appraisals.
The opinions of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated are included in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
as Appendices F, G and H, respectively, and referred to above as Exhibits 99.9,
99.10 and 99.11, respectively.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
II-4
<PAGE>
Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain
the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.
(d) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (c) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with
an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(e) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to its articles, bylaws or otherwise, the registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
(g) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-5
<PAGE>
[MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INC. LETTERHEAD]
APPENDIX H
November 5, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Members of the Board:
We understand that First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate" or
"Company") and First Bank System, Inc. ("First Bank") are proposing to enter
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Proposed Merger Agreement"), which
will provide, among other things, for the merger of First Interstate with First
Bank (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each outstanding share of common
stock of First Interstate (the "First Interstate Common Stock"), other than
shares held in treasury or held by First Bank or any affiliate of First Bank or
as to which dissenters' rights have been perfected, will be converted into 2.60
shares (the "First Bank Exchange Ratio") of common stock of First Bank (the
"First Bank Common Stock"). Based on the closing price of First Bank Common
Stock on November 3, 1995, the indicated value of the First Bank Exchange Ratio
would be $132.28 per share of First Interstate Common Stock.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the First Bank Exchange Ratio
pursuant to the Proposed Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view
to holders of First Interstate Common Stock (other than First Bank and its
affiliates).
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i) analyzed certain publicly available financial statements and other
information of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(ii) analyzed internal financial statements and other financial and
operating data concerning First Interstate and First Bank prepared
by the managements of First Interstate and First Bank,
respectively;
(iii) analyzed financial projections prepared by the managements of First
Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(iv) discussed the past and current operations and financial condition
and the prospects of First Interstate and First Bank with senior
executives of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively;
(v) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the First
Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock;
(vi) compared the financial performance of First Interstate and First
Bank and the prices, trading activity and trading multiples of the
First Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock with
that of certain other comparable bank holding companies and their
securities;
(vii) discussed the strategic objectives of the merger and the plan for
the combined company with senior executives of First Interstate and
First Bank;
(viii)analyzed certain pro forma financial projections for the combined
company prepared by First Interstate and First Bank;
(ix) reviewed and discussed with the senior managements of First
Interstate and First Bank certain estimates of the potential cost
savings and anticipated revenue enhancements expected to result
from the Merger;
(x) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain comparable bank holding company merger transactions;
(xi) participated in discussions among representatives of First
Interstate and First Bank and their financial and legal advisors;
H-1
<PAGE>
(xii) reviewed the Proposed Merger Agreement and certain related
agreements; and
(xiii)performed such other analyses as we have deemed appropriate.
We are aware of the proposal by Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo") to
combine with First Interstate at an exchange ratio of .625 of a share of Wells
Fargo Common Stock for each share of First Interstate Common Stock (the ".625
Wells Fargo Ratio"). We also have been advised by senior management of First
Interstate that senior management of Wells Fargo has orally indicated that under
certain conditions it might be willing to raise the proposed exchange ratio to
no higher than .650 of a share of Wells Fargo Common Stock for each share of
First Interstate Common Stock (the ".650 Wells Fargo Ratio"). Based on the
closing price of Wells Fargo Common Stock on November 3, 1995, the indicated
value of the .625 Wells Fargo Ratio and the .650 Wells Fargo Ratio would be
$132.66 and $137.96, respectively, per share of First Interstate Common Stock.
We note that based on closing prices on November 3, 1995, the indicated values
of both the Wells Fargo Ratios were higher than the indicated value of the First
Bank Exchange Ratio.
We have assumed and relied upon without independent verification the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of
this opinion. With respect to the financial projections, including estimates of
cost savings and revenue enhancements expected to result from the Merger, we
have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial
performance of First Interstate and First Bank, respectively. We have also
assumed that off-balance sheet activities of First Interstate and First Bank,
including derivatives and other similar financial instruments, will not
adversely affect the future financial position and results of operations of the
combined enterprise. We have not made any independent valuation or appraisal of
the assets or liabilities of First Interstate or First Bank, nor have we been
furnished with any such appraisals and we have not examined any individual loan
credit files of First Interstate and First Bank. We have also assumed with your
consent that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under
generally accepted accounting principals. Our opinion is necessarily based on
economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to us as of, the date hereof.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of First
Interstate in connection with this transaction and will receive a fee for our
services. In the past, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and its affiliates have
provided financial advisory and financing services for First Interstate and
First Bank and have received fees for the rendering of these services. We have
also provided financial advisory and financing services for Wells Fargo in the
past, and have received fees for the rendering of these services.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of First Interstate only and does not constitute a recommendation to
stockholders of First Interstate as to the voting of their shares on the
proposed Merger or any other transaction.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date hereof that the
First Bank Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to holders of
First Interstate Common Stock (other than First Bank and its affiliates).
