<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report: (Date of earliest event reported): September 27, 1999
---------------------------
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Florida 1-5210 59-0792436
---------------------------- ------------ -------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
5100 W. Lemon Street, Tampa, Florida 33609
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip code)
(813) 286-8383
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(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
1
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. CHANGES IN CONTROL OF REGISTRANT
On September 27, 1999, Kyoei Steel, Ltd. ("Kyoei"), a company organized
under the laws of Japan, sold approximately 88% of the issued and outstanding
common stock of FLS Holdings, Inc. ("FLS"), a Delaware corporation, to Gerdau
USA Inc. ("Gerdau USA"), a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
Gerdau S.A. ("Gerdau"), a company organized under the laws of Brazil (the "Stock
Purchase Transaction"). The Stock Purchase Transaction was consummated pursuant
to the terms and conditions of a Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 27,
1999, by and among Kyoei, Gerdau USA and Gerdau (the "Stock Purchase
Agreement").
FLS is a holding company and the majority stockholder of AmeriSteel
Corporation ("AmeriSteel") owning 9,000,000 shares or approximately 85% of the
issued and outstanding common stock of AmeriSteel. As a result of the Stock
Purchase Transaction, Gerdau, through its majority stock ownership of FLS, has a
right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of FLS which in turn
provides Gerdau with voting and investment control of the shares of common stock
of AmeriSteel owned by FLS.
The purchase price paid by Gerdau was $261,360,000, of which $130,000,000
was paid in cash at closing and the remaining $131,360,000 is payable in three
equal installments of $43,786,666.66 on March 27, 2000, September 27, 2000 and
March 27, 2001, pursuant to three separate promissory notes. The purchase price
was financed by a combination of cash on hand of Gerdau and its affiliates (the
"Gerdau Group"), a revolving and term credit facility provided initially by a
group of Canadian banks led by The Toronto-Dominion Bank, in the aggregate
amount of Cdn$275,000,000 (the "Canadian Facility") and through the issuance of
the promissory notes payable to Kyoei or its registered assigns, by Gerdau USA
guaranteed by Gerdau S.A. and supported by stand-by letters of credit issued by
The Chase Manhattan Bank. The Canadian Facility consists of a 364 day Revolving
Extendible Operating Facility for Cdn$75 million and a five year Non-Revolving
Reducing Term Facility for the remaining amount of the facility, both bearing
interest at a range of Canadian and U.S. dollar floating rates plus margins.
Both facilities are subject to early amortization, depending on the applicable
borrowing base calculation (for the Revolving Facility) and cash flow sweep and
other factors (in the case of the Term Facility), and to acceleration on terms
customary for facilities of this kind.
The Canadian Facility was made available to Gerdau Steel, Inc., Gerdau
Courtice Steel Inc. and Gerdau MRM Steel Inc., jointly and severally, as
borrowers, secured by the assets of the borrowers and guaranteed by and secured
by the assets of other subsidiary companies of the Gerdau Group in Canada and
the United States (Gerdau MRM Holdings Inc., Porter Bros. Corporation, Gerdau
USA and FLS) and by Gerdau. The terms and conditions of the pledge of the assets
of Gerdau USA and FLS provide rights in favor of the lenders customary for
facilities of this kind, including, but not limited to, the right to seek to
recover against the assets of Gerdau USA and/or FLS in the event of a default
under the Canadian Facility. As a result, in the event of a default, the
exercise of such rights by the lenders could result in a change of control of
AmeriSteel.
Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Gerdau USA, Kyoei and FLS
also entered into a Shareholders Agreement on September 27, 1999. The
Shareholders Agreement provides that Gerdau USA, as long as Kyoei maintains at
least a 2.5% ownership interest in FLS, will elect one person designated by
Kyoei to the Board of Directors of FLS and AmeriSteel. In addition, the
Shareholders Agreement provides: (i) for restrictions on transfer of shares of
FLS common stock by Kyoei and Gerdau USA, (ii) Gerdau USA with a right of first
refusal to purchase any shares of FLS common stock offered for sale by Kyoei,
(iii) Kyoei with a right to require Gerdau USA to purchase all of the shares of
FLS common stock held by Kyoei and (iv) Kyoei with certain rights to participate
pro-rata in any disposition of shares of FLS common stock by Gerdau USA.
2
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
The Exhibits to this report are listed in the Index to Exhibits set forth
elsewhere herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
Date: October 12, 1999 By:/s/ Tom J. Landa
------------------------ -------------------------------------
Tom J. Landa, Chief Financial Officer
3
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 27, 1999, by and among
Gerdau S.A., Gerdau USA, Inc. and Kyoei Steel Ltd.
2.2 Shareholders Agreement dated September 27, 1999, by and among
Gerdau USA, Inc., Kyoei Steel Ltd. and FLS Holdings, Inc.
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.1
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
By and Among
GERDAU S.A. and GERDAU USA INC.
And
KYOEI STEEL, LTD.
For the Purchase and
Sale of the Common Stock of
FLS HOLDINGS, INC.
Dated as of September 27, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<C> <S> <C>
ARTICLE I
SALE OF STOCK
1.1 Sale of Stock.................................................. -2-
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1.2 Purchase Price................................................. -2-
--------------
1.3 Closing of Purchase and Sale................................... -2-
----------------------------
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
2.1 Due Incorporation and Qualification............................ -3-
-----------------------------------
2.2 Outstanding Capital Stock...................................... -3-
-------------------------
2.3 Options or Other Rights........................................ -4-
-----------------------
2.4 Title To Stock................................................. -4-
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2.5 Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.......................... -4-
-------------------------------------
2.6 Books and Records.............................................. -5-
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2.7 Authority of Seller............................................ -5-
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2.8 Financial Statements........................................... -7-
--------------------
2.9 No Undisclosed Liabilities..................................... -7-
--------------------------
2.10 Inventories.................................................... -8-
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2.11 Litigation..................................................... -8-
----------
2.12 Taxes.......................................................... -8-
-----
2.13 Title to Properties; Assets Complete........................... -10-
------------------------------------
2.14 Compliance with Laws........................................... -10-
--------------------
2.15 Contracts and Other Agreements................................. -11-
------------------------------
2.16 Properties..................................................... -13-
----------
2.17 Accounts and Notes Receivable.................................. -15-
-----------------------------
2.18 Fixed Assets................................................... -15-
------------
2.19 Proprietary Rights............................................. -16-
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2.20 Major Customers and Suppliers.................................. -17-
-----------------------------
2.21 Labor Relations; Employees..................................... -17-
--------------------------
2.22 Employee Benefit Plans......................................... -18-
----------------------
2.23 Insurance...................................................... -24-
---------
2.24 Environmental and Safety Matters............................... -25-
--------------------------------
2.25 Officers, Directors and Key Employees.......................... -25-
-------------------------------------
2.26 Franchises and Licenses........................................ -25-
-----------------------
2.27 Transactions with Affiliated Parties........................... -26-
------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(i)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
2.28 No Changes Prior to Closing Date............................... -26-
--------------------------------
2.29 Disclosure..................................................... -27-
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2.30 Broker's or Finder's Fees...................................... -28-
-------------------------
2.31 Filings with the SEC........................................... -28-
--------------------
2.32 Bank Accounts.................................................. -28-
-------------
2.33 Closing Date................................................... -28-
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS OF Gerdau AND BUYER
3.1 Incorporation and Qualification................................ -29-
-------------------------------
3.2 Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Governing Documents..... -29-
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3.3 Authority of Buyer............................................. -29-
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3.4 Securities Acknowledgment...................................... -31-
-------------------------
3.5 Pending Actions................................................ -32-
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3.6 Broker's or Finder's Fees...................................... -32-
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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CLOSING
- ----------------------------------------------
4.1 Operation in Ordinary Course................................... -33-
----------------------------
4.2 Notice of Events............................................... -34-
----------------
4.3 Exclusive Dealing.............................................. -34-
-----------------
4.4 Examinations and Investigations................................ -34-
-------------------------------
4.5 Release of Guaranties, Discharge of MIC Loan................... -35-
--------------------------------------------
4.6 Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.......................................... -35-
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ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATION OF BUYER TO CLOSE
- --------------------------------------------------------
5.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties..................... -36-
------------------------------------------
5.2 Performance Of Covenants....................................... -36-
------------------------
5.3 Certified Copy of Authorizing Resolutions...................... -36-
-----------------------------------------
5.4 No Material Adverse Change..................................... -36-
--------------------------
5.5 Governmental Permits and Approvals............................. -37-
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5.6 Opinions of Counsel............................................ -37-
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5.7 No Litigation.................................................. -37-
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</TABLE>
(ii)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
5.8 Certificates of Good Standing.................................. -37-
-----------------------------
5.9 Compliance With HSR............................................ -37-
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5.10 Third-Party Consents........................................... -38-
--------------------
5.11 Transfer Taxes................................................. -38-
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5.12 Stock Certificates............................................. -38-
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5.13 Shareholder's Agreement........................................ -38-
-----------------------
5.14 Sumitomo Corporation........................................... -38-
--------------------
5.15 Resignations of Directors and Officers......................... -38-
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ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATION OF SELLER TO CLOSE
- ---------------------------------------------------------
6.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties..................... -39-
------------------------------------------
6.2 Performance of Covenants....................................... -39-
------------------------
6.3 Opinion of Buyer and Gerdau's Counsel.......................... -40-
-------------------------------------
6.4 No Litigation.................................................. -40-
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6.5 Certificates of Good Standing.................................. -40-
-----------------------------
6.6 Standby Letter of Credit....................................... -40-
------------------------
6.7 Buyer Notes.................................................... -40-
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6.8 Certified Copy of Authorizing Resolutions...................... -40-
-----------------------------------------
6.9 Shareholders Agreement......................................... -40-
----------------------
ARTICLE VII
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE CLOSING
- ----------------------------------
7.1 Stock Certificates............................................. -41-
------------------
7.2 Purchase Price................................................. -41-
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7.3 Collateral Documents........................................... -41-
--------------------
ARTICLE VIII
POST-CLOSING COVENANTS
- ----------------------
ARTICLE IX
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------
