<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 19, 1995
REGISTRATION NO. 33-
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
---------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
GEORGIA 7374 58-1107864
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
---------------------
3 CORPORATE SQUARE, SUITE 700
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30329
(404) 321-0120
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive offices)
PATRICK H. THOMAS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
3 CORPORATE SQUARE, SUITE 700
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30329
(404) 321-0120
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
GEORGE L. COHEN, ESQ. W. BRINKLEY DICKERSON, ESQ. BRUCE B. MCPHEETERS, ESQ.
SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN SCHIFF, HARDIN & WAITE POPHAM HAIK
999 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E. 7200 SEARS TOWER SCHNOBRICH & KAUFMAN, LTD.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606 3200 PIPER JAFFRAY TOWER
(404) 853-8000 (312)876-1000 222 S. NINTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402
(612) 333-4800
</TABLE>
---------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
---------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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PROPOSED PROPOSED
AMOUNT MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE OFFERING PRICE FEE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value $.10 1,817,664(1) N.A. $143,227,322(2) $49,389(3)
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</TABLE>
(1) Represents the maximum number of shares of Common Stock of the Registrant
issuable to stockholders of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. upon the
consummation of the merger of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. with Gemini
Acquisition Corp. pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of
Merger.
(2) Based upon a total market value of $143,227,322 for the maximum number of
9,203,362 shares of EBP Common Stock to be cancelled in the merger,
reflecting a market price of $15.5625 per share of EBP Common Stock, the
average of the high and low prices of such shares reported on the New York
Stock Exchange on July 20, 1995 (the date used in the calculation of the
filing fee paid on July 26, 1995 in connection with the filing of
preliminary proxy materials by Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.).
(3) $28,655 of such fee was previously paid by the Registrant pursuant to Rule
0-11 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection
with the filling of preliminary proxy materials by Employee Benefit Plans,
Inc. on July 26, 1995, resulting in a remaining $20,734 required to be paid
hereunder pursuant to Securities Act Rule 457(b).
---------------------
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL HEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ON SUCH DATE
AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET TO FORM S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT
(PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K)
PART 1 -- INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBERS AND CAPTIONS LOCATION IN PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
A. INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus... Facing Page; Cross Reference Sheet; Outside
Front Cover Page of Proxy Statement and
Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
of Prospectus............................ Available Information; Information
Incorporated by Reference; Table of
Contents
3. Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges and Other Information............ Summary
4. Terms of the Transaction................... Summary; The Merger; Comparison of Rights
of Holders of FFMC Common Stock and Holders
of EBP Common Stock
5. Pro Forma Financial Information............ Summary
6. Material Contacts with the Company Being
Acquired................................. The Merger
7. Additional Information Required for
Reoffering by Persons and Parties Deemed
to be Underwriters....................... *
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel..... Legal Matters; 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; Information
Incorporated by Reference; Summary;
Business of FFMC
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference................................ Information Incorporated 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> 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBERS AND CAPTIONS LOCATION IN PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
15. Information with Respect to S-3
Companies................................ Available Information; Information
Incorporated by Reference; Summary;
Business of EBP
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Companies................................ *
17. Information with Respect to Companies Other
than S-2 or S-3 Companies................ *
D. VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18. Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations are to be Solicited....... Information Incorporated by Reference;
Summary; The Meeting; The Merger;
Information Incorporated by Reference;
EBP Voting Stock and Principal Holders;
FFMC Management and Principal
Stockholders
19. Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations are not to be Solicited or
in an Exchange Offer..................... *
</TABLE>
---------------
* Omitted since the answer is negative or the Item is not applicable.
<PAGE> 4
EBP HealthPlans (LOGO)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
435 FORD ROAD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55426
September 20, 1995
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. ("EBP") to be held on October 19,
1995, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth Street, 50th
Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.
At the Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote on a proposal to
approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended (the "Merger
Agreement") pursuant to which Gemini Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of First Financial Management Corporation ("FFMC"), will be merged
with and into EBP (the "Merger"), with EBP remaining as the surviving
corporation and thus becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC. The terms of
the Merger Agreement provide that holders of the common stock, par value $.01
per share, of EBP ("EBP Common Stock") will receive, for each share of EBP
Common Stock owned immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, 0.1975
of a share (the "Conversion Ratio") of common stock, par value $.10 per share,
of FFMC ("FFMC Common Stock"). At the Meeting you will also be asked to consider
and vote on a proposal to permit the EBP Board of Directors to adjourn the
Meeting in its discretion, including an adjournment to obtain a quorum and/or
solicit additional EBP stockholder votes to approve the Merger Agreement (the
"Adjournment Proposal").
Please carefully review and consider the accompanying Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement and Prospectus which contain
information about EBP and FFMC and more fully describe the proposed Merger and
certain related matters. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of EBP Common Stock will be necessary for approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement. Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by
proxy at the Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EBP HAS APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT, THE MERGER
AND THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL AS BEING IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF EBP AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT ALL STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION
OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL. THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF EBP HAS RECEIVED A WRITTEN OPINION FROM EBP'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR,
LEHMAN BROTHERS INC., THAT, AS OF MAY 12, 1995 AND AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS, AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS, FACTORS AND
LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THE WRITTEN OPINION, THE CONVERSION RATIO TO BE OFFERED
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF EBP IN THE MERGER WAS AND IS FAIR, FROM A FINANCIAL POINT
OF VIEW, TO SUCH STOCKHOLDERS.
If the Merger Agreement is approved and adopted and the Merger is
consummated, you will be sent a letter of transmittal with instructions for
surrendering your certificates representing shares of EBP Common Stock. Please
do not send your share certificates until you receive these materials.
IN ORDER THAT YOUR SHARES MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE URGED
TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. If you attend
the Meeting in person, you may, if you wish, vote personally on all matters
brought before the Meeting even if you have previously returned your proxy card.
Sincerely,
/s/ William E. Sagan
William E. Sagan
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 5
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
435 FORD ROAD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55426
---------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 19, 1995
To the Stockholders of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EBP"), will
be held on October 19, 1995, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the IDS Tower, 80
South Eighth Street, 50th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, for the following
purposes:
1. To consider and vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 12, 1995, as amended (the
"Merger Agreement") among First Financial Management Corporation, a Georgia
corporation ("FFMC"), Gemini Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC ("SubCorp") and EBP. Pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, among other things, (a) SubCorp will be merged with and
into EBP, with EBP remaining as the surviving corporation and thus becoming
a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC (the "Merger") and (b) each stockholder
of EBP will receive, in exchange for each of his or her outstanding shares
of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of EBP owned immediately prior
to the effective time of the Merger, 0.1975 of a share of common stock, par
value $.10 per share, of FFMC.
2. To consider and vote on a proposal to permit the EBP Board of
Directors to adjourn the Meeting in its discretion, including an
adjournment to obtain a quorum and/or solicit additional EBP stockholder
votes to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement (the "Adjournment
Proposal").
3. To vote upon such procedural or other matters as may properly come
before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors of EBP has fixed the close of business on September
13, 1995, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Meeting, and only stockholders of record at such
time will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting.
A form of Proxy and a Proxy Statement and Prospectus containing more
detailed information with respect to the matters to be considered at the Meeting
accompany this notice.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EBP RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE ADJOURNMENT
PROPOSAL.
IN ORDER THAT YOUR SHARES MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE URGED
TO PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD IN THE
ENCLOSED SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
MEETING. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, YOU MAY, IF YOU WISH, VOTE
PERSONALLY ON ALL MATTERS BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING EVEN IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY
RETURNED YOUR PROXY CARD.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Timothy W. Kuck
Timothy W. Kuck
Secretary
September 20, 1995
HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR
PROXY CARDS.
<PAGE> 6
PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PROXY STATEMENT PROSPECTUS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC. FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
435 FORD ROAD 3 CORPORATE SQUARE, SUITE 700
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55426 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30329
</TABLE>
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus and the accompanying notice and form of
proxy are being furnished to the stockholders of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("EBP") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors of EBP from holders of EBP's outstanding shares of common
stock, $.01 par value ("EBP Common Stock"), for use at a special meeting of
stockholders of EBP to be held on October 19, 1995, at the IDS Tower, 80 South
Eighth Street, 50th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 at 9:00 a.m., local
time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof (the "Meeting").
At the Meeting, the EBP stockholders will be asked to vote upon a proposal
to approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 12, 1995,
as amended (the "Merger Agreement") among First Financial Management
Corporation, a Georgia corporation ("FFMC"), Gemini Acquisition Corp., a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC ("SubCorp") and EBP.
Under the Merger Agreement, EBP will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC
through a merger of EBP with SubCorp (the "Merger"), and each outstanding share
of EBP Common Stock will be converted into and exchanged for the right to
receive 0.1975 of a share of FFMC common stock, $.10 par value ("FFMC Common
Stock"). The Merger Agreement is attached to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus
as Annex A and is incorporated herein by reference. At the Meeting, EBP
stockholders will also be asked to consider and vote on a proposal to permit the
EBP Board of Directors to adjourn the Meeting in its discretion, including an
adjournment to obtain a quorum and/or solicit additional EBP stockholder votes
to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement (the "Adjournment Proposal").
The Board of Directors of EBP knows of no business that will be presented
at the Meeting other than the matters described in this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus. If any procedural or other matters properly come before the Meeting,
proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus serves as the proxy statement of EBP
and is first being mailed, with the accompanying form of proxy, to the
stockholders of EBP on or about September 20, 1995.
FFMC has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), covering 1,817,664 shares of FFMC Common Stock issuable in connection
with the Merger. This Proxy Statement, along with the materials which are
incorporated by reference, also constitutes the Prospectus of FFMC filed as part
of the Registration Statement.
THE DESCRIPTION OF ALL DOCUMENTS IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS
QUALIFIED BY REFERENCE TO THE TEXT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, THOSE DOCUMENTS ATTACHED AS ANNEXES TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS.
On September , 1995, the last trading day prior to the date of this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus, the last sale prices of FFMC Common Stock and EBP
Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange were $ per share and
$ per share, respectively. EBP stockholders are urged to obtain current
quotes for FFMC Common Stock.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, and, if
given or made, such information or representation should not be relied upon as
having been authorized. This Proxy Statement and Prospectus does not constitute
an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities
offered by this Proxy Statement and Prospectus, or the solicitation of a proxy,
in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such
offer, or solicitation of an offer or proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction.
Neither the delivery of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus nor any distribution
of the securities offered pursuant to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus shall
create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of EBP or
FFMC since the date of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
---------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER , 1995.
<PAGE> 7
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
FFMC and EBP are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and are
required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") relating to their respective
businesses, financial statements and other matters. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC's Regional Offices located at 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, such material may be
inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. at 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 where FFMC Common Stock and EBP Common
Stock are listed.
FFMC has filed a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with the
SEC covering the FFMC Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger.
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, to
which reference is hereby made. With respect to statements made in this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to
the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each
such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. The
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be inspected at the public
reference facilities of the SEC listed above.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. FFMC AND EBP WILL PROVIDE
WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON (INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER) TO WHOM A COPY OF
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST
OF SUCH PERSON, COPIES OF ALL SUCH DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN THE EXHIBITS THERETO
UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) WITHIN ONE
BUSINESS DAY OF SUCH REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION PERTAINING TO FFMC SHOULD
BE DIRECTED TO FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, 3 CORPORATE SQUARE, SUITE
700, ATLANTA, GA 30329, ATTN: RANDOLPH L.M. HUTTO, TELEPHONE: (404) 321-0120.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EBP SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO EMPLOYEE
BENEFIT PLANS, INC., 435 FORD ROAD, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55426, ATTN: TIMOTHY W.
KUCK, TELEPHONE: (612) 546-4353. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE
DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 12, 1995 (FIVE
BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MEETING).
ii
<PAGE> 8
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed by FFMC with the SEC (File No. 1-10442)
pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: (1) FFMC's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994; (2) FFMC's
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31 and June 30,
1995; (3) FFMC's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated November 4, 1994 (reporting
the proposed acquisition of Western Union Financial Services, Inc. and related
assets ("Western Union")), November 15, 1994 (confirming consummation of the
acquisition of Western Union and reflecting various adjustments in the Stock
Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of Western Union), March 28,
1995 (providing updated pro forma financial information regarding FFMC's
acquisition of Western Union), June 9, 1995 (filing certain additional material
contracts), June 12, 1995 (reporting FFMC's agreement to merge with a subsidiary
of First Data Corporation ("First Data")), July 25, 1995 (providing historical
financial data for First Data and CESI Holdings, Inc.), and September 11, 1995
(providing updated pro forma financial information with respect to the proposed
merger of FFMC with a subsidiary of First Data); and (4) the description of
FFMC's Common Stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed
on January 16, 1990, as updated by Item 2, Part II to FFMC's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990 and information contained in Note
I to the financial statements included in FFMC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1993.
The following documents filed by EBP with the SEC (File No. 1-10947)
pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference: (1) the
consolidated financial statements included in EBP's 1994 Annual Report to
Stockholders and incorporated by reference into EBP's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1994; (2) EBP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1994; (3) EBP's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for
the quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 1995; and (4) the description of EBP's
Common Stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on
December 3, 1991.
All documents filed by FFMC and EBP pursuant to Sections 13(a) and (c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus and prior to the date of the Meeting, and all such documents filed by
FFMC after the date of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and prior to the date
the offering made pursuant to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus is terminated
(including without limitation the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of FFMC and
First Data in connection with the proposed merger of FFMC with a subsidiary of
First Data included as part of a Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by
First Data), shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference and to be a part of
this Proxy Statement and Prospectus from the date of the filing of such
document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
iii
<PAGE> 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SUMMARY............................................................................... 1
The Companies....................................................................... 1
The Merger.......................................................................... 1
The Meeting......................................................................... 2
EBP Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of EBP's Board of Directors.............. 2
Merger Consideration................................................................ 2
No Appraisal Rights................................................................. 3
Certain Terms of the Merger......................................................... 3
Conditions to the Merger......................................................... 3
Termination...................................................................... 3
Tax Consequences.................................................................... 3
Comparison of Stockholder Rights.................................................... 4
Market Prices....................................................................... 4
Opinion of EBP's Financial Advisor.................................................. 4
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.......................................... 4
Governmental and Regulatory Requirements............................................ 5
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data..................................... 6
Pro Forma Combined Financial Data................................................... 7
Comparative Per Share Data.......................................................... 7
THE MEETING........................................................................... 10
General............................................................................. 10
Record Date and Shares Entitled to Vote............................................. 10
Vote Required; Security Ownership of Management..................................... 10
Adjournment Proposal................................................................ 10
Voting, Solicitation and Revocation of Proxies...................................... 11
Solicitation of Proxies............................................................. 11
No Appraisal Rights Under Delaware Law.............................................. 12
THE MERGER............................................................................ 13
Background of the Merger............................................................ 13
EBP Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors of EBP......... 18
Opinion of EBP's Financial Advisor.................................................. 20
FFMC Reasons for the Merger......................................................... 29
The Merger Agreement................................................................ 30
Merger Consideration................................................................ 30
Treatment of EBP Stock Options and Debentures....................................... 30
Conditions to the Merger............................................................ 31
Effective Time and Termination...................................................... 31
Amendment........................................................................... 32
Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements............................... 33
Governmental and Regulatory Requirements............................................ 33
Expenses............................................................................ 34
Resale of FFMC Common Stock......................................................... 34
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.......................................... 34
Tax Consequences.................................................................... 36
Accounting Treatment................................................................ 37
BUSINESS OF EBP....................................................................... 38
BUSINESS OF FFMC...................................................................... 38
General............................................................................. 38
Proposed Merger of FFMC with First Data Corporation................................. 38
FFMC MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS............................................ 40
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
EBP VOTING STOCK AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS................................................ 41
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF FFMC COMMON STOCK AND HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON
STOCK............................................................................... 42
Limitation of Liability of Directors................................................ 42
Indemnification of Officers and Directors........................................... 42
Directors........................................................................... 43
Dividends and Distributions......................................................... 44
Special Stockholder Meetings; Action Without a Meeting.............................. 44
Stockholder Proposals............................................................... 45
Stockholder Inspection Rights....................................................... 45
Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws............................... 45
Appraisal Rights.................................................................... 46
Anti-Takeover Provisions............................................................ 46
Stockholder Approval of Mergers and Asset Sales..................................... 47
FFMC CAPITAL STOCK.................................................................... 47
FFMC Common Stock................................................................... 48
FFMC Preferred Stock................................................................ 48
LEGAL MATTERS......................................................................... 48
EXPERTS............................................................................... 48
OTHER MATTERS......................................................................... 49
ANNEX A -- MERGER AGREEMENT
ANNEX B -- FAIRNESS OPINION
</TABLE>
v
<PAGE> 11
SUMMARY
The following summary is intended to highlight certain information
contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. This summary is not
a complete statement of all material information presented elsewhere herein and
is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained
elsewhere herein and in the accompanying annexes and the documents referred to
herein. Stockholders are urged to read this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and
the accompanying annexes in their entirety. As used in this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus, the terms "FFMC" and "EBP" refer to such corporations, respectively,
and, except where the context otherwise requires, such entities and their
respective subsidiaries. All information concerning FFMC included in the Proxy
Statement and Prospectus has been provided by FFMC, and all information
concerning EBP included in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus has been provided
by EBP. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this summary
have the respective meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this Proxy Statement
and Prospectus.
THE COMPANIES
First Financial Management Corporation, a Georgia corporation ("FFMC"), is
a worldwide leader in information services, offering a vertically integrated set
of data processing, storage and management products for the capture,
manipulation and distribution of data. Services include merchant and consumer
payment services (involving credit cards, debit cards, checks and nonbank money
transfers); debt collection and accounts receivable management; data imaging,
micrographics and electronic database management; health care claims processing
and integrated management and cost containment services; and the development and
marketing of data communications and information processing systems, including
in-store marketing programs and systems for supermarkets. Gemini Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation ("SubCorp"), is a newly formed subsidiary of FFMC
formed for purposes of effecting the Merger. The principal executive offices of
FFMC and SubCorp are at 3 Corporate Square, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
and the telephone number is (404) 321-0120.
On June 13, 1995, FFMC and First Data Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("First Data"), announced the execution of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
as of June 12, 1995 (the "First Data Agreement") pursuant to which FDC Merger
Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data, would merge with and into FFMC
(the "First Data Merger") and each share of FFMC Common Stock, including any
such shares acquired by EBP stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement, would
be converted into 1.5859 shares of the $.01 par value common stock of First Data
("First Data Common Stock"). If the First Data Merger is consummated, FFMC would
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data. It is anticipated that the
Merger will become effective before the effective date of the First Data Merger.
HOWEVER, BASED ON THE RECORD DATES FOR THE MERGER AND THE FIRST DATA MERGER, EBP
STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON THE FIRST DATA MERGER. THE
FIRST DATA MERGER IS SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF CONDITIONS, AND THERE CAN BE NO
ASSURANCE THAT ALL CONDITIONS WILL BE SATISFIED OR WAIVED OR THAT THE FIRST DATA
MERGER WILL BE CONSUMMATED. See "Business of FFMC -- Proposed Merger of FFMC
with First Data Corporation."
Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EBP"), through its
subsidiaries EBP HealthPlans, Inc. and EBPLife Insurance Company, provides
managed health care products and services to companies throughout the United
States. EBP's products and services include health insurance coverages, benefit
plan design and consulting, claims administration and processing, medical cost
management programs, health care provider networks, and a managed pharmacy
program. EBP tailors the delivery of its managed health care products and
services to meet the needs of customers in specific geographic areas of the
United States. EBP's customers are primarily small and medium sized companies
seeking to minimize their health care costs while providing quality medical
benefit plans to their employees. EBP provides its managed health care products
and services to more than 2,100 customers with approximately 1.1 million
members. EBP's principal executive office is at 435 Ford Road, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55426 and the telephone number is (612) 546-4353.
THE MERGER
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, EBP will merge with SubCorp and
will thus become a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC. After the Merger, EBP will
remain as the surviving corporation in the
1
<PAGE> 12
Merger. Subject to the approval of the stockholders of EBP and the satisfaction
or waiver of conditions precedent to the Merger but no later than the third
business day after such approval and satisfaction or waiver of conditions (the
"Closing Date"), the Merger will become effective at the time that a certificate
of merger is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, unless
a different effective time is specified in the certificate of merger (the
"Effective Time"). Assuming that the Merger Agreement is approved at the Meeting
and all other conditions to the Merger are satisfied or waived, it is
anticipated that the Effective Time will occur on the date of the Meeting, or as
soon thereafter as practicable.
THE MEETING
The Meeting will be held on October 19, 1995 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at
the IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth Street, 50th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.
The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote upon proposals to approve and
adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the Adjournment Proposal. Holders of
shares of EBP Common Stock entitled to vote will also consider and vote upon any
procedural or other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
Only holders of record of EBP Common Stock at the close of business on
September 13, 1995 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to notice of and to vote
at the Meeting. At the close of business on such date, there were 8,479,603
shares of EBP Common Stock outstanding. The affirmative vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares of EBP Common Stock will be necessary for approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement. Abstentions, failures to vote and broker
non-votes will have the same effect as votes against approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement. Approval of the Adjournment Proposal requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by
proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote thereon. Abstentions will have the
same effect as votes against the Adjournment Proposal. Broker non-votes and
failures to vote with respect to the Adjournment Proposal will not have the
effect of a vote for or against the matter. Directors and executive officers of
EBP and their affiliates held in the aggregate approximately 5.0% of the
outstanding shares of EBP Common Stock as of the Record Date. See "The Meeting."
Representatives of EBP's independent auditors, Arthur Andersen LLP, will be
present at the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.
No vote of the stockholders of FFMC is required to approve the Merger
Agreement or the Adjournment Proposal.
EBP REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF EBP'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EBP's Board of Directors (including all eight independent directors) has
approved the Merger Agreement and has determined that the Merger is fair to, and
in the best interests of, EBP and its stockholders. Accordingly, EBP's Board of
Directors recommends that EBP's stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of
the Merger Agreement. In approving the Merger Agreement, EBP's directors
considered, among other things, EBP's financial condition, the financial terms
and tax consequences of the Merger, and an opinion from Lehman Brothers Inc.
("Lehman Brothers") regarding the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the Conversion Ratio (defined below) to be offered to the stockholders of EBP.
The nine directors of EBP are not affiliated with FFMC or First Data. The Board
of Directors of EBP has also approved the Adjournment Proposal and recommends
that EBP's stockholders vote FOR approval of the Adjournment Proposal. See "The
Merger -- Background of the Merger," " -- EBP Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of EBP" and "-- Opinion of EBP's
Financial Advisor."
MERGER CONSIDERATION
At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of EBP Common Stock will be
converted into and exchanged for the right to receive 0.1975 of a share of FFMC
Common Stock (the "Conversion Ratio") and cash in lieu of any fractional shares
of FFMC Common Stock to which an EBP stockholder would be entitled
(collectively, the "Merger Consideration"). The Conversion Ratio was negotiated
by EBP and FFMC based on the relative valuations of EBP Common Stock and FFMC
Common Stock. See "The Merger -- Background of the Merger." If the First Data
Merger is consummated, each outstanding share of FFMC Common Stock, including
any such shares acquired by EBP stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
2
<PAGE> 13
would be converted into 1.5859 shares of First Data Common Stock. See "Business
of FFMC -- Proposed Merger of FFMC with First Data Corporation."
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Because EBP Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE"), holders of EBP Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal rights under
Delaware law. See "The Meeting -- No Appraisal Rights under Delaware Law."
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE MERGER
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER. The obligations of FFMC, EBP and SubCorp to
consummate the Merger are subject to the prior satisfaction of various
conditions, including, among others, (a) approval of the Merger Agreement by
EBP's stockholders; (b) FFMC's Registration Statement for the FFMC Common Stock
to be issued in the Merger having become effective under the Securities Act and
no stop order having been issued or having become pending or threatened; (c) EBP
and FFMC each having received an opinion from Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan,
counsel for FFMC, as to the tax consequences of the Merger; and (d) the shares
of FFMC Common Stock to be issued in the Merger having been authorized for
listing on the NYSE upon official notice of issuance. In addition, neither FFMC
nor EBP is obligated to complete the Merger unless certain additional conditions
have been satisfied. See "The Merger -- Conditions to the Merger."
Certain of the conditions to the Merger may not be waived by the parties,
including the approval of EBP's stockholders and the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement. Although the receipt of the tax opinion of Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan may be waived by the parties, FFMC and EBP intend, in the event
such opinion is not or cannot be delivered (which is not presently contemplated)
but the parties nonetheless desire to consummate the Merger, to file with the
Commission a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement and to
resolicit the approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of EBP
pursuant to an amended Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
TERMINATION. The Merger Agreement may be terminated prior to the filing of
the certificate of merger in certain circumstances, including (a) by mutual
action of the FFMC and EBP Boards of Directors; (b) by FFMC or EBP if any of
certain conditions to their respective obligations has not been satisfied or
waived (or by their nature cannot be cured or eliminated) prior to the Closing
Date; (c) by FFMC or EBP if any general suspension of, or limitation on, trading
on the NYSE has continued for a period of 15 days or a bank moratorium in the
United States has continued for a period of 15 days; (d) if the Merger has not
been consummated by October 31, 1995; or (e) in certain circumstances involving
a Competing Transaction. See "The Merger -- Effective Time and Termination."
Under certain circumstances, if the Merger Agreement is terminated, EBP may
be obligated to pay FFMC liquidated damages in the amount of $3,000,000 or
FFMC's out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the Merger,
up to a maximum of $1,000,000. See "The Merger -- Effective Time and
Termination."
TAX CONSEQUENCES
No ruling of the Internal Revenue Service is being sought in connection
with the Merger, but it is anticipated that the Merger will not result in a
taxable transaction for holders of shares of EBP Common Stock except to the
extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of FFMC Common Stock. The
parties' obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to receipt of an opinion
from Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, as to the federal income tax consequences to
EBP and its stockholders as described above. This condition will be satisfied
through an update of the opinion previously issued by Sutherland, Asbill &
Brennan and described in "The Merger -- Tax Consequences." If the First Data
Merger is consummated, the exchange of shares of FFMC Common Stock for First
Data Common Stock is not expected to result in a taxable transaction for holders
of shares of FFMC Common Stock except to the extent of cash received in lieu of
fractional shares of First Data Common Stock. See "The Merger -- Tax
Consequences."
3
<PAGE> 14
COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS
If the Merger is consummated, holders of shares of EBP Common Stock will
become holders of FFMC Common Stock which will result in their rights as
stockholders being governed by Georgia law. A discussion of the material
differences between the rights of holders of EBP Common Stock and holders of
FFMC Common Stock is set forth in "Comparison of Rights of Holders of FFMC
Common Stock and Holders of EBP Common Stock." Consummation of both the Merger
and the First Data Merger will result in the rights of holders of EBP Common
Stock being governed by the First Data Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). See "Business of
FFMC -- Proposed Merger of FFMC with First Data Corporation."
MARKET PRICES
FFMC Common Stock is quoted on the NYSE under the symbol "FFM." EBP Common
Stock is quoted on the NYSE under the symbol "EBP." The following table shows
the last sale price per share of EBP Common Stock and FFMC Common Stock as
reported by the NYSE (a) on May 10, 1995, the last full trading day prior to
EBP's announcement of negotiations with respect to a possible acquisition of
EBP; (b) on May 12, 1995, the last full trading day prior to the announcement of
execution of the Merger Agreement; (c) on June 12, 1995, the last full trading
day prior to the announcement of execution of the First Data Agreement; and (d)
on September , 1995. The table also indicates, as of such dates, the market
value on an equivalent per share basis of EBP Common Stock computed by applying
the Conversion Ratio to the market value of FFMC Common Stock on such dates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUIVALENT MARKET
VALUE PER SHARE
EBP FFMC OF EBP
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------ ------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
May 10, 1995................................... $ 9.375 $ 74.625 $ 14.74
May 12, 1995................................... $ 12.375 $ 74.250 $ 14.66
June 12, 1995.................................. $ 14.625 $ 76.750 $ 15.16
September , 1995.............................
</TABLE>
EBP STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT QUOTES FOR FFMC COMMON STOCK.
OPINION OF EBP'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Lehman Brothers has rendered a written opinion to EBP, dated September ,
1995, that, as of the date of such opinion, and subject to certain assumptions,
factors and limitations set forth in such opinion, the Conversion Ratio to be
offered to the stockholders of EBP in the Merger is fair, from a financial point
of view, to such stockholders. The opinion of Lehman Brothers is attached as
Annex B to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. EBP stockholders are urged to
read the opinion in its entirety for a description of the procedures followed,
factors considered, and limitations on the review undertaken therewith. See "The
Merger -- Opinion of EBP's Financial Advisor."
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
Certain members of EBP's management and Board of Directors have interests
in the Merger in addition to their interests solely as stockholders of EBP.
Those interests relate to, among other things, provisions in the Merger
Agreement or other agreements regarding settlement of all outstanding
performance share awards (through the issuance of 58,000 shares of EBP Common
Stock), compensation for past services and for services, including post-closing
services, in connection with the Merger to executive officers (up to a maximum
of $750,000), severance benefits to executive officers (totalling a maximum of
approximately $2.9 million) and indemnification of EBP's officers and directors.
Two of EBP's executive officers have each entered into an Option and Stock
Agreement with FFMC, under which FFMC will purchase at the Effective Time of the
Merger an aggregate of 60,000 restricted shares of EBP Common stock for $14.70
per share, and will cause EBP to repurchase stock options for the purchase of an
aggregate of 165,000 shares of EBP Common Stock for $14.70 per share less the
applicable exercise price. EBP's Board of Directors has approved the
acceleration of the exercisability of all outstanding stock options under EBP's
stock option plans at the
4
<PAGE> 15
Effective Time, other than 20,000 options granted to EBP's independent directors
in June 1995. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
FFMC and EBP are not aware of any governmental or regulatory requirements
for consummation of the Merger other than compliance with applicable federal and
state securities laws, compliance with state insurance laws, and the expiration
or the termination of the waiting periods applicable to the Merger under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act")
and the rules and regulations thereunder. Under the HSR Act, certain acquisition
transactions, such as the Merger, may not be consummated unless required
information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC")
and the specified waiting period requirements have been satisfied. On June 2,
1995, FFMC and EBP each filed with the Antitrust Division and the FTC a
Notification and Report Form with respect to the Merger. The applicable waiting
period for the Merger was terminated on June 12, 1995. Termination of the
waiting period under the HSR Act permits consummation of the Merger without
violating the HSR Act provision prohibiting such consummation prior to
expiration of the waiting period. Under Oklahoma law, the acquisition of control
of EBPLife Insurance Company by FFMC requires approval by the Oklahoma Insurance
Department prior to the Effective Time. This approval was granted on September
1, 1995. See "The Merger -- Governmental and Regulatory Requirements."
5
<PAGE> 16
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial
data for FFMC and EBP. Such information should be read in conjunction with
FFMC's and EBP's audited consolidated financial statements and notes and the
unaudited interim financial information of FFMC and EBP incorporated by
reference herein. Unaudited historical interim financial data for FFMC and EBP
include all adjustments (all of a normal recurring nature) that FFMC and EBP,
respectively, consider necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated
operating results for such interim periods. Results for the 1995 interim period
are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
During each of the periods presented below, FFMC and EBP have made various
acquisitions, accounted for as purchases, which affect the comparability of the
data presented. FFMC's per share data have been restated to reflect a 3-for-2
split of FFMC Common Stock in March 1992. During 1992, EBP changed its fiscal
year ending May 31 to a calendar year ending December 31. This change resulted
in a shortened fiscal period of seven months (June 1, 1992 to December 31,
1992). EBP has not paid cash dividends on its common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR OR AT THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED
FOR OR AT THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994(B) 1994 1995
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FFMC
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues................... $ 816.3 $1,057.5 $1,508.4 $1,759.6 $2,207.5 $ 978.8 $1,466.3
Income from continuing
operations(a)............ 47.7 62.7 21.4(c) 131.8 160.2 63.7 79.9
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............... $1,105.2 $1,297.0 $1,571.7 $1,645.9 $3,135.7 $1,760.1 $3,111.6
Long-term debt, including
current portion.......... 207.8 152.1 158.7 17.3 62.3 23.8 232.6
Convertible debentures..... 166.8 -- -- -- 447.1 -- 447.1
Shareholders' equity....... 600.7 997.6 1,124.9 1,253.5 1,429.8 1,325.5 1,554.0
PER SHARE INFORMATION:
Income from continuing
operations:
Primary.................. $ 1.17 $ 1.32 $ 0.35(c) $ 2.12 $ 2.56 $ 1.02 $ 1.25
Fully diluted............ 1.10 1.23 0.35(c) 2.12 2.56 1.02 1.25
Cash dividends declared.... 0.07 0.07 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.05
</TABLE>
---------------
(a) In 1992, FFMC disposed of one of its two business segments which is
reflected in discontinued operations in 1992 and prior periods.
(b) In November 1994, FFMC acquired Western Union Financial Services, Inc. for
$893.2 million of cash consideration and assumption of pension obligations.
(c) Includes an after tax loss on the sale of a business of $64.7 million, or a
loss of $1.07 per share.
6
<PAGE> 17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR OR AT FOR OR AT
THE FOR OR AT THE SIX
FOR OR AT THE SEVEN MONTHS THE YEAR ENDED MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED MAY 31, ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
--------------------------- DECEMBER 31, ---------------- ----------------
1990 1991 1992 1992 1993 1994 1994 1995
------ ------ ------ ------------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EBP
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues................. $ 97.8 $165.7 $218.6 $142.7 $251.6 $237.1 $118.2 $119.6
Net income (loss)........ (2.5) 15.0 (3.7)(b) (0.4)(c) 5.7 10.8 9.0 3.7
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............. $ 77.8 $193.8(a) $229.9 $223.1 $207.0 $183.8 $197.2 $188.5
Long-term debt, including
current portion........ 7.8 76.9(a) 81.3 80.1 66.7 56.9 64.5 56.3
Shareholders' equity..... 33.7 68.9 68.6 69.2 75.5 78.3 78.7 87.0
PER SHARE INFORMATION:
Income (loss) from
continuing operations:
Primary................ $(0.43) $ 1.99 $(0.45) $(0.05) $ 0.67 $ 1.30(d) $ 1.08 $ 0.45
Fully diluted.......... (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) $ 1.04 (e)
</TABLE>
---------------
(a) During the year ended May 31, 1991, EBP issued $69 million face amount of
6 3/4% convertible subordinated debentures, due in 2006.
(b) Amount included an $11.3 million charge to increase EBP's accrued legal
reserves, substantially all of which related to the legal fees and expenses
(excluding settlement costs) anticipated to be incurred in the defense of
certain litigation matters outside of the ordinary course of business. These
matters were settled and dismissed in subsequent periods.
(c) Amount included a $5.4 million charge for settlement of EBP's securities
litigation. Legal fees and expenses for the defense of this matter had
previously been accrued in the year ended May 31, 1992.
(d) Includes extraordinary gain on early debt retirement of $0.12 per share.
(e) Primary and fully diluted earnings per share are substantially the same for
these periods.
PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
No pro forma financial information for the Merger is presented as the
anticipated impact is not material to FFMC. FFMC's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated September 11, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference, provides
pro forma financial information with respect to the First Data Merger.
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following table sets forth certain per share data of FFMC Common Stock
and EBP Common Stock. No pro forma combined per share data for the Merger is
presented as the anticipated impact is not material to FFMC. This data should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of FFMC and EBP
and the notes thereto incorporated herein by reference. EBP equivalent combined
per share amounts are calculated by applying the Conversion Ratio to the FFMC
historical per share amounts such that the equivalent combined per share amounts
are equated to one share of EBP Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EBP
FFMC EBP EQUIVALENT
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL COMBINED
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income From Continuing Operations:
Year ended December 31, 1994................................... $ 2.56 $ 1.18(a) $ 0.51
Six Months ended June 30, 1995................................. 1.25 0.45 0.25
Cash Dividends Declared:
Year ended December 31, 1994................................... $ 0.10 -- $ 0.02
Six Months ended June 30, 1995................................. 0.05 -- 0.01
Book Value:
December 31, 1994.............................................. $23.23 $ 9.26 $ 4.59
June 30, 1995.................................................. 24.33 10.27 4.81
Tangible Book Value:
December 31, 1994.............................................. $(9.47) $ 5.79 $ (1.87)
June 30, 1995.................................................. (8.42) 6.91 (1.66)
</TABLE>
---------------
(a) Excludes extraordinary gain on early debt retirement of $0.12 per share.
7
<PAGE> 18
The following table sets forth certain per share data of First Data Common
Stock and pro forma combined per share data after giving effect to the First
Data Merger and certain acquisitions by First Data and FFMC in 1994 and
1995 -- see Note (a). The data should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements of FFMC and First Data and notes thereto and
the Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in
FFMC's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated July 25, 1995 and September 11, 1995,
which are incorporated herein by reference. The equivalent pro forma combined
per share of EBP Common Stock represents the First Data/FFMC pro forma combined
amounts multiplied by 0.3132 (the First Data Merger conversion ratio of 1.5859
multiplied by the Merger Conversion Ratio of 0.1975). THE FIRST DATA MERGER IS
SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF CONDITIONS, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT ALL
CONDITIONS WILL BE SATISFIED OR WAIVED OR THAT THE FIRST DATA MERGER WILL BE
CONSUMMATED. See "Business of FFMC -- Proposed Merger of FFMC with First Data
Corporation."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST EQUIVALENT PRO
DATA/ FORMA COMBINED
FFMC PER SHARE OF
FIRST DATA PRO FORMA EBP
HISTORICAL COMBINED COMMON STOCK
----------- ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income From Continuing Operations:
Year ended December 31, 1992....................... $ 1.30 $ 0.80 $ 0.25
Year ended December 31, 1993....................... 1.56 1.46 0.46
Year ended December 31, 1994....................... 1.87 1.63(b) 0.51(b)
Six Months ended June 30, 1995..................... 0.94 0.83(b) 0.26(b)
Cash Dividends Declared:
Year ended December 31, 1992....................... $ 0.21 $ 0.21(c) $ 0.07
Year ended December 31, 1993....................... 0.12 0.12(c) 0.04
Year ended December 31, 1994....................... 0.12 0.12(c) 0.04
Six Months ended June 30, 1995..................... 0.06 0.06(c) 0.02
Book Value:(d)
December 31, 1994.................................. $ 9.43 $13.82 $ 4.33
June 30, 1995...................................... 14.81 15.06 4.72
Tangible Book Value:(d)
December 31, 1994.................................. $ (1.37) $(4.36) $(1.37)
June 30, 1995...................................... (2.07) (3.56) (1.12)
</TABLE>
---------------
(a) The First Data/FFMC pro forma combined income from continuing operations per
share gives effect to the First Data Merger under pooling of interests
accounting as if the Merger had occurred at January 1, 1992, combining the
results of First Data and FFMC for the periods presented. For the year ended
December 31, 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1995 the First Data/FFMC
pro forma combined income from continuing operations also gives effect to
First Data's acquisition of CESI Holdings, Inc. in March 1995 and FFMC's
acquisition of Western Union Financial Services, Inc. in November 1994 as if
such acquisitions, accounted for as purchases, had taken place January 1,
1994.
The comparative per common share data in this table exclude the effect of
(i) potential increased revenues or operating synergies and cost savings
which may be achieved upon combining the resources of First Data and FFMC;
(ii) investment banking, legal and miscellaneous transaction costs of the
First Data Merger, currently estimated to be $52.3 million on an after-tax
basis; (iii) costs associated with termination benefits of certain employees
of FFMC, currently estimated to be $143.1 million on an after-tax basis; and
(iv) costs associated with the integration and consolidation of the
companies which are not presently estimable. Had the impact of (a)(ii) and
(a)(iii) been included at June 30, 1995, pro forma combined and equivalent
pro forma combined book value would have been $14.44 per share and $4.52 per
share, respectively, and pro forma combined and equivalent pro forma
combined tangible book value would have been $(4.18) and $(1.31) per share,
respectively.
(b) The pro forma combined and equivalent pro forma combined income from
continuing operations per share, giving effect only to the First Data Merger
and not including the pro forma effect of the acquisitions of CESI Holdings,
Inc. and Western Union Financial Services, Inc., are $1.75 and $0.55,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1994 and $0.86 and $0.27,
respectively, for the six months
8
<PAGE> 19
ended June 30, 1995. This information is consistent with the method of
presentation above for the years ended December 31, 1992 and 1993.
(c) The First Data/FFMC pro forma combined cash dividends declared represent
First Data historical cash dividends declared. No assurance can be given
that equivalent dividends will be paid in the future. The amount of future
dividends payable by First Data will depend upon the earnings and financial
condition of First Data and other relevant factors, including, without
limitation, applicable governmental regulations and policies and debt
covenant restrictions.
(d) The dilutive impact of outstanding stock options is estimated to be less
than 3% and the assumed conversion of FFMC's senior convertible debentures
is anti-dilutive. The December 31, 1994 First Data/FFMC pro forma combined
amounts include the shares of First Data Common Stock issued for the
acquisition of CESI Holdings, Inc.
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<PAGE> 20
THE MEETING
GENERAL
This Proxy Statement and Prospectus is being furnished to stockholders of
EBP in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the EBP Board of Directors
for use at the special meeting of EBP's stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held
on October 19, 1995, at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth
Street, 50th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof. This Proxy Statement and Prospectus also constitutes the
Prospectus with respect to the shares of FFMC Common Stock issuable in
connection with the Merger.
At the Meeting, holders of shares of EBP Common Stock will consider and
vote upon proposals to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and to approve the
Adjournment Proposal. If the Merger is consummated, each outstanding share of
EBP Common Stock will be converted into and exchanged for the right to receive
0.1975 of a share of FFMC Common Stock.
RECORD DATE AND SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE
The Board of Directors of EBP has established the close of business on
September 13, 1995 (the "Record Date") as the date for determining EBP
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. Only holders of
record of shares of EBP Common Stock as of the Record Date will be entitled to
vote at the Meeting. As of the Record Date, 8,479,603 shares of EBP Common Stock
were outstanding and held of record by approximately 290 holders. Holders of
record of EBP Common Stock on the Record Date are entitled to one vote per share
on any matter that may properly come before the Meeting.
VOTE REQUIRED; SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares
of EBP Common Stock is required to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
Abstentions, failures to vote and broker non-votes will have the same effect as
votes against the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement. Approval of the
Adjournment Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote
thereon. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the Adjournment
Proposal. Broker non-votes and failures to vote with respect to the Adjournment
Proposal will not have the effect of a vote for or against the matter. Directors
and executive officers of EBP and their affiliates held in the aggregate
approximately 5.0% of the outstanding shares of EBP Common Stock as of the
Record Date.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
shares of EBP Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date is necessary to
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting. If a quorum
is not obtained at the Meeting, the Meeting may be adjourned and, at any
subsequent reconvening of the Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same
manner as such proxies would have been voted at the original convening of the
Meeting (except for any proxies which have theretofore effectively been revoked
or withdrawn), notwithstanding that they may have been effectively voted on the
same or any other matter at a previous meeting. Approval of the Adjournment
Proposal will permit the EBP Board of Directors to adjourn the Meeting, whether
or not a quorum is present, including an adjournment to obtain a quorum and/or
solicit additional EBP stockholder votes to approve and adopt the Merger
Agreement.
ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
The proxies solicited pursuant to this Proxy Statement and Prospectus
include the authority to adjourn the Meeting for purposes of obtaining a quorum
and/or soliciting additional votes to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement. If
the Board of Directors of EBP elects to adjourn the Meeting, EBP stockholders
intending to vote against the Merger have a disincentive to vote for the
Adjournment Proposal.
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<PAGE> 21
VOTING, SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A form of proxy is enclosed with this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. All
shares of EBP Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies will, unless
such proxies have been previously revoked, be voted in accordance with the
instructions indicated on such proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such
shares will be voted FOR the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and
approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
EBP STOCKHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ACCOMPANYING
PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, EVEN IF THEY
ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND THE MEETING. FAILURE TO RETURN YOUR PROPERLY EXECUTED
PROXY OR TO VOTE AT THE MEETING WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
Any EBP stockholder who has previously delivered a properly executed proxy
may revoke such proxy at any time before its exercise. A proxy may be revoked
either by (i) delivering to the Secretary of EBP prior to the Meeting either a
written revocation of such proxy or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date
or (ii) attending the Meeting and voting in person, regardless of whether a
proxy has previously been given. A proxy will not be revoked for death or
intervening incapacity of the stockholder executing the proxy unless, before the
vote, notice of such death or incapacity is filed with the Secretary of EBP.
Presence at the Meeting will not revoke a stockholder's proxy unless the
stockholder votes in person.
Participants in EBP's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") are entitled
to instruct the trustee of the ESOP how to vote all shares of EBP Common Stock
allocated to participants' accounts under the ESOP. Each participant will
receive a voting instruction card to direct the trustee to vote that
participant's allocated shares. If a participant does not timely return a
completed voting instruction card, the trustee will vote the shares allocated to
that participant in the same proportion as the allocated shares which are timely
voted by other ESOP participants. The trustee of the ESOP will vote the
unallocated shares of Common Stock held by the ESOP in the same proportion as
the shares allocated to the participants' accounts.
Participants in EBP's 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan (the "401(k)
Plan") with an allocation of shares of EBP Common Stock in the EBP Stock Fund
(the "Stock Fund") are entitled to instruct the trustee of the 401(k) Plan how
to vote the participants' shares of EBP Common Stock. Each participant will
receive a voting instruction card to direct the trustee to vote that
participant's allocated shares. If a participant does not timely return a
completed voting instruction card, the trustee will vote the shares allocated to
that participant in the same proportion as the allocated shares which are timely
voted by other Stock Fund participants.
Stockholders of EBP should be aware that, under Delaware law, a stockholder
who votes to approve the Merger Agreement may be deemed to have ratified the
terms of the Merger, including the fairness thereof, and, under certain
circumstances, such stockholder may be precluded from challenging the fairness
of the Merger in a subsequent legal proceeding. EBP may use a stockholder's
affirmative vote in favor of the Merger as a defense to any subsequent challenge
to the Merger. An abstention, in and of itself, will not be considered such a
ratification; however, no assurance can be given as to the effect that such
abstention would have on a stockholder's right to challenge the Merger.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
EBP will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies from its
stockholders, except that FFMC and EBP will share equally the cost of printing
and filing this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. In addition to the solicitation
of proxies by use of mail, the directors, officers and employees of EBP may
solicit proxies from stockholders personally or by telephone, telegraph or
facsimile transmission. Such directors, officers and employees will not be
additionally compensated for such solicitation but may be reimbursed for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection therewith. Georgeson & Company
Inc. will assist in the solicitation of proxies by EBP. For its services,
Georgeson & Company Inc. will be paid a fee of approximately $8,000, plus
reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. EBP has also agreed to
indemnify Georgeson & Company Inc. against any loss, damage, expense, liability
or claim arising out of the solicitation of proxies, except for any loss,
damage, expense, liability or claim arising out of the negligence or misconduct
of
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<PAGE> 22
Georgeson & Company Inc. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses
and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the forwarding of
solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock held of record by such
persons, and EBP will reimburse such custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS UNDER DELAWARE LAW
Because EBP Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, holders of EBP Common Stock
are not entitled to appraisal rights under Delaware law.
IF THE MERGER AGREEMENT IS APPROVED AND ADOPTED AND THE MERGER IS
CONSUMMATED, HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON STOCK WILL BE SENT A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR SURRENDERING THEIR CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES OF EBP
COMMON STOCK. HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SEND THEIR STOCK
CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY RECEIVE THESE MATERIALS.
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<PAGE> 23
THE MERGER
This section of the Proxy Statement and Prospectus describes certain
aspects of the Merger. It does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which is attached to this
Proxy Statement and Prospectus as Annex A and is incorporated herein by
reference. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meaning
attributed thereto in the Merger Agreement. Stockholders are urged to read
carefully this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and the Merger Agreement in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
In March 1993, Stephen D. Kane, currently a Vice Chairman of FFMC,
telephoned William E. Sagan, Chief Executive Officer of EBP, to inquire whether
EBP would be interested in conducting preliminary discussions concerning
possible strategic transactions. Mr. Sagan informed Mr. Kane that EBP was not
then contemplating any mergers or other strategic transactions, but that he
would be willing to meet with FFMC. In April 1993, FFMC signed a confidentiality
agreement with EBP and representatives of EBP and FFMC met in Minneapolis to
provide FFMC non-public information about EBP. After completing its due
diligence review of EBP, FFMC informed EBP that, based on its concerns about
pending litigation involving EBP and the possible effects of federal health care
reform initiatives, FFMC was not interested in pursuing further discussions with
EBP.
The pending litigation involving EBP that was of concern to FFMC was
settled by August 1994, and the possibility of significant federal health care
reforms had by then become less likely. In addition, the price of EBP Common
Stock decreased subsequent to FFMC's due diligence review of EBP, which, in
FFMC's judgment, increased the likelihood that a transaction could be effected
in a price range acceptable to both parties. On August 1, 1994, Mr. Kane
telephoned Mr. Sagan and expressed FFMC's renewed interest in discussing a
possible merger with EBP. On August 3, 1994, Mr. Sagan discussed FFMC's renewed
inquiry with James B. Lockhart, a director and Chairperson of the Finance
Committee of the Board of Directors of EBP. Patrick H. Thomas, Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of FFMC, and Mr. Kane met with Mr.
Sagan in Minneapolis on August 4, 1994 to discuss FFMC's renewed interest.
Thereafter, during August 1994, Mr. Sagan had several discussions about FFMC
with the independent directors of EBP. At a meeting of the EBP Board of
Directors on August 24, 1994, Messrs. Sagan and Lockhart formally informed the
directors of FFMC's renewed expression of interest. Because EBP desired to
determine the level of FFMC's interest before expending significant management
resources with further due diligence by FFMC, EBP requested that FFMC express
its level of interest in writing. On August 26, 1994, Mr. Kane sent a letter to
Mr. Sagan stating FFMC's desire to discuss a possible stock for stock
acquisition of EBP on a basis which would provide approximately $17 to $20 in
value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP Common Stock. This indication
of interest was conditioned on FFMC's satisfactory due diligence review of EBP
and was non-binding on both parties except as to confidentiality restrictions.
Based on the closing price of $11.50 per share for EBP Common Stock on the NYSE
on August 25, 1994, this potential transaction represented a purchase premium of
between 48% and 74%.
After EBP received the August 26, 1994 letter from FFMC, Mr. Lockhart
telephoned Mr. Kane to discuss the process of proceeding with preliminary
discussions and conducting the additional due diligence review requested by
FFMC. On September 6, 1994, FFMC signed a new confidentiality agreement and on
September 9, 1994, FFMC sent EBP a request to provide FFMC updated non-public
information about EBP.
At that time, the independent directors of EBP increased their leadership
role in the discussions with FFMC. Mr. Sagan is the only inside director of EBP.
Mr. Lockhart, who is a shareholder of the firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich &
Kaufman, Ltd. ("PHS&K"), EBP's principal outside counsel, is considered an
independent director of EBP. The remaining seven independent directors of EBP
are not employed by and do not have any significant business relationships with
EBP or its affiliates. None of EBP's directors is affiliated with either FFMC or
First Data. At a Board meeting on September 14, 1994, the independent directors
discussed FFMC's renewed expression of interest and request to update its due
diligence review. After considering whether exploratory discussions with FFMC
would be in the best interests of EBP stockholders, the independent directors of
EBP instructed EBP's senior management to proceed with FFMC's due diligence
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<PAGE> 24
investigation. At that September 14, 1994 meeting, the independent directors
also authorized the Finance Committee of the Board to retain an investment
banking firm to assist the Board in evaluating EBP's long-term strategic plan as
well as the possible acquisition of EBP.
On September 16, 1994, Mr. Kane sent a letter to Mr. Sagan about the
planned due diligence meeting in Minneapolis later that month. On September 30
and October 1, 1994, Mr. Kane and several other representatives of FFMC met in
Minneapolis with Mr. Sagan and other representatives of EBP. During early
October 1994, EBP continued to provide requested information to FFMC.
At the direction of the Finance Committee of the EBP Board of Directors, in
October 1994, Timothy W. Kuck, Chief Financial Officer of EBP, with assistance
from PHS&K and Schiff Hardin & Waite ("SH&W"), counsel to the independent
directors of EBP, interviewed potential investment banking firms. Mr. Kuck
reported to the members of the EBP Finance Committee with respect to these
interviews. After a presentation by Lehman Brothers Inc. ("Lehman Brothers") and
a discussion at a meeting of the EBP Finance Committee on October 25, 1994, the
Finance Committee approved the retention of Lehman Brothers to serve as
financial advisor to EBP.
During the summer and fall of 1994, EBP's senior management prepared a
long-term strategic plan for consideration by the EBP Board of Directors. The
long-term strategic plan, as summarized in EBP's 1994 Annual Report, represented
EBP's five-year strategy for growing EBP in the competitive health care
industry.
Mr. Kane telephoned Mr. Sagan on October 7, 1994 to inform EBP that FFMC
had concluded its due diligence and that it was interested in discussing a
possible stock for stock acquisition of EBP on a basis which would provide
approximately $16 to $17 in value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP
Common Stock. Based on the closing price of $11.50 per share for EBP Common
Stock on the NYSE on October 7, 1994, this potential transaction represented a
purchase premium of between 39% and 48%. During the October 7, 1994 discussion,
FFMC informed EBP that, given the general decline in the market price range of
EBP Common Stock from mid-July through early October 1994 (and similar declines
in the market price ranges of companies in EBP's industry generally), FFMC did
not believe that the value of EBP Common Stock was as high as had been suggested
in FFMC's August 26, 1994 letter.
In a letter to EBP dated October 12, 1994, FFMC proposed a transaction
involving approximately $17 in value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP
Common Stock, subject to the negotiation of an acceptable purchase agreement.
FFMC's October 12, 1994 letter also stated that FFMC's proposal would remain
open only through 9:00 a.m. on the following Monday, October 17, 1994, less than
three business days after its receipt. FFMC and EBP did not discuss the
establishment of either a conversion ratio in connection with FFMC's proposal or
a measurement period for determining the value of FFMC Common Stock.
On October 12, 1994, representatives of EBP's Board of Directors, senior
management of EBP and SH&W discussed the FFMC letter. At that time, EBP's Board
of Directors had not yet retained a financial advisor and EBP's management had
not completed, and the EBP Board of Directors had not reviewed, EBP's long-term
strategic plan. In light of the then recent failure of the Clinton
Administration's health care reform proposals, the EBP Board of Directors
considered it critical for the long-term strategic plan to be completed and for
the Board to assess that plan fully before it could seriously entertain a
proposal such as FFMC's. In addition, because the parties had not yet engaged in
substantive discussions regarding a transaction, there was some concern on the
part of the EBP Board of Directors as to whether the parties would be able to
reach a definitive agreement. After considering FFMC's proposal, and with advice
from counsel, members of the EBP Board of Directors concluded that accepting
FFMC's proposal within the short time period imposed by FFMC was not realistic
and would not be in the best interests of EBP's stockholders. However, the
independent directors determined that EBP would complete the engagement of a
financial advisor, which had previously been authorized by the Board, and
complete its long-term strategic plan for review by the Board of Directors. On
October 13, 1994, EBP sent FFMC a letter to that effect.
At a meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on November 8, 1994, EBP's
senior management presented the final proposed long-term strategic plan for EBP.
The focus of the long-term strategic plan was growth through the acquisition of
health maintenance organizations, physician provider networks, insurance compa-
14
<PAGE> 25
nies and other third party administrators. On November 9, 1994, EBP and Lehman
Brothers signed an engagement agreement for Lehman Brothers to serve as
financial advisor to EBP.
In December 1994, Lehman Brothers interviewed EBP's senior management to
learn more about EBP and its long-term strategic plan. During December 1994 and
early January 1995, FFMC expressed to Lehman Brothers its interest in discussing
a possible stock for stock transaction with EBP which would result in an
approximate 50% premium to the stockholders of EBP. With an average closing
price of $9.11 per share for EBP Common Stock on the NYSE during the period
December 15, 1994 through January 15, 1995, a 50% premium would have resulted in
an acquisition value of approximately $13.70 per share. The independent
directors did not believe the premium offered was sufficient and requested
Lehman Brothers to send a letter on January 16, 1995 informing FFMC that EBP was
not interested in negotiating a transaction at that premium threshold. FFMC
telephoned Lehman Brothers later in January 1995 to express its continued
interest but FFMC did not indicate a willingness to increase its premium
threshold.
At a meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on March 8, 1995, Lehman
Brothers summarized for the Board its financial review of EBP and EBP's
long-term strategic plan. This summary covered, among other factors, industry
trends, historical and prospective price/earnings multiples and stock price
performance of EBP and comparable companies, and various aspects of EBP's
long-term strategic plan. In connection with the long-term strategic plan,
Lehman Brothers discussed the risks inherent in implementing the plan, including
EBP's lack of experience in acquiring and managing health maintenance
organizations and physician provider networks, the extremely competitive
environment for acquiring entities of both of these types, the likely dilutive
effect of such acquisitions on EBP's near-term earnings, the changing and
competitive environment of the health care industry and, most critically, the
potential negative impact on EBP Common Stock that could result if the
implementation of EBP's long-term strategic plan was not completely successful.
Lehman Brothers also discussed the opportunities and difficulties associated
with other strategic alternatives for EBP and summarized various background
financial and operating information about FFMC. The EBP independent directors
also discussed the recent resignation of an executive officer of EBP and the
need for the Board to review the overall staffing of EBP's senior management as
a part of EBP's long-term strategic plan. After considering the factors
discussed with Lehman Brothers and the actions and managerial and financial
resources which would be necessary for EBP to successfully implement its
long-term strategic plan in a manner that would significantly improve its stock
price, including the risk that the plan might not be successful, the EBP
independent directors concluded that seeking an acquisition at a fair price was
likely to be in the best interests of EBP's stockholders and instructed Lehman
Brothers to contact FFMC to determine the level of FFMC's interest in a possible
acquisition transaction. For a more complete description of the factors that led
to this decision, see "-- EBP Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
Board of Directors of EBP" below.
At the meeting on March 8, 1995, the EBP Board of Directors also appointed
Duncan H. Cocroft and Robert W. Fischer, two independent directors of EBP, to
serve as a Special Committee of the EBP Board of Directors to work with Lehman
Brothers in negotiating a possible acquisition of EBP by FFMC, including the
best possible price for the stockholders of EBP.
On March 17, 1995, Lehman Brothers contacted FFMC to inform FFMC of the EBP
Board of Directors' interest in a possible acquisition and to request a meeting
with FFMC. On March 21, 1995, FFMC sent a letter to EBP requesting an update of
various due diligence documents. Representatives of Lehman Brothers and FFMC met
in Atlanta on April 11, 1995. After discussing various terms of a potential
transaction, FFMC offered to pursue negotiation of a possible stock for stock
acquisition of EBP on a basis which would provide approximately $10 to $12 in
value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP Common Stock. Based on the
closing price of $8.50 per share of EBP Common Stock on the NYSE on April 10,
1995, a value of $10 to $12 would have represented a purchase premium of between
18% and 41%. At the direction of the EBP independent directors, Lehman Brothers
told FFMC that the EBP Board was seeking a higher valuation. Lehman Brothers
discussed these negotiations with the EBP Special Committee and had further
telephone discussions with FFMC later that week and during the latter part of
April 1995. During that time, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("Morgan
Stanley") also contacted Lehman Brothers in their capacity as financial advisor
to FFMC in the proposed transaction.
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<PAGE> 26
At a meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on April 26, 1995, EBP's Special
Committee reported on the status of the negotiations with FFMC and that EBP and
FFMC had not reached agreement on price. On April 26, 1995, another investment
banking firm contacted Lehman Brothers about a company that might be interested
in acquiring EBP. Shortly thereafter, that company signed a confidentiality
agreement with EBP and EBP provided it with non-public information about EBP.
That company has not expressed any further interest in acquiring EBP.
On May 2, 1995, Messrs. Sagan and Kane, Mr. M. Tarlton Pittard, a Vice
Chairman of FFMC, and Mr. Terry R. Wade, a Senior Vice President of FFMC, met in
New York to discuss FFMC's interest in having Mr. Sagan continue in a senior
management position if a merger were to occur. On May 3, 1995, the members of
the EBP Special Committee, Mr. Sagan and representatives of Lehman Brothers,
FFMC and Morgan Stanley met in New York to discuss a possible merger
transaction. The EBP Special Committee and representatives of FFMC reached
tentative agreement that the conversion ratio would produce approximately $14.75
in value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP Common Stock, based on the
respective prices of such stock on the NYSE at that time, subject to resolution
of other material merger terms. Based on the closing price of $8.625 per share
of EBP Common Stock on the NYSE on May 2, 1995, a value of $14.75 would have
represented a purchase premium of approximately 71%. Although the EBP Special
Committee proposed a floating conversion ratio and a price "collar" arrangement
to limit the impact of market price fluctuations in FFMC Common Stock, FFMC was
not willing to agree to either approach. The parties deferred discussion with
respect to other material terms of a merger transaction, including matters such
as closing conditions, break-up fee and arrangements for the continuation of
employment by EBP senior management.
At a meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on May 4, 1995, the EBP Special
Committee and Lehman Brothers updated the EBP Board on the status of the
negotiations with FFMC. After discussion of the proposed transaction terms, all
of the EBP independent directors concluded that the transaction was likely to be
in the best interests of the stockholders of EBP, provided that FFMC presented
EBP with a definitive merger agreement on acceptable terms and that the
consummation of the merger was not subject to material conditions. At that
meeting, in light of Lehman Brothers' prior advice regarding EBP's strategic
alternatives and potential valuation and the Board's conclusion based upon the
EBP Special Committee's negotiations with FFMC that FFMC would not increase its
offer, and subject to receiving a formal fairness opinion from Lehman Brothers,
the EBP independent directors preliminarily approved the price recommended by
the EBP Special Committee, which would provide approximately $14.75 in value of
FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP Common Stock, based on the respective
prices of such stock on the NYSE at that time. The EBP independent directors
instructed Lehman Brothers to seek to negotiate additional limitations on the
payment of a break-up fee so that the fee would be payable by EBP only under
circumstances involving a competing transaction or a withdrawal by the EBP Board
of Directors of its recommendation of the Merger with FFMC.
On May 5, 1995, representatives of EBP, FFMC, Lehman Brothers and Morgan
Stanley, and the independent actuarial consultants for EBP and FFMC, met in
Minneapolis to complete FFMC's due diligence review of EBP. On May 8, 1995,
representatives of EBP and Lehman Brothers met with representatives of FFMC in
Atlanta to conduct a due diligence review of FFMC. The EBP Board of Directors
had been able to tentatively reach agreement regarding a conversion ratio before
completing its due diligence review of FFMC because EBP had become increasingly
familiar with the business of FFMC during the previous two years and because the
valuation of FFMC used in determining the Conversion Ratio was based upon the
public trading value of FFMC Common Stock. However, EBP's proceeding with the
Merger was subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the due diligence review,
and the results of that review were conveyed to the EBP Board of Directors at
its May 12, 1995 meeting.
On May 6, 1995, Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan ("SA&B"), counsel to FFMC,
provided EBP and its counsel with an initial draft of the Merger Agreement. The
Special Committee, Mr. Sagan and representatives of SH&W and PHS&K reviewed the
Merger Agreement draft by telephone on May 7, 1995. At the request of the
Special Committee, Mr. Kuck and SH&W met with representatives of FFMC and SA&B
on May 8, 9 and 10, 1995 in Atlanta to negotiate the remaining terms of a
definitive Merger Agreement. During these negotiations, FFMC agreed to modify
the conditions to the closing of the Merger and limit the payment of the
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<PAGE> 27
break-up fee to circumstances involving a competing transaction or a withdrawal
by the EBP Board of Directors of its recommendation of the Merger with FFMC.
However, the final terms of a merger transaction were not reached at that time.
On May 8, 1995, EBP and Lehman Brothers signed an addendum to Lehman Brothers'
engagement agreement as financial advisor relating to fees payable to Lehman
Brothers in connection with the FFMC transaction.
On May 10 and 11, 1995, before the Merger Agreement was completed, the
price and trading volume in EBP Common Stock began to increase. EBP reviewed the
market activity and the status of the merger negotiations and, after conferring
with counsel and the NYSE, issued a press release on May 11, 1995 announcing
that EBP was in negotiations with a potential acquirer.
The EBP Board of Directors met on May 12, 1995 to review the proposed final
draft of the Merger Agreement and the resolution of outstanding issues. At that
meeting, the EBP Board of Directors reviewed the proposed transaction, the
progression of negotiations with FFMC and various related issues. In particular,
the Board considered each of the issues described under "-- EBP Reasons for the
Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors of EBP." At the meeting,
representatives of Lehman Brothers reviewed developments in the health care
industry and the financial aspects of the transaction and informed the directors
that Lehman Brothers was prepared to deliver its fairness opinion concerning the
proposed merger with FFMC. The trading price of FFMC's Common Stock fluctuated
during the negotiations and generally increased, closing at prices ranging from
$72.875 on May 1, 1995 to $74.75 on May 11, 1995. EBP was concerned about the
increase in price of FFMC Common Stock because it preferred not to agree on a
conversion ratio based upon too high a trading price for FFMC Common Stock, and
FFMC and EBP had a difficult time agreeing upon either a fixed value for FFMC's
Common Stock or a measurement period on which to base a conversion ratio. As a
result, the conversion ratio as discussed on May 12 was a negotiated number
based on the ratio of (i) a value for EBP Common Stock of $14.75 per share to
(ii) a value of FFMC Common Stock of $74.4375 per share based on the average of
two recent trading prices for FFMC Common Stock, $74.00 and $74.875, resulting
in a conversion ratio of 0.1982. After considering the analysis and presentation
of Lehman Brothers and advice from SH&W, all of the EBP independent directors
(i) approved, subject to the resolution of the management retention issues
described below, the Merger Agreement with such changes as the executive
officers of EBP deemed appropriate upon advice of counsel to the Special
Committee, (ii) determined that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests
of EBP and its stockholders and (iii) recommended approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement by the stockholders of EBP. See "-- EBP Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of EBP" and "-- Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger."