We note that it is also our view on the date hereof, based upon publicly
available information in the case of Wells Fargo, that each of the .625 and .650
Wells Fargo Ratios would be fair from a financial point of view to the holders
of First Interstate Common Stock (other than Wells Fargo and its affiliates).
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: _____/s/_DONALD A. MOORE, JR._____
Donald A. Moore, Jr.
Managing Director
H-2
<PAGE>
[MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INC. LETTERHEAD]
November 19, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Members of the Board:
On November 5, 1995, First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate") and First
Bank System, Inc. ("First Bank") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Merger Agreement") which provides, among other things, for the merger of
First Interstate with First Bank (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger, each
outstanding share of First Interstate Common Stock, other than shares held in
treasury or held by First Bank or any affiliate of First Bank or as to which
dissenters' rights have been perfected, will be converted into 2.60 shares (the
"First Bank Exchange Ratio") of First Bank Common Stock. Based on the closing
price of First Bank Common Stock on November 17, 1995, the indicated value of
the First Bank Exchange Ratio would be $137.80 per share of First Interstate
Common Stock.
We have been informed of the revised offer by Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells
Fargo") on November 13, 1995 to combine with First Interstate at an exchange
ratio of two-thirds of a share of Wells Fargo Common Stock for each share of
First Interstate Common Stock (the "Two-Thirds Wells Fargo Ratio"). Based on the
closing price of Wells Fargo Common Stock on November 17, 1995 the indicated
value of the Two-Thirds Wells Fargo Ratio would be $141.17 per share of First
Interstate Common Stock.
You have asked us to reaffirm our opinion dated November 5, 1995 as to the
fairness from a financial point of view of the First Bank Exchange Ratio.
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i)
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the First
Interstate Common Stock and the First Bank Common Stock from November
3, 1995 to the date hereof;
(ii)
confirmed with senior managements of First Interstate and First Bank
that there have been no material changes or developments in the
information previously provided to us by the respective managements in
connection with our November 5, 1995 opinion, except for information
relating to the revised offer by Wells Fargo; and
(iii)
performed such other analyses as we have deemed appropriate.
The information, analyses, assumptions and limitations contained or referred
to in our November 5, 1995 opinion letter are made a part of this letter and are
incorporated herein by reference.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of First Interstate only and does not constitute a recommendation to
stockholders of First Interstate as to the voting of their shares on the
proposed Merger or any other transaction.
Based on the foregoing, this is to advise you that on the date hereof we
reaffirm our opinion of November 5, 1995 that the First Bank Exchange Ratio is
fair from a financial point of view to holders of First Interstate Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: /s/_DONALD A. MOORE, JR.
Managing Director
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis, State of
Minnesota, on November 20, 1995.
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
By /S/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
------------------------------------
John F. Grundhofer
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE AND TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------
<S> <C>
/s/ JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER
------------------------------------------
John F. Grundhofer November 20, 1995
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and
Director (principal executive officer)
/s/ RICHARD A. ZONA
----------------------------------------
Richard A. Zona, November 20, 1995
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (principal
financial officer)
/s/ DAVID J. PARRIN
------------------------------------------
David J. Parrin, November 20, 1995
Senior Vice President and Controller (principal
accounting officer)
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Roger L. Hale, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Delbert W. Johnson, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Norman M. Jones, Director
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE AND TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------
<S> <C>
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
John H. Kareken, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Richard L. Knowlton, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Jerry W. Levin, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Kenneth A. Macke, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Marilyn C. Nelson, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Edward J. Phillips, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
James J. Renier, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
S. Walter Richey, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Richard L. Robinson, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Richard L. Schall, Director
*
------------------------------------------ November 20, 1995
Lyle E. Schroeder, Director
*By /s/ DAVID J. PARRIN
--------------------------------------
David J. Parrin,
Pro se and as Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Joint
Proxy Statement of First Bank System, Inc. and First Interstate Bancorp that is
made a part of the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of
First Bank System, Inc. for the registration of 000,000 shares of its common
stock and 000,000 shares of its preferred stock and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated January 24, 1995, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of First Bank System, Inc. included in its
Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1995, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 20, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Joint
Proxy Statement of First Bank System, Inc. and First Interstate Bancorp that is
made a part of the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of
First Bank System, Inc. for the registration of 000,000 shares of its common
stock and 000,000 shares of its preferred stock and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated January 16, 1995, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of First Interstate Bancorp included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1994, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 20, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.5
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-4 Registration Statement of our report dated August 28,
1995, on FirsTier Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries, included in First Bank
System, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A filed August 30, 1995, and to all
references to our firm included in this Registration Statement.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Omaha, Nebraska
November 17, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.6
CONSENT OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
We hereby consent to the use of our opinion letter dated November 5, 1995 to
the Board of Directors of First Bank System, Inc. (the "Company"), included as
an appendix to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which forms a part of the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger of the
Company's subsidiary, Eleven Acquisition Corp., with and into First Interstate
Bancorp, and to the references to such opinion in such Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, nor do we hereby admit that we
are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the
meaning of the term "experts" as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder.