9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties..................... -42-
------------------------------------------
9.2 Seller's Agreement to Indemnify................................ -42-
-------------------------------
</TABLE>
(iii)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
9.3 Buyer's Agreement to Indemnify................................. -43-
------------------------------
9.4 Indemnification Procedure...................................... -43-
-------------------------
9.5 Limitations on Liability of Seller and Buyer................... -44-
--------------------------------------------
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
- ------------------------
10.1 Termination.................................................... -45-
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10.2 Survival....................................................... -45-
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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
- -------------
11.1 Knowledge...................................................... -46-
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11.2 Gender......................................................... -46-
------
11.3 Expenses....................................................... -46-
--------
11.4 Entire Agreement............................................... -46-
----------------
11.5 Notices........................................................ -47-
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11.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries................................... -48-
----------------------------
11.7 Headings....................................................... -49-
--------
11.8 Governing Law.................................................. -49-
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11.9 Parties in Interest............................................ -49-
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11.10 Counterparts................................................... -49-
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11.11 Severability................................................... -49-
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11.12 Arbitration.................................................... -49-
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11.13 Jurisdiction................................................... -53-
------------
11.14 Agent for Service of Process................................... -53-
----------------------------
11.15 Interpretation................................................. -53-
--------------
11.16 Schedules and Exhibits......................................... -53-
----------------------
</TABLE>
ARTICLE XII
GUARANTEES
- ----------
(iv)
<PAGE>
LIST OF SCHEDULES
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Schedule 2.1 - Due Incorporation and Qualification
Schedule 2.2 - Outstanding Capital Stock
Schedule 2.3(a) - Options or Other Rights - FLS
Schedule 2.3(b) - Options or Other Rights - AmeriSteel
Schedule 2.5(a) - Articles of Incorporation
Schedule 2.5(b) - Bylaws
Schedule 2.7(b) - Conflicts
Schedule 2.7(d) - Acceleration
Schedule 2.7(g) - Violation of Permits
Schedule 2.8 - Financial Statements
Schedule 2.9 - No Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 2.10 - Inventories
Schedule 2.11 - Litigation
Schedule 2.12(b) - Filing Extensions for Taxes
Schedule 2.12(d) - Tax Disputes, Claims, and Filings
Schedule 2.13 - Title to Properties; Assets Complete
Schedule 2.14 - Compliance with Laws
Schedule 2.15 - Contracts and Other Agreements
Schedule 2.16(a) - Owned Properties
Schedule 2.16(b) - Leased Properties
Schedule 2.18 - Fixed Assets
Schedule 2.19(a) - List of Proprietary Rights
Schedule 2.19(b) - Limits on Proprietary Rights
Schedule 2.20(a) - Major Customers
Schedule 2.20(b) - Major Suppliers
Schedule 2.21 - Labor Relations; Employees
Schedule 2.22 - Employee Benefit Plans
Schedule 2.23 - Insurance
Schedule 2.24 - Environmental and Safety Matters
Schedule 2.25 - Officers, Directors and Key Employees
Schedule 2.26 - Franchises and Licenses
Schedule 2.27 - Transactions with Affiliated Parties
Schedule 2.32 - Bank Accounts
Schedule 3.1 - Incorporation and Qualification
Schedule 3.2 - Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Governing Documents
</TABLE>
(v)
<PAGE>
LIST OF EXHIBITS
----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Exhibit 1.2 (a) - Kyoei Wire Transfer Instructions
Exhibit 1.2 (b) - Form of Buyer Notes
Exhibit 5.6 (a) - Form of Opinion from Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Exhibit 5.6 (b) - Form of Opinion from Braun Moriya Hoashi & Kubota
Exhibit 5.6 (C) - Form of Opinion from Trenam, Kemker, Scharf, Barkin, Frye,
O'Neill & Mullis
Exhibit 5.13 - Shareholders Agreement
Exhibit 6.3 - Form of Opinion from Greenberg, Traurig
Exhibit 6.6 - Form of Standby Letter of Credit
</TABLE>
(vi)
<PAGE>
LIST OF DEFINED TERMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
AAA 11.12
Affiliate 2.15
AmeriSteel Stock Recitals
AmeriSteel Recital
Ancillary Documents 2.7
Ancillary Document 2.7
Associate 2.15
Balance Sheet Date 2.8
Business Day 11.5
Buyer Preamble
Buyer Documents 3.3
Buyer Notes 1.2 (b)
Cash Consideration 1.2 (a)
Closing 1.3
Closing Date 1.3
Code 2.12(f)
Controlled Group 2.22
Employee Benefit Plan 2.22
Environmental and Safety Requirements 2.24
ERISA 2.22
Exon - Florio Amendment 2.7
Financial Statements 2.8
Fixed Assets 2.18
FLS Recitals
HSR Act 4.6
Improvements 2.16 (d)
Indemnitee 9.4
Indemnitor 9.4
Knowledge 11.1
Latest Balance Sheet 2.8
Leased Real Property 2.16 (b)
Liens 2.4 (a)
Loss of Buyer 9.2
Loss of Seller 9.3
MIC 4.5
Notice of Claim 9.4
Owned Real Property 2.16 (a)
PBGC 2.22
Permits 2.26
</TABLE>
(vii)
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Permitted Liens 2.13
Proprietary Rights 2.19 (d)
Public Reports 2.31
Purchase Price 1.2
Purchased Stock Recitals
Securities Act 2.15
Securities Exchange Act 2.31
Seller Preamble
Shareholders Agreement 5.13
Tax Returns 2.12 (a)
Taxes 2.12 (a)
VEBA 2.22
Welfare Plan 2.22
</TABLE>
(viii)
<PAGE>
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT is dated as of the 27/th/ day of September,
1999, by and among Gerdau S.A., a corporation formed under the laws of Brazil
("Gerdau"), Gerdau USA INC., a Delaware corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Gerdau ("Buyer"), and KYOEI STEEL, LTD, a corporation formed under the laws
of Japan ("Seller").
W I T N E S S E T H :
- - - - - - - - - -
WHEREAS, Seller owns all two hundred (200) of the issued and outstanding
shares of FLS HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("FLS"); and
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Buyer desires to purchase, one hundred
seventy-six shares (176) or eighty-eight percent (88%) of the two hundred (200)
authorized, issued and outstanding shares of stock of FLS, pursuant to this
Agreement (the "Purchased Stock"); and
WHEREAS, FLS is a holding company that has no active operations or
employees, and whose primary asset is nine million (9,000,000) shares (the
"AmeriSteel Stock") or approximately eighty-five and forty-nine hundredths
percent (85.49%) of the Class B Common Stock of AmeriSteel Corporation, a
Florida corporation, ("AmeriSteel"), which effective as of the closing will
automatically convert to Class A Common Stock such that upon conversion, the
AmeriSteel Stock will represent approximately eighty-five and thirty-six
hundredths percent (85.36%) of the common equity of AmeriSteel;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
SALE OF STOCK
--------------
1.1 Sale of Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
-------------
and on the basis of the representations and warranties hereinafter set forth, at
the Closing (as hereinafter defined), Seller agrees to sell, assign, convey,
transfer and deliver the Purchased Stock to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase
the Purchased Stock from Seller. The certificates representing the Purchased
Stock shall be duly endorsed in blank, or accompanied by stock powers duly
executed in blank by Seller, with all necessary transfer tax and other revenue
stamps, if any, acquired at Seller's expense. Seller agrees at any time after
Closing, without further compensation, to cure any deficiencies with respect to
the endorsements of the certificates representing the Purchased Stock, or with
respect to the stock power accompanying any such certificates, and to take any
other actions necessary to fully and completely transfer ownership of the
Purchased Stock to Buyer free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
restrictions, claims and obligations.
1.2 Purchase Price. In full consideration for the purchase by Buyer of
--------------
the Purchased Stock, Buyer shall pay to Seller (the "Purchase Price") the sum of
US$261,360,000 which will be payable as follows:
(a) US$130,000,000.02 cash (the "Cash Consideration") at closing in
immediately available funds pursuant to the wire transfer
instructions attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2 (a); and
(b) the balance of US$131,359,999.98 payable in three equal
installments of US$43,786,666.66 on March 17, 2000, September 18,
2000, and March 19, 2001. Each installment payment shall be
evidenced by a promissory note executed by Buyer (the "Buyer
Notes") in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2
(b) payable to Seller, bearing interest at a rate equal to the
interest rate of U.S. Treasury bills or U.S. Treasury Notes with
a matching maturity. Each of these Buyer Notes shall also be
secured by an irrevocable standby bank letter of credit in form
and substance acceptable to Seller from one or more banks
acceptable to Seller. Gerdau will use its best efforts to cause
any interest payments under Buyer Notes to be free of withholding
or
-2-
<PAGE>
other tax outside of Japan, such that Seller would receive the
full amount of the interest payment on an after-tax basis.
Buyer's best efforts shall include capitalizing the interest
rate, as and if required.
1.3 Closing of Purchase and Sale. The closing of the purchase and sale
----------------------------
provided for herein (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Greenberg
Traurig, 200 Park Avenue, 14/th/ Floor, New York, New York 10166 beginning at
10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time on September 27, 1999, (the "Closing Date") or
at such other time and place as the parties shall mutually agree upon. The date
upon which the Closing actually occurs shall be referred to in this Agreement as
the "Closing Date".
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
-----------------------------------------
As a material inducement to Buyer entering into this Agreement and
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, and with the knowledge that
Buyer shall rely thereon, Seller represents and warrants to Buyer the following
(both as of the date hereof and on the Closing Date):
2.1 Due Incorporation and Qualification. FLS and AmeriSteel, are
-----------------------------------
corporations duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware and Florida respectively, and have the corporate
power and lawful authority to carry on their respective businesses as now being
conducted, and to own or lease and operate their respective properties and
assets as now owned, leased or operated by each of them respectively. FLS and
AmeriSteel are duly qualified or otherwise authorized to transact business as
foreign corporations in each jurisdiction set forth on Schedule 2.1 hereto which
------------
are all jurisdictions where the character of their business or the nature of
their properties or assets makes such qualification or licensing necessary,
except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or licensed
would not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the
business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or assets of FLS
or AmeriSteel. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.1, FLS and AmeriSteel do not
------------
file, and are not required to file, franchise, income or other tax returns in
any other jurisdiction based upon the ownership or use of property therein or
the conduct of business or derivation of income therefrom. FLS does not own or
lease, and AmeriSteel does not own or lease any property or maintain any
resident employee in any jurisdiction other than the jurisdictions set forth on
Schedule 2.1 hereto.
- ------------
-3-
<PAGE>
2.2 Outstanding Capital Stock. The title, par value, number of authorized
-------------------------
shares and number of issued and outstanding shares of each class of capital
stock of FLS and AmeriSteel, are described on Schedule 2.2 hereto. No other
------------
class of capital stock of FLS or AmeriSteel, are authorized or outstanding. All
of the issued and outstanding shares of FLS and AmeriSteel, are duly authorized
and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
2.3 Options or Other Rights.
-----------------------
(a) Except as described on Schedule 2.3(a) hereto, there is no
---------------
outstanding right, subscription, warrant, conversion right, call,
unsatisfied preemptive right, commitment, option or other
agreement or right of any kind pursuant to which any person or
entity has the right or option to purchase or otherwise to
receive from Seller or FLS any shares of the Purchased Stock or
any shares of the capital stock or any other security of FLS, and
there is no outstanding security of any kind convertible into or
redeemable or exchangeable for any shares of the capital stock or
any other security of FLS. There is no shareholders' agreement,
voting trust or similar agreement or arrangement to which Seller
or FLS are a party which affects or restricts in any way Seller's
rights and obligations with respect to the Purchased Stock.
(b) Except as described on Schedule 2.3(b) hereto, there is no
---------------
outstanding right, subscription, warrant, conversion right, call,
unsatisfied preemptive right, commitment, option or other
agreement or right of any kind pursuant to which any person or
entity has the right or option to purchase or otherwise to
receive from FLS or AmeriSteel any AmeriSteel Stock or any other
security of AmeriSteel, and there is no outstanding security of
any kind convertible into or redeemable or exchangeable for any
shares of the capital stock or any other security of AmeriSteel.
There is no shareholders' agreement, voting trust or similar
agreement or arrangement to which FLS or AmeriSteel, are a party
which affects or restricts in any way FLS's rights and
obligations with respect to the AmeriSteel Stock.