At the meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on May 12, 1995, the
independent directors also concluded that it was critical to EBP to ensure that
Messrs. Sagan and Kuck remain employed by EBP through closing of the Merger. The
Board of Directors reached this conclusion after considering the need to retain
experienced senior executives and the limited number of senior management
personnel employed by EBP, highlighted by a recent resignation of one of its
senior executive officers. After discussion with FFMC on May 13 and 14, 1995,
during which FFMC concurred with these objectives so long as the compensation
arrangements required employment for a period of time after the Closing, the EBP
independent directors agreed that EBP would provide Messrs. Sagan and Kuck the
bonus arrangements described under "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger." The EBP Board of Directors believed that these bonus arrangements were
necessary since the existing severance agreements with Messrs. Sagan and Kuck
did not provide an incentive to remain employed by EBP if equal or more
attractive employment opportunities were presented. See "-- Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger." As a result of the negotiations on May 13 and 14, 1995,
the conversion ratio was reduced slightly (by less than one-half percent) to
0.1975 to reflect the after-tax cost of the bonus arrangements with Messrs.
Sagan and Kuck and on May 14 the definitive Merger Agreement was delivered.
Based on the closing price of $74.25 per share of FFMC Common Stock on May 12,
1995 (the last trading day prior to public announcement of the Merger Agreement)
and the closing price of $8.50 per share of EBP Common Stock on May 9, 1995 (the
last trading day prior to the rise in price and volume for EBP Common Stock), as
reported on the NYSE, this Conversion Ratio represented a purchase premium of
approximately 73%. The Conversion Ratio of 0.1975 applied to the $74.4375 per
share valuation of FFMC Common Stock yields a value of $14.70 per share of EBP
Common Stock. Lehman Brothers then delivered its written opinion that the
Conversion Ratio to be offered to the stockholders of EBP was fair, from a
financial
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point of view, to such stockholders. See "-- Opinion of EBP's Financial Advisor"
for a discussion of the analytical methodologies employed and factors considered
by Lehman Brothers. See Annex B for a copy of the Lehman Brothers opinion, as
updated to reflect Lehman Brothers' investigation of First Data Corporation
("First Data"), which sets forth the assumptions made and matters considered in,
and the limitations on, the review undertaken by Lehman Brothers.
On June 13, 1995, after approval of the Merger Agreement by the Board of
Directors of EBP, FFMC announced the execution of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger (the "First Data Agreement") with First Data pursuant to which FFMC would
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data (the "First Data Merger"). If the
First Data Merger is consummated, each outstanding share of FFMC Common Stock,
including any such shares acquired by EBP stockholders pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, would be converted into 1.5859 shares of the $.01 par value common
stock of First Data ("First Data Common Stock"). The EBP Special Committee asked
Lehman Brothers to update its opinion in light of the proposed First Data
Merger. At a meeting of the EBP Board of Directors on July 25, 1995, Lehman
Brothers reviewed the financial terms of the First Data Merger and its potential
impact on the Merger, provided an oral opinion that the Conversion Ratio to be
offered to EBP stockholders was fair, from a financial point of view, to such
stockholders, and confirmed its May 12, 1995 opinion. Lehman Brothers also
stated that it was prepared to provide a written opinion to that effect as of
the date of this Proxy Statement and Prospectus. The independent directors,
following review, reaffirmed the Board's original action taken on May 12, 1995
to recommend the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by EBP
stockholders. The Board of Directors also appointed Mr. Lockhart as an
additional member of the Special Committee in order to recognize his extensive
past assistance to the Special Committee and to formalize his future increased
role on behalf of the Board in analyzing the implications of the First Data
Merger on the Merger. In addition, the independent directors authorized an
amendment to the Merger Agreement extending the termination date under the
Merger Agreement from September 30, 1995 to October 31, 1995.
EBP REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EBP
The independent directors of EBP have unanimously approved the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and have determined that
such transactions are in the best interests of EBP's stockholders. The Board of
Directors of EBP recommends that the stockholders of EBP vote FOR the approval
and adoption of the Merger Agreement. In reaching these conclusions, the Board
of Directors of EBP considered, among other things, information concerning the
financial performance and condition of EBP and FFMC; EBP's and FFMC's current
business operations and prospects and potential synergies associated with the
combination of FFMC and EBP since both companies are medical claims
administrators; the opinion of Lehman Brothers, EBP's financial advisor; the
proposed terms and structure of the transaction; and the terms of the Merger
Agreement. Sources of possible operating cost savings and synergies include (i)
the consolidation of corporate, administrative and support functions, (ii)
enhanced purchasing power with respect to vendors, (iii) the likely elimination
of public reporting obligations of EBP and (iv) other unspecified opportunities
(it being recognized that such opportunities were likely in a combination of
complementary businesses but that, until the Merger is completed or nearly
completed, many of those opportunities could not be identified with
specificity). Following the June 13, 1995 announcement of the First Data Merger
and a subsequent presentation by Lehman Brothers at a meeting of the Board of
Directors on July 25, 1995, the Board reaffirmed its original action
recommending the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by EBP
stockholders.
In approving the Merger Agreement, the EBP Board of Directors sought to
maximize the value of EBP Common Stock and deliver a fair value to EBP
stockholders. The nature of, and rapid change being experienced by, the managed
health care industry requires substantial investments in capital and technology
systems, such as the need to develop sophisticated computer systems to process
and adjudicate claims and the need to compete with new or merged organizations
formed to deliver competitive health care services, such as HMO look-alikes,
exclusive provider organizations (EPOs) and point-of-service (POS) arrangements.
In addition, as a result of industry consolidation, EBP's management and Board
recognized the need to expand its managed health care activities through
significant acquisitions. EBP's management had developed a long-term strategic
plan addressing these issues, which the Board believed could yield favorable
results for EBP
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stockholders but would require significant capital investment and had various
attendant risks. While the long-term strategic plan was being developed and
evaluated, FFMC approached EBP regarding a possible strategic transaction.
Several months later, and following negotiations with FFMC, an agreement was
reached on all material terms of a merger to the satisfaction of the independent
directors whereby the final Conversion Ratio would produce approximately $14.70
in value of FFMC Common Stock for each share of EBP Common Stock, based on the
respective prices of such stock on the NYSE shortly before the public
announcement of the Merger. In view of the factors considered, the EBP
independent directors concluded that the terms of the Merger Agreement, as
ultimately negotiated with FFMC, were more favorable and entailed less risk to
EBP stockholders than pursuing EBP's long-term strategic plan. Set forth below
is a more detailed discussion of the material factors which the independent
directors of EBP considered in reaching the decision that the terms of the
Merger are fair to, and in the best interests of, EBP stockholders:
(i) The health care industry is continuing to rapidly consolidate.
Although EBP's operations are national in scope and EBP is well-known in
its industry, its relatively small size and market share in major markets
places it at a disadvantage to increasingly larger competitors. As a
result, combining with a larger participant in the health care industry or
initiating an aggressive expansion program (see paragraph (ii) below) was
viewed by the Board as being critical to EBP's continued success and the
best interests of its stockholders.
(ii) If EBP did not combine with a larger organization, in order to
provide a level of value to EBP's stockholders equivalent or greater than
that offered by FFMC's proposal, EBP would have to achieve its long-term
strategic plan over the next three years. Since the strategic plan required
substantial expansion by EBP through acquisitions of both managed care
providers (an area in which EBP currently does not have a substantial
presence) and third party administrators in transactions that were likely
to be costly and initially dilutive, the Board concluded that the level of
success was not sufficiently certain to outweigh a combination with a
larger organization providing the same or greater stockholder value.
(iii) The Board believed that an expansion and updating of EBP's
claims administration system, including computer hardware and software, was
now necessary. This would have involved a lengthy and capital intensive
process.
(iv) The implementation of the EBP long-term strategic plan included
the need for the Board to review, and probably expand, EBP's management
resources and the overall staffing of EBP's senior management. A merger
with FFMC would provide additional management resources to EBP.
(v) Independent of industry-based trends, the price (as reflected by
the Conversion Ratio) offered by FFMC was viewed by the Board as being
favorable to EBP stockholders. When the Merger Agreement was approved by
the Board, the Conversion Ratio represented a premium of approximately 73%
over the closing price of EBP Common Stock on May 9, 1995, and represented
a favorable price/earnings multiple.
(vi) FFMC's proposal structure was attractive. The nature of the
consideration offered by FFMC, FFMC's substantial completion of its due
diligence review and FFMC's willingness to minimize conditions to closing
the transaction supported the Board's recommendation that EBP stockholders
approve and adopt the Merger Agreement. Because of the impact on an
organization of a publicly announced transaction that is not consummated,
the Board placed a high value on the fact that a transaction with FFMC was
likely to close.
(vii) The Merger Agreement contemplates the potential payment or
reimbursement to FFMC of certain expenses, or payment of the $3 million
break-up fee, in certain circumstances (see "-- Effective Time and
Termination") and restricts EBP from soliciting offers from third parties.
EBP insisted that FFMC allow EBP to respond to offers from third parties
and limit payment of the break-up fee only to circumstances involving a
competing merger transaction or a withdrawal by the EBP Board of Directors
of its recommendation of the Merger with FFMC. FFMC accepted these changes
but would not agree to eliminate the break-up fee and solicitation
provisions. On balance, and because the break-up fee would be less than
$0.50 per share of EBP Common Stock, the EBP independent directors
concluded that these provisions did not unduly detract from the offer.
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(viii) The relative earnings, assets, cash flow, business and
prospects of each of EBP and FFMC, both on a stand-alone and combined
basis, and the range of values paid in acquisitions of comparable companies
were additional factors which supported the Board's recommendation of the
Merger to EBP stockholders.
(ix) As set forth in detail under "-- Opinion of EBP's Financial
Advisor," the comparison of EBP's and FFMC's historical stock
performance -- particularly FFMC's earnings growth history -- demonstrated
that EBP stockholders could benefit from the Merger. The Board's
recommendation was also supported by the prospects for FFMC as a result of
the Merger. As set forth in greater detail under "-- FFMC Reasons for the
Merger," the Merger would present an opportunity for FFMC to further expand
its managed health care products and services.
(x) The opinion of Lehman Brothers that the Conversion Ratio to be
offered to EBP's stockholders in the Merger is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the stockholders of EBP was one of the factors which supported
the Board's recommendation. Lehman Brothers' opinion is more fully
described under "-- Opinion of EBP's Financial Advisor."
After the June 13, 1995 announcement of the proposed First Data Merger, the
EBP Special Committee asked Lehman Brothers to assist the EBP Board of Directors
in its evaluation of the First Data Merger and to update Lehman Brothers'
opinion. Under the First Data Merger, each share of FFMC Common Stock would be
converted into 1.5859 shares of First Data Common Stock (the "First Data
Conversion Ratio"). This would result in an implied conversion ratio for EBP
Common Stock converting into First Data Common Stock, assuming both mergers
close, of approximately 0.3132 (the "Implied Conversion Ratio"). The price (as
reflected by the First Data Conversion Ratio) offered by First Data was viewed
by the Board as being favorable to EBP stockholders. Based on the First Data
Common Stock price of $55.75 on July 21, 1995, the implied purchase price of EBP
Common Stock was $17.46, which represented a 105.4% premium over EBP's Common
Stock price on May 9, 1995. The relative earnings, assets, cash flow, business
and prospects of EBP, FFMC and First Data on a combined basis, and the range of
values paid in acquisitions of comparable companies, were additional factors
which supported the Board's continued recommendation of the Merger to EBP
stockholders. The updated opinion of Lehman Brothers, prepared to reflect the
First Data Merger, that the Conversion Ratio to be offered to EBP stockholders
in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of
EBP, was one of the additional factors which supported this recommendation.
In light of the complexity, diversity and interrelationships of the factors
considered by the Board of Directors of EBP, the Board of Directors did not
attach relative weights to such factors in reaching its conclusion to approve
the Merger Agreement and recommend its adoption by EBP stockholders.
FOR THE REASONS SET FORTH ABOVE, EBP'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTED TO APPROVE
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON STOCK VOTE FOR
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
OPINION OF EBP'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Lehman Brothers has acted as financial advisor to EBP in connection with
the Merger, as described under "-- Background of the Merger." As part of its
role as financial advisor to EBP, Lehman Brothers was engaged to render to the
Board of Directors of EBP an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the stockholders of EBP of the Conversion Ratio to be offered to
EBP's stockholders in the Merger. See "-- Background of the Merger."
In connection with the evaluation of the Merger Agreement by the Board of
Directors of EBP, Lehman Brothers made a presentation to the Board on May 12,
1995 with respect to the Merger and rendered a written opinion dated May 12,
1995 that, as of the date of such opinion, and subject to certain assumptions,
factors and limitations set forth in such opinion as described below, the
Conversion Ratio to be offered to EBP's stockholders in the Merger is fair, from
a financial point of view, to such stockholders.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF LEHMAN BROTHERS DATED THE DATE OF
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS, WHICH UPDATES ITS MAY 12, 1995 OPINION TO
REFLECT LEHMAN BROTHERS' INVESTIGATION OF FIRST DATA AND WHICH SETS FORTH
ASSUMPTIONS MADE, FACTORS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY
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LEHMAN BROTHERS, IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND PROSPECTUS.
EBP STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ SUCH OPINION CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY.
No limitations were imposed by EBP on the scope of Lehman Brothers'
investigation or the procedures to be followed by Lehman Brothers in rendering
its opinion, except that Lehman Brothers was not authorized to solicit any
indication of interest from any third party with respect to the purchase of all
or a part of EBP's business. Lehman Brothers was not requested to and did not
make any recommendation to the Board of Directors of EBP as to the form or
amount of consideration to be offered to EBP's stockholders in the Merger, which
was determined through arm's-length negotiations between EBP and its financial
and legal advisors and FFMC and its financial and legal advisors. In arriving at
its opinion, Lehman Brothers did not ascribe a specific range of value to EBP,
but made its determination as to the fairness, from a financial point of view,
of the Conversion Ratio to be offered to EBP's stockholders on the basis of the
financial and comparative analyses described below. Lehman Brothers' opinion
does not constitute a recommendation to any EBP stockholder as to how such
stockholder should vote with respect to the Merger at the Meeting. Lehman
Brothers was not requested to opine as to, and its opinion does not in any
manner address, the underlying business decision of the Board of Directors of
EBP to proceed with or effect the Merger.
In arriving at its opinion, Lehman Brothers reviewed and analyzed the
following: (i) the Merger Agreement; (ii) publicly available information
concerning EBP, FFMC and First Data which Lehman Brothers believed to be
relevant to its inquiry; (iii) financial and operating information with respect
to the business, operations and prospects of EBP furnished to Lehman Brothers by
EBP; (iv) financial and operating information with respect to the business,
operations and prospects of FFMC furnished to Lehman Brothers by FFMC; (v) a
trading history of EBP Common Stock, FFMC Common Stock and First Data Common
Stock over the last three years, and a comparison of such trading histories with
those of other companies which Lehman Brothers deemed relevant; (vi) a
comparison of the historical financial results and present financial condition
of EBP, FFMC and First Data with those of other companies which Lehman Brothers
deemed relevant; (vii) a review of third party research analyst quarterly and
annual earnings estimates for EBP, FFMC and First Data; (viii) analyses of the
potential pro forma financial effects of the Merger; and (ix) a comparison of
the financial terms of the Merger with the terms of certain other recent
transactions which Lehman Brothers deemed relevant. In addition, Lehman Brothers
had discussions with the respective managements of EBP, FFMC and First Data
concerning each company's business, operations, assets, financial condition and
prospects, and undertook such other studies, analyses and investigations as it
deemed appropriate.
In arriving at its opinion, Lehman Brothers assumed and relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of the financial and other information used by it
without assuming any responsibility for independent verification of such
information and further relied upon the assurances of management of EBP, FFMC
and First Data that they are not aware of any facts that would make such
information inaccurate or misleading. With respect to the financial forecasts of
EBP, upon advice of EBP, Lehman Brothers assumed that such forecasts had been
reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments of the management of EBP as to the future financial performance of
EBP. In arriving at its opinion, Lehman Brothers did not make or obtain any
evaluations or appraisals of the assets or liabilities of EBP, FFMC or First
Data and did not have access to any financial forecasts from FFMC or First Data.
In addition, Lehman Brothers was not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit,
any indications of interest from any third party with respect to the purchase of
all or a part of EBP's business. Lehman Brothers' opinion was necessarily based
upon market, economic and other conditions as they existed on, and could be
evaluated as of, the date of its opinion.
In connection with preparing its presentation to the EBP Board of Directors
on May 12, 1995 and its written opinion dated May 12, 1995, Lehman Brothers
performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses as summarized below.
The preparation of a fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the
most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and application of
those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, such an opinion is
not readily susceptible to summary description. Furthermore, in arriving at its
opinion, Lehman Brothers did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis
or factor considered by it, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the
significance and relevance of each analysis
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and factor. Accordingly, Lehman Brothers believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that considering any portions of such analyses and
factors, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a misleading
or incomplete view of the process underlying the opinion. In its analyses,
Lehman Brothers assumed stable business and economic conditions and a stable
competitive environment in the markets in which EBP operates. These assumptions
are beyond the control of EBP. Any estimates contained in these analyses are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or
values, which may be more or less favorable than as set forth therein. In
addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses do not purport to be
appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses actually may be sold. In
performing several of its analyses, Lehman Brothers considered the high, low,
mean and median levels of various comparable companies and transactions. In its
presentations to the EBP Board, Lehman Brothers focused upon the mean levels of
these benchmarks (since those levels were viewed as being statistically the most
significant), and for simplicity and clarity of presentation, only the mean
levels are presented in the discussion below. Lehman Brothers does not believe,
however, that focusing upon the median levels (the only other statistical
measurement viewed as reliable) would have altered any of its conclusions.
Conversion Ratio Analysis. The closing price of FFMC Common Stock on May
11, 1995 was $74.75 per share. The closing price of EBP Common Stock on May 9,
1995 was $8.50 per share. Lehman Brothers used the closing price of EBP Common
Stock on May 9, 1995 of $8.50 in lieu of the actual closing prices on May 10 and
11, 1995 for this analysis and all analyses set forth below because the price
and trading volume of EBP Common Stock increased by unusual amounts on May 10
and 11, prior to EBP's public announcement of a possible merger transaction on
May 11, 1995. Lehman Brothers observed that this increase may have occurred due
to public speculation or rumor in the market regarding a potential EBP merger.
Lehman Brothers compared the historical conversion ratio of 0.1137 (derived from
closing prices above) to the negotiated Conversion Ratio of 0.1975, which
represented a purchase premium for shares of EBP Common Stock of 73.7%. Lehman
Brothers also noted that the Conversion Ratio represented a 68.0% premium to the
average conversion ratio of 0.1176 over the preceding 30 days, a 66.6% premium
to the average conversion ratio of 0.1186 over the preceding 60 days, a 59.3%
premium to the average conversion ratio of 0.1240 over the preceding 90 days and
a 12.0% premium to the average conversion ratio of 0.1763 over the preceding 52
weeks. Lehman Brothers noted that the daily closing price of EBP Common Stock as
a percentage of the daily closing price of FFMC Common Stock had declined from
the beginning of 1995 through May 9, 1995. Accordingly, the premium represented
by the negotiated Conversion Ratio of 0.1975 should be viewed even more
favorably in light of this recent downward trend. In addition, Lehman Brothers
noted that the negotiated Conversion Ratio of 0.1975 substantially exceeded the
highest conversion ratio between the two companies from the beginning of 1995
through May 9, 1995 of 0.1542, which occurred on January 2, 1995. Lehman
Brothers observed that at the Conversion Ratio of 0.1975, if FFMC's shares
traded between $65.00 and $80.00 at the closing of the Merger, the implied value
to EBP stockholders would range between $12.84 and $15.80 per share, or a 51.1%
to 85.9% premium over EBP's May 9, 1995 closing price of $8.50.
EBP Stock Price Trading Range Analysis. The closing price of EBP Common
Stock on May 9, 1995 was $8.50 per share. Lehman Brothers noted that the average
closing price for EBP Common Stock over the preceding 30 day, 60 day, 90 day,
180 day and 52 week periods was $8.63, $8.60, $8.77, $8.78, and $10.62,
respectively. The high and low closing prices for EBP Common Stock over the
preceding 52 weeks were $15.875 and $8.125 per share, respectively. The high and
low closing prices for EBP Common Stock over the preceding three years was
$15.875 and $7.375 per share, respectively. Based on the Conversion Ratio and
the closing price of FFMC Common Stock on May 11, 1995, the purchase price to
EBP stockholders as of that date would have been $14.76 per share, which Lehman
Brothers treated as the implied transaction price for purposes of its analysis.
Lehman Brothers noted that EBP Common Stock had closed above $14.76 only six
times since May 15, 1992, all of those in May 1994. Lehman Brothers noted that
EBP's stock price had been in a relatively steady decline since late July 1994
and that the purchase price of $14.76 implied by the Conversion Ratio should be
viewed even more favorably in light of EBP's declining stock price over the last
year.
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Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies Comparable to EBP. Using
publicly available information, Lehman Brothers compared selected financial data
of EBP with similar data of selected companies engaged in businesses considered
by Lehman Brothers to be comparable to those of EBP. Specifically, Lehman
Brothers included in its review Emphesys Financial Group, Inc. ("Emphesys") and
John Alden Financial Corporation ("John Alden"), which Lehman Brothers
considered to be the two most comparable publicly traded companies because they
are in the most comparable lines of business and have experienced comparable
financial and operating performance in that they all have performed below Wall
Street analysts' earnings expectations. Lehman Brothers also included in its
review the mean financial data for managed care organizations, such as publicly
traded Health Maintenance Organizations ("HMOs"), which were broken down into
Tier I and Tier II HMOs (together with Emphesys and John Alden, the "EBP
Comparable Companies"). Lehman Brothers did not view the comparison to Tier I
HMOs and Tier II HMOs as particularly relevant based on EBP's current business
and operations which are not engaged in the same business as HMOs, and the
comparison was included in the presentation to EBP's board of directors for
illustrative purposes only, since HMOs represent what the financial community
generally believes to be the future standard for cost-effective health care
delivery.
Lehman Brothers analyzed changes in research analysts' 1995 earnings
estimates for EBP, Emphesys and John Alden as of January 18, 1995, March 15,
1995 and May 11, 1995 and the impact such revisions had on these companies'
stock prices and the then current multiple of the then current stock price to
the then current estimated 1995 earnings (the "1995 P/E multiple"). The mean of
research analysts' 1995 earnings estimates for Emphesys had been raised from
$4.01 per share as of January 18, 1995 to $4.18 as of March 15, 1995, but then
lowered to $3.97 as of May 11, 1995. Emphesys' closing stock price and 1995 P/E
multiple decreased dramatically from $37.00 and 8.9x, respectively, as of March
15, 1995, to $25.75 and 6.5x, respectively, as of May 11, 1995. The mean of
research analysts' 1995 earnings estimates for John Alden was $4.15 as of
January 18, 1995 and as of March 15, 1995, but then decreased to $2.15 as of May
11, 1995. John Alden's closing stock price increased from $27.63 on January 18,
1994 to $29.38 on March 15, 1995 but then declined to $16.13 on May 11, 1995
(presumably due to John Alden's announcement of disappointing earnings results
for the quarter). John Alden's 1995 P/E multiple went from 6.7x to 7.1x to 7.5x,
respectively, on the same dates. A research analyst's 1995 earnings estimate for
EBP (there was only one published earnings estimate) was lowered from $1.50 as
of January 18, 1995 to $1.01 as of March 15, 1995 and lowered again to $0.93 as
of May 11, 1995. Lehman Brothers noted that Emphesys' and John Alden's stock
prices declined dramatically over these periods due to the announcements of
disappointing earnings results and lowered earnings expectations for the future.
EBP's stock prices remained relatively constant at $8.75, $9.00, and $8.50 on
January 18, 1995, March 15, 1995 and May 11, 1995, respectively, while its 1995
P/E multiple went from 5.8x to 8.9x to 9.1x, respectively on such dates. Lehman
Brothers believed that EBP's stock price did not experience the same percentage
decline because (i) it had not reported a disappointing result for the first
quarter of 1995 and (ii) there was only one research analyst's earnings estimate
publicly available thereby limiting public dissemination of EBP's earnings
prospects. Based on the experience with Emphesys and John Alden, Lehman Brothers
observed that in the event EBP reported disappointing earnings in 1995, it would
be reasonable to expect a decline in its stock price, thereby making the
Conversion Ratio all the more attractive.
Lehman Brothers calculated the 1995 P/E multiple for EBP and the EBP
Comparable Companies. Lehman noted that, as of May 9, 1995, EBP's 1995 P/E
multiple was 9.1x, which was higher than 6.5x for Emphesys and 7.5x for John
Alden as of May 11, 1995. The mean 1995 P/E multiple for Tier I HMOs was 13.7x
and the mean 1995 P/E multiple for Tier II HMOs was 14.7x. Based on the
Conversion Ratio and FFMC's stock price of $74.75, the equivalent 1995 P/E
multiple for EBP based on an implied transaction price of $14.76 per share would
have been 15.9x, substantially above the 1995 P/E multiples of Emphesys and John
Alden. Lehman Brothers noted that while EBP traded at a substantially higher
1995 P/E multiple than Emphesys and John Alden, EBP was not likely to trade in
the near term to as high as the 15.9x 1995 P/E merger multiple, given the recent
disappointing earnings releases by Emphesys and John Alden and the recent
declines in these two stocks and the increasing investment community concerns
over the earnings prospects of the companies in this particular sector as a
whole.
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Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value as a multiple of book
value for EBP and the EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, as
of May 9, 1995, EBP's total equity value as a multiple of book value was 0.87x,
which was lower than 1.46x for Emphesys and 1.01x for John Alden. However,
Lehman Brothers noted that based on an implied transaction price to EBP
stockholders of $14.76, total equity value as a multiple of book value of 1.53x
was higher than both Emphesys' and John Alden's multiples. Lehman Brothers also
noted that the mean total equity value as a multiple of book value of Tier I
HMOs was 3.47x and the mean of Tier II HMOs was 3.96x.
Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value plus net debt (total debt
less cash) as a multiple of latest twelve month ("LTM") revenues for EBP and the
EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, as of May 9, 1995, EBP's
total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM revenues was 0.44x, which
was higher than 0.33x for Emphesys and 0.32x for John Alden. Lehman Brothers
noted that based on an implied transaction price to EBP stockholders of $14.76,
total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM revenues of 0.67x
represented a significantly higher multiple than both Emphesys' and John Alden's
multiple. Lehman Brothers also noted that the mean total equity value plus net
debt as a multiple of LTM revenues of Tier I HMOs was 0.60x and the mean of Tier
II HMOs was 0.77x.
Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value plus net debt as a
multiple of LTM earnings before taxes and interest ("EBIT") for EBP and the EBP
Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, as of May 9, 1995, EBP's total
equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM EBIT was 5.1x, which was higher
than 4.6x for Emphesys and 4.6x for John Alden. Lehman Brothers noted that based
on an implied transaction price to EBP stockholders of $14.76, total equity
value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM EBIT of 7.7x represented a
significantly higher multiple than both Emphesys' and John Alden's multiples.
Lehman Brothers also noted that the mean total equity value plus net debt as a
multiple of LTM EBIT of Tier I HMOs was 8.2x and the mean of Tier II HMOs was
10.1x.
Lehman Brothers noted that the 1994 return on equity ("ROE") for the three
companies was essentially the same with EBP at 19.1%, Emphesys at 20.0%, and
John Alden at 18.6%. The ROE for HMOs was not calculated by Lehman Brothers.
Lehman Brothers noted that based on an implied transaction price to EBP
stockholders of $14.76, EBP's 1995 P/E multiple, total equity value as a
multiple of book value, total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM
revenues and total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM EBIT were
higher than the respective multiples of both Emphesys and John Alden.
Analysis of Selected Comparable Transactions. Using publicly available
information, Lehman Brothers: (i) compared selected financial data (including
total equity market value as a multiple of both book value and LTM net income)
for EBP with similar data for selected transactions in the insurance industry
(the "Comparable Merger Transaction Universe") and (ii) compared the premium
represented by the Conversion Ratio over the price per share of EBP Common Stock
approximately one month before the announcement of the Merger and the
corresponding premiums paid for the acquired companies in the Comparable Merger
Transaction Universe. The Comparable Merger Transaction Universe included the
following transactions in the life and health insurance industry with the
acquiror listed first: Life Partners Group Inc./Lamar Financial Group Inc.,
USF&G Corp./Victoria Financial Corporation, CNA Financial Corp./Continental
Corp., American General Corp./Western National Corp., Integon Corp./Bankers &
Shippers Insurance Co. (Travelers Inc.), Conseco Capital Partners II
L.P./Statesman Group, Inc., American General Corp./Franklin Life Insurance Co.,
Torchmark Corp./American Income Holding, Inc. GE Capital Corp./Harcourt General
Insurance Cos., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co./The Travelers Inc-Group Life,
Conseco Inc./The Statesman Group Inc., Associated Insurance Companies,
Inc./Federal Kemper Insurance Co. (Kemper Corp.), Guardian Royal
Exchange/American Ambassador Casualty Company (Allianz Group), NWNL Cos. Inc./
USLICO Corp., Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd./Ranger Insurance Co. (Chase
Enterprises), Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc./UniCARE Financial Corp., QBE
Insurance Group Ltd./American Royal Insurance (Royal Insurance Holdings PLC),
ACE Ltd./Corporate Officers & Directors Assurance Ltd., Alleghany
Corp./Underwriters Reinsurance Co., The St. Paul Companies, Inc./Economy Fire &
Casualty Co. (Kemper Corp.), State Auto Financial Corp./Milbank Insurance Co.
(Royal Insurance Holdings PLC), Investors
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Group (consisting of senior management, International Insurance Investors, L.P.,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Merchant Banking Partners, L.P., Life Re Corp. and
Consolidated Fidelity Life Insurance Co.)/ NACOLAH Holding Corp., GE Capital
Corp./United Pacific Life Insurance Co., Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Co./Kemper
Reinsurance/National Loss Control Service Corporation, American Premier
Underwriters, Inc. (Penn Central Corp.)/Leader National Corp.
(Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corp.), American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc./Voyager Life
Insurance Co. (Travelers Inc.), GE Capital Corp./GNA Corp., and FFMC/ALTA Health
Strategies, Inc. Lehman Brothers noted that the total equity value as a multiple
of book value for EBP in the Merger (based upon the closing price of FFMC Common
Stock of $74.75 on May 11, 1995) was 1.53x, which is slightly below the 1.55x
for the mean of the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe. The total equity
value as a multiple of LTM net income for EBP in the Merger was 10.1x which is
below the 14.1x for the mean of the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe.
Lehman Brothers also noted that the premium represented by the Conversion Ratio
over the price per share of EBP Common Stock one month before the announcement
of the Merger was 71.8%, compared with a mean, high and low of 33.0%, 89.1% and
(7.4%), respectively, for the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe. Even
though the mean multiples of the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe for
total equity value as a multiple of book value and total equity value as a
multiple of LTM net income were more than those for EBP in the Merger, Lehman
Brothers observed that the 71.8% premium was more than double the mean and among
the highest paid in the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe.
Hypothetical Forward Trading Analysis. Since only one research analyst
provided publicly available earnings estimates for EBP for 1995 and there were
no estimates for 1996, Lehman Brothers did not perform a forward trading
analysis based upon earnings estimates. For informational purposes for the EBP
Board of Directors, Lehman Brothers suggested trading values that might result
from various hypothetical earnings levels. This analysis, since purely
hypothetical, did not factor into Lehman Brothers' opinion.
FFMC Stock Price Trading Range Analysis. The closing price of FFMC Common
Stock on May 11, 1995 was $74.75 per share. Lehman Brothers noted that the
average closing price for FFMC Common Stock over the preceding 30 day, 60 day,
90 day, 180 day and 52 week periods was $73.36, $72.60, $70.95, $67.63, and
$61.55, respectively. The high and low closing prices for FFMC Common Stock over
the preceding 52 weeks were $74.75 and $52.50 per share, respectively. Lehman
Brothers noted that, based upon publicly available data from five Wall Street
analysts who follow FFMC, the target stock price for FFMC Common Stock in the
next nine to 24 months ranges from $75.00 to $90.00 per share. Of the five
analysts from whom data was available, one targeted a price for FFMC Common
Stock of $75.00 per share over the next 12 months, and four others targeted
prices for FFMC Common Stock which ranged from $80.00 to $90.00 per share over
the next nine to 24 months. Lehman Brothers noted that, if FFMC Common Stock
performed according to research analysts' expectations, then the value of EBP
stockholders' holdings in FFMC Common Stock following the Merger would increase.
FFMC Stock Trading Volume Analysis. Lehman Brothers analyzed the
historical daily trading volume of FFMC Common Stock over various periods so
that the EBP Board of Directors could consider the opportunity for EBP
stockholders who, after the Merger, chose to sell all or a portion of their FFMC
Common Stock to achieve complete or partial liquidity of their holdings. The 30,
60, 90, 180 and 360 day average daily trading volume for FFMC Common Stock was
approximately 157,000, 188,000, 216,000, 215,000 and 183,000 shares,
respectively. Lehman Brothers noted that these volumes should represent
sufficient trading levels to provide liquidity to EBP stockholders, if desired.
Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies Comparable to FFMC. Using
publicly available information, Lehman Brothers compared selected financial data
of FFMC with similar data of selected companies engaged in businesses considered
by Lehman Brothers to be comparable to those of FFMC. Specifically, Lehman
Brothers included in its review Automatic Data Processing, Inc., First Data
Corporation, SPS Transaction Services Inc., Sungard Data Systems Inc. and Total
System Services, Inc. (the "FFMC Comparable Companies"). The FFMC Comparable
Companies were selected based on general business, operating and financial
characteristics representative of companies in industries in which FFMC
operates. Lehman Brothers calculated the multiple of the current stock price to:
(i) the estimated 1995 earnings per share (the "1995 P/E multiple") and (ii) the
estimated 1996 earnings per share (the "1996 P/E multiple")
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for FFMC and the FFMC Comparable Companies based on estimates provided by First
Call Corp. (a service company widely used by the investment community to gather
earnings estimates from various research analysts). Lehman Brothers noted that,
as of May 11, 1995, FFMC's 1995 P/E multiple was 24.4x, versus 23.5x for the
mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies and FFMC's 1996 P/E was 20.4x, versus
19.3x for the mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers also
calculated the multiple of equity market value plus net debt (total debt less
cash) to: (i) LTM Revenues and (ii) LTM earnings before interest and taxes
("EBIT"). Lehman Brothers noted that as of May 11, 1995, FFMC Common Stock
traded at 2.0x LTM Revenues and 16.9x LTM EBIT, compared to 3.3x and 16.2x,
respectively, for the mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Finally, Lehman
Brothers noted that, based on Wall Street analysts' estimates, the expected five
year growth rate in earnings per share for FFMC was 20.0%, compared to 17.2% for
the mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers further observed that
FFMC's five year historical revenue and earnings per share growth rates of 28.2%
and 21.6%, respectively, exceeded the FFMC Comparable Companies' mean values of
19.0% and 14.1%, respectively.
Lehman Brothers also calculated the multiple of the current stock price to:
(i) LTM earnings (the "LTM multiple") and (ii) book value (the "book value
multiple") for FFMC and the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted
that, as of May 11, 1995, FFMC's LTM multiple was 27.8x, versus 27.9x for the
mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman also noted that, as of May 11,
1995, FFMC's book value multiple was 3.13x, versus 4.85x for the mean of the
FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers also calculated: (i) LTM EBIT (the
"EBIT margin"), (ii) LTM pretax income (the "pretax margin") and (iii) LTM net
income (the "net margin") as a percentage of LTM revenues for FFMC and the FFMC
Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, as of May 11, 1995, FFMC's
EBIT margin was 12.0%, versus 20.5% for the mean of the FFMC Comparable
Companies. Lehman also noted that, as of May 11, 1995, FFMC's pretax margin was
11.5%, versus 19.1% for the mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman also
noted that, as of May 11, 1995, FFMC's net margin was 7.0%, versus 12.0% for the
mean of the FFMC Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that despite the
fact that FFMC's margins were lower than the mean of the FFMC Comparable
Companies, FFMC's earnings multiples (with the exception of LTM revenue and book
value multiples) were higher than the mean of the respective multiples for the
FFMC Comparable Companies due primarily to the fact that FFMC is a market share
leader in most of its business units. Lehman Brothers concluded that this
analysis of selected publicly traded companies comparable to FFMC was a positive
factor in evaluating the FFMC Common Stock to be used as consideration in the
Merger.
Historical Price/Earnings Analysis. Lehman Brothers noted that while
FFMC's stock price was trading near its high over the preceding 30 days, FFMC's
LTM price/earnings ("P/E") multiple of 27.8x was within the LTM P/E multiple
range of 22.1x to 31.5x in which its stock has traded since the beginning of
1993. Lehman Brothers further noted that FFMC's stock has steadily risen in the
past as, among other factors: (i) FFMC's earnings have benefited from strategic
acquisitions and (ii) FFMC has consistently met analysts' earnings expectations
on a quarterly basis.
Pro Forma Analysis. Based on an analysis of the pro forma effects of the
Merger, Lehman Brothers noted that, at the Conversion Ratio, assuming no synergy
savings and excluding onetime charges, the transaction is accretive to earnings
per share for FFMC in both 1995 and 1996. Lehman Brothers also noted that, on a
fully-diluted basis, EBP stockholders would own approximately 2.5% of FFMC after
the completion of the Merger.
In addition, at the request of EBP's Board of Directors, Lehman Brothers
made a presentation to EBP's Board of Directors on July 25, 1995 regarding the
impact of the First Data Merger on the Merger. In connection with preparing its
presentation and updating its prior written opinion, Lehman Brothers performed a
variety of financial and comparative analyses on First Data as summarized below.
Conversion Ratio and Purchase Price Premium Analysis. On June 13, 1995
FFMC announced that it would merge with and into First Data such that each share
of FFMC Common Stock would be converted into 1.5859 shares of First Data Common
Stock (the "First Data Conversion Ratio"). Based on the closing price of First
Data Common Stock of $55.75 on July 21, 1995, the implied purchase prices of
FFMC and EBP at
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their negotiated conversion ratios of 1.5859 and 0.1975 were $88.41 and $17.46,
respectively. This resulted in an implied conversion ratio for EBP Common Stock
converting into First Data Common Stock, assuming both mergers close, of
approximately 0.3132 (the "Implied Conversion Ratio"). The implied purchase
price for EBP Common Stock of $17.46 represented a 105.4% premium over the
closing price of EBP Common Stock on May 9, 1995, and a 43% increase in premium
to EBP stockholders over the 73.7% implied premium EBP stockholders would have
received as of May 11, 1995. Lehman Brothers noted that at the Implied
Conversion Ratio of 0.3132, if First Data's shares traded between $50.00 and
$61.00 at closing of the First Data Merger (an approximately 10% range on either
side of First Data's stock price of $55.75), the implied value to EBP
stockholders would range between $15.66 and $19.11 per share, or an 84.2% to
124.8% premium over EBP's May 9, 1995 closing price of $8.50. This range
exceeded the implied premium and purchase price of 73.7% and $14.76,
respectively, as of May 11, 1995 represented by the Merger.
First Data Stock Price Trading Analysis. The closing price for First Data
Common Stock on July 21, 1995 was $55.75 per share. Lehman Brothers noted in its
presentation to the EBP Board of Directors on July 25, 1995 that the average
closing prices for First Data Common Stock over the preceding 30 day, 60 day, 90
day, 180 day and 52 week periods were $57.03, $57.01, $56.80, $55.23 and $51.05,
respectively. The high and low closing prices for First Data Common Stock over
the preceding 52 weeks were $58.50 and $42.88, respectively. Lehman Brothers
noted that the First Data share price had increased over the last 52 weeks but
that the shares had traded between a $51.00-$58.50 range over the last six
months and at the time of the July 25, 1995 meeting were then trading near the
midpoint of such range.
Updated Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies Comparable to
EBP. As part of Lehman Brothers' presentation to EBP's Board of Directors on
July 25, 1995, Lehman Brothers updated its analysis of selected publicly traded
companies comparable to EBP. As discussed below, the EBP Comparable Companies
were still trading in generally the same multiple ranges so that the premium
that EBP was receiving in the Merger and the First Data Merger was still very
favorable.
Using publicly available information, Lehman Brothers compared selected
financial data of EBP with the EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted
that the equivalent 1995 P/E multiple for EBP of 18.8x, based on the implied
purchase price of EBP common stock of $17.46 as of July 21, 1995, was
significantly higher than the multiples of 6.5x and 7.9x for Emphesys and John
Alden, respectively. Lehman Brothers also noted that the mean 1995 P/E multiple
was 14.0x for Tier I HMOs and the mean of Tier II HMOs was 13.4x.
Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value as a multiple of book
value for EBP and the EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that the
equivalent total equity value as a multiple of book value for EBP of 1.82x,
based on the implied purchase price of EBP Common Stock of $17.46 as of July 21,
1995, was significantly higher than the multiples of 1.21x and 1.00x for
Emphesys and John Alden, respectively. Lehman Brothers also noted that the mean
total equity value as a multiple of book value was 2.98x for Tier I HMOs and the
mean of Tier II HMOs was 3.19x.
Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value plus net debt as a
multiple of LTM revenues for EBP and the EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman
Brothers noted that the total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM
revenues for EBP of 0.87x, based on the implied purchase price of EBP Common
Stock of $17.46 as of July 21, 1995, was significantly higher than the multiples
of 0.30x and 0.35x for Emphesys and John Alden, respectively. Lehman Brothers
also noted that the mean total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM
revenues was 0.89x for Tier I HMOs and the mean of Tier II HMOs was 0.64x.
Lehman Brothers calculated the total equity value plus net debt as a
multiple of LTM EBIT for EBP and the EBP Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers
noted that the equivalent total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM
EBIT for EBP of 10.1x, based on the implied purchase price of EBP common stock
of $17.46 as of July 21, 1995, was significantly higher than 4.3x and 5.2x for
Emphesys and John Alden, respectively. Lehman Brothers also noted that the mean
total equity value plus net debt as a multiple of LTM EBIT was 10.9x for Tier I
HMOs and the mean of Tier II HMOs was 9.3x.
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Updated Analysis of Selected Comparable Transactions. Using publicly
available information, Lehman Brothers: (i) compared selected financial data
(including total equity market value as a multiple of both book value and LTM
net income) for EBP with similar data for the Comparable Merger Transaction
Universe and (ii) compared the premium represented by the Implied Conversion
Ratio over the price per share of EBP Common Stock approximately one month
before the announcement of the Merger and the corresponding premiums paid for
the acquired companies in the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe. Lehman
Brothers noted that the total equity value as a multiple of book value for EBP
in the Merger and First Data Merger (based upon the closing price of First Data
Common Stock of $55.75 on July 21, 1995) was 1.82x, which is higher than the
1.55x for the mean of the Comparable Merger Transaction Universe. The total
equity value as a multiple of LTM net income for EBP in the Merger and First
Data Merger was 11.6x, which is below the 14.1x for the mean of the Comparable
Merger Transaction Universe. Lehman Brothers also noted that the premium
represented by the Implied Conversion Ratio over the price per share of EBP
Common Stock one month before announcement of the Merger was 105.5%, compared
with a mean, high and low of 33.0%, 89.1% and (7.4%), respectively, for the
Comparable Merger Transaction Universe. Even though the mean multiple of the
Comparable Merger Transaction Universe for total equity value as a multiple of
LTM net income of 14.1x was more than the 11.6x for EBP in the Merger and First
Data Merger, Lehman Brothers observed that the 105.5% premium was more than
three times the mean, and higher than any other premium paid, in the Comparable
Merger Transaction Universe.
First Data P/E Multiple Analysis. Lehman Brothers noted that while First
Data's stock price was trading near its high over the preceding 52 weeks, First
Data's one year forward P/E multiple of 25.0x was approximately at the midpoint
of both the 22.8-27.2x range in which First Data Common Stock had traded to date
in 1995 and its 22.9-27.7x range in 1994. Lehman Brothers further noted that the
First Data share price and therefore P/E multiple were likely to benefit from
the First Data Merger due to the strategic merits of the merger and the fact
that First Data would become the leading company in most of its operating
businesses.
First Data Stock Trading Volume Analysis. Lehman Brothers analyzed the
historical daily trading volume of First Data shares over various periods so
that the EBP Board of Directors could consider the opportunity for EBP
stockholders who, after the close of the Merger and the First Data Merger, chose
to sell all or a portion of their First Data Common Stock to achieve complete or
partial liquidity on their holdings. The 30, 60, 90, 180 and 360 day average
daily trading volume for First Data Common Stock was approximately 483,000,
512,000, 430,000, 417,000 and 339,000 shares, respectively. Lehman Brothers
noted that these daily trading volumes were two to three times greater than the
daily trading volumes of FFMC Common Stock, and accordingly, should represent
sufficient trading levels to provide even greater liquidity to EBP stockholders,
if desired.
Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies Comparable to First
Data. Using publicly available information, Lehman Brothers compared selected
financial data of First Data with similar data of selected companies engaged in
businesses considered by Lehman Brothers to be comparable to those of First
Data. Specifically, Lehman Brothers included in its review Automatic Data
Processing, Inc., SPS Transactions Services Inc., Sungard Data Systems Inc., and
Total System Services, Inc. (the "First Data Comparable Companies"). As with the
FFMC Comparable Companies, these companies were selected based on general
business, operating and financial characteristics representative of companies in
industries in which First Data operates. Lehman Brothers calculated the multiple
of the current stock price to: (i) the estimated 1995 earnings per share (the
"1995 P/E multiple") and (ii) the estimated 1996 earnings per share (the "1996
P/E multiple") for First Data and the First Data Comparable Companies based on
estimates provided by First Call Corp. Lehman Brothers noted that, as of July
21, 1995, First Data's 1995 P/E multiple was 25.0x, versus 23.4x for the mean of
the First Data Comparable Companies, and First Data's 1996 P/E was 20.8x, versus
19.4x for the mean of the First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers also
calculated the multiple of equity market value plus net debt (total debt less
cash) to: (i) LTM Revenues and (ii) LTM EBIT. Lehman Brothers noted that as of
July 21, 1995, First Data Common Stock traded at 3.7x LTM Revenues and 16.9x LTM
EBIT, compared to 3.3x and 17.2x, respectively, for the mean of the First Data
Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, based on Wall Street analysts'
estimates, the expected five year growth rate in earnings per share for First
Data was 20.0%, compared to 16.5% for the mean of the First Data Comparable
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Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that First Data multiples exceeded the mean of
the First Data Comparable Companies implying that EBP stockholders would
ultimately be receiving shares in one of the premier companies in the sector.
Lehman Brothers also calculated the multiple of the current stock price to:
(i) LTM earnings (the "LTM multiple") and (ii) book value (the "book value
multiple") for First Data and the First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman
Brothers noted that, as of July 21, 1995, First Data's LTM multiple was 32.2x,
versus 27.0x for the mean of the First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman also
noted that, as of July 21, 1995, First Data's book value multiple was 4.26x,
versus 4.87x for the mean of the First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman
Brothers also calculated: (i) LTM EBIT (the "EBIT margin"), (ii) LTM pretax
income (the "pretax margin") and (iii) LTM net income (the "net margin") as a
percentage of LTM revenues for First Data and the First Data Comparable
Companies. Lehman Brothers noted that, as of July 21, 1995, First Data's EBIT
margin was 22.2%, versus 20.0% for the mean of the First Data Comparable
Companies and First Data's pretax margin was 19.2%, versus 19.0% for the mean of
the First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers also noted that, as of July
21, 1995, First Data's net margin was 10.9%, versus 12.2% for the mean of the
First Data Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers observed that, based on Wall
Street analysts' estimates, the expected five year growth rate in earnings per
share for First Data was 20.0%, compared to 16.5% for the mean of the First Data
Comparable Companies. Lehman Brothers further observed that First Data's five
year historical revenue and earnings per share growth rates of 21.8% and 14.1%,
respectively, exceeded the First Data Comparable Companies' mean values of 18.3%
and 14.0%, respectively. Lehman Brothers observed that with the exception of the
book value multiple and net margin, the First Data multiples and margins
exceeded the mean of the First Data Comparable Companies implying that EBP
stockholders would ultimately be receiving shares in a company, giving effect to
the First Data Merger, which is the leading company, or among the leading
companies, in each of its respective businesses. Lehman Brothers considered this
analysis as a positive factor in evaluating the First Data Common Stock which
may be received as consideration by stockholders of EBP as a result of the
Merger and the First Data Merger.
Engagement of Lehman Brothers. Lehman Brothers is an internationally
recognized investment banking firm and, as part of its investment banking
activities, is regularly engaged in the evaluation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements, and valuations for corporate, estate and other
purposes. The Board of Directors of EBP selected Lehman Brothers because of its
expertise, reputation and familiarity with the health care and insurance
industries in general and because its investment banking professionals have
substantial experience in transactions similar to the Merger.
Pursuant to engagement letters between EBP and Lehman Brothers, EBP has
agreed to pay Lehman Brothers a fee of approximately $2 million for acting as
financial advisor in connection with the Merger, including rendering its
opinion. Of such fee, $100,000 was payable as a retainer, $400,000 was payable
upon delivery of the written opinion, and the remainder is payable upon
consummation of the Merger. EBP also has agreed to reimburse Lehman Brothers for
expenses incurred by Lehman Brothers and to indemnify Lehman Brothers for
certain liabilities that may arise out of the rendering of its opinion. Lehman
Brothers has performed various investment banking services for First Data and
has received customary fees for such services. Lehman Brothers actively trades
in the equity and debt securities of EBP, FFMC and First Data for its own
account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time
hold a long or short position in such securities.
FFMC REASONS FOR THE MERGER
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of FFMC has unanimously
approved the acquisition of EBP and the issuance of FFMC Common Stock in
accordance with the Merger Agreement. FFMC believes that the addition of EBP's
claims processing business and customers to the existing third party claims
administration business of FFMC's FIRST HEALTH Strategies subsidiary will give
FFMC's health care business greater strength and operating efficiencies. The
insurance aspect of EBP's business, though ancillary to the claims processing
business, affords FFMC the flexibility to offer a broader range of products to
its health care clients thereby providing opportunities for growth in the health
care industry.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The Merger Agreement provides that following its adoption by the holders of
EBP Common Stock, and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions to the
Merger, SubCorp will be merged with and into EBP, with EBP continuing as the
surviving corporation and thus becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC.
Subject to the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders
of EBP and the satisfaction or waiver of conditions precedent to the Merger but
no later than the third business day after such approval and satisfaction or
waiver of conditions (the "Closing Date"), the Merger will occur when a duly
executed certificate of merger is filed by EBP and SubCorp with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware (unless the certificate of merger specifies a
later effective time) (the "Effective Time"). It is expected that the Effective
Time will occur on the date of the Meeting, or as soon as practicable
thereafter.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each issued and outstanding share of EBP
Common Stock, excluding any such shares held in the treasury of EBP and
excluding any such shares held by FFMC or its subsidiaries, shall automatically
be cancelled and extinguished and shall thereafter be converted into only the
right to receive shares of FFMC Common Stock determined in accordance with the
Conversion Ratio and cash in lieu of fractional shares. See " -- Merger
Consideration."
Under the Merger Agreement, each share of EBP Common Stock held in the
treasury of EBP or held by FFMC or any of its subsidiaries shall be
automatically cancelled and extinguished, and no payment shall be made in
respect thereof. In addition, each issued and outstanding share of common stock
of SubCorp will be converted into and shall thereafter represent one validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of EBP Common Stock.
MERGER CONSIDERATION
At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of EBP Common Stock will be
converted into the right to receive 0.1975 of a share of FFMC Common Stock (the
"Conversion Ratio"). No fractional shares of FFMC Common Stock will be issued in
the Merger. Each holder of EBP Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to a
fractional share of FFMC Common Stock will, upon surrender of such holder's EBP
stock certificates, receive from FFMC a cash payment (without interest) equal to
the fractional share to which such holder would otherwise be entitled multiplied
by the average closing price per share for FFMC Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the Effective
Time. The shares of FFMC Common Stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares to
be received by the holders of EBP Common Stock in the Merger are collectively
referred to as the "Merger Consideration."
TREATMENT OF EBP STOCK OPTIONS AND DEBENTURES
Effective upon consummation of the Merger, except for certain options to be
repurchased by EBP at the Effective Time (see " -- Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger"), FFMC will assume the options to purchase EBP Common Stock ("EBP
Options") under EBP's 1986 Stock Option Plan, 1990 Stock Option Plan, 1991
Long-Term Incentive Performance Plan and 1993 Outside Directors Stock Option
Plan (the "Option Plans"). All options outstanding under the Option Plans will
become fully vested as of the Effective Time, except for certain options held by
outside directors of EBP. Thereafter, each former EBP Option will, by virtue of
the Merger, become an option to purchase that number of shares of FFMC Common
Stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of EBP Common Stock subject
to such option, determined immediately before the Effective Time, by the
Conversion Ratio (rounded up to the nearest whole share). The exercise price of
each share of FFMC Common Stock subject to an assumed EBP Option will be the
amount (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) obtained by dividing the exercise
price per share of EBP Common Stock at which such EBP Option is exercisable
immediately before the exercise time by the Conversion Ratio. At the Effective
Time of the Merger, the EBP convertible debentures will be adjusted so that the
debentures will be convertible into FFMC Common Stock based on the Conversion
Ratio. For a discussion of the treatment of stock options and debentures upon
consummation of the First Data Merger, see "Business of FFMC -- Proposed Merger
of FFMC with First Data Corporation."
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CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
EBP and FFMC are not obligated to complete the Merger unless a number of
conditions are satisfied, including the following: (a) EBP stockholders shall
have approved and adopted the Merger Agreement; (b) FFMC's Registration
Statement for the FFMC Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall have become
effective under the Securities Act and no stop order shall have been issued or
be pending or threatened; (c) EBP and FFMC shall each have received an opinion
from SA&B, counsel for FFMC, that the Merger constitutes a reorganization under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), tax-free to the
extent of receipt of FFMC Common Stock in exchange for EBP Common Stock (except
fractional shares redeemed for cash); and (d) the shares of FFMC Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE upon
official notice of issuance. See "-- Tax Consequences" for a description of a
tax opinion that has been issued by SA&B and which will be updated to satisfy
the tax opinion condition. In addition, the obligation of each of FFMC and EBP
to consummate the Merger is subject to the conditions that the other party shall
have performed its agreements and covenants under the Merger Agreement in all
material respects; that the other party's representations and warranties,
subject to certain exceptions, shall be true and correct at the Effective Time
(except where the failure of any representation and warranty to be true and
correct would not have a material adverse effect on the party making it); and
that the other party shall have delivered certain opinions of counsel, letters
from accountants and certain additional conditions, including conditions which
are customary in transactions similar to the Merger, as set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
The obligations of FFMC and SubCorp to consummate the Merger are subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of certain additional
conditions, including the condition that appropriate agreements be obtained from
the directors and executive officers of EBP agreeing to applicable resale
restrictions with respect to FFMC Common Stock received pursuant to the Merger.
Certain of the conditions to the Merger may not be waived by the parties,
including the approval of EBP's stockholders and the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement. Although the receipt of the tax opinion of SA&B may be
waived by the parties, FFMC and EBP intend, in the event such opinion is not or
cannot be delivered (which is not presently contemplated) but the parties
nonetheless desire to consummate the Merger, to file with the Commission a
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement and to resolicit the
approval of the Merger Agreement by the stockholders of EBP pursuant to an
amended Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
EFFECTIVE TIME AND TERMINATION
If the Merger Agreement is approved and adopted by the stockholders of EBP
and all other conditions of the Merger are satisfied or waived (see
" -- Conditions to the Merger"), the Merger will become effective when SubCorp
and EBP file a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL")
unless a later time is specified in the certificate of merger. The Merger
Agreement provides that SubCorp and EBP will make this filing as soon as
practicable after all of the conditions to completion of the Merger are
satisfied or waived. The parties anticipate that the Effective Time will occur
on the date of the Meeting, or as soon as practicable thereafter.
The Merger Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective
Time: (a) by FFMC and EBP upon mutual action of their respective Boards of
Directors; (b) by either FFMC or EBP (i) if any event has occurred as a result
of which any condition to its respective obligation to consummate the Merger is
no longer capable of being satisfied (so long as, in certain circumstances, the
terminating party has not contributed to the failure of any such condition to be
satisfied), (ii) if any general suspension of, or limitation on, trading on the
NYSE has continued for a period of 15 business days or a bank moratorium in the
United States has continued for a period of 15 business days, or (iii) if the
Merger has not been consummated by October 31, 1995; (c) by FFMC if (i) EBP has
breached any representation or warranty contained in the Merger Agreement which
would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on EBP, (ii) EBP
has materially breached any of its covenants or agreements in the Merger
Agreement which breach is not curable (or, if curable, is not cured within 30
days after written notice from FFMC), (iii) EBP (or its Board of
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Directors) has authorized, recommended, proposed or publicly announced its
intention to enter into a "Competing Transaction" not consented to by FFMC, or
(iv) EBP's Board of Directors has withdrawn or materially modified its
authorization, approval or recommendation of the Merger or the Merger Agreement
in a manner adverse to FFMC; or (d) by EBP if (i) FFMC or SubCorp has breached
any representation or warranty contained in the Merger Agreement which would be
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on FFMC or on the ability of
FFMC or SubCorp to consummate the Merger or (ii) FFMC or SubCorp has materially
breached any of its covenants or agreements in the Merger Agreement which breach
is not curable (or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after written notice
from EBP).
As used in the Merger Agreement, "Competing Transaction" means: (a) any
sale or other disposition of 15% or more of the assets of EBP, (b) any tender
offer or exchange offer for 30% or more of the outstanding EBP Common Stock or
filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act in connection
therewith, (c) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination
or other similar transaction involving EBP (other than a merger involving only
EBP and its subsidiaries), (d) any person having beneficial ownership or the
right to acquire beneficial ownership or any group having been formed which has
beneficial ownership or the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 30% or more
of the outstanding EBP Common Stock, or (e) the public announcement of a
proposal, plan or intention to effect any such transaction, or any agreement to
effect such a transaction.
The Merger Agreement also provides that if FFMC terminates the Merger
Agreement because of a misrepresentation or a breach of warranty or breach of
any covenant by EBP, EBP shall be liable to FFMC, among other things, for all
investment banking, legal, accounting, expert and consulting fees and other
out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by FFMC in connection with the
Merger, up to a maximum of $1,000,000. The Merger Agreement requires EBP to pay
FFMC a fee of $3,000,000 (which includes the foregoing expenses) in the event
that the Merger Agreement is terminated: (a) by FFMC because the condition that
EBP's representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement be true
and correct in all respects (except where the failure of any representation and
warranty to be true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on EBP)
is not satisfied due to EBP's knowing and intentional misrepresentation or
knowing and intentional breach of warranty or breach of any covenant or
agreement and (i) EBP has had contacts about or entered into negotiations
relating to a Competing Transaction during the period from the date of the
Merger Agreement through the date of termination or (ii) EBP consummates a
Competing Transaction within one year after the date of termination or EBP
enters into a definitive agreement providing for a Competing Transaction; (b) by
FFMC because EBP authorizes, recommends, proposes or publicly announces its
intention to enter into a Competing Transaction not consented to in writing by
FFMC; (c) by FFMC because EBP's Board of Directors withdraws or materially
modifies its authorization, approval or recommendation of the Merger or the
Merger Agreement in a manner adverse to FFMC and at the time of such withdrawal
or modification there exists a Competing Transaction from a third party; (d) by
EBP because its Board of Directors fails to recommend or withdraws its
recommendation of the Merger Agreement or recommends or endorses a tender or
exchange offer for the shares of EBP Common Stock (after determining in good
faith that such action is necessary to comply with its fiduciary duties to the
EBP stockholders); or (e) by either party because the Merger Agreement does not
receive the requisite vote of the holders of EBP Common Stock and at the time of
such vote there existed a Competing Transaction. A Competing Transaction would
exist if EBP has agreed or announced its intent to merge or sell significant
assets or engage in a similar transaction, or if a third party has acquired or
publicly announced its intent to acquire 30% or more of the outstanding EBP
Common Stock.
AMENDMENT
The Merger Agreement provides that it may be amended by the parties at any
time before or after approval thereof by the stockholders of EBP, but that after
such approval no amendment shall be made (a) which reduces the Merger
Consideration or changes the form of the Merger Consideration to be received by
EBP's stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement or (b) changes any of the
terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement if such change would adversely
affect the holders of EBP Common Stock, unless the further approval of the
holders of EBP Common Stock is obtained. If further approval were required, EBP
and
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FFMC would file with the Commission a post-effective amendment to the
Registration Statement and resolicit the approval of the amended Merger
Agreement by the stockholders of EBP pursuant to an amended Proxy Statement and
Prospectus.
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
The Merger Agreement contains certain representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements by EBP and FFMC regarding, among other things, the
businesses, capital structure, assets and liabilities of EBP or FFMC and the
accuracy and completeness of information supplied in connection with the Merger.
The Merger Agreement also contains covenants of EBP with respect to the conduct
of its business prior to the Closing Date, including covenants that it will not
(a) issue any shares of its capital stock (or related rights), except for any
issuances upon the exercise of EBP Options or conversion of EBP's outstanding
debentures, or pay any dividend, (b) sell or transfer any asset to a third party
or incur any debt or mortgage or encumber assets, except in the ordinary course
of business and within specified limits, (c) except for increases in accordance
with normal prior practice, change the salaries, benefits or employment
contracts of employees of EBP or its subsidiaries or (d) amend the Certificate
of Incorporation or Bylaws of EBP.
In addition, EBP has agreed not to, directly or indirectly, (a) solicit,
initiate or knowingly encourage any inquiries or the making of proposals from
anyone other than FFMC that constitutes or may reasonably be expected to lead to
any Competing Transaction, (b) enter into or maintain or continue discussions or
negotiate with a party other than FFMC in furtherance of such inquiries or to
obtain a Competing Transaction or (c) agree to or endorse any Competing
Transaction or authorize or permit any of the officers, directors or employees
of such party or any of its subsidiaries or any advisors to or representatives
of such party to take any such action. The Merger Agreement contains certain
exceptions to the above restrictions as necessary for the EBP Board of Directors
to comply with its fiduciary duties to EBP stockholders under applicable law.
EBP has also agreed to use reasonable efforts to obtain the approval and
adoption by EBP's stockholders of the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
FFMC and EBP are not aware of any governmental or regulatory requirements
for consummation of the Merger other than compliance with applicable federal and
state securities laws, compliance with applicable state insurance laws, and the
expiration or termination of the waiting period applicable to the Merger under
the HSR Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Under the HSR Act, certain
acquisition transactions, such as the Merger, may not be consummated unless
required information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") and the specified waiting period requirements have been
satisfied. On June 2, 1995, FFMC and EBP each filed with the Antitrust Division
and the FTC a Notification and Report Form with respect to the Merger. The
applicable waiting period for the Merger was terminated on June 12, 1995.
Termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act permits consummation of the
Merger without violating the HSR Act provision prohibiting such consummation
prior to expiration of the waiting period.
Notwithstanding the termination or expiration of the waiting period, at any
time before or after the Effective Time, the Antitrust Division or the FTC could
take actions under the antitrust laws as either of them deem necessary and
desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the Merger, or
seeking divestitures of substantial assets of FFMC or EBP. In addition, in
appropriate circumstances, state officials and private parties may also bring
legal actions under the antitrust laws. Under the Merger Agreement, in the event
a suit is instituted challenging the Merger as violative of the antitrust laws,
FFMC and EBP have agreed to use reasonable efforts to resist or resolve such a
suit. If injunctive relief is sought or obtained in a challenge to the Merger,
the consummation of the Merger could be delayed and, under certain
circumstances, such delay could result in consummation of the Merger being
postponed to a date substantially beyond the date of the Meeting. If the Merger
is not consummated by October 31, 1995, the Merger Agreement could be terminated
by FFMC or EBP.
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EBPLife Insurance Company is domiciled in the State of Oklahoma and subject
to Oklahoma insurance law. Under Oklahoma law, the acquisition of control of
EBPLife Insurance Company by FFMC requires approval by the Oklahoma Insurance
Department prior to the Effective Time of the Merger. On June 2, 1995, FFMC
filed an application for such approval with the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
This approval was granted on September 1, 1995.
FFMC has notified, or caused to be notified, each of the other states in
which EBPLife Insurance Company conducts business of such approval. If these
other states elect not to conduct an independent review (and none has advised
FFMC of an intent to conduct an independent review), there are no additional
filings required with the insurance departments of those states for the
acquisition of control of EBPLife Insurance Company by FFMC.
EXPENSES
Except as otherwise provided in the Merger Agreement, if the Merger is not
consummated, EBP and FFMC shall each bear its own expenses related to the
Merger, except that the cost of printing this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and
filing fees under federal and state securities laws shall be borne equally.
RESALE OF FFMC COMMON STOCK
The shares of FFMC Common Stock to be issued to EBP stockholders in
connection with the Merger have been registered under the Securities Act.
Accordingly, such shares will be freely transferable under the Securities Act,
except for shares issued to any person who may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of
EBP within the meaning of Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act
(collectively, "EBP Affiliates"). The shares of FFMC Common Stock received by
EBP Affiliates may not be sold without registration of such shares for resale
under the Securities Act or the availability of an exemption (including the
limited exemption provided by Rule 145) from such registration. EBP has agreed
to cause each executive officer and director of EBP to execute and deliver to
FFMC an agreement (the "Affiliate Agreement") covering the foregoing
restrictions on transfer and certain other rights and obligations of such person
with respect to the shares of EBP Common Stock and FFMC Common Stock. The form
of the Affiliate Agreement is attached as Exhibit D to Annex A to this Proxy
Statement and Prospectus. FFMC shall not be required to deliver any certificate
representing the Merger Consideration to any EBP Affiliate from whom an
Affiliate Agreement has not been received.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the Merger, holders of EBP Common Stock should be aware that
the directors and certain members of EBP management have interests in the Merger
in addition to their interests solely as stockholders of EBP, as described
below.