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
By: /s/ D.T. IGNACIO JAYANTI_______
Name: D.T. Ignacio Jayanti
Title: Vice President
November 20, 1995
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.7
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
November 19, 1995
Board of Directors
First Interstate Bancorp
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Bank System, Inc. dated
November 20, 1995, including the Joint Proxy Statement of First Bank
System, Inc. and First Interstate Bancorp
Gentlemen and Madame:
Reference is made to (i) our opinion letter dated November 6, 1995 with
respect to the fairness to the holders of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock, par value $2.00 per share (the "Shares"), of First Interstate Bancorp
(the "Company") of the exchange ratio of 2.6 shares of Common Stock, par value
$1.25 per share, of First Bank System, Inc. ("FBS") to be received for each
Share pursuant to the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of November 5, 1995 among FBS, Eleven Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FBS, and the Company; and (ii) our subsequent letter dated
November 19, 1995 confirming that such opinion letter had not been withdrawn or
amended.
The foregoing opinion letter and subsequent letter are solely for the
information and assistance of the Board of Directors of the Company in
connection with its consideration of the transaction contemplated therein and
are not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other
purpose, nor are they to be filed with, included in or referred to in whole or
in part in any registration statement, proxy statement or any other document,
except in accordance with our prior written consent.
In that regard, we hereby consent to the reference to the opinion and
subsequent letter of our Firm under the captions "SUMMARY -- Opinions of First
Interstate Financial Advisors," "THE MERGER -- Background of the Merger," "THE
MERGER -- Reasons of First Interstate for the Merger," "THE MERGER --
Recommendation of First Interstate Board of Directors" and "THE MERGER --
Opinions of First Interstate Financial Advisors" and to the inclusion of the
foregoing opinion and subsequent letter in the Joint Proxy Statement included in
the above-mentioned Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.8
CONSENT OF MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
NOVEMBER 19, 1995
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
633 WEST FIFTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
DEAR SIRS:
We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Registration Statement on Form S-4
and related joint proxy statement/prospectus with respect to the proposed merger
of First Interstate Bancorp with a wholly owned subsidiary of First Bank System,
Inc., of our opinion letters appearing as Appendix H to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is part of such Registration Statement, and to the
references to our firm name under the captions "SUMMARY -- Opinions of First
Interstate Financial Advisors" and "THE MERGER -- Background of the Merger", "--
Reasons of First Interstate for the Merger; Recommendation of First Interstate
Board of Directors," "-- Opinions of First Interstate Financial Advisors". In
giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any
part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as
used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: /s/ VIKRAM GANDHI_______
Vikram Gandhi
Vice President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below hereby constitutes and appoints Lee R. Mitau, Richard A. Zona and David J.