2.4 Title To Stock.
--------------
(a) Seller beneficially and of record owns, and has full power and
authority to convey free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
restrictions, pledges, security
-4-
<PAGE>
interests, claims, charges, equities, and obligations of every
kind ("Liens"), all of the shares of the Purchased Stock and,
upon delivery of and payment for such Purchased Stock as herein
provided, Buyer will acquire good and marketable title to the
Purchased Stock, free and clear of all Liens.
(b) FLS beneficially and of record owns, and has good and marketable
title free and clear of all Liens to, all of the shares of the
AmeriSteel Stock.
2.5 Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. Schedule 2.5(a) hereto
------------------------------------- ---------------
contains true and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation of FLS and
AmeriSteel including all amendments thereto (certified by the Secretary of State
of Delaware and Florida respectively). Schedule 2.5(b) hereto contains true and
---------------
complete copies of the By-laws of FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller
AmeriSteel, including all amendments thereto (certified by their respective
corporate secretaries), as in effect on the date hereof, and such By-Laws and
Articles of Incorporation will not be amended, rescinded or otherwise modified
between the date hereof and the Closing Date.
2.6 Books and Records. The corporate minute books (since November 1,
-----------------
1988), stock registers (since December 21, 1992) and other corporate records of
FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, are true, correct and complete
in all material respects and the signatures appearing on all documents contained
therein are with respect to FLS since December 21, 1992 and to the Knowledge of
Seller with respect to AmeriSteel at any time, the true signatures of the
persons purporting to have signed the same. To the Knowledge of Seller with
respect to AmeriSteel at any time and with respect to FLS since December 21,
1992 , all actions reflected in said books and records were duly and validly
taken in compliance with the laws of Delaware (with respect to FLS) and Florida
(to the Knowledge of Seller with respect to AmeriSteel).
2.7 Authority of Seller. Seller has full power and legal capacity to
-------------------
execute and deliver this Agreement and all other agreements required to be
executed and delivered by it hereunder (such other agreements being hereinafter
called an "Ancillary Document" or collectively as the "Ancillary Documents") and
to carry out the transactions contemplated herein and therein. The execution,
delivery and performance of the Ancillary Documents have been duly authorized by
all necessary action on the part of Seller. This Agreement and the Ancillary
Documents are valid and binding agreements of Seller enforceable against Seller
in accordance with their respective terms, except as such may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other laws affecting creditors rights
generally, and by general equitable principles. Except for (i) compliance with
the HSR Act referenced
-5-
<PAGE>
in Section 4.6 below, and (ii) voluntary notification under Section 721 of the
Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (the "Exon-Florio Amendment"), no
consent, authorization or approval of, or declaration, filing or registration
with, any governmental or regulatory authority, or any consent, authorization or
approval of any other third party, is necessary in order to enable Seller to
enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement or the Ancillary
Documents, and neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
Ancillary Documents, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby will:
(a) conflict with, require any consent under, result in the violation
of, or constitute a breach of any provision of the governing
Japanese corporate documents of Seller which would correspond to
the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of a United States
Company;
(b) except as set forth in Schedule 2.7(b) conflict with, require any
---------------
consent under, result in the violation of, constitute a breach
of, or accelerate the performance required on the part of FLS or
to the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, by the terms of any
evidence of a material indebtedness (which, for purposes of this
Subsection 2.7(b), shall mean currently outstanding principal
indebtedness of $500,000 or more) or agreement to which FLS, or
to the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, is a party, in each case
with or without notice or lapse of time or both, including any
mortgage or deed of trust or other agreement creating a lien,
charge or encumbrance to which any property of FLS or AmeriSteel
or the Purchased Stock is subject, or permit the termination of
any such agreement by another person;
(c) result in the creation or imposition of any security interest,
lien, charge or other encumbrance upon, or restriction on the use
of, any property or assets of AmeriSteel or the Purchased Stock
under any agreement or commitment to which FLS, Seller, or to the
Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, is bound;
(d) except as set forth on Schedule 2.7(d) accelerate, or constitute
---------------
an event entitling, or which would, on notice or lapse of time or
both, entitle the holder of any material indebtedness (which, for
purposes of this Subsection 2.7(d), shall mean currently
outstanding principal indebtedness of $500,000 or more)
-6-
<PAGE>
of FLS, or to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, to accelerate
the maturity of any such indebtedness;
(e) conflict with or result in the breach or violation of any writ,
judgment, order, injunction, decree or award of any court or
governmental body or agency or arbitration tribunal that is
binding on FLS, Seller, or to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel;
(f) constitute a violation by FLS, Seller, or to the Knowledge of
Seller AmeriSteel, of any statute, law or regulation of any
jurisdiction; or
(g) except as set forth on Schedule 2.7(g) violate or cause any
---------------
revocation of or limitation on any Permit (as hereinafter
defined) material to the operation of FLS or AmeriSteel.
2.8 Financial Statements. To the Knowledge of Seller, the following has
--------------------
been heretofore furnished or otherwise made available to Buyer: (i) true and
complete copy of the audited balance sheet and related statement of income and
retained earnings and changes in financial position of AmeriSteel as of and for
the fiscal year ended on March 31, 1999, (ii) unaudited balance sheets of
AmeriSteel (the "Latest Balance Sheets") as of June 30, 1999 (the "Balance Sheet
Date") and the related unaudited statements of income and retained earnings for
AmeriSteel for the period then ended (hereinafter, the financial statements
referred to in subsections (i) and (ii), together with the footnotes and
supporting schedules thereto as applicable, are referred to as the "Financial
Statements"). Copies of the Financial Statements have been annexed hereto as
Schedule 2.8. To the Knowledge of Seller, and except as described in Schedule
- ------------ --------
2.8, the Financial Statements, including the footnotes thereto, if any, have
- ---
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied throughout the periods indicated, except, in the case of
the unaudited Financial Statements described in (ii) above, for the absence of
footnote disclosure and ordinary and recurring year end adjustments, none of
which will be material in amount or significance. To the Knowledge of Seller,
the Financial Statements fairly present the financial condition of AmeriSteel at
the dates thereof and, except as indicated therein, reflect all claims against,
and all debts and liabilities of AmeriSteel, fixed or contingent, as at the
dates thereof, and the related statements of income and retained earnings and
changes in financial position, fairly present the results of the operations of
AmeriSteel, and the changes in its financial position for the periods indicated.
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<PAGE>
2.9 No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed on Schedule 2.9,
-------------------------- ------------
except as reflected and reserved against in the Latest Balance Sheets, and
except for environmental and safety matters as contemplated by Section 2.24
below, as of the Balance Sheet Date neither FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller
AmeriSteel, had any liabilities or obligations (whether long term or current and
whether accrued, absolute or contingent) which individually or in the aggregate
are materially adverse to either corporation. Except (a) as reflected and
reserved against in the Latest Balance Sheets, (b) as disclosed in Schedule 2.9,
------------
(C) for liabilities and obligations disclosed to Buyer in writing as of the
Closing Date, (d) for environmental and safety matters as contemplated by
Section 2.24 below, (e) for (i) routine purchases of inventory, (ii) routine
purchases of raw materials, (iii) routine payables (all of (i), (ii) and (iii)
arising in the ordinary course of business), and (f) expenses incurred in
connection with the disposition of real or personal property, neither FLS, nor
to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, had or will have at or prior to Closing
any liabilities or obligations (whether long term or current and whether
accrued, absolute or contingent) which, individually or in the aggregate, are
material to either corporation.
2.10 Inventories. To the Knowledge of Seller and except as described on
-----------
Schedule 2.10, all inventories of raw materials, work-in-process and finished
- -------------
goods set forth or reflected in the Latest Balance Sheets or acquired by
AmeriSteel, since the Balance Sheet Date, consist of a quality and quantity
usable and saleable in the ordinary course of AmeriSteel's business, except for
slow-moving, damaged or obsolete items and materials of below standard quality,
all of which have been written down to net realizable market value or in respect
of which adequate reserves have been provided, in each case as reflected in the
Latest Balance Sheets. To the Knowledge of Seller, the value at which
inventories are carried on the Latest Balance Sheets reflect the normal
inventory valuation policy of AmeriSteel, as applicable, in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and on a basis consistent with that of
preceding periods. Seller has no reason to believe that AmeriSteel will
experience in the immediate future any difficulty in obtaining, in the desired
quantity and quality, the inventory necessary to conduct its businesses in the
manner proposed to be conducted, including, without limitation, inventory which
historically has been imported.
2.11 Litigation. Except as described in Schedule 2.11, and except for
---------- -------------
claims for workers compensation benefits in amounts within AmeriSteel's self-
insured reserves or within its excess coverage limits, there is no action, suit,
proceeding at law or in equity by any person or entity, or any arbitration, or
any administrative or other proceeding by or before any governmental or other
instrumentality or agency, pending, or, threatened, against or affecting FLS, or
to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, or any of their respective properties,
assets or rights, and Seller knows of no valid
-8-
<PAGE>
basis for any such action, proceeding or investigation. Neither FLS, nor to the
Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, is subject to any judgment, order, award or
decree entered in any lawsuit or proceeding which may have an adverse effect on
any of its operations, business practices or on its ability to acquire any
property or conduct business in any area.
2.12 Taxes.
-----
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, (i) "Taxes" shall mean all
federal, state, local and foreign income, gross receipts,
profits, windfall profits, capital gains, franchise, sales, use,
license, occupation, property, property transfer, ad valorem,
capital stock, premium, excise, employment, payroll, withholding,
estimated, severance, stamp, environmental, customs duties,
social security, unemployment, disability, registration, value
added, alternative or add-on minimum and other taxes, assessments
or governmental charges of any nature, kind or character, and
including any interest, additions to tax and penalties thereon;
and (ii) "Tax Returns" shall mean all returns, declarations,
reports and forms, claims for refunds, or information returns and
reports relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment
thereto, and including any amendments thereof.
(b) FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, have filed all
Tax Returns that each corporation was required to file. All such
Tax Returns of FLS, and to Seller's Knowledge AmeriSteel, were
correct and complete in all material respects when filed. All
Taxes owed by FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel,
(whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid. Except
as set forth in Schedule 2.12(b), FLS, and to the Knowledge of
----------------
Seller AmeriSteel, are not currently the beneficiary of any
extension of time within which to file any Tax Return. No claim
has ever been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where either
corporation does not file Tax Returns that such non-filing
corporation is or may be subject to taxation by that
jurisdiction. There are no Liens on any of the assets of FLS, and
to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, that arose in connection
with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax.
-9-
<PAGE>
(c) FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, have in all
material respects, withheld and paid all Taxes required to have
been withheld and paid by such entity in connection with amounts
paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
stockholder, or other third party.
(d) Neither Seller, FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel,
has any reason to believe that any authority may assess any
additional Taxes for any period for which Tax Returns have been
filed. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.12(d), there is no
----------------
dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of FLS, and to the
Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, either (i) claimed or raised by
any authority in writing or (ii) as to which Seller has
knowledge. Schedule 2.12(d) annexed hereto lists all federal,
----------------
state, local, and foreign income Tax Returns filed with respect
to FLS or AmeriSteel for taxable periods ended on or after March
31, 1994 through and including March 31, 1998 and indicates
those Tax Returns that have been audited and those Tax Returns
that currently are the subject of an audit. Seller has delivered
to Buyer correct and complete copies of all federal income Tax
Returns, examination reports, and statements of deficiencies
assessed against or agreed to by FLS, and to the Knowledge of
Seller AmeriSteel, for the taxable periods ending March 31, 1994
through and including March 31, 1998.