At the Effective Time, the persons who are directors of SubCorp will become
the directors of EBP, the Surviving Corporation, and the current directors of
EBP will resign as directors. The officers of EBP immediately before the
Effective Time will continue as officers of the Surviving Corporation after the
Effective Time, subject to being replaced in accordance with the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.
When the Merger Agreement was approved by EBP's Board of Directors, the EBP
Board of Directors also authorized separate agreements between EBP and William
E. Sagan, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and Timothy W. Kuck,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, to encourage their continued employment
through the closing of the Merger. FFMC concurred with these objectives so long
as the compensation arrangements required employment for a period of time after
the Closing. Under these agreements, if Messrs. Sagan and Kuck are employed by
the Surviving Corporation for the 180-day period beginning on the Effective
Time, Messrs. Sagan and Kuck will receive bonuses of up to $500,000 and
$250,000, respectively. The EBP Board of Directors believed that these
agreements were necessary since the existing severance agreements with Messrs.
Sagan and Kuck, as described below, did not provide an incentive to remain
employed by EBP if equal or more attractive employment opportunities were
presented.
The Merger Agreement also provides that EBP will enter into "Bonus and
Severance Agreements" with one other executive officer of EBP and twelve other
members of EBP management. The form of Bonus and
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Severance Agreement is attached as Exhibit E to Annex A to this Proxy Statement
and Prospectus. Under the Bonus and Severance Agreements, if the management
employee remains as a full time employee of the Surviving Corporation for 12
months after the Effective Time, the employee will receive a bonus equal to 20%
of his or her current base salary (the "20% Bonus"). The Bonus and Severance
Agreements also provide that if the employee is terminated by the Surviving
Corporation other than for "cause" during the 12-month period following the
Effective Time, the employee will receive a one-time "severance payment" equal
to (a) a pro rata amount of the 20% Bonus based on the number of days the
employee remained employed by EBP after the Effective Time plus (b) two times
the amount the employee would be entitled to receive under FFMC's standard
severance policy (one week of salary for each year of service, with a minimum of
two weeks and a maximum of thirteen weeks). In no event will the severance
payments under the Bonus and Severance Agreements be less than three months of
the respective employee's current base salary.
EBP has entered into severance agreements or employment agreements with
five of its executive officers which provide for the payment of certain
severance benefits. These agreements were not entered into in contemplation of
the Merger. The agreements with Messrs. Sagan and Kuck were entered into in
August 1993 and provide for the payment of 18 months' salary and any targeted
bonus if their employment is terminated by EBP or any successor corporation
other than for cause, or is terminated by the executive officer for cause. If
such termination occurs during the 18-month period after a change in control of
EBP, which would include the Merger, the agreements provide for payment of 30
months' salary and two and one-half times any targeted bonus. The employment
agreements with three of EBP's other executive officers provide for the payment
of severance benefits equal to twelve months' salary and any targeted bonus but
do not provide for the payment of increased benefits related to a change in
control of EBP.
When the Merger Agreement was entered into on May 12, 1995, Messrs. Sagan
and Kuck also agreed to separate Option and Stock Agreements with FFMC (the
"Option and Stock Agreements") on terms required by FFMC. Pursuant to the Option
and Stock Agreements, at the Effective Time, FFMC will purchase the 50,000
restricted shares of EBP Common Stock held by Mr. Sagan and the 10,000
restricted shares of EBP Common Stock held by Mr. Kuck (the "Restricted Stock")
at a purchase price of $14.70 per share, the agreed-upon value of EBP Common
Stock at the date of the Merger Agreement. This price is significantly below the
implied $ per share value of EBP Common Stock based on the Conversion
Ratio and the $ closing price of FFMC Common Stock on September ,
1995. The Restricted Stock was awarded to Messrs. Sagan and Kuck in August 1993
under agreements which provide that all restrictions lapse upon a change in
control of EBP, which would include the Merger.
Pursuant to the Option and Stock Agreements, FFMC has also agreed to cause
EBP to repurchase from Messrs. Sagan and Kuck at the Effective Time all of their
respective EBP Options for a purchase price equal to $14.70 per share less the
applicable option exercise price. If the Merger is consummated, EBP will
repurchase 117,000 and 48,000 EBP Options from Messrs. Sagan and Kuck for a
total purchase price of $633,525 and $260,850, respectively.
FFMC proposed the Option and Stock Agreements for a number of reasons,
including (i) the fact that the Option and Stock Agreements further clarified
the applicability of purchase accounting treatment for the Merger, which FFMC
felt was appropriate given uncertainties regarding how EBP's business might be
restructured subsequent to the Merger, including whether or not dispositions of
portions of EBP's business might occur (although no determinations have been
made regarding any fundamental change to EBP's business), and (ii) the fact that
the Option and Stock Agreements would reduce the dilutive impact of options
created by future increases in the price of FFMC Common Stock. FFMC chose to fix
the purchase price in order to avoid the impact of stock price fluctuations on
the ultimate amount of cash required to be paid by FFMC to purchase these
securities.
In 1993, EBP granted performance share awards to Messrs. Sagan and Kuck for
up to 42,000 and 16,000 shares, respectively, based on EBP's performance over
the three-year period ending December 31, 1995 (the "Performance Share Awards").
When the Merger Agreement was approved by EBP's Board of Directors, the
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EBP Board of Directors also approved the early payout of the maximum amount of
the Performance Share Awards in EBP Common Stock upon the Effective Time. The
Performance Share Awards are to be paid in EBP Common Stock (42,000 and 16,000
shares of EBP Common Stock to Messrs. Sagan and Kuck, respectively), and upon
the Effective Time those shares will be converted into 8,295 and 3,160 shares of
FFMC Common Stock, respectively, based on the Conversion Ratio.
The Merger Agreement provides that each EBP Option outstanding at the
Effective Time, including those held by directors, officers or employees of EBP,
will be assumed by FFMC and thereafter will constitute an option to acquire, on
the same terms and conditions as were applicable under each assumed EBP Option,
that number of shares of FFMC Common Stock equal to the product of the
Conversion Ratio times the number of shares of EBP Common Stock subject to each
EBP Option (rounded up to the nearest whole share), at an exercise price per
share equal to the option price per share of EBP Common Stock subject to each
EBP Option divided by the Conversion Ratio (rounded up to the nearest whole
cent). When the Merger Agreement was approved by EBP's Board of Directors, the
EBP Board of Directors also approved, with concurrence from FFMC, the
accelerated vesting of all EBP Options at the Effective Time, except where
acceleration of vesting would require stockholder approval. Consequently, all
EBP Options not otherwise exercisable, other than 20,000 options granted to
EBP's independent directors in June 1995 (which will lapse at the Effective
Time), will become immediately exercisable for the purchase of FFMC Common
Stock, as described above, upon the Effective Time.
Duncan H. Cocroft and Robert W. Fischer served on the Special Committee of
the EBP Board of Directors to negotiate the Merger Agreement with FFMC. On July
25, 1995, the EBP Board of Directors appointed James B. Lockhart, an independent
director of EBP, to serve as an additional member of the Special Committee in
order to recognize his extensive past assistance to the Special Committee and to
formalize his future increased role on behalf of the Board in analyzing the
implications of the First Data Merger on the Merger. Each member of the Special
Committee will receive $25,000 for his services in connection with the Merger.
Under the Merger Agreement, FFMC has agreed that all rights to
indemnification and all limitations of liabilities set forth in the Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws of EBP will be continued in the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. FFMC has agreed not to
take any action or allow any action to be taken relating to limitation of
liability or indemnification, prior to the expiration of all applicable statutes
of limitation, that would adversely affect the rights of the individuals who are
entitled to the benefits of such provisions. Further, FFMC has agreed to make
proper provision to ensure that the successors and assigns of the Surviving
Corporation assume these obligations. Under the Merger Agreement, the Surviving
Corporation will also use reasonable efforts to maintain EBP's existing
officers' and directors' liability insurance without a reduction in coverage for
a period of five years after the Effective Time, subject to payment of a maximum
annual premium of 150% of the current annual premium paid by EBP for this
insurance coverage.
For information concerning the beneficial ownership of EBP securities by
the directors and officers of EBP, see "EBP Voting Stock and Principal Holders."
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of certain anticipated federal income tax
consequences of the Merger. Due to the complexity and changing nature of federal
income tax laws, and considering that each stockholder's individual
circumstances affect the tax consequences of the Merger to such stockholder, the
following is not intended to and does not constitute a complete description of
all possible federal tax consequences to the stockholders of EBP. The federal
income tax consequences to any particular stockholder may be affected by
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matters not described herein. Moreover, this discussion does not address the
state and local income tax consequences, if any, of the Merger. EACH STOCKHOLDER
IS THEREFORE ADVISED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO HIM OR HER.
Neither EBP nor FFMC has sought or intends to seek a ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service concerning the federal income tax consequences of the
Merger. SA&B has issued an opinion that the Merger constitutes a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) under the Code, tax-free to the extent the
Merger Consideration is comprised of FFMC Common Stock. Consummation of the
Merger is conditioned upon the receipt by FFMC and EBP of an opinion from SA&B
to such effect. In rendering its opinions, SA&B has relied and will rely upon
representations from FFMC and EBP as to various factual matters which are based
on standards applied by the Internal Revenue Service as a condition to issuing
an advance ruling that a merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization. One
such representation is that, to the best of the knowledge of the executive
officers of EBP, there is no plan or intention by the stockholders of EBP to
sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of a number of shares of FFMC Common Stock
received in the Merger that would reduce the EBP stockholders' ownership of FFMC
Common Stock to a number of shares having a value, as of the Effective Date, of
less than 50% of the value of all of the formerly outstanding shares of EBP
Common Stock as of the Effective Date. These representations will be updated at
the Closing.
SA&B has opined that the Merger will have the tax consequences to the
stockholders of EBP described below.
No gain or loss will be recognized by a holder of EBP Common Stock whose
shares are exchanged solely for FFMC Common Stock, except with respect to cash
received in lieu of a fractional share of FFMC Common Stock.
Any EBP stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of FFMC
Common Stock will be treated as if a fractional share had been distributed to
him or her in the Merger and then redeemed by FFMC. Such stockholder will
recognize gain or loss, measured by the difference between the amount of cash
received and the basis of the EBP Common Stock allocable to such fractional
share. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss provided that the
stockholder's shares of EBP Common Stock were held as capital assets at the
Effective Time.
The basis of the FFMC Common Stock received by a holder of EBP Common Stock
will be the same as the basis of the EBP Common Stock surrendered in exchange
therefor (excluding any basis allocable to fractional shares of FFMC Common
Stock for which cash is received).
An EBP stockholder's holding period with respect to any FFMC Common Stock
received in the Merger will include the period during which the shares of EBP
Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor were held, provided that such
shares of EBP Common Stock were held as capital assets at the Effective Time.
No gain or loss will be recognized by FFMC, EBP or SubCorp by reason of the
Merger.
If the First Data Merger is consummated, the federal income tax
consequences described above will remain applicable, and it is expected that the
exchange of shares of FFMC Common Stock for First Data Common Stock in the First
Data Merger will not result in a taxable transaction for holders of shares of
FFMC Common Stock except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional
shares of First Data Common Stock.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
FFMC will account for the Merger as a purchase for financial reporting
purposes under generally accepted accounting principles. Under purchase
accounting, FFMC will allocate the total cost of acquiring the EBP Common Stock
(based on the market value of FFMC Common Stock issued in the Merger and the
total amount of cash paid, primarily for merger costs) to the fair market value
of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The excess of cost over the amounts
allocable to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be
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recorded as intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis over the
lives of such intangible assets. Earnings of the consolidated companies after
the Effective Time will be reduced by the amortization of the intangible assets
recorded by FFMC in connection with the Merger. FFMC is in the process of
identifying the intangible assets to be acquired in connection with the EBP
acquisition. This will require actuarial studies of the insurance business, and
this process will not be completed until after the Effective Time.
BUSINESS OF EBP
EBP's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K and 1995 First and Second Quarter
Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, contain
information about EBP and its business, operations, products and services. The
following information is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements contained in EBP's 1994 Annual Report on
Form 10-K and 1995 First and Second Quarter Reports on Form 10-Q. See
"Information Incorporated by Reference."
EBP, through its subsidiaries EBP HealthPlans, Inc. and EBPLife Insurance
Company, provides managed health care products and services to companies
throughout the United States. EBP's products and services include health
insurance coverages, benefit plan design and consulting, claims administration
and processing, medical cost management programs, health care provider networks,
and a managed pharmacy program. EBP tailors the delivery of its managed health
care products and services to meet the needs of customers in specific geographic
areas of the United States. EBP's customers are primarily small and medium sized
companies seeking to minimize their health care costs while providing quality
medical benefit plans to their employees. EBP provides its managed health care
products and services to more than 2,100 customers with approximately 1.1
million members. EBP's principal executive offices are located at 435 Ford Road,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426, and the telephone number is (612) 546-4353.
BUSINESS OF FFMC
GENERAL
FFMC's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K and 1995 First and Second Quarter
Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, contain
information about FFMC and its business, operations, products and services. The
following information is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements contained in FFMC's 1994 Annual Report on
Form 10-K and 1995 First and Second Quarter Reports on Form 10-Q. See
"Information Incorporated by Reference."
FFMC is a worldwide leader in information services, offering a vertically
integrated set of data processing, storage and management products for the
capture, manipulation and distribution of data. Services include merchant and
consumer payment services (involving credit cards, debit cards, checks and
nonbank money transfers); debt collection and accounts receivable management;
data imaging, micrographics and electronic database management; health care
claims processing and integrated management and cost containment services; and
the development and marketing of data communications and information processing
systems, including in-store marketing programs and systems for supermarkets.
FFMC's principal executive offices are located at 3 Corporate Square, Suite 700,
Atlanta, Georgia 30329, and the telephone number is (404) 321-0120.
PROPOSED MERGER OF FFMC WITH FIRST DATA CORPORATION
On June 13, 1995, FFMC and First Data announced the execution of the First
Data Agreement pursuant to which FDC Merger Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
First Data, would merge with and into FFMC and each share of FFMC Common Stock,
including any such shares acquired by EBP stockholders pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, would be converted into 1.5859 shares of First Data Common Stock.
Upon consummation of the First Data Merger, each FFMC stock option (including
former EBP options which are exercisable for FFMC Common Stock) will become an
option to purchase shares of First Data Common Stock. The number of options will
be determined by multiplying the number of FFMC shares subject to options by the
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conversion ratio in the First Data Merger and the exercise price will be
determined by dividing the exercise price by that conversion ratio.
Additionally, the EBP convertible debentures will be adjusted so that they will
be convertible into shares of First Data Common Stock based on this conversion
ratio. As a result of the First Data Merger, FFMC would become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of First Data.
It is anticipated that the Merger will become effective before the
effective date of the First Data Merger. However, based on the record dates for
the Merger and the First Data Merger, EBP stockholders will not have an
opportunity to vote on the First Data Merger.
Consummation of the First Data Merger is subject to various conditions,
including, among other things, obtaining the requisite approvals of the
stockholders of both FFMC and First Data, the authorization for listing on the
NYSE of the shares of First Data Common Stock issuable to FFMC stockholders
pursuant to the First Data Agreement, the expiration or termination of the
applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, including resolution of any action
or investigation brought by the Federal Trade Commission or Justice Department,
the receipt of an opinion from First Data's independent accountants that the
First Data Merger will qualify for pooling of interests accounting treatment,
the effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to the shares of
First Data Common Stock issuable in the First Data Merger (the "First Data
Registration Statement"), and the absence of any order or other legal restraint
or prohibition preventing the consummation of the First Data Merger. The
obligation of First Data to consummate the First Data Merger is subject to the
fulfillment of various additional conditions, including, among other things,
that Mr. Patrick H. Thomas, the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of FFMC, enter into a non-solicitation agreement and that
there shall not be instituted or pending any action or proceeding by a
governmental entity as a result of the First Data Agreement which would have a
material adverse effect on First Data (assuming the First Data Merger is
consummated). The obligation of FFMC to consummate the First Data Merger is
subject to the fulfillment of various additional conditions, including, among
other things, the receipt of an opinion from SA&B, counsel to FFMC, that the
First Data Merger will qualify as a reorganization under the Code, tax-free
except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of First Data
Common Stock.
No assurance can be given that the First Data Merger will be consummated.
If the First Data Merger is consummated, each outstanding share of FFMC Common
Stock, including any such shares acquired by EBP stockholders pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, would be converted into 1.5859 shares of First Data Common
Stock. Consummation of both the Merger and the First Data Merger will result in
the rights of holders of EBP Common Stock being governed by the First Data
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL.
First Data provides high-quality, high-volume information processing and
related services to specific client groups: the transaction card, payment
instruments, teleservices, mutual fund, receivables and information management
industries. First Data's information processing facilities are comprised of
integrated networks of computer hardware, proprietary software and other
telecommunications and operations systems. First Data has data centers which are
capable of servicing a wide range of client groups, enabling it to process
transactions for hundreds of clients in a rapid and cost effective manner and to
take advantage of economies-of-scale when adding new clients. First Data
regularly considers acquisition opportunities as well as other forms of business
combinations and divestitures. Historically, First Data has been involved in
numerous transactions of varying magnitudes, for consideration which included
cash or securities or combinations thereof. First Data continues to evaluate and
pursue acquisition, divestiture and combination opportunities as they arise. No
assurance can be given with respect to the timing, likelihood or the financial
or business effect of any possible transaction. First Data is incorporated in
Delaware, its principal executive offices are located at 401 Hackensack Avenue,
Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, and its telephone number is (201) 525-4702.
FFMC has not made any determination with respect to fundamental changes in
EBP's business, including divestiture of any business units. However, since
there is significant duplication of claims processing and similar facilities,
some level of integration of these facilities is likely to occur. In addition,
since EBP no longer will have publicly traded equity securities and no longer
will have the same administrative needs, some level of reduction in staffing and
facilities in these areas is likely in the combined business. First Data has not
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informed FFMC or EBP of any plans regarding fundamental changes in business
operations of the combined companies.
FFMC MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
FFMC's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by
reference, including information incorporated in the Form 10-K by reference to
FFMC's Proxy Statement for its 1995 annual meeting, contains information about
FFMC's directors and executive officers, their business history, stock
ownership, compensation and direct or indirect interests in certain transactions
with FFMC, information about the principal holders of FFMC Common Stock and
additional financial information not contained in this Proxy Statement and
Prospectus.
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EBP VOTING STOCK AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of September 13, 1995, certain
information with respect to the beneficial ownership of EBP Common Stock, by (i)
each person or group who is known by EBP to be the beneficial owner of more than
5% of the outstanding EBP Common Stock, (ii) each director of EBP, (iii) each
executive officer of EBP and (iv) all directors and executive officers of EBP,
as a group. EBP believes that each of the beneficial owners of the EBP Common
Stock listed below, based on information furnished by such owners, has sole
voting and investment power (or shares such powers with his or her spouse) with
respect to the shares, subject to the information contained in the notes to the
table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS (IF APPLICABLE) SHARES BENEFICIALLY OUTSTANDING
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) SHARES(1)
------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Alpine Associates, L.P...................................... 673,200(2) 8.0%
100 Union Avenue
Cresskill, NJ 07626
Wyser-Pratte & Co., Inc..................................... 579,400(3) 6.8%
Wyser-Pratte Management Co., Inc.
63 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Fidelity Management & Research Company...................... 475,600(4) 5.6%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
William E. Sagan............................................ 485,728(5)(6) 5.7%
Timothy W. Kuck............................................. 76,486(6)(7) *
Mark S. Davis............................................... 23,301(8) *
Richard J. Fleder........................................... 56,282(9) *
Andrew M. Thompson.......................................... 29,019(10) *
Duncan H. Cocroft........................................... 8,500(11) *
Miles E. Efron.............................................. 7,500(11) *
Robert W. Fischer........................................... 19,454(12) *
James B. Lockhart........................................... 9,500(11) *
Arch J. McGill.............................................. 21,082(13) *
Roger P. Parkinson.......................................... 7,500(11) *
Terry T. Saario............................................. 7,500(14) *
Priscilla P. Wardlow........................................ 7,500(11) *
All executive officers and directors as a group (14
persons).................................................. 772,534(15) 9.1%
</TABLE>
---------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger all outstanding stock
options become immediately exercisable, except options granted effective
June 1, 1995 pursuant to the automatic formula under EBP's 1993 Outside
Directors Stock Option Plan for the purchase of an aggregate of 20,000
shares of EBP Common Stock, which first become exercisable six months after
the date of grant. These 20,000 options are not exercisable or included in
the above table, and will lapse upon the Effective Time of the Merger.
(2) According to a Schedule 13D dated August 2, 1995.
(3) According to a Schedule 13DA dated September 1, 1995.
(4) According to a Schedule 13G dated February 13, 1995.
(5) Includes 50,000 shares of restricted stock, 42,000 shares issuable upon
payout of performance share units and options for the purchase of 117,000
shares.
(6) Messrs. Sagan and Kuck have agreed to sell to FFMC certain securities of
EBP. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
(7) Includes 10,000 shares of restricted stock, 16,000 shares issuable upon
payout of performance share units and options for the purchase of 48,000
shares.
(8) Includes options for the purchase of 22,500 shares.
(9) Includes options for the purchase of 2,667 shares.
(10) Includes options for the purchase of 28,433 shares.
(11) Includes options for the purchase of 7,500 shares.
(12) Includes options for the purchase of 7,500 shares and 454 shares issuable
upon conversion of $20,000 principal amount of convertible subordinated
debentures. After the Merger, these debentures will be convertible into
FFMC Common Stock at a conversion price of approximately $223 per share.
(13) Includes options for the purchase of 7,500 shares and 5,682 shares issuable
upon conversion of $250,000 principal amount of convertible subordinated
debentures. After the Merger, these debentures will be convertible into
FFMC Common Stock at a conversion price of approximately $223 per share.
(14) Includes options for the purchase of 2,500 shares.
(15) Includes 60,000 shares of restricted stock, 58,000 shares issuable upon
payout of performance share units and options for the purchase of 286,100
shares.
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF FFMC COMMON STOCK
AND HOLDERS OF EBP COMMON STOCK
The following is a summary of the material differences between the rights
of EBP stockholders under the DGCL and EBP's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws and the rights of FFMC stockholders under the Georgia
Business Corporation Code ("GBCC") and the FFMC Restated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws.
EBP is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. FFMC is
incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia. EBP stockholders, whose
rights as stockholders are currently governed by Delaware law, and EBP's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws will become, upon consummation
of the Merger, stockholders of FFMC, and their rights will be governed by
Georgia law and FFMC's Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
The following summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the
rights of EBP stockholders under the GBCC and the FFMC Restated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws as compared with their rights under EBP's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL. The summary is qualified
in its entirety by FFMC's Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, EBP's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the GBCC and the DGCL, to
which stockholders are referred.
Consummation of both the Merger and the First Data Merger will result in
the rights of holders of EBP Common Stock being governed by the First Data
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the DGCL. See "Business of
FFMC -- Proposed Merger of FFMC with First Data Corporation."
Traditionally, Delaware law has provided more sources of authority for
corporate matters, through the Delaware courts and the associated developed body
of corporate law, than Georgia law. This difference may mean greater uncertainty
with respect to corporate law questions for stockholders of corporations such as
FFMC, under the GBCC, which was adopted in 1989, than for stockholders of
Delaware corporations such as EBP.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
Both the GBCC and the DGCL allow a corporation to limit the personal
liability of directors with certain exceptions. As permitted by the GBCC, the
FFMC Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that a director is not liable to
the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of his
duty of care or other duties except for (i) misappropriation of business
opportunities, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) authorization of an
unlawful distribution or (iv) any transaction involving improper personal
benefits to the director. (GBCC sec. 14-2-202).
EBP's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that no director shall
be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for or with respect
to any acts or omissions in the performance of his or her duties. Under current
Delaware law and EBP's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, such limitation
does not eliminate or limit the liability of an EBP director for (i) any breach
of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii)
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) willful or negligent payment of an unlawful
dividend or willful or negligent unlawful stock purchase or redemption or (iv)
any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
(DGCL sec. 102).
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The FFMC Bylaws contain provisions for the indemnification of FFMC's
officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the GBCC. The GBCC
authorizes a corporation to indemnify a director or officer against loss or
expense incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (other than
an action by or in the right of FFMC in which the director was adjudged liable
to the corporation) if it is determined that the director or officer acted in a
manner he or she believed in good faith to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful and, in the case of
adjudicated liability, only if the director or officer did not
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derive an improper personal benefit. (GBCC sec. 14-2-851). In proceedings to
obtain a judgment in favor of the corporation, indemnification is only
prohibited if the director or officer is adjudged liable to the corporation or
is subjected to injunctive relief in favor of the corporation and such director
or officer has appropriated any business opportunity of the corporation, has
derived an improper personal benefit, was involved in an unlawful distribution,
or committed an act or omission that involved intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law. (GBCC sec. 14-2-856).
EBP is bound by similar indemnification provisions to indemnify its
directors and officers. The EBP Bylaws provide that EBP shall have the power to
indemnify officers, directors, employees and agents of the corporation to the
full extent permitted by the DGCL. Under Delaware law, a corporation may, and in
certain circumstances must, indemnify its officers, directors, employees and
agents against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by them in
connection with suits and other legal proceedings if they acted in good faith
and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. (DGCL
sec. 145). EBP's Bylaws provide that EBP shall have the power to purchase and
maintain insurance, at its expense, for its benefit and for the benefit of an
officer, director, employee or agent, whether or not the corporation would
otherwise have the power to indemnify such person. EBP has entered into
indemnification agreements with each of its directors and with certain officers
which provide indemnification rights broader than those under the Bylaws.
As to actions by or in the right of the corporation, the DGCL prohibits
indemnification of a person serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of
a corporation, or serving at the request of the corporation as a director,
officer, trustee, employee or agent of or in any other capacity with another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, in respect
of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged liable
to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or
the court in which such action or suit was brought determines that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances, such person is
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court deems proper. (DGCL
sec. 145).
Under both Section 145 of the DGCL and Section 14-2-855 of the GBCC, a
determination that the director or officer has met the statutory standard of
conduct is a prerequisite to indemnification by a corporation (other than
court-ordered or mandatory indemnification). Under both the DGCL and the GBCC,
this determination can be made (i) by the board of directors by majority vote of
a quorum consisting of directors not at the time parties to the proceeding for
which indemnification is sought (or under the GBCC, a committee of disinterested
directors if such a quorum cannot be established); (ii) by special legal
counsel; or (iii) by the stockholders.
DIRECTORS
The terms of directors of FFMC and EBP and stockholders rights with regard
to their removal and replacement are essentially the same. In both corporations
one or all of the directors may be removed by the vote of stockholders. FFMC's
Bylaws provide for a Board of Directors consisting of no less than three and no
more than nine directors, each of which may be removed, with or without cause,
by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all the outstanding
shares of the corporation. EBP's Bylaws provide for a Board of no less than two
directors who may be removed only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors. Under the DGCL, that removal may be with or without cause. (DGCL
sec. 141).
Any vacancy on FFMC's Board of Directors may be filled by the majority vote
of the remaining directors or, in the event such vacancy is not so filled, or if
no director remains, by the stockholders. Any vacancy on EBP's Board of
Directors shall be filled by the remaining directors unless previously filled by
the stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors.
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DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Unless provided otherwise by its articles of incorporation, a Georgia
corporation may pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to its
shares if after the dividend or distribution the corporation has the ability to
pay its debts as they become due and has net assets in excess of all senior
claims upon dissolution. (GBCC sec. 14-2-640). FFMC's Articles of Incorporation
do not further limit FFMC's ability to pay dividends or make other distributions
on FFMC Common Stock except to the extent that FFMC Preferred Stock (none of
which is outstanding) has preference as to dividends.
The terms of FFMC's credit agreements prohibit FFMC from paying more than
two cash dividends in any given fiscal year and from declaring any dividend that
would cause a default under the terms of the credit agreements or that would
exceed 5% of FFMC's consolidated net income for the four consecutive fiscal
quarters ended prior to the date of such declaration.
A Delaware corporation, unless otherwise restricted by its certificate of
incorporation, may pay dividends out of surplus, or if no surplus exists, out of
net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or for the
preceding fiscal year (but the directors may not declare and pay dividends out
of such net profits if the amount of capital of the corporation is less than the
aggregate amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of
all classes having preference upon the distribution of assets). (DGCL sec. 170).
EBP's Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains no provisions restricting
dividends on EBP's Common Stock except to the extent EBP Preferred Stock (none
of which is outstanding) has preference as to dividends.
SPECIAL STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS; ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING
Georgia law provides that a special meeting of stockholders of a
publicly-held corporation may be called by the board of directors or any person
authorized to do so by the articles of incorporation or bylaws, and a meeting
must be called by the corporation upon the written demand of the holders of at
least 25% (or any greater or lesser percentage as may be provided in the
articles of incorporation or bylaws) of the outstanding shares entitled to vote
on the issue to be considered at the special meeting. (GBCC sec. 14-2-702). The
FFMC Bylaws provide that a special meeting may be called by the written request
of the holders of as much as 75% of the outstanding shares of FFMC Common Stock
or by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President. The
FFMC Bylaws require that written notice stating the place, day and time of all
meetings be given to stockholders.
Under the DGCL, special meetings of stockholders may be called by the board
of directors or by such person or persons as may be authorized by the
certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws. (DGCL sec. 211). The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of EBP provide that special meetings
may be called by the President, Chairman of the Board or by the Board of
Directors and shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request in
writing of a majority of the Directors then in office, or at the request in
writing of stockholders owning 10% or more of the entire stock entitled to vote.
Under Georgia law stockholders may act without a meeting by unanimous
written consent and if the articles of incorporation so authorize, subject to
certain limitations, by the written consent of the holders having not less than
the percentage of stock required to authorize the action taken at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present. (GBCC sec. 14-2-704).
The FFMC Restated Articles of Incorporation do not permit action by less than
unanimous written consent. Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation, stockholders may act without a meeting, without
prior notice, by written consent of the holders of outstanding stock having not
less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or
take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were
present and voted. (DGCL sec. 228). Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate
action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent must be given to
those stockholders who have not consented in writing. (DGCL sec. 228). As
permitted by the DGCL, the EBP Bylaws require that any such written consent be
executed by the holders of not less than the minimum number of votes that would
be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares
entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
FFMC's Bylaws require stockholders to provide advance notice of proposals
of business or candidates for director to be considered at a meeting of
stockholders. FFMC's Bylaws require that the matter of business or nomination be
(1) described or named in the notice of meeting of stockholders or an
accompanying proxy statement; (2) approved for consideration or nomination by
the Board of Directors; or (3) described or named in a written notice by a
stockholder to the Secretary of FFMC to be delivered not less than 5 days prior
to the meeting date. EBP's Bylaws impose no such advance notice requirement.
STOCKHOLDER INSPECTION RIGHTS
As permitted by the GBCC, FFMC's Bylaws prohibit stockholders owning two
percent or less of the outstanding common stock of FFMC from inspecting or
copying the accounting or stockholder records of the corporation. (GBCC
sec. 14-2-1602). Under the GBCC, this prohibition does not affect a
stockholder's right to inspect a stockholders list prepared in anticipation of,
and available at, an annual meeting. (GBCC sec. 14-2-720).
Under the DGCL, any stockholder may inspect the books and records of a
corporation so long as such inspection is for a proper purpose. (DGCL sec. 220).
AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
Under Georgia law, certain provisions of the FFMC Restated Articles of
Incorporation may be amended by action of the Board of Directors without
stockholder approval. In particular, the Board can (i) for so long as FFMC
continues to have only a single class of shares outstanding, effect a stock
split or change or eliminate the par value of its common stock, (ii) change
FFMC's corporate name, or (iii) issue preferred stock in one or more series as
established by the Board, pursuant to the authority granted by the Restated
Articles of Incorporation, in each case upon an appropriate amendment to the
Restated Articles of Incorporation and without stockholder approval. (GBCC
sec. 14-2-1002). Any provision of the FFMC Restated Articles of Incorporation
may be amended upon recommendation by the Board of Directors and approval by a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment.
The DGCL requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares entitled to vote to amend EBP's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
(DGCL sec. 242). Under both the DGCL and the GBCC, the approval of a separate
class of shares is also required if the proposed amendment would materially
affect the rights or powers of that class, as enumerated by statute. Because
neither FFMC nor EBP have separate classes of stock outstanding, approval of a
proposed amendment would require the approval of the common stockholders voting
as a single class.
With the exception of Article Nine of the FFMC Bylaws, the FFMC Bylaws may
be amended by action of the majority of the Board of Directors or by action of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of FFMC Common Stock, except
that provisions limiting the powers of the Board of Directors established by the
GBCC, creating staggered terms of directors, or fixing greater quorum or voting
requirements for stockholders than those provided by the GBCC, may be added only
by stockholders under Georgia law. (GBCC sec. 14-2-801; 14-2-806 and 14-2-1021).
Article Nine of the FFMC Bylaws adopts elective provisions of the GBCC relating
to certain business combinations, and may only be amended or repealed in
accordance with the provisions of the GBCC. See "-- Anti-Takeover Provisions."
Delaware law provides that the stockholders have the power to amend the
bylaws, but that the certificate of incorporation can confer such power upon the
directors. (DGCL sec. 109). The EBP Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws authorize the Board of Directors or the stockholders to amend the Bylaws.
Sections of the Bylaws requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares entitled to vote deal with special meetings of
stockholders, business properly brought before an annual meeting of
stockholders, nomination of directors, election and removal of directors,
management of the corporation by directors, and amendment of the Bylaws.
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APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Subject to the exception provided below, under the GBCC, stockholders who
comply with the procedures for enforcing appraisal rights may exercise such
rights, under certain circumstances, upon the merger of a corporation, the
consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is the
acquired party, the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the
corporate assets, an amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially
and adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares in ways
specified in the GBCC, or any corporate action taken pursuant to a stockholder
vote to the extent that the close corporation sections of the GBCC or the
articles of incorporation, bylaws or a resolution of the Board provides that
stockholders are entitled to appraisal. (GBCC sec. 14-2-1302). Unless the
articles of incorporation or resolution of the board of directors provide
otherwise, however, holders of any class of shares which are listed on a
"national securities exchange" or are held of record by more than 2,000
stockholders do not have appraisal rights under Georgia law if the stockholder
receives shares of the surviving corporation or another corporation whose shares
are listed on a national securities exchange or are held of record by a least
2,000 stockholders. (GBCC sec. 14-2-1302). FFMC has not taken any action to
provide otherwise, and the FFMC Common Stock satisfies the "national securities
exchange" condition.
Like the GBCC, the DGCL provides for stockholder appraisal rights in
connection with mergers and consolidations generally, but does not permit
appraisal rights for holders of any class or series of stock which, at the
record date fixed to determine stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the meeting to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation, were
either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national
market system security on an inter-dealer quotation system by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of record by more than
2,000 holders, so long as stockholders receive shares of the surviving
corporation or another corporation whose shares are so listed or designated or
held of record by more than 2,000 holders. (DGCL sec. 262). Because EBP Common
Stock is listed on the NYSE, appraisal rights are not available to EBP
stockholders in connection with the Merger.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
Georgia law contains certain elective provisions which impose supermajority
voting requirements or a fair pricing procedure for certain business
combinations with a beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation unless a "fair price" test is met,
which could have the effect of discouraging takeover attempts not supported by
the target corporation's Board of Directors. FFMC has adopted bylaws
specifically electing to be subject to these provisions.
Under the "fair price provision," any Business Combination (as defined in
the GBCC) would require the unanimous approval of the Continuing Directors, (as
defined in the GBCC), provided that the Continuing Directors constitute at least
three members of the board of directors at the time of such approval, or the
recommendation of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors and the
approval of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting
shares, other than voting shares beneficially owned by the Interested
Shareholder (as defined in the GBCC) who is, or whose affiliate is, a party to
the Business Combination. If, however, the Interested Shareholder has not ceased
to be an Interested Shareholder at any time within the three years prior to
consummation of the Business Combination and has not increased its percentage
ownership of shares in FFMC by more than one percent in any twelve month period,
the normal majority vote of stockholders would apply. The normal majority vote
of stockholders would also be applicable if, among other things, an Interested
Shareholder offers to pay a certain formula price based upon the fair market
value of the shares as of certain dates to ensure that all FFMC stockholders
receive a fair price for their shares. (GBCC sec.sec. 14-2-1110-1113).
In addition, business combination provisions under both Georgia and
Delaware law prohibit certain business combinations between a corporation and
any person who has acquired beneficial ownership of 10% (Delaware, 15%) or more
of the voting stock of the corporation (an "interested stockholder") for a
period of five (Delaware, three) years from the date such stockholder became an
interested stockholder, unless (i) such interested stockholder, prior to
becoming an interested stockholder, obtained the approval of the board of
directors of either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in
such person becoming an
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<PAGE> 57
interested stockholder, (ii) such interested stockholder became the beneficial
owner of at least 90% (Delaware, 85%) of the outstanding shares of voting stock
of the corporation (excluding shares owned by persons who are directors,
officers, their affiliates or associates and by subsidiaries of the corporation
and certain employee stock plans) in the same transaction in which the
interested stockholder became an interested stockholder or (iii) on or
subsequent to the date the interested stockholder became an interested
stockholder, either (a) under the DGCL, the business combination is approved by
the board of directors and is authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting stock that is not owned by
the interested stockholder or (b) under the GBCC, the interested stockholder,
subsequent to becoming an interested stockholder, becomes the beneficial owner
of at least 90% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding
shares owned by persons who are directors or officers, their affiliates or
associates and by subsidiaries of the corporation and certain employee stock
plans) and the business combination is approved by holders of a majority of the
voting stock entitled to vote, excluding voting stock beneficially owned by the
interested stockholder or by persons who are directors or officers and by
subsidiaries and certain employee stock plans. FFMC has adopted bylaws
specifically electing to be subject to these provisions. In general, a Delaware
corporation must specifically elect, through an amendment to its bylaws or
certificate of incorporation, not to be governed by these provisions. EBP has
not made such election and, therefore, is subject to the terms of these
provisions. (GBCC sec.sec. 14-2-1131-1133; DGCL sec. 203).
STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF MERGERS AND ASSET SALES
In general, unless the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the board of
directors requires a greater vote, the GBCC requires a merger of FFMC to be
approved by the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of FFMC
Common Stock.(GBCC sec. 14-2-1103).
Under Georgia law, unless the articles of incorporation specify otherwise,
action by the stockholders of the surviving corporation on a plan of merger is
not required if (i) the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation
will not differ, with certain exceptions, from its articles before the merger,
(ii) each stockholder of the surviving corporation whose shares were outstanding
immediately before the effective date of the merger will hold the same number of
shares, with identical designations, preferences, limitations and relative
rights, immediately after the merger, and (iii) the number and kinds of shares
outstanding immediately after the merger, plus the number and kind of shares
issuable as a result of the merger and by the conversion of securities issued
pursuant to the merger or the exercise of rights and warrants issued pursuant to
the merger, will not exceed the total number and kind of shares of the surviving
corporation authorized by its articles of incorporation immediately before the
merger. (GBCC sec. 14-2-1103). The NYSE, however, may require stockholder
approval as a prerequisite to listing shares to be issued in certain mergers or
other acquisition transactions, such as where the transaction would result in
the present or potential increase of 20% or more in the outstanding shares of
common stock of the acquiring corporation.
Under Delaware law, no vote of stockholders of a constituent corporation
surviving a merger is necessary to authorize the merger if (1) the agreement of
merger does not amend in any respect the certificate of incorporation of such
constituent corporation, (2) each share of stock of such constituent corporation
outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger is to be an
identical outstanding or treasury share of the surviving corporation, and (3)
either no shares of common stock of the surviving corporation and no shares,
securities or obligations convertible into such stock are to be issued or
delivered under the plan of merger, or the authorized unissued shares or the
treasury shares of common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or
delivered plus those initially issuable upon conversion of any other shares to
be issued or delivered under such plan do not exceed 20% of the shares of common
stock of such corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of
the merger. (DGCL sec. 251).
FFMC CAPITAL STOCK
FFMC is authorized to issue 150,000,000 shares of FFMC Common Stock and up
to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock ("FFMC Preferred Stock") which may be
issued in one or more series established by the Board of Directors of FFMC from
time to time.
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FFMC COMMON STOCK
Holders of shares of FFMC Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share
on all matters to be voted on by stockholders and are not entitled to cumulative
voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority
of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all of the
directors then standing for election, if they choose to do so. The holders of
shares of FFMC Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in such dividends, if
any, as may be declared on shares of FFMC Common Stock from time to time by the
Board of Directors in its discretion from funds legally available therefor. The
holders of shares of FFMC Common Stock are entitled to share pro rata in
distributions to stockholders upon liquidation of FFMC, subject to any prior
rights of any holders of FFMC Preferred Stock issued after the date of this
Proxy Statement and Prospectus and then outstanding (see "FFMC Preferred Stock"
below).
The holders of shares of FFMC Common Stock have no preemptive or other
subscription or conversion rights, and there are no redemption provisions with
respect to such shares. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully
paid and non-assessable. FFMC's Common Stock is listed on the NYSE.
FFMC PREFERRED STOCK
Pursuant to FFMC's Restated Articles of Incorporation, the Board of
Directors of FFMC may from time to time authorize the issuance of up to
5,000,000 shares of FFMC Preferred Stock in one or more series, having such
voting rights, dividend rates and preferences, redemption prices, sinking funds,
convertibility provisions, liquidation and certain other preferences, rights and
provisions as the Board of Directors of FFMC may fix in providing for the
issuance of such series.
Shares of FFMC Preferred Stock may be issued for any general corporate
purposes, including acquisitions. If and when the Board of Directors should
authorize the issuance of any shares of FFMC Preferred Stock, dividend
requirements and any sinking fund, conversion or redemption provisions of such
an issue could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for
distribution to holders of shares of FFMC Common Stock.
For a discussion of applicable law and provisions of FFMC's Bylaws which
may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or other takeover attempt, see
"Comparison of Rights of Holders of FFMC Common Stock and Holders of EBP Common
Stock -- Anti-Takeover Provisions."
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the FFMC Common Stock offered hereby and certain other
legal matters will be passed upon for FFMC by Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan,
Atlanta, Georgia.
Attorneys at Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan participating in matters related
to the Merger beneficially own 18,794 shares of FFMC Common Stock.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of
FFMC at December 31, 1994 and 1993 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1994, incorporated in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus by
reference from FFMC's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports which
are incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance
upon such reports given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
The audited consolidated financial statements and schedules of EBP as of
December 31, 1994 and 1993 and for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993,
the seven months ended December 31, 1992 and the year ended May 31, 1992
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus and elsewhere
in the Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said
48
<PAGE> 59
firm as experts in giving said reports. Reference is made to said report on the
audited consolidated financial statements, which includes an explanatory
paragraph with respect to the change in method of accounting for income taxes
during the seven months ended December 31, 1992 as discussed in Notes B and G to
the audited consolidated financial statements and the related report on
schedules.
The consolidated financial statements and schedules of First Data at
December 31, 1994 and 1993 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1994, appearing in FFMC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25,
1995, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth
in their report thereon included therein and incorporated by reference herein.
Such consolidated financial statements and schedules are incorporated by
reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
With respect to the unaudited consolidated interim financial information of
First Data for the period ended June 30, 1995 incorporated by reference herein,
Ernst & Young LLP have reported that they have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, their separate report, included in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated
September 11, 1995 of FFMC incorporated herein by reference states that they did
not audit and they do not express an opinion on such interim financial
information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their report on such
information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review
procedures applied. The independent auditors are not subject to the liability
provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their report on the unaudited
interim financial information because such report is not a "report" or a "part"
of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by the auditors within the
meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.
The consolidated financial statements of CESI Holdings, Inc. at June 30,
1994 and for the year then ended, appearing in FFMC's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated July 25, 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 financial statements of Western Union Financial Services, Inc.
incorporated in this Proxy Statement and Prospectus by reference to FFMC's Form
8-K dated November 4, 1994 have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report
of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of EBP is not aware of any other matters to come before the
Meeting. If any procedural or other matter should come before the Meeting, it is
the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote such proxy
with respect to such business in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters.
In order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for the next
annual meeting, if any, of stockholders of EBP, any stockholder proposal
intended to be presented at the meeting must have been received by EBP on or
before December 1, 1995.
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ANNEX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP.
AND
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
MAY 12, 1995
A-1
<PAGE> 61
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ARTICLE 1
THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
1.1 The Merger....................................................................... A-9
1.2 Closing.......................................................................... A-9
1.3 Effective Time of the Merger..................................................... A-9
1.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws............................................. A-9
1.5 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation.............................. A-10
ARTICLE 2
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES; ADDITIONAL ACTION
2.1 Conversion of Shares............................................................. A-10
(a) Seller Common Stock......................................................... A-10
(b) Treasury Shares............................................................. A-10
(c) SubCorp Common Stock........................................................ A-10
2.2 Conversion Ratio................................................................. A-10
2.3 No Fractional Shares............................................................. A-10
2.4 Reported Market Price............................................................ A-10
2.5 Stock Transfer Books............................................................. A-10
2.6 Surrender and Exchange of Certificates Representing Seller Common Stock.......... A-10
(a) Exchange Agent.............................................................. A-10
(b) Surrender of Certificates................................................... A-10
(c) Lost Certificates........................................................... A-11
(d) No Interest................................................................. A-11
(e) Dividends on Buyer Common Shares............................................ A-11
(f) No Liability................................................................ A-11
(g) Withholding Rights.......................................................... A-11
2.7 Adjustments...................................................................... A-12
ARTICLE 3
SELLER STOCK OPTIONS AND DEBENTURES
3.1 Assumption of Seller Stock Options............................................... A-12
3.2 Incentive Stock Options.......................................................... A-12
3.3 Convertible Debentures........................................................... A-13
3.4 Performance Share Units.......................................................... A-13
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Representations and Warranties by Seller......................................... A-13
(a) Organization and Qualification.............................................. A-13
(b) Capitalization.............................................................. A-13
(c) Authority................................................................... A-13
(d) Non-Contravention........................................................... A-14
(e) Governmental Consents....................................................... A-14
(f) Periodic Reports............................................................ A-14
(g) Subsidiaries................................................................ A-15
(h) Financial Statements........................................................ A-15
(i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events........................................ A-15
(j) Governmental Authorization and Compliance with Laws......................... A-16
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE> 62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(k) Conduct of Business......................................................... A-16
(l) Tax Matters................................................................. A-16
(m) No Real Property Owned...................................................... A-17
(n) Material Contracts.......................................................... A-17
(o) Legal Proceedings........................................................... A-17
(p) Labor Relations............................................................. A-18
(q) Insider Interests........................................................... A-18
(r) Intellectual Property....................................................... A-18
(s) Insurance................................................................... A-19
(t) Proxy Statement; Registration Statement..................................... A-19
(u) Employee and Fringe Benefit Plans........................................... A-19
(v) Major Customers............................................................. A-21
(w) Section 203................................................................. A-21
(x) Environmental............................................................... A-21
(y) Continuity of Stock Ownership, Etc.......................................... A-21
(z) Reinsurance................................................................. A-21
(aa) Guarantee Funds Obligations................................................. A-22
(ab) Annual Statements of Seller and its Subsidiaries............................ A-22
(ac) Reserves.................................................................... A-22
(ad) Accuracy of Schedules, Certificates and Documents........................... A-22
(ae) Fairness Opinion............................................................ A-22
(af) Brokers, Finders and Investment Bankers..................................... A-22
4.2 Representations and Warranties by Buyer and SubCorp.............................. A-22
(a) Organization and Qualification, etc......................................... A-22
(b) Capitalization.............................................................. A-23
(c) Authority................................................................... A-23
(d) Non-Contravention........................................................... A-23
(e) Governmental Consents....................................................... A-23
(f) Periodic Reports............................................................ A-24
(g) Financial Statements........................................................ A-24
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events........................................ A-24
(i) Proxy Statement; Registration Statement..................................... A-24
(j) Activities of SubCorp....................................................... A-24
ARTICLE 5
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
5.1 Conduct of Business.............................................................. A-25
(a) Operation by Seller in the Ordinary Course of Business...................... A-25
(b) Forbearances by Seller...................................................... A-25
5.2 Seller Stockholders Meeting...................................................... A-26
5.3 Best Efforts; Further Assurances; Cooperation.................................... A-27
(a) Regulatory Action........................................................... A-27
(b) Certain Legal Proceedings................................................... A-27
(c) Notice...................................................................... A-27
5.4 Investigation; Confidentiality................................................... A-27
5.5 Expenses......................................................................... A-28
5.6 No Solicitation of Transactions.................................................. A-28
5.7 Registration Statement and Proxy Statement....................................... A-29
5.8 NYSE Listing..................................................................... A-29
5.9 Affiliates of Seller............................................................. A-29
5.10 Rule 145......................................................................... A-29
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE> 63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
5.11 Periodic Reports................................................................. A-30
5.12 Public Announcements............................................................. A-30
5.13 Antitrust Challenges............................................................. A-30
5.14 Employee Matters................................................................. A-30
(a) Employee Benefits and Agreements............................................ A-30
(b) Transition.................................................................. A-30
5.15 Indemnification and Insurance.................................................... A-31
(a) Certificate of Incorporation; ByLaws........................................ A-31
(b) Reorganization, etc......................................................... A-31
(c) Insurance................................................................... A-31
5.16 Accountant's Letters............................................................. A-31
5.17 Approval by Insurance Authorities................................................ A-31
5.18 Severance and Retention Agreements............................................... A-31
5.19 Performance Share Unit Settlement................................................ A-31
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party.......................................... A-32
(a) Seller Stockholder Approval................................................. A-32
(b) HSR Act..................................................................... A-32
(c) Registration Statement...................................................... A-32
(d) NYSE Listing................................................................ A-32
(e) Tax Effect of Merger........................................................ A-32
(f) Certain Agreements.......................................................... A-32
6.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer and SubCorp................................... A-32
(a) Consents, Authorizations, etc............................................... A-32
(b) Injunction, etc............................................................. A-32
(c) Representations and Warranties, Etc......................................... A-33
(d) Affiliate Agreements........................................................ A-33
(e) Certificate................................................................. A-33
(f) Opinion and Confirmation of Seller's Counsel................................ A-33
(g) Letters from Accountants.................................................... A-33
(h) Additional Certificates, etc................................................ A-33
(i) Resignations................................................................ A-33
6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Seller.............................................. A-33
(a) Consents, Authorizations, etc............................................... A-33
(b) Injunction, etc............................................................. A-33
(c) Representations and Warranties.............................................. A-34
(d) Buyer Common Shares......................................................... A-34
(e) Certificate................................................................. A-34
(f) Opinion and Confirmation of Buyer's and SubCorp's Counsel................... A-34
(g) Letters from Accountants.................................................... A-34
(h) Tax Advice.................................................................. A-34
(i) Additional Certificates, etc................................................ A-34
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
7.1 Termination and Abandonment...................................................... A-34
7.2 Specific Performance............................................................. A-35
7.3 Rights and Obligations upon Termination.......................................... A-35
</TABLE>
A-4
<PAGE> 64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
7.4 Certain Fees and Expenses........................................................ A-36
(a) Expenses..................................................................... A-36
(b) Fee.......................................................................... A-36
(c) Payment...................................................................... A-37
7.5 Effect of Termination............................................................ A-37
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Waiver of Certain Conditions..................................................... A-37
8.2 Notices.......................................................................... A-37
8.3 Table of Contents; Headings...................................................... A-38
8.4 Variation and Amendment.......................................................... A-38
8.5 No Survival of Representations or Warranties..................................... A-38
8.6 Arbitration...................................................................... A-38
8.7 Severability..................................................................... A-39
8.8 Waiver........................................................................... A-39
8.9 No Third Party Beneficiaries; Assignment......................................... A-39
8.10 Time of the Essence; Computation of Time......................................... A-39
8.11 Counterparts..................................................................... A-39
8.12 Governing Law.................................................................... A-39
8.13 Entire Agreement................................................................. A-39
</TABLE>
A-5
<PAGE> 65
LIST OF EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Exhibit A Certificate of Merger
Exhibit B Opinion and Confirmation of Seller's Counsel
Exhibit C Opinion and Confirmation of Buyer's and SubCorp's Counsel
Exhibit D Form of Affiliate Agreement
Exhibit E Form of Severance and Retention Agreement
</TABLE>
LIST OF SCHEDULES
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Schedule 3.1 Seller Stock Option Plans
4.1 (b) Capitalization
4.1 (d) Non-Contravention
4.1 (e) Governmental Consents
4.1 (f) Periodic Reports
4.1 (g) Seller Subsidiaries
4.1 (i) Certain Changes or Events
4.1 (j) Governmental Authorizations and Compliance with Laws
4.1 (l) Tax Matters
4.1 (n) Material Contracts
4.1 (o) Legal Proceedings
4.1 (q) Insider Interests
4.1 (r) Intellectual Property
4.1 (s) Insurance
4.1 (u) Employee and Fringe Benefit Plans
4.1 (v) Major Customers of Seller
4.1 (ac) Reserves
5.1 Conduct of Business
5.18 Severance and Retention Agreements
</TABLE>
A-6
<PAGE> 66
DEFINED TERMS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Affiliate Agreement.................................................. Section 5.9
Agreement............................................................ Preamble
Annual Statements.................................................... Section 4.1(ab)
Buyer................................................................ Preamble
Buyer Annual Report.................................................. Section 4.2(f)
Buyer Audited Financial Statements................................... Section 4.2(g)
Buyer Common Shares.................................................. Background Statement
Buyer Financial Statements........................................... Section 4.2(g)
Buyer Material Contract.............................................. Section 4.2(d)
Buyer Preferred Shares............................................... Section 4.2(b)
Buyer Quarterly Report............................................... Section 4.2(g)
Cap.................................................................. Section 5.15(c)
Certificate of Merger................................................ Section 1.3
Certificates......................................................... Section 2.6(b)
Closing.............................................................. Section 1.2
Closing Date......................................................... Section 1.2
Code................................................................. Background Statement
Competing Transaction................................................ Section 5.6
Continuing Employees................................................. Section 5.14(a)
Conversion Ratio..................................................... Section 2.2
DGCL................................................................. Section 1.1
Effective Time....................................................... Section 1.3
Employee Plans....................................................... Section 4.1(u)(i)
ERISA................................................................ Section 4.1(u)(i)(A)
ERISA Affiliate...................................................... Section 4.1(u)(i)(D)
Exchange Act......................................................... Section 4.1(f)
Exchange Agent....................................................... Section 2.6(a)
Expenses............................................................. Section 7.4(a)
Fee.................................................................. Section 7.4(b)
FTC.................................................................. Section 4.1(e)
Governmental Entity.................................................. Section 4.1(e)
HSR Act.............................................................. Section 4.1(d)
Intellectual Property................................................ Section 4.1(r)
Intellectual Property Agreements..................................... Section 4.1(r)
IRS.................................................................. Section 4.1(u)(i)
Justice.............................................................. Section 4.1(e)
knowledge............................................................ Section 4.1(d)
life insurance contracts............................................. Section 4.1(j)
Material Adverse Effect.............................................. Section 4.1(a)
Material Contracts................................................... Section 4.1(n)
Merger............................................................... Background Statement
Merger Consideration................................................. Section 2.5
NYSE................................................................. Section 2.4
PBGC................................................................. Section 4.1(u)(i)
Proxy Statement...................................................... Section 4.1(t)
Registration Statement............................................... Section 4.1(t)
Review Period........................................................ Section 5.14(b)
SEC.................................................................. Section 4.1(e)
Securities Act....................................................... Section 3.1
Seller............................................................... Preamble
Seller Audited Financial Statements.................................. Section 4.1(h)
</TABLE>
A-7
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Seller Common Stock.................................................. Background Statement
Seller Financial Statements.......................................... Section 4.1(h)
Seller Incentive Stock Option........................................ Section 3.2
Seller Preferred Stock............................................... Section 4.1(b)
Seller Quarterly Report.............................................. Section 4.1(h)
Seller Stock Option Plans............................................ Section 3.1
Seller Stock Options................................................. Section 3.1
Seller Stockholders Meeting.......................................... Section 5.2
Seller's Senior Management........................................... Section 4.1(d)
Subcorp.............................................................. Preamble
Subsidiary........................................................... Section 4.1(g)
Surviving Corporation................................................ Section 1.1
Tax Opinion.......................................................... Section 6.1(e)
Tax Returns.......................................................... Section 4.1(l)
Taxes................................................................ Section 4.1(l)
</TABLE>
A-8
<PAGE> 68
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement") is made as of May 12,
1995 among EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Seller"),
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Georgia corporation ("Buyer"), and
GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Buyer ("SubCorp").
BACKGROUND STATEMENT
Buyer and Seller desire to effect a business combination of Seller and
SubCorp pursuant to which SubCorp will merge with and into Seller, and the
holders of shares of Seller common stock, $.01 par value ("Seller Common
Stock"), will receive Buyer common shares, par value $.10 per share ("Buyer
Common Shares"), in exchange for Seller Common Stock, as provided in this
Agreement (the "Merger"). The Merger is intended to be a reorganization under
Section 368(a)(1)(A) and 368 (a)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). The respective Boards of Directors of Buyer, Subcorp and
Seller each has, and Buyer as the sole shareholder of SubCorp has, approved this
Agreement and the Merger. The Board of Directors of Seller has directed that
this Agreement be submitted to the stockholders of Seller for their approval.
STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE BUSINESS COMBINATION
1.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3 hereof),
SubCorp shall be merged with and into Seller in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), and the
separate existence of SubCorp shall thereupon cease, and Seller, as the
surviving corporation in the Merger (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
"Surviving Corporation"), shall continue its corporate existence under the laws
of the State of Delaware as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer. The Merger shall
have the effect provided under the applicable laws of the State of Delaware
including, but not limited to, Section 259 of the DGCL.
1.2 Closing. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Sutherland, Asbill
& Brennan, 999 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3996, as soon as
possible after all conditions set forth in Article 6 have been satisfied or
waived in writing but in no event later than the third business day after all
such conditions shall have been satisfied or waived (the "Closing Date").
1.3 Effective Time of the Merger. If all the conditions set forth in
Article 6 shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement
and provided that this Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to Article 7,
the parties shall cause the certificate of merger attached hereto as Exhibit A
(the "Certificate of Merger") to be executed, delivered and filed with the
Secretary of State of Delaware in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL.
The Merger shall become effective at the time of such filing unless a different
effective time is specified in the Certificate of Merger pursuant to the DGCL
(the "Effective Time").
1.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws. The Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws of Seller as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
be amended to conform to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of SubCorp
as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time and at the Effective Time
shall be the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation, until duly amended in accordance with applicable law, subject to
Section 5.15 hereof.
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1.5 Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective
Time, the persons who are directors of SubCorp at the Effective Time will become
the directors of the Surviving Corporation until such time as they may be
replaced in accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation.
ARTICLE 2
CONVERSION AND EXCHANGE OF SHARES; ADDITIONAL ACTION
2.1 Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger
and without any action on the part of any holder thereof:
(a) Seller Common Stock. Each issued and outstanding share of Seller
Common Stock, excluding any such shares held in the treasury of Seller and
excluding any such shares held by Buyer or its subsidiaries shall
automatically be cancelled and extinguished and shall thereafter be
converted into only the right to receive the number of Buyer Common Shares
determined in accordance with the Conversion Ratio (as hereinafter
defined).
(b) Treasury Shares. Each share of Seller Common Stock held in the
treasury of Seller or held by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries shall be
automatically cancelled and extinguished,and no payment shall be made in
respect thereof.
(c) SubCorp Common Stock. Each issued and outstanding share of
SubCorp common stock at the Effective Time shall be converted into and
shall thereafter represent one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation.
2.2 Conversion Ratio. The conversion ratio shall be 0.1975 of a Buyer
Common Share for each share of Seller Common Stock (the "Conversion Ratio").
2.3 No Fractional Shares. No scrip or fractional Buyer Common Shares shall
be issued in the Merger upon conversion of Seller Common Stock as provided in
Section 2.1. Each registered holder of Seller Common Stock who would otherwise
have been entitled to receive a fraction of an Buyer Common Share upon
conversion of his Seller Common Stock shall be entitled to receive a cash
payment with respect to such fractional share in an amount equal to the product
of the Reported Market Price of Buyer Common Shares multiplied by such
fractional share. Buyer will make available on or before the Effective Time to
the "Exchange Agent" (as defined in Section 2.6) the funds necessary for the
purpose of paying cash for fractional shares.
2.4 Reported Market Price. As used in this Agreement, the Reported Market
Price for Buyer Common Shares shall be the average closing price per share for
Buyer Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for the five (5)
trading days immediately preceding the Effective Time.
2.5 Stock Transfer Books. From and after the Effective Time, no transfer
of Seller Common Stock outstanding prior to the Effective Time shall be
registered on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation. If, after
the Effective Time, certificates for Seller Common Stock are presented to the
Surviving Corporation for transfer, such certificates shall be cancelled and
exchanged for the consideration described in Sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 (the
"Merger Consideration").
2.6 Surrender and Exchange of Certificates Representing Seller Common
Stock.
(a) Exchange Agent. Prior to the mailing of the Proxy Statement to
the holders of record of Seller Common Stock, Buyer shall appoint Wachovia
Bank and Trust Company, N.A. to act as exchange agent for the Merger (the
"Exchange Agent") pursuant to an exchange agent agreement reasonably
acceptable to Seller. At the Effective Time, Buyer shall, pursuant to
irrevocable instructions, direct the Exchange Agent to issue the number of
Buyer Common Shares provided for in Section 2.2 and pay the amount of cash
to which the holders of Seller Common Stock are entitled pursuant to
Section 2.3.
(b) Surrender of Certificates. Promptly after the Effective Time,
Buyer shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail and otherwise make available
to each record holder as of the Effective Time of an
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outstanding certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the
Effective Time represented Seller Common Stock (the "Certificates"), a
letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected,
and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper
delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for
use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates for payment therefor and
conversion thereof, which letter of transmittal shall comply with all
applicable rules of the NYSE. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of the
Certificates, together with such letter of transmittal duly executed, the
holder of such Certificates shall be entitled to receive promptly in
exchange therefor (i) one or more certificates as requested by the holder
(properly issued, executed and counter-signed, as appropriate) representing
that number of whole Buyer Common Shares to which such holder of Seller
Common Stock shall have become entitled pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.2, and (ii) as to any fractional share, a check representing the
cash consideration to which such holder shall have become entitled pursuant
to Section 2.3, and the Certificates so surrendered shall forthwith be
cancelled. If any portion of the Merger Consideration to be received upon
exchange of a Certificate (whether a certificate representing Buyer Common
Shares or a check representing cash for a fractional share) is to be issued
or paid to a person other than the person in whose name the Certificate
surrendered and exchanged therefor is registered, it shall be a condition
of such issuance and payment that the Certificate so surrendered shall be
properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the
person requesting such exchange shall pay in advance any transfer or other
taxes required by reason of the issuance of a certificate representing
Buyer Common Shares or a check representing cash for a fractional share to
such other person, or establish to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or that no such tax is
applicable. From the Effective Time until surrender in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.6, each Certificate (other than Certificates
representing treasury shares) shall represent for all purposes only the
right to receive the Merger Consideration. All payments in respect of
Seller Common Stock that are made in accordance with the terms hereof shall
be deemed to have been made in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining
to such securities.
(c) Lost Certificates. In the case of any lost, misplaced, stolen or
destroyed Certificate, the holder thereof may be required, as a condition
precedent to delivery to such holder of the Merger Consideration, to
deliver to Buyer an indemnity agreement and a bond in such reasonable sum
as Buyer may direct (but consistent with the practices Buyer applies to its
own shareholders) as indemnity against any claim that may be made against
the Exchange Agent, Buyer or the Surviving Corporation with respect to the
Certificate alleged to have been lost, misplaced, stolen or destroyed.
(d) No Interest. No interest shall be paid or accrued on any portion
of the Merger Consideration regardless of the cause for delay in payment of
the Merger Consideration.
(e) Dividends on Buyer Common Shares. No holder of a Certificate
shall be entitled to delivery of any dividend or other distribution from
Buyer having a record date after the Effective Time until surrender of such
holder's Certificate pursuant to this Section 2.6. Upon such surrender,
there shall be paid to the holder the amount of any dividends or other
distributions (without interest) that theretofore became payable by Buyer,
but were not paid by reason of the foregoing with respect to the number of
whole Buyer Common Shares represented by the certificate or certificates
issued upon such surrender. From and after the Effective Time, Buyer shall,
however, be entitled to treat any such Certificate that has not yet been
surrendered for exchange as evidencing the ownership of the aggregate
Merger Consideration into which the Seller Common Stock represented by such
Certificate shall have been converted, notwithstanding any failure to
surrender such Certificate.
(f) No Liability. Neither Buyer nor Seller shall be liable to any
holder of shares of Seller Common Stock for any Buyer Common Shares (or
dividends or distributions with respect thereto) delivered to a public
official pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(g) Withholding Rights. Buyer or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled
to deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable
pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Seller Common Stock
such amounts as Buyer or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and
withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any
provision of state, local or foreign tax
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law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Buyer or the Exchange
Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Seller Common
Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Buyer
or the Exchange Agent.
2.7 Adjustments. If, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective
Time, the outstanding Buyer Common Shares shall be changed into a different
number of shares or a different class by reason of any reclassification,
recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or readjustment, or
a stock dividend thereon shall be distributed as of a date prior to the
Effective Time, or declared with a record date prior to the Effective Time and a
distribution date after the Effective Time, the Conversion Ratio and the
Reported Market Price shall be appropriately adjusted.