Parrin, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign a Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Bank System,
Inc., and any and all amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments,
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority
to do and perform to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each acting alone, or the substitutes for such attorneys-in-fact and
agents, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- -----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
Chairman, President, Chief Executive
/s/JOHN F. GRUNDHOFER Officer and Director (principal November 17, 1995
John F. Grundhofer executive officer)
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Richard A. Zona Officer (principal financial officer) , 1995
Senior Vice President and Controller
David J. Parrin (principal accounting officer) , 1995
/s/ROGER L. HALE
Roger L. Hale Director November 16, 1995
/s/DELBERT W. JOHNSON
Delbert W. Johnson Director November 17, 1995
/s/NORMAN M. JONES
Norman M. Jones Director November 17, 1995
/s/JOHN H. KAREKEN
John H. Kareken Director November 16, 1995
/s/RICHARD L. KNOWLTON
Richard L. Knowlton Director November 17, 1995
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------- -----------------------
/s/JERRY W. LEVIN
Jerry W. Levin Director November 15, 1995
<C> <S> <C>
/s/KENNETH A. MACKE
Kenneth A. Macke Director November 16, 1995
/s/MARILYN C. NELSON
Marilyn C. Nelson Director November 16, 1995
/s/EDWARD J. PHILLIPS
Edward J. Phillips Director November 17, 1995
/s/JAMES J. RENIER
James J. Renier Director November 17, 1995
/s/S. WALTER RICHEY
S. Walter Richey Director November 17, 1995
/s/RICHARD L. ROBINSON
Richard L. Robinson Director November 16, 1995
/s/RICHARD L. SCHALL
Richard L. Schall Director November 16, 1995
/s/LYLE E. SCHROEDER
Lyle E. Schroeder Director November 17, 1995
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FIRST BANK SYSTEM, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE SPECIAL
MEETING ON , 1996
The undersigned hereby appoints , and , and
each of them, with full power of substitution as proxies, to vote all shares of
common stock of First Bank System, Inc. ("FBS") which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held ,
1996 and any adjournments or postponements thereof, with all powers the
undersigned would possess if personally present, as follows.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1. To approve the issuance of up to 207,480,000 shares of common stock, $1.25 par value ("FBS Common Stock"), of FBS to
holders of the common stock, $2.00 par value ("First Interstate Common Stock"), of First Interstate Bancorp ("First
Interstate") in connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 5, 1995 among FBS, a wholly
owned subsidiary of FBS and First Interstate.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. To approve an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of FBS to change its name from "First Bank System, Inc."
to "First Interstate Bancorp."
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. To approve an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of FBS to increase the number of its authorized shares of
common stock from 200,000,000 to 500,000,000 and its authorized shares of preferred stock from 10,000,000 to
15,000,000.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
</TABLE>
(PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
This Proxy, if signed and returned, will be voted as specified. IF NO
SPECIFICATIONS ARE MADE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH OF THE PROPOSALS
STATED. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER
BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. A majority of said proxies, or
any substitute or substitutes, who shall be present and act at the meeting (or
if only one shall be present and act, then that one) shall have all the powers
of said proxies hereunder.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY whether or not you expect to
attend the meeting. You may nevertheless vote in person if you do attend.
Date _____________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Signature(s)
NOTE: PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS. IF SHARES ARE HELD JOINTLY, ANY ONE
OF THE JOINT OWNERS MAY SIGN. ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS,
TRUSTEES, GUARDIANS OR CORPORATION OFFICERS SHOULD INDICATE THE CAPACITY IN
WHICH THEY ARE SIGNING.
<PAGE>
FIRST INTERSTATE BANCORP
PROXY
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE SPECIAL
MEETING ON , 1996
The undersigned hereby appoints , and , and
each of them, with full power of substitution as proxies, to vote all shares of
Common Stock of First Interstate Bancorp ("First Interstate") which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be
held , 1996 and any adjournments or postponements thereof, with all
powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, as follows.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
To approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of November 5, 1995, by and among First Bank System,
Inc. ("FBS"), Eleven Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FBS ("Merger Sub"), and First Interstate
providing for the merger (the "Merger") of Merger Sub with and into First Interstate with First Interstate surviving
the Merger.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
</TABLE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST INTERSTATE RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE MERGER
PROPOSAL
(PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
This Proxy, if signed and returned, will be voted as specified. If no
specifications are made, your shares will be voted FOR approval and adoption of
the Agreement and Plan of Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby. In
their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as
may properly come before the meeting. A majority of said proxies, or any
substitute or substitutes, who shall be present and act at the meeting (or if
only one shall be present and act, then that one) shall have all the powers of
said proxies hereunder.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY whether or not you expect to
attend the meeting. You may nevertheless vote in person if you do attend.
Date _____________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Signature(s)
NOTE: PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS. IF SHARES ARE HELD JOINTLY, ANY ONE
OF THE JOINT OWNERS MAY SIGN. ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS,
TRUSTEES, GUARDIANS OR CORPORATION OFFICERS SHOULD INDICATE THE CAPACITY IN
WHICH THEY ARE SIGNING.