(e) Neither FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, has
waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed
to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or
deficiency.
(f) Neither FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, has filed
a consent under Section 341(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, as
amended (the "Code") concerning collapsible corporations. Neither
FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, has made any
payments, is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any
agreement that under certain circumstances could obligate it to
make any payments that will not be deductible under Section 280G
of the Code.
2.13 Title to Properties; Assets Complete. FLS and to the Knowledge of
------------------------------------
Seller, AmeriSteel, has good, valid and marketable title to all of its
respective material properties and assets
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<PAGE>
(tangible and intangible), including without limitation, all properties and
assets shown on the Latest Balance Sheets and all properties and assets
purchased or acquired by each of the Companies since the Balance Sheet Date; in
each case subject to no Liens, except for (i) Liens reflected on the Latest
Balance Sheets, (ii) Liens for current taxes, assessments or governmental
charges or levies on property not yet due or delinquent and (iii) Liens
described on Schedule 2.13 hereto ("Permitted Liens"). To the Knowledge of
-------------
Seller, except for leases of real or personal property described or not required
to be listed in Schedules 2.15 and 2.16 (a) and (b) or the other items listed on
-------------- ----
Schedule 2.13, AmeriSteel owns outright, and is in exclusive possession of, all
- -------------
assets, properties or rights currently used in its business.
2.14 Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.14, neither
-------------------- -------------
FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, is in material violation of any
applicable order, judgment, injunction, award or decree of any court or
governmental or regulatory body or agency, or arbitration tribunal. Except as
described on Schedule 2.14, neither FLS, nor to the Knowledge of Seller,
-------------
AmeriSteel, is in material violation of any federal, state, local or foreign
law, rule, directive, or regulation, or any other requirement of any
governmental or regulatory body or agency, court or arbitrator applicable to the
business of FLS or AmeriSteel. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, except as described on Schedule 2.14, there is no pending, or to the
-------------
Knowledge of Seller threatened, notice of violation against FLS or AmeriSteel
from any governmental or regulatory body, agency or authority with regard to
applicable laws and regulations respecting employment and employment practices,
occupational safety and health laws and regulations. The foregoing shall not
apply to environmental and safety matters as contemplated by Section 2.24 below.
2.15 Contracts and Other Agreements. Schedule 2.15 contains a complete and
------------------------------ -------------
accurate list of all of the following outstanding contracts and other agreements
to which FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, is a party or by or to
which they or their respective assets or properties are bound or subject, or
which are necessary for FLS and AmeriSteel to conduct their business as
presently conducted:
(i) contracts and other agreements with any current or former officer,
director, employee, consultant, agent or other representative or with
any person or entity in which any of the foregoing has an interest,
including any "Affiliate" or "Associate" of such person or entity, as
such terms are defined in the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
Act") and the rules and regulations published thereunder, calling for
annual payments in excess of $100,000;
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<PAGE>
(ii) contracts and other agreements with any labor union or association
representing any employee;
(iii) binding contracts and other agreements for the supply to any person of
all or a portion of such person's requirements of any product or
service sold by AmeriSteel with an annual dollar value of $1 million
or more;
(iv) contracts and other agreements calling for individual payments in
excess of $250,000 for the sale of any of their respective assets or
properties other than in the ordinary course of business or for the
grant to any person of any preferential rights to purchase any of its
assets or properties;
(v) joint venture or partnership agreements;
(vi) contracts or other agreements under which FLS or AmeriSteel agrees to
indemnify any party (other than indemnification under routine default
provisions of contracts) or to share tax liability of any party;
(vii) contracts or other agreements of guaranty or relating to matters of
suretyship to which either FLS or AmeriSteel is a party or by which
its assets or properties are subject or bound;
(viii) contracts and other agreements calling for payments in any one year,
of more than $250,000 excluding purchase or sales orders entered into
by either FLS or AmeriSteel as a purchaser or a seller in the ordinary
course of business;
(ix) contracts and other agreements with customers or suppliers for the
sharing of fees, the rebating of charges or other similar arrangements
with an annual dollar value of $250,000 or more;
(x) contracts and other agreements containing obligations or liabilities
of any kind to holders of AmeriSteel's securities (including, without
limitation, an obligation to register any of such securities under any
federal or state securities laws);
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<PAGE>
(xi) contracts and other agreements containing covenants of AmeriSteel not
to compete in any line of business or with any person in any
geographical area or covenants of any other person or entity not to
compete with either of FLS or AmeriSteel in any line of business or in
any geographical area;
(xii) contracts and other agreements requiring annual payments in excess of
$100,000 relating to the acquisition by either FLS or AmeriSteel of
any operating business or the capital stock of any other person,
corporation or other entity;
(xiii) contracts or agreements requiring annual payments in excess of $50,000
relating to Proprietary Rights (as defined in Section 2.19) owned,
licensed or used by either FLS or AmeriSteel in its business;
(xiv) contracts and other agreements requiring the payment to any person of
a royalty, override or similar commission or fee with an annual dollar
value of $250,000 or more;
(xv) contracts and other agreements relating to the borrowing of money by
FLS or AmeriSteel or subjecting any assets or properties of FLS or
AmeriSteel to security interests, liens or other liabilities or
obligations with an annual dollar value of $1,000,000 or more;
(xvi) any agreement, contract or commitment which, under current market
conditions, might reasonably be expected to have a potential adverse
impact on the business or operations of FLS or AmeriSteel with an
annual dollar value of $250,000 or more; or
(xvii) any other material contract or other agreement whether or not made in
the ordinary course of business with an annual dollar value of
$250,000 or more.
There have been delivered or made available to Buyer true and complete copies of
all of the written contracts and other agreements of FLS, and AmeriSteel,
described on Schedule 2.15. Except as described in Schedule 2.15, all of such
------------- -------------
contracts and other agreements are valid and binding upon FLS, and to the
Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, in accordance with their terms, and FLS, and to
the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel, has and will have performed in all respects
material to such contracts all contractual obligations required to be performed
by it as of the date hereof and as of the Closing
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<PAGE>
Date respectively, and is not in default under any such contracts and has not
taken any action which constitutes or with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute a default under such contracts. To the Knowledge of Seller, no other
party to any such contract is in default in the performance of its obligations
thereunder or has taken any action which constitutes, or with notice or lapse of
time or both would constitute, a breach or anticipatory breach thereof. Except
as separately identified on Schedule 2.15, no approval or consent of any person
-------------
is needed in order that the contracts and other agreements set forth on Schedule
--------
2.15 or on any other Schedule continue in full force and effect following the
- ----
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As used in this
Agreement, the term "contract" or "agreement" includes any written or oral
agreement, commitment, understanding or arrangement to which either FLS or
AmeriSteel is a party with respect to their respective businesses of or by which
their respective assets are bound.
2.16 Properties.
----------
(a) Owned Properties. FLS owns no real property. To the Knowledge
----------------
of Seller, Schedule 2.16(a) contains a complete and accurate list
----------------
of all real property owned (the "Owned Real Property") in whole
or in part by AmeriSteel or used (exclusive of Leased Real
Property) by AmeriSteel in connection with the operations of its
business and includes the name of the record title holder thereof
and a list of all indebtedness secured by a lien, mortgage or
deed of trust thereon. To the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel has
adequate rights of ingress and egress for operation of
AmeriSteel's business in the ordinary course. To the Knowledge
of Seller neither the property listed on Schedule 2.16(a) nor the
----------------
buildings, structures or appurtenances (or any equipment therein)
situated on or comprising part of the Owned Real Property, nor
the operation or maintenance thereof, violates any restrictive
covenant, or encroaches on any property owned by others. To the
Knowledge of Seller no condemnation proceeding is pending or
threatened which would preclude or impair the use of any such
Owned Real Property by AmeriSteel for the purposes for which it
is currently used.
(b) Leased Properties. FLS leases no real property whether as lessor
-----------------
or lessee. To the Knowledge of Seller, Schedule 2.16(b) describes
-------------
the leased real property requiring annual lease payments in
excess of $50,000 (the "Leased Real Property") used by AmeriSteel
in the operation of its business. With
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<PAGE>
respect to such Leased Real Property and to the Knowledge of
Seller: (i) AmeriSteel enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession
under all such leases; (ii) AmeriSteel has not granted and there
are no leases, subleases, licenses, concessions, or other
agreements, written or oral, granting to any person the right of
use or occupancy of any portion of such parcel; (iii) AmeriSteel
has no outstanding options or rights of first refusal to purchase
such parcel, or any portion thereof or interest therein; (iv)
such parcel has permanent, direct, immediate and uninterrupted
rights of access to dedicated public rights of way and roads
sufficient for the operation of AmeriSteel's business, and all
necessary curb cut permits or other necessary authorizations have
been obtained from all applicable governmental authorities or
agencies allowing the parcel to connect and/or tie directly into
such public rights of way; (v) no fact or condition exists which
would prohibit or adversely affect the ordinary rights of access
to and from such parcel from and to the existing highways and
roads and there is no pending or threatened restriction or
denial, governmental or otherwise, upon such ingress and egress;
(vi) such parcel may be used and occupied for AmeriSteel's
business, and there is no law that prohibits the occupancy of
such parcel for such purpose; (vii) AmeriSteel has made no
commitments or agreements with any governmental authorities or
agencies affecting such Leased Real Property which would be
binding on AmeriSteel after the Closing Date, other than
described in Schedule 2.16(b); (viii) AmeriSteel has not received
----------------
notice of any condemnation, proposed condemnation or any similar
proceeding affecting such Leased Real Property; (ix) such Leased
Real Property is serviced by utilities that are available to such
Leased Real Property, all such utilities are installed and
operating, and all installation and connection charges with
respect thereto have been paid in full; (x) all necessary permits
and approvals for use of such utilities have been obtained from
all governmental agencies or authorities or other entities
regulating the use thereof, and there are sufficient utilities
available to such Leased Real Property to properly service
AmeriSteel's business; (xi) there is no claim of adverse
possession or prescriptive rights involving such Leased Real
Property, and there are no parties in possession of any portion
of such parcel other than AmeriSteel; and (xii) no public
improvements have been commenced and no such public improvements
are planned, which may result in special
-15-
<PAGE>
assessments against or otherwise materially adversely affect such
Leased Real Property which would impose liability upon
AmeriSteel.
(c) Real Property Disclosure. Except as disclosed on Schedule
------------------------- --------
2.16(a) and Schedule 2.16(b) (or not required to be disclosed by
------- ----------------
the terms of said Sections) there is no Leased Real Property
leased to or any other Real Property Owned by Seller that is used
in AmeriSteel's business.
(d) Condition and Operation of Improvements. To the Knowledge of
---------------------------------------
Seller: (i) all buildings and all components of all buildings,
structures and other improvements included within the Owned Real
Property or Leased Real Property (the "Improvements"), are in
good condition and repair and adequate to operate such facilities
as currently used; (ii) there are no facts or conditions
affecting any of the Improvements which would, individually or in
the aggregate, interfere in any significant respect with the use,
occupancy or operation thereof as currently used, occupied or
operated or intended to be used, occupied or operated; (iii)
there are no structural deficiencies or latent defects affecting
any Improvements located upon the Owned Real Property or Leased
Real Property; and (iv) the Improvements or the use thereof for
AmeriSteel's business do not constitute nonconforming or
disallowed uses under any applicable law, ordinance or
regulation.