ARTICLE 3
SELLER STOCK OPTIONS AND DEBENTURES
3.1 Assumption of Seller Stock Options. At the Effective Time, Buyer and
Seller shall take all action necessary to cause the assumption by Buyer as of
the Effective Time of the stock options to purchase Seller Common Stock issued
under the plans and agreements described on Schedule 3.1 (the "Seller Stock
Option Plans") which are outstanding and unexercised at the Effective Time (the
"Seller Stock Options"). Schedule 3.1 also sets forth all outstanding stock
options, restricted shares, phantom stock awards, stock appreciation rights,
performance share unit awards or cash or other similar incentive awards
thereunder. The Seller Stock Options so assumed by Buyer shall continue to have,
and shall be subject to, the same terms and conditions as set forth in the
Seller Stock Option Plans and agreements pursuant to which such Seller Stock
Options were issued as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time except
that: (i) each Seller Stock Option shall be exercisable for that number of whole
Buyer Common Shares equal to the product of the number of shares of Seller
Common Stock covered by such Seller Stock Option immediately prior to the
Effective Time multiplied by the Conversion Ratio and rounded up to the nearest
whole number of Buyer Common Shares; (ii) the option exercise price of each
Buyer Common Share subject to an Seller Stock Option shall be the amount
(rounded up to the nearest whole cent) obtained by dividing the option price per
share of the Seller Common Stock at which such Seller Stock Option is
exercisable immediately before the Effective Time by the Conversion Ratio; (iii)
to the extent the exercise price may be paid in shares of Seller Common Stock
such exercise price may be paid in Buyer Common Shares; and (iv) all actions to
be taken thereunder by the Board of Directors of Seller or a committee thereof
shall be taken by the Board of Directors of Buyer or a committee thereof. Buyer
shall reserve for issuance the number of Buyer Common Shares that will become
issuable upon the exercise of such Seller Stock Options after the Effective
Time, shall file and use reasonable efforts to cause and maintain the
effectiveness (during the period such options remain outstanding) of a
Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), with respect to Buyer Common Shares so issuable and
shall take appropriate action to list such shares with the NYSE and provide
appropriate notice to the NYSE relating to the issuance of such shares. The
assumption of Seller Stock Options by Buyer as provided in this Section 3.1
shall not give the holders thereof additional benefits which they did not have
immediately prior to the Effective Time or relieve the holders thereof of any
obligations or restrictions applicable to the Seller Stock Options or the Buyer
Common Shares obtainable upon exercise of the Seller Stock Options. After the
Effective Time, Buyer shall continue in effect the Seller Stock Option Plans
subject to amendment, modification, suspension, abandonment or termination as
provided therein.
3.2 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Article 3, in the case of any Seller Stock Option to which Section 421 of
the Code applies by reason of its qualification under Section 422 of the Code
(an "Seller Incentive Stock Option"), the option price, the number of Buyer
Common Shares purchasable pursuant to such Seller Incentive Stock Option and the
terms and conditions of exercise of such Seller Incentive Stock Option shall be
determined immediately after the Effective Time in such manner as to comply with
Section 424(a) of the Code.
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3.3 Convertible Debentures. Seller and Buyer shall take action pursuant to
the indentures covering its outstanding convertible debentures to cause duly
executed supplemental indentures to provide that following the Merger each such
debenture shall be convertible into a number of Buyer Common Shares in an amount
determined by the Conversion Ratio.
3.4 Performance Share Units. Any performance share units payable to
participants in Seller's 1991 Long-Term Incentive Performance Plan as a result
of or following the Merger shall be paid (i) in Seller Common Stock, if paid
prior to the Effective Time, or (ii) in Buyer Common Shares, if paid after the
Effective Time, with the number of Buyer Common Shares determined in accordance
with the Conversion Ratio. In the event the holder of any such performance share
units is involuntarily terminated, other than for cause, during the award
measurement period, the holder shall be paid the maximum amount payable under
such performance share units.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Representations and Warranties by Seller. Seller represents and
warrants to and agrees with Buyer and SubCorp as of the date of this Agreement
and as of the Closing as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Seller is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, has the corporate power and authority to own all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in
each of the jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified would
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition,
results of operations or business of Seller and its Subsidiaries, taken as
a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect"). The copies of Seller's Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended to date, which have been delivered
to Buyer, are complete and correct, and such instruments, as so amended,
are in full force and effect at the date hereof.
(b) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Seller consists
of 50,000,000 shares of Seller Common Stock and 2,000,000 shares of $.01
par value preferred stock ("Seller Preferred Stock"). All of the issued and
outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock are duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and were not issued in violation of
any preemptive rights. As of the date hereof: (i) 8,459,253 shares of
Seller Common Stock are issued and outstanding; (ii) no shares of Seller
Common Stock are held by Seller as treasury shares; (iii) 470,481 shares of
Seller Common Stock are subject to outstanding options pursuant to the
Seller Stock Option Plans; (iv) 29,000 performance share units (based upon
which up to 58,000 shares of Seller Common Stock can be issued) have been
awarded and are outstanding pursuant to Seller's Long Term Incentive
Performance Plan; and (v) no shares of Seller Preferred Stock are issued or
outstanding. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.1 or Schedule 4.1(b) and in
this Section 4.1(b), there are no shares of capital stock of Seller
outstanding, and there are no subscriptions, options, convertible
securities, calls, rights, warrants or other agreements, claims or
commitments of any nature whatsoever obligating Seller to issue, transfer,
register with any securities commission or other authority, deliver or sell
or cause to be issued, transferred, so registered, delivered or sold,
additional shares of the capital stock or other securities of Seller or
obligating Seller to grant, extend or enter into any such agreement or
commitment.
(c) Authority. Seller has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to the receipt of the
approval of the Merger by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock, to consummate the transactions
contemplated on the part of Seller hereby. The execution and delivery by
Seller of this Agreement and the consummation by Seller of the transactions
contemplated on its part hereby have been duly authorized by its Board of
Directors. Except for the approval of the Merger by the holders of Seller
Common Stock, no other corporate action on the part of Seller is necessary
to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seller or
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the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and is a valid,
binding and enforceable agreement of Seller.
(d) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Seller do not and, subject to the adoption of this Agreement by the
holders of Seller Common Stock and the expiration of all applicable waiting
periods after the filings required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act") referred to in paragraph (e)
below, the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby
do not and will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Seller or any of its
Subsidiaries, or (ii) except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(d), and except
insofar as it would not have a Material Adverse Effect, violate or conflict
with, or result (with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) in
a violation of or constitute a default under any provision of, or result in
the acceleration or termination of or entitle any party to accelerate or
terminate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both),
any obligation or benefit under, or result in the creation or imposition of
any lien, charge, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance upon any
of the assets or properties of Seller or any of its Subsidiaries or require
consent, authorization or approval of any person or entity pursuant to any
provision of any "Material Contract" (as hereinafter defined),
"Intellectual Property Agreement" (as hereinafter defined), or law,
ordinance, regulation, order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to
which Seller or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or its
assets or properties are bound and will not constitute an event permitting
termination of any Material Contract or Intellectual Property Agreement to
which Seller or any of its Subsidiaries is a party. Except for violations,
conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations, entitlements, creations
or impositions of liens, charges, pledges, security interests or other
encumbrances or events described on Schedule 4.1(d), no such event shall
cause any material damage, additional cost or expense (including any
payments or expenses incurred to obtain consents or waivers) to Seller or
any of its Subsidiaries, Buyer or the Surviving Corporation. Except as
expressly noted on Schedule 4.1(d), to the knowledge of Seller's Senior
Management, Seller has no reasonable basis to believe that it will not be
able to obtain (without material additional payment or expense) all
consents and waivers necessary to avoid any such violation, acceleration,
entitlement to accelerate, creation or imposition of a lien, charge,
pledge, security interest or other encumbrance, conflict or event. As used
in this Agreement, "knowledge" shall mean to the actual knowledge of the
individuals involved, and shall not imply or impose any duty of
investigation and "Seller's Senior Management" shall mean William Sagan,
Timothy Kuck and Kurt Betcher.
(e) Governmental Consents. Except for required insurance filings as
set forth in Schedule 4.1(e) and except for the filing of the Proxy
Statement (as hereinafter defined) and the Registration Statement (as
hereinafter defined) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") and, to the extent required, any filings with or approvals by any
state securities commissions or authorities, filings with the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") and the Department of Justice ("Justice") under the
HSR Act and the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of
State of Delaware, no consent, authorization, clearance, order or approval
of, or filing or registration with, any executive, judicial or other public
authority, agency, department, bureau, division, unit or court or other
public person or entity (any of which is hereinafter referred to as a
"Governmental Entity") is required for or in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Seller and the consummation by Seller of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
(f) Periodic Reports. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(f), since
May 1, 1992, Seller has timely filed all forms and reports with the SEC
required to be filed by it pursuant to the federal securities laws and the
SEC rules and regulations thereunder, all of which have complied as of
their respective filing dates in all material respects with all applicable
requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the rules promulgated thereunder
except for such statements, if any, as have been modified by subsequent
filings. Seller has made all such forms and reports available to Buyer.
None of such forms or reports at the time filed contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary
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in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading except for such statements, if
any, as have been modified by subsequent filings.
(g) Subsidiaries. Seller's filings under the Exchange Act reflect
each Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) of Seller. Seller owns, directly
or indirectly, all the outstanding capital stock of each of its
Subsidiaries, free and clear of all liens, charges, pledges, security
interests or other encumbrances, and all such capital stock is duly
authorized, validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable,
and except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(g), neither Seller nor any
Subsidiary has made any material investment in, or material advance of cash
or other extension of credit to, any person, corporation or other entity
other than its Subsidiaries. None of such Subsidiaries has any commitment
to issue or sell any shares of its capital stock or any securities or
obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving any person
(other than Seller) any right to acquire from such Subsidiary, any shares
of its capital stock, and no such securities or obligations are
outstanding. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(g), each Subsidiary is a
corporation duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the corporate power and
authority to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted. Each Subsidiary is duly qualified to
do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which each such
Subsidiary has any place of business or where such qualification is
required and where failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse
Effect. As used in this Agreement, the term "Subsidiary" means, with
respect to any person, corporation or other entity, any corporation or
other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at
least a majority of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof
voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others
performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other
organization is at that time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by
such person, corporation or other entity, or by any one or more of its
Subsidiaries, or by such person, corporation or other entity, and one or
more of its Subsidiaries.
(h) Financial Statements. Seller has previously furnished Buyer with
a true and complete copy of the balance sheets of Seller as of December 31,
1993 and 1994 and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the years then ended, including the notes thereto,
certified by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public accountants
(the "Seller Audited Financial Statements"). The Seller Audited Financial
Statements and the Seller financial statements, including the notes
thereto, contained in the draft Seller Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1995 in the form last delivered to Buyer on or
prior to the date of this Agreement (the "Seller Quarterly Report") (with
the Seller Audited Financial Statements, the "Seller Financial Statements")
have been prepared from, and are in accordance with, the books and records
of Seller and present fairly the consolidated financial position and
results of operations of Seller and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole as of
the dates and for the periods indicated, in each case in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, except as
otherwise stated in the Seller Financial Statements and include all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are
necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position of Seller and
its Subsidiaries and the results of operations and cash flows except as
otherwise stated in the Seller Financial Statements, except that the Seller
Quarterly Report does not include a statement of shareholders' equity or
certain required footnotes.
(i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 4.1(i) or in any report filed by Seller with the SEC under the
Exchange Act prior to the date of this Agreement or in the Seller Quarterly
Report, and except for such changes as are the result of general economic
conditions or general conditions in the industry in which Seller and its
Subsidiaries operate, since December 31, 1994, there has not been: (i) any
material adverse change in the business, financial condition or results of
operations of Seller and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) any
damage, destruction, loss or casualty to property or assets of Seller or
any Subsidiary, whether or not covered by insurance, which would have a
Material Adverse Effect; (iii) any strike, work stoppage or slowdown or
other material labor trouble involving Seller or any Subsidiary; (iv) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution
(whether in cash, capital stock or property) with respect to the capital
stock of Seller; (v) any redemption or other acquisition by Seller of any
of the capital stock of Seller (except for the acquisition
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of Seller Common Stock in payment of the exercise price and related taxes
upon the exercise of Seller Stock Options); (vi) any split, combination,
reclassification or other similar change in the outstanding Seller Common
Stock; or (vii) any agreement to do any of the foregoing. Since December
31, 1994, there has not been any issuance by Seller of any shares, or
options, calls or commitments relating to shares of its capital stock, or
any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or
giving any person any right to acquire from it, any shares of its capital
stock other than the issuance of Seller Common Stock pursuant to the Seller
Stock Option Plans and except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(b).
(j) Governmental Authorization and Compliance with Laws. Except as
set forth on Schedule 4.1(j) and except insofar as the failure to do so
would not have a Material Adverse Effect, Seller and its Subsidiaries (i)
are in compliance with all laws, orders, regulations, policies and
guidelines of all Governmental Entities applicable to Seller and its
Subsidiaries or their businesses or properties and assets, and (ii) have
all permits, certificates, licenses, approvals and other authorizations
required in connection with the operation of their businesses. Except as
set forth on Schedule 4.1(j), as of the date hereof, no notice has been
issued and, to the knowledge of Seller's Senior Management, no
investigation or review is pending or is contemplated or overtly threatened
by any Governmental Entity (x) with respect to any alleged violation by
Seller or any Subsidiary of any law, order, regulation, policy or guideline
of any Governmental Entity, or (y) with respect to any alleged failure to
have all permits, certificates, licenses, approvals and other
authorizations required in connection with the operation of the business of
Seller and its Subsidiaries. Neither Seller nor any Subsidiary is in
violation of any judgment, decree, injunction, ruling or order of any
court, governmental department, commission, agency or instrumentality or
arbitrator binding on Seller or such Subsidiary except where such violation
would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Seller has provided Buyer with
copies of each annual statement filed with or submitted to any state
insurance authority by Seller or any Subsidiary and any reports of
financial examination issued by any such state insurance authority since
December 31, 1993, and each quarterly statement filed with or submitted to
any state insurance authority by Seller or any Subsidiary since December
31, 1993. Such filings or submissions were in material compliance with
applicable law when filed and no material deficiencies have been asserted
by any such authority with respect to such filings or submissions. Seller
has delivered to Buyer all reports reflecting the results of market conduct
examinations of the affairs of Seller and any Subsidiary issued by
insurance Governmental Entities since December 31, 1993 and all material
deficiencies or violations in such reports for any prior period have been
resolved. Except for policies issued by unaffiliated insurance carriers,
all contracts of insurance issued by Seller or any past or present
Subsidiary since May 31, 1991 are or were, to the extent required by
applicable law, on forms and at rates approved by the insurance
Governmental Entities of the jurisdictions where issued (except for
immaterial deviations from such approved forms) or have been filed with and
not objected to by such authorities within the periods provided for
objection.
(k) Conduct of Business. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(i),
since December 31, 1994, Seller and its Subsidiaries have conducted their
businesses in the ordinary and usual course consistent with prior practice.
(l) Tax Matters. All federal Taxes (as defined below) due and payable
by Seller and its Subsidiaries have been paid and are not delinquent.
Estimates for all federal Taxes due but not paid for all periods through
March 31, 1995 have been accrued on the books of Seller and adequate
reserves have been established therefor as of the end of such periods. All
other Taxes due and payable by Seller and its Subsidiaries for all periods
through March 31, 1995 have been paid or provided for in the Seller
Financial Statements and are not delinquent except for such failures to pay
or provide for as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Estimates for
all other Taxes due but not paid for all periods through March 31, 1995
have been accrued on the books of Seller and adequate reserves have been
established therefor as of the end of such periods, except for such
failures to accrue or reserve as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(l), as of the date hereof, there are no
pending claims asserted for Taxes against Seller or any Subsidiary or
outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitation applicable to any tax return of Seller or any Subsidiary for any
period. Seller and each Subsidiary have duly and timely filed all federal,
state, local and foreign tax returns and all other
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returns heretofore required to be filed ("Tax Returns") with respect to all
Taxes. Seller has delivered to Buyer true and correct copies of all federal
Tax Returns for the 1992 and 1993 taxable periods. Seller has not filed a
consent to the application of Section 341(f) of the Code. Seller has made
all estimated federal income tax deposits and has complied for all prior
periods in all material respects with the tax withholding provisions and
employment tax provisions of all applicable federal, state, local and other
laws. All life insurance contracts issued or assumed by Seller or any
Subsidiary qualify as "life insurance contracts" for federal tax purposes.
"Taxes" shall mean all taxes arising under the Code, or any law, rule,
regulation or order promulgated thereunder, or arising under any federal,
state, local or foreign law, rule, regulation or order including, without
limitation, any income, profits, employment, sales, gross receipts, use,
occupation, excise, real property, personal property or ad valorem taxes or
any license or franchise fee or tax and all penalties and interest related
thereto.
(m) No Real Property Owned. Neither Seller nor any of its
Subsidiaries owns any real property.
(n) Material Contracts. Schedule 4.1(n) contains a correct and
complete list as of the date hereof, of the following (hereinafter referred
to as the "Material Contracts"):
(i) except for investment securities held by Seller or its
Subsidiaries, all bonds, debentures, loan agreements, notes, mortgages,
deeds to secure debt, deeds of trust, reinsurance and other risk sharing
agreements (other than policies of insurance issued or reinsured by
Seller or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business),
indentures or written guaranties to which Seller or any Subsidiary is a
party or by which Seller or any Subsidiary or its properties or assets
are bound;
(ii) all leases (whether capital or operating) involving an annual
commitment or annual payments of $250,000 or more under which Seller or
any Subsidiary is the lessee of real or personal property;
(iii) all written employment and consulting agreements of Seller or
any Subsidiary; and
(iv) all existing contracts and commitments (other than those
described in subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii), any policies of insurance
issued or reinsured by Seller or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course
of business, claims administration agreements and any "Employee Plans"
(as defined in Section 4.1(u)) to which Seller or any Subsidiary is a
party or by which Seller or any Subsidiary or its properties or assets
may be bound involving an annual commitment or annual payment by any
party thereto of more than $250,000 individually, or which have a fixed
term extending more than 12 months from the date hereof and which
involve an annual commitment or annual payment by any party thereto of
more than $100,000 individually.
True and complete copies of all Material Contracts, including all written
or other material amendments thereto, have been made available to Buyer.
Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(n), as of the date hereof: (i) all
Material Contracts are in full force and effect and constitute the valid
and binding obligations of Seller and, to the knowledge of Seller's Senior
Management, the other parties thereto; (ii) there has not been and there
currently is no material default under any Material Contract by Seller or
any Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of Seller's Senior Management, any
other party thereto; (iii) no event has occurred which (whether with or
without notice, lapse of time or the happening or occurrence of any other
event) would constitute a default by Seller or any Subsidiary thereunder
entitling another party to terminate a Material Contract; and (iv) the
continuation, validity and effectiveness of all such Material Contracts
(other than those described in clause (ii) above) under the current terms
thereof and the current rights and obligations of Seller or any Subsidiary
thereunder will in no way be affected, altered or impaired by the
consummation of the Merger. Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.1(n), as of
the date hereof, there are no contracts or options to sell or lease any
material properties or material assets of Seller or any Subsidiary other
than in the ordinary course of business.
(o) Legal Proceedings. As of the date hereof, except as set forth in
Schedule 4.1(o), (i) other than claims for benefits pending in the ordinary
course of Seller's business under employer health and welfare plans
sponsored by customers of Seller or any Subsidiary, there is no claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of
Seller's Senior Management, contemplated or
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overtly threatened against Seller or any Subsidiary or any of its
properties or assets (or any of its officers or directors in connection
with the business of Seller and its Subsidiaries) before any arbitrator or
Governmental Entity, domestic or foreign, which in the event of a final
adverse determination, considered individually or in the aggregate with all
such other unscheduled claims, actions, suits or proceedings, would have a
Material Adverse Effect, or which seeks treble damages, seeks damages in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
seeks to prohibit, restrict or delay consummation of the Merger or any of
the conditions to consummation of the Merger or to limit in any material
manner the right of Buyer to control the Surviving Corporation or any
aspect of the business of Seller or its Subsidiaries after the Effective
Time, nor is there any judgment, decree, injunction, ruling or order of any
Governmental Entity, arbitrator or any other person outstanding against
Seller or any Subsidiary having any such effect; and (ii) neither Seller
nor any Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any judgment, decree,
injunction, ruling or order of any Governmental Entity, arbitrator or any
other person against Seller or any Subsidiary which, when considered
individually or in the aggregate with all such other judgments, decrees,
injunctions, rulings or orders, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(p) Labor Relations. There is no collective bargaining agreement that
is binding on Seller or any Subsidiary.
(q) Insider Interests. Except as disclosed or incorporated by
reference in the Seller's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Seller's proxy
statement for its 1995 annual meeting of stockholders, or on Schedule
4.1(q), or for written agreements in connection with employment, no known
affiliate, officer or director of Seller or any Subsidiary (i) has any
agreement with Seller or any Subsidiary or any interest in any property,
real or personal, tangible or intangible, including without limitation
trade names or trademarks used in or pertaining to the business of Seller
or any Subsidiary, except for the normal rights as a stockholder or (ii) as
of the date hereof, to the knowledge of Seller's Senior Management has any
claim or cause of action against Seller or any Subsidiary, except for
accrued compensation and benefits, expenses and similar obligations
incurred in the ordinary course of business (including reimbursement of
medical expenses pursuant to Employee Plans) with respect to directors or
employees of Seller or any Subsidiary.
(r) Intellectual Property. Schedule 4.1(r) lists all material
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, or applications used by
Seller or a Subsidiary ("Marketing Intellectual Property"). Seller or a
Subsidiary owns or, to the extent disclosed on Schedule 4.1(r), has
adequate rights to use all Marketing Intellectual Property which is used in
the operation of Seller's and its Subsidiaries' businesses as of the date
hereof. Seller or a Subsidiary owns or, to the extent disclosed on Schedule
4.1(r), has adequate rights to use all computer programs, firmware and
documentation relating thereto (other than licenses of generally available
standard computer programs) ("Computer Intellectual Property" and
collectively with Marketing Intellectual Property, "Intellectual Property")
which is material to the operation of Seller's and its Subsidiaries'
businesses as of the date hereof (the Agreements relating thereto are
referred to as the "Intellectual Property Agreements"). As to any
Intellectual Property owned by Seller or any Subsidiary, such Intellectual
Property is owned free and clear of all material claims of others,
including employees, former employees or independent contractors of Seller
or any Subsidiary, and as of the date hereof, neither Seller nor any
Subsidiary has received notice that the use of such Intellectual Property
in the business of Seller or the Subsidiaries violates or infringes upon
the claimed rights of others. As to the Intellectual Property Agreements,
except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(r), as of the date hereof, (i) to the
knowledge of Seller's Senior Management all such agreements are in full
force and effect, (ii) neither Seller nor any Subsidiary, nor to the
knowledge of Seller's Senior Management, any other party thereto, is in
default under any such agreement in any material respect, (iii) neither
Seller nor any Subsidiary is or might become obligated to make any royalty
or similar payments under any such agreements except as stated therein, and
(iv) the rights of Seller or any Subsidiary under such agreements will not
be affected by the consummation of the transactions provided for herein.
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(r), neither Seller nor any Subsidiary
has granted to any person any license or other right to use in any manner
any of the Intellectual Property owned by Seller or any Subsidiary or has
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granted any sublicense or right to use any Intellectual Property licensed
to Seller or any Subsidiary under the Intellectual Property Agreements.
(s) Insurance. Schedule 4.1(s) lists all insurance policies or
contracts providing coverage to Seller and its Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof. All such policies or contracts of insurance are, in the opinion of
management, of a scope and in an amount usual and customary for businesses
engaged in the businesses of Seller and the Subsidiaries and are sufficient
for compliance with all requirements of law and of all agreements to which
Seller or any Subsidiary is a party as of the date hereof. To the knowledge
of Seller's Senior Management, as of the date hereof, all insurance
policies pursuant to which any such insurance is provided are in full force
and effect and no effective notice of cancellation or termination of any
such insurance policies has been given to Seller or any Subsidiary by the
carrier of any such policy. Through the date hereof, all premiums required
to be paid in connection therewith have been paid in full.
(t) Proxy Statement; Registration Statement. The information with
respect to Seller, its officers and directors and the Subsidiaries that
shall have been supplied by Seller or its authorized representatives in
writing for use in the definitive proxy statement that will be distributed
to stockholders of Seller in connection with the meeting of such
stockholders to approve the adoption of this Agreement (the "Proxy
Statement") and that will form a part of the registration statement of
Buyer under the Securities Act with respect to the Buyer Common Shares to
be issued in the Merger (the "Registration Statement"), or in the
Registration Statement, will not, on the date or dates the Proxy Statement
is first mailed to stockholders of Seller, or in the case of the
Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective, and at the time of
the Seller Stockholders Meeting, as such Proxy Statement or Registration
Statement is then amended or supplemented, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or necessary to
correct any statement in any earlier filing with the SEC of such
Registration Statement or amendment thereto or any earlier communication in
the preparation of which Seller participated (including the Proxy
Statement) to stockholders of Seller with respect to the Merger.
(u) Employee and Fringe Benefit Plans.
(i) Schedule of Plans. Schedule 4.1(u)to this Agreement lists each
of the following that Seller or any of the Subsidiaries or any ERISA
Affiliate (as defined below) either maintains, is required to contribute
to or otherwise participates in (or at any time during the preceding
three years maintained, contributed to or otherwise participated in) or
as to which Seller or any of the Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has
any unsatisfied liability or obligation, whether accrued, contingent or
otherwise:
(A) any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined
in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA")),
(B) any "multi-employer plan" (as such term is defined in
ERISA), or
(C) any other generally applicable compensation plan, written
welfare or fringe benefit plan or any stock, retirement or retiree
medical plan, of any kind whatsoever, not included in the foregoing
and providing for benefits for, or the welfare of, any or all of the
current or former employees or agents of Seller or any of the
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate or their beneficiaries or
dependents,
(all of the foregoing in items (A), (B), and (C) being referred to as
"Employee Plans"). "ERISA Affiliate" means each trade or business
(whether or not incorporated) which together with Seller or any of the
Subsidiaries is treated as a single employer pursuant to Code Section
414(b), (c), (m) or (o). Seller has delivered to Buyer copies of the
following: (1) each written Employee Plan, as amended (including either
the original plan or the most recent restatement and all subsequent
amendments); (2) the most recent Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")
determination letter issued, if applicable; (3) the most recent annual
report on the Form 5500 series; (4) each trust agreement, insurance
contract or document setting forth any other funding arrangement, if
any, with respect to
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each Employee Plan; (5) the most recent ERISA summary plan description
or other summary of plan provisions distributed to participants or
beneficiaries for each Employee Plan; (6) each opinion or ruling from
the IRS, the Department of Labor or the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation ("PBGC") concerning any Employee Plan; and (7) each current
Registration Statement, amendment thereto and prospectus relating
thereto filed with the SEC or furnished to participants in connection
with any Employee Plan.
(ii) Qualification. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(u) each
Employee Plan that is intended to be a qualified Plan under Code Section
401 or 501: (A) has received a favorable determination letter from the
IRS to the effect that it is qualified under Code Sections 401(a) and
501, both as to the original plan and all material restatements or
amendments; (B) has never been subject to any assertion by any
governmental agency that it is not so qualified; and (C) has been
operated so that it has always been so qualified.
(iii) Accruals; Funding.
(A) ERISA Title IV. None of the Employee Plans is subject to
ERISA Title IV (including those for retired, terminated or other
former employees and agents).
(B) Other Plans. The Seller Financial Statements accurately
reflect any funding liability as of March 31, 1995 under each
Employee Plan not subject to ERISA Title IV.
(C) Contributions. Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.1(u): (1)
Each of Seller and the Subsidiaries and each ERISA Affiliate have
made full and timely payment of all amounts required to be
contributed under the terms of each Employee Plan and applicable law,
or required to be paid as expenses under such Employee Plan, and (2)
no excise taxes are assessable as a result of any nondeductible or
other contributions made or not made to an Employee Plan.
(iv) Prohibited Transactions; Terminations; Other Reportable
Events. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(u), with respect to the
Employee Plans neither Seller, any Subsidiary, any ERISA Affiliate, any
of the Employee Plans, any trust or arrangement created under any of
them, nor any trustee, fiduciary, custodian, administrator nor any
person or entity holding or controlling assets of any of the Employee
Plans has engaged in any "prohibited transaction" (as such term is
defined in ERISA or the Code) for which there is no exception which
could subject any of the foregoing persons or entities, or any person or
entity dealing with them, to any tax, penalty or other cost or liability
of any kind except for any tax, penalty, cost or liability that would
not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(v) Claims for Benefits. With respect to the Employee Plans, other
than claims for benefits arising in the ordinary course of the
administration and operation of the Employee Plans, as of the date
hereof, no claims, investigations or arbitrations are pending or
threatened against any Employee Plan or against Seller, any Subsidiary,
any ERISA Affiliate, any trust or arrangement created under or as part
of any Employee Plan, any trustee, fiduciary, custodian, administrator
or other person or entity holding or controlling assets of any Employee
Plan, and Seller's Senior Management has no basis to anticipate any such
claim or claims exists.
(vi) Other. With respect to the Employee Plans, each of Seller,
each Subsidiary and all ERISA Affiliates have substantially complied
with all of their obligations under each of the Employee Plans and with
all provisions of ERISA and the Code and any and all other law
applicable to the Employee Plans except insofar as a failure to comply
would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No written notice has been
received by Seller or any Subsidiary of any claim by any participant in
the Employee Plans of any violations of such laws, and to the knowledge
of Seller's Senior Management, no such claims are pending or threatened.
(vii) Creation of Obligations By Reason of Merger. Except as set
forth in such Schedule 4.1(u), the execution of or performance of the
transactions contemplated by, this Agreement will
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not constitute an event under any Employee Plan that will or may result
in any payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise), acceleration,
forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution, increase in benefits
or obligation to fund benefits with respect to any employee, including
any obligation to make a payment that would be nondeductible under Code
Section 280G or any other Code provision.
(viii) No Multi-Employer Plans. Except as set forth in Schedule
4.1(u), none of the Employee Plans is a Multi-Employer Plan, and neither
Seller, any Subsidiary nor any ERISA Affiliate has any liability, joint
or otherwise, for any withdrawal liability (potential, contingent or
otherwise) under ERISA Title IV for a complete or partial withdrawal
from any Multi-Employer Plan.
(v) Major Customers. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(v), no
customer of Seller or any Subsidiary during the year ended December 31,
1994, generated revenues of $1,000,000 or more. Schedule 4.1(v) sets forth
the name of each customer of Seller or any Subsidiary which during the year
ended December 31, 1994, or during the three months ended March 31, 1995
generated revenue or annualized revenue, respectively, of $1.0 million or
more and as to which Seller has received a termination notice or otherwise
has a reasonable basis to believe that such customer will terminate its
agreement with Seller on or before December 31, 1996. Except as set forth
on Schedule 4.1(v), since December 31, 1994 through the date of this
Agreement, no policyholder, group of policyholders or persons writing,
selling or producing insurance business, which in the aggregate accounted
for five percent or more of the net premium income of Seller or any
Subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 1994, has terminated or
substantially reduced, or to the knowledge of Seller and its Subsidiaries,
threatened to terminate or substantially reduce, its insurance with Seller
or any Subsidiary.
(w) Section 203. The Board of Directors of Seller has taken all
action necessary to approve this Agreement and all transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, so as to make inapplicable the provisions
of Section 203 of the DGCL.
(x) Environmental. To the knowledge of Seller's Senior Management,
there is no situation involving the generation, storage, presence,
contamination, transport, emission, discharge or release of any hazardous
substance, or the violation of any laws relating to protection of the
environment, prevention or minimization of pollution, control and tracking
of hazardous substances and wastes, protection of human health or similar
matters, including those relating to the generation, use, collection,
treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, removal, discharge or
disposal of hazardous substances and any record keeping, notification and
reporting requirements of them, which could, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(y) Continuity of Stock Ownership, Etc. (i) To the best of the
knowledge of the executive officers of Seller, there is no plan or
intention by the holders of Seller Common Stock to sell, exchange, or
otherwise dispose of a number of Buyer Common Shares received in the Merger
that would reduce the ownership of Seller Common Stock by the holders of
Seller Common Stock to a number of Buyer Common Shares having a value, as
of the date of the Merger, of less than 50 percent of the value of all the
formerly outstanding Seller Common Stock as of the same date. For purposes
of this representation, Seller Common Stock exchanged for cash in lieu of
fractional Buyer Common Shares will be treated as outstanding on the date
of the Merger. Moreover, Seller Common Stock and Buyer Common Shares held
by holders of Seller Common Stock and otherwise sold, redeemed, or disposed
of prior or subsequent to the Merger will be considered in making this
representation; (ii) following the Merger, Seller will hold at least ninety
(90%) percent of the Fair Market Value of its net assets and at least
seventy (70%) percent of the Fair Market Value of its gross assets held
immediately prior to the transaction. For purposes of this representation,
Seller assets used to pay its merger expenses and all redemptions and
distributions (except for regular, normal dividends) made by Seller
immediately preceding the Merger will be included in assets of Seller held
immediately prior to the Merger.
(z) Reinsurance. Seller and its Subsidiaries limit the maximum loss
from its specific and aggregate stop-loss health insurance products and its
Insured Healthcare Solutions product by purchasing
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reinsurance. Under its stop-loss aggregate products, Seller and its
Subsidiaries retain risk for each customer ranging between $100,000 and
$1.0 million per policy year. Under all other insurance policies issued or
reinsured by Seller or any Subsidiary (except group life insurance, student
health and accident insurance, and immaterial lines of insurance), Seller
and its Subsidiaries retain specific (individual) claim risk per policy
year up to $500,000, with no retention above $500,000.
(aa) Guarantee Funds Obligations. As of the date hereof, neither
Seller nor any Subsidiary has received at any times since December 31, 1991
any notice of, or has any knowledge of or has any reason to know of, any
single assessment in an amount in excess of $75,000 imposed or to be
imposed on any of them by any state authority or foreign authorities
administering any insurance guarantee funds in any state or country where
any of them does business.
(ab) Annual Statements of Seller and its Subsidiaries. Seller has
previously furnished to Buyer the statutory annual statements of Seller and
any Subsidiary (collectively, the "Annual Statements"), as filed since
December 31, 1993 with the Departments of Insurance in the states where
Seller and any Subsidiaries are licensed. Each Annual Statement when filed
complied in all material respects with applicable law.
(ac) Reserves. Except as described in Schedule 4.1(ac), the reserves
carried on the books of Seller and its Subsidiaries for payment of all
benefits, losses, claims and expenses under all outstanding insurance
policies of Seller and its Subsidiaries and under all obligations that
Seller and its Subsidiaries have assumed under any reinsurance treaties
have been computed in accordance with general industry standards.
(ad) Accuracy of Schedules, Certificates and Documents. All
information concerning Seller and the Subsidiaries contained in this
Agreement, in any certificate furnished to Buyer pursuant hereto and in
each schedule attached hereto is both complete (in that, except as
otherwise stated therein, it represents all the information called for by
the description of the respective schedule in this Agreement and does not
omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained
therein not misleading) and accurate in all material respects; and all
documents furnished to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement as being documents
described in this Agreement or in any schedule attached hereto are true and
correct copies of the documents which they purport to represent.
(ae) Fairness Opinion. The Board of Directors of Seller has received
a written opinion from Lehman Brothers Inc. as of the date of this
Agreement to the effect that the Conversion Ratio is fair to such
stockholders from a financial point of view.
(af) Brokers, Finders and Investment Bankers. None of Seller or any
Subsidiary or any of its officers, directors or employees have employed any
broker, finder or investment banker or incurred any liability for any
investment banking fees, financial advisory fees, brokerage fees or
finders' fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, except that Seller has arrangements with Lehman Brothers Inc.,
the complete terms of which have been disclosed to Buyer.
4.2 Representations and Warranties by Buyer and SubCorp. Buyer and
SubCorp, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to, and agree with, Seller
as of the date hereof and as of the Closing as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification, etc. Buyer is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Georgia and has the corporate power and authority to own all its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted. SubCorp is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the corporate
power and authority to own all its properties and assets and to carry on
its business as it is now being conducted. The copies of Buyer's Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws and SubCorp's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws, in each case, as amended to date, which have been delivered to
Seller, are complete and correct, and such instruments, as so amended, are
in full force and effect at the date hereof.
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(b) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Buyer consists of
150,000,000 Buyer Common Shares and 5,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value
preferred stock (the "Buyer Preferred Shares"). As of May 1, 1995,
63,816,170 Buyer Common Shares were validly issued and outstanding, fully
paid and non-assessable, and 20,000 Buyer Common Shares were held in the
treasury of Buyer. No Buyer Preferred Shares are issued or outstanding or
held in the treasury of Buyer. The authorized capital stock of SubCorp
consists of 1,000 shares of common stock , $.01 par value, of which 100
shares are validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable.
Buyer owns all of the outstanding shares of SubCorp, and no shares of
SubCorp are held in its treasury.
(c) Authority. Each of Buyer and SubCorp has the corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated on the part of Buyer and SubCorp hereby. The
execution and delivery by each of Buyer and SubCorp of this Agreement and
the consummation by each of Buyer and SubCorp of the transactions
contemplated on its part hereby have been duly authorized by its Board of
Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof). No other corporate
action on the part of Buyer or SubCorp is necessary to authorize the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or SubCorp or the
consummation by Buyer or SubCorp of the transactions contemplated hereby.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and SubCorp
and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement of Buyer and SubCorp.
(d) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Buyer and SubCorp do not and, subject to the expiration of the
applicable waiting periods after the filings required by the HSR Act
referred to in paragraph (e) below, the consummation by Buyer and SubCorp
of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) violate or
conflict with any provision of the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws of Buyer or SubCorp or (ii) violate or conflict with, or result
(with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) in a violation of
or constitute a default under, any provision of, or result in the
acceleration or termination of or entitle any party to accelerate or
terminate (whether after the giving of notice or lapse of time or both) any
obligation or benefit under, or result in the creation or imposition of any
lien, charge, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance upon any of
the assets or property of Buyer or SubCorp pursuant to any provision of,
any contract, agreement, commitment, undertaking, arrangement or
understanding to which Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or bound
or to which any of their assets or properties are subject that is (A)
listed in Item 14(a)(3) of the Buyer Annual Report (as hereinafter defined)
in response to Items 601(b)(4) and 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K or (B)
required to be disclosed in Item 21(a) of the Registration Statement in
response to Items 601(b)(4) and 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K (a "Buyer
Material Contract"), law, ordinance, regulation, order, arbitration award,
judgment or decree to which Buyer or SubCorp is a party or by which either
of them or their respective assets or properties is bound and do not and
will not violate or conflict with any other restriction of any kind or
character to which Buyer or SubCorp is subject or by which any of their
assets or properties may be bound, and the same does not and will not
constitute an event permitting termination of any Buyer Material Contract,
if such violation, conflict, default, acceleration, termination,
entitlement, creation or imposition of liens, charge, pledge, security
interest or other encumbrance would, when taken together with all other
such violations, conflicts, defaults, accelerations, terminations,
entitlements to accelerate, creations and impositions of liens, charges,
pledges, security interest and other encumbrances and events, affect
materially and adversely the financial condition or results of operations
of Buyer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(e) Governmental Consents. Except for the filing of the Registration
Statement with the SEC and any required filings with state securities
commissions, filings with the FTC and Justice as required by the HSR Act,
the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of
Delaware and filings under applicable insurance laws, no consent,
authorization, order or approval, or filing or registration with, any
Governmental Entity is required for or in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or SubCorp and the consummation by
Buyer and SubCorp of the transactions contemplated hereby, if the failure
to make such filing or registration or to obtain such consent,
authorization, order or approval would have a material and adverse affect
on the ability of Buyer and SubCorp to consummate the transactions
contemplated herein.
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(f) Periodic Reports. The information in Buyer's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, including the proxy
statement incorporated by reference therein (the "Buyer Annual Report"),
and all other forms and reports filed by Buyer with the SEC pursuant to the
federal securities laws since January 1, 1993, did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except for
such filings as have been modified by subsequent filings.
(g) Financial Statements. Buyer has previously furnished Seller with
a true and complete copy of the consolidated balance sheets of Buyer and
its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the years then ended, including the notes thereto, certified by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent certified public accountants (the "Buyer Audited
Financial Statements"). The Buyer Audited Financial Statements and the
Buyer financial statements, including the notes thereto, contained in the
draft Buyer Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1995 (the "Buyer Quarterly Report") (with the Buyer Audited Financial
Statements, the "Buyer Financial Statements") have been prepared from, and
are in accordance with, the books and records of Buyer and its Subsidiaries
and present fairly the consolidated financial position and consolidated
results of operations of Buyer and Buyer's Subsidiaries as of the dates and
for the periods indicated, in each case in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, except as otherwise
stated in the Buyer Financial Statements and except that the Buyer
Quarterly Report does not include a statement of shareholders' equity or
certain required footnotes, and include all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for the fair presentation of
the financial position of Buyer and its Subsidiaries and the results of
operations and cash flows except as otherwise stated in the Buyer Financial
Statements.
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 1994,
there has not been any material adverse change in the business, financial
condition or results of operations of Buyer and its Subsidiaries, taken as
a whole.
(i) Proxy Statement; Registration Statement. The information with
respect to Buyer, its officers and directors and its Subsidiaries
(including SubCorp) that shall have been supplied by Buyer or its
authorized representatives in writing for use in the Proxy Statement or as
contained in the Registration Statement, will not, on the date or dates the
Proxy Statement is first mailed to stockholders of Seller, or in the case
of the Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective, and the
time of the Seller Stockholders Meeting, as such Proxy Statement or
Registration Statement is then amended or supplemented, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading or necessary to
correct statements in any earlier filing with the SEC of such Registration
Statement or amendment thereto or any earlier communication in the
preparation of which Buyer participated (including the Proxy Statement) to
stockholders of Seller with respect to the Merger.
(j) Activities of SubCorp. Except for obligations or liabilities
incurred in connection with its incorporation or organization or the
negotiation and consummation of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, SubCorp has neither incurred any obligations or
liabilities nor engaged in any business or activities of any type or kind
whatsoever or entered into any agreements or arrangements with any person.
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ARTICLE 5
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
5.1 Conduct of Business. During the period from the date hereof to the
Effective Time (except as required by law, as set forth on Schedule 5.1 and for
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement):
(a) Operation by Seller in the Ordinary Course of Business. Seller
shall and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, conduct its operations
according to its ordinary and usual course of business in substantially the
same manner as heretofore conducted and use reasonable efforts to preserve
intact its business organization, and, as requested by Buyer, to keep
available the services of its officers and employees (without the
obligation to pay additional compensation or benefits), and to maintain
satisfactory relationships with licensors, suppliers, distributors,
customers and others having business relationships with it. Seller shall
prepare and file all federal, state, local and foreign returns for Taxes
and other tax reports, filings and amendments thereto required to be filed
by it, and allow Buyer, at its request, to review all such returns,
reports, filings and amendments at Seller's offices prior to the filing
thereof, which review shall not interfere with the timely filing of such
returns.
(b) Forbearances by Seller. Neither Seller nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall, without the prior written consent of Buyer, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld:
(i) except as otherwise permitted pursuant to clause (vi) below,
intentionally incur any debt, liability or obligation, direct or
indirect, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, other than
current liabilities incurred in the ordinary and usual course of
business or draws under existing lines of credit which may be classified
as long term, or pay any debt, liability or obligation of any kind other
than such current liabilities and current maturities of existing
long-term debt (including interest when due) in each case only in
accordance with the terms of the document creating and evidencing such
debt or otherwise in the ordinary and usual course of business, or fail
to pay any debt when due or take or fail to take any action, the taking
of which, or the failure to take of which, would permit any debt to be
accelerated;
(ii) other than in the ordinary and usual course of business,
assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become responsible for the
obligations of any other individual, firm or corporation, or, make any
loans or advances to any individual, firm or corporation;
(iii) except for intercompany payments between Seller and its
Subsidiaries, declare, set aside or pay any dividend (whether in cash,
capital stock or property) with respect to its capital stock, or declare
or make any distribution on, redeem, or purchase or otherwise acquire
(other than the acquisition of Seller Common Stock from optionees in
payment of the exercise price and related taxes upon the exercise of
employee stock options outstanding on the date hereof), any Seller
Common Stock, or split, combine or otherwise similarly change the
outstanding Seller Common Stock, or authorize the creation or issuance
of or issue or sell any shares of its capital stock or any securities or
obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving any person
any right to acquire from it, any shares of its capital stock, or agree
to take any such action, except for the issuance of Seller Common Stock
upon the exercise of options described in Section 4.1(b) or upon the
conversion of the debentures described in Section 3.3 or options issued
pursuant to the Seller's 1993 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan.
(iv) mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any property or asset,
except in the ordinary and usual course of business;
(v) sell, lease, transfer or dispose of any of its properties or
assets, waive or release any rights or cancel, compromise, release or
assign any indebtedness owed to it or any claims held by it, except in
the ordinary and usual course of business (which shall include the
closing of certain offices);
(vi) make any investment of a capital nature either by purchase of
stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfers or
otherwise, or by the purchase of any property or assets of any other
individual, firm or corporation, except for customary portfolio
investment activities,
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intercompany investments, contributions and property transfers between
Seller and its Subsidiaries, and except in the ordinary and usual course
of business in an amount not material to Seller and its Subsidiaries;
(vii) fail to use all reasonable efforts to perform in all material
respects its obligations under Material Contracts (except those being
contested in good faith) or enter into, assume or amend any contract or
commitment that would have been a Material Contract if in effect on the
date hereof other than contracts to provide services entered into in the
ordinary and usual course of business;
(viii) except for increases in accordance with normal prior
practice, increase in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of
any of its officers or employees or pay or agree to pay any pension or
retirement allowance not required by any existing plan or agreement to
any such officers or employees, or commit itself to or enter into any
employment agreement involving base compensation of $100,000 or more per
year or a term of over 2 years or any incentive compensation (other than
in accordance with existing plans), deferred compensation, profit
sharing, stock option, stock purchase, savings, severance, retirement,
pension or other "fringe benefit" plan, award or arrangement with or for
the benefit of any officer, employee or other person or material
consulting agreement;
(ix) permit any insurance policy naming it as a beneficiary or a
loss payable payee to be cancelled or terminated or any of the coverage
thereunder to lapse, unless Seller makes reasonable efforts to obtain
simultaneously with such termination or cancellation replacement
policies on commercially reasonable terms providing substantially the
same coverage;
(x) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
(xi) enter into any union, collective bargaining or similar
agreement;
(xii) take any action to terminate or otherwise amend Seller's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("the ESOP"); provided, however, that
Seller shall be permitted to amend the ESOP to state that if a "change
in control" of the Seller (which shall be defined to include the
transaction contemplated in this Agreement) occurs, an officer's or
employee's account balance existing as of the closing of the change in
control transaction shall be fully vested if the officer's or employee's
employment is terminated by the Seller, or the surviving corporation in
a change in control transaction, other than for cause, during the twenty
four-month period following the closing of the change in control
transaction; or
(xiii) enter into an agreement to do any of the things described in
clauses (i) through (xii).
In connection with the continued operation of the business of Seller and
its Subsidiaries between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time,
Seller shall, upon reasonable request by Buyer, confer in good faith on a
regular basis with one or more representatives of Buyer designated in
writing to receive reports on operational matters of materiality and the
general status of ongoing operations. Seller acknowledges that Buyer does
not thereby waive any rights it may have under this Agreement as a result
of this covenant to engage in consultations nor shall Buyer be responsible
for any decisions made by Seller's officers and directors with respect to
matters which are the subject of such consultation. Any act by Seller or a
Subsidiary consented to in writing by Buyer shall not constitute a breach
by Seller of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in
this Agreement.
5.2 Seller Stockholders Meeting. Seller covenants and agrees that its
Board of Directors shall (i) cause a meeting of its stockholders to be duly
called and held in accordance with Seller's Certificate of Incorporation, its
Bylaws and applicable law (the "Seller Stockholders Meeting") to be held as soon
as reasonably practicable to consider and vote upon the adoption of this
Agreement; (ii) recommend approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger
to the holders of the Seller Common Stock; and (iii) use reasonable efforts to
cause such meeting to take place and to obtain the approval by the holders of
the Seller Common Stock of the Merger and other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement in accordance with its Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and
the DGCL.
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5.3 Best Efforts; Further Assurances; Cooperation. Subject to the other
provisions in this Agreement, the parties hereto shall each use reasonable
efforts to perform their respective obligations herein and to take, or cause to
be taken or do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable
under applicable law to obtain all regulatory approvals, consents,
authorizations and orders and satisfy all conditions to the obligations of the
parties under this Agreement and to cause the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement to be carried out promptly in accordance with the
terms hereof and shall cooperate fully with each other and their respective
officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel, accountants and other designees
in connection with any steps required to be taken as part of their respective
obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation:
(a) Regulatory Action. Subject to the terms and conditions of Section
5.13, Seller and Buyer shall promptly, but in no event later than 15 days
after the date of this Agreement with respect to compliance with the
notification provisions of the HSR Act, make their respective filings and
submissions and shall take, or cause to be taken, all action and do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under
applicable laws and regulations to obtain any required approval of any
Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
(b) Certain Legal Proceedings. Subject to the terms and conditions of
Section 5.13, in the event any claim, action, suit, investigation or other
proceeding by any Governmental Entity or other person is commenced which
questions the validity or legality of the Merger or any of the other
transactions contemplated hereby or seeks damages in connection therewith,
the parties agree to cooperate and use reasonable efforts to defend against
such claim, action, suit, investigation or other proceeding and, if an
injunction or other order is issued in any such action, suit or other
proceeding, to use reasonable efforts to have such injunction or other
order lifted or appealed, and to cooperate reasonably regarding any other
impediment to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(c) Notice. Each party shall give prior written notice to the others
of (i) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event which occurrence
or failure would be likely to cause any representation or warranty of
Seller, Buyer or SubCorp, as the case may be, contained in this Agreement
to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the
date hereof to the Effective Time or that will or may result in the failure
to satisfy any of the conditions specified in Article 6 and (ii) any
failure of Seller, Buyer or SubCorp, as the case may be, to comply with or
satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or
satisfied by it hereunder.
5.4 Investigation; Confidentiality. (a) Buyer may, prior to the Effective
Time, make or cause to be made, such investigation of the business and
properties of Seller and its Subsidiaries and their financial and legal
condition as Buyer deems necessary or advisable to familiarize itself therewith,
provided that such investigations shall not unreasonably interfere with normal
operations of Seller or its Subsidiaries. Seller agrees to permit Buyer and its
authorized representatives to have or cause them to be permitted to have, after
the date hereof and until the Effective Time, full access to the premises, books
and records of Seller and its Subsidiaries at reasonable hours, and the officers
of Seller and its Subsidiaries will furnish Buyer with such financial and
operating data and other information with respect to Seller's and its
Subsidiaries' businesses and properties as Buyer shall from time to time
reasonably request. No investigation by Buyer heretofore or hereafter made shall
affect the representations and warranties of Seller, and each such
representation and warranty shall survive any such investigation, subject to
Section 7.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Buyer shall conduct its
investigation of Seller and its Subsidiaries outside their respective business
premises to the extent reasonably practicable; (ii) Buyer shall conduct its
investigation in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the
employment responsibilities of non-managerial employees of Seller and its
Subsidiaries; (iii) Buyer shall conduct its investigation only through members
of Seller's and its Subsidiaries' management and persons senior to management,
except to the extent any member of Seller's Senior Management otherwise consents
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); and (iv) Buyer shall conduct
its onsite investigation of Seller and its Subsidiaries only in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, except to the extent any member of Seller's Senior Management
otherwise consents (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
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(b) Buyer agrees to permit Seller and its authorized representatives to
have or cause them to be permitted to have, after the date hereof and until the
Effective Time, such information with respect to Buyer's business as Seller
shall from time to time reasonably request.
(c) Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as necessary to carry out
the transactions contemplated hereby, all information or documents furnished
hereunder shall be subject to the 1994 Confidentiality Agreement between Buyer
and Seller.
5.5 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, whether or
not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses (including any brokerage
commissions or any finder's or investment banker's fees and including attorney's
and accountants' fees) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such
expenses, except that Buyer and Seller shall share equally the costs of printing
the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement and filing such documents with
the SEC and any required filings with state securities commissions.
5.6 No Solicitation of Transactions. From the date hereof until the
Effective Time or until this Agreement is terminated or abandoned as provided in
Article 7, Seller and its Subsidiaries shall not, directly or indirectly,
through any officer, director, employee, investment banker, financial advisor,
attorney or accountant (hereinafter referred to as an "Agent") or otherwise,
initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing
non-public information or assistance), or take any other action to facilitate
knowingly, any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may
reasonably be expected to lead to, any Competing Transaction (as such term is
defined below in this Section 5.6), or enter into or maintain or continue
discussions or negotiate with any person or entity in furtherance of such
inquiries or to obtain a Competing Transaction, or agree to or endorse any
Competing Transaction or authorize or permit any Agent retained by such party or
any of such party's subsidiaries to take any such action, and Seller shall
notify Buyer orally (within one business day) and in writing (as promptly as
practicable) of all of the material details known to Senior Management relating
to all inquiries and proposals which it or its Agents may receive relating to
any of such matters and if such inquiry or proposal is in writing and in
Seller's possession, Seller shall deliver to Buyer a copy of such inquiry or
proposal; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5.6 shall
prohibit the Board of Directors of Seller (or any Agent authorized by the Board
of Directors) from:
(i) furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited written,
bona fide proposal, if only to the extent that and prior to furnishing
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such
person or entity, Seller (1) provides reasonable notice to Buyer to the
effect that it is furnishing information to, or entering into discussions
or negotiations with, such person or entity and (2) receives or has
received from such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement
in substantially the form of the 1994 Confidentiality Agreement between
Seller and Buyer;
(ii) complying with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the
Exchange Act with regard to a tender or exchange offer;
(iii) failing to make or withdrawing or modifying its recommendation
referred to in Section 5.2 following the occurrence of a Competing
Transaction, or agreeing to or endorsing a Competing Transaction; or
(iv) making any public announcement or disclosure that, in the opinion
of independent legal counsel (who may be Seller's or its Board of
Directors' regularly engaged independent legal counsel), is required to be
made to comply with the federal securities laws,
if the Board of Directors of Seller, after consultation with and based upon the
advice of independent legal counsel (who may be Seller's or its Board of
Directors' regularly engaged independent legal counsel), determines in good
faith that such action is necessary for the Board of Directors of Seller to
comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable law. For
purposes of this Agreement, "Competing Transac-
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tion" shall mean any of the following involving Seller (other than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement):
(i) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination,
or other similar transaction (other than a merger involving only Seller and
its Subsidiaries);
(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
disposition of 15% or more of the assets of Seller and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole in a single transaction or series of related transactions;
(iii) any tender offer or exchange offer for 30% or more of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of Seller or the filing of a
registration statement under the Securities Act in connection therewith;
(iv) any person having acquired beneficial ownership or the right to
acquire beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined
under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder) having been formed which beneficially owns or has
the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 30% or more of the then
outstanding shares of capital stock of Seller; or
(v) any public announcement by a party other than Seller or any
Subsidiary of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or
any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing.
Nothing in this Section 5.6 shall (i) permit Seller to terminate this Agreement,
(ii) permit Seller to enter into any agreement with respect to a Competing
Transaction during the term of this Agreement or (iii) affect any other
obligation of Seller under this Agreement.
5.7 Registration Statement and Proxy Statement. Buyer and Seller shall
cooperate in taking steps to (i) prepare and file with the SEC as soon as is
practicable the Registration Statement, which shall contain the Proxy Statement,
and (ii) use reasonable efforts to have the Registration Statement declared
effective under the Securities Act and the Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC as
promptly as practicable. Promptly after the Proxy Statement has been cleared by
the SEC, Seller shall mail the Proxy Statement to the holders of Seller Common
Stock and Seller shall use reasonable efforts to solicit proxies in favor of the
adoption and approval of this Agreement and the Merger. Buyer shall also take
any action required to be taken under state blue sky or securities laws in
connection with the Merger. The Registration Statement shall conform as to form
in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the federal
securities laws and Delaware law. If at any time prior to the Seller
Stockholders Meeting, Buyer or Seller reasonably believes that the Proxy
Statement includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits a material
fact required to be stated therein, the parties shall cooperate to file an
amendment to the Registration Statement, to distribute a supplement or amendment
to the Proxy Statement, and to comply with any resolicitation requirements, and
shall provide to each other all necessary information for such amendment or
supplement, all of which shall be true and correct in all material respects and
shall not omit any material fact required to be included in such amendment or
supplement.
5.8 NYSE Listing. Buyer shall cause the Buyer Common Shares to be issued
in connection with the Merger to be authorized for listing on the NYSE, upon
official notice of issuance, prior to the Effective Time.
5.9 Affiliates of Seller. Seller shall cause each executive officer and
director of Seller to deliver to Buyer prior to the Closing a written agreement
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (an "Affiliate Agreement"). Buyer shall
not be required to maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
under the Securities Act for the purposes of resales of Buyer Common Shares by
"affiliates" of Seller (as defined in Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC under the
Securities Act) following the Effective Time or to deliver any certificates
evidencing Buyer Common Shares to any "affiliate" from whom an Affiliate
Agreement has not been received.
5.10 Rule 145. Buyer covenants that for a period of two years following
the Effective Time of the Merger it will file any reports required to be filed
by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules and
regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if Buyer is not required to file
such reports, it will, upon the request of any holder of Buyer Common Shares
issued in connection with the Merger, make publicly available other information
so long as it is necessary to permit sales under Rule 145 under the Securities
Act), that it will take such further action as any holder of Buyer Common Shares
issued in connection with the
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Merger may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to
enable such shareholders to sell Buyer Common Shares within the limitation of
the exemptions provided by (i) Rule 145 under the Securities Act, as such Rule
may be amended from time to time, or (ii) any similar rule or regulation
hereafter adopted by the SEC.
5.11 Periodic Reports. Each of Seller and Buyer covenants that it will
file with the SEC on a timely basis all periodic reports required to be filed by
it by the federal securities laws and regulations of the SEC thereunder from the
date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, and that each such report
will comply in all material respects with the federal securities laws and
regulations of the SEC and will not contain any untrue statement of material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
5.12 Public Announcements. The timing and content of all public
announcements regarding any aspect of this Agreement or the Merger to the
financial community, government agencies, employees or the general public shall
be mutually agreed upon in advance unless Buyer or Seller is advised by counsel
that any such announcement or other disclosure not mutually agreed upon in
advance is required to be made by law or applicable NYSE rules and then only
after making a reasonable attempt to comply with provisions of this Section
5.12.
5.13 Antitrust Challenges. In the event a suit is instituted challenging
the Merger as violative of the antitrust laws, each of Buyer and Seller will use
reasonable efforts to defend against such suit. Buyer and Seller will use
reasonable efforts to take such action as may be required by any federal or
state court of the United States, in any suit brought by a private party or
Governmental Entity challenging the Merger as violative of the antitrust laws,
in order to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction,
temporary restraining order or other order which has the effect of preventing
the consummation of the Merger, including pursuing an appeal thereof; provided,
however, that Buyer shall not be required to agree to any divestiture by Buyer
or Seller or any of their respective Subsidiaries of any shares of capital stock
or of any business, properties or assets of Buyer or Seller or any of their
respective Subsidiaries, or to the imposition of any material limitation on the
ability of Buyer to conduct such business or to own or exercise control of such
stock, business, properties or assets.
5.14 Employee Matters.
(a) Employee Benefits and Agreements. Subject to the transition
provisions of subsection (b) of this Section 5.14, Buyer shall take all
action necessary or appropriate to permit the employees of Seller at the
Effective Time ("Continuing Employees") to participate after the Effective
Time in Buyer's employee benefit programs and to cause the Surviving
Corporation to take all actions necessary or appropriate to adopt Buyer's
employee benefit programs effective no later than the end of the Review
Period (as defined below). Buyer will cause the Surviving Corporation to
give each Continuing Employee full credit for service with Seller (and its
predecessors) for purposes of eligibility to participate in, vesting and
payment of benefits under, and eligibility for any subsidized benefit
provided under (but not, except as provided in the preceding sentence, for
purposes of determining the amount of any benefit under), any Buyer
employee benefit plan; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed to require Buyer to cause to be continued any employee's
employment, responsibilities or officer title for any definite period.
(b) Transition. After the Effective Time, Buyer shall have a
reasonable period not to exceed one year (the "Review Period") in which to
review all of the Employee Plans for compatibility and consistency with
Buyer's employee benefit programs. During the Review Period, Buyer may
determine to continue in effect any one or more of the Employee Plans,
amend or modify any one or more of the Employee Plans, merge one or more of
the Employee Plans into a comparable Buyer employee benefit plan adopted by
the Surviving Corporation or terminate any one or more of the Employee
Plans in its or their entirety. Any such amendment, modification or
termination shall not deprive any Continuing Employee of any benefit in
which such Continuing Employee has become entitled to prior to the
Effective Time. If the Surviving Corporation is continuing in effect any of
the Employee Plans during the Review Period, then (i) neither it nor Buyer
shall be obligated to adopt a comparable Buyer employee
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benefit plan for Continuing Employees, it being intended by the parties
that there be no duplication of benefits, and (ii) the obligation to have
the Surviving Corporation adopt the comparable Buyer employee benefit plan
or program, as set out in subsection (a) above, shall arise, and such
adoption shall be effective only as of the date the comparable Employee
Plan is discontinued and not as of the Effective Time. If Buyer does not
maintain an employee benefit plan comparable to one of the Employee Plans,
there shall be no obligation to adopt any plan or program upon the
discontinuance or termination of such Employee Plan.
5.15 Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) Certificate of Incorporation; ByLaws. At the Effective Time, the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Seller will contain provisions
relating to limitation of liability and indemnification which shall be
continued in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation. From and after the Effective Time, Buyer will not take any
action, nor permit any action to be taken, which would change or amend the
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation in effect at the Effective Time relating to limitation of
liability or indemnification, prior to the expiration of all statutes of
limitation applicable to events occurring on or prior to the Effective Time
or, in the event any claim is made prior to the expiration of such statutes
of limitation, until the final disposition of such claim, in any manner
that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who at or
prior to the Effective Time were entitled to the benefits of such
provisions.
(b) Reorganization, etc. In the event the Surviving Corporation or
any of its successors or assigns (i) reorganizes or consolidates with or
merges into or enters into another business combination transaction with
any other person or entity and is not the resulting, continuing or
surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation, merger or
transaction or (ii) liquidates, dissolves or transfers all or substantially
all of its properties and assets to any person or entity, then, and in each
such case, proper provision will be made so that the successors and assigns
of the Surviving Corporation assume the obligations set forth in this
Section 5.15.
(c) Insurance. Seller will use reasonable efforts to maintain its
existing officers' and directors' liability insurance in full force and
effect without a reduction in coverage through the Effective Time. Buyer
will cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain substantially comparable
protection for the persons who are officers and/or directors of Seller for
a period of five (5) years after the Effective Time; provided, however,
that if such coverage requires an annual premium in excess of 150% times
the current annual premium paid by Seller for its existing coverage (the
"Cap"), Buyer shall only be required to obtain as much coverage as can be
obtained by paying an annual premium equal to the Cap.
5.16 Accountant's Letters. Each of Buyer and Seller agrees to use
reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the other letters of Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors for Buyer, and Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
auditors for Seller, dated the date of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included
within the Registration Statement, the effective date of the Registration
Statement and the Closing Date (or such other dates reasonably acceptable to the
parties) with respect to certain financial statements and other financial
information included in the Registration Statement, which letter shall be in
form reasonably satisfactory to the addressee.
5.17 Approval by Insurance Authorities. All parties shall (and Seller
shall cause the Subsidiaries to) use reasonable efforts and cooperate with each
other to file as promptly as practicable all applications, consents and other
documents required under the applicable laws of Oklahoma and other appropriate
insurance regulatory authorities and to obtain the requisite approvals of the
insurance departments in such jurisdictions.
5.18 Severance and Retention Agreements. Buyer agrees to enter into
agreements providing for bonuses and severance payments in the form attached as
Exhibit E with each of the employees of Seller listed on Schedule 5.18.
5.19 Performance Share Unit Settlement. Seller shall settle all
outstanding Performance Share Units issued under Seller's Long Term Incentive
Performance Plan in either cash or stock as consented to by Buyer.
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ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party. The respective obligations of
each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior
to the Closing of each of the following conditions:
(a) Seller Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall
have been adopted at the Seller Stockholders Meeting duly called and held
in accordance with Seller's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the
DGCL, by the holders of a majority of the Seller Common Stock outstanding
and entitled to vote thereon.
(b) HSR Act. All applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act shall
have expired or been terminated.
(c) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall be
effective under the Securities Act and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect and no
proceedings for such purpose, or under the proxy rules of the SEC pursuant
to the Exchange Act and with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereby, shall be pending before or threatened by the SEC.
(d) NYSE Listing. The Buyer Common Shares to be issued in the Merger
shall have been authorized for listing on the NYSE upon official notice of
issuance.
(e) Tax Effect of Merger. Buyer and Seller shall each have received a
written opinion of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, in form reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer and Seller (the "Tax Opinion"), to the effect that to
the extent the Merger Consideration is composed of Buyer Common Shares, the
Merger shall be treated as a tax free reorganization under the applicable
provisions of the Code. In connection with the tax opinion, Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan shall be entitled to make factual assumptions as are
customary in similar tax opinions, and such factual assumptions shall be
confirmed by certificates executed by responsible officers of Buyer and
Seller. Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan may also rely on all representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this
Agreement or any schedule hereto. As of the date hereof, Sutherland, Asbill
& Brennan has advised Buyer that it knows of no reason that it cannot give
such opinion.
(f) Certain Agreements. Option and Stock Agreements shall have been
executed by Buyer and each of William Sagan and Timothy Kuck in such form
as is reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and Seller.
6.2 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer and SubCorp. Consummation of the
Merger is subject to the fulfillment to the reasonable satisfaction of Buyer,
prior to or at the Closing, of each of the following conditions:
(a) Consents, Authorizations, etc. The consents required under the
items listed on Schedule 4.2(e) and all consents, authorizations, orders
and approvals of, and filings and registrations with, any Governmental
Entity (other than the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the
Secretary of State of Delaware) or any nongovernmental third party (unless
the failure to obtain such consent, authorization, order or approval from a
nongovernmental third party would not have a material adverse effect on
Buyer) which are required for or in connection with the execution and
delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the consummation by Seller of the
Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby shall have been
obtained or made.
(b) Injunction, etc. The consummation of the Merger will not violate
the provisions of any injunction, order, judgment, decree, law or
regulation applicable or effective with respect to Buyer, SubCorp or their
respective officers and directors. No suit or proceeding shall have been
instituted by any person, or, to the knowledge of Buyer, shall have been
threatened by any Governmental Entity, which seeks to (i) prohibit,
restrict or delay consummation of the Merger or to limit in any material
respect the right of Buyer to control any material aspect of the business
of Buyer and its Subsidiaries or Seller and its Subsidiaries after the
Effective Time, (ii) to subject Buyer or Seller or their respective
directors or officers to material liability on the ground that it or they
have breached any law or regulation or otherwise
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acted improperly in relation to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, or (iii) require any divestiture by Buyer or Seller of any
shares of capital stock or of any business, properties or assets of Buyer
or any of its Subsidiaries or Seller or any of its Subsidiaries; provided,
however, that in the case of any action, suit or proceeding instituted by a
person other than a Governmental Entity, such action, suit or proceeding
has a substantial likelihood of success in the opinion of counsel for
Buyer.
(c) Representations and Warranties, Etc. The representations and
warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall have been true and
correct in all respects at the date hereof and, except for changes
contemplated in this Agreement, shall also be true and correct in all
respects at and as of the Effective Time, with the same force and effect as
if made at and as of the Effective Time, except in either case as such
representations and warranties by their terms relate only to dates or
periods of time prior to the Effective Time, or, in any event, except where
the failure of any representation or warranty to be true and correct would
not have a Material Adverse Effect, and Seller shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or
prior to the Effective Time.
(d) Affiliate Agreements. There shall have been delivered to Buyer
Affiliate Agreements as described in Section 5.9.
(e) Certificate. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer a certificate,
dated as of the Effective Time, of the Chief Executive Officer and the
Chief Financial Officer of Seller to the effect that the conditions
specified in paragraph (c) of this Section 6.2 have been satisfied. Such
certificate shall also specify the number of issued and outstanding shares
of Seller Common Stock.
(f) Opinion and Confirmation of Seller's Counsel. Buyer and SubCorp
shall have received opinions and confirmations, dated as of the Effective
Time, of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich & Kaufman, Ltd. and/or Schiff, Hardin &
Waite, substantially to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, with such
exceptions and limitations as shall be reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
(g) Letters from Accountants. Buyer shall have received the letters
of Arthur Andersen LLP contemplated by Section 5.16.
(h) Additional Certificates, etc. Seller shall have furnished to
Buyer such additional certificates, opinions and other documents as Buyer
may have reasonably requested as to any of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.1 and 6.2.
(i) Resignations. Seller shall have delivered to Buyer, to the extent
requested by Buyer, the written resignations of the directors of Seller.
6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Seller. Consummation of the Merger is
subject to the fulfillment to the reasonable satisfaction of or waiver by
Seller, prior to or at the Effective Time, of each of the following conditions:
(a) Consents, Authorizations, etc. All consents, authorizations,
orders and approvals of, and filings and registrations with, any
Governmental Entity or any material non-governmental third party (other
than the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of
Delaware), which are required for or in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and SubCorp and the consummation by
Buyer and SubCorp of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been
obtained or made except where the failure to obtain such consent,
authorization, or approval would not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial condition, results of operations or business of
Buyer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(b) Injunction, etc. The consummation of the Merger will neither (i)
violate the provisions of any injunction, order, judgment, decree, law or
regulation applicable or effective with respect to Seller or its officers
or directors nor (ii) subject Seller's directors or officers to material
liability on the ground that they have breached any law or regulation or
otherwise acted improperly in relation to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement; provided, however, that in the case of any action, suit or
proceeding
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instituted by a person other than a Governmental Entity, such action, suit
or proceeding has a substantial likelihood of success in the opinion of
counsel for Seller.
(c) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties of Buyer and SubCorp contained in this Agreement shall have been
true and correct in all respects at the date hereof and shall also be true
and correct in all respects at and as of the Effective Time, except for
changes contemplated in this Agreement, with the same force and effect as
if made at and as of the Effective Time or except as such representations
and warranties by their terms relate only to periods of time prior to the
Effective Time or except where the failure of any representation or
warranty to be true and correct would not have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial condition, results of operation or business of
Buyer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; and Buyer shall have performed
or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or
prior to the Effective Time.
(d) Buyer Common Shares. The Buyer Common Shares issued to the
stockholders of Seller pursuant to the Merger shall, upon consummation of
the Merger, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(e) Certificate. Buyer shall have delivered to Seller a certificate,
dated as of the Effective Time, of the Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer or another senior executive officer of Buyer to the
effect that the conditions specified in paragraph (c) of this Section 6.3
have been satisfied.
(f) Opinion and Confirmation of Buyer's and SubCorp's Counsel. Seller
shall have received opinions and confirmations, dated as of the Effective
Time, of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, counsel to Buyer and SubCorp, to the
effect set forth in Exhibit C hereto, with such exceptions and limitations
as shall be reasonably satisfactory to Seller.
(g) Letters from Accountants. Seller shall have received the letters
of Deloitte & Touche LLP contemplated by Section 5.16.
(h) Tax Advice. Seller shall have not been advised by Schiff Hardin &
Waite that in its opinion the Merger shall not be treated as a tax-free
reorganization under the applicable provisions of the Code to the extent
the Merger Consideration consists of Buyer Common Stock.
(i) Additional Certificates, etc. Buyer shall have furnished to
Seller such additional certificates, opinions and other documents as Seller
may have reasonably requested as to any of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.1 and 6.3.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
7.1 Termination and Abandonment. This Agreement and the Merger may be
terminated and abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(a) By mutual action of the Board of Directors of Buyer and Seller,
whether before or after any action by Seller's stockholders.
(b) By Buyer:
(i) if any event shall have occurred as a result of which any
condition set forth in Section 6.2 is no longer capable of being
satisfied; or
(ii) if there has been a breach by Seller of any representation or
warranty contained in this Agreement which would have a Material Adverse
Effect, or there has been a material breach of any of the covenants or
agreements set forth in this Agreement on the part of Seller, which
breach is not curable, or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after
written notice of such breach is given by Buyer to Seller.
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(c) By Buyer in the event that:
(i) Seller (or its Board of Directors) shall have authorized,
recommended, proposed or publicly announced its intention to enter into
a Competing Transaction which has not been consented to in writing by
Buyer; or
(ii) The Board of Directors of Seller shall have withdrawn or
materially modified its authorization, approval or recommendation to the
stockholders of Seller with respect to the Merger or this Agreement in a
manner adverse to Buyer or shall have failed to make such favorable
recommendation.
(d) By Seller:
(i) if any event shall have occurred as a result of which any
condition set forth in Section 6.3 is no longer capable of being
satisfied;
(ii) if there has been a breach by Buyer or SubCorp of any
representation or warranty contained in this Agreement which would have
or would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial condition, results of operations or business of
Buyer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the ability of Buyer or
SubCorp to consummate the Merger, or there has been a material breach of
any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement on the
part of Buyer or SubCorp, which breach is not curable or, if curable, is
not cured within 30 days after written notice of such breach is given by
Seller to Buyer.
(e) By Seller if Seller's Board of Directors fails to make or
withdraws or modifies its recommendation referred to in Section 5.2 or
issues a statement pursuant to Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 promulgated under
the Exchange Act recommending acceptance of or endorsing a tender or
exchange offer for shares of Seller Common Stock after determining in good
faith, after consultation with and based upon the advice of independent
legal counsel (who may be Seller's or its Board of Directors' regularly
engaged independent legal counsel), that such action is necessary for the
Board of Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders
under applicable law.
(f) By Buyer or Seller if there shall have occurred (i) any general
suspension of, or limitation on, trading in securities generally on the
NYSE continuing for a period of fifteen (15) business days, or (ii) a
declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in
respect of banks in the United States continuing for a period of fifteen
(15) business days.
(g) By either Buyer or Seller if (i) any event shall have occurred as
a result of which any condition set forth in Section 6.1 is no longer
capable of being satisfied or (ii) the Merger shall not have been
consummated by September 30, 1995; provided, however, that, in either case,
the terminating party shall not have breached in any material respect its
obligations under this Agreement in any manner which proximately
contributed to the failure of any such condition to be satisfied or the
failure to consummate the Merger.
7.2 Specific Performance. The parties acknowledge that the rights of each
party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique,
and of extraordinary character, and that, in the event that either violates or
fails and refuses to perform any covenant made by it herein, the other party or
parties will be without adequate remedy at law. Each party agrees, therefore,
that, in the event that it violates or fails and refuses to perform any covenant
made by it herein, the other party or parties so long as it or they are not in
breach hereof, may, in addition to any remedies at law, institute and prosecute
an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance
of such covenant or seek any other equitable relief.
7.3 Rights and Obligations upon Termination. If this Agreement is not
consummated for any reason, each party will redeliver all documents, work
papers, and other materials of any party relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby, whether obtained before or after the execution hereof, to
the party furnishing the same, except to the extent previously delivered to
third parties in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and all
information received by any party hereto with respect to the business of any
other party shall not at any time be used for the advantage of, or disclosed to
third parties by,
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such party to the detriment of the party furnishing such information; provided,
however, that this Section 7.3 shall not apply to any documents, work papers,
material, or information which is a matter of public knowledge or which
heretofore has been or hereafter is published in any publication for public
distribution or filed as public information with any governmental agency.
7.4 Certain Fees and Expenses. Seller acknowledges that Buyer has spent,
and will be required to spend, substantial time and effort in examining the
business, properties, affairs, financial condition and prospects of Seller and
its Subsidiaries, has incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial fees and
expenses in connection with such examination, the preparation of this Agreement
and the accomplishment of the transactions contemplated hereunder, and will be
unable to evaluate and, possibly, make investments in or acquire other entities
due to the limited number of personnel available for such purpose and the
constraints of time. Therefore, to induce Buyer to enter this Agreement:
(a) Expenses. In the event that Buyer terminates this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1 (b) by reason of the failure to meet any condition
contained in Section 6.2(c) due to Seller's misrepresentation or breach of
warranty or breach of any covenant or agreement, then Seller shall pay
Buyer on demand, in same day funds, the Expenses, not as a penalty but as
full and complete liquidated damages. For purposes of this Section 7.4,
"Expenses" shall include all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees
(including, without limitation, fees and expenses payable to all investment
banking firms and their respective agents and counsel, and all reasonable
fees of counsel, accountants, experts and consultants to Buyer) actually
incurred after March 1, 1995 by Buyer or on its behalf in connection with
the Merger and all transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided,
however, that Expenses shall be limited to 1% of the Merger Consideration.
(b) Fee. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to:
(i) Section 7.1(b) by Buyer by reason of the failure to meet any
condition contained in Section 6.2(c) due to Seller's knowing and
intentional misrepresentation or knowing and intentional breach of a
warranty, covenant or agreement and (A) Seller shall have had contacts
with a third party about or entered into negotiations relating to a
Competing Transaction during the period from the date of this Agreement
through the date of termination of this Agreement or (B) within one year
after the date of such termination a Competing Transaction shall have
occurred or Seller shall have entered into a definitive agreement
providing for a Competing Transaction;
(ii) Section 7.1(c)(i) by Buyer;
(iii) Section 7.1(c)(ii) by Buyer due to the withdrawal of or
material modification in the authorization, approval or recommendation
to Seller's stockholders with respect to the Merger or the Agreement by
the Seller Board of Directors in a manner adverse to Buyer, and at the
time of such withdrawal or modification there exists a Competing
Transaction from a third party;
(iv) Section 7.1(e) by Seller; or
(v) Section 7.1(g) by Buyer or Seller because this Agreement does
not receive the requisite vote of the Seller stockholders and at the
time of such vote, there existed a Competing Transaction;
then Seller shall pay to Buyer a fee in the amount of $3,000,000 (the
"Fee"), which amount is inclusive of the Expenses, not as a penalty but as
full and complete liquidated damages; provided, however, that no amount
shall be paid pursuant to this Section 7.4(b) if Buyer shall be in breach
in any material respect of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement. Upon payment of the
Expenses or the Fee, this Agreement shall terminate with no further
liability of Seller or Buyer at law or equity resulting therefrom. The Fee
shall be payable to Buyer notwithstanding that any action taken by the
Board of Directors of Seller which may give rise to the obligation to pay
the Fee may have been taken in accordance with the fiduciary duties of the
Board of Directors. For purposes of Section 7.4(b)(i), action by Seller
shall not be deemed to be knowing and intentional if it results solely from
acts of non-officer employees of Seller taken without prior knowledge of
any officer or director of Seller.
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(c) Payment. Any payment required pursuant to this Section 7.4 shall
be made as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than two business
days after termination of this Agreement or, in the case of payment of the
Expenses, no later than two business days after Buyer's delivery to Seller
of a statement setting forth the Expenses in reasonable detail, and shall
be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account
designated by Buyer; provided, however, that any payment required pursuant
to subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section 7.4 shall be made as promptly as
practicable, but in no event later than two business days after the
occurrence of the earlier of the Competing Transaction or the execution of
a definitive agreement providing for a Competing Transaction. In the event
that Buyer is entitled to the Expenses or the Fee, Seller shall also pay to
Buyer interest at the rate of 8.0% per year on any amounts that are not
paid when due, plus all costs and expenses in connection with or arising
out of the enforcement of the obligation of Seller to pay the Expenses, the
Fee or such interest.
7.5 Effect of Termination. Except for the provisions of Sections 5.4, 5.5,
7.3, 7.4, this Section 7.5 and Article 8, which shall survive any termination of
this Agreement, in the event of the termination and abandonment of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and have no further effect, without any liability on the part of any party
hereto or its respective officers, directors or stockholders; provided, however,
that except as expressly set forth in Section 7.4(b), nothing in this Section
7.5 shall relieve any party from liability for the knowing and intentional
breach of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in
this Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Waiver of Certain Conditions. Any party may, at its option, waive in
writing any or all of the conditions herein contained to which its obligations
hereunder are subject, except that the conditions contained in Section 6.1(a),
-(b) and -(d), Section 6.2(a) (with respect to consents and authorizations,
orders and approvals of, and filings and registrations with, any Governmental
Entity) and -(b) (first sentence) and Section 6.3(a) and -(b) may not be so
waived.
8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications under this Agreement
shall be in writing and may be given by any of the following methods: (i)
personal delivery; (ii) facsimile transmission; (iii) registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; or (iv) overnight delivery
service requiring acknowledgment of receipt. Any such notice or communication
shall be sent to the appropriate party at its address or facsimile number given
below (or at such other address or facsimile number for such party as shall be
specified by notice given hereunder):
If to Buyer and SubCorp, to:
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Fax No. (404) 636-7632
Attention: Randolph L.M. Hutto
Senior Executive Vice President and
General Counsel
with a copy to:
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
999 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3996
Fax No. (404) 853-8806
Attention: George L. Cohen, Esq.
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If to Seller, to:
435 Ford Road
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426
Attention: William E. Sagan
President and Chief Executive
Officer
with copies to:
Popham, Haik, Schnobrich & Kaufman, Ltd.
3200 Piper Jaffray Tower
222 S. Ninth St.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Attention: Bruce B. McPheeters
Schiff Hardin & Waite
7200 Sears Tower
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attention: W. Brinkley Dickerson, Jr.
Special Committee
c/o Duncan Cocroft, Chairman
335 S. 6th Street, 49th Floor
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
All such notices and communications shall be deemed received upon (i) actual
receipt thereof by the addressee, (ii) actual delivery thereof to the
appropriate address as evidenced by an acknowledged receipt, or (iii) in the
case of a facsimile transmission, upon transmission thereof by the sender and
confirmation of receipt. In the case of notices or communications sent by
facsimile transmission, the sender shall contemporaneously mail a copy of the
notice or communication to the addressee at the address provided for above.
However, such mailing shall in no way alter the time at which the facsimile
notice or communication is deemed received.
8.3 Table of Contents; Headings. The Table of Contents, cross reference
pages and headings contained herein are for convenience of reference only, do
not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not be deemed to limit or
affect any of the provisions hereof.
8.4 Variation and Amendment. This Agreement may be varied or amended at
any time before or after the approval of this Agreement by the holders of Seller
Common Stock by action of the respective Boards of Directors of Seller, Buyer
and SubCorp, without action by the stockholders thereof; provided, however, that
any variance or amendment made after approval of the Merger by the stockholders
of Seller that (i) reduces the Merger Consideration or changes the form of the
Merger Consideration or (ii) changes any of the terms and conditions of this
Agreement if such change would adversely affect the stockholders of Seller shall
be subject to the further approval of Seller's stockholders. Any variation,
modification or amendment to this Agreement must be made in writing and executed
by each of the parties hereto.
8.5 No Survival of Representations or Warranties. None of the
representations or warranties made in Article 4 of this Agreement shall survive
the Effective Time.
8.6 Arbitration. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with
the then-prevailing Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association. Such arbitration shall be held in New York, New York before a panel
of three (3) arbitrators, one selected by Buyer and SubCorp, one selected by
Seller and the third selected by mutual agreement of the first two arbitrators.
Each arbitrator shall be independent and impartial. Judgment upon any award
rendered by the arbitrators may be entered into any court of competent
jurisdiction. The determination
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of which party (or combination of them) bears the costs and expenses incurred in
connection with any such arbitration proceeding shall be made by the
arbitrators.
8.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public
policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement will nevertheless
remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of
the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner adverse to
any party hereto. Upon any such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto will
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated to the
extent possible.
8.8 Waiver. The failure of any party hereto at any time or times to
require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right
to enforce the same. No waiver by any party of any condition, or the breach of
any term, provision, warranty, representation, agreement or covenant contained
in this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby, whether by
conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed or construed
as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach or a waiver of
any other condition or of the breach of any other term, provision, warranty,
representation, agreement or covenant herein or therein contained.
8.9 No Third Party Beneficiaries; Assignment. This Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted
assignees. Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be deemed to create any
third party beneficiary rights in any person or entity; provided, however, that
all persons who are beneficiaries of Sections 5.14 and 5.15 shall be entitled to
enforce the provisions of those sections, respectively. Except for assignments
to wholly-owned subsidiaries (direct or indirect) of Buyer, in which event Buyer
shall remain liable for the performance of this Agreement, no transfer or
assignment (including by operation of law) of this Agreement or of any rights or
obligations under this Agreement may be made by any party without the prior
written consent of the other parties and any attempted transfer or assignment
without that required consent shall be void. No transfer or assignment by a
party of its rights under this Agreement shall relieve it of any of its
obligations to the other parties under this Agreement.
8.10 Time of the Essence; Computation of Time. Time is of the essence of
each and every provision of this Agreement. Whenever the last day for the
exercise of any right or the discharge of any duty under this Agreement shall
fall upon Saturday, Sunday or a public or legal holiday, the party having such
right or duty shall have until 5:00 p.m. Atlanta, Georgia time on the next
succeeding regular business day to exercise such right or to discharge such
duty.
8.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by each party upon a
separate copy, and in such case one counterpart of this Agreement shall consist
of enough of such copies to reflect the signatures of all of the parties. This
Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, and each of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any
party may deliver an executed copy of this Agreement and of any documents
contemplated hereby by facsimile transmission to another party and such delivery
shall have the same force and effect as any other delivery of a manually signed
copy of this Agreement or of such other documents.
8.12 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without giving effect to the
conflicts of law principles thereof.
8.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (with its Schedules and Exhibits)
contains, and is intended as, a complete statement of all the terms of the
arrangements among the parties with respect to the matters provided for,
supersedes any previous agreements and understandings between the parties with
respect to those matters and cannot be changed or terminated orally.
[Signatures on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first above written.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
/s/ TIMOTHY W. KUCK
--------------------------------------
Timothy W. Kuck
Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
/s/ M. TARLTON PITTARD
--------------------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP.
/s/ M. TARLTON PITTARD
--------------------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
President
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EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE OF MERGER
OF
GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP.
WITH AND INTO
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
The undersigned corporation does hereby certify:
FIRST: That the name and state of incorporation of each of the constituent
corporations of the merger are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME STATE OF INCORPORATION
------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
Gemini Acquisition Corp. .............................. Delaware
Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. .......................... Delaware
</TABLE>
SECOND: That an agreement of merger has been approved, adopted, certified,
executed and acknowledged by each of the constituent corporations in accordance
with the requirements of Section 251 of the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware.
THIRD: The name of the surviving corporation in the merger is Employee
Benefit Plans, Inc.
FOURTH: That the following amendment to ARTICLE FOURTH of the Certificate
of Incorporation of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. is effected by the merger:
ARTICLE FOURTH is DELETED and REPLACED with the following new ARTICLE
FOURTH:
The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have
authority to issue is One Thousand (1,000) shares of common stock having a par
value of $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"). The Common Stock (a) shall be one
and the same class, (b) shall have full and unlimited voting rights (with each
share having one vote on each matter submitted to stockholders for vote), (c)
shall have equal rights of participation in dividends and other distributions,
and (d) shall be entitled to receive the net assets of the corporation ratably
upon dissolution.
but otherwise that the Certificate of Incorporation of Employee Benefit Plans,
Inc., as in effect immediately prior to the merger, shall be the Certificate of
Incorporation of the surviving corporation.
FIFTH: The executed agreement of merger is on file at the principal place
of business of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., the surviving corporation. The
address of said principal place of business is 435 Ford Road, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55426.
SIXTH: A copy of the agreement of merger will be furnished by Employee
Benefit Plans, Inc., the surviving corporation, on request and without cost, to
any stockholder of either constituent corporation.
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DULY EXECUTED and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the
Surviving Corporation on , 1995.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
By:
-------------------------
Name:
-----------------------
Title:
----------------------
Attest:
-------------------------------------
,Secretary
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<PAGE> 102
EXHIBIT B
OPINION OF SELLER'S COUNSEL
1. Seller is a corporation incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and has the corporate power
and authority to own its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it
is described in the Registration Statement. Each of Seller's Subsidiaries is a
corporation incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has the corporate power and authority
to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
described in the Proxy Statement.
2. The authorized capital stock of Seller consists of 50,000,000 shares of
Seller Common Stock and 2,000,000 shares of Seller Preferred Stock. As of the
date of such opinion, there are shares of Seller Common Stock
issued and outstanding and no shares of Seller Preferred Stock are issued and
outstanding. The issued and outstanding shares of Seller Common Stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
3. Seller has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated on the part of Seller.
The Agreement has been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Seller and duly
approved by its stockholders under the DGCL, duly executed and delivered by
Seller, and is a valid and binding agreement of Seller enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to: (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally; and (b)
general principles of equity, regardless of whether enforceability is considered
in a proceeding in equity or at law, provided that no opinion is expressed with
respect to the enforceability of Sections 5.6, 5.15, 7.2 and 7.4 of the
Agreement.
4. Except as set forth in such opinion, neither the execution nor delivery
by Seller of the Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder will
(with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both): (a) constitute a
violation of, constitute a default or require any payment under, permit a
termination of, or result in the creation or imposition of any security
interest, lien or other encumbrance or adverse claim against, or upon any of the
property of, Seller or any of its Subsidiaries under (i) any term or provision
of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Seller, (ii) any Material
Contract, (iii) any permit, judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Entity
that is listed on the Schedules to the Agreement or known to such counsel or
(iv) any applicable law which in the experience of such counsel is normally
applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Agreement; or (b)
create or cause the acceleration of the maturity of, any indebtedness, monetary
obligation, or monetary liability of Seller that is listed on the Schedules to
the Agreement or is known to such counsel.
5. Except as set forth in such opinion and except for the filing of the
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of Delaware, each consent,
authorization, order and approval of, and filing and registration with, any
Governmental Entity required to be made or obtained by Seller for the execution
and delivery of the Agreement and the other documents and agreements
contemplated hereby and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Agreement have been made or obtained.
6. The Proxy Statement sent by Seller to its stockholders for purposes of
the Seller Stockholders Meeting held pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Agreement
complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the DGCL
and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
7. Upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State
of Delaware in accordance with Section 1.3 of the Agreement, the Merger shall
become effective in accordance with the DGCL.
Such opinion may be limited to the laws of the State of Delaware and the federal
laws of the United States of America and, except as set forth in paragraph 5
above, may exclude the applicability and effect of any antitrust and unfair
competition laws. In rendering such opinions such counsel may rely upon opinions
of other counsel or provide opinions of other counsel who is reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer directly to Buyer as to certain matters, and may rely
solely upon certificates of public officials and officers of Seller as to
factual matters,
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shall be under no obligation to make any independent investigation as to factual
matters, and as to factual matters such opinion may be limited to the actual
knowledge of such counsel. No knowledge of James B. Lockhart, a director of
Seller and a shareholder of the firm rendering such opinion, shall be imputed to
the firm. As used in the opinion, "actual knowledge" shall mean the current
awareness by lawyers in the primary lawyer group of factual matters that such
lawyers recognize as being relevant to the opinion or confirmation and shall not
require a review of counsel's files. "Primary lawyer group" means the lawyer who
signs the opinion letter and each other lawyer in the firm who is responsible
for analyzing the particular issue, providing the response concerning the
particular issue or reviewing the opinion.
CONFIRMATIONS OF SELLER'S COUNSEL
1. Such counsel has participated in the preparation and review of portions
of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement. From time to time such
counsel has had discussions with officers of Seller and, based solely thereon,
no facts pertaining to Seller have come to such counsel's attention which lead
such counsel to believe that the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement
(except for the financial statements, schedules and other financial and
statistical information included therein as to which such counsel need express
no opinion) or any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time they were mailed
to the stockholders of Seller and at the time of the Seller Stockholders Meeting
to approve the adoption of this Agreement, contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Such counsel has not,
however, independently verified, is not passing upon, and does not assume any
responsibility for or guarantee the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the
statements contained in the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement;
2. Except as set forth in such opinion, to the knowledge of such counsel
there is no litigation or other proceeding against Seller or any Subsidiary, or
its respective properties and assets, pending or overtly threatened by a written
communication to Seller or any Subsidiary, that would be required to be
disclosed pursuant to the requirements of Item 103 of Regulation S-K.
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<PAGE> 104
EXHIBIT C
OPINION OF BUYER'S AND SUBCORP'S COUNSEL
1. Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Georgia and has the corporate power and
authority to own its properties and assets and to conduct its business as it is
described in the Registration Statement.
2. SubCorp is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has corporate power and
authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is
described in the Registration Statement.
3. The authorized capital stock of Buyer consists of 150,000,000 Buyer
Common Shares and 5,000,000 shares of Buyer Preferred Stock. As of
, 1995 there are Buyer Common Shares issued and outstanding
and no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The issued and
outstanding Buyer Common Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable.
4. The authorized capital stock of SubCorp consists of 1,000 shares of
common stock, $.01 par value. As of the date of such opinion there are 100
shares of SubCorp common stock issued and outstanding. The issued and
outstanding shares of SubCorp common stock are duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable.
5. Each of Buyer and SubCorp has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver the Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated on the part of Buyer and SubCorp. Each of Buyer and SubCorp has
taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the execution and delivery of
the Agreement and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated
hereby. The Agreement has been duly adopted by the respective Boards of
Directors of Buyer and SubCorp and has been duly approved by the Buyer as the
sole stockholder of SubCorp, executed and delivered by each of Buyer and SubCorp
and is a valid and binding agreement of Buyer and SubCorp and enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject to (a) bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally; and (b) general principles of equity, regardless of whether
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, provided that
no opinion is expressed with respect to the enforceability of Sections 5.6, 7.2
or 7.4.
6. Except for the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of
State of Delaware, each consent, authorization, order and approval of, and
filing and registration with, any Governmental Entity required to be made or
obtained by each of Buyer and SubCorp for the execution and delivery of the
Agreement and the other documents and agreements contemplated hereby and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement have been made or
obtained.
7. The Buyer Common Shares issued to the shareholders of Seller shall, upon
consummation of the Merger, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
8. Neither the execution nor delivery of the Agreement by each of Buyer and
SubCorp and the performance by Buyer and SubCorp of their respective obligations
thereunder will constitute a violation of (i) any term or provision of the
respective Articles or Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Buyer or
SubCorp, (ii) any permit, judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Entity
known to such counsel or (iii) any applicable law which in such counsel's
experience is normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by
the Agreement.
9. The Registration Statement complied as to form in all material respects
with federal securities law.
10. Upon the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of
State of Delaware in accordance with Section 1.3 of the Agreement, the Merger
shall become effective in accordance with the DGCL.
Such opinion may be limited to the laws of the States of Delaware and Georgia
and the federal laws of the United States of America and, except as set forth in
paragraph 6 above, may exclude the applicability and effect of any antitrust and
unfair competition laws. In rendering such opinions such counsel may rely upon
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<PAGE> 105
opinions of other counsel and may rely upon certificates of public officials and
officers of Buyer, SubCorp or any of Buyer's other Subsidiaries as to factual
matters and shall be under no obligation to make any independent investigation
as to factual matters.
CONFIRMATION OF BUYER'S AND SUBCORP'S COUNSEL
1. Such counsel has participated in the preparation and review of the
Registration Statement. From time to time such counsel has had discussions with
officers, directors and employees of Buyer and the independent accountants who
examine certain financial statements of Buyer and its Subsidiaries and, based
thereon, no facts have come to such counsel's attention which leads such counsel
to believe that the Registration Statement (except for the financial statements,
schedules and other financial and statistical information included therein as to
which such counsel need express no opinion) or any amendment or supplement
thereto contained, at the time it became effective and at the Effective Time,
contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Such counsel has not, however, independently verified, and is not
passing upon, and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of the statements contained the Registration Statement.
2. The Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act
and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has
been issued and insofar, as such counsel knows, no proceeding for that purpose
has been instituted or is pending or contemplated.
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<PAGE> 106
EXHIBIT D
AGREEMENT FROM SELLER AFFILIATES
May , 1995
First Financial Management Corporation
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter agreement is being delivered to you pursuant to an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of May , 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), by
and among First Financial Management Corporation ("Buyer"), Employee Benefit
Plans, Inc. ("Seller") and Gemini Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary
of Buyer ("SubCorp"). The Merger Agreement provides that SubCorp will be merged
into Seller (the "Merger") and Seller will become a wholly owned subsidiary of
Buyer. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, each share of Seller Common
Stock (the "Seller Shares") will be converted on the effective date of the
Merger into the right to receive shares of Buyer Common Shares (the "Buyer
Shares") plus cash in lieu of any fractional shares. I understand that Buyer is
not required to proceed with the Merger unless I deliver this letter agreement
agreeing to the matters covered herein.
1. "Affiliate" Status and "Covered Persons." I have been advised that I am
or may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Seller, as that term is defined for
purposes of Rule 145 of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). As a result, I
understand that certain restrictions will apply with respect to the Buyer Shares
to be received by or for the account of me and any other person or entity deemed
to be the same "person" as me under the SEC's rules (each such person or entity
being referred to as a "Covered Person"). I understand that under the SEC's Rule
144(a)(2), each of the following would be considered the same "person" as me and
is therefore a "Covered Person" subject to all of the provisions of Section 2 of
this letter agreement:
(a) my spouse and any relative of me or of my spouse who shares my
home;
(b) any trust or estate for which I or any of the persons described in
Subsection (a) above collectively owns 10% or more of the total beneficial
interest or serves as trustee, executor or in any similar capacity; and
(c) any corporation or other organization (excluding Buyer) in which I
and any of the persons described in Subsection (a) above are the beneficial
owners collectively of 10% or more of any class of equity securities or 10%
or more of the equity interest.
I have listed on Attachment A each "Covered Person" related to me in
any of the ways described in Subsection (a), (b) or (c) above.
2. Securities Law Compliance. In connection with the Merger and Buyer's
issuance of the Buyer Shares, I represent, warrant and agree as follows:
(a) I have been advised that, because I may be an "affiliate" of
Seller, I or any Covered Person may be deemed an "underwriter" pursuant to
paragraph (c) of Rule 145 if I or any Covered Person publicly offers or
sells any of the Buyer Shares except as permitted by paragraph (d) of Rule
145.
(b) I therefore agree that for a period of three years from the
effective date of the Merger, neither I nor any Covered Person will make
any disposition of the Buyer Shares except in compliance with the
provisions of paragraph (d) of Rule 145, or pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, or unless Buyer shall have
received evidence satisfactory to it, including, if desired by Buyer,
receipt of an opinion of counsel satisfactory to it, that such compliance
or registration is not required.
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<PAGE> 107
(c) I understand that all of the technical requirements of Rule
145(d)(1) will apply for at least two years after the effective date of the
Merger, but that some of these requirements will become inapplicable after
two years if the conditions described in Subsection (d) below apply. I
understand that Rule 145(d)(1) would permit sales of the Buyer Shares in
transactions which satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (c), (e), (f) and
(g) of Rule 144 of the SEC. I have been advised that Attachment B
summarizes the technical requirements that will apply to sales of Buyer
Shares unless and until Subsection (d) below applies.
I understand that the applicable requirements of Rule 145 and related
paragraphs of Rule 144 are very technical and that I and any Covered Person
should consult with Buyer's Legal Department or a knowledgeable market
professional before attempting to effect any sales in reliance on these
provisions.
(d) I also understand that after the second anniversary of the
effective date of the Merger, Rule 145(d)(2) will permit the sale of the
Buyer Shares if Buyer is then current in its SEC reporting requirements and
I am not then an "affiliate" of Buyer and the shares are not, and have not
been, owned by anyone considered to be an "affiliate" of Buyer. I further
understand that after the third anniversary of the effective date of the
Merger, Rule 145(d)(3) will permit the sale of such Buyer Shares if I am
not then an "affiliate" of Buyer (and have not been for at least three
months) and the shares are not, and have not been, owned by anyone
considered to be an "affiliate" of Buyer. (I understand that if I or any
Covered Person or any "Acquiring Person" (as defined in Subsection (e)
below) were to become an "affiliate" of Buyer, special rules would apply.)
(e) I acknowledge that if I or any Covered Person sells or otherwise
transfers (including by gift) the Buyer Shares in a transaction not
conforming to Rule 145(d), the person or entity acquiring such Buyer Shares
(the "Acquiring Person") would be deemed to have stepped into my shoes and
would be subject to the same transfer restrictions as I am. I acknowledge
that it would be necessary for me to require any such Acquiring Person, as
a condition of such sale, gift or other transfer, to agree to comply with
the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 2 of this letter agreement.
(f) I understand that Buyer is under no obligation to register the
sale, transfer or other disposition of the Buyer Shares by me or any
Covered Person or otherwise assist me or any Covered Person in complying
with any exemption from registration, except that Buyer has agreed that,
for a period of two years following the effective date of the Merger, it
will file all reports required to be filed by it under Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the rules
and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder, so as to comply with the
current public information requirements of Rule 144(c)(i); provided,
however, that if Buyer's obligation to file such reports under Section 13
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act is suspended or terminated in accordance with
the provisions of the Exchange Act, Buyer will not be obligated to satisfy
the alternative requirements of Rule 144(c)(2) in order to facilitate the
availability of Rule 144 for resales of Buyer Shares. Subject to the
foregoing proviso, Buyer has agreed to take such further action as I may
reasonably request to enable me or any Covered Person to sell in compliance
with Rule 144 (or any similar rule adopted by the SEC) any Buyer Shares.
(g) With respect to all Buyer Shares acquired by me or any Covered
Person, I agree that for a period of three years after the effective date
of the Merger: (i) stop transfer instructions will be given to Buyer's
transfer agent with respect to the Buyer Shares, and (ii) there will be
placed on the stock certificates representing the Buyer Shares or any stock
certificates issued in substitution or exchange therefor, an appropriate
legend stating in substance:
"The sale, transfer or other disposition of these shares is
restricted pursuant to the provisions of an agreement between the
registered holder and the Buyer, a copy of which may be examined at the
office of Buyer."
I understand that after the third anniversary of the effective date of the
Merger, Buyer will, upon written request by me (or by any Covered Person or
Acquiring Person who is the registered holder of any of the Buyer Shares) and
surrender of the stock certificates representing such shares (together with any
related documenta-
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tion reasonably requested by Buyer or its transfer agent) reissue stock
certificates, without any restrictive legend, representing such shares.
3. Additional Representation. I have carefully read this letter and have
discussed its requirements and other applicable limitations upon the sale,
transfer or other disposition of Buyer Shares, to the extent I felt necessary,
with my counsel or counsel for Seller.
Very truly yours,
--------------------------------------
Signature
--------------------------------------
Please print or type name.
Also please complete the
date on page 1.
Accepted and agreed to this day of May, 1995.
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
--------------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------------
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ATTACHMENT A
Set forth below is each person or entity related to me in a way described
in Section 1 and thus deemed a "Covered Person" subject to Section 2:
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ATTACHMENT B
Unless and until the conditions described in Subsection (d) of the attached
letter apply, Rule 145(d)(1) and the applicable paragraphs of Rule 144 would
generally require that any sale of the Buyer Shares:
(i) would have to be made at a time that Buyer is current in its
compliance with SEC reporting requirements;
(ii) would be subject to the limitation that the total number of
shares of Buyer Shares sold in any three-month period by me and by any
other person or entity whose sales must be aggregated with mine pursuant to
Rule 144(e) (which includes but is not limited to the Covered Persons
described in Section 1), could not exceed the higher of 1% of the
outstanding shares of Buyer Common Stock or the applicable average weekly
trading volume of Buyer Common Stock, as defined in Rule 144; and
(iii) would have to be made in a "brokers' transaction" or directly
with a "market maker" and could not involve special solicitation activities
or special payments in excess of normal commissions.
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EXHIBIT E
BONUS AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
THIS IS AN AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") made as of the day of
, 1995, between First Financial Management Corporation, a
Georgia corporation ("Buyer") and (the "Employee"), an employee of Employee
Benefit Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Seller").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Seller and Buyer have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of May, , 1995 pursuant to which Seller would be merged
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buyer;
WHEREAS, Employee is currently employed by Seller in various capacities and
is rendering valuable services to Seller;
WHEREAS, Buyer believes that an Agreement providing certain assured
severance benefits and bonus payments to Employee would further its aims in
retaining Employee as an Employee of Seller;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Bonus Payment. If Employee remains employed by Seller or its affiliate
on a full-time basis throughout the period ending [(twelve months
after the date of this Agreement)] (the "Retention Period") Employee shall be
paid a cash bonus (the "Bonus") equal to twenty (20) percent of Employee's
current base salary as set forth in Exhibit A. The Bonus will be payable to
Employee within ten (10) business days following the end of the Retention
Period.
2. Severance Arrangement. In the event that Employee is terminated by
Seller or an affiliate, without Cause (as defined below), prior to the end of
the Retention Period, Employee shall receive a one time payment equal to the
product of (i) the Bonus which would have been payable pursuant to Section 1
hereof and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the
Retention Period during which Employee was employed by Seller or an affiliate
and the denominator of which is 365. In the event of such termination without
Cause during the Retention Period Employee shall also be entitled to a special
one time severance payment equal to two (2) times the amount Employee would be
entitled to under the Buyer standard severance policy, with such amount in no
event being less than three (3) months of Employee's current base salary as set
forth on Exhibit A.
3. Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean:
(a) the willful failure by Employee to substantially perform
Employee's duties with Seller or an affiliate after a written notice
requesting substantial performance is sent to Employee by Seller or its
affiliate, (b) an act or acts of personal dishonesty taken by Employee and
intended to result in personal enrichment of the Employee at the expense of
Seller or its affiliate, or (c) conviction of Employee of a felony.
4. Payments. All payments to be made by Seller pursuant to this Agreement
will be subject to applicable withholding requirements and shall be made in
accordance with regular payroll practices of Seller or its affiliate. The
payments described in this Agreement shall be the sole remedy of Employee with
respect to Employee's termination of employment by Seller as covered by this
Agreement. No payment shall be made by Seller to Employee hereunder if:
(a) Seller terminates Employee's employment for Cause,
(b) Employee voluntary resigns from full-time employment from Seller
or its affiliate;
(c) Employee retires from full-time employment with Seller or its
affiliate;
(d) Employee dies;
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<PAGE> 112
(e) Employee is no longer actively employed by Seller or an affiliate
due to disability (as such term is defined under Buyer's employee benefit
programs).
5. Miscellaneous; Prior Agreements Superseded. Nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed to require Seller or any affiliate to continue Employee's
employment, responsibilities or title for any period of time. This Agreement
shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
Georgia, constitutes the entire Agreement of the parties hereto with respect to
the subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements, if any, of the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including without
limitation all prior employment or severance agreements and arrangements, and
may not be altered except in writing signed by the party against whom the change
is being asserted. The failure of any party hereto at any time or times to
require the performance of any provisions of this Agreement shall in no manner
affect the right to enforce the same; and no waiver by any party hereto of any
condition or of a breach of any covenant or agreement contained in this
Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall
be deemed or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such covenant or
agreement or breach or waiver of any other covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement. All notices under this Agreement shall be made in writing and
given either in person or mailed first class mail, postage prepaid, to the
address of the party set forth below his or its signature or to such other
address as a party thereto may furnish to the others as provided in this
sentence; and if notice is given pursuant to the foregoing of a permitted
successor or assign, then notice shall thereafter be given pursuant to the
foregoing to such permitted successor or assign. Whenever the context so
requires, the singular number shall include the plural and the plural shall
include the singular, and the gender of any pronoun shall include the other
genders. Titles and captions of or in this Agreement are inserted only as a
matter of convenience and for reference and in no way define, limit, extend or
describe the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any provisions hereof.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this
Agreement or its terms to produce or account for more than one of such
counterparts.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties as of
the date first above written.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
By:
-----------------------------
Address:
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
EMPLOYEE
By:
-----------------------------
Address:
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
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<PAGE> 114
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Amendment"),
dated as of July 19, 1995, is by and among EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("EBP"), GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation
("SubCorp"), and FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a Georgia corporation
("FFMC").
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, EBP, SubCorp and FFMC entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of May 12, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement") with respect to a business
combination of EBP and SubCorp;
WHEREAS, EBP, SubCorp and FFMC desire to amend the Merger Agreement in
certain respects as provided herein.
STATEMENT OF AMENDMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants and
agreements of the parties herein and in the Merger Agreement, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Extension of Termination Date. Section 7.1(g) of the Merger Agreement
is hereby amended by deleting the referenced termination date of September 30,
1995 and replacing it with October 31, 1995.
2. General. As hereby amended, all the terms and provisions of the Merger
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.
3. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed by each party upon a
separate copy, and in such case one counterpart of this Amendment shall consist
of enough of such copies to reflect the signatures of all of the parties. This
Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, and each of which shall constitute one and the same amendment. Any
party may deliver an executed copy of this Amendment by facsimile transmission
to the other parties and such delivery shall have the same force and effect as
delivery of a manually signed copy of this Amendment.
A-55
<PAGE> 115
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused its duly
authorized representative to execute this Amendment as of the date first set
forth above.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
/s/ William E. Sagan
--------------------------------------
William E. Sagan
President and Chief Executive Officer
GEMINI ACQUISITION CORP.
/s/ Randolph L.M. Hutto
--------------------------------------
Randolph L.M. Hutto
Senior Executive Vice President
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
/s/ Randolph L.M. Hutto
--------------------------------------
Randolph L.M. Hutto
Senior Executive Vice President
A-56
<PAGE> 116
ANNEX B
LEHMAN BROTHERS
, 1995
Board of Directors
Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.
435 Ford Road
Minneapolis, MN 55426
Members of the Board:
Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. (the "Company"), First Financial Management
Corporation ("FFMC"), and a newly formed subsidiary of FFMC ("SubCorp") have
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 12, 1995 (as
amended, the "Agreement") regarding the proposed merger of SubCorp with and into
the Company (the "Merger"). The Agreement provides that, upon effectiveness of
the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of the common stock of the Company
will be converted into 0.1975 shares of common stock of FFMC (the "Conversion
Ratio"). The Agreement further provides that the outstanding employee stock
options of the Company will be assumed by FFMC and become options to purchase
shares of common stock of FFMC at the Conversion Ratio. The terms and conditions
of the Merger are set forth in more detail in the Agreement.
Subsequent to the execution of the Agreement, FFMC entered into a
definitive merger agreement with First Data Corporation ("First Data") pursuant
to which FFMC will be merged with a subsidiary of First Data (the "First Data
Merger"). If the First Data Merger is consummated, each outstanding share of
FFMC common stock, including any such shares acquired by the Company's
stockholders pursuant to the Agreement, would be converted into 1.5859 shares of
First Data common stock.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company
in connection with the Merger, and have been requested by it to render our
opinion with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of the Company of the Conversion Ratio to be offered to such
shareholders pursuant to the Merger. We have not been requested to opine as to,
and our opinion does not in any manner address, the Company's underlying
business decision to proceed with or effect the Merger.
In arriving at our opinion, we reviewed and analyzed the following: (i) the
Agreement; (ii) publicly available information concerning the Company, FFMC and
First Data which we believe to be relevant to our inquiry; (iii) financial and
operating information with respect to the business, operations and prospects of
the Company furnished to us by the Company; (iv) financial and operating
information with respect to the business, operations and prospects of FFMC
furnished to us by FFMC; (v) a trading history of the Company's common stock
over the last three years, and of FFMC's and First Data's common stock over the
last three years, and a comparison of such trading histories with those of other
companies which we deemed relevant; (vi) a comparison of the historical
financial results and present financial condition of the Company, FFMC and First
Data with those of other companies which we deemed relevant; (vii) a review of
third party research analyst quarterly and annual earnings estimates for the
Company, FFMC and First Data; (viii) analyses of the potential pro forma
financial effects of the Merger; and (ix) a comparison of the financial terms of
the Merger with the terms of certain other recent transactions which we deemed
relevant. In addition, we have had discussions with the respective managements
of the Company, FFMC and First Data concerning each company's business,
operations, assets, financial condition and prospects, and undertook such other
studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate for the purposes
of the opinion expressed herein.
In arriving at our opinion, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy
and completeness of the financial and other information used by us without
assuming any responsibility for independent verification of such information and
have further relied upon the assurances of management of the Company, FFMC and
First Data that they are not aware of any facts that would make such information
inaccurate or misleading.
B-1
<PAGE> 117
With respect to the financial forecasts of the Company, upon advice of the
Company, we have assumed that such forecasts have been reasonably prepared on a
basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the
management of the Company as to the future financial performance of the Company.
In arriving at our opinion, we have not made nor obtained any evaluations or
appraisals of the assets or liabilities of the Company, FFMC or First Data and
have not had access to any financial forecasts from FFMC or First Data. In
addition, you have not authorized us to solicit, and we have not solicited, any
indications of interest from any third party with respect to the purchase of all
or a part of the Company's business. Our opinion is necessarily based upon
market, economic and other conditions as they exist on, and can be evaluated as
of, the date of this letter.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion as of the
date hereof that, from a financial point of view, the Conversion Ratio to be
offered to the shareholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger is fair to
such shareholders.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company
in connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services which is
contingent upon the consummation of the Merger. In addition, the Company has
agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities that may arise out of the
rendering of this opinion. Lehman Brothers has performed various investment
banking services for First Data in the past and has received customary fees for
such services. In the ordinary course of our business, we may trade in the
equity securities of the Company, FFMC and First Data for our own account and
for the accounts of our customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long
or short position in such securities.
This opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation
to any shareholder of the Company as to how such shareholder should vote with
respect to the Merger.
Very truly yours,
LEHMAN BROTHERS
B-2
<PAGE> 118
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Georgia Business Corporation Code
Section 14-2-851 of the Georgia Business Corporation Code (the "GBCC")
authorizes a Georgia corporation to indemnify a director against loss or expense
if it is determined that the director acted in a manner he believed in good
faith to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, in
the case of any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful, except that in proceedings to obtain a judgment in favor
of the corporation, indemnification would be limited to reasonable expenses
incurred in connection with the proceeding, and, in the case of adjudicated
liability, only if the director did not derive an improper personal benefit.
This indemnification under the GBCC may be made by a Georgia corporation
only upon (1) a determination by the majority vote of a quorum of non-party
directors or if such a quorum cannot be obtained, by majority vote of a
committee consisting of two or more non-party directors, by special legal
counsel, or by the affirmative vote of stockholders excluding shares owned or
the voting of which is controlled by directors who are parties to the
proceeding, that indemnification is proper because the statutory standard of
conduct has been met and (2) authorization by majority vote of a quorum of
non-party directors or a special committee consisting of two or more non-party
directors, or if such a quorum or committee cannot be obtained, by majority vote
of the full board of directors, or by the stockholders as described above.
Section 14-2-852 of the GBCC also provides for the mandatory
indemnification of a director to the extent the director has been successful
(whether or not on the merits) in the defense of any proceeding to which he was
a party, unless provided otherwise by the articles of incorporation. In
addition, Section 14-2-854 of the GBCC authorizes indemnification of a director
by court order if the court determines that the director is entitled to
mandatory indemnification or is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnification in view of all the relevant circumstances, whether or not the
director met the statutory standard of conduct, or was adjudged liable to the
corporation or improperly derived a personal benefit, but in that event
court-ordered indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with the proceeding. Furthermore, Section 14-2-856 of the GBCC
permits broader indemnification, including indemnification against liability to
the corporation, if authorized by the articles of incorporation or by a bylaw,
resolution or contract authorized by majority vote of the stockholders entitled
to vote thereon; however, such indemnification may not be provided to a director
against liability for appropriation of a business opportunity of the corporation
in violation of the director's duties, acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
authorization of any dividend, redemption or distribution of assets in violation
of the GBCC, or any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
Section 14-2-857 of the GBCC permits a Georgia corporation to indemnify an
officer, employee or agent who is not a director to the extent not inconsistent
with public policy. An officer who is not a director is also entitled to the
mandatory indemnification and court-ordered indemnification available to a
director.
The GBCC provides that a Georgia corporation has the power to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or one serving as such for another entity or enterprise at the
request of the corporation against liability whether or not the corporation
would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the GBCC.
Bylaws
Article Seven of the Registrant's Bylaws implements the power granted by
the 1989 revision of the GBCC regarding indemnification of directors and
officers. Under Article Seven, the Registrant is required to indemnify each
person who is or was a director or officer of the Registrant (including the
heirs, executors, administrators or estate of such person) or is or was serving
at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer, partner, trustee or
employee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
benefit
II-1
<PAGE> 119
plan or other enterprise who is made a party to a proceeding because he is or
was a director or officer of the Registrant or was serving any such other entity
at the Registrant's request against liability incurred in the proceeding if he
acted in a manner he believed in good faith to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Registrant and, in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had
no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Indemnification
required by Article Seven also covers reasonable expenses of any such
proceeding, including payment or reimbursement of such expenses in advance of
final disposition of the proceeding, if the person affirms in writing his good
faith belief that he is entitled to such indemnification and agrees to repay any
advances if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to such
indemnification.
Unless ordered by a court based on a determination that the person is
entitled to such indemnification because he was successful on the merits or
otherwise in defending against a claim or a determination that he is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant
circumstances, indemnification is required under Article Seven only if there is
a determination pursuant to Section 14-2-855 of the GBCC that the person to be
indemnified has met the standard of conduct required for indemnification and the
determination is made by: (1) a majority vote of a quorum of directors not
parties to the proceeding or, in the absence of such quorum, by a majority vote
of a committee of two or more directors not parties to the proceeding; (2)
special legal counsel; or (3) the stockholders (excluding the votes of shares
owned by or voted under the control of directors who are parties to the
proceeding).
As expressly authorized by Section 14-2-856 of the GBCC, the Board of
Directors approved and submitted to the Registrant's stockholders, who also
approved at their May 2, 1990 annual meeting, the addition of a new Section 7.2
of the Bylaws. Section 7.2 grants to directors and officers of the Registrant
and its subsidiaries additional rights to indemnification with respect to
proceedings brought by the Registrant or stockholders' derivative actions
brought on its behalf, except where the person is adjudged liable to the
Registrant or is subjected to injunctive relief in its favor for any of the
following: (1) appropriation of any business opportunity of the Registrant; (2)
intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law; (3) unlawful distributions;
or (4) any transaction from which he received an improper personal benefit.
Section 7.2 also requires advances or reimbursements of expenses of the
director or officer in connection with any such proceeding if he affirms his
good faith belief that his conduct does not fall within the enumerated
exceptions to such indemnification and he agrees to repay any expense advances
or reimbursements if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to
indemnification under Section 7.2. Any indemnification under Section 7.2 (other
than advances or reimbursements of expenses) shall be made only if there has
been a determination that the director or officer is entitled to such
indemnification under Section 7.2 of the Bylaws and Section 14-2-856 of the GBCC
and such determination is made by: (1) a majority vote of a quorum of directors
not parties to the proceeding or, in the absence of such quorum, a majority vote
of a committee of two or more directors not parties to the proceeding; (2)
special legal counsel; or (3) the stockholders (excluding the votes owned by or
voted under the control of directors who are parties to the proceeding).
Article VIII of the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation,
adopted by its stockholders in 1987, exculpates directors of the Registrant as
to personal liabilities to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breaches of the director's duties, with the same enumerated
exceptions as applicable to indemnification under the newly adopted Section 7.2.
Accordingly, Section 7.2 as to the Registrant's directors coordinates the
indemnification rights with the liability exculpation exceptions under the
Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation. Indemnification authorized by
Section 7.2, however, also extends to liabilities incurred by the Registrant's
officers and by persons serving, at the Registrant's request, in various
capacities with other entities, such as the Registrant's subsidiaries, subject
to the exceptions and conditions set forth in Section 7.2.
Indemnification Agreements
The Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its
directors and executive officers providing for indemnification to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, FFMC's bylaws and resolutions of the board
of directors and shareholders of FFMC as in effect on the date of execution of
each such
II-2
<PAGE> 120
indemnification agreement and to such greater extent as applicable law may
thereafter from time to time permit. The terms of these indemnification
agreements are consistent with the terms of Article 7 of the Registrant's
Bylaws.
Insurance Policies
The Registrant currently maintains an insurance policy providing
reimbursement of indemnification payments to officers and directors of the
Registrant and its subsidiaries and reimbursement of certain liabilities
incurred by directors and officers of the Registrant and its subsidiaries in
their capacities as such, to the extent that they are not indemnified by the
Registrant.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS
(A) EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
-----------------------
<C> <C> <S>
2 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 12, 1995, by and among First
Financial Management Corporation, Gemini Acquisition Corp. and Employee Benefit
Plans, Inc., including Amendment No. 1 thereto dated July 19, 1995 (included as
Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement and Prospectus which is a part of this
Registration Statement). The exhibits and schedules to the Agreement and Plan of
Merger have been omitted from Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement and Prospectus.
FFMC agrees to furnish supplementally such exhibits and schedules to the
Commission upon request.
3.1 -- Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Management Corporation
(filed May 13, 1994 as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 -- Registrant's Bylaws (filed March 20, 1995 as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by
reference).
4 -- See Articles V, VI and VIII of the Registrant's Restated Articles of
Incorporation (filed May 13, 1994 as an exhibit to the Registrant's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994 and incorporated herein
by reference) and Articles 1, 2, 5 and 9 of the Registrant's Bylaws, as amended
through March 15, 1995 (filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
5 -- Opinion of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.
8 -- Opinion of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan regarding tax consequences of the Merger.
10.1 -- Written Description of Agreement Between Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. and William
E. Sagan (prepared pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(10)(iii)(A)), pertaining
to a bonus payment.
10.2 -- Written Description of Agreement Between Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. and Timothy
W. Kuck (prepared pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(10)(iii)(A)), pertaining
to a bonus payment.
10.3 -- Option and Stock Agreement dated May 12, 1995 and Amendment No. 1 thereto dated
August 31, 1995, between First Financial Management Corporation and William E.
Sagan.
10.4 -- Option and Stock Agreement dated May 12, 1995 and Amendment No. 1 thereto dated
August 31, 1995, between First Financial Management Corporation and Timothy W.
Kuck.
21 -- List of Subsidiaries (filed as an exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
23.1 -- Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan is contained in its legal opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.
23.2 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.3 -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.4 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.5 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.6 -- Letter of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.7 -- Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.8 -- Consent of Lehman Brothers Inc.
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 121
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<C> <C> <S>
24 -- Power of Attorney authorizing Patrick H. Thomas and M. Tarlton Pittard to sign on
behalf of the other directors is contained on Page II-6 of this Registration
Statement.
99.1 -- Forms of Proxy and Voting Instruction Cards to be mailed to the stockholders of
Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.
99.2 -- First Data Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994.
99.3 -- First Data Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1995.
99.4 -- First Data Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1995.
</TABLE>
(B) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
NOT APPLICABLE.
(C) REPORTS, OPINIONS, APPRAISALS
Form of Opinion of Lehman Brothers Inc., (included as Annex B to the Proxy
Statement and Prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement).
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (a) 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 percent 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(2) 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 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) 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 Rule 145(c), the
issuer
II-4
<PAGE> 122
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.
(4) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (3) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities 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, 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.
(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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> 123
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 Atlanta, State of Georgia
on September 18, 1995.
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
By: /s/ PATRICK H. THOMAS
------------------------------------
Patrick H. Thomas
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Patrick H. Thomas and M. Tarlton Pittard, and
each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Registration
Statement 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 full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
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 TITLE DATE
--------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ PATRICK H. THOMAS Chairman of the Board, September 18, 1995
--------------------------------------------- President, Chief Executive
Patrick H. Thomas Officer and Director
/s/ M. TARLTON PITTARD Vice Chairman, Chief September 18, 1995
--------------------------------------------- Financial Officer,
M. Tarlton Pittard Treasurer and Director
/s/ RICHARD MACCHIA Executive Vice President, September 18, 1995
--------------------------------------------- Finance and Principal
Richard Macchia Accounting Officer
/s/ GEORGE L. COHEN Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
George L. Cohen
/s/ ROBERT E. COLEMAN Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
Robert E. Coleman
/s/ JACK R. KELLEY, JR. Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
Jack R. Kelly, Jr.
/s/ HENRY A. LESLIE Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
Henry A. Leslie
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 124
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ CHARLES B. PRESLEY Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
Charles B. Presley
/s/ VIRGIL R. WILLIAMS Director September 18, 1995
---------------------------------------------
Virgil R. Williams
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5
September 18, 1995
First Financial Management Corporation
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as your counsel in connection with the
registration of an aggregate of 1,817,664 shares of $.10 par value common stock
(the "Shares") of First Financial Management Corporation, a Georgia corporation
("FFMC"). The Shares are being registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") for a public offering to the stockholders of Employee Benefit
Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EBP") in connection with a proposed
merger of EBP with a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC (the "Merger"). Up to
1,817,664 of the Shares will be exchanged for the outstanding shares of EBP
Common Stock (excluding any such shares held by FFMC or its subsidiaries and
any such shares held in the treasury of EBP) in accordance with the Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated May 12, 1995, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated
July 19, 1995, between FFMC, Gemini Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation
and wholly owned subsidiary of FFMC, and EBP (the "Merger Agreement"). We are
familiar with the Merger Agreement and the relevant documents and materials
used in preparing the Registration Statement.
Based on our review of the relevant documents and materials,
it is our opinion that when the Registration Statement shall have been declared
effective by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such number of
Shares which are issued in exchange for shares of EBP Common Stock upon the
terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and in the Registration
Statement, will, when so issued, be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the
caption "Legal Matters" in the prospectus included in the Registration
Statement and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
Yours very truly,
SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN
By: /s/ George L. Cohen
---------------------------
George L. Cohen
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 8
September 19, 1995
Board of Directors Board of Directors
First Financial Management Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
Corporation 435 Ford Road
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700 Minneapolis, MN 55426
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Members of the Boards:
We have acted as counsel to First Financial Management
Corporation ("First Financial") in connection with the proposed merger (the
"Merger") of Gemini Acquisition Corp. ("Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
First Financial, into Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. ("EBP"). The Merger will be
effected pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
Agreement") among First Financial, Sub and EBP, dated as of May 12, 1995.
Section 6.1(e) of the Merger Agreement provides that the receipt of this
opinion is a condition to the obligation of First Financial and EBP to effect
the Merger. The capitalized terms which are used in this opinion but not
otherwise defined herein have the same meaning in this opinion as in the Merger
Agreement.
In issuing our opinion, we have reviewed the Merger Agreement,
the Proxy Statement and Prospectus included in the registration statement (the
"Registration Statement"), on Form S-4, filed by First Financial with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 1995, and such other
documents as we have deemed appropriate. Our opinion is based upon our
understanding that the facts, assumptions and representations set forth in this
letter are true and correct as of the present time and will be true and correct
as of the Effective Time of the Merger.
EBP is a Delaware corporation which provides, through its
subsidiaries, managed health care products and services. EBP has a single
class of voting common stock ("EBP Common Stock") outstanding.
First Financial is a Georgia corporation engaged in the
business of providing a variety of information services. First Financial has a
single class of voting common stock ("First Financial Common Stock")
outstanding.
<PAGE> 2
Board of Directors
First Financial Management
Corporation
Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
September 19, 1995
Page 2
Sub is a Delaware corporation formed by First Financial solely
for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement. Sub has no assets or business and has not carried on any activities
other than incident to its formation and in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
The boards of directors of EBP and First Financial have
determined that the Merger is in the respective best interests of the
corporations and their shareholders.
The Merger will be effected in accordance with the Delaware
General Corporation Law. In the Merger, Sub will be merged into EBP at the
Effective Time, and EBP will continue as the Surviving Corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of First Financial. The Merger Agreement provides that each
share of EBP Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time will be
converted into the right to receive 0.1975 of a share of First Financial Common
Stock (except for any shares of EBP Common Stock held in the treasury of EBP or
by First Financial or its EBP subsidiaries, which will be cancelled). Cash
will be paid in lieu of fractional shares of First Financial Common Stock. The
holders of shares of EBP Common Stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger. Each outstanding share of common stock of Sub will
be converted in the Merger into one share of common stock of the Surviving
Corporation.
Neither First Financial, EBP nor Sub is an investment company
as defined in Sections 368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code. EBP is not
under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or similar case within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
On June 12, 1995, First Financial and First Data Corporation
("First Data") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which
a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data would merge with and into First
Financial (the "First Data Merger"), so that First Financial would become a
wholly owned subsidiary of First Data. In the First Data Merger, each share of
First Financial Common Stock, including any such shares acquired by EBP
stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement, would be converted into 1.5859
shares of voting common stock of First Data. The First Data Merger is subject
to a number of conditions. The opinions set forth in this letter are based on
the assumption that, if the First Data Merger occurs, it will become effective
after the Merger has been consummated.
<PAGE> 3
Board of Directors
First Financial Management
Corporation
Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
September 19, 1995
Page 3
The following representations have been made to us in
connection with the proposed transaction:
(a) To the best of the knowledge of the executive
officers of EBP, there is no plan or intention by the holders of EBP Common
Stock to sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of a number of shares of First
Financial Common Stock received in the Merger that would reduce the ownership
of First Financial Common Stock by the holders of EBP Common Stock to a number
of shares of First Financial Common Stock having a value, as of the date of the
Merger, of less than 50 percent of the value of all of the formerly outstanding
EBP Common Stock as of the same date. For purposes of this representation,
shares of EBP Common Stock exchanged for cash in lieu of fractional shares of
First Financial Common Stock will be treated as outstanding on the date of the
Merger. Moreover, shares of EBP Common Stock and shares of First Financial
Common Stock held by holders of EBP Common Stock and otherwise sold, redeemed
or disposed of prior to or subsequent to the Merger will be considered in
making this representation.
(b) Following the Merger, EBP will hold at least 90
percent of the fair market value of its net assets and at least 70 percent of
the fair market value of its gross assets, and at least 90 percent of the fair
market value of Sub's net assets and at least 70 percent of the fair market
value of Sub's gross assets held immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes
of this representation, EBP assets used to pay its Merger expenses, and all
redemptions and distributions (except for regular, normal dividends) made by
EBP immediately preceding the Merger, will be included as assets of EBP held
immediately prior to the Merger.
(c) Sub will have no liabilities assumed by EBP, and will
not transfer to EBP any assets subject to liabilities.
(d) First Financial has no plan or intention to liquidate
EBP; to merge EBP with or into another corporation; to sell or otherwise
dispose of the stock of EBP except for transfers of stock to corporations
controlled by First Financial within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(C) of the
Code; or to cause EBP to sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets or any
of the assets acquired from Sub, except for dispositions made in the ordinary
course of business or transfers of assets to a corporation controlled by EBP.
<PAGE> 4
Board of Directors
First Financial Management
Corporation
Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
September 19, 1995
Page 4
(e) Following the Merger, EBP will continue its historic
business or use a significant portion of its historic business assets in a
business.
(f) Following the Merger, EBP will not issue additional
shares of its stock that would result in First Financial losing control of EBP.
(g) First Financial has no plan or intention to reacquire
any of its stock issued in the Merger.
(h) There is no intercorporate indebtedness existing
between First Financial and EBP or between Sub and EBP that was issued,
acquired or will be settled at a discount.
(i) None of the compensation received by any
shareholder-employee of EBP following the Merger will be separate consideration
for, or allocable to, any of his shares of EBP Common Stock, and none of the
shares of First Financial Common Stock received by any shareholder-employee of
EBP in the Merger will be separate consideration for, or allocable to, any
employment agreement.