2.17 Accounts and Notes Receivable. To the Knowledge of Seller, all
-----------------------------
accounts and notes receivable reflected on the Latest Balance Sheets, and all
accounts and notes receivable arising subsequent to the Balance Sheet Date, have
arisen in the ordinary course of business of AmeriSteel, and represent valid
obligations due to AmeriSteel, subject to the reserve for bad debts shown on
AmeriSteel's books and records.
2.18 Fixed Assets. To the Knowledge of Seller Schedule 2.18 contains a
------------ -------------
complete and accurate list of all machinery, equipment, tools, furniture,
leasehold improvements, trade fixtures, vehicles, structures, or any related
capitalized items and other tangible property material to the operation of the
business of AmeriSteel (the "Fixed Assets") having an individual book value of
$10,000 or more as of July 31, 1999, and all such Fixed Assets are reflected in
the Latest Balance Sheets (except for any such tangible property acquired since
the Balance Sheet Date by AmeriSteel in the ordinary course). To the Knowledge
of Seller, since the Balance Sheet Date, or except as
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<PAGE>
disclosed in Schedule 2.18, AmeriSteel has not disposed of any Fixed Assets
-------------
except in the ordinary course of its business. The Fixed Assets listed on
Schedule 2.18 are in good operating condition and repair, subject to normal wear
- -------------
and tear from normal use thereof, except for those categorized as being held for
sale.
2.19 Proprietary Rights.
------------------
(a) To the Knowledge of Seller, Schedule 2.19(a) sets forth a
-------------
complete and correct list of (i) all patented or registered
Proprietary Rights (defined below) and pending patent
applications or other applications for registrations of any
Proprietary Rights owned or filed by AmeriSteel and used or
useful in its business; (ii) all trade names and unregistered
trademarks owned or used by AmeriSteel exclusively in connection
with its business; (iii) computer software owned and/or used by
AmeriSteel in its business (other than commercially available
software with an individual license fee of less than $25,000);
and (iv) all license agreements, permissions or agreements
material to the operation of AmeriSteel to which AmeriSteel is a
party (or which is currently under negotiation), regarding the
Proprietary Rights. Seller has delivered to Buyer complete
copies of all items required to be identified pursuant to this
Section 2.19(a).
(b) To the Knowledge of Seller, except as set forth on Schedule
--------
2.19(b), with respect to the Proprietary Rights (including
-------
without limitation each of the Proprietary Rights or agreements
required to be identified pursuant to Section 2.19(a)): (i)
AmeriSteel owns and possesses a valid and enforceable right,
title and interest in and to, or has a valid and enforceable
license to use, the Proprietary Rights necessary for the
operation of AmeriSteel's business as currently conducted, (ii)
no claim by any third party contesting the validity,
enforceability, use or ownership of any of the Proprietary
Rights, has been made or is threatened against AmeriSteel; (iii)
AmeriSteel has not received any notice of any infringement or
misappropriation by any third party with respect to the
Proprietary Rights; and (iv) AmeriSteel has not infringed,
misappropriated or otherwise conflicted with any proprietary
rights of any third parties.
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<PAGE>
(c) To the Knowledge of Seller, the Proprietary Rights comprise all
of the intellectual property necessary for the operation of
AmeriSteel's business as currently conducted. To the Knowledge
of Seller, all of the Proprietary Rights owned or used by
AmeriSteel immediately prior to the Closing Date will be owned or
available for use by Buyer immediately after the Closing Date.
(d) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "Proprietary Rights"
shall mean all of the following which are owned by, issued to or
licensed to AmeriSteel and used in connection with its business:
patents, patent applications and inventions and any reissue,
continuation, continuation-in-part, division, extension or
reexamination thereof; trademarks, service marks, trade dress,
logos, trade names and corporate names, together with all
goodwill associated therewith and adaptions and deviations
thereof; copyrights; and all registrations, applications and
renewals for any of the foregoing; trade secrets and confidential
and proprietary information (including, but not limited to,
formulae, ideas, know-how, drawings, sketches, patterns, molds,
dies, specifications and designs; customer lists and related
information; and proprietary computer software (including,
without limitation, data and related documentation, but excepting
design calculations).
2.20 Major Customers and Suppliers.
------------------------------
(a) Major Customers. FLS has no customers. Schedule 2.20(a)
--------------- ----------------
contains a list of the twenty largest customers of AmeriSteel for
each of the two most recent fiscal years (determined on the basis
of the total dollar amount of net sales) showing the total dollar
amount of net sales to each such customer during each such year.
To the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel has no knowledge or
information of any facts indicating, or any other reason to
believe, that any of the customers listed on Schedule 2.20(a)
----------------
will not continue to be customers of AmeriSteel after the Closing
Date at substantially the same level of purchases as heretofore.
(b) Major Suppliers. FLS has no suppliers. To the Knowledge of
---------------
Seller, Schedule 2.20(b) contains a list of the ten largest
----------------
suppliers to AmeriSteel for each of the two most recent fiscal
years (determined on the basis of the total dollar amount
-18-
<PAGE>
of purchases) showing the total dollar amount of purchases from
each such supplier during each such year. To the Knowledge of
Seller, AmeriSteel has no knowledge or information of any facts
indicating, or any other reason to believe, that any of the
suppliers listed on Schedule 2.20(b) will not continue to be
----------------
suppliers of AmeriSteel after the Closing Date and will not
continue to supply AmeriSteel with substantially the same
quantity and quality of goods at competitive prices.
2.21 Labor Relations; Employees. FLS has no employees. To the Knowledge of
--------------------------
Seller, except as set forth in Schedule 2.21, other than amounts which have not
-------------
yet become payable in accordance with AmeriSteel's customary practices, which
will be paid in a timely manner, (a) AmeriSteel has paid in full to its full and
part-time employees all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses and other direct
compensation for all services performed by them to date, and (b) AmeriSteel has
paid, or will pay in a timely manner, all severance pay, if any, and benefits,
FICA, withholding taxes and vacation pay, if any, for all of its employees and
is not subject to any claim for non-payment or non-performance of any of the
foregoing. To the Knowledge of Seller, except as set forth in Schedule 2.21,
-------------
AmeriSteel is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and
regulations respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions
of employment and wages and hours. To the Knowledge of Seller, except as set
forth in Schedule 2.21, AmeriSteel has not improperly characterized as an
-------------
independent contractor or consultant, any individual who should have been
treated as an employee of AmeriSteel for tax withholding or any other purpose.
To the Knowledge of Seller, except as set forth in Schedule 2.21, there is no
-------------
unfair labor practice complaint against AmeriSteel pending before the National
Labor Relations Board or any comparable state or local agency. To the Knowledge
of Seller, except as set forth in Schedule 2.21, there is no labor strike,
-------------
dispute, slowdown or stoppage pending, or to the Knowledge of Seller,
threatened, against or involving AmeriSteel. To the Knowledge of Seller,
except as set forth on Schedule 2.21 no grievance which might have an adverse
-------------
effect on AmeriSteel or the conduct of its business or proceeding alleging
discriminatory practices or sexual harassment is pending and no claim therefor
has been asserted. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.21, to the Knowledge of
-------------
Seller, no collective bargaining representative is certified to represent any
group of employees of AmeriSteel under the Labor-Management Relations Act of
1947; no petition for election of a collective bargaining representative for all
or any portion of the business of AmeriSteel is pending or in respect of any
other group of employees; there is no organizational effort or campaign by any
labor union that affects or might affect employment of any employee of
AmeriSteel; and AmeriSteel is not a party to any collective bargaining agreement
with respect to any of its employees.
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<PAGE>
2.22 Employee Benefit Plans.
----------------------
(a) To the Knowledge of Seller, set forth on Schedule 2.22, is any and
-------------
all pension, profit sharing, bonus, retirement, fringe benefit, deferred
compensation, bonus, stock purchase, stock option, severance, hospitalization,
sick pay, medical insurance, life insurance, vacation plan or policy or other
employee benefit plan or program or policy (including but not limited to, all
employee benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (defined
below) providing benefits for AmeriSteel's current or former employees (an
"Employee Benefit Plan"), other than salaries or cash wages for straight time,
overtime or shift differential, to which AmeriSteel or any other organization
which is a member of a controlled group of organizations (within the meaning of
Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code) of which AmeriSteel or FLS is a
member (the "Controlled Group") is a party or makes or is required to make
employer contributions to, or has any current or future obligation or liability.
To the Knowledge of Seller, except as described on Schedule 2.22, AmeriSteel has
-------------
complied with all of its material obligations under each Employee Benefit Plan
and, to the Knowledge of Seller, all other parties have complied with all of
their respective material obligations under each Employee Benefit Plan.
AmeriSteel has made or provided for all payments due under or with respect to
each Employee Benefit Plan up to and including the Closing Date, and all amounts
properly accrued up to and including the Closing Date as liabilities of
AmeriSteel under each Employee Benefit Plan have been recorded on the books of
the Company to which such Employee Benefit Plan pertains. To the Knowledge of
Seller, except as described on Schedule 2.22, no Employee Benefit Plan is a
-------------
"multiemployer plan" (within the meaning of section 3(37) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA" )) and except as so
set forth, neither of the Companies has made, or has been required to make, any
contributions to any "multiemployer plan" within the last five (5) years.
Except as described on Schedule 2.22, no Employee Benefit Plan listed on
-------------
Schedule 2.22 (other than any "multiemployer plan") is subject to Title IV of
- --------------
ERISA.
(b) With respect to each Employee Benefit Plan, FLS has made available to
Buyer (i) current, accurate and complete copies of each such Employee Benefit
Plan (including all trust agreements, insurance or annuity contracts,
descriptions, notices to employees or beneficiaries, agreements, correspondence,
participant records and any other material documents or instruments relating
thereto); (ii) the three most recent certified financial statements with respect
to each such Employee Benefit Plan which is required by law to be audited (such
financial statements having been prepared in accordance with consistently
applied and generally accepted accounting principals which fairly represent the
financial condition of each such Employee Benefit Plan); (iii) copies of the
most recent determination or ruling letters (including copies of any outstanding
requests for determination
-20-
<PAGE>
or ruling letters) and any and all materials, notices and correspondence
relating thereto, with respect to the tax-exempt status of any voluntary
employees' beneficiary association intended to meet the requirements of Section
501(c)(9) of the Code ("VEBA") which implements any such Employee Benefit Plan;
(iv) copies of the most recent determination letters (including copies of any
outstanding requests for determination letters) and any and all materials,
notices and correspondence relating thereto, with respect to any such Employee
Benefit Plan which is an employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined
in Section 3(2) of ERISA) intended to qualify under the Code; (v) copies of the
three most recent actuarial reports (including the three most recent Forms 5500
and attached Schedules); and (vi) Forms 5310 and any relating filings with the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") with respect to the last six plan
years for each Employee Benefit Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA.