(j) The payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares of
First Financial Common Stock is solely for the purpose of avoiding the expense
and inconvenience of issuing fractional shares and does not represent
separately bargained-for consideration.
(k) First Financial, Sub, EBP and the stockholders of EBP
will pay their respective expenses, if any, incurred in connection with the
Merger, except as provided in Section 5.5 of the Merger Agreement.
(l) In the Merger, shares of EBP Common Stock representing
control of EBP, as defined in Section 368(c)(1) of the Code, will be exchanged
solely for voting First Financial Common Stock (except for cash received in
lieu of fractional shares First Financial Common Stock).
<PAGE> 5
Board of Directors
First Financial Management
Corporation
Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
September 19, 1995
Page 5
On the basis of the terms of the Merger Agreement and the
above facts and representations, it is our opinion that the Merger will have
the following Federal income tax consequences:
(i) The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code.
(ii) No gain or loss will be recognized by First
Financial, EBP or Sub as a result of the Merger.
(iii) No gain or loss will be recognized by the
stockholders of EBP upon the conversion of their shares of EBP Common
Stock into shares of First Financial Common Stock pursuant to the
Merger, except with respect to cash, if any, received in lieu of
fractional shares of First Financial Common Stock.
(iv) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of First
Financial Common Stock received in exchange for shares of EBP Common
Stock pursuant to the Merger (including fractional shares of First
Financial Common Stock for which cash is received) will be the same as
the aggregate tax basis of such shares of EBP Common Stock. Since no
fractional shares of First Financial Common Stock will actually be
issued in the Merger, the aggregate basis of the First Financial
Common Stock actually received by an EBP stockholder will not include
that portion of the aggregate basis of the EBP Common Stock exchanged
in the Merger which is allocable to shares of EBP Common Stock
exchanged for cash in lieu of fractional shares.
(v) The holding period for shares of First Financial
Common Stock received in exchange for shares of EBP Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger will include the holder's holding period for
such shares of EBP Common Stock, provided such shares of EBP Common
Stock were held as capital assets by the holder at the Effective Time.
(vi) A stockholder of EBP who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of First Financial Common Stock will recognize gain
or loss equal to the difference, if any, between such stockholder's
basis in the fractional share (as described in clause (iv) above) and
the amount of cash received. Such gain or loss will be capital gain
or loss,
<PAGE> 6
Board of Directors
First Financial Management
Corporation
Employee Benefits Plans, Inc.
September 19, 1995
Page 6
provided that the stockholder's shares of EBP Common Stock were held
as capital assets at the Effective Time.
This opinion is rendered solely with respect to the federal
income tax consequences of the Merger specifically set forth above. We express
no opinion as to the treatment of the Merger under the income or other tax laws
of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction. Our opinions are based upon the
present provisions of the Code, the regulations issued thereunder, current case
law and published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service. The foregoing are
subject to change and such changes may be given retroactive effect. In the
event of such changes, our opinions may be affected.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm and this
opinion in the Proxy Statement and Prospectus included as part of the
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.1
WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
AND WILLIAM E. SAGAN
(prepared pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(10)(iii)(A))
Effective May 12, 1995, Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. ("EBP") approved a
verbal agreement ("Agreement") between EBP and William E. Sagan to continue his
employment through the closing of a merger between EBP and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of First Financial Management Corporation (the "Merger"), and to
facilitate the transition of operations after the Merger. Under the Agreement,
if Mr. Sagan is employed by the surviving corporation in the Merger for the
180-day period beginning on the closing of the Merger, Mr. Sagan will receive a
bonus of up to $500,000.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.2
WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
AND TIMOTHY W. KUCK
(prepared pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(10)(iii)(A))
Effective May 12, 1995, Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. ("EBP") approved a
verbal agreement ("Agreement") between EBP and Timothy W. Kuck to continue his
employment through the closing of a merger between EBP and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of First Financial Management Corporation (the "Merger"), and to
facilitate the transition of operations after the Merger. Under the Agreement,
if Mr. Kuck is employed by the surviving corporation in the Merger for the
180-day period beginning on the closing of the Merger, Mr. Kuck will receive a
bonus of up to $250,000.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.3
OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT
THIS IS AN AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of May 12,
1995, between First Financial Management Corporation, a Georgia corporation
("FFMC"), and William E. Sagan ("Executive"), an executive of Employee Benefit
Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EBP").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, EBP and FFMC propose to enter into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant
to which EBP would be merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC and the
holders of EBP's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("EBP Stock"), would
receive shares of FFMC's Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("FFMC Stock")
for shares of EBP Stock (the "Merger");
WHEREAS, FFMC, as a condition to its willingness to enter into
the Merger Agreement, has required Executive to grant to FFMC, effective upon
execution of the Merger Agreement by FFMC and EBP, the purchase rights set
forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Purchase of Restricted Stock. Executive hereby
agrees to sell, and FFMC hereby agrees to purchase, effective as of the
effective time of the Merger, as defined in the Merger Agreement (the
"Effective Time"), all of the fifty thousand (50,000) shares of EBP Stock held
by Executive which are subject to restricted stock agreements (the "Restricted
Shares"), at a purchase price of fourteen and 70/100 dollars ($14.70) per share
in cash for each Restricted Share purchased. The purchase of the Restricted
Shares by FFMC shall be consummated simultaneously with the consummation of the
Merger.
2. Purchase of Options. Executive hereby agrees to
sell, and FFMC agrees to cause EBP, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC as of
the Effective Time, to repurchase, all of the outstanding options to acquire
EBP Stock held by Executive (the "Options") for an amount in cash equal to
$14.70 per share of EBP Stock subject to each such option less the amount of
the option exercise price to acquire each such share. Such purchase shall
occur simultaneously with, or as soon as practicable following, the
consummation of the Merger.
3. Call Option. Executive hereby grants to FFMC the
exclusive right and option (the "Call Option"), exercisable in FFMC's sole
discretion, to purchase all or any portion of the shares of FFMC Stock, if any,
acquired by Executive pursuant to the forty-two thousand (42,000) performance
share units awarded to Executive under EBP's
-1-
<PAGE> 2
Long Term Incentive Performance Plan or upon conversion of shares of EBP Stock
acquired pursuant to such units into shares of FFMC stock at the Effective Time
(collectively, the "Acquired FFMC Shares"), for a purchase price equal to the
last closing price of FFMC Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the trading
day next preceding the date on which notice of exercise of such Call Option is
given to Executive. The purchase rights provided in this Section 3 shall be
exercisable by FFMC as of the Effective Time and for 90 days thereafter, or, if
earlier, until termination of this Agreement. FFMC's election to purchase the
Acquired FFMC Shares shall be exercised by giving notice to Executive not less
than five business days prior to the date on which the purchase is to be
consummated, which FFMC notice shall specify the shares of FFMC Stock that FFMC
elects to purchase, the purchase price for such shares (determined pursuant to
this Section 3) and the date selected by FFMC for consummation of the purchase.
4. Payment and Delivery of Certificate(s). In
connection with the consummation of any purchase pursuant to Sections 1, 2 or 3
(a "Closing"):
(a) FFMC or an affiliate (including EBP) will
make payment to Executive of the aggregate purchase price for the shares being
purchased or options repurchased in immediately available funds by wire
transfer to a bank designated by Executive prior to such Closing; and
(b) Executive will deliver to FFMC against
payment to Executive as provided in Section 4(a), a certificate or certificates
representing the number of shares of FFMC Stock or EBP Stock so purchased by
FFMC duly endorsed or with executed blank stock power attached, in either event
with signature guaranteed such that registered ownership of such shares may be
registered for transfer on the books of FFMC or EBP, or in the event of
repurchase of Options by EBP, will deliver all option agreements and option
certificates (if any) evidencing Executive's ownership of such Options, for
cancellation by EBP.
5. Legending of Certificates; Nominee Shares. Executive
agrees to submit to FFMC, upon its request, all certificates representing the
Acquired FFMC Shares so that FFMC may note thereon a legend referring to the
option and purchase rights granted to it by this Agreement. If any of the
Acquired FFMC Shares beneficially owned by Executive are held of record by a
brokerage firm in "street name" or in the name of any other nominee (a
"Nominee," and, as to such Shares, "Nominee Shares"), Executive agrees that,
upon written notice by FFMC so requesting, Executive will within five days of
the giving of such notice execute and deliver to FFMC a limited power of
attorney in such form as shall be reasonably satisfactory to FFMC enabling FFMC
to require the Nominee to submit to FFMC the certificates representing such
Nominee Shares for notation of the above-referenced legend thereon.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
6. Representations and Warranties of Executive.
Executive represents and warrants to FFMC that:
(a) Executive is the sole beneficial owner of
fifty thousand (50,000) Restricted Shares and Options covering one hundred
seventeen thousand (117,000) shares of EBP Stock; and Executive has good title
to the Restricted Shares and the Options, and will maintain good title to the
Acquired FFMC Shares for so long as such shares are subject to the Call Option,
in each case free and clear of any agreements, liens, adverse claims or
encumbrances whatsoever, except for restrictions imposed under the terms of the
documents pursuant to which Executive acquired the Restricted Shares and the
Options and federal securities law restrictions applicable to the resale of the
Acquired FFMC Shares.
(b) Executive has the full right, power and
authority to enter into this Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Executive and is a valid and binding
agreement, enforceable against Executive in accordance with its terms.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement will not, with or without the giving of notice or the passage of
time, (i) violate any judgment, injunction or order of any court, arbitrator or
governmental agency applicable to Executive, or (ii) conflict with, result in
the breach of any provision of, constitute a default under, or require the
consent of any third party under, any agreement, instrument, judgment, order or
decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound.
7. Additional Covenants of Executive. Executive hereby
covenants and agrees that upon execution of the Merger Agreement:
(a) Executive will not enter into any
transaction, take any action, or by inaction permit any event to occur that
would result in any of the representations or warranties of such Executive
herein contained not being true and correct;
(b) Until the termination of this Agreement,
Executive shall not transfer, pledge, hypothecate, transfer by gift, or
otherwise dispose of the Restricted Shares, the Options or the Acquired FFMC
Shares in any manner whatsoever or agree to do any of the foregoing, except as
permitted by this Agreement; and
(c) Executive shall execute and deliver any
additional documents reasonably necessary or desirable, in the opinion of
FFMC's counsel, to implement and effect the provisions of this Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
8. Representations and Warranties of FFMC. FFMC
represents and warrants to Executive that FFMC has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this
Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of FFMC. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by FFMC and is a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable against FFMC in accordance with its terms.
9. Cooperation as to Regulatory Matters. FFMC will, and
Executive will use reasonable efforts to, seek all consents, authorizations,
clearances, orders or approvals of any executive, judicial or other public
authority, agency, department, bureau, division, unit or other public body,
person or entity required on the part of Executive in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. Executive shall cooperate fully and promptly
with FFMC's efforts to obtain any and all necessary approvals and to make any
filings under federal and state securities laws necessary in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate on the
earlier of (i) 90 days after the Effective Time or (ii) termination of the
Merger Agreement.
11. Binding Effect; Assignment. All rights and authority
granted herein by Executive shall survive the death or incapacity of such
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors
and permitted assigns. FFMC may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to
an entity controlled by or under common control with FFMC. Executive shall not
assign its rights or obligations hereunder without FFMC's written consent
except pursuant to Executive's last will and testament or applicable laws of
intestate succession.
12. Notices. All notices and communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered
personally or by Federal Express or other recognized overnight delivery
service, addressed to the respective party at the applicable address below, on
the date of such personal delivery or on the date deposited with such overnight
delivery service:
If to FFMC: First Financial Management Corporation
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Attn: Randolph L. M. Hutto, Senior
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
-4-
<PAGE> 5
If to Executive: William E. Sagan
1300 French Creek Drive
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
Any party may change the foregoing address from time to time by giving the
other party notice thereof.
13. Injunctive Relief; Remedies Cumulative.
(a) Each party hereto acknowledges that the other
party will be irreparably harmed and that there will be no adequate remedy at
law for a violation of any of the covenants or agreements of such party that
are contained in this Agreement. It is accordingly agreed that, in addition to
any other remedies that may be available to the non-breaching party upon the
breach by any other party of such covenants and agreements, the non-breaching
party shall have the right to obtain injunctive relief to restrain any breach
or threatened breach of such covenants or agreements or otherwise to obtain
specific performance of any of such covenants or agreements.
(b) No remedy conferred upon or reserved to any
party herein is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and every remedy
shall be cumulative and in addition to every other remedy herein or now or
hereafter existing at law, in equity or by statute.
14. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without
regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two
or more counterparts, all of which together shall constitute a single
agreement.
16. Effect of Partial Invalidity. Whenever possible,
each provision of this Agreement shall be construed in such a manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law. If any provision of this Agreement
or the application thereof to any party or circumstance shall be prohibited by
or invalid under applicable law, such provisions shall be ineffective to the
extent of such prohibition without invalidating the remainder of such provision
or any other provisions of this Agreement or the application of such provision
to the other party or other circumstances.
[Signatures on following page]
-5-
<PAGE> 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the
parties as of the date first above written.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ William E. Sagan
----------------------------------
William E. Sagan
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
/s/ M. Tarlton Pittard
----------------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
-6-
<PAGE> 7
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT (this "Amendment"),
dated as of August 31, 1995, is by and among First Financial Management
Corporation, a Georgia corporation ("FFMC"), and William E. Sagan
("Executive"), an executive of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("EBP"), and amends that certain Option and Stock Agreement between
the parties entered into effective May 12, 1995 (the "Agreement").
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, FFMC and Executive desire to amend the Agreement in certain
respects as provided herein.
STATEMENT OF AMENDMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants and
agreements of the parties herein and in the Agreement, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. AMENDMENTS.
a) Call Option. Section 3 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its
entirety.
b) Legending of Certificates; Nominee Shares. Section 5 of the Agreement
is hereby deleted in its entirety.
c) References to "Acquired FFMC Shares." All references to "Acquired FFMC
Shares" in the Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety.
2. GENERAL. As hereby amended, all terms and provisions of the Agreement
shall continue in full force and effect.
3. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be an original, and each of which shall constitute one and
the same amendment.
<PAGE> 8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment effective the
date first appearing above.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ William E. Sagan
---------------------------
William E. Sagan
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
/s/ M. Tarlton Pittard
---------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.4
OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT
THIS IS AN AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of May 12,
1995, between First Financial Management Corporation, a Georgia corporation
("FFMC"), and Timothy W. Kuck ("Executive"), an executive of Employee Benefit
Plans, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("EBP").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, EBP and FFMC propose to enter into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant
to which EBP would be merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC and the
holders of EBP's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("EBP Stock"), would
receive shares of FFMC's Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share ("FFMC Stock")
for shares of EBP Stock (the "Merger");
WHEREAS, FFMC, as a condition to its willingness to enter into
the Merger Agreement, has required Executive to grant to FFMC, effective upon
execution of the Merger Agreement by FFMC and EBP, the purchase rights set
forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Purchase of Restricted Stock. Executive hereby
agrees to sell, and FFMC hereby agrees to purchase, effective as of the
effective time of the Merger, as defined in the Merger Agreement (the
"Effective Time"), all of the ten thousand (10,000) shares of EBP Stock held by
Executive which are subject to restricted stock agreements (the "Restricted
Shares"), at a purchase price of fourteen and 70/100 dollars ($14.70) per share
in cash for each Restricted Share purchased. The purchase of the Restricted
Shares by FFMC shall be consummated simultaneously with the consummation of the
Merger.
2. Purchase of Options. Executive hereby agrees to
sell, and FFMC agrees to cause EBP, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FFMC as of
the Effective Time, to repurchase, all of the outstanding options to acquire
EBP Stock held by Executive (the "Options") for an amount in cash equal to
$14.70 per share of EBP Stock subject to each such option less the amount of
the option exercise price to acquire each such share. Such purchase shall
occur simultaneously with, or as soon as practicable following, the
consummation of the Merger.
3. Call Option. Executive hereby grants to FFMC the
exclusive right and option (the "Call Option"), exercisable in FFMC's sole
discretion, to purchase all or any portion of the shares of FFMC Stock, if any,
acquired by Executive pursuant to the
-1-
<PAGE> 2
sixteen thousand (16,000) performance share units awarded to Executive under
EBP's Long Term Incentive Performance Plan or upon conversion of shares of EBP
Stock acquired pursuant to such units into shares of FFMC stock at the
Effective Time (collectively, the "Acquired FFMC Shares"), for a purchase price
equal to the last closing price of FFMC Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on
the trading day next preceding the date on which notice of exercise of such
Call Option is given to Executive. The purchase rights provided in this
Section 3 shall be exercisable by FFMC as of the Effective Time and for 90 days
thereafter, or, if earlier, until termination of this Agreement. FFMC's
election to purchase the Acquired FFMC Shares shall be exercised by giving
notice to Executive not less than five business days prior to the date on which
the purchase is to be consummated, which FFMC notice shall specify the shares
of FFMC Stock that FFMC elects to purchase, the purchase price for such shares
(determined pursuant to this Section 3) and the date selected by FFMC for
consummation of the purchase.
4. Payment and Delivery of Certificate(s). In
connection with the consummation of any purchase pursuant to Sections 1, 2 or 3
(a "Closing"):
(a) FFMC or an affiliate (including EBP) will
make payment to Executive of the aggregate purchase price for the shares being
purchased or options repurchased in immediately available funds by wire
transfer to a bank designated by Executive prior to such Closing; and
(b) Executive will deliver to FFMC against
payment to Executive as provided in Section 4(a), a certificate or certificates
representing the number of shares of FFMC Stock or EBP Stock so purchased by
FFMC duly endorsed or with executed blank stock power attached, in either event
with signature guaranteed such that registered ownership of such shares may be
registered for transfer on the books of FFMC or EBP, or in the event of
repurchase of Options by EBP, will deliver all option agreements and option
certificates (if any) evidencing Executive's ownership of such Options, for
cancellation by EBP.
5. Legending of Certificates; Nominee Shares. Executive
agrees to submit to FFMC, upon its request, all certificates representing the
Acquired FFMC Shares so that FFMC may note thereon a legend referring to the
option and purchase rights granted to it by this Agreement. If any of the
Acquired FFMC Shares beneficially owned by Executive are held of record by a
brokerage firm in "street name" or in the name of any other nominee (a
"Nominee," and, as to such Shares, "Nominee Shares"), Executive agrees that,
upon written notice by FFMC so requesting, Executive will within five days of
the giving of such notice execute and deliver to FFMC a limited power of
attorney in such form as shall be reasonably satisfactory to FFMC enabling FFMC
to require the Nominee to submit to FFMC the certificates representing such
Nominee Shares for notation of the above-referenced legend thereon.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
6. Representations and Warranties of Executive.
Executive represents and warrants to FFMC that:
(a) Executive is the sole beneficial owner of ten
thousand (10,000) Restricted Shares and Options covering forty-eight thousand
(48,000) shares of EBP Stock; and Executive has good title to the Restricted
Shares and the Options, and will maintain good title to the Acquired FFMC
Shares for so long as such shares are subject to the Call Option, in each case
free and clear of any agreements, liens, adverse claims or encumbrances
whatsoever, except for restrictions imposed under the terms of the documents
pursuant to which Executive acquired the Restricted Shares and the Options and
federal securities law restrictions applicable to the resale of the Acquired
FFMC Shares.
(b) Executive has the full right, power and
authority to enter into this Agreement, and this Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Executive and is a valid and binding
agreement, enforceable against Executive in accordance with its terms.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement will not, with or without the giving of notice or the passage of
time, (i) violate any judgment, injunction or order of any court, arbitrator or
governmental agency applicable to Executive, or (ii) conflict with, result in
the breach of any provision of, constitute a default under, or require the
consent of any third party under, any agreement, instrument, judgment, order or
decree to which Executive is a party or by which Executive may be bound.
7. Additional Covenants of Executive. Executive hereby
covenants and agrees that upon execution of the Merger Agreement:
(a) Executive will not enter into any
transaction, take any action, or by inaction permit any event to occur that
would result in any of the representations or warranties of such Executive
herein contained not being true and correct;
(b) Until the termination of this Agreement,
Executive shall not transfer, pledge, hypothecate, transfer by gift, or
otherwise dispose of the Restricted Shares, the Options or the Acquired FFMC
Shares in any manner whatsoever or agree to do any of the foregoing, except as
permitted by this Agreement; and
(c) Executive shall execute and deliver any
additional documents reasonably necessary or desirable, in the opinion of
FFMC's counsel, to implement and effect the provisions of this Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
8. Representations and Warranties of FFMC. FFMC
represents and warrants to Executive that FFMC has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this
Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of FFMC. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by FFMC and is a valid and
binding agreement, enforceable against FFMC in accordance with its terms.
9. Cooperation as to Regulatory Matters. FFMC will, and
Executive will use reasonable efforts to, seek all consents, authorizations,
clearances, orders or approvals of any executive, judicial or other public
authority, agency, department, bureau, division, unit or other public body,
person or entity required on the part of Executive in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. Executive shall cooperate fully and promptly
with FFMC's efforts to obtain any and all necessary approvals and to make any
filings under federal and state securities laws necessary in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate on the
earlier of (i) 90 days after the Effective Time or (ii) termination of the
Merger Agreement.
11. Binding Effect; Assignment. All rights and authority
granted herein by Executive shall survive the death or incapacity of such
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors
and permitted assigns. FFMC may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to
an entity controlled by or under common control with FFMC. Executive shall not
assign its rights or obligations hereunder without FFMC's written consent
except pursuant to Executive's last will and testament or applicable laws of
intestate succession.
12. Notices. All notices and communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered
personally or by Federal Express or other recognized overnight delivery
service, addressed to the respective party at the applicable address below, on
the date of such personal delivery or on the date deposited with such overnight
delivery service:
If to FFMC: First Financial Management Corporation
3 Corporate Square, Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Attn: Randolph L. M. Hutto, Senior
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
-4-
<PAGE> 5
If to Executive: Timothy W. Kuck
5604 Code Avenue
Edina, Minnesota 55436
Any party may change the foregoing address from time to time by giving the
other party notice thereof.
13. Injunctive Relief; Remedies Cumulative.
(a) Each party hereto acknowledges that the other
party will be irreparably harmed and that there will be no adequate remedy at
law for a violation of any of the covenants or agreements of such party that
are contained in this Agreement. It is accordingly agreed that, in addition to
any other remedies that may be available to the non-breaching party upon the
breach by any other party of such covenants and agreements, the non-breaching
party shall have the right to obtain injunctive relief to restrain any breach
or threatened breach of such covenants or agreements or otherwise to obtain
specific performance of any of such covenants or agreements.
(b) No remedy conferred upon or reserved to any
party herein is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and every remedy
shall be cumulative and in addition to every other remedy herein or now or
hereafter existing at law, in equity or by statute.
14. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without
regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two
or more counterparts, all of which together shall constitute a single
agreement.
16. Effect of Partial Invalidity. Whenever possible,
each provision of this Agreement shall be construed in such a manner as to be
effective and valid under applicable law. If any provision of this Agreement
or the application thereof to any party or circumstance shall be prohibited by
or invalid under applicable law, such provisions shall be ineffective to the
extent of such prohibition without invalidating the remainder of such provision
or any other provisions of this Agreement or the application of such provision
to the other party or other circumstances.
[Signatures on following page]
-5-
<PAGE> 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the
parties as of the date first above written.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Timothy W. Kuck
----------------------------------
Timothy W. Kuck
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
/s/ M. Tarlton Pittard
----------------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
-6-
<PAGE> 7
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO OPTION AND STOCK AGREEMENT (this "Amendment"),
dated as of August 31, 1995, is by and among First Financial Management
Corporation, a Georgia corporation ("FFMC"), and Timothy W. Kuck
("Executive"), an executive of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("EBP"), and amends that certain Option and Stock Agreement between
the parties entered into effective May 12, 1995 (the "Agreement").
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, FFMC and Executive desire to amend the Agreement in certain
respects as provided herein.
STATEMENT OF AMENDMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants and
agreements of the parties herein and in the Agreement, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. AMENDMENTS.
a) Call Option. Section 3 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its
entirety.
b) Legending of Certificates; Nominee Shares. Section 5 of the Agreement
is hereby deleted in its entirety.
c) References to "Acquired FFMC Shares." All references to "Acquired FFMC
Shares" in the Agreement are hereby deleted in their entirety.
2. GENERAL. As hereby amended, all terms and provisions of the Agreement
shall continue in full force and effect.
3. COUNTERPARTS. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts,
each of which shall be an original, and each of which shall constitute one and
the same amendment.
<PAGE> 8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment effective the
date first appearing above.
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Timothy W. Kuck
---------------------------
Timothy W. Kuck
FIRST FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
/s/ M. Tarlton Pittard
---------------------------
M. Tarlton Pittard
Vice Chairman
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
First Financial Management Corporation of our reports dated January 27, 1995
relating to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of First
Financial Management Corporation as of December 31, 1993 and 1994 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 Financial Management Corporation for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Proxy Statement and Prospectus which is part of this
Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
September 18, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 20, 1995
incorporated by reference in Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota,
September 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement and Prospectus of Employee
Benefit Plans, Inc. and First Financial Management Corporation, which is made a
part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Financial Management
Corporation for the registration of its common stock, of our report dated
February 3, 1995, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of First
Data Corporation included in the Current Report on Form 8-K of First Financial
Management Corporation dated July 25, 1995.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
September 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.5
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement and Prospectus of Employee
Benefit Plans, Inc. and First Financial Management Corporation, which is made a
part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of First Financial Management
Corporation for the registration of its common stock, of our report dated
August 26, 1994 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of First
Data Corporation included in the Current Report on Form 8-K of First Financial
Management Corporation dated July 25, 1995.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Melville, New York
September 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.6
September 15, 1995
First Financial Management Corporation
We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement and
Prospectus of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. and First Financial Management
Corporation, which is made a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
First Financial Management Corporation for the registration of its common
stock, of our reports dated May 8 and August 4, 1995 relating to the unaudited
consolidated interim financial statements of First Data Corporation included in
the Current Reports on Form 8-K of First Management Corporation dated July 25
and September 11, 1995.
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our reports are not a
part of the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within
the meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.7
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement and
Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our
report dated February 22, 1994, relating to the financial statements of Western
Union Financial Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of New Valley
Corporation), which appears in the Current Report on Form 8-K of First
Financial Management Corporation dated November 4, 1994. We also consent to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Proxy Statement and
Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse LLP
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
Morristown, New Jersey
September 15, 1995
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.8
LEHMAN BROTHERS
TED B. BRECK
MANAGING DIRECTOR
September 14, 1995
Mr. Robert Pile
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
999 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 2500
Atlanta, GA 30309-3996
Dear Mr. Pile:
We hereby consent to the inclusion in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming
part of this Registration Statement of our opinion dated on or about September
18, 1995 to the Board of Directors of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. attached as
Annex B to such Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the references to such opinion
contained therein. 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, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Securities Act"), and we do not thereby admit that we are
experts with respect to any part of this Registration Statement within the
meaning of the term "expert" as used in the Securities Act.
By: /s/ Ted Breck
-------------
LEHMAN BROTHERS
555 CALIFORNIA STREET, 30TH FL. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104
TELEPHONE 415 274 5240 FACSIMILE 415 274 5382
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- OCTOBER 19, 1995
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints William E. Sagan or Timothy W. Kuck, or
either of them, as proxy of the undersigned, with full power of substitution,
for and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the
Special Meeting of Stockholders of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. ("EBP"), to be
held at the IDS Tower, 80 South Eighth Street, 50th Floor, Minneapolis,
Minnesota at 9:00 a.m., local time, on October 19, 1995 and at any adjournments
thereof, and to vote all shares of stock of EBP standing in the name of the
undersigned, as designated below, with all powers which the undersigned would
possess if personally at such meeting.
1. Proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 12,
1995, as amended, among First Financial Management Corporation, Gemini
Acquisition Corp. and Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. Proposal to approve the right of the Board of Directors of EBP to adjourn
the Special Meeting at its discretion, including an adjournment of the
Special Meeting to obtain a quorum and/or solicit additional stockholder
votes for proposal 1 above.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such procedural
or other matters as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN FOR
VOTING ON THE MATTERS ABOVE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR MATTERS 1 AND 2 ABOVE.
Stockholders who are present at the Special Meeting may withdraw their Proxy and
vote in person if they so desire. The undersigned has received the Proxy
Statement and Prospectus mailed to the stockholders of EBP in connection with
the above proposals.
Dated
------------------------------
------------------------------
Signature
------------------------------
Signature if held jointly
Please sign exactly as name(s)
appears on this Proxy, if
shares are registered. A
corporation should sign in its
full corporate name by a duly
authorized officer, stating his
title. Trustees, guardians,
executors and administrators
should sign in their official
capacity, giving their full
title as such. If a
partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized
person.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY
NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF RETURNED IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE> 2
EXHIBIT 99.1
CONFIDENTIAL VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TO PIPER TRUST COMPANY
AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
401(K) RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN
(EBP STOCK FUND)
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- OCTOBER 19, 1995
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COMPANY. I hereby direct that the voting rights pertaining to the common stock
of EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC. ("EBP") held in the EBP Stock Fund of the
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC. 401(K) RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN and allocable to
my account under such plan shall be exercised at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on October 19, 1995 at 9:00 a.m. local time, and at all
adjournments thereof, in accordance with the specifications appearing below. The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Proxy Statement and Prospectus
mailed to the stockholders of EBP in connection with the following proposals.
1. Proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 12,
1995, as amended, among First Financial Management Corporation, Gemini
Acquisition Corp. and Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. Proposal to approve the right of the Board of Directors of EBP to adjourn
the Special Meeting at its discretion, including an adjournment of the
Special Meeting to obtain a quorum and/or solicit additional stockholder
votes for proposal 1 above.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the persons named in the Proxy accompanying the Proxy
Statement and Prospectus are authorized to vote upon such procedural or
other matters as may properly come before the Special Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trustee's
representative will tabulate the instructions from all Participants and the
Trustee will vote all shares held in the Trust according to the instructions and
terms of the Trust Agreement.
This voting instruction card
must be returned to Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A. by October 16, 1995 if
your instructions are to be honored.
If a Participant does not timely
return a completed voting instruction
card, the Trustee will vote the shares
allocated to that Participant in the
same proportion as the allocated
shares which are timely voted by EBP
Stock Fund Participants under the
Plan.
Dated , 1995
---------------------------
--------------------------------------
Signature of Participant
The signature should be exactly as the
name appears printed to the left.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD PROMPTLY USING
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT 99.1
CONFIDENTIAL VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TO PIPER TRUST COMPANY
AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- OCTOBER 19, 1995
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COMPANY. I hereby direct that the voting rights pertaining to the common stock
of EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC. ("EBP") held by the EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS, INC.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN and allocable to my account under such plan shall
be exercised at the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 19,
1995 at 9:00 a.m. local time, and at all adjournments thereof, in accordance
with the specifications appearing below. The undersigned hereby acknowledges
receipt of the Proxy Statement and Prospectus mailed to the stockholders of EBP
in connection with the following proposals.
1. Proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 12,
1995, as amended, among First Financial Management Corporation, Gemini
Acquisition Corp. and Employee Benefit Plans, Inc.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. Proposal to approve the right of the Board of Directors of EBP to adjourn
the Special Meeting at its discretion, including an adjournment of the
Special Meeting to obtain a quorum and/or solicit additional stockholder
votes for proposal 1 above.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the persons named in the Proxy accompanying the Proxy
Statement are authorized to vote upon such procedural or other matters as
may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
In accordance with the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Trustee's
representative will tabulate the instructions from all Participants and the
Trustee will vote all shares held in the Trust according to the instructions and
terms of the Trust Agreement.
This voting instruction card
must be returned to Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A. by October 16, 1995,
if your instructions are to be
honored. If a Participant does not
timely return a completed voting
instruction card, the Trustee will
vote the shares allocated to that
Participant in the same proportion as
the allocated shares which are timely
voted by Participants under the Plan.
Dated , 1995
---------------------------
--------------------------------------
Signature of Participant
The signature should be exactly as the
name appears printed to the left.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD PROMPTLY USING
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to __________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-11073
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 47-0731996
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
401 HACKENSACK AVENUE
HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY 07601
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (201) 525-4702
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: SECURITIES
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
------------------- ----------------------
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share) New York Stock Exchange
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
---------------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 day s. Yes x No
-------- --------
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained,
to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. / /
Common shares of the registrant outstanding at January 31, 1995 were
107,716,262. The aggregate market value, as of January 31, 1995, of such common
shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $5.4 billion.
(Aggregate market value estimated solely for the purposes of this report. This
shall not be construed as an admission for the purposes of determining
affiliate status.)
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III: Portions of Registrant's Proxy Statement relating to the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 17, 1995.
===============================================================================
<PAGE> 2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
First Data Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company" or
"FDC") operate in one business segment providing high-quality, high-volume
information processing and related services to specific client groups: the
transaction card, payment instruments, teleservices, mutual fund, health care,
receivables and information management industries. In 1994, the Company began
placing strategic focus on its financial sector businesses. Consistent with
this focus, in 1994 the Company sold its cable services and hotel reservation
businesses. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--General and Developments."
The Company's annual revenues have grown from $845 million in 1990 to
$1.65 billion in 1994. The Company's revenue growth has been derived from five
sources: internal growth which consists primarily of increased transaction
processing for existing clients; the sale of ancillary products and enhanced
services to existing clients; the addition of new clients in existing product
lines; expansion into existing adjacent markets where the Company can provide
similar data processing services to new client groups; and acquisitions. See
"Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
The Company's business strategy is to generate recurring revenue by
developing long-term contractual relationships with clients that have decided
to outsource various information processing services. The Company's diverse
client base is comprised of over 2,500 customers, ranging from Fortune 500 and
Fortune's Service 500 companies to individually owned and operated businesses.
A majority of the Company's revenues are generated from agreements with terms
generally of two to five years' duration.
The Company's information processing facilities are comprised of
integrated networks of computer hardware, proprietary software and other
telecommunications and operations systems. The Company has data centers which
are capable of servicing a wide range of client groups, allowing it to process
transactions for hundreds of clients in a rapid and cost effective manner and
to take advantage of economies of scale when adding new clients. On an ongoing
basis, the Company enhances its proprietary systems and invests in selected new
technology in order to provide the flexibility and functionality necessary to
process an increasingly larger volume and variety of transactions. During the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, the Company invested
approximately $294 million, $193 million and $132 million, respectively,
comprised of $139 million, $108 million and $70 million, respectively, related
to systems development and programming (a portion of which is reimbursed by
clients of the Company), which were expensed as incurred, and $155 million, $85
million and $62 million, respectively, of capital expenditures for equipment
and facilities.
The Company regularly considers acquisition opportunities as well as
other forms of business combinations and divestitures. Historically, the
Company has been involved in numerous transactions of various magnitudes, for
consideration which included cash or securities or combinations thereof. The
Company continues to evaluate and to pursue transaction opportunities as they
arise. In evaluating opportunities for future expansion, the Company targets
markets in which it believes it can achieve and sustain a strong competitive
position. No assurance can be given with respect to the timing, likelihood or
the financial or business effect of any possible transaction. See "Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
First Data Corporation is incorporated in Delaware. Its principal
executive offices are located at 401 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey,
07601, telephone: (201) 525-4702.
FIRST DATA RESOURCES
The Company's oldest and largest business unit, First Data Resources
("FDR"), accounted for approximately 45 percent of the Company's consolidated
revenues on a worldwide basis during the year ended
1
<PAGE> 3
December 31, 1994 and approximately 40 percent during each of the years ended
December 31, 1993, and 1992. FDR is a third-party processor of MasterCard and
VISA card transactions in the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico. In
addition, FDR provides processing and other services to several oil and retail
card clients. FDR provides these services in connection with the credit and
debit card activities of approximately 1,400 financial institutions and other
card-issuers such as oil companies and retailers. In Australia, First Data
Resources Australia, which was purchased in September 1992, is the largest
independent third party electronic funds transfer (EFT) transaction processor
in that country, providing EFT point-of-sale and automated teller machine
services to approximately 235 financial institutions. In the United Kingdom,
First Data Resources Limited provides transaction card processing services and
similar services to approximately 28 clients. See "Note 11: Geographic
Operations" to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table sets forth (in millions) card accounts on file
for FDR for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT DECEMBER 31,
---------------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Card accounts(1) . . . . . . . . . 92.2 70.0 58.9 49.4 41.0
</TABLE>
------------
(1) Includes bankcard (credit and debit), oil company and retail store
credit cards. Excludes certain bankcard accounts for which the
Company does not provide full processing.
FDR provides services to financial institutions which issue
MasterCard and VISA cards to cardholders (cardholder processing), as well as to
financial institutions which make arrangements with merchants for acceptance of
MasterCard or VISA cards as methods of payment (merchant processing). The
pending acquisition of ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY) will provide the Company with
additional capabilities in the merchant processing business. In addition, upon
completion of the pending acquisition of Card Establishment Services, Inc.
(CES), the Company will provide merchant acquiror services directly for
merchants. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Developments."
As a cardholder processor, FDR performs a variety of credit
card-related transactions, including embossing, transaction reporting,
settlement and billing services, as well as certain security and related
services, for financial institution and private label card issuers. FDR has the
capability to provide services from the moment a card issuer determines to
issue a transaction card, such as a MasterCard, VISA or private label card, and
throughout the period of the card's use. When an application for a transaction
card is submitted to one of FDR's clients, FDR is able to monitor the status of
the cardholder application throughout the approval process as well as provide a
means for application scoring for the client. After the application is
approved, as well as when accounts are renewed, FDR's embossing facility can
issue the appropriate transaction card. FDR provides fraud management services
which monitor unauthorized use of cards which are reported to be lost, stolen
or exceeding credit limits, and coordinates with investigative and enforcement
authorities, at the card issuer's request, to prevent unauthorized use. Billing
statements are prepared and mailed directly to cardholders using FDR's own mail
facility. In addition, FDR offers remittance processing services, whereby
cardholder payments are mailed directly to FDR and posted to the cardholder
account, and thereafter funds are deposited on behalf of the card-issuing
institution.
As a merchant processor, FDR authorizes transactions, enters data
into its system and provides settlement and related services for clients with
merchant relationships. Authorization services include authorizing a
cardholder's purchase at the merchant location, either electronically or by
voice, through an on-line authorization network. FDR applies authorization
criteria established by the card-issuer and does not itself determine the
advisability of extending credit. Data capture includes data collection and
entry, based on transaction information provided by merchants to their banks,
which information is forwarded to FDR. Information is posted to the cardholder
account if maintained by FDR or, if the particular account is not maintained by
FDR, the information is transmitted electronically through the MasterCard and
VISA
2
<PAGE> 4
networks. The Company also provides merchant processing services including
merchant support services on behalf of clients, such as customer service,
chargeback processing and collection activities. In addition to merchant
processing, the Company will provide merchant acquiror services directly for
merchants upon completion of the pending acquisition of CES. See "Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Developments."
Additionally, FDR offers a variety of enhanced services to its
clients allowing FDR to create a differentiated competitive position while
increasing its revenues, improving client retention and facilitating client
marketing. These enhanced services include cardholder behavior scoring
products, customized letter products, a commercial paper program permitting the
financing of client card receivables and customer database analysis tools.
During 1994, the services provided by FDR in North America were
organized into three principal business units. The first focuses on bankcard
issuing and processing services, consisting primarily of cardholder processing.
The second, electronic funds services ("EFS"), includes merchant processing,
front-end merchant services, oil card, retail and debit services, and will
include the ENVOY and CES businesses. The last business unit ("Card Program
Management") consists of customer services, billing services, and credit
applications activities.
FDR clients include a wide variety of banks, savings and loan
associations and credit unions participating in MasterCard, VISA, automated
teller machine and debit and calling card programs as well as private label and
oil-card issuers.
FDR's revenues consist primarily of fees payable under processing
contracts. The amount of such fees has varied depending on the number of
transactions processed rather than the dollar amount of each such transaction.
FDR's processing services involve hundreds of types of transactions which are
separately priced and negotiated with clients. Most customer contracts provide
for the payment of minimum annual processing fees, payable without regard to
transaction volume, and for price increases during the contract term. In some
instances, FDR may make an advance payment to a client when a processing
contract is signed.
Recent changes in the banking industry, including mergers,
restructurings, sales of credit card businesses and sales of merchant
contracts, are having an impact on FDR's clients and potential clients. In some
instances, FDR could lose business if the surviving or acquiring financial
institution handles its data processing in-house or uses a competitor of FDR.
While these changes in the banking industry have not significantly affected
FDR's business to date, similar transactions in the future could impact FDR.
INTEGRATED PAYMENT SYSTEMS
Integrated Payment Systems ("IPS") provides payment instrument transaction
processing to financial institutions and to retail customers. In addition, IPS
provides consumer funds transfer service processing to retail consumers. These
services involve the marketing, through the agent network of American Express
Travel Related Services Company, Inc. ("TRS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the American Express Company ("American Express"), and processing of the
following types of payment instruments and services: American Express(R)
Official Checks (which serve as an alternative to a bank's own disbursement
items, such as teller's or cashier's checks), American Express Money Orders
and the MoneyGram(SM) service (collectively referred to as "payment
instruments"). Pursuant to a management agreement among the Company, IPS and
TRS (as amended, the "Management Agreement"), IPS manages the payment
instruments (excluding American Express Travelers Cheques and Gift Cheques)
business for TRS, although TRS has been, and currently is, the state-licensed
issuer and provider of such payment instruments services. See "Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Beginning in 1994, principally as a result of the acquisition of
Citicorp's official check business, IPS commenced the issuance of its own
official checks through a new network of IPS agents. See "Item 7.
3
<PAGE> 5
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Developments." In 1994 approximately 45% of the Official Checks
processed by IPS were American Express Official Checks. IPS also is engaged in
providing cash and information management services facilitating electronic
funds transfer such as cash concentration and information reporting. Finally,
IPS provides utility bill payment processing services which permit utility
customers to pay their utility bills at non-utility locations. IPS then
consolidates these funds and remits them to the utility. In 1994, IPS accounted
for approximately twelve percent of the Company's revenues as compared with
twelve percent and eleven percent in 1993 and 1992, respectively.
IPS manages the money order and MoneyGram(SM) business through a
network of selling agents with approximately 62,000 sales outlets, including
financial institutions and check cashing bureaus, selected supermarkets,
convenience stores, packaging and postal outlets and airport facilities. These
sales outlets also include American Express Travel Service and representative
offices. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the contracts with agents
selling TRS payment instruments have been negotiated and managed by IPS but
executed in the name of TRS. The following table sets forth (in millions) the
payment instrument transactions processed by IPS (including, for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, payment management services provided to
utility companies as described above) for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Payment instrument transactions
processed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276.6 232.4 201.0 172.7 159.8
</TABLE>
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, IPS and TRS have agreed to
establish and implement a transition plan under which the current relationship
with TRS with respect to the American Express payment instruments business will
be phased out during a five-year period ending April 16, 1997. In this
connection, American Express licensed to IPS the use of its name and certain
trademarks (collectively, the "Marks") until April 1997. During the five-year
transition period, TRS and its subsidiaries have agreed not to compete with the
Company by issuing payment instruments, and American Express has agreed not to
license the Marks to any other person for use in connection with the payment
instruments business. As a result of this transition, IPS has obtained state
licenses and will have to enter into new arrangements with TRS selling agents
which may involve a renegotiation of terms. However, as stated above, in 1994
IPS began issuing official checks in its own name and has begun to establish
its own network of selling agents.
IPS has acquired the MoneyGram(SM) mark and is evaluating the
purchase of other established marks and/or existing selling agent networks, as
well as the development of new marks, in connection with the phase out of the
use of the Marks. The evaluation of a mark depends upon an analysis of the type
of service represented and the characteristics of the customer served. Based
upon its experience to date, IPS believes that the transition period provides
adequate time for IPS to implement alternative strategies in its markets. The
inability of the Company to successfully establish its services under a new
name, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's revenues from the
payment instrument business. See "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions," and "Note 2: Payment Instruments" and "Note 3: Related Party
Transactions" to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further
discussion of the Company's relationship with TRS and American Express.
Net proceeds from the sale of payment instruments are invested upon
receipt, in accordance with state law, in portfolios of high-quality marketable
securities (the "Portfolios") until payment instruments are properly
presented for payment. At December 31, 1994, the TRS Portfolio had a carrying
value of $1.8 billion. The IPS Portfolio had a net carrying value of $900
million at December 31, 1994. The two Portfolios are not commingled. The
securities in the TRS Portfolio are not segregated from the general assets of
TRS and accordingly may be subject to claims of general creditors of TRS. See
"Note 2: Payment Instruments" to the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, IPS is required to pay all
amounts due upon the proper presentment of TRS payment instruments, which
amounts are satisfied from assets of the TRS Portfolio. Although it has never
been necessary, it is possible that IPS could
4
<PAGE> 6
be called upon to use its own funds to satisfy amounts due upon presentment in
the event that a default or investment loss occurs in respect to any investment
in the TRS Portfolio.
In 1994, IPS's revenues primarily consisted of processing fees earned
from TRS under the Management Agreement as well as earnings resulting from the
sale of IPS Instruments. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Results of
Operations-Revenues." The processing fees from the sale of TRS instruments are
comprised of transaction fees remitted by selling agents and an amount based on
the pretax equivalent of the earnings on the Portfolio (plus or minus any gains
or losses with respect to securities that have been liquidated), net of
commissions payable to the selling agents. In recent years, a substantial
portion of IPS's revenues has been attributable to earnings on the TRS
Portfolio. Investment decisions with respect to these funds are made in
accordance with investment guidelines of IPS and TRS, which meet state law
requirements for such funds as well as prudent business standards. The
guidelines generally establish criteria related to the creditworthiness, concen
tration, liquidity and risk of investment. These guidelines are reviewed
periodically to address changes in regulatory requirements as well as market
climate. In July 1992, American Express Financial Advisors, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Express, commenced managing each Portfolio in
accordance with the guidelines applicable to each Portfolio. The guidelines are
intended to maintain overall asset quality and to reduce risk by restricting
the proportion of each Portfolio which may be invested in each of the various
general categories of eligible investments as defined by state regulations.
These guidelines also impose restrictions on transaction size and exposure to
individual issuers in order to encourage geographic, industry and issuer
diversification. See "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
FIRST DATA INTEGRATED SERVICES
First Data Integrated Services ("FDIS") provides clients with
recurring, value-added computer-based telephone and information processing
services employing voice networks, electronic equipment and human operators.
FDIS provides a significant customer with 24-hour operator services, including
personnel to handle telephone calls, facilities, training and certain equipment
necessary to provide such services. To increase efficiencies, in December of
1994, FDIS' teleservices division made the decision to consolidate its voice
centers, resulting in a workforce reduction. Other telephonic and on-line
services provided by FDIS include interactive information services called
FastData and FirstPursuit which provide consumer and business, electronic
directory assistance and credit-based information to businesses who provide
application verifications, fraud preventions, collections, and skiptracing
services, and a computer-based interactive telephone service to gather, process
and disseminate information for client marketing needs. The revenues of FDIS
consist primarily of fees paid by customers which are, in general, based on
call volume, duration, and transactions.
THE SHAREHOLDER SERVICES GROUP
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. ("TSSG") provides a variety of
services to the mutual fund industry. TSSG has business units providing
transfer agent services, fund administration and accounting services,
print/mail, fulfillment and proxy services, and retirement account
recordkeeping and transaction services.
FDC began operations in the mutual fund transfer agency business in
1989, through its acquisition of TSSG from The Boston Company, and further
expanded in 1990 with the conversion of accounts of The Dreyfus Corporation,
acquisition of the mutual fund transfer agency business of Mellon Bank
Corporation and several other new client conversions. Investment companies use
TSSG to record and process shareholder account activity, respond to shareholder
inquiries, and provide shareholder statements. In addition to traditional
shareholder servicing and recordkeeping services, TSSG provides certain
administrative services to aid mutual funds in their proxy solicitation
processes and provides printing and mailing services for marketing and other
activities of its customers. Recordkeeping and brokerage services for 401(k)
retirement plans and document imaging services initiated in 1993, represent new
opportunities for growth. In 1994,
5
<PAGE> 7
TSSG also expanded its services by purchasing the third-party mutual fund
administration business of The Boston Company. In 1994, TSSG accounted for
approximately 13% of the Company's revenues as compared with eleven percent in
each of 1993 and 1992.
TSSG's shareholder servicing and recordkeeping revenues consist
primarily of annual fees paid in monthly installments based on the number of
shareholder accounts. The following table sets forth (in millions) the number
of mutual fund shareholder accounts serviced by TSSG at the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------------
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mutual Fund Shareholder Accounts . . . . . . . . 12.1 11.0 9.8 8.7 8.7
</TABLE>
Fund accounting and administration fees consist primarily of annual
fees paid in monthly installments based on asset levels. As of December 31,
1994, the mutual fund administration business consisted of a diverse group of
28 clients with fund assets of approximately $40 billion. Fees for printing,
mailing, and proxy solicitations are charged by volume on a per job basis.
Retirement plan servicing fees consist of monthly billings based on contractual
agreements, the number of plan participants or asset levels. Fees charged for
additional services are billed on a per transaction basis.
HEALTH SYSTEMS GROUP
Health Systems Group ("HSG") provides management information
systems and services to approximately 600 hospitals, medical group practices,
and medical facilities throughout the United States, as well as in Australia,
Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and other countries. HSG offers a comprehensive
range of computer-based services, including computerized patient records,
medical records imaging, on-line patient file management, account billing,
scheduling, accounting, payroll, and insurance and claims processing, in a
user-friendly format. HSG is in the process of developing new products to
address current regulatory and market changes. HSG's products are intended to
contribute to improved cash flow and better financial and clinical
administration for healthcare institutions.
HSG increased its client base of domestic hospitals and expanded
internationally as a result of the acquisition of all of the outstanding stock
of Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (Gerber Alley) in December 1992. In the
Gerber Alley acquisition, HSG acquired an in-house data processing and
management system which serves medium- to large- sized hospitals located in the
United States and other countries.
HSG's revenues consist of customer fees based on transaction volume,
fees from the license and maintenance of software accounted for over the period
during which HSG has significant contract support responsibilities and, to a
lesser extent, revenues from the resale and maintenance of equipment.
ACB BUSINESS SERVICES
ACB Business Services ("ACB") operates a receivables management
service nationwide, serving clients engaged in healthcare, travel and
entertainment card, retail, banking and oil and gas activities as well as
serving certain governmental entities. ACB provides accounts receivable
management services to TRS, a significant ACB client. ACB's revenues consist
primarily of commissions paid on collections for accounts managed by ACB.
ACB entered into an agreement with TRS and American Express Centurion
Bank, effective March 1993, providing for ACB to service a significant portion
of delinquent accounts receivable relating to the American Express(R) Card and
the Optima(SM) Card. ACB granted certain indemnification rights relating to the
performance of its services. In October 1994, the parties modified the
agreement to extend its term and remove ACB's competitive performance based
indemnification obligations and TRS's and Centurion Bank's volume placement
requirements.
6
<PAGE> 8
FIRST DATA TECHNOLOGIES
First Data Technologies ("FDT") is dedicated to providing complete
systems management support to the Company. FDT resulted from the consolidation
of the Company's data center activities to central locations. In 1994, the
Company's data centers in Boston, Massachusetts, Charlotte, North Carolina, and
Tulsa, Oklahoma, were consolidated with existing operations in Omaha, Nebraska
and Englewood, Colorado. FDT is also responsible for activities associated with
new data center acquisitions which the Company may undertake.
COMPETITION
The industry in which the Company's businesses operate is highly
competitive, with features and capabilities, quality of service, price,
reputation and, in some cases, convenience to the client being the principal
competitive elements. The Company's ability to compete effectively also may
depend on available capital. Many of the Company's competitors have access to
significant capital and management resources. The Company is not aware of any
competitor which provides the same range of services as the Company; however,
the industry is highly fragmented and the Company faces significant competitors
in each of its businesses. The Company's activities require the Company to
compete with established competitors. In addition, the Company competes with
businesses that internally perform data processing or other services offered by
the Company.
FDR competes with other third-party cardholder and/or merchant
processors, such as Total System Services, Inc., Maryland Bank, N.A. (formerly
Southwestern States BankCard Association), Electronic Data Systems Corporation
and Financial Card Services Inc. FDR's major non-bank competitors for merchant
processing are National BankCard Corporation (a division of First Financial
Management Corporation), National Data Corporation and National Processing
Company, Inc.
IPS competes with Western Union Financial Services, Inc. (a division
of First Financial Management Corporation), which originated the consumer funds
transfer product. With respect to money orders, IPS competes with Travelers
Express Company, Inc. and the United States Postal Service.
American Express and its subsidiaries currently compete with the
Company in certain areas (none of which is material to the Company). American
Express and its subsidiaries also perform for themselves services which are the
same or similar to services offered by the Company. Such services include
charge or credit card processing, and transfer agency services. Clients of the
Company directly compete with the business of American Express. See "Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Among significant potential competitors of the Company are
International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and the regional Bell
operating companies ("RBOCs"). IBM has a business unit which operates as a
third-party outsourcer and possesses resources with which to compete vigorously
with the Company. The RBOCs, which were granted judicial permission to enter
the information services business, also possess resources with which to compete
vigorously with the Company.
REGULATION
Various aspects of the Company's businesses are subject to federal
and state regulation which, depending on the nature of any noncompliance, may
result in the suspension or revocation of any license or registration at issue,
as well as the imposition of civil fines and criminal penalties. As a provider
of electronic data processing services to regulated financial institutions, FDR
is subject to regulatory oversight and examination by the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council. Moreover, the services FDR provides must
comply with certain federal and state laws and regulations governing consumer
credit including disclosure of the cost of credit to the consumer.
7
<PAGE> 9
In the case of IPS, most states license issuers of payment
instruments and many require, among other things, that proceeds from the sales
of such instruments and services be invested in high-quality marketable
securities pending encashment. Such licensing laws also may cover matters such
as regulatory approval of agent locations and the filing of periodic reports by
the licensee. IPS has completed the process of obtaining appropriate state
licenses. IPS is evaluating the timing and means of issuing retail payment
instruments and money transfer services consistent with its business
objectives. IPS is required, in order to continue as a licensed issuer, to seek
regulatory approval in several states if a stockholder of the Company were to
hold shares sufficient to constitute a change of control under applicable law.
In addition, there are federal and state laws and regulations designed to
prohibit money laundering activities in the payment instruments business.
TSSG also is subject to federal securities laws relating to, among
other things, the regulation of transfer agents. HSG is subject to compliance
with certain regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid transactions and other
state and federal regulations. ACB is subject to extensive state and federal
regulations and licensing requirements governing collections activities.
To date the Company has experienced no material difficulties in
complying with the various laws and regulations affecting its businesses.
EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS
At December 31, 1994, the Company employed approximately 22,000
employees, over 90 percent of whom were full-time employees. A significant
number of the Company's employees in the United Kingdom are members of the
Banking Insurance & Finance Union ("BIFU"). The Company's employees are not
otherwise represented by any labor organization. The Company believes its
relations with its employees and BIFU generally to be good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases executive office space at 401 Hackensack Avenue,
Hackensack, New Jersey and at 11718 Nicholas Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to the principal
facilities used in connection with the Company's operations. Unless otherwise
indicated, such facilities are leased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
BUSINESS UNIT LOCATION SQUARE FOOTAGE
------------- -------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebraska (3 facilities)* 501,600
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebraska (6 facilities) 511,010
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa, Oklahoma 146,765
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basildon, England (4 facilities)* 261,600
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southend-on-Sea, England 39,530
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hazelwood, Missouri 44,820
FDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleveland, Ohio 82,544
IPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Englewood, Colorado 283,441
FDIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Omaha, Nebraska 40,333
FDIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pensacola, Florida* 57,600
FDIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi, Texas* 57,600
TSSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Providence, Rhode Island 114,000
TSSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boston, Massachusetts 218,183
HSG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte, North Carolina 370,000
ACB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phoenix, Arizona 67,397
-------------
* Owned
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE> 10
The Company owns or leases a number of additional facilities in the
United States and the United Kingdom which are used for operational, sales and
administrative purposes. The Company's lease obligations generally include
customary provisions regarding increases in rent and related costs, such as
property taxes. The Company believes that its facilities are suitable and
adequate for its businesses; however, the Company periodically reviews its
space requirements to consolidate and dispose of or sublet facilities which are
no longer required in connection with its businesses and to acquire new space
to meet the needs of its businesses.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company has been advised by letter dated February 24, 1995 from
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the SEC is conducting an
informal inquiry which the Company understands relates to its purchase
accounting practices for the period of January 1, 1989 to the present. The
Company intends to fully cooperate with the SEC. The Company's external
auditors have issued their opinions regarding the Company's financial
statements without qualification for each fiscal year during the period under
review. The Company and its external auditors continue to believe that the
Company's purchase accounting practices are in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. Either as a result of the SEC's inquiry or the
Company's own pending review of the matter under the auspices of the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors, it may be determined that the Company's
purchase accounting practices require some revision. The revision, if material,
may involve the restatement of prior period financial statements.
In October 1991, Travelers Express Company, Inc. ("Travelers
Express") filed a complaint against American Express Company in the United
States District Court for the District of Minnesota alleging that the automated
money order dispensing machine used by American Express Money Order selling
agents infringes upon several patents held by Travelers Express. In April 1993,
this action was dismissed. On April 22, 1993, Travelers Express filed another
complaint against TRS and IPS in the United States District Court for the
District of Minnesota alleging that the automated money order dispensing
machine used by American Express Money Order agents infringes several patents
held by Travelers Express. On December 14, 1994, IPS and Travelers Express
reached a settlement of the action in which IPS pays Travelers Express a
license fee subject to a cap in exchange for a license to use the existing
Travelers Express patents and applications for their full terms. The parties
have not yet executed definitive documentation of the settlement and have
agreed to submit certain disputes about the terms of their agreement to the
court for resolution. The Company believes that the settlement will not have a
material adverse effect on the business or financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
In addition, from time to time the Company is involved in various
litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business, none of
which, either individually or in the aggregate, is material to the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the registrant's stockholders
during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended December 31, 1994.
9
<PAGE> 11
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The principal market for the Company's common stock is the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE). The following table sets forth, for the indicated
calendar periods, the reported high and low sales prices of the common stock on
the NYSE Composite Tape and the cash dividends per share of common stock. At
December 31, 1994, the registrant had 782 common stockholders of record.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIVIDENDS
HIGH LOW PER SHARE
---- --- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993
----
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 31 1/4 .03
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 1/4 32 7/8 .03
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 34 3/4 .03
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 1/4 36 1/2 .03
1994
----
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 40 5/8 .03
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 1/2 40 3/4 --(1)
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 1/4 40 1/2 .06(1)
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 5/8 45 1/2 .03
</TABLE>
------------
(1) In 1994, the Company declared $.03 per share dividends on March 16,
July 27, September 28, and December 7, resulting in two dividend
declarations in the third quarter and none in the second quarter.
The timing and amount of future dividends will be (i) dependent upon
the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and
other relevant factors, (ii) subject to the discretion of the Board of
Directors of the Company and (iii) payable only out of the Company's surplus or
current net profits in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware. The terms of the Company's debt facilities limit the Company's
ability to pay dividends through a minimum net worth covenant requiring the
Company to maintain its consolidated net worth, as defined, at a minimum level
of $700 million plus 25 percent of consolidated net income, as defined, earned
subsequent to December 31, 1993. As of December 31, 1994, approximately $287
million was available for the payment of dividends under these restrictions.
10
<PAGE> 12
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (A)
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND WHERE INDICATED) 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
----------------------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,652.2 $1,490.3 $1,205.3 $1,026.2 $845.0
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397.4 332.3 265.5 221.6 169.4
Pretax income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356.1 290.9 231.6 191.1 166.5
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208.1 173.0 141.4 118.0 102.7
Depreciation and amortization (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165.5 136.2 111.3 89.3 70.1
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF YEAR)
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,419.4 $3,954.7 $3,839.6 $3,126.3 $2,219.0
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166.2 298.0 159.6 130.3 17.3
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866.5 811.4 714.1 627.4 450.6
Other intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296.3 224.0 165.9 98.2 112.0
Total liabilities (excluding long-term debt) . . . . . . . . . 3,929.4 2,478.9 2,694.1 2,115.8 1,555.1
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474.7 521.3 351.3 443.9 164.6
Stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,015.3 954.5 794.2 566.6 499.3
COMMON SHARE STATISTICS (C)
Net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1.87 $ 1.56 $ 1.30 $ 1.13 $ 0.99
Cash dividend declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.12 0.12 0.21 0.50 0.77
SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
Card accounts on file(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.2 70.0 58.9 49.4 41.0
Card and merchant transactions processed (d) . . . . . . . . . 3,319.4 2,823.2 2.284.2 1,697.7 1,233.5
Payment instrument transactions processed (e) . . . . . . . . . 276.6 232.4 201.0 172.7 159.8
Mutual fund shareholder accounts on file . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1 11.0 9.8 8.7 8.7
Return on average stockholders' equity (f) . . . . . . . . . . 20.3% 20.0% 20.3% 22.6% 21.8%
</TABLE>
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(a) Amounts include the effect of certain businesses acquired or disposed of
during the periods presented. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(b) Includes amounts charged against revenues.
(c) Reflects retroactive recognition of a common stock dividend to American
Express of 104,113,626 shares declared in connection with the Company's
initial public offering in April 1992.
(d) Includes bankcard (credit and debit), oil company and retail store credit
cards. Excludes certain bankcard accounts for which the Company does not
provide full processing.
(e) Includes consumer funds transfer services and, for 1994, 1993 and 1992,
transactions related to the Company's utility bill payment product.
(f) Based upon the preceding twelve months' net income and preceding thirteen
months' average stockholders' equity.
Note: Certain prior years' amounts have been restated to conform to the current
year's presentation.
11
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
First Data Corporation (the Company or FDC) operates in one business
segment providing high-quality, high-volume information processing and related
services to several market sectors. In 1994, the Company began placing
strategic focus on the financial sector where it believes it holds competitive
advantages and sees significant opportunities for growth. The Company's
financial sector businesses, which include the transaction card processing,
payment instruments, mutual fund servicing and receivables management
businesses, represented approximately 75 percent of the Company's consolidated
revenues and a slightly greater proportion of the Company's consolidated
operating income in 1994. In 1993, these businesses contributed approximately
two-thirds of the Company's consolidated revenues and a greater proportion of
the Company's consolidated operating income.
The Company's annual revenues have grown from $1.2 billion in 1992 to $1.7
billion in 1994. The Company's revenue growth has been derived from five
primary sources: internal growth which consists primarily of increased
transaction processing for existing clients; sales of ancillary products and
enhanced services to existing clients; the addition of new clients in existing
product lines; expansion into existing adjacent markets where the Company can
provide similar data processing services to new client groups such as oil card
transaction processing; and acquisitions. The Company will continue to pursue
these sources of growth. The sources to which growth has been primarily
attribut able are discussed under "Results of Operations."
A majority of FDC's revenues are generated from agreements with terms
generally ranging from two to five years. The Company's revenues have been
primarily dependent on the number of transactions processed rather than the
dollar amount of each transaction. In addition, many arrangements also provide
for the payment by the client of a minimum annual fee without regard to
transaction volume.
The Company regularly considers acquisition opportunities as well as other
forms of business combinations and divestitures. Historically, the Company has
been involved in numerous transactions of various magnitudes, for consideration
which has included cash or securities (including common stock) or combinations
thereof. The Company continues to evaluate and pursue transaction opportunities
as they arise. No assurance can be given with respect to the timing, likelihood
or the financial or business effect of any possible transaction.
DEVELOPMENTS
During 1994, the Company obtained new clients and expanded its offering of
enhanced services through the purchase of several businesses including
Citicorp's official check business (the new official check business), a
third-party mutual fund administration business, and a business that provides
credit and debit card authorization. In addition, the Company signed other
major new clients in its existing product lines as well as in adjacent markets
such as oil card transaction processing, including Bank of New York, Associates
National Bank, Amoco Oil, Mobil Oil, two large Mexican banks and a large
utility company. This new business is estimated to have aggregate annualized
revenues exceeding $250 million. Several of the signings are not expected to
contribute to the Company's financial performance until the second half of 1995
due to the significant conversion efforts required.
In November 1994, the Company completed the sale of its cable services and
hotel reservation businesses for aggregate cash proceeds of $143 million.
Revenues from these businesses accounted for approximately 5 percent of the
Company's consolidated revenues and a lesser percentage of its consolidated
operating income. In November 1993, the Company completed the sale of its
telemarketing business, WATS Marketing of America, Inc. (WATS Marketing), for
cash proceeds of $63 million. The agreement also contained provisions for
additional proceeds if certain 1994 revenue levels were met, for which the
Company recognized $10 million in 1994. This business accounted for
approximately 5 percent of the Company's consolidated revenues and a lesser
percent of the Company's consolidated operating income. See Note 4 to the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
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In November 1994, the Company announced execution of a merger agreement to
acquire CESI Holdings, Inc. (CES) and its subsidiary, Card Establishment
Services, Inc., a leading merchant transaction processor. The merger will be
effected by the transfer of FDC common stock with an aggregate value of
approximately $500 million to CES shareholders. The parties expect to close the
transaction by the end of the 1995 first quarter.
In the 1994 third quarter, the Company announced an agreement to purchase
the merchant processing and point-of-sale unit of ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY).
The merger, which is expected to close by the end of the 1995 first quarter,
will be effected by the transfer of FDC common stock with an approximate
aggregate value of $156 million to ENVOY shareholders. In addition, a
contingent payment of up to $21 million in the form of FDC common stock will be
due over a one- to three-year period if the ENVOY unit purchased attains
certain performance objectives.
The Company believes that the mergers with CES and ENVOY will provide the
Company with enhanced technological, operational and distribution capabilities
in the merchant processing business as well as additional economies of scale.
In addition, the Company believes that the mergers will complement current
product offerings in the merchant processing business by strengthening both
front-end and back-office transaction processing capabilities. The purpose of
the mergers is to provide the Company's bank clients with maximum cost
efficiencies and operational performance so they can aggressively compete in
the merchant acquiring business against vertically integrated non-bank
competitors which have been increasing their market share. The Company intends
to leverage the merchant contracts of CES by entering into alliances with
clients that are expected to provide immediate scale, operational and marketing
efficiencies to the benefit of both the Company and its clients. In integrating
CES and ENVOY with the Company's operations, FDC seeks to create value for its
clients. For example, the Company believes that the enhanced merchant base will
create greater opportunities for promotional programs targeted to the
cardholders of the Company's issuing bank clients. CES' merchants and FDC's
merchant acquiring bank customers will benefit from cardholder promotions
through increased sales. Through this strategy, FDC expects to benefit from
increased volumes, merchants and cardholder accounts.
The Company has been pursuing strategic alliance programs with bank
clients offering them the opportunity to participate in the merchant
relationships associated with the existing business of CES. In pursuing
alliances, FDC will build upon the alliance strategy implemented by CES in
connection with the CES joint venture with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. The alliance
structures will vary depending upon the needs and objectives of each bank
client and FDC, as well as applicable tax, regulatory and other considerations.
It is expected, however, that each alliance program will involve the Company
contributing a selected portion of the CES merchant contracts, cash or a
combination of contracts and cash to the alliance in exchange for the bank
client contributing its merchant business to the alliance. The Company
generally expects that its ownership interest in any particular alliance will
range from 25 to 50 percent. The alliance structure will be designed to
preserve each bank's existing merchant relationships, while allowing both the
Company and bank to share in the opportunities arising from their respective
existing merchant businesses as well as new merchant business generated through
the alliance. On January 26, 1995, the Company announced it had signed a letter
of intent with a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp to form such an alliance.
Prior to 1994, FDC issued payment instruments solely under the name of
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express). In 1994, the
Company's payment instruments business began transitioning from American
Express to its own payment instruments. In conjunction with the acquisition of
the new official check business described above, the Company began signing new
official check agents as well as converting the acquired and new agents to its
own payment instruments which generated an investment portfolio balance of
approximately $900 million at December 31, 1994. This is in addition to the
investment portfolio of approximately $1.8 billion generated from the Company's
sale of TRS payment instruments. FDC has acquired the MoneyGram(SM) mark for
the consumer funds transfer service. During 1994, the Company began an
aggressive marketing campaign incorporating price promotions and advertising of
the MoneyGram(SM) service in a strategy to use its advantageous cost structure
to expand market share. The Company anticipates
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<PAGE> 15
that the continued transition away from the American Express name will not have
a material impact on its results of operations.
In 1995, the Company expects revenues and net income to grow in excess of
its long-term objective of 20 percent, depending on the timing and costs
associated with integrating new clients and acquisitions. After accounting for
the shares issued to CES and ENVOY shareholders, earnings per share for the
year is expected to grow near the Company's objective of 20 percent. The
Company expects growth in the second half to be stronger than in the first half
because of the timing of conversions and acquisitions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues
The Company's revenues increased 11 percent in 1994 to $1.7 billion from
$1.5 billion in 1993 and $1.2 billion in 1992. Adjusting for the impact of
divested businesses and the absence of the 1993 nonrecurring securities gains
discussed under "Expenses," consolidated 1994 revenues increased 20 percent
over 1993. The increased revenue came primarily from strong growth in its U.S.
transaction card processing, payment instruments and mutual fund servicing
businesses. Approximately 90 percent of the 1994 growth resulted from the sale
of enhanced services, new client signings, and internal growth primarily in its
financial sector businesses. Approximately 50 percent of the 1993 increase came
from sales of enhanced services, new client signings, and internal growth with
the remainder due to acquisitions and, to a lesser extent, expansion into
existing adjacent markets. Growth from acquisitions was principally
attributable to revenues from the Company's receivables management business and
Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. (Gerber Alley). "Revenues from affiliates"
decreased in 1994 primarily due to revenue earned from former subsidiaries of
American Express which is now classified in "Fee revenues, net".
Worldwide transaction card processing revenues grew by approximately $150
million over 1993 primarily due to increased U.S. card accounts and
transactions processed as well as increased sales of enhanced services. The
volume of worldwide card and merchant transactions processed, including
bankcard, oil company and retail store credit cards, increased 18 percent to
3.3 billion in 1994 compared with 2.8 billion in 1993 and 2.3 billion in 1992.
The 1994 increase in card and merchant transactions processed is attributable
to a 29 percent increase in the U.S. market. FDC's U.K. transaction card
processing operations (FDRL) experienced a 5 percent decline in transactions
processed due to the internalization of merchant transaction processing by one
of its major customers, which occurred in April 1994 and was anticipated at the
time of the FDRL acquisition. FDRL's 1994 revenues were comparable to 1993 due
to growth in new clients and the foreign currency translation impact of a
weaker U.S. dollar which offset the lost merchant business. Excluding the
impact of the operations consolidation discussed under "Expenses," FDRL's
1994 pretax profits were comparable to 1993. Worldwide 1993 transaction card
processing revenues grew by approximately $90 million over 1992 primarily due
to increased U.S. transaction volumes and sales of enhanced services, as well
as expansion of credit card processing services to the oil industry. These
increases in 1993 were somewhat offset by a decline of approximately $20
million in revenues from FDRL, primarily as a result of the foreign currency
translation impact of a stronger U.S. dollar. FDRL's pretax profits also
declined in 1993 due to foreign currency fluctuations, as well as higher
depreciation and amortization expense. The volume of worldwide card accounts
processed increased to 92.2 million in 1994 from 70.0 million in 1993 and 58.9
million in 1992.
Revenues derived from the payment instruments business, excluding
nonrecurring securities gains of $18 million in 1993, grew by 23 percent or $37
million in 1994, compared with 1993 growth of 23 percent or $28 million. The
1994 increase was attributable to an increase in fee revenue associated with a
greater number of MoneyGram(SM) service transactions processed, the addition of
the new official check business and higher MoneyGram(SM) fees resulting from
conditions relating to Mexican exchange rates. There can be no assurance that
the higher fees resulting from the Mexican exchange rate environment which
existed in 1994 will continue. This growth was partially offset by a decrease
in net interest and dividend revenues derived from
14
<PAGE> 16
the investment portfolio owned by TRS due to a decline in the average return.
Approximately 65 percent of the 1993 growth was attributable to an increase in
transaction fees resulting from an increase in transactions processed and
growth in MoneyGram(SM) service. The remaining 1993 revenue growth was
attributable to an increase in net interest and dividend revenues derived from
the investment portfolio owned by TRS as a result of a 17 percent increase in
the average investment balance. Payment instrument transactions processed
increased 19 percent to 277 million in 1994 compared to 232 million in 1993 and
201 million in 1992.
The returns on the investment portfolios are derived from the difference
between the rates the Company earns on the investment portfolios and the
variable rate commissions it pays to its selling agents. The net yields may
fluctuate based upon this relationship. The Company purchases variable rate cap
agreements to protect itself from increases in these commissions. See
discussion of variable rate cap agreements under "Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
In conjunction with the new official check business, the Company began
signing new official check agents and converting the acquired and new agents to
its own payment instruments. Prior to the conversion of the acquired official
check agents, which was substantially completed at December 31, 1994, the
Company received processing fees which consisted of transaction fees remitted
by selling agents and an additional amount calculated as an agreed-upon rate of
return on the proceeds of payment instruments sold prior to conversion net of
commissions payable to the selling agents. These revenues, as well as revenues
from the Company's own payment instruments and cash management services, are
included within "Fee revenues, net" on the Company's Consolidated Statement
of Income. Revenues derived from the sale of TRS payment instruments appear as
"Fees related to sale of TRS financial instruments, net."
Revenues from the mutual fund servicing business in 1994 increased by $48
million over 1993. The 1994 increase was principally a result of increased
sales of enhanced services due to the new mutual fund administration business
acquired in May 1994 and proxy solicitation services. Revenues in 1993
increased $32 million over 1992, principally as a result of increased
shareholder accounts and increased sales of enhanced services including proxy
solicitation services. Shareholder accounts rose 11 percent in 1994 to 12.1
million from 11.0 million in 1993 and 9.8 million in 1992.
Revenues from the Company's receivables management business in 1994
increased by 38 percent over 1993 primarily due to the full year impact of the
acquisition in March 1993.
Revenues from the teleservices business declined slightly in 1994 compared
to 1993 due to lower volumes partially attributable to further automation of
operator services and lower pricing partially offset by an increase in volume
associated with the Company's computer-based interactive telephone service and
other ancillary teleservices. Revenues in 1993 grew by 11 percent over the 1992
period.
Revenues from the Company's health systems business decreased by
approximately 7.5 percent in 1994 from 1993 reflecting its transition to a new
product line. The Company does not anticipate improvement in this business
until late 1995 or 1996, depending on the timing of development, testing and
installation of new products. Revenues in 1993 increased by approximately 20
percent over 1992 due to the inclusion of revenues from Gerber Alley, which was
acquired in December 1992.
Expenses
The Company's total operating expenses increased 8.4 percent to $1.3
billion in 1994. Growth in volumes of transactions processed as well as the
impact of sales of additional enhanced services and significant new client
conversions in 1994 resulted in higher systems and programming, data processing
and facilities costs. The Company also incurred higher systems and programming
and data processing costs in anticipation of 1995 systems conversions related
to significant new client signings discussed under "Developments." The
Company's additional investment in hardware and operating systems and recently
acquired businesses contributed substantially to the increase in depreciation
and amortization. During 1994, the Company's
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<PAGE> 17
domestic transaction card processing business was realigned into functional
units to increase responsiveness to customers and align the business to compete
more effectively. For operational purposes, the unit was named First Data Card
Services Group and includes the Electronic Funds Services business which is
pursuing opportunities in the merchant processing market. FDC invested in
additional marketing and start-up costs related to the realignment and pursuit
of new clients. Partially mitigating these increases were the absence of the
labor-intensive telemarketing business, which was divested in November 1993,
and labor cost savings at FDRL. The Company's 1993 operating expenses increased
23 percent to $1.2 billion primarily due to growth in volumes of transactions
processed and expansion into existing adjacent markets, as well as the impact
of acquisitions which contributed approximately 40 percent of the increase in
expenses, including the depreciation and amortization associated therewith.
In November 1994, the Company recorded a nonrecurring net pretax gain of
$40 million ($21 million after-tax) from the sale of its cable services and
hotel reservation businesses. During 1994, the Company also recorded $10
million of additional proceeds from the 1993 sale of WATS Marketing. During
1993, the Company recorded nonrecurring pretax gains of $22 million ($12
million after-tax) from the sale of WATS Marketing and $18 million (included in
revenue) from the sale of securities. The securities gains were largely
attributable to investment portfolio sales made in the first quarter of 1993 to
meet short-term liquidity needs in the payment instruments business. The net
pretax gains from the sale of businesses are included in "Advertising,
professional and other, net" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of
Income. Substantially mitigating these 1994 and 1993 one-time gains were
several nonrecurring pretax charges discussed below.
The Company undertook several strategic initiatives in the 1994 fourth
quarter to streamline and consolidate operations primarily in its oil,
teleservices and international businesses and to promote the MoneyGram(SM)
service. In this regard, upon completion of its first oil card conversion, the
Company reevaluated the anticipated discounted cash flows to be generated by
this contract and determined it was appropriate to write off certain contract
costs. In addition, a wage restructuring plan for the oil card unit was
announced to bring wage rates more in line with market rates. In December 1994,
the Company's teleservices division made the decision to close three voice
centers due to increasing operational expenses and the decision to consolidate
the business in mega-voice centers located in other cities. In addition, the
Company's international transaction card processing business consolidated the
operations of a recently negotiated contract into its main facility to
streamline operations. FDC also undertook a campaign to aggressively promote
the MoneyGram(SM) service. As a result of these initiatives, the Company
recorded pretax charges of $35 million ($22 million after-tax) for asset
write-downs, severance and wage restructuring, and advertising. These pretax
charges are included in "Advertising, professional and other, net" on the
Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
In the fourth quarter of 1993, FDC announced its plans to consolidate the
Company's U.S. data processing operations. As a result, the Company recorded
pretax charges of $22 million ($14 million after-tax) relating to asset
write-downs, severance, relocation and other expenses. The consolidation is
substantially complete and anticipated expenditures have been incurred. Also in
1993, the Company recorded nonrecurring pretax charges including equipment and
asset write-downs incurred in connection with the downsizing and sale of
certain telephonic operations unrelated to the WATS Marketing business. These
pretax charges are included in "Advertising, professional and other, net" on
the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
Interest expense declined slightly in 1994 due to the Company's annual
principal payment of its Senior Notes. Interest expense increased in 1993 from
1992 as a result of the Company's public debt offering in April 1993.
The Company's effective tax rate for 1994 was 41.6 percent, compared to
40.5 percent in 1993 and 38.9 percent in 1992. The 1994 increase resulted
primarily from taxes related to the net gain on the sale of the cable services
and hotel reservation businesses and the absence of the tax effect of the
revaluation of net deferred tax assets which occurred in 1993. The increase in
1993 was primarily attributable to taxes related
16
<PAGE> 18
to the gain on the sale of WATS Marketing and an increase in the federal income
tax rate from 34 percent to 35 percent, under the Revenue Reconciliation Act of
1993, substantially offset by the tax effect of the revaluation of net deferred
tax assets. See Note 7 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
The Company's net income increased 20 percent to $208 million in 1994,
compared with $173 million in 1993 and $141 million in 1992. The Company's
earnings per share increased 20 percent to $1.87 in 1994 from $1.56 in 1993 and
$1.30 in 1992. The 1994 increase in net income came substantially from
increased operating income attributable to continued growth in its financial
sector businesses resulting from strong growth in card accounts, transactions
processed and enhanced services at its U.S. transaction card processing unit,
and higher volumes at its payment instruments business. Growth in its mutual
fund servicing business contributed to a lesser extent. These increases were
partially offset by declines at the teleservices and health systems businesses.
Excluding the impact of nonrecurring items discussed under "Expenses,"
approximately one-half of the increased operating income in 1994 came equally
from the U.S. transaction card processing business and the payment instruments
business, with a smaller proportion attributable to the mutual fund servicing
business. The 1993 increase in net income came substantially from increased
operating income due to increased transaction volumes in its financial sector
businesses. Excluding the impact of nonrecurring items discussed under
"Expenses," approximately one-third of the increased operating income in 1993
came from the U.S. transaction card processing business with an additional 25
percent attributable to the payment instruments and mutual fund servicing
businesses.
SEASONALITY
The Company's business as a whole has not experienced significant seasonal
fluctuation, although the credit card transaction processing business has had
higher levels of activity in the fourth quarter.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Total assets of the Company increased to $5.4 billion at December 31, 1994
from $4.0 billion at December 31, 1993. "Proceeds including proceeds due from
financial instruments sold" increased by $1.2 billion primarily due to the
sale of the Company's own payment instruments in conjunction with the new
official check business. "Goodwill" and "Other intangibles," net of
amortization, increased $127 million primarily due to the Company obtaining new
clients and expanding its offering of enhanced services through the purchase of
several businesses, including the third-party mutual fund administration
business, the credit and debit card authorization business, and the new
official check business. See "Item 3. Legal Proceedings."
The Company increased its investing activities by $42 million over 1993
primarily due to higher capital expenditures for data processing equipment, an
increase in deferred contract payments attributable to the signing of clients,
and the purchase of variable rate cap agreements discussed below. These
increases were partially offset by higher proceeds from divestitures and the
redemption of a preferred stock investment in 1994.
Cash flows from financing activities decreased by $299 million from 1993.
This decrease is primarily attributable to the issuance of long-term debt
during the second quarter of 1993 and higher purchases of treasury stock in
1994, partially offset by the temporary draw down of $35 million against the
Company's revolving credit facility on December 15, 1994 which was repaid on
January 6, 1995.
The Company's cash flows from operating activities increased by $68
million over 1993 as the result of higher net income and lower net cash
outflows attributable to operating assets and liabilities.
The Company uses its cash flows to make, among other expenditures,
acquisitions, contract payments, capital expenditures and systems enhancements.
During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992,
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<PAGE> 19
the Company invested in its business approximately $294 million, $193 million,
and $132 million, respectively, comprising $139 million, $108 million and $70
million, respectively, of expenses related to systems development and
programming, which were expensed as incurred, and $155 million, $85 million and
$62 million, respectively, of capital expenditures for equipment and
facilities. Such expenditures have been funded through cash from operations.
Systems development and programming costs represent the total direct costs
associated with the Company's systems development efforts. Certain of these
costs are incurred at clients' requests for specialized services and are
recovered through client billings which generally include amounts representing
indirect expense allocations and profits. Total client billings for systems
development and programming for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992 were $34 million, $24 million and $20 million, respectively.
The Company declared dividends of approximately $13 million during each of
the years ended December 31, 1994, and 1993, and approximately $22 million
during the year ended December 31, 1992. The 1992 dividends included $15
million paid to American Express prior to the Company's initial public
offering. In 1994, the Company repurchased approximately 3.0 million shares of
its Common Stock in the open market for approximately $142 million.
Approximately 1.0 million of these shares were repurchased pursuant to a formal
plan approved by FDC's Board of Directors in December 1993 and have been
designated for use in conjunction with certain employee compensation and
benefits programs. In addition, the Company reissued 37,918 shares of its
common stock in settlement of a portion of the deferred purchase price of the
Company's receivables management business. The Company expects to reissue the
remaining shares in connection with the ENVOY acquisition.
The Company has relied primarily on internally generated funds to support
operating and investing activities. The Company's future acquisition and
investing activities are expected to rely on internally generated funds and the
issuance of debt or equity securities or bank borrowings. The Company filed a
shelf registration statement on January 28, 1994, registering the issuance of
debt and equity securities up to $300 million in the aggregate. In February
1995, the Company replaced its existing $250 million bank credit facility with
two new revolving credit facilities (the Facilities) aggregating $400 million.
The Facilities consist of a $100 million 364-day facility and a $300 million 5-
year facility. Borrowings under the Facilities are available at rates which are
tied to the Company's long-term senior unsecured credit ratings. The Company
carries a senior unsecured A/A3 rating and was added to the Standard & Poors
500 equity index in 1994. The Company believes it has adequate internal and
external financing available to meet anticipated liquidity needs.
The Company has entered into currency swap and forward agreements to hedge
a substantial portion of the foreign currency translation risk associated with
the Company's net investment in the U.K. and certain identifiable firm foreign
currency commitments. In addition, the Company has agreements, primarily
variable rate cap agreements, to protect against certain exposures relating to
fluctuations in variable rates. During the first quarter of 1994, the Company
purchased a series of agreements which serve to cap fluctuations in variable
rates at a cost of $29 million. These contracts, which currently provide
variable rate caps at between 5.25 percent and 5.5 percent, begin and expire at
various dates through 1998 and currently have a notional amount of $900
million. In addition, the Company has variable rate cap agreements with
notional amounts totaling $500 million which provide variable rate caps at
between 5.5 percent and 6.0 percent. The Company periodically reviews its
hedging strategy, and depending upon market conditions, may from time to time
modify its strategy and, as a result, liquidate existing contracts or purchase
new contracts. The Company monitors the credit risk of the counterparties and
the concentration of its contracts with any individual counterparty.
Currently, all counterparties have credit ratings from a major rating agency of
A or better. See Note 5 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company's payment instruments business generates funds from the sale
of payment instruments which are invested, in accordance with state law, in
portfolios of high-quality marketable securities, which may include short-term
securities (such as time deposits, commercial paper and other highly liquid
short-term investments), short- and long-term federal, state and municipal
obligations and publicly traded preferred stocks. These funds are ultimately
used to satisfy the liability to pay, upon due presentment, the face amount
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<PAGE> 20
of such payment instruments sold. The Company does not utilize such funds to
support the operations of the Company and are referenced on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet under the caption "Proceeds including proceeds due
from financial instruments sold" which support the associated liability,
"Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold." See Note 2 to the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In conjunction with the CES acquisition, the Company is obligated to
provide cash to CES to retire CES' outstanding indebtedness under its senior
credit facility. As of January 31, 1995, the outstanding indebtedness under
this facility was approximately $76 million. CES also has outstanding $125
million of publicly traded subordinated notes (CES Notes). The Company expects
that it will implement one or more alternatives aimed at eliminating
outstanding indebtedness under all or a significant portion of the CES Notes.
The Company has sufficient funds available under the Facilities to satisfy the
above obligations.
In conjunction with the Company's pursuit of strategic alliance programs,
it may be required to contribute cash to the alliances. The Company believes it
has sufficient financing available to meet these requirements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 14.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers and directors of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Henry C. Duques . . . . . . 51 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Charles T. Fote . . . . . . 46 Executive Vice President
Walter M. Hoff . . . . . . 42 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Robert J. Levenson . . . . 53 Executive Vice President and Director
Edward C. Nafus . . . . . . 54 Executive Vice President
David P. Bailis . . . . . . 39 General Counsel
Larry D. Hain . . . . . . . 54 Senior Vice President--Finance
Ben Burdetsky . . . . . . . 66 Director
Courtney F. Jones . . . . . 55 Director
James D. Robinson III . . . 59 Director
Charles T. Russell . . . . 65 Director
Bernard L. Schwartz . . . . 69 Director
Garen K. Staglin . . . . . 50 Director
</TABLE>
The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes
serving staggered three-year terms. The terms of office of Mr. Burdetsky and
Mr. Duques will expire in 1995, the terms of office of Mr. Robinson, Mr.
Schwartz and Mr. Staglin will expire in 1996, and the terms of office of Mr.
Jones and Mr. Levenson will expire in 1997. Officers of the Company serve at
the discretion of the Board of Directors. Mr. Duques, Mr. Jones, and Mr.
Robinson (Chairman) serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Mr.
19
<PAGE> 21
Burdetsky, Mr. Jones (Chairman) and Mr. Staglin serve on the Audit Committee of
the Board of Directors. Mr. Burdetsky, Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Russell (as of March
15, 1995) and Mr. Staglin (Chairman) serve on the Compensation and Benefits
Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee").
HENRY C. DUQUES has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer since April 1989. He joined American Express in September 1987 as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Data Based Services Group of TRS,
the predecessor of the Company, and served in that capacity until April 1989.
Mr. Duques had been Group President-Financial Services and a member of the
Board of Directors of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ("ADP") from 1984 to
1987.
CHARLES T. FOTE is Executive Vice President, with responsibility for FDIS,
FDT, and IPS, and served as President of IPS from December 1989 through
December 1991. From 1985 until 1989, he had been Executive Vice President of
the Payment Products division of TRS, the predecessor of IPS.
WALTER M. HOFF is Executive Vice President, with responsibility for FDR's
North American operations. In July 1993, Mr. Hoff assumed the additional office
of Chief Financial Officer. From 1989 until April 1992, Mr. Hoff served as
Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He joined the Company in 1989 from
ADP's Brokerage Information Services Group, where he had been Chief Financial
and Administrative Officer since 1985.
ROBERT J. LEVENSON is a Director and became Executive Vice President with
responsibility for TSSG, ACB and HSG in May 1993. He formerly served as Senior
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Member of the Office of the
President of Medco Containment Services, Inc. and was a Director from October
1990 until December 1992. From 1985 until October 1990, Mr. Levenson was Group
President and Director of ADP.
EDWARD C. NAFUS is Executive Vice President with responsibility for the
Company's business development activities outside North America and has served
as President and Chief Executive of First Data Resources Limited since
September 1992. He served as President of FDR from December 1988 to February
1992. Mr. Nafus has been with FDR since 1978, when he joined the Company as a
customer service manager and thereafter held progressively senior management
positions.
DAVID P. BAILIS has served as General Counsel since June 1992. He joined
the Company in June 1989 and advised HSG and FDR on legal matters prior to his
promotion to General Counsel. From January 1988, until joining the Company, Mr.
Bailis was a partner at the law firm of Peper, Martin, Jensen, Maichel and
Hetlage in St. Louis, Missouri.
LARRY D. HAIN was named Senior Vice President-Finance in June 1994 and
from April 1989 to June 1994 was Senior Vice President and Controller of the
Company. Prior to that he was Vice President and Controller of the Data Based
Services Group of TRS, the predecessor the Company, since 1987. From August
1978 until 1987, Mr. Hain was Vice President and Controller of FDR.
BEN BURDETSKY is a Professor of the School of Business and Public
Management of The George Washington University from January 1977 to the
present. From June 1988 until 1992, he served as Dean, and from March 1984 to
June 1988 he served as an Associate Dean, of the School of Business and Public
Management of The George Washington University. He is a Director of National
Capital Preferred Provider Organization.
COURTNEY F. JONES was a Managing Director in Merrill Lynch's Investment
Banking Division from July 1989 to December 1990. Prior thereto, Mr. Jones
served as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and member of the
Board of Directors for Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. from October 1985. From
February 1982 to September 1985, Mr. Jones served as Treasurer and Secretary of
the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors for General Motors Corporation.
He was also formerly a Director of General Motors Acceptance Corporation and
Motors Insurance Company.
20
<PAGE> 22
JAMES D. ROBINSON III is the President of J.D. Robinson Inc., a strategic
advisory company, and Principal, RRE Investors, LLC, a private investment
company. Mr. Robinson is Senior Advisor to Trust Company of the West and a
Principal of North American Business Partners. He served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of American Express from 1977 until February 1993. Mr.
Robinson is a Director of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, The Coca-Cola Company,
Union Pacific Corporation, New World Communications Group, Inc., and Alexander
& Alexander Services, Inc. He is a Limited Partner and Advisor to International
Equity Partners. Mr. Robinson is also Chairman of the Board of Overseers and
the Board of Managers, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; a member of the
Business Council and the Council on Foreign Relations; Chairman Emeritus of the
World Trade & Tourism Council; and an Honorary member of the Board of Trustees
of the Brookings Institution. Mr. Robinson served as Co-Chairman of The
Business Roundtable and as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy
and Negotiations.
CHARLES T. RUSSELL served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visa
International from 1984 to January 1994. Mr. Russell joined Visa in 1971. Mr.
Russell serves on the Board of Visitors at the University of Pittsburgh's
Joseph M. Katz School of Business. Mr. Russell is also a Director of First USA
Corp., the Janol-Hydro Corp., and Multipoint Networks, Inc.
BERNARD L. SCHWARTZ has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of Loral Corporation since 1972. He is also Chairman of
the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of K&F Industries Inc. and
a Director of Reliance Group Holdings, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries,
and Sorema International Holding N.V.
GAREN K. STAGLIN has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of Safelite Glass Corporation since August 1991. From
April 1980 until August 1991 Mr. Staglin had served as the Corporate Vice
President and General Manager of ADP's Automotive Services Group. He serves as
a Director of Quick Response Services, Inc. and Grimes Aerospace Corp. In 1994,
Mr. Staglin was appointed to the Advisory Council of the Stanford Graduate
School of Business for a term of two years.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
The Company's executive officers and directors are required to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of their acquisitions and
dispositions of equity securities of the Company. The Company inadvertently
caused one report for Edward C. Nafus to be filed late with respect to 6 shares
of the Company's stock acquired under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase
Plan. Based on the Company's review of copies of such reports, or written
representations from reporting persons, the Company believes that with the one
exception noted, all of the Company's executive officers and directors made all
required filings on a timely basis.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
See the Proxy Statement for the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
See the Proxy Statement for the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
See the Proxy Statement for the Company's 1995 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
21
<PAGE> 23
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIAL
PAGE
NUMBERING
---------
<S> <C>
1 Financial Statements
See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1
2 Financial Statement Schedules
See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1
3 The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report or, where indicated, were heretofore filed
and are hereby incorporated by reference
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
---- -----------
<S> <C>
3(i) Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
28.1 of the registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1992).
3(ii) Registrant's By-Laws, as amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28.2 of the registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1992).
4.1 The instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the registrant and its
subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b) (4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant hereby agrees
to furnish copies of these instruments to the SEC upon request.
10.1 Form of First Data Corporation Employee Payroll Savings Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (File NO. 33-45741).
10.2(2) Form of First Data Corporation 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to
the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-45741).
10.3(2) 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Grant Agreement dated January 1, 1993 between the Company and
Henry C. Duques (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's registration statement on Form
S-1 (File NO. 22-59440))
10.4(2) Letter agreement dated March 4, 1993 between the Company and Edward C. Nafus (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (file NO. 33-59440)).
10.5(2) Form of 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Grant Agreement dated January 1, 1994 between the Company
and its executive vice presidents. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993)
10.6(1)(2) Form of First Data Corporation 1993 Director's Stock Option Plan.
10.7(1) 364 Day Credit Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1995, among the registrant, Chemical Bank, as
administrative agent, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Parties Thereto
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE> 24
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
10.8(1) 5 Year Credit Agreement, dated as of February 1, 1995, among the
registrant, Chemical Bank, as administrative agent, and the Banks
and Other Financial Institutions Parties Thereto
12(1) Computation in Support of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21(1) Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23(1) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
(b) Reports filed on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of fiscal
1994:
(i) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated October 24, 1994, reporting the registrant's
earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 1994.
(ii) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated October 27, 1994, announcing that the Company
had signed an agreement to sell its Cable Services Group, Inc. to CSG
Holdings, Inc.
(iii) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated November 3, 1994, reporting that the Company
had issued two Press Releases. One Press Release announced that the
Company had agreed to purchase Card Establishment Services, Inc. The
second Press Release announced that the Company had signed a letter of
intent to purchase 440 Financial Group of Worcester, Inc.
---------------
(1) Filed herewith.
(2) Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or
arrangement described under Item 601 (b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation
S-K.
23
<PAGE> 25
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM
10-K TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By /s/ HENRY C. DUQUES
--------------------------
Henry C. Duques
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
March 2, 1995
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ HENRY C. DUQUES Chairman of the Board and March 2, 1995
--------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Henry C. Duques
/s/ WALTER M. HOFF Chief Financial Officer March 2, 1995
--------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
Walter M. Hoff
/s/ LARRY D. HAIN Senior Vice President-Finance March 2, 1995
--------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Larry D. Hain
/s/ BEN BURDETSKY Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Ben Burdetsky
/s/ COURTNEY F. JONES Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Courtney F. Jones
/s/ ROBERT J. LEVENSON Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Robert J. Levenson
/s/ JAMES D. ROBINSON III Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
James D. Robinson III
/s/ CHARLES T. RUSSELL Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Charles T. Russell
Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Bernard L. Schwartz
/s/ GAREN K. STAGLIN Director March 2, 1995
---------------------------------
Garen K. Staglin
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE> 26
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
COVERED BY REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(ITEM 14(A))
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
First Data Corporation and Subsidiaries:
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Report of Independent Auditors .......................................................................... F-2
Consolidated Statement of Income for the Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992 ................................................................................................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1994 and 1993 ................................................ F-4
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992 ................................................................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992 ................................................................................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .............................................................. F-7
Schedule:
Schedule VIII-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ......................................................... F-24
</TABLE>
All other schedules for First Data Corporation and subsidiaries have
been omitted since the required information is not present or not present in
amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the
information required is included in the respective financial statements or
notes thereto.
F-1
<PAGE> 27
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Stockholders and Board of Directors of First Data Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First
Data Corporation as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1994. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of First Data Corporation at December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken
as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 3, 1995
F-2
<PAGE> 28
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992
($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fee revenues, net .................................................... $1,405,837 $1,210,899 $ 962,315
Revenues from affiliates ............................................. 65,798 108,257 118,237
Fees related to sale of TRS financial instruments, net ............... 180,558 171,187 124,768
---------- ---------- ----------
Total ........................................................... 1,652,193 1,490,343 1,205,320
---------- ---------- ----------
Expenses:
Human resources ...................................................... 649,599 618,471 494,310
Equipment, supplies and facilities ................................... 245,660 213,592 184,731
Depreciation and amortization ........................................ 143,597 117,811 97,497
Advertising, professional and other, net ............................. 215,963 208,180 163,253
---------- ---------- ----------
Total ........................................................... 1,254,819 1,158,054 939,791
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income ........................................................ 397,374 332,289 265,529
Interest expense ........................................................ 41,257 41,430 33,972
---------- ---------- ----------
Pretax income ........................................................... 356,117 290,859 231,557
Income taxes ............................................................ 147,971 117,812 90,132
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income ...................................................... $ 208,146 $ 173,047 $ 141,425
========== ========== ==========
Net income per common share ............................................. $ 1.87 $ 1.56 $ 1.30
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 29
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1993
($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
------
1994 1993
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................... $ 166,203 $ 298,041
Short-term investments .................................................. 197,134 141,026
Proceeds including proceeds due from financial instruments sold ......... 3,058,829 1,818,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance: 1994, $7,117; 1993, $8,606 ......... 225,552 197,841
Receivables from affiliates ............................................. 49,072 43,446
Land, buildings and equipment at cost, net .............................. 303,294 238,724
Deferred income taxes ................................................... 42,395 46,365
Goodwill, net of amortization: 1994, $154,783; 1993, $125,294 ........... 866,505 811,421
Other intangibles, net of amortization: 1994, $100,016; 1993, $94,556 ... 296,339 224,048
Other assets ............................................................ 214,121 135,752
---------- ----------
$5,419,444 $3,954,664
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Drafts outstanding .................................................... $ 197,046 $ 140,813
Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold .................... 3,069,000 1,818,000
Short-term debt ....................................................... 35,000 -
Long-term debt ........................................................ 474,680 521,269
Accounts payable ...................................................... 90,358 58,630
Payables to affiliates ................................................ 2,112 2,359
Income taxes payable .................................................. 60,019 50,456
Employee-related liabilities .......................................... 84,356 56,504
Deferred revenue ...................................................... 50,366 60,165
Accrued and other liabilities.......................................... 341,248 292,008
---------- ----------
Total liabilities ................................................ 4,404,185 3,000,204
---------- ----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 300,000,000 shares;
issued 110,352,000 shares in 1994 and 110,351,858 in 1993 ........... 1,104 1,104
Capital surplus ....................................................... 412,779 410,211
Net unrealized securities losses ...................................... (6,611) -
Foreign currency translation adjustment ............................... (17,033) (20,021)
Retained earnings ..................................................... 755,558 567,035
Less treasury stock at cost, 2,710,360 shares in 1994 and 107,793 in
1993 ................................................................. (130,538) (3,869)
---------- ----------
1,015,259 954,460
---------- ----------
$5,419,444 $3,954,664
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 30
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992
($ IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
---------- -------- --------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income ................................................................... $ 208,146 $173,047 $141,425
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation ............................................................. 74,296 62,101 53,748
Amortization (1994, 1993 and 1992 include charges of
$21,936, $18,350 and $13,756 against revenues) ......................... 91,237 74,060 57,505
Gain on sale of businesses, net .............................................. (50,198) (22,000) -
Other non-cash charges, net .................................................. 36,646 40,910 15,907
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Short-term investments ................................................... (56,108) 27,978 16,319
Proceeds including proceeds due from financial instruments
sold ................................................................... (1,251,000) 155,000 (559,000)
Accounts receivable ...................................................... (45,702) (26,806) 3,071
Other assets ............................................................. (38,966) 9,737 7,266
Drafts outstanding ....................................................... 56,233 (27,812) (16,267)
Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold ....................... 1,251,000 (155,000) 559,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities ................................... 66,947 (49,357) (15,397)
Receivables from/payables to affiliates, net ............................. (9,478) 3,094 26,456
---------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities ........................... 333,053 264,952 290,033
---------- -------- --------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchase of variable rate cap agreements ..................................... (28,850) (2,100) (14,450)
Proceeds from redemption of preferred stock investment ....................... 11,478 - 13,522
Deferred contract payments ................................................... (123,381) (87,318) (72,402)
Purchase of land, buildings and equipment .................................... (154,871) (84,888) (62,232)
Acquisition-related expenditures ............................................. (153,839) (156,306) (108,469)
Divestitures ................................................................. 143,867 67,233 5,413
---------- -------- --------
Net cash used by investing activities ................................ (305,596) (263,379) (238,618)
---------- -------- --------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt .................................. 35,000 - (3,000)
Issuance of long-term debt ................................................... - 197,862 22,434
Principal payments of long-term debt ......................................... (48,360) (49,075) (96,071)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ....................................... 7,641 7,839 83,064
Purchase of treasury stock ................................................... (142,374) (5,577) -
Dividends paid ............................................................... (13,209) (13,205) (18,572)
---------- -------- --------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities .................... (161,302) 137,844 (12,145)
---------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash ........................................ 2,007 (967) (9,969)
---------- -------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ........................... (131,838) 138,450 29,301
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ................................. 298,041 159,591 130,290
---------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ....................................... $ 166,203 $298,041 $159,591
========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 31
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1993 AND 1992
($ IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED FOREIGN
SECURITIES CURRENCY
COMMON CAPITAL GAINS AND TRANSLATION RETAINED TREASURY
STOCK SURPLUS (LOSSES) ADJUSTMENT EARNINGS STOCK TOTAL
------ -------- ---------- ----------- -------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1992 ........... $1,041 $275,988 $ - $ 1,930 $287,649 $ - $ 566,608
Net income ........................... - - - - 141,425 - 141,425
Cash dividends
($0.21 per common share) ........... - - - - (21,872) - (21,872)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment ......................... - - - (16,559) - - (16,559)
Issuance of common stock
(4,000,000 shares) ................. 40 83,024 - - - - 83,064
Conversion of debt into common
stock (1,886,364 shares) ........... 19 41,481 - - - - 41,500
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1992 ......... 1,100 400,493 - (14,629) 407,202 - 794,166
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Net income ........................... - - - - 173,047 - 173,047
Cash dividends ($0.12 per
common share) ...................... - - - - (13,214) - (13,214)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment ........................ - - - (5,392) - - (5,392)
Stock options exercised and
related tax benefits
(351,858 shares) ................... 4 9,718 - - - - 9,722
Purchase of treasury stock
(153,533 shares) ................... - - - - - (5,577) (5,577)
Incentive savings plan
contribution (45,740
shares) ............................ - - - - - 1,708 1,708
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1993 ......... 1,104 410,211 - (20,021) 567,035 (3,869) 954,460
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Net income ........................... - - - - 208,146 - 208,146
Cash dividends ($0.12 per
common share) ...................... - - - - (13,123) - (13,123)
Adjustment to beginning balance
for change in accounting
method, net of income
taxes of $20,397 ................... - - 37,880 - - - 37,880
Change in unrealized gains
and (losses), net
of income tax benefits of
$23,957 ............................ - - (44,491) - - - (44,491)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment ......................... - - - 2,988 - - 2,988
Stock options exercised and
related tax benefits
(321,857 shares) ................... - 2,544 - - (6,500) 14,162 10,206
Purchase of treasury stock
(2,962,200 shares) ................. - - - - - (142,482) (142,482)
Acquisition purchase price
(37,918 shares)..................... - 24 - - - 1,651 1,675
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1994 ......... $1,104 $412,779 $ (6,611) $(17,033) $755,558 $(130,538) $1,015,259
====== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 32
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of First Data Corporation (the Company or FDC) and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
Foreign Currency and Hedging Contracts
Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into
U.S. dollar equivalents based on exchange rates prevailing at the end of each
year. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during
the year. Aggregate foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the
translation of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are
included in Stockholders' Equity.
Foreign currency products used to hedge net investments in foreign
entities or identifiable firm foreign currency commitments are recognized as
adjustments to the values of the hedged items. Gains and losses resulting from
hedging activities are intended to offset the gains and losses on the hedged
foreign currency exposures.
Contracts, principally variable rate cap agreements, used to hedge
exposure to fluctuations in variable rates are recognized as an adjustment of
the rates. The cost of each contract, which is designated and effective in
reducing risk, is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company has principally defined cash and cash equivalents as cash,
time deposits and certain highly liquid instruments with maturities of three
months or less at the date of purchase. Excluded from this definition are
amounts attributable to drafts outstanding. Cash equivalents totaled $146
million and $283 million at December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively, and are
carried at cost which approximates market value.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments are principally comprised of highly liquid
investments including time deposits, short-term money market preferred stock
and money market mutual funds. These investments, which are not available for
general corporate purposes, principally arise from drafts outstanding relative
to the Company's mutual fund transfer agent business and are carried at cost
which approximates market value.
Securities Held-To-Maturity and Available-For-Sale
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,"
for investments held as of and acquired after January 1, 1994. In accordance
with the Statement, prior period financial statements have not been restated to
reflect the change in accounting principle. Stockholders' Equity, as of January
1, 1994, increased approximately $38 million (net of approximately $20 million
in deferred federal income taxes) to reflect the net unrealized holding gains
on securities classified as available-for-sale previously carried at amortized
cost or lower of aggregate cost or market.
Pursuant to this Statement, management determines the appropriate
classification of debt securities included in the investment portfolio owned
by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express), (TRS
Portfolio) and
F-7
<PAGE> 33
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -(Continued)
the Company's own investment portfolio (Company's Portfolio) at the time of
purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Debt
securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the
positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-
maturity securities are carried at amortized cost.
Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and marketable equity
securities are classified as available-for-sale. The Company currently has no
securities classified as trading securities. Available-for-sale securities are
carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of federal
income taxes, reported in a separate component of Stockholders' Equity
captioned "Net unrealized securities losses."
The amortized cost of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity or
available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts to maturity. Realized gains and losses and any declines in value
judged to be other than temporary are included in net income. The cost of
securities sold is based upon the specific identification method.
Land, Buildings and Equipment
Land, buildings and equipment are depreciated over their estimated
useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their
estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term. Depreciation is computed
using the straight-line method. The ranges of estimated useful lives are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS
-----
<S> <C>
Buildings ................................................. 30
Leasehold improvements .................................... 3-10
Computer equipment ........................................ 3-4
Communications and other equipment and furniture .......... 3-8
Land, buildings and equipment at December 31 consist of (thousands):
<CAPTION>
1994 1993
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Land ............................................ $ 9,578 $ 10,121
Buildings ....................................... 113,154 98,932
Leasehold improvements .......................... 38,082 22,934
Equipment and furniture ......................... 405,070 321,428
-------- --------
565,884 453,415
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization .. (262,590) (214,691)
-------- --------
Total ..................................... $303,294 $238,724
======== ========
</TABLE>
Included in the above are assets held under capital lease agreements of
$2.0 million and $3.9 million, net of accumulated amortization of $5.6 million
and $7.8 million as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over tangible and other
identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed arising from business
combinations and is being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging from
20 to 40 years. Included in goodwill at December 31, 1994 and 1993 is
approximately $197 million and $203 million, respectively, associated with the
original acquisition of First Data Resources Inc. Other intangible assets
consist of rights to provide processing services to clients acquired directly
or through business combinations, costs associated with the conversion of
major new client accounts to the Company's
F-8
<PAGE> 34
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
systems, and, to a lesser extent, copyrights, patents, software and
non-compete agreements acquired in business combinations. Client contracts
provide for the payment by the client of minimum annual fees and contract
termination penalties. Other intangibles are amortized on either a
straight-line basis or as a percentage of expected revenue over the length of
the contract or benefit period, from 4 to 25 years.
Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment
whenever events indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.
When the Company believes that those assets may not be recoverable, it
estimates the future cash flows to be generated by the business associated with
those assets. In the event that the sum of the cash flows is less than the
carrying amount of those assets, the assets would be written down to their fair
value which is normally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
As a provider of computer-based information processing and related
services to a variety of industries, FDC records its net fee revenues as
services are performed. Revenue is stated net of commissions paid to selling
agents relative to the sale of payment instruments. Processing fees from TRS
include the pretax equivalent of the earnings on the investment portfolio owned
by TRS and are recorded as earned. A substantial portion of the gross profit on
software license fees and the sale of the related hardware, principally related
to the Company's healthcare business, is deferred and amortized on a
straight-line basis over the period during which the Company has significant
contract support responsibilities, which is generally four to five years.
Software Development Costs
Internal costs of computer software development are expensed as
incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method
required by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Prior to the
Company's initial public offering (see Note 3), the taxable income of the
Company was included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of
American Express, and under an agreement with American Express, the provision
for income taxes and tax benefits was determined by the Company on a
stand-alone basis.
Net Income Per Common Share
Net income per common share is computed on the basis of the weighted
average of common shares outstanding and common share equivalents. The
weighted average shares used in the computations were 111,232,177;
111,093,832; and 108,924,890 for 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively. Common
share equivalents relating to the dilutive effect of stock options aggregated
1,545,234; 1,039,126; and 537,719 for 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
Reclassification
Certain prior years' amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
current year's presentation.
NOTE 2: PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS
Pursuant to a management agreement with TRS (Management Agreement), the
Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Integrated Payment Systems Inc.
(IPS), selects selling agents, negotiates contracts and determines fees to be
remitted by selling agents with respect to a payment instruments business
which
F-9
<PAGE> 35
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
includes products and services such as American Express(R) Money Order, American
Express(R) Official Check and MoneyGram(SM). Proceeds from the sale of payment
instruments by others, who act as selling agents for TRS, are invested by TRS
pending encashment consistent with state regulatory requirements. The Company
earns processing fees from TRS which are comprised of transaction fees
remitted by selling agents and an amount based on the pretax equivalent of the
earnings on the TRS Portfolio (plus or minus any gains or losses with respect
to securities that have been liquidated), net of commissions subsequently paid
to the selling agents. The processing fees earned from TRS and other
associated revenues for this business were comprised of the following during
the years ended December 31 (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Transaction fees received from selling agents and
other ............................................. $109,321 $ 71,167 $ 52,827
Earnings on TRS Portfolio, net ...................... 71,237 100,020 71,941
-------- -------- --------
Total ............................................... $180,558 $171,187 $124,768
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Variable rate commissions paid to selling agents, based upon float
participation, have been applied against "Earnings on TRS Portfolio, net" in
the foregoing table. The earnings also included realized gains of
approximately $18 million in 1993 on the sale of certain long-term debt and
equity securities. Realized gains from such sales were immaterial during the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1992.
In conjunction with the March 1994 acquisition of Citicorp's official
check business (See Note 4), the Company began signing new official check
agents and converting the acquired and new agents to its own payment
instruments for which proceeds are invested in the Company's Portfolio. Prior
to the conversion of the acquired official check agents, which was
substantially completed at December 31, 1994, the Company received processing
fees which consisted of transaction fees remitted by selling agents and an
additional amount calculated as an agreed-upon rate of return on the proceeds
of payment instruments sold prior to conversion net of commissions payable to
the selling agents. These revenues, as well as revenues from the Company's own
payment instruments and cash management services, are included within "Fee
revenues, net" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
An affiliate of American Express provides investment management,
asset-liability management, and accounting and reporting services for TRS and
IPS with respect to both the Company and TRS portfolios pursuant to investment
management agreements. The portfolios are managed in accordance with
guidelines developed by TRS and IPS.
The Management Agreement provides, among other things, that if the
market value of the securities in the TRS Portfolio falls below certain levels,
IPS may be required, under certain circumstances, to make payments to TRS, and
TRS will deposit such payments in the TRS Portfolio; and TRS will have the
right, under certain circumstances, to assume the management and control of
certain aspects of the IPS payment instruments business relating to instruments
issued by TRS.
The Company has agreed to indemnify TRS against any losses, damages and
costs with respect to the payment instruments of TRS. Accordingly, the assets
and liabilities of TRS relative thereto are included with the assets and
liabilities related to the Company's own payment instruments on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet under the captions "Proceeds including proceeds
due from financial instruments sold" and "Liabilities relating to financial
instruments sold." "Proceeds including proceeds due from financial
instruments sold" reflect the amount of short- and long-term investments
owned and held by TRS and the Company of $2,686 million and $1,642 million,
cash of $38 million and $4 million, and receivables from selling agents of
$335 million and $172 million, at December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. At
December
F-10
<PAGE> 36
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
31, 1994, "Proceeds including proceeds due from financial instruments sold"
include $2,125 million relating to TRS payment instruments and $934 million
relating to the Company's payment instruments.
The following is a summary of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity
securities included in both portfolios as of December 31, 1994 (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
---------------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED FAIR UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
COST VALUE(D) GAINS LOSSES
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Short-term(a)
Time deposits ............................................... $ 34,512 $ 34,512 $ - $ -
Reverse repurchase agreements(b) ............................ 296,099 296,099 - -
Variable rate put bonds and other tax-exempt investments(c).. 455,930 455,666 - 264
---------- ---------- -------- --------
786,541 786,277 - 264
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Long-term
State and municipal obligations ............................. 1,102,264 1,095,527 7,865 14,602
Preferred stock ............................................. 66,242 63,072 143 3,313
---------- ---------- -------- --------
1,168,506 1,158,599 8,008 17,915
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Total ................................................. $1,955,047 $1,944,876 $ 8,008 $ 18,179
========== ========== ======== ========
<CAPTION>
HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
------------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS
CARRYING FAIR UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
VALUE VALUE(D) GAINS LOSSES
-------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Long-term
State and municipal obligations (at amortized cost) ....... $733,321 $706,934 $ 4,028 $ 30,415
Preferred stock (at lower of aggregate cost or market) .... 7,895 7,956 137 76
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total ............................................... $741,216 $714,890 $ 4,165 $ 30,491
======== ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
The following is a maturity summary of available-for-sale and
held-to-maturity securities included in both portfolios as of December 31,
1994 (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE HELD-TO-MATURITY
----------------------------- ----------------------
AMORTIZED FAIR CARRYING FAIR
COST VALUE(D) VALUE VALUE(D)
---------- ----------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Due within 1 year ........................................ $ 791,194 $ 790,881 $ 13,248 $ 13,339
Due after 1 year through 5 years ......................... 574,846 574,636 66,379 67,545
Due after 5 years through 10 years ....................... 451,311 445,174 457,403 441,050
Due after 10 years ....................................... 71,454 71,113 196,291 185,000
---------- ---------- -------- --------
1,888,805 1,881,804 733,321 706,934
Preferred stock .......................................... 66,242 63,072 7,895 7,956
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Total .................................................. $1,955,047 $1,944,876 $741,216 $714,890
========== ========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
-----------------
(a) Short-term investments include the Company's allocated portion of the
overall TRS short-term investment portfolio
(b) Backed by various U.S. government securities
(c) Variable rate put bonds represent state and municipal obligations with
short-term redemption features
(d) Estimated fair values were determined using dealer quotations
F-11
<PAGE> 37
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities for the year
ended December 31, 1994 were approximately $85 million. Gross realized gains
and losses on such sales were immaterial.
At December 31, 1993, investments owned and held by TRS consisted of the
following (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
CARRYING FAIR UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
VALUE VALUE(D) GAINS LOSSES
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Short-term (at cost which approximates market)(a)
Time deposits ........................................ $ 262 $ 262 $ - $ -
Reverse repurchase agreements(b) ..................... 104,902 104,902 - -
Variable rate put bonds and other tax-exempt
investments(c)...................................... 149,665 149,665 - -
---------- ---------- ------- ---
254,829 254,829 - -
========== ========== ======= ===
Long-term
State and municipal obligations (at amortized cost) .. 1,350,620 1,440,331 89,751 40
Preferred stock (at lower of aggregate cost or
market) ............................................ 36,251 37,941 1,692 2
---------- ---------- ------- ---
1,386,871 1,478,272 91,443 42
---------- ---------- ------- ---
Total ........................................... $1,641,700 $1,733,101 $91,443 $42
========== ========== ======= ===
<CAPTION>
CARRYING FAIR
VALUE VALUE(D)
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Due within 1 year ..................................................................... $ 270,904 $ 271,175
Due after 1 year through 5 years ..................................................... 324,273 343,378
Due after 5 years through 10 years .................................................... 840,603 903,605
Due after 10 years .................................................................... 169,669 177,002
---------- ----------
1,605,449 1,695,160
Preferred stock ..................................................................... 36,251 37,941
---------- ----------
Total ............................................................................ $1,641,700 $1,733,101
========== ==========
</TABLE>
----------------------
(a) Short-term investments represent the Company's allocated portion
of the overall TRS short-term investment portfolio
(b) Backed by various U.S. government securities
(c) Variable rate put bonds represent state and municipal obligations
with short-term redemption features
(d) Estimated fair values of the long-term portfolio were determined
using dealer quotations
Proceeds from sales of investments held at amortized cost were
approximately $229 million and $153 million during the years ended December
31, 1993 and 1992, respectively. The average portfolio balances during the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992 were $1,874 million, $1,556
million, and $1,336 million, respectively, and average net yields thereon were
3.8 percent, 6.4 percent, and 5.4 percent, respectively.
"Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold" principally
consist of the liability for American Express Money Orders, American Express
Official Checks and the Company's own payment instruments outstanding while the
remaining $328 million and $311 million at December 31, 1994 and 1993,
respectively, are attributable to amounts due selling agents. At December 31,
1994, "Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold" include $2,130
million relating to TRS payment instruments and $939 million relating to the
Company's payment instruments.
F-12
<PAGE> 38
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 3: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On April 16, 1992, the Company and American Express closed the initial
public offering (IPO) of the Company's common stock, which consisted of
primary and secondary offerings of 4.0 million and 46.6 million shares,
respectively. The Company received net proceeds of $83 million from the
primary offering, which after prepayment of a $35 million loan payable to TRS,
resulted in $48 million used for general corporate purposes. On March 29,
1993, the Company and American Express completed a secondary offering of 35.2
million shares of FDC common stock, further reducing the ownership interest of
American Express which at December 31, 1994 was approximately 21 percent.
On October 18, 1993, American Express completed an offering of 6 1/4%
Exchangeable Notes Due October 15, 1996 (DECS) for the principal amount of
approximately $868 million. At maturity, the DECS are exchangeable, at the
option of American Express, into a maximum of 23,618,500 shares of FDC common
stock.
The Company has entered into various transactions with American Express
and its subsidiaries. Revenues derived from American Express during 1994 are
mainly comprised of accounts receivable management fees charged to TRS.
Revenues derived from American Express during 1993 and 1992 were principally
comprised of shareholder servicing and record-keeping fees charged to mutual
funds managed by Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. (Shearson) or affiliates thereof
through July 1993, accounts receivable management fees charged to TRS in 1993
and data processing fees charged to The Boston Company, Inc. (TBC), a Shearson
affiliate, through May 1993. American Express completed the spin-off of Lehman
Brothers Holdings Inc. in May 1994 and the sales of TBC in May 1993 and
Shearson in July 1993. Revenues earned by the Company from these former
American Express subsidiaries, and mutual funds advised thereby, subsequent to
these dates are reflected in "Fee revenues, net." American Express will
reimburse the Company for $10 million of costs incurred relating to the early
termination by TBC of its data processing contract with the Company. The
Company's accounts receivable management business, ACB Business Services, Inc.
(ACB), entered into a multi-year agreement containing renewal options with TRS
and American Express Centurion Bank, effective October 1994, and paid $8.5
million for the right to service a significant portion of delinquent accounts
receivable relating to the American Express(R) Card and the Optima(SM) Card.
The Company and American Express have an intercompany agreement
providing, among other things, for (i) the grant by American Express to the
Company of a license to use the American Express name and certain trademarks
through April 16, 1997, in connection with the Company's payment instruments
business as presently conducted for an annual license fee of $1.0 million; (ii)
American Express' agreement to reimburse the Company for (a) up to $3.0 million
of the expenses incurred through April 9, 1993 relating to the change of the
Company's name and its change in status to a publicly owned corporation (which
was fully reimbursed) and (b) up to $7.6 million of the expenses, relating to
the changes referred to in clause (ii)(a) above as well as to advertising of
Company payment instruments under a new name (which was fully reimbursed).
During 1993, American Express paid the Company $6.6 million in conjunction with
a $22 million settlement by the Company of a contract pricing matter.
The following table lists the fees paid by the Company to American
Express and its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31 (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Rent ............................ $ - $4,532 $9,285
Insurance, benefits and
incentives..................... 1,007 2,706 8,413
Hedging agreements .............. 7,568 3,500 8,734
Licensing fees and other ........ 2,169 4,213 4,018
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE> 39
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Management does not believe that, had the Company been operating other
than as an affiliate of American Express, there would have been a material
impact on net income.
NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS/DISPOSITIONS
The Company completed several acquisitions during 1994, the most
significant of which was the acquisition of assets of the third-party mutual
fund administration business of TBC, a subsidiary of Mellon Bank Corporation,
for a cash purchase price of approximately $36 million. This business was
combined with the Company's mutual fund servicing business. In addition, the
Company purchased the assets of TeleMoney Services, a division of Ceridian
Corporation, which provides transaction services including credit and debit
card authorization, for a cash purchase price of $25 million.
The Company completed several acquisitions during 1993, the most
significant of which were the acquisitions of assets of ACB Sales & Service,
Inc., ACB Management Services, Inc. (collectively ACBS) and Ingram &
Associates, Inc. (Ingram) which expanded the Company's accounts receivable
management services. In consideration of the ACBS and Ingram acquisitions, the
Company paid approximately $72 million during 1993, of which $20 million was
paid using 581,500 shares of the Company's common stock purchased directly
from American Express, and will make additional cash payments of up to $14
million through 1998, of which approximately $6.3 million is contingent upon
the future performance of the acquired entities, and additional payments
totaling $5.0 million payable in the form of the Company's common stock, of
which $1.7 million was paid during 1994.
The Company completed several acquisitions during 1992, the most
significant of which was the purchase of Gerber Alley & Associates, Inc. for a
cash purchase price of approximately $24 million.
A summary of the purchase price paid for acquisitions and the initial
allocation thereof to the tangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed is
as follows (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total consideration paid .................. $112,283 $123,504 $47,776
Tangible assets acquired less liabilities
assumed at fair value ................... (26,275) (19,368) (33,775)
-------- -------- -------
Excess of purchase price over tangible
assets acquired less liabilities
assumed ................................. $138,558 $142,872 $81,551
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
Of the excess of purchase price over tangible assets acquired less
liabilities assumed for the 1994 and 1993 acquisitions, approximately $130
million is being amortized principally over 25 years, with the remainder over
periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. The excess of purchase price over tangible
assets acquired less liabilities assumed for the 1992 acquisitions is being
amortized over periods of 20 to 25 years. The pro forma impact of these
acquisitions was not material to 1994, 1993 or 1992 net income. The
acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method.
During the 1994 fourth quarter, the Company completed the disposition of
its cable services and hotel reservation businesses for cash proceeds of $143
million, resulting in a net pretax gain of $40 million which has been netted
against "Advertising, professional and other, net" on the Company's
Consolidated Statement of Income. Revenues from these businesses accounted for
approximately 5 percent of the Company's consolidated revenues and a lesser
percentage of its consolidated operating income.
F-14
<PAGE> 40
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In November 1993, the Company sold the stock of its telemarketing
business, WATS Marketing of America, Inc., for cash proceeds of $63 million
resulting in a pretax gain of $22 million which was netted against
"Advertising, professional and other, net" on the Company's Consolidated
Statement of Income. The agreement also contained provisions for additional
proceeds if certain 1994 revenue levels were met, for which the Company
recognized $10 million in 1994. This business accounted for approximately 5
percent of the Company's consolidated revenues and a lesser percentage of its
consolidated operating income.
NOTE 5: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to on- and
off-balance sheet credit and market risks due to its involvement with certain
financial instruments. Credit risk results from the possibility that a loss
may occur from the failure of another party to perform according to the terms
of the contract. The Company regularly monitors the credit and market risk
exposures and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures
resulting in loss. The Company monitors the credit risk of the counterparties
to the hedging arrangements (discussed below) and the concentration of its
contracts with any individual counterparty. The counterparties to the
contracts are financial institutions that have a credit rating from a major
rating agency of A or better. Market risk arises from the possibility that
market changes may cause financial instruments to be less valuable.
By their nature, the portfolios, as described in Note 2, expose the
Company to certain credit risks, although the Company believes the high quality
of the investments (96 percent have credit ratings of A or better from a major
rating agency) reduces these risks substantially. In addition, the market risk
associated with the portfolios is substantially reduced through hedging
arrangements.
Hedging Arrangements
The Company pays variable rate commissions, which are generally based
upon short-term rates, to some of its payment instrument selling agents. The
Company has purchased variable rate cap agreements to protect itself from
increases in these commissions. During 1994, the Company held a series of these
variable rate cap agreements, with effective notional amounts totaling $1.4
billion ($848 million during 1993) which begin and expire at various dates
through 1998. These agreements principally serve to cap variable rates between
5.25 percent and 6.0 percent (5.5 and 8.0 percent during 1993) and in certain
instances provide for a minimum rate of 5.5 percent.
In addition, the Company has entered into currency swap agreements
expiring in 1996 to hedge a substantial portion of the foreign currency
translation risk attributable to its net investment in the U.K. The terms of
these agreements are such that on and through July 3, 1996 the Company will
receive $237 million and interest at a fixed rate of 8.4 percent and is
obligated to pay L.146 million and interest at a fixed rate of 10.79 percent.
The market risk associated with these agreements relates to the loss impact a
weakening U.S. dollar has on the net cash flows to be exchanged in the future
thereunder. Throughout virtually all of 1994 and 1993, the pound sterling to
U.S. dollar rate has been less than the forward rate of 1.625 set forth in the
agreements.
The Company also has purchased a series of forward foreign exchange
contracts to hedge certain identifiable firm foreign currency commitments
aggregating $28 million (L.18 million) at December 31, 1994 and expiring in
1995. At December 31, 1993, the Company had similar forward contracts
aggregating $27 million (L.18 million) that expired during 1994.
F-15
<PAGE> 41
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table lists carrying and fair values of financial
instruments held by the Company for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993
and provides cross-references to the locations of additional disclosures
(thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993
------------------------- -------------------------
ADDITIONAL
DISCLOSURE CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
IN NOTE VALUE VALUE(A) VALUE VALUE(A)
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents ....... (1) $ 166,203 $ 166,203 $ 298,041 $ 298,041
Short-term investments .......... (1) 197,134 197,134 141,026 141,026
Portfolios ...................... (1), (2) 2,686,092 2,659,766 1,641,700 1,733,101
Long-term debt .................. (6) 474,680 459,273 521,269 560,052
Hedging agreements
(principally variable rate
cap agreements) ............... (1), (3) 36,394 78,463 12,933 (2,748)
Cross-currency contracts ........ (1) 11,167 2,798 23,629 12,726
</TABLE>
------------------
(a) Fair values were determined using dealer quotations
NOTE 6: DEBT AND BORROWING AGREEMENTS
Long-term debt at December 31 consists of (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993
------------------ --------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
VALUE VALUE(A) VALUE VALUE(A)
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Senior Notes,
Series A, 8.39% due 1996 .................... $ 68,000 $ 68,388 $102,000 $108,127
Series B, 9.27% due 2001 .................... 180,000 184,158 180,000 207,064
6 5/8% Notes due 2003 ........................... 198,071 178,812 197,837 202,668
Term loan, 7.19% due 1997 ....................... 17,800 17,106 20,250 21,011
Capital lease obligations, at various rates
and maturities ................................ 4,485 4,485 6,506 6,506
Other ........................................... 6,324 6,324 14,676 14,676
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total .................................... $474,680 $459,273 $521,269 $560,052
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
---------------
(a) Fair values were determined using discounted cash flows at current
interest rates or dealer quotations
On April 2, 1993, the Company completed a $200 million public debt
offering of 6 5/8% Senior Unsecured Notes (Notes) due April 1, 2003. Interest on
the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. There is no sinking fund
obligation applicable to the Notes, nor are the Notes redeemable prior to
maturity. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $198 million,
which were used for general corporate purposes and acquisitions. The Series A
and Series B Senior Notes are payable in five equal annual installments. The
Series B installments will begin in July 1997. The term loan is payable in five
annual installments.
On December 20, 1993, the Company entered into a four-year revolving
credit facility of $250 million with a syndicate of U.S. and foreign banks.
Borrowings under the facility were available either on a daily basis at the
prime rate, or for fixed time periods at 0.25 percent over the "Eurodollar"
loan rate or 0.375 percent over the "Certificate of Deposit" loan rate.
Borrowings of $35 million were made under this facility during December 1994
and were outstanding at December 31, 1994. The weighted average interest rate
during the period was 8.5 percent for these short-term borrowings. No
borrowings were made under this facility during 1993.
F-16
<PAGE> 42
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In February 1995, the Company replaced the $250 million credit facility
discussed above with two new revolving credit facilities (the Facilities)
aggregating $400 million. The Facilities consist of a $100 million 364-day
facility and a $300 million 5-year facility. Borrowings under the Facilities
are available at rates which are tied to the Company's long-term senior
unsecured credit ratings.
The Facilities and the Senior Notes include various restrictions,
including the requirement that the Company maintain its consolidated net worth,
as defined, at a minimum level of $700 million plus 25 percent of consolidated
net income, as defined, earned subsequent to December 31, 1993. None of these
restrictions are presently significant to the Company.
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt and capital leases are as
follows (thousands): 1995, $45,666; 1996, $41,018; 1997, $45,588; 1998,
$36,128; 1999, $36,209; 2000 and beyond, $270,071.
Interest paid on debt during 1994, 1993 and 1992 was $41 million, $38
million and $35 million, respectively.
NOTE 7: INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 consists
of the following (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal ............................................ $126,729 $ 96,339 $72,585
State and local .................................... 12,818 12,704 9,762
Foreign............................................. 8,424 8,769 7,785
-------- -------- -------
Total........................................... $147,971 $117,812 $90,132
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
For financial reporting purposes, pretax income includes the following
components (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. ............................................. $345,721 $278,560 $215,630
Foreign .......................................... 10,396 12,299 15,927
-------- -------- --------
Total ........................................ $356,117 $290,859 $231,557
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Deferred income taxes result from the recognition of temporary
differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of
assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements
that will result in differences between income for tax purposes and income for
financial statement purposes in future years. The provision for income taxes
for the years ended December 31 is comprised of the following (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current ......................................... $153,948 $110,968 $87,133
Deferred ........................................ (5,977) 6,844 2,999
-------- -------- -------
Total ....................................... $147,971 $117,812 $90,132
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE> 43
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
At December 31, 1994 and 1993, the Company's net deferred tax assets
consist of the following (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue .............................. $ 13,015 $17,032
Employee-related liabilities .................. 11,361 7,106
Accrued expenses, losses and other............. 86,917 70,267
Unrealized securities losses .................. 3,560 -
-------- -------
Total deferred tax assets .............. 114,853 94,405
Valuation allowance .............................. - -
-------- -------
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation
allowance ................................... 114,853 94,405
-------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Foreign currency transaction gains ............ 4,755 8,895
Depreciation and amortization ................ 55,353 28,501
Other ......................................... 12,350 10,644
-------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities ......... 72,458 48,040
-------- -------
Net Deferred Tax Assets ........... $ 42,395 $46,365
</TABLE> ======== =======
In connection with the currency swap agreements described in Note 5, the
Company recorded tax benefits of $5.7 million and $0.8 million during the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively, and a tax provision of
$25 million during the year ended December 31, 1992, which amounts were
credited/charged directly to the foreign currency translation adjustment
component of Stockholders' Equity.