(c) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed in Schedule 2.22
-------------
with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan: (i) each such Employee Benefit Plan
which is an employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in ERISA
Section 3(2)) intended to qualify under the Code so qualifies and has received a
favorable determination letter as to its qualification under the Code; (ii) (A)
each VEBA which is intended to implement any such Employee Benefit Plan has
received a favorable ruling or determination letter as to its tax-exempt status
and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause
the loss of such tax-exempt status, (B) as of the Closing Date, the assets of
each such VEBA (or related funding arrangement) are at least equal to the value
of the accrued benefits of the participants, former participants and
beneficiaries in the Employee Benefit Plan implemented by such VEBA or funding
arrangement, based on actuarial methods, tables and assumptions reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer and (C) other than any such VEBA(s), there are, and have
been, no other welfare benefit funds within the meaning of Code Section 419;
(iii) AmeriSteel's financial statement reflects all of AmeriSteel's unpaid
employee benefits costs, expenses and liabilities (which are reflected in a
manner satisfying the requirements of FAS 87 and 88, if applicable) and all
contributions required to be made to any such Plan during, or with respect to,
the plan or fiscal year during which the Closing Date occurs and all prior plan
years; (iv) FLS, AmeriSteel and each member of the Controlled Group have
complied in all material respects with all provisions of ERISA; (v) there are no
leased employees (as such term is defined in Code Section 414(n)) that must be
taken into account with respect to the requirements set forth under Code Section
414(n)(3); (vi) no Employee Benefit Plan provides for any post-retirement life,
medical, dental or other welfare benefits (whether or not insured) for any
individual except as required under Part 6 of Title I of ERISA or Section 4980B
of the Code; (vii) all forms, documents and other materials have been filed with
the DOL or distributed as required by ERISA; (viii) no breach of fiduciary duty
set forth under Part 4 of
-21-
<PAGE>
Title I of ERISA has occurred which would subject Buyer, FLS or AmeriSteel to
any penalty or liability; (ix) no provision of, or lack of provision in, any
such Employee Benefit Plan nor any amendment to such Employee Benefit Plan would
result in any limitation on AmeriSteel's right to receive residual amounts from
any such Employee Benefit Plan under ERISA Section 4044; (x) the transaction
contemplated under this Agreement will not be the direct or indirect cause of
any amount paid or payable from such Employee Benefit Plan being classified as
an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code; (xi) with respect to
each Employee Benefit Plan (A) which is subject to the requirements of Section
412 of the Code, Part 3 of Title I of ERISA, or Title IV of ERISA or (B) which
is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan or program under which assets are
set aside in a separate account, "rabbi trust" or similar arrangement, as of
August 31, 1999 the assets of each such Employee Benefit Plan are at least equal
in value to the present value of the currently accrued benefits (i.e., the
"accumulated benefit obligations" within the meaning of FAS 87) as of August 31,
1999 of the participants and beneficiaries in such Plan, based on actuarial
methods and assumptions for such Plan which are, as of August 31, 1999,
reasonable and appropriate under the principles set forth under FAS 87; (xii)
there are no matters pending before the Internal Revenue Service, the Department
of Labor or the PBGC; (xiii) there have been no claims or notice of claims filed
under any fiduciary liability insurance policy covering any Employee Benefit
Plan; (xiv) to the extent applicable, each such Employee Benefit Plan complies,
and at all times has complied, with the "secondary payor" requirement of Section
1862(b)(1) of the Social Security Act; and (xv) no compensation paid or payable
to any employee has been, or will be, rendered nondeductible pursuant to the
provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(d) (i) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed in Schedule
--------
2.22, with respect to each employee pension benefit plan (within the meaning of
- ----
Section 3(2) of ERISA) which is, or at any time was, maintained, sponsored or
contributed to (or required to be contributed to) by AmeriSteel, FLS or any
member of the Controlled Group and which is subject to the minimum funding
requirements of Code Section 412 and/or, if applicable, Part 3 of Title I of
ERISA, or to the requirements of Title IV of ERISA: (A) FLS, AmeriSteel or any
member of the Controlled Group has or will have, as of the Closing Date, made
all contributions or payments to or under such plan in such amounts and at such
times as required by law or by the terms of such plan or any contract or
agreement, (B) FLS, AmeriSteel or a member of the Controlled Group has or will
have, as of the Closing Date, made all contributions required to be made under
ERISA Section 302 and Code Section 412 (whether or not waived), (C) no event has
occurred, and there is no condition in existence, which could be deemed a
reportable event within the meaning of ERISA Section 4043 with respect to which
the 30 day notice requirement has not been waived other than the transactions
contemplated by this
-22-
<PAGE>
Agreement, and no condition exists which would subject AmeriSteel or Buyer to
any penalty under ERISA Section 4071, (D) as of the Closing Date, FLS,
AmeriSteel or a member of the Controlled Group has or will have made all
required premium payments, when due, to the PBGC, (E) the termination of, or
withdrawal from, any such plan, on or prior to the Closing Date has not, and
will not, subject AmeriSteel or Buyer to any liability to the PBGC or to any
other person or party, (F) no amendment has occurred which has required or could
require AmeriSteel or Buyer to provide security to any such plan under Code
Section 401(a)(29), and (G) no proceedings by the PBGC to terminate any such
plan have been instituted or threatened and no event has occurred or condition
exists which might constitute grounds for the PBGC to terminate any such plan;
and
(ii) The termination of, or withdrawal from, any employee pension
benefit plan subject to title IV of ERISA by any corporation or other entity
which was a member of the Controlled Group during any part of the sixty calendar
month period ending on the Closing Date has not, and will not, subject
AmeriSteel or Buyer to any liability to the PBGC or to any other person.
(e) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed in Schedule 2.22,
-------------
with respect to any employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of
ERISA), stock purchase plan, stock option plan, fringe benefit plan, bonus plan
or any deferred compensation agreement, plan or program (whether or not any such
plan, program or agreement is currently in effect): (i) there are no actions,
suits or claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course)
pending or, to the best knowledge of FLS or AmeriSteel, threatened, and FLS and
AmeriSteel have no knowledge of any facts which could give rise to any such
actions, suits or claims (other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary
course), which could subject AmeriSteel or Buyer to any material liability; (ii)
none of FLS, AmeriSteel, any member of the Controlled Group or any other person
has engaged in a prohibited transaction, as such term is defined in Code Section
4975 or ERISA Section 406, or any other act which would subject AmeriSteel or
Buyer to any taxes, penalties or other liabilities (including, but not limited
to, such taxes, penalties or liabilities resulting from prohibited transactions
under Code Section 4975 or under ERISA Sections 409 or 502(i)); (iii) no event
has occurred and no condition exists that could subject AmeriSteel or Buyer to
any tax or penalty under Code Sections 511, 4971, 4972, 4977, 4978, 4978A, 4979,
4979A, 4980B or 5000, or to a fine under ERISA Section 502(c); (iv) AmeriSteel
is not subject to (A) any liability or lien under any agreement imposing
secondary liability on AmeriSteel or on any member of the Controlled Group as a
seller of the assets of a business in accordance with Section 4204 of ERISA or
under any other provision of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, (B)
contingent liability under Title IV of ERISA to the PBGC
-23-
<PAGE>
or to any plan, participant, or other person or (C) a lien under Section 4068 of
ERISA; and (v) AmeriSteel is not subject to any liability pursuant to Section
4069 of ERISA.
(f) Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.22, (i) no new employee benefit
-------------
plan or agreement of any nature (including, but not limited to, any plan
described under Section 3(3) of ERISA) has been, or will be established or
maintained by AmeriSteel, FLS or any member of the Controlled Group, nor has, or
shall, AmeriSteel become obligated to contribute to any such plan; and (ii) no
such plan has been, or will be, (A) if an Employee Benefit Plan, terminated by
FLS or AmeriSteel prior to the Closing Date, (B) amended prior to the Closing
Date in any manner which would directly or indirectly increase the benefits
accrued, or which may be accrued, by any participant thereunder or (C) amended
in any manner which would materially increase the cost to AmeriSteel or Buyer of
maintaining such plan.
(g) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed in Schedule 2.22,
-------------
with respect to any multi-employer plan (within the meaning of Sections 3(37) or
4001(a)(3) of ERISA) to which AmeriSteel or any member of the Controlled Group
contributes (or has at any time contributed or had an obligation to contribute):
(i) AmeriSteel or any member of the Controlled Group has or will have, as of the
Closing Date, made all contributions to each such multi-employer plan required
by the terms of such multi-employer plan or any collective bargaining agreement;
(ii) neither AmeriSteel nor Buyer would be subject to any withdrawal liability
under Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA if, as of the Closing Date,
AmeriSteel or any member of the Controlled Group were to engage in a complete
withdrawal (as defined in ERISA Section 4203) or partial withdrawal (as defined
in ERISA Section 4205) from any such multi-employer plan; and (iii) Seller has
made available to Buyer current, accurate and complete copies of all such multi-
employer plans to which AmeriSteel contributes and of all collective bargaining
agreements requiring contributions to be made to any such multi-employer plan or
plans.
(h) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed on Schedule 2.22
-------------
with respect to any employee welfare benefit plan (within the meaning of ERISA
Section 3(1)) sponsored, maintained, or to which contributions have at any time
been made (or have at any time been required to be made) by FLS, AmeriSteel, or
any member of the Controlled Group (a "Welfare Plan"): (i) all benefits under
each such Welfare Plan under which any current or former AmeriSteel employee (or
any beneficiary) participates or has participated and which are intended to be
excludable from income for income tax purposes are so excludable; (ii) each such
Welfare Plan which is an Employee Benefit plan meets, if applicable, the
requirements of Code Sections 419 and 419A and all contributions by
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<PAGE>
AmeriSteel under each such Welfare Plan are deductible for income tax purposes;
(iii) there is no disqualified benefit (as such term is defined in Code Section
4976(b)) which would subject AmeriSteel or Buyer to a tax under Code Section
4976(a); and (iv) each and every such Welfare Plan which is a group health plan
(as such term is defined in Code Section 5000 or ERISA Section 607(1)) complies,
and in each and every case has complied, with the applicable requirements of
Code Section 4980B, Part 6 of Title I of ERISA, and all other federal or state
laws requiring the provision or continuance of health or medical benefits.
(i) To the Knowledge of Seller and except as disclosed on Schedule 2.22,
-------------
neither FLS nor AmeriSteel are subject to any legal, contractual, equitable, or
other obligation to (i) establish as of any date any employee benefit plan of
any nature, including, without limitation, any pension, profit sharing, welfare,
post-retirement welfare, stock option, stock or cash award, non-qualified
deferred compensation or executive compensation plan, policy or practice or (ii)
continue any employee benefit plan of any nature, including, without limitation
any Employee Benefit Plan or any other pension, profit sharing, welfare, or
post-retirement welfare plan, or any stock option, stock or cash award, non-
qualified deferred compensation or executive compensation plan, policy or
practice (or to continue their participation in any such benefit plan, policy or
practice) on or after the Closing Date, and with respect to each Employee
Benefit Plan (i) intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code or (ii)
which is a self-insured health and medical plan providing benefits for current
and/or retired employees (and their dependents), AmeriSteel may, in any manner,
and without consent of any employee, beneficiary or other person, terminate,
modify or amend any such Employee Benefit Plan effective as of any date on or
after the Closing Date.