Cash payments for net income taxes during 1994, 1993 and 1992 were $119
million, $83 million and $103 million, respectively, including $3.0 million
and $47 million paid to American Express in 1993 and 1992, respectively.
The reconciliation of income tax attributable to continuing operations
computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to income tax expense is
(thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax at U.S. statutory rate ........................ $124,640 $101,801 $78,729
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of federal income
tax benefit ................................. 8,332 8,258 6,443
Amortization of goodwill ...................... 8,971 8,422 6,398
Revaluation of deferred taxes ................. - (2,466) -
Divestitures .................................. 5,137 1,415 -
All other ..................................... 891 382 (1,438)
-------- -------- -------
Income Tax Expense ........................ $147,971 $117,812 $90,132
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
NOTE 8: RETIREMENT PLANS
During 1994, the Company restructured its U.S. retirement plans to allow
certain employees to elect to cease accruing benefits under the defined
benefit plan in exchange for an enhanced benefit under the defined
contribution plan. New employees will not participate in the defined benefit
plan. The restructuring resulted in an immaterial curtailment gain and did not
materially change the aggregate amount the Company contributed towards the
employees' retirement benefits.
F-18
<PAGE> 44
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain full-time
employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries located in the
U.S. and certain employees located outside the U.S. The cost of retirement
benefits for eligible employees, measured by length of service, compensation
and other factors, is being funded through trusts established under the plans.
Funding of retirement costs for the U.S. plan complies with the minimum
funding requirements specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, and for the U.K. plans, with applicable U.K. regulations.
Plan assets consist principally of investments in U.S. and foreign equities
and fixed income securities. Net pension cost for the years ended December 31
consists of (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
--------------- --------------- ---------------
U.S. U.K. U.S. U.K. U.S. U.K.
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost-benefit earned during period ...... $5,026 $5,816 $5,751 $ 6,364 $5,233 $6,637
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation .. 5,002 7,262 4,688 7,351 3,730 6,692
Actual loss (return) on plan assets ............ 833 (4,445) (4,771) (25,946) (3,773) (1,202)
Net amortization and deferral .................. (5,932) (4,410) 408 18,286 353 (6,131)
------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
Net Periodic Pension Cost ................. $4,929 $4,223 $6,076 $ 6,055 $5,543 $5,996
====== ====== ====== ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company's defined benefit plans at
December 31 (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993
-------------------- -------------------
U.S. U.K. U.S. U.K.
-------- --------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation .................. $(43,833) $ (94,013) $(37,722) $(93,773)
-------- --------- -------- --------
Accumulated benefit obligation ............ $(49,936) $ (94,013) $(46,110) $(93,773)
-------- --------- -------- --------
Projected benefit obligation ............... $(63,498) $(107,443) $(66,485) $(97,171)
Plan assets at fair value ....................... 65,552 105,879 63,922 95,886
-------- --------- -------- --------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected
benefit obligation ............................ 2,054 (1,564) (2,563) (1,285)
Unrecognized net loss (gain) .................... 8,104 (2,515) 7,199 (5,615)
Unrecognized net asset at transition ............ (1,157) - (1,571) -
Unrecognized prior service cost ................. 470 - 1,172 -
-------- --------- -------- --------
Pension Asset (Liability) Included in
the Consolidated Balance Sheet ....... $ 9,471 $ (4,079) $ 4,237 $ (6,900)
======== ========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The range of assumptions used in the Company's plans at December 31
were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1993 1992
-------------- -------------- --------------
U.S. U.K. U.S. U.K. U.S. U.K.
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rates ............................... 8.25% 9.00% 7.50% 7.50% 8.00% 9.50%
Rates of increase in compensation levels ..... 5.50% 6.50% 5.50% 4.00% 6.50% 6.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets .. 9.00% 10.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 11.00%
</TABLE>
These assumptions were changed in 1994 to reflect a higher interest rate
environment in both the U.S. and the U.K. and a higher expected long-term rate
of return on plan assets and wage growth rate in the U.K. The impact of these
assumption changes is not anticipated to have a material impact on future
results of operations.
F-19
<PAGE> 45
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has an incentive savings plan which allows eligible
employees to contribute a percentage of their compensation and provides for
certain Company matching, service-related and other contributions. The
Company's contributions were approximately $20.6 million, $12.3 million and
$7.5 million in 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
NOTE 9: STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Company's 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1992 Plan) provides for the
grant to key employees and other key individuals who perform services for the
Company of the following type of incentive awards: stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance grants and other types of
awards the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors deems
to be consistent with the purposes of the 1992 Plan. The 1992 Plan provides
for stock options, which include nonqualified stock options, incentive options
and purchased stock options, to be granted at an option price less than, equal
to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares of the
Company's common stock, but in no event less than 50 percent of the fair
market value on the date of the grant. It is the Company's policy to grant
such options at a price equivalent to the fair market value at the date of
grant. A total of 12,790,000 shares of common stock has been reserved for
issuance under the 1992 Plan which is scheduled to terminate in April 2002,
unless extended by action of the Company's Board of Directors. The following
table presents the stock option activity for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1993 and 1992:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION PRICE PER OPTIONS
SHARE OUTSTANDING
---------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1992 ................... - -
Granted .................................. $22.00-$29.75 4,157,500
Exercised ............................... - -
Canceled ................................. $22.00 (36,350)
------------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1992 ................. $22.00-$29.75 4,121,150
Granted .................................. $33.31-$41.75 4,548,338
Exercised ................................ $22.00-$26.31 (351,858)
Canceled ................................. $22.00-$36.06 (207,917)
------------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1993 ................. $22.00-$41.75 8,109,713
Granted ................................. $42.13-$50.06 2,290,911
Exercised ............................... $22.00-$41.63 (320,538)
Canceled ................................. $22.00-$50.06 (352,909)
------------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994 ................. $22.00-$50.06 9,727,177
============= =========
</TABLE>
There were 2,196,758 and 1,093,372 options exercisable at December 31,
1994 and 1993, respectively. There were no options exercisable at December 31,
1992.
Prior to the IPO, the Company's officers, key employees and other
individuals participated in various American Express incentive plans. Total
expenses recorded in connection with these plans were approximately $0.6
million, $1.3 million and $2.3 million for the years ended 1994, 1993 and
1992, respectively. Such amounts have been reflected in the related party
transactions table in Note 3.
F-20
<PAGE> 46
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Director's Stock Option Plan
The Company's 1993 Director's Stock Option Plan (DSOP) provides for the
grant of stock options to non-employee directors of the Company, which include
nonqualified and purchased stock options, to be granted at an option price
equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of the Company's
common stock on the date of the grant. A total of 750,000 shares of common
stock has been reserved for issuance under the DSOP. At December 31, 1994,
there were 85,977 options outstanding at option prices ranging from $40.75 to
$50.00, of which 6,250 options were exercisable. At December 31, 1993, there
were 25,000 options outstanding at an option price of $40.75, none of which
were exercisable.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
During 1992, the Company adopted a combination Save As You Earn (SAYE)
and Inland Revenue approved share option scheme (the First Data Resources
Sharesave Scheme) for its U.K. employees. Under the First Data Resources
Sharesave Scheme, employees electing to save monthly amounts through payroll
deductions are concurrently granted options to purchase the Company's common
stock at 80 percent of the fair market value on the date of grant. During 1994,
there was a total of 1,319 options exercised at an option price of $24.28.
Total expenses recorded in conjunction with this plan were not significant in
1994, 1993 and 1992.
NOTE 10: OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company leases certain office facilities and operating equipment
under cancelable and noncancelable agreements. Total rent expense was $83
million, $77 million and $67 million for the years ended December 31, 1994,
1993 and 1992, respectively. At December 31, 1994, the minimum aggregate rental
commitment under all noncancelable leases was (thousands): 1995, $59,050; 1996,
$56,059; 1997, $44,398; 1998, $26,541; 1999, $23,217; and $155,394 for years
thereafter. Most leases contain standard renewal clauses.
NOTE 11: GEOGRAPHIC OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain information regarding the Company's
operations in different geographic regions at December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992
and for the years then ended (thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. U.K. OTHER CONSOLIDATED
---------- -------- ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994
Revenues ............................. $1,477,095 $153,296 $21,802 $1,652,193
Operating income ..................... 360,525 32,474 (a) 4,375 397,374
Pretax income ........................ 344,597 8,931 (a) 2,589 356,117
Identifiable assets .................. 5,014,134 356,847 48,463 5,419,444
1993
Revenues ............................. $1,325,181 $148,776 $16,386 $1,490,343
Operating income ..................... 288,322 39,569 4,398 332,289
Pretax income ........................ 276,531 12,028 2,300 290,859
Identifiable assets .................. 3,554,814 359,149 40,701 3,954,664
1992
Revenues ............................. $1,034,456 $167,587 $ 3,277 $1,205,320
Operating income ..................... 223,562 41,524 443 265,529
Pretax income ........................ 216,630 14,864 63 231,557
Identifiable assets .................. 3,388,623 408,925 42,064 3,839,612
</TABLE>
------------------
(a) Reflects the impact of the operations consolidation discussed in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
F-21
<PAGE> 47
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Operating income for non-U.S. operations excludes allocated corporate
expenses. Identifiable assets are those that are used or generated exclusively
by the respective operations.
The Company had a significant customer that contributed 10.7 percent of
the Company's consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 1992.
NOTE 12: CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in litigation primarily arising in the normal
course of its business. In the opinion of management, the Company's recovery
or liability, if any, under any pending litigation, would not materially
affect its financial condition or operations.
NOTE 13: QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly results of operations for the two years ended
December 31, 1994 are as follows (thousands, except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31(A) JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31(A)
----------- -------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994
Total revenues ....................... $375,820 $409,585 $432,377 $434,411
Pretax income ........................ 73,818 78,499 91,017 112,783
Net income ........................... 43,702 46,547 53,927 63,970
Net income per share ................. 0.39 0.42 0.48 0.58
Dividends declared per share ......... 0.03 --(b) 0.06 (b) 0.03
1993
Total revenues ....................... $346,785 $379,131 $380,981 $383,446
Pretax income ........................ 60,622 65,331 74,062 90,844
Net income ........................... 36,299 39,050 44,775 52,923
Net income per share ................. 0.33 0.35 0.40 0.48
Dividends declared per share ......... 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
</TABLE>
----------------
(a) See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" for a discussion of nonrecurring items
included in the fourth quarter 1994 and first and fourth quarter 1993
results
(b) FDC declared its regular quarterly cash dividend for the second
quarter on July 27, 1994 and for the third quarter on September 28, 1994
NOTE 14: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In 1994, the Company announced agreements to acquire CESI Holdings, Inc.
(CES) and its subsidiary, Card Establishment Services Inc. and the merchant
processing and point-of-sale unit of ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY). These
acquisitions are expected to close in the 1995 first quarter. In consideration
for the CES acquisition, the Company will pay approximately $500 million in
the form of FDC common stock. The ENVOY acquisition will require a payment of
approximately $156 million in the form of FDC common stock. In addition, under
the terms of the ENVOY acquisition, a contingent payment of up to $21 million
in the form of FDC common stock will be due over a one- to three-year period
if the ENVOY unit purchased attains certain performance objectives.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information is presented to
show the estimated effect on the Company of the CES acquisition as if it had
occurred at the beginning of 1994. The pro forma information does not give pro
forma effect to the acquisition of ENVOY, as it would have had an immaterial
effect on pro
F-22
<PAGE> 48
FIRST DATA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Concluded)
forma earnings. The pro forma revenues, net income and net income per common
share for the year ended December 31, 1994 are (in thousands, except per share
amount) $1,862,284, $204,294, and $1.68, respectively.
Pro forma results present revenues net of interchange and association
fees. Interchange fees represent a standardized fee charged by the Visa and
Mastercard credit card associations to compensate card issuing banks for the
risk of transaction fraud, processing expenses and funding costs and are
settled with the card issuing banks. Historically, CES presented its revenues
on a gross basis. The Company believes it is appropriate to present revenues on
a net basis on its consolidated financial statements as generally there is no
risk to the Company associated with the interchange fees. If these fees were
included in CES' revenues in the pro forma financial information above,
revenues would increase by $587 million for 1994.
Adjustments made in arriving at pro forma unaudited results of
operations include the preliminary revaluation of CES assets to their fair
value, reduced interest expense on existing debt due to lower borrowing rates
of the Company, amortization of approximately $700 million of goodwill and
related tax adjustments. The pro forma results do not, however, include any
adjustments for cost savings or benefits from economies of scale that the
Company believes would have been achieved had the transaction occurred at the
beginning of 1994. The pro forma financial information is presented for
informational purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the future results
of operations of the combined companies.
In conjunction with the CES acquisition, the Company will be obligated
to provide cash to CES to retire CES' outstanding indebtedness under its senior
credit facility. As of January 31, 1995, the outstanding indebtedness under
this facility was approximately $76 million. The Company has sufficient funds
available under the Facilities to satisfy this obligation.
F-23
<PAGE> 49
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
SCHEDULE VIII-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
ADDITIONS
------------------
BALANCE CHARGED CHARGED
AT TO COSTS TO OTHER BALANCE
BEGINNING AND ACCOUNTS- DEDUCTIONS AT END OF
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE DESCRIBE PERIOD
----------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1992
Deducted from Receivables .................... $8,352 $2,258 $1,799 (a) $4,404 (b) $8,005
Year Ended December 31, 1993
Deducted from Receivables .................... $8,005 $2,538 $1,349 (a) $3,286 (b) $8,606
Year Ended December 31, 1994
Deducted from Receivables .................... $8,606 $2,112 $ 0 $3,601 (b) $7,117
</TABLE>
--------------
(a) Amounts related to business acquisitions.
(b) Amounts related to business divestitures, amounts written off
against assets and in 1992, the impact of foreign currency translation.
F-24
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.3
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1995
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
------------------------ --------------------
Commission file number 1-11073
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0731996
------------------------------------ -------------------------------
(State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
401 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
--------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 525-4702
--------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at April 30, 1995
--------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share) 115,829,525 shares
THIS IS PAGE 1 OF 19 TOTAL PAGE
<PAGE> 2
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE NO.
--------
<S> <C> <C>
Part I. Financial Information
Consolidated Statement of Income--Three 1
months ended March 31, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Balance Sheet--March 31, 1995 2
and December 31, 1994
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Three 3
months ended March 31, 1995 and 1994
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4-6
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 7-11
Independent Accountants' Review Report 12
Part II. Other Information 13
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------------
1995 1994
---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Fee revenues, net $383,341 $ 334,048
Fees related to sale of TRS financial
instruments, net 54,170 41,772
--------- ---------
Total 437,511 375,820
--------- ---------
EXPENSES:
Human resources 174,333 150,445
Equipment, supplies and facilities 67,260 53,391
Depreciation and amortization 42,902 31,081
Professional, advertising and other 62,310 56,266
--------- ---------
Total 346,805 291,183
--------- ---------
OPERATING INCOME 90,706 84,637
INTEREST EXPENSE 10,611 10,819
--------- ---------
PRETAX INCOME 80,095 73,818
INCOME TAXES 29,883 30,116
--------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 50,212 $ 43,702
========= =========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.45 $ 0.39
========= =========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING 111,826 111,631
========= =========
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.03 $ 0.03
========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
<PAGE> 4
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
($ IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
ASSETS 1995 1994
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,360 $ 166,203
Short-term investments 94,093 197,134
Proceeds including proceeds due from financial instruments sold 3,365,758 3,058,829
Funds and funds due relating to merchant processing 245,156 --
Accounts receivable, less allowance: 1995, $7,165; 1994, $7,117 250,824 225,552
Land, buildings and equipment at cost, net of depreciation:
1995, $282,605; 1994, $262,590 341,301 303,294
Deferred income taxes 51,466 42,395
Goodwill, net of amortization: 1995, $166,699; 1994, $154,783 1,616,656 866,505
Other intangibles, net of amortization: 1995, $113,630; 1994, $100,016 348,611 296,339
Other assets 267,171 263,193
-------------- --------------
$ 6,644,396 $ 5,419,444
============== ==============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Drafts outstanding $ 94,012 $ 197,046
Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold 3,343,000 3,069,000
Liabilities relating to merchant processing 210,242 --
Short-term debt 150,000 35,000
Long-term debt 611,489 474,680
Accounts payable 97,718 90,358
Income taxes payable 75,536 60,019
Employee-related liabilities 73,378 84,356
Deferred revenue 47,003 50,366
Accrued and other liabilities 425,405 343,360
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities 5,127,783 4,404,185
-------------- --------------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share,
authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 118,486,979
shares in 1995 and 110,352,000 in 1994 1,185 1,104
Capital surplus 861,039 412,779
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) 14,793 (6,611)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (16,751) (17,033)
Retained earnings 797,896 755,558
Less treasury stock at cost, 2,899,751 shares in 1995
and 2,710,360 in 1994 (141,549) (130,538)
-------------- --------------
Total stockholders' equity 1,516,613 1,015,259
-------------- --------------
$ 6,644,396 $ 5,419,444
============== ==============
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
<PAGE> 5
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------------
1995 1994
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 50,212 $ 43,702
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 22,472 16,088
Amortization (1995 and 1994 include charges
of $7,887 and $4,957, respectively, against revenues) 28,317 19,950
Other non-cash credits, net (4,677) (2,103)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Short-term investments 103,041 8,571
Proceeds including proceeds due from
financial instruments sold (274,000) 3,000
Funds and funds due relating to merchant processing 21,038 --
Accounts receivable (9,761) 5,642
Other assets 13,524 1,735
Drafts outstanding (103,034) (8,507)
Liabilities relating to financial
instruments sold 274,000 (3,000)
Liabilities relating to merchant processing (21,799) --
Accounts payable and other liabilities (35,855) 25,081
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 63,478 110,159
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of variable rate cap agreements (28,850)
Deferred contract costs (28,993) (8,873)
Purchase of land, buildings and equipment (41,174) (25,425)
Acquisition-related expenditures (201,099) (33,706)
Divestitures 10,535 433
----------- -----------
Net cash used by investing activities (260,731) (96,421)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in short-term debt, net 115,000 --
Principal payments of long-term debt (2,295) (1,842)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 7,040 1,700
Purchase of treasury stock (22,405) (9,391)
Dividends paid (3,226) (3,307)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 94,114 (12,840)
----------- -----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH 296 382
----------- -----------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (102,843) 1,280
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 166,203 298,041
----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 63,360 $ 299,321
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
<PAGE> 6
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1995
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements of First Data Corporation (the Company or
FDC) should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1994. Significant accounting
policies disclosed therein have not changed. Certain prior year amounts have
been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of
management, they include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company at March 31,
1995 and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the
three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1994. Results of operations reported for
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Net income taxes paid during the three months ended March 31, 1995 were
approximately $3.7 million. Net income taxes paid during the same period in
1994 were approximately $1.2 million, net of a $1.1 million refund from
American Express Company. Interest paid during the three months ended March
31, 1995 and 1994 was approximately $13 million.
3. ACQUISITION
On March 9, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of CESI Holdings, Inc.
and its subsidiary, Card Establishment Services Inc., (CES) a leading merchant
transaction processor. CES was combined with the Company's U.S. transaction
card processing unit to strengthen both front-end and back-office merchant
transaction processing capabilities and is reflected in the accompanying
financial statements from its date of acquisition.
4
<PAGE> 7
A summary of the purchase price paid and the preliminary allocation thereof to
liabilities assumed in excess of tangible assets acquired is as follows
(thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Total consideration paid $539,709
Liabilities assumed in excess of tangible
assets acquired at fair value 205,065
--------
Purchase price plus liabilities assumed
in excess of tangible assets acquired $744,774
========
</TABLE>
Of the total consideration paid, 8.1 million shares of FDC common stock were
issued to CES shareholders valued at $419 million with an additional 0.6
million shares in the form of common stock options valued at approximately $27
million. The remainder of the consideration represents cash paid at the time
of closing and acquisition costs. In conjunction with the CES acquisition, the
Company provided cash of $76 million to CES to retire its outstanding
indebtedness under its senior credit facility.
Of the purchase price plus liabilities assumed in excess of tangible assets
acquired, approximately $725 million is being amortized over 30 years, with the
remainder over a period of 10 years. This acquisition has been accounted for
using the purchase method.
The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the estimated effect on
the Company of the CES acquisition as if it had occurred at the beginning of
each of 1995 and 1994. The pro forma revenues, net income and net income per
common share for the three months ending March 31, 1994 were (in thousands,
except per share amounts) $422,558, $41,012 and $0.34, respectively. The pro
forma revenues, net income and net income per common share for the three months
ending March 31, 1995 were (in thousands, except per share amounts) $475,883,
$45,525 and $0.39, respectively. The 1995 pro forma results reflect certain
acquisition-related expenses, as well as start-up expenses associated with the
bank alliance program.
Adjustments made in arriving at pro forma unaudited results of operations
include the preliminary revaluation of CES assets to their fair value, reduced
interest expense on existing debt due to lower borrowing rates of the Company,
amortization of goodwill and related tax adjustments. The pro forma results do
not, however, include any adjustments for cost savings or benefits from
economies of scale that the Company believes would have been achieved had the
transaction occurred at the beginning of each of 1995 and 1994. The pro forma
financial information is presented for informational purposes and is not
necessarily indicative of the future results of operations of the combined
companies.
Pro forma results present revenues net of interchange and association fees.
Interchange fees represent a standardized fee charged by the Visa and
Mastercard credit card associations to compensate card issuing banks for the
risk of transaction fraud, processing expenses and funding costs and are
settled with the card issuing banks. Historically, CES presented its revenues
on a gross basis. The Company believes it is appropriate to present revenues
on a net basis on its consolidated financial statements as generally there is
no risk to the Company associated with the interchange fees. If these fees
were
5
<PAGE> 8
included in CES' revenues in the pro forma financial information above,
revenues would increase by $142 million and $118 million for 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
6
<PAGE> 9
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1994.
Revenues
The Company's consolidated first quarter 1995 revenues were $438 million, up 16
percent over $376 million in 1994. Excluding revenues from the cable services
and hotel reservation businesses sold late in 1994, consolidated first quarter
1995 revenues increased 24 percent. The increased revenue came substantially
from continued growth in its transaction card processing, payment instruments
and mutual fund servicing businesses. Approximately 60 percent of the 1995
increase resulted from sales of enhanced services and new client signings with
the remainder attributable to acquisitions, internal growth and expansion into
adjacent markets in its financial sector businesses. Growth from acquisitions
was attributable to Card Establishment Services, Inc. (CES), acquired on March
9, 1995, which contributed revenues of approximately $13 million. The Company's
financial sector businesses, which include the transaction card processing,
payment instruments, mutual fund servicing and receivables management
businesses, represented approximately 80 percent of the Company's consolidated
revenues and a slightly greater proportion of the Company's consolidated
operating income in the first quarter 1995.
Worldwide transaction card processing revenues grew by approximately $69
million, or 43 percent, primarily due to increased card accounts and U.S.
transactions processed, increased sales of enhanced services as well as the
acquisition of CES. The volume of worldwide card and merchant transactions
processed, excluding CES merchant transactions, increased 26 percent to 903
million in the 1995 first quarter compared with 717 million in the 1994 first
quarter. The increase in card and merchant transactions processed is
attributable to a 39 percent increase in the U.S. market. FDC's U.K.
transaction card processing operations (FDRL) experienced a slight decline in
transactions processed due to the internalization of merchant transaction
processing by one of its major customers, which occurred in April 1994 and was
anticipated at the time of the FDRL acquisition. The volume of worldwide card
accounts processed increased to 95.1 million in the 1995 first quarter from
72.2 million in the 1994 first quarter due to the addition of new clients and
internal growth in the U.S.
Revenues derived from the payment instruments business grew by $14 million over
the 1994 first quarter. This growth was attributable to an increase in fee
revenue associated with a 95 percent increase in MoneyGram(SM) service
transactions processed, higher MoneyGram(SM) revenues resulting from conditions
relating to Mexican exchange rates and the addition of the new official check
business described below. There can be no assurance that the higher revenues
resulting from the Mexican exchange rate environment will continue. This
growth was partially offset by a decrease in net interest and dividend revenues
derived from the investment portfolio owned by American Express Travel Related
Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express
Company (American
7
<PAGE> 10
Express), principally due to an increase in variable rate commissions paid to
selling agents. Payment instruments transactions processed increased 26
percent to 77 million in the first quarter 1995 compared with 61 million in the
first quarter 1994 substantially due to the addition of the new official check
business described below. The Company continued its aggressive MoneyGram(SM)
service marketing campaign incorporating price promotions and advertising
during the 1995 quarter.
Prior to 1994, FDC issued payment instruments solely under the TRS name. In
1994, the Company's payment instruments business began transitioning away from
American Express to its own payment instruments. In conjunction with the March
1994 acquisition of a major financial institution's official check business
(the new official check business), the Company began signing new official check
agents as well as converting the acquired and new agents to its own payment
instruments which generated an investment portfolio balance of approximately
$1.2 billion at March 31, 1995. This is in addition to the investment
portfolio of approximately $1.7 billion generated from the Company's sale of
TRS payment instruments. As a result of the Company's transition to its own
payment instruments, first quarter 1995 results include earnings on tax-exempt
investments included in the Company's separate investment portfolio that did
not exist in 1994. On a pretax equivalent basis, which is the basis of
recognition of earnings on the portfolio owned by TRS, the Company's 1995
revenues, operating and pretax income and income taxes would have increased by
$4.6 million.
Revenues from the mutual fund servicing business increased by 27 percent over
the 1994 first quarter principally as a result of increased sales of enhanced
services due to the new mutual fund administration business acquired in May
1994. On March 31, 1995, the Company acquired 440 Financial Group, which
provides processing services to bank-managed mutual funds. As the Company
continues to broaden its product offerings, the net asset value of mutual funds
serviced is a more reflective indicator of the mutual fund servicing business
in total. Mutual fund assets serviced increased 16 percent in the 1995 first
quarter to $296 billion compared with $256 billion in the 1994 first quarter,
excluding 440 Financial Group.
Revenues from the Company's receivables management business declined slightly
from the 1994 first quarter. The Company continues to focus on this business
and sees opportunities to further penetrate the market and offer these services
to its existing customer base.
Revenues from the teleservices business increased slightly compared to the 1994
first quarter due to an increase in volume associated with the Company's
computer-based interactive telephone service and other ancillary teleservices,
partially offset by lower pricing and lower volumes partially attributable to
further automation of operator services.
Revenues from the Company's health systems business decreased slightly from the
1994 first quarter. The Company does not anticipate growth in its health
systems business until 1996, depending on the timing of development, testing
and installation of new products.
8
<PAGE> 11
Expenses
The Company's total operating expenses increased 19 percent to $347 million.
Growth in volumes of transactions processed and the impact of sales of
additional enhanced services resulted in higher systems development and
programming, data processing and facilities costs. The Company also incurred
additional product development and indirect costs relating to activities
performed on behalf of new clients who have not yet been converted to the
Company's systems. These costs represent enhancements of system functionality,
upgrades of systems architecture and investments in additional system capacity.
The Company's additional investment in hardware and operating systems and
recently acquired businesses contributed substantially to the increase in
depreciation and amortization.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
The Company's consolidated net income increased 15 percent to $50 million in
the first quarter 1995 compared with $44 million in the first quarter 1994. The
Company's earnings per share increased 15 percent to $0.45 in the 1995 first
quarter from $0.39 in the 1994 first quarter. The increase in net income came
substantially from increased operating income due to continued growth in its
two largest financial sector businesses. FDC's transaction card processing
unit had strong growth in card accounts, transactions processed and sales of
enhanced services, and its payment instruments business had growth primarily in
its MoneyGram(SM) services. These increases were partially offset by declines
at the teleservices and health systems businesses.
In 1995, the Company continues to expect revenues and net income to grow in
excess of its long-term objective of 20 percent. After accounting for the
newly-issued shares resulting from acquisitions, earnings per share for the
year is expected to grow near the Company's objective of 20 percent. The
conversions of new clients and the integration of CES are proceeding according
to management's expectations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Total assets of the Company increased to $6.6 billion at March 31, 1995 from
$5.4 billion at December 31, 1994. "Proceeds including proceeds due from
financial instruments sold" increased by $307 million primarily due to the sale
of the Company's own payment instruments in conjunction with the new official
check business. "Goodwill" and "Other intangibles", net of amortization,
increased by $802 million substantially due to the acquisition of CES. As a
result of the newly-acquired CES merchant business, "Funds and funds due
relating to merchant processing" represents amounts received and due from the
issuing banks via card associations in connection with the normal merchant
settlement process, while the related liability, "Liabilities relating to
merchant processing", represents amounts due to merchants.
The Company increased its investing activities by $164 million over 1994. This
was primarily due to higher acquisition-related expenditures largely
attributable to the CES acquisition discussed below, an increase in deferred
contract costs attributable to the signing and converting of clients to the
Company's
9
<PAGE> 12
systems and higher capital expenditures for data processing equipment.
Cash flows from financing activities increased by $107 million, due to the draw
down of $150 million against the Company's $400 million revolving credit
facilities in March 1995 and higher proceeds from the exercise of stock options
partially offset by higher purchases of treasury stock in 1995.
The Company's cash flows from operating activities decreased by $47 million as
the result of higher net cash outflows attributable to changes in operating
assets and liabilities partially offset by higher net income and non-cash
charges.
In 1995, the Company repurchased approximately 434,000 shares of its common
stock in the open market for approximately $22 million. These purchases are
pursuant to a formal plan approved by FDC's Board of Directors in March 1995
for use in conjunction with certain employee benefit programs, as well as past
and future acquisition-related payments. The Company is authorized to
repurchase shares in numbers reasonably expected to be required for issuance
within the two years following any purchase date in connection with the
Company's employee benefit plans and may hold up to 3.0 million shares of its
common stock, at any time, pursuant to this authorization.
On March 9, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of CES, a leading
merchant transaction processor, for approximately $540 million which includes
the issuance of approximately 8.1 million shares of FDC common stock to CES
shareholders valued at $419 million with an additional 0.6 million shares in
the form of common stock options valued at aproximately $27 million. The
remainder of the consideration represents cash paid at the time of closing and
acquisition costs. In conjunction with the CES acquisition, the Company
provided cash of $76 million to CES to retire its outstanding indebtedness
under its senior credit facility. CES also had $125 million outstanding of
publicly traded Senior Subordinated Notes (CES Notes). On March 14, 1995, the
Company and CES commenced a tender offer for all of the outstanding CES Notes,
due October 1, 2003. In April 1995, the Company repurchased and retired $125
million of CES Notes for $139 million which was funded by a draw down against
the Company's revolving credit facilities.
The Company continues to pursue strategic alliance programs with bank clients
offering them the opportunity to participate in the merchant relationships
associated with the existing business of CES. Negotiations continue with
several banks and the Company has signed six letters of intent; however, the
transactions are complex and no transactions have yet closed. There can be no
assurance with respect to the timing or likelihood of such transactions
closing.
During the 1994 third quarter, the Company announced an agreement to purchase
the merchant processing and point-of-sale unit of ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY).
The agreement, subject to shareholder approval, requires a payment at closing
of FDC common stock which is dependent upon the average stock price of FDC
common stock (determined during a ten-day trading period prior to the effective
date of the merger), but is designed to yield an aggregate value equal to $156
million if the average stock price is between $40 and $52 per share, and a
higher aggregate value, up to $180 million, if the average stock price exceeds
$52 per share. In addition, a contingent payment of up to $21 million in the
form of FDC common stock will be due over a one- to three-year period if the
ENVOY unit
10
<PAGE> 13
purchased attains certain performance objectives. ENVOY has scheduled a
special meeting of its stockholders on June 6, 1995 to vote on the transaction.
If such transaction is approved, the Company expects the merger to close as
soon as possible after the stockholders' meeting. In connection with the ENVOY
acquisition, the Company repurchased approximately 2.0 million shares of common
stock in the 1994 fourth quarter to be used as a portion of the purchase
payment.
The Company regularly considers acquisition opportunities as well as other
forms of business combinations and divestitures. Historically, the Company has
been involved in numerous transactions of various magnitudes, for consideration
which has included cash or securities (including common stock) or combinations
thereof. The Company continues to evaluate and pursue transaction
opportunities as they arise. No assurance can be given with respect to the
timing, likelihood or the financial or business effect of any possible
transaction. The Company's future acquisition and investing activities are
expected to rely on internally generated funds and the issuance of debt or
equity securities or bank borrowings. The Company believes it has adequate
internal and external financing available to meet anticipated liquidity needs.
11
<PAGE> 14
Independent Accountants' Review Report
The Stockholders and Board of Directors
First Data Corporation
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First Data
Corporation as of March 31, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
income and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1995 and
1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to
financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which will be
performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion
regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not
express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements referred
to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of First Data Corporation as of
December 31, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented
herein) and in our report dated February 3, 1995, we expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Ernst & Young LLP
-----------------
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
May 8, 1995
12
<PAGE> 15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:
---------------------------------
(a) Exhibits:
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
15 Letter from Ernst & Young LLP Regarding Unaudited Interim
Financial Information
(b) Reports filed on Form 8-K during the quarter for which this report is
filed:
(i) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated January 26, 1995, reporting the
registrant's earnings for the year ended December 31, 1994.
(ii) Form 8-K dated March 23, 1995 reporting the following events:
Item 2, filing the March 9, 1995 press release announcing
the completion of the registrant's acquisition of Card
Establishment Services, Inc.
Item 5, filing the March 14, 1995 press release announcing
the tender offer by CES of $125 million of its 10% Senior
Subordinated Notes; and filing the March 15, 1995 press
release announcing the authorization by the registrant's
Board of Directors to repurchase shares and the declaration
of a quarterly dividend of $.03 per share.
Item 7, filing financial statements of Card Establishment
Services, Inc. for the six months ended December 31, 1994
and the year ended June 30, 1994; filing pro forma financial
information for the registrant and CESI Holdings, Inc.
13
<PAGE> 16
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
----------------------
(Registrant)
Date: May 9, 1995 By WALTER M. HOFF
---------------------- --------------------------
Walter M. Hoff
Executive Vice President -
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 9, 1995 By CHERYL L. KING
---------------------- ---------------------------
Cheryl L. King
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.4
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1995
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
-------------------- -------------------------
Commission file number 1-11073
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 47-0731996
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
401 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
--------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (201) 525-4702
----------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at July 31, 1995
--------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Common Stock (par value $.01 per share) 118,803,261 shares
<PAGE> 2
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE NO.
--------
<S> <C> <C>
Part I. Financial Information
Consolidated Statement of Income--Three and six 1
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Balance Sheet--June 30, 1995 2
and December 31, 1994
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows--Six 3
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1994
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4-7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of 8-14
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Independent Accountants' Review Report 15
Part II. Other Information 16
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
------------------- -------------------
1995 1994 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Fee revenues, net $447,362 $362,884 $830,703 $696,932
Fees related to sale of TRS financial
instruments, net 55,250 46,701 109,420 88,473
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total 502,612 409,585 940,123 785,405
-------- -------- -------- --------
EXPENSES:
Human resources 194,896 161,363 369,229 311,808
Equipment, supplies and facilities 84,686 59,595 151,946 112,986
Depreciation and amortization 51,714 34,810 94,616 65,891
Professional, advertising and other 73,503 66,466 138,813 124,532
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total 404,799 322,234 754,604 615,217
-------- -------- -------- --------
OPERATING INCOME 97,813 87,351 185,519 170,188
INTEREST EXPENSE (14,580) (10,652) (25,191) (21,471)
OTHER INCOME 77,937 1,800 80,937 3,600
-------- -------- -------- --------
PRETAX INCOME 161,170 78,499 241,265 152,317
INCOME TAXES 103,223 31,952 133,106 62,068
-------- -------- -------- --------
NET INCOME $ 57,947 $ 46,547 $108,159 $ 90,249
======== ======== ======== ========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.49 $ 0.42 $ 0.94 $ 0.81
======== ======== ======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING 119,355 111,438 115,615 111,530
======== ======== ======== ========
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.03 $ -- $ 0.06 $ 0.03
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
1
<PAGE> 4
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
ASSETS 1995 1994
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 111,434 $ 166,203
Short-term investments 58,189 197,134
Equity securities available for sale 209,480 --
Proceeds including proceeds due from financial instruments sold 3,794,862 3,058,829
Funds and funds due relating to merchant processing 284,833 --
Accounts receivable, less allowance: 1995, $8,577; 1994, $7,117 303,912 262,847
Land, buildings and equipment at cost, net of depreciation:
1995, $286,175; 1994, $262,590 367,288 303,294
Goodwill, net of amortization: 1995, $160,096; 1994, $149,374 1,581,173 832,349
Other intangibles, net of amortization: 1995, $133,733; 1994, $108,337 424,718 348,886
Other assets 260,365 249,902
---------- ----------
$7,396,254 $5,419,444
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Drafts outstanding $ 58,097 $ 197,046
Liabilities relating to financial instruments sold 3,753,000 3,069,000
Liabilities relating to merchant processing 277,422 --
Short-term debt 372,000 35,000
Long-term debt 468,292 474,680
Accounts payable 129,092 92,470
Income taxes payable 117,839 60,019
Employee-related liabilities 82,359 84,356
Accrued and other liabilities 378,588 391,614
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 5,636,689 4,404,185
---------- ----------
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share,
authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 119,527,317
shares in 1995 and 110,352,000 in 1994 1,195 1,104
Capital surplus 939,682 412,779
Net unrealized securities gains (losses) 30,460 (6,611)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (18,088) (17,033)
Retained earnings 843,229 755,558
Less treasury stock at cost, 714,720 shares in 1995
and 2,710,360 in 1994 (36,913) (130,538)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 1,759,565 1,015,259
---------- ----------
$7,396,254 $5,419,444
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
<PAGE> 5
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
--------------------------
1995 1994
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 108,159 $ 90,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 47,421 34,236
Amortization (1995 and 1994 include charges
of $16,561 and $10,128, respectively, against revenues) 63,756 41,783
Gain on sale of businesses (80,937) (3,600)
Other non-cash charges, net 20,674 5,944
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Short-term investments 138,945 13,987
Proceeds including proceeds due from
financial instruments sold (684,000) (231,000)
Funds and funds due relating to merchant processing (18,639) --
Accounts receivable (55,564) (22,137)
Other assets (6,564) 5,636
Drafts outstanding (138,949) (13,859)
Liabilities relating to financial
instruments sold 684,000 231,000
Liabilities relating to merchant processing 27,186 --
Accounts payable and other liabilities 40,959 24,303
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 146,447 176,542
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of variable rate cap agreements -- (28,850)
Deferred contract costs (75,022) (46,205)
Purchase of land, buildings and equipment (90,547) (70,823)
Acquisition-related expenditures (219,959) (91,256)
Divestitures 11,210 --
--------- ---------
Net cash used by investing activities (374,318) (237,134)
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase in short-term debt, net 337,000 --
Principal payments of long-term debt (142,530) (8,850)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 17,482 4,341
Purchase of treasury stock (32,821) (25,210)
Dividends paid (6,698) (6,610)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 172,433 (36,329)
--------- ---------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH 669 2,055
--------- ---------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (54,769) (94,866)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 166,203 298,041
--------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 111,434 $ 203,175
========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
<PAGE> 6
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1995
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements of First Data Corporation (the Company or
FDC) should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1994. Significant accounting
policies disclosed therein have not changed. However, in 1995 the Company has
incurred software development costs for major new product and platform
offerings and has capitalized a portion of such costs as required by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer
Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed". Historically, software
development costs have been principally for product enhancements or refinements
and expensed as incurred. Amounts capitalized through June 30, 1995 for new
product and platform offerings approximated $3.3 million.
The consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of
management, they include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company at June 30,
1995 and the consolidated results of its operations for the three and six
months ended June 30, 1995 and 1994 and cash flows for the six months ended
June 30, 1995 and 1994. Results of operations reported for interim periods are
not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. Certain prior year
amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The Company recently completed a study of goodwill and other intangible assets
arising from purchase business combinations and has concluded it is appropriate
to reclassify certain costs associated with the July 1991 acquisition of First
Data Resources Limited (FDRL) from "Goodwill" to acquired contract and
conversion costs which are included in "Other intangibles" on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet. Conversion costs primarily include systems and
programming and other related costs associated with the conversion of new
client accounts to the Company's processing systems. The reclassified costs
represent those necessary to modify the acquired FDRL processing system in 1992
to provide the functionality of the Company's processing system to FDRL's
customer base. The result of the reclassification, as of December 31, 1994,
was an increase of $53 million in acquired contract and conversion costs, net
of accumulated amortization, which will be amortized over the remaining
six-year estimated life of the contracts. The $169 million remaining carrying
value of goodwill relating to FDRL will be amortized over its remaining
estimated life of 26 years. Previously, all acquired intangibles resulting
from the FDRL acquisition were amortized over their estimated aggregate life of
20 years from the date of acquisition. The impact of these changes is
immaterial to the Company's results of operations.
4
<PAGE> 7
2. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Net income taxes paid during the six months ended June 30, 1995 were
approximately $44 million. Net income taxes paid during the same period in
1994 were approximately $60 million, net of a $1.1 million refund from American
Express Company. Interest paid during the six months ended June 30, 1995 and
1994 was approximately $31 million and $21 million, respectively.
3. ACQUISITIONS/DISPOSITION
On June 13, 1995, the Company announced execution of a merger agreement with
First Financial Management Corporation (FFMC), a leading worldwide information
services provider. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, each
outstanding share of FFMC common stock will be converted into 1.5859 shares of
FDC common stock at closing. The transaction is valued at approximately $6.7
billion based on FDC's closing price on June 12, 1995 of $56.875. The
transaction, which will be accounted for as a pooling of interests, requires
the approval of the stockholders of both companies as well as various
regulatory agencies. The Company anticipates closing the transaction in late
1995 or early 1996; however, no assurance can be given with respect to the
timing or likelihood of such transaction closing.
Upon closing, FDC will incur one-time merger expenses including (i) investment
banking, legal and miscellaneous transaction costs, currently estimated to be
$52.3 million on an after-tax basis; (ii) costs associated with termination
benefits of certain employees of FFMC, currently estimated to be $143.1 million
on an after-tax basis, and (iii) costs associated with the integration and
consolidation of the companies which are not presently estimable. The
accounting policies utilized by FDC and FFMC are currently being studied from a
conformity perspective; however, the impact of any potential adjustments is
presently estimated to be immaterial.
On June 6, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of the merchant
processing and point-of-sale unit of ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY). ENVOY was
combined with the existing merchant operations of the Company's U.S.
transaction card processing unit and is reflected in the accompanying financial
statements from its date of acquisition.
A summary of the purchase price paid and the preliminary allocation thereof to
tangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed is as follows (thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Total consideration paid $174,533
Tangible assets acquired less liabilities
assumed at fair value 32,426
-------
Excess of purchase price over tangible
assets acquired less liabilities assumed $142,107
=======
</TABLE>
The total consideration paid primarily represents the issuance of 3 million
shares of FDC common stock to ENVOY stockholders valued at approximately $171
million. An additional payment of up to $21 million in FDC common stock will
be required over a one- to three-year period if the acquired entity attains
certain performance objectives. The excess of purchase price over tangible
assets acquired less
5
<PAGE> 8
liabilities assumed is being amortized over 30 years. This acquisition has
been accounted for using the purchase method.
On March 9, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of CESI Holdings, Inc.
and its subsidiary, Card Establishment Services Inc., (CES) a leading merchant
transaction processor. CES was combined with the Company's U.S. transaction
card processing unit to strengthen both front-end and back-office merchant
transaction processing capabilities and is reflected in the accompanying
financial statements from its date of acquisition.
The following table lists the unaudited pro forma financial information
reflecting the estimated effect on the Company of the CES acquisition as if it
had occurred at the beginning of each of 1995 and 1994 (in thousands, except
per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Six Months Ended
Ended June 30,
June 30, 1994 1995 1994
------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue $461,555 $978,495 $884,113
Net income 45,959 103,472 86,819
Net income per
common share 0.38 0.87 0.72
</TABLE>
The pro forma financial information presented above does not give pro forma
effect to the ENVOY acquisition as the effect on pro forma earnings in the
aggregate would be immaterial.
Adjustments made in arriving at pro forma unaudited results of operations
include the preliminary revaluation of CES assets to their fair value,
reduction of interest expense on existing debt due to lower borrowing rates of
the Company, amortization of goodwill and related tax adjustments. The pro
forma results do not, however, include any adjustments for cost savings or
benefits from economies of scale that the Company believes would have been
achieved had the transaction occurred at the beginning of each of 1995 and
1994. The pro forma financial information is presented for informational
purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the future results of operations
of the combined companies.
Pro forma results present revenues net of interchange and association fees.
Interchange fees represent a standardized fee charged by the Visa and
Mastercard credit card associations to compensate card issuing banks for the
risk of transaction fraud, processing expenses and funding costs and are
settled with the card issuing banks. Historically, CES presented its revenues
on a gross basis. The Company presents revenues on a net basis on its
consolidated financial statements as generally there is no risk to the Company
associated with the interchange fees. CES' interchange and association fees
were $172 million and $140 million for the three months ended June 30, 1995 and
1994, respectively, and $314 million and $258 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
During the 1995 second quarter, the Company completed the sale of its health
systems business to HBO & Company (HBOC) in exchange for 4 million shares of
HBOC common stock valued at approximately
6
<PAGE> 9
$205 million, resulting in a pretax gain of $68.9 million which has been
included in "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
This pretax gain was substantially offset by income taxes of $67.7 million
relating thereto. The investment in HBOC common stock is presented as "Equity
securities available for sale" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The health systems business accounted for approximately 8 percent of the
Company's 1994 annual consolidated revenues and a lesser percentage of its 1994
annual consolidated operating income.
4. DEBT OFFERING
On July 24, 1995, the Company completed a $200 million public debt offering of
6 3/4% Notes (the Notes) due July 15, 2005. Interest on the Notes is payable
semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing
January 15, 1996. There is no sinking fund obligation applicable to the Notes,
nor are the Notes redeemable prior to maturity. The Company received net
proceeds of approximately $197 million of which $165 million was used to pay
down the Company's short-term borrowings under its revolving credit facilities.
The remainder was used for general corporate purposes.
7
<PAGE> 10
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 1994.
Revenues
The Company's consolidated second quarter 1995 revenues were $503 million, up
23 percent over $410 million in 1994. Excluding revenues from the cable
services and hotel reservation businesses sold late in 1994 and the health
systems business sold during the second quarter of 1995, revenues were up 34
percent. The increased revenue came substantially from continued growth in its
transaction card processing, mutual fund servicing and payment instruments
businesses. Approximately 90 percent of the 1995 increase resulted from
acquisitions, sales of enhanced services and new client signings with the
remainder attributable to expansion into adjacent markets and internal growth
in its financial sector businesses. Growth from acquisitions was primarily
attributable to Card Establishment Services, Inc. (CES), acquired on March 9,
1995, which contributed revenues of $57 million. The Company's financial
sector businesses, which include the transaction card processing, payment
instruments, mutual fund servicing and receivables management businesses,
represented approximately 90 percent of the Company's consolidated revenues and
a greater proportion of the Company's consolidated operating income in the 1995
second quarter. Revenues in the financial sector, which is the Company's
focus, increased 25 percent even without the effect of the CES acquisition and
44 percent including CES.
Worldwide transaction card processing revenues grew by $115 million, or 64
percent, primarily due to strong growth in card accounts, transactions
processed and sales of enhanced services, as well as the results of the
newly-acquired CES business. The volume of worldwide card and merchant
transactions processed increased 59 percent to 1,266 million in the 1995 second
quarter (which included 176 million incremental CES merchant transactions)
compared with 794 million in the 1994 second quarter. Excluding CES, the
increase in card and merchant transactions processed is attributable to an
approximate 40 percent increase in the U.S. and an approximate 20 percent
increase in the U.K. The volume of worldwide card accounts processed increased
to 104.8 million in the second quarter of 1995 from 75.8 million in the 1994
second quarter primarily due to strong internal growth and the addition of new
clients.
Revenues derived from the payment instruments business grew by $6.2 million
over the 1994 second quarter. This growth was attributable to an increase in
fee revenue associated with a 60 percent increase in MoneyGram(SM) service
transactions processed. MoneyGram(SM) revenue per transaction resulting from
conditions relating to Mexican exchange rates was comparable to the prior year
quarter. This growth was partially offset by a decrease in revenues derived
from the investment portfolios due to an increase in variable rate commissions
paid to selling agents. Payment instruments transactions processed increased
11 percent to 79 million in the 1995 second quarter compared with 71 million in
the 1994
8
<PAGE> 11
second quarter. The Company continued its aggressive MoneyGram(SM) service
marketing campaign during the 1995 second quarter.
Prior to 1994, FDC issued payment instruments solely under the name of American
Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of American Express Company (American Express). In 1994, the Company's payment
instruments business began transitioning away from American Express to its own
payment instruments. In conjunction with the March 1994 acquisition of a major
financial institution's official check business (the new official check
business) the Company began signing new official check agents as well as
converting the acquired and new agents to its own payment instruments which
generated an investment portfolio balance of $1.4 billion at June 30, 1995.
This is in addition to the investment portfolio of $2.0 billion generated from
the Company's sale of TRS payment instruments. As a result of the Company's
transition to its own payment instruments, 1995 second quarter results include
earnings on tax-exempt investments included in the Company's separate
investment portfolio that did not exist in 1994. On a pretax equivalent basis,
which is the basis of recognition of earnings on the portfolio owned by TRS,
the Company's 1995 second quarter revenues, operating and pretax income, and
income taxes would have been $6.1 million higher.
Revenues from the mutual fund servicing business increased by 27 percent over
the 1994 second quarter as a result of increased sales of enhanced services and
expansion into adjacent markets principally due to 440 Financial Group acquired
in March 1995 and the mutual fund administration business acquired in May 1994.
Mutual fund assets serviced increased 28 percent in the 1995 second quarter to
$341 billion compared with $266 billion in the 1994 second quarter.
Revenues from the Company's receivables management business declined slightly
from the 1994 second quarter. The Company continues to focus on this business
and sees opportunities to further penetrate the market and offer these services
to its existing customer base.
Revenues from the teleservices business declined 11 percent from the 1994
second quarter due to lower pricing and lower volumes partially attributable to
further automation of operator services, slightly offset by other ancillary
teleservices and an increase in volumes associated with the Company's
computer-based interactive telephone service.
Expenses
The Company's total operating expenses increased 26 percent to $405 million.
The Company's expenses included increased product development and
infrastructure costs incurred in advance of accelerating financial sector
revenues anticipated for the second half of 1995 as reflected by the increase
in "Human resources," "Equipment, supplies and facilities" and "Professional,
advertising, and other" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
Growth in volumes of transactions processed and the impact of sales of
additional enhanced services also contributed to higher systems development and
programming, data processing and facilities costs. The Company's additional
investment in hardware and operating systems and recently acquired businesses
contributed substantially to the increase in depreciation and amortization.
9
<PAGE> 12
The Company's effective tax rate increased from 40.7 percent in 1994 to 64.0
percent in 1995 as a result of the taxes on the sale of the health systems
business. Excluding the impact of the sale of the health systems business, the
effective tax rate would have been 38.5 percent in 1995; this decrease in rate
from 1994 is due to the impact of tax-exempt earnings on the Company's separate
investment portfolio in 1995.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
The Company's consolidated net income increased 24 percent to $58 million in
the 1995 second quarter compared with $47 million in the 1994 second quarter.
The Company's earnings per share increased 17 percent to $0.49 in the 1995
second quarter from $0.42 in the 1994 second quarter. The disparity of the
foregoing growth percentages was the result of the additional shares issued in
connection with the CES and ENVOY Corporation (ENVOY) acquisitions. The
increase in net income came substantially from increased operating income due
to continued growth in its two largest financial sector businesses. FDC's
transaction card processing unit had strong growth in card accounts,
transactions processed and sales of enhanced services, as well as the results
of the newly-acquired CES business. In addition, FDC's payment instruments
business had higher volumes, particularly in its MoneyGram(SM) service. These
increases were partially offset by a decline at the teleservices business.
During the 1995 second quarter, the Company recorded a $68.9 million pretax
gain on the sale of its health systems business, which was offset by a $67.7
million increase in income taxes relating thereto. In addition, increased
product development and infrastructure costs incurred in advance of
accelerating revenues anticipated for the second half of 1995 were largely
offset by a $5.4 million after-tax gain ($9 million pretax) resulting from the
favorable resolution of certain indemnification issues relative to the 1994
sale of the cable services business. The pretax gains are included in "Other
income" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
In 1995, the Company continues to expect earnings per share, before the effect
of the First Financial Management Corporation (FFMC) merger discussed below, to
grow near the Company's objective of 20 percent.
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994.
Revenues
The Company's consolidated revenues for the 1995 period were $940 million, up
20 percent over $785 million in the 1994 period. Excluding revenues from the
cable services and hotel reservation businesses sold late in 1994 and the
health systems business sold during the second quarter of 1995, revenues
increased 31 percent over the same period in the prior year. The increased
revenue came substantially from continued growth in its transaction card
processing, mutual fund servicing and payment instruments businesses.
Approximately 85 percent of the 1995 increase resulted from acquisitions, sales
of enhanced services and new client signings with the remainder attributable to
expansion into adjacent markets and internal growth in its financial sector
businesses. Growth from acquisitions was primarily attributable to CES which
contributed revenues of $70 million. The Company's financial sector businesses
10
<PAGE> 13
represented approximately 85 percent of the Company's consolidated revenues and
a significantly greater proportion of the Company's consolidated operating
income in the 1995 period.
Worldwide transaction card processing revenues grew by $184 million primarily
due to strong growth in card accounts, transactions processed and sales of
enhanced services, as well as the results of the newly-acquired CES business.
The volume of worldwide card and merchant transactions processed increased 44
percent to 2.2 billion in the 1995 period compared with 1.5 billion in the 1994
period. The increase in transactions processed is primarily attributable to
the U.S. transaction card processing business, including 214 million
incremental CES merchant transactions.
Revenues derived from the payment instruments business grew by 21 percent or
$20 million over the 1994 period. This growth was attributable to an increase
in fee revenue associated with an approximate 80 percent increase in
MoneyGram(SM) service transactions processed and higher MoneyGram(SM) revenue
per transaction resulting from conditions relating to Mexican exchange rates in
the 1995 first quarter. This growth was partially offset by a decrease in
revenues derived from the investment portfolios due to an increase in variable
rate commissions paid to selling agents. As discussed above, 1995 results
include earnings on tax-exempt investments included in the Company's separate
investment portfolio that did not exist in 1994. On a pretax equivalent basis,
which is the basis of recognition of earnings on the portfolio owned by TRS,
the Company's 1995 revenues, operating and pretax income, and income taxes
would have been $10.8 million higher. Payment instrument transactions
processed increased 18 percent to 156 million in the 1995 period compared with
132 million in the same period in 1994.
Revenues from the mutual fund servicing business increased by 27 percent over
the 1994 period as a result of increased sales of enhanced services and
expansion into adjacent markets principally due to the addition of the mutual
fund administration business and 440 Financial Group.
Revenues from the receivables management and teleservices businesses declined
slightly from the 1994 period.
Expenses
The Company's total operating expenses increased 23 percent to $755 million.
The Company's expenses included increased product development and
infrastructure costs incurred in advance of accelerating financial sector
revenues anticipated for the second half of 1995 as reflected by the increase
in "Human Resources," "Equipment, supplies and facilities" and "Professional,
advertising and other" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income.
Growth in volumes of transactions processed and the impact of sales of
additional enhanced services also contributed to higher systems development and
programming, data processing and facilities costs. The Company's additional
investment in hardware and operating systems and recently acquired businesses
contributed substantially to the increase in depreciation and amortization.
11
<PAGE> 14
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
The Company's consolidated net income increased 20 percent to $108 million
compared with $90 million for the corresponding period in 1994. The Company's
earnings per share increased 16 percent to $0.94 in the 1995 period from $0.81
in the 1994 period. The disparity of the foregoing growth percentages was the
result of the additional shares issued in connection with the CES and ENVOY
acquisitions. The increase in net income came substantially from increased
operating income due to continued growth in its two largest financial sector
businesses. FDC's transaction card processing unit had strong growth in card
accounts, transactions processed and sales of enhanced services, as well as the
results of the newly-acquired CES business. In addition, FDC's payment
instruments business had higher volumes, particularly in its MoneyGram(SM)
service. These increases were partially offset by a decline at the
teleservices business. See "Quarter Ended June 30, 1995 Compared to Quarter
Ended June 30, 1994" for discussion of one-time gains recorded during 1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Total assets of the Company increased to $7.4 billion at June 30, 1995 from
$5.4 billion at December 31, 1994. "Proceeds including proceeds due from
financial instruments sold" increased by $736 million primarily due to the sale
of the Company's own payment instruments in conjunction with the new official
check business. "Goodwill" and "Other intangibles", net of amortization,
increased by $825 million substantially due to the acquisitions of CES and
ENVOY, partially offset by the reduction of goodwill associated with the sale
of the health systems business. As a result of the newly-acquired CES merchant
business, "Funds and funds due relating to merchant processing" represents
amounts received and due from the issuing banks via card associations in
connection with the normal merchant settlement process, while the related
liability, "Liabilities relating to merchant processing", represents amounts
due to merchants.
The Company increased its investing activities by $137 million over 1994. This
was primarily due to higher acquisition- related expenditures largely
attributable to the CES acquisition, an increase in deferred contract costs
attributable to the signing and converting of clients to the Company's systems
and higher capital expenditures for data processing equipment.
Cash flows from financing activities increased by $209 million, principally due
to the additional draw-down of $337 million against the Company's $400 million
revolving credit facilities and higher proceeds from the exercise of stock
options. These increases were partially offset by the payment of CES' senior
subordinated debt of $139 million and higher purchases of treasury stock in
1995.
The Company's cash flows from operating activities decreased by $30 million
primarily due to net cash outflows attributable to changes in operating assets
and liabilities.
During the six months ended June 30, 1995, the Company repurchased 734,300
shares of common stock in the open market for approximately $39 million. These
purchases are pursuant to a formal plan approved by FDC's Board of Directors in
March 1995 for use in conjunction with certain employee
12
<PAGE> 15
benefit programs, as well as past and future acquisition-related payments. The
Company is authorized to repurchase shares in numbers reasonably expected to be
required for issuance within the two years following any purchase date in
connection with the Company's employee benefit plans and may hold up to 3.0
million shares of its common stock, at any time, pursuant to this
authorization. The Company anticipates continued repurchases. During the 1995
second quarter, the Company reissued 2 million shares of common stock in
conjunction with the ENVOY acquisition. In addition, the Company reissued
729,940 shares of common stock in connection with stock option exercises and
the settlement of a portion of the deferred purchase price of the Company's
receivables management business.
On March 9, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of CES, a leading
merchant transaction processor, for approximately $540 million which included
the issuance of approximately 8.1 million shares of FDC common stock to CES
shareholders valued at $419 million with an additional 0.6 million shares in
the form of common stock options valued at approximately $27 million. The
remainder of the consideration represents cash paid at the time of closing and
acquisition costs. In conjunction with the CES acquisition, the Company
provided cash of $76 million to CES to retire its outstanding indebtedness
under its senior credit facility. CES also had $125 million outstanding of
publicly traded Senior Subordinated Notes (CES Notes). In April 1995, the
Company repurchased and retired the CES Notes for $139 million which was funded
by a draw-down against the Company's revolving credit facilities.
The Company continues to pursue strategic alliance programs with bank clients
offering them the opportunity to participate in the merchant relationships
associated with the existing business of CES. Currently the Company has three
signed contracts and has received several letters of intent. The formation of
certain alliances will involve cash payments by the Company to certain alliance
partners. Cash payments required by agreements signed to date are not material
to the Company's overall cash flows.
On June 6, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of the merchant
processing and point-of-sale unit of ENVOY for approximately $175 million,
which primarily represents the issuance of 3 million shares of FDC common
stock. In addition, a contingent payment of up to $21 million in the form of
FDC common stock will be due over a one- to three- year period if the acquired
entity attains certain performance objectives.
On June 13, 1995, the Company announced execution of a merger agreement with
FFMC, a leading worldwide information services provider. Pursuant to the terms
of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of FFMC common stock will be
converted into 1.5859 shares of FDC common stock at closing. The transaction
is valued at approximately $6.7 billion based on FDC's closing price on June
12, 1995 of $56.875. The transaction, which will be accounted for as a pooling
of interests, requires the approval of the stockholders of both companies as
well as various regulatory agencies. The Company anticipates closing the
transaction in late 1995 or early 1996; however, no assurance can be given with
respect to the timing or likelihood of such transaction closing.
As discussed in Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, FDC
will incur one-time transaction and termination expenses currently estimated at
$195.4 million, net of related taxes, upon closing of the FFMC transaction.
Costs associated with the integration and consolidation of the
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companies are not presently estimable. These costs will be funded through
available cash, proceeds from the sale of the Company's investment in HBO &
Company (HBOC) common stock discussed below or available credit facilities or a
combination thereof.
During the 1995 second quarter, the Company completed the sale of its health
systems business to HBOC in exchange for 4 million shares of HBOC common stock
valued at approximately $205 million. The investment in HBOC common stock is
presented as "Equity securities available for sale" on the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has exercised its demand registration
rights and anticipates selling its investment in HBOC by the end of 1995. The
health systems business accounted for approximately 8 percent of the Company's
1994 annual consolidated revenues and a lesser percentage of its 1994 annual
consolidated operating income.
The Company regularly considers acquisition opportunities as well as other
forms of business combinations and divestitures. Historically, the Company has
been involved in numerous transactions of various magnitudes, for consideration
which has included cash or securities (including common stock) or combinations
thereof. The Company continues to evaluate and pursue transaction
opportunities as they arise. No assurance can be given with respect to the
timing, likelihood or the financial or business effect of any possible
transaction. The Company's future acquisition and investing activities are
expected to rely on internally generated funds and the issuance of debt or
equity securities or bank borrowings. The Company believes it has adequate
internal and external financing available to meet anticipated liquidity needs.
On July 24, 1995, the Company completed a $200 million public debt offering of
6 3/4% Notes (the Notes) due July 15, 2005. Interest on the Notes is payable
semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing
January 15, 1996. There is no sinking fund obligation applicable to the Notes,
nor are the Notes redeemable prior to maturity. The Company received net
proceeds of approximately $197 million of which $165 million was used to pay
down the Company's short-term borrowings under its revolving credit facilities.
The remainder was used for general corporate purposes. Currently $193 million
remains available under the Company's revolving credit facilities.
On July 26, 1995, the Company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of
$0.03 per common share, payable on October 16, 1995 to stockholders of record
on October 2, 1995.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In May 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets," effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1995. The Company does not believe SFAS No. 121 will have a material impact on
its financial statements.
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<PAGE> 17
Independent Accountants' Review Report
The Stockholders and Board of Directors
First Data Corporation
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First Data
Corporation as of June 30, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
income for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 1995 and 1994,
and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended
June 30, 1995 and 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to
financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which will be
performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion
regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not
express such opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements referred
to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of First Data Corporation as of
December 31, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented
herein) and in our report dated February 3, 1995, we expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the
information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 1994, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to
the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
August 4, 1995
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<PAGE> 18
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders:
------------------------------------------------------
The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 17, 1995. Three
matters were voted upon and approved at the meeting.
Proposal 1 Election of Directors
The terms of office of two current directors, Henry C. Duques and Ben
Burdetsky, expired at the 1995 Annual Meeting. The re-election of Messrs.
Duques and Burdetsky was voted on at the Annual Meeting. The results of the
voting were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR WITHHELD
<S> <C> <C>
Henry C. Duques 100,503,929 326,363
Ben Burdetsky 100,586,243 244,049
</TABLE>
Proposal 2 Approval of an Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to delete all Provisions relating
specifically to American Express Company
The results of the voting were as follows:
FOR 99,772,215 AGAINST 171,044 ABSTAIN 887,033
Proposal 3 The ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as
independent auditors for 1995
The results of the voting were as follows:
FOR 100,659,460 AGAINST 25,006 ABSTAIN 145,826
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K:
---------------------------------
(a) Exhibits:
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
15 Letter from Ernst & Young LLP Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information
(b) Reports filed on Form 8-K during the quarter for which this report is filed:
(i) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated April 26, 1995, reporting the Company's earnings for the quarter ended
March 31, 1995.
(ii) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated May 16, 1995, filing a Press Release announcing that the Company had
entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its First Data Health Systems Corporation
subsidiary.
(iii) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated June 6, 1995, filing a Press Release announcing the consummation of the
merger of ENVOY Corporation, with and into the Company.
(iv) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated June 12, 1995, filing a Press Release reporting that the Company had
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 12, 1995 among the Company, FDC Merger
Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and First Financial Management Corporation.
(v) Item 5, Form 8-K, dated June 30, 1995, filing a copy of the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 2, 1995, and filing a copy
of Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income which provided pro forma financial
information for the Company and CESI Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended March 31, 1995
and 1994.
</TABLE>
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
FIRST DATA CORPORATION
----------------------
(Registrant)
Date: August 9, 1995 By LEE ADREAN
---------------------------- -----------------------------
Lee Adrean
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: August 9, 1995 By CHERYL L. KING
----------------------------- -----------------------------------
Cheryl L. King
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
18