2.23 Insurance. FLS carries no insurance. To the Knowledge of Seller,
---------
except for claims for workers compensation benefits in amounts within
AmeriSteel's self-insured reserves or within its excess coverage limits,
Schedule 2.23 contains a list and brief description (specifying the insurer, the
- --------------
policy number or covering note number with respect to binders and the amount of
any deductible, describing each pending claim thereunder of more than $200,000
setting forth the aggregate amounts paid out under each such policy through the
date hereof and the aggregate limit, if any, of the insurer's liability
thereunder) of all policies or binders of fire, liability, product liability,
workmen's compensation (except as excluded above), vehicular, unemployment and
other insurance held by or on behalf of AmeriSteel. To the Knowledge of Seller,
such policies and binders are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
terms, are in full force and effect, and insure against risks and liabilities to
the extent and in the manner reasonably determined to the Knowledge of Seller by
AmeriSteel, to be appropriate and sufficient and are adequate to protect
AmeriSteel and its assets and
-25-
<PAGE>
properties. To the Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel has paid all premiums due
thereon and is not in default with respect to any provision contained in any
such policy or binder and has not failed to give any notice or present any claim
under any such policy or binder in due and timely fashion. To the Knowledge of
Seller, except for claims described on Schedule 2.23, there are no outstanding
-------------
unpaid claims under any such policy or binder affecting AmeriSteel. To the
Knowledge of Seller AmeriSteel has not received notice of cancellation or non-
renewal of any such policy or binder. To the Knowledge of Seller, none of the
policies listed on Schedule 2.23 provides that premiums paid in respect of the
-------------
periods prior to the Closing Date may be adjusted or recomputed based on claims-
paying experience of such policies or otherwise. To the Knowledge of Seller
AmeriSteel has not received notice from any of its insurance carriers that any
insurance premiums will be increased in the future or that any insurance
coverage listed on Schedule 2.23 will not be available in the future on the same
-------------
terms as now in effect.
2.24 Environmental and Safety Matters. To the Knowledge of Seller,
--------------------------------
except as disclosed in AmeriSteel's most recent Form 10-K filing or set forth on
Schedule 2.24, AmeriSteel is in material compliance, or is engaged in remedial
- -------------
actions to be in material compliance, with all Environmental and Safety
Requirements (defined below) in connection with its operation of its business.
For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "Environmental and Safety
Requirements" shall mean all federal, state, local and foreign statutes,
regulations, ordinances and similar provisions having the force or effect of
law, all judicial and administrative orders and determinations, all contractual
obligations and all common law concerning public health and safety, worker
health and safety, and pollution or protection of the environment, including,
without limitation, all those relating to the presence, use, production,
generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal,
distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release, threatened
release, control, or cleanup of any hazardous materials, substances or wastes,
chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, insecticides, biocides, pollutants,
contaminants, toxic chemicals, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, petroleum
products or byproducts, asbestos, noise or radiation, each as amended and as now
in effect, including but not limited to the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA") or the
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), or any other Environmental and
Safety Requirements.
2.25 Officers, Directors and Key Employees. Schedule 2.25 describes with
------------------------------------- -------------
respect to AmeriSteel the name and total annual compensation (and benefit costs)
of each executive officer and director regardless of the level of annual
compensation and of each other employee of AmeriSteel whose annual rate of
compensation exceeded $100,000 for calendar year 1998. To the Knowledge
-26-
<PAGE>
of Seller, AmeriSteel has not made a commitment or agreement to increase the
compensation or to modify the conditions or terms of employment of any such
person other than in the ordinary course of business.
2.26 Franchises and Licenses. To the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel
-----------------------
possesses all material franchises, concessions, permits, licenses, orders, and
other governmental authorizations and approvals ("Permits") required to permit
such corporation to carry on its business as it is presently being conducted.
To the Knowledge of Seller, all such material Permits described on Schedule 2.26
-------------
annexed hereto, are in the name of AmeriSteel, and are in full force and effect,
and no modification, termination, suspension or cancellation of any of them is
threatened. To the Knowledge of Seller, except as described in Schedule 2.26
-------------
all such material Permits permit the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby without modification thereof and without the consent of the
issuing authority. FLS has and is not required to have any Permits other than
franchise authority in the State of Delaware.
2.27 Transactions with Affiliated Parties. To the Knowledge of Seller
------------------------------------
and except as described on Schedule 2.27 annexed hereto no Associate or
-------------
Affiliate of Seller, FLS, and to the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, (i) has
any ownership interest, directly or indirectly, in any competitor, supplier or
customer of AmeriSteel, (ii) has any outstanding loan to or receivable in either
event to or from AmeriSteel, or (iii) is a party to or has any interest in any
contract or agreement with AmeriSteel with an annual value in excess of
$250,000.
2.28 No Changes Prior to Closing Date. During the period from the
--------------------------------
Balance Sheet Date to and including the Closing Date, except as expressly
consented to by Buyer, neither FLS nor AmeriSteel, shall:
(a) borrow money in excess of $1 million , except for (i) advances in the
ordinary course of business under current credit facilities, and (ii)
borrowings to finance the acquisition of the manufacturing facilities
of the former Brocker Rebar Company currently under lease by
AmeriSteel;
(b) extend loans other than the conversion of customer accounts receivable
into notes receivable in accordance with past practice;
-27-
<PAGE>
(c) acquire or commit to acquire new businesses, or commit to divest itself
of any material operating assets, other than those (i) held for sale
and reflected as such on the Balance Sheet, or (ii) which are obsolete
or non-productive assets;
(d) make any dividends or capital distributions;
(e) make any capital expenditures beyond current budgeted amounts, plus an
additional $10 million;
(f) permit any of its material assets to be subject to any mortgage,
pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, restriction or charge of
any kind outside of the ordinary course of business;
(g) outside the ordinary course of business, make or permit any amendment
or termination of any material contract, agreement or license to which
FLS or AmeriSteel is a party or by which it or any of its assets and
properties are subject or bound;
(h) write off as uncollectible any material notes or accounts receivable,
except write-offs in the ordinary course of business charged to
applicable reserves, none of which individually or in the aggregate is
material to FLS or AmeriSteel;
(i) cancel or waive any material claims or rights of substantial value
outside of the ordinary course of business;
(j) increase any executive personnel compensation outside of the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices;
(k) issue new stock except with respect to existing employee stock plans or
arrangements; or
(l) change method of accounting.
-28-
<PAGE>
2.29 Disclosure. Neither this Agreement, nor any Schedule, Exhibit or
----------
certificate delivered in accordance with the terms hereof by or on behalf of
Seller, or by FLS or, to the Knowledge of Seller, by AmeriSteel's respective
directors or officers, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby,
contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or
will omit any statement of a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained herein or therein not misleading. There is no fact known
to Seller which materially and adversely affects the business, prospects
(financial or otherwise) or financial condition of FLS or AmeriSteel, or its
respective properties or assets, which has not been set forth in this Agreement
or in the Schedules or Exhibits or certificates furnished in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.30 Broker's or Finder's Fees. No agent, broker, person or firm acting
-------------------------
on behalf of Seller, AmeriSteel or FLS is, or will be, entitled to any
commission or broker's or finder's fees from any of the parties hereto, or from
any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the
parties hereto, in connection with any of the transactions contemplated herein.
2.31 Filings with the SEC. To the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel has
--------------------
made all filings with the SEC that it has been required to make within the past
three years under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "Securities Exchange Act") (collectively the "Public Reports"). To the
Knowledge of Seller, each of the Public Reports has complied with the Securities
Act and the Securities Exchange Act in all material respects. To the Knowledge
of Seller, none of the Public Reports, as of their respective dates, contained
any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Buyer acknowledges
that AmeriSteel has delivered or made available to Buyer a copy of each Public
Report (together with all exhibits and schedules thereto and as amended to
date). Any and all matters disclosed in the Public Reports shall be deemed to
have been disclosed in this Agreement in the appropriate Section, Schedule, or
Exhibit (as applicable).
2.32 Bank Accounts. Schedule 2.32 sets forth the names and locations of
------------- -------------
all banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations and other financial
institutions at which FLS and AmeriSteel maintains a safe deposit box, lock box
or checking, savings, custodial or other account of any nature, the type and
number of each such account and the signatories therefore, a description of any
compensating balance arrangements, and the names of all persons authorized to
draw thereon, make withdrawals therefrom or have access thereto.
-29-
<PAGE>
2.33 Closing Date. All of the representations and warranties contained
------------
in this Article II and all information delivered in any Schedule, attachment or
Exhibit hereto, limited in certain circumstances as noted, to the Knowledge of
Seller, are true and correct on the date of this Agreement and will be true and
correct on the Closing Date as specified in the "bring down" certificate to be
delivered at the Closing pursuant to Section 5.1 (except for (i) representations
and warranties which speak expressly as of a different date, which
representations and warranties will have been true and correct as of such date,
and (ii) changes permitted by this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS OF Gerdau AND BUYER
------------------------------------
3.1 Incorporation and Qualification. Gerdau and Buyer are corporations
-------------------------------
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Brazil
and the State of Delaware, respectively, and have the corporate power and lawful
authority to carry on their business as now being conducted, and to own, lease
and operate its properties and assets as now owned, leased or operated. Buyer
is duly licensed and qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is
in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction set forth in
Schedule 3.1, which are all jurisdictions where the character of its business or
- ------------
the nature of its properties or assets makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified,
licensed or in good standing would not individually or in the aggregate have a
material adverse effect on the businesses, prospects, results of operations,
financial conditions or assets of Buyer.
3.2 Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Governing Documents.
----------------------------------------------------------
Schedule 3.2 contains true and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation
- ------------
of Buyer, including all amendments thereto (certified by the Secretary of State
of its jurisdiction of incorporation), and By-Laws of Buyer, including all
amendments thereto (certified by its corporate Secretary), as in effect on the
date hereof. Such By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation will not be amended,
rescinded or otherwise modified between the date hereof and the Closing Date.
Schedule 3.2 also contains true and complete copies of the governing documents,
- ------------
including all amendments thereto of Gerdau, as in effect on the date hereof and
such governing documents will not be amended, rescinded or otherwise modified
between the date hereof and the Closing Date.
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3.3 Authority of Buyer. Gerdau and Buyer have full power and legal
------------------
capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement, Buyer Notes, and the other
agreements required to be executed and delivered by Gerdau and Buyer hereunder
(the "Buyer Documents") and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution, delivery and performance of Buyer Documents by Gerdau and Buyer
have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Gerdau and
Buyer. The Buyer Documents are valid and binding agreements of Gerdau and Buyer
enforceable against Gerdau and Buyer in accordance with their respective terms.
Except for (i) compliance with the HSR Act referenced in Section 4.6 below, and
(ii) voluntary notification under Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of
1950, as amended (the "Exon-Florio Amendment"), no consent, authorization or
approval of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental or
regulatory authority, or any consent, authorization or approval of any third
party, is necessary in order to enable Gerdau and Buyer to enter into and
perform the obligations under the Buyer Documents, and neither the execution and
delivery of the Buyer Documents nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby will:
(a) conflict with, require any consent under, result in the violation of,
or constitute a breach of any provision of the Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Buyer or the governing documents of Gerdau;
(b) conflict with, require any consent under, result in the violation of,
constitute a breach of, or accelerate the performance required on the
part of Gerdau or Buyer by the terms of, any evidence of indebtedness
or agreement to which the Gerdau or Buyer is a party, in each case with
or without notice for lapse of time or both, including any mortgage or
deed of trust or other agreement creating a lien, charge or encumbrance
to which any property of Gerdau or Buyer is subject, or permit the
termination of any such agreement by another person;
(c) result in the creation or imposition of any security interest, lien,
charge or other encumbrance upon, or restriction on the use of, any
property or assets of Gerdau or Buyer under any agreement or commitment
to which either is bound;
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(d) accelerate, constitute an event entitling, or which would, on notice or
lapse of time or both, entitle the holder of any indebtedness of Gerdau
or Buyer to accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness;
(e) conflict with or result in the breach of or violation of any writ,
judgment, order, injunction, decree or award of any court of
governmental body or agency or arbitration tribunal that is binding on
Gerdau or Buyer; or
(f) constitute a violation by Gerdau or Buyer of any statute, law, or
regulation of any jurisdiction, foreign or domestic.
3.4 Securities Acknowledgment.
-------------------------
(a) Buyer is acquiring the Purchased Stock solely for Buyer's own account
for investment purposes and not with a view to or an interest in
participating, directly or indirectly, in the resale thereof. Buyer's
principal place of business is located in the State of Delaware. Buyer
acknowledges that all Purchased Stock acquired by Buyer will be sold to
Buyer without registration and in reliance upon certain exemptions
under the Securities Act as amended, in reliance upon certain
exemptions from registration requirements and under applicable state
securities laws. Buyer will make no transfer or assignment of any of
the stock except in compliance with the Securities Act and any other
applicable securities laws, or pursuant to applicable exemptions from
the aforementioned laws.
(b) Neither Seller nor any person acting on its behalf has offered the
Purchased Stock to Buyer by means of general or public solicitation or
general or public advertising, such as newspaper or magazine
advertisements, by broadcast media, or at any seminar or meeting whose
attendees were solicited by such means.
(c) Buyer has reviewed this Agreement, including all Schedules, and
acknowledges it is experienced in evaluating and investing in companies
similar to FLS and AmeriSteel, can bear the economic risk of purchasing
the Purchased Stock, including a complete loss of the investment, for
an
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indefinite period of time, and has enough knowledge and experience
in financial and business matters to evaluate the merits and risks of
its purchase of stock in reliance upon the representations and
warranties of Buyer given hereunder.
(d) Buyer consents, agrees and acknowledges that the certificate or
certificates representing the Purchased Stock will be inscribed with
the following legend, or another legend to the same effect, and agrees
to the restrictions set forth therein:
The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the securities laws
of any other jurisdiction, in reliance upon exemptions from the
registration requirements of such laws. The shares represented by this
certificate may not be sold or otherwise transferred, nor will any assignee
or endorsee hereof be recognized as an owner of the shares by the issuer
unless: (i) a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933
and other applicable securities laws with respect to the shares and the
transfer shall then be in effect; or (ii) in the opinion of counsel
satisfactory to the issuer, the shares are transferred in a transaction
which is exempt from the registration requirements of such laws.
3.5 Pending Actions. There are no actions, suits, claims or proceedings
---------------
pending, or to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against Buyer or any of its
subsidiary companies at law or in equity or by any governmental agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign, which materially adversely affect or are
likely to materially adversely affect, (i) Buyer's financial condition, or (ii)
Buyer's right or ability to carry on its business substantially as now
conducted, considering such condition in business as being the condition in
business of Buyer and its subsidiary companies taken as a whole.
3.6 Broker's or Finder's Fees. No agent, broker, person or firm acting
-------------------------
on behalf of Buyer is, or will be, entitled to any commission or broker's or
finder's fees from any of the parties
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hereto, or from any person controlling, controlled by or under common control
with any of the parties hereto, in connection with any of the transactions
contemplated herein.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CLOSING
----------------------------------------------
The parties hereto covenant and agree that between the date hereof and
the Closing Date:
4.1 Operation in Ordinary Course. From the date hereof to the Closing
----------------------------
Date, except as expressly consented to by Buyer, neither FLS nor AmeriSteel,
shall:
(a) borrow money in excess of $1 million in the aggregate, except for (i)
advances in the ordinary course of business under current credit
facilities, and (ii) borrowings to finance the acquisition of the
manufacturing facilities of the former Brocker Rebar Company currently
under lease by AmeriSteel;
(b) extend loans other than the conversion of customer accounts receivable
into notes receivable in accordance with past practice;
(c) acquire or commit to acquire new businesses, or commit to divest itself
of any material operating assets, other than those (i) held for sale
and reflected as such on the Balance Sheet, or (ii) which are obsolete
or non-productive assets;
(d) make any dividends or capital distributions;
(e) make any capital expenditures beyond current budgeted amounts, plus an
additional $10 million;
(f) permit any of its material assets to be subject to any mortgage,
pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, restriction or charge of
any kind outside of the ordinary course of business;
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(g) outside the ordinary course of business, make or permit any amendment
or termination of any material contract, agreement or license to which
FLS or AmeriSteel is a party or by which it or any of its assets and
properties are subject or bound;
(h) write off as uncollectible any material notes or accounts receivable,
except write-offs in the ordinary course of business charged to
applicable reserves, none of which individually or in the aggregate is
material to FLS or AmeriSteel;
(i) cancel or waive any material claims or rights of substantial value
outside of the ordinary course of business;
(j) increase any executive personnel compensation outside of the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practices;
(k) issue new stock except with respect to existing employee stock plans or
arrangements; or
(l) change method of accounting.
4.2 Notice of Events. Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of (i) any
----------------
event, condition or circumstance occurring from the date hereof through the
Closing Date that would constitute a violation or breach of this Agreement, (ii)
any event, occurrence, transaction or other item which would have been required
to have been disclosed on any Schedule or statement delivered hereunder, had
such event, occurrence, transaction or item existed on the date hereof, other
than items arising in the ordinary course of business which would not render any
representation or warranty of Seller inaccurate or misleading, and (iii) any
lawsuits, claims, proceedings or investigations which after the date hereof are
threatened or commenced against Seller or to the Knowledge of Seller against
AmeriSteel or any of their respective officers, directors, employees,
consultants, agents or shareholders with respect to the affairs of such
corporation.
4.3 Exclusive Dealing. During the period from the date of this
-----------------
Agreement to the Closing Date, Seller shall not take, and Seller shall make its
best effort to cause AmeriSteel to refrain
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<PAGE>
from taking, any action to directly or indirectly encourage, initiate or engage
in discussions or negotiations with, or provide any information to, any
corporation, partnership, person, or other entity or group, other than Buyer,
concerning the merger of AmeriSteel with any other entity, the purchase and sale
of the assets and properties of AmeriSteel, the purchase and sale of the
Purchased Stock, or any transaction similar to the foregoing involving
AmeriSteel or Seller.
4.4 Examinations and Investigations. Prior to the Closing Date, Buyer
-------------------------------
shall be entitled, through its employees and representatives, including, without
limitation, its counsel, Greenberg Traurig, and Buyer's accountants, to make
such investigation of the assets, properties, business and operations of FLS and
such examination of the books, records and financial condition of FLS as it
desires. Seller shall cause and specifically direct AmeriSteel and FLS prior to
the Closing Date, to allow Buyer, through its employees and representatives,
including without limitation, its counsel Greenberg Traurig, and Buyer's
accountant, to make such investigation of the assets, properties, business and
operations of AmeriSteel and such examination of the books, records and
financial condition of AmeriSteel as Buyer desires. Any such investigation and
examination shall be conducted at reasonable times and under reasonable
circumstances, and Seller shall cause and specifically direct AmeriSteel to
cooperate fully therein. No investigation by Buyer (or failure to conduct such
an investigation) shall diminish or obviate any of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements of Seller under this Agreement, or Buyer's
rights under Article VIII of this Agreement. Buyer, its employees and
representatives shall keep confidential and shall not use in any manner any
information or documents obtained from AmeriSteel or Seller concerning their
respective assets, properties, business and operations, unless readily
ascertainable from public or published information, or trade sources, or
subsequently developed by Buyer independent of any investigation of AmeriSteel,
or received from a third party not under an obligation to AmeriSteel or Seller
to keep such information confidential. If this Agreement terminates, any
documents obtained from Seller or AmeriSteel shall be promptly returned.
4.5 Release of Guaranties, Discharge of MIC Loan. Buyer shall secure
--------------------------------------------
the release of Seller from any guaranties entered into by Seller on behalf of
FLS, contingent upon the Closing, other than the guaranty of Seller relating to
----------
FLS's loan from Mitsubishi International Corporation ("MIC").
4.6 Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The parties shall respond promptly to
---------------------
requests to file such additional information and documentary materials as may be
requested pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "HSR Act")
sufficiently in advance of the Closing Date to allow the period specified by the
HSR Act and any extensions thereof to expire prior to the Closing Date.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATION OF BUYER TO CLOSE
--------------------------------------------------------
The obligation of Buyer to complete the Closing is subject to the satisfaction
on or before the Closing Date of each of the following conditions precedent;
provided, however, that the election of Buyer to complete the Closing,
notwithstanding that any such condition is not fulfilled by such time, shall not
preclude Buyer from seeking redress from Seller for Breach of the terms of this
Agreement, provided that if Buyer has actual knowledge of the failure, notice of
the failure to fulfill the condition has been provided to Seller and Seller has
been given a reasonable opportunity to fulfill the condition or elect not to
Close without penalty.
5.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
------------------------------------------
and warranties of Seller set forth in Article II shall have been true and
correct in all respects on the date made and shall be true and correct in all
respects on the Closing Date, other than for matters permitted by this
Agreement. Buyer shall have received a certificate to that effect signed by an
executive officer of Seller. The parties expressly intend that a non-material
breach by Seller of its representations and warranties shall not give Buyer the
right to refuse to consummate the Closing or to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Article IX. However, Closing under such circumstances shall be
without prejudice to Buyer's rights of indemnification under Article VIII
hereof, unless Buyer has actual knowledge of the breach on or prior to the
Closing and has consummated the Closing of this Agreement without affording
Seller notice of the breach and a reasonable opportunity to cure the breach, or
elect not to close without penalty.
5.2 Performance Of Covenants. Seller shall have performed and complied
------------------------
with all the covenants, obligations, and conditions required to be performed or
complied with by Seller on or before the Closing Date pursuant to this
Agreement. Buyer shall have received a certificate to that effect signed by an
executive officer of Seller. The parties expressly intend that a non-material
failure by Seller to perform or comply with any such covenant, obligation, or
condition shall not give Buyer the right to refuse to consummate the Closing or
to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article IX. However, such Closing shall
be without prejudice to Buyer's rights of indemnification under article VII
hereof, unless Buyer has actual knowledge of the failure on or prior to the
Closing and has
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<PAGE>
consummated the Closing of this Agreement without affording Seller notice of the
failure and a reasonable opportunity to cure the failure, or elect not to close
without penalty.
5.3 Certified Copy of Authorizing Resolutions. Buyer shall have
-----------------------------------------
received a copy of Seller's board of director resolutions approving this
transaction, duly certified by the Secretary or similar officer of Seller.
5.4 No Material Adverse Change. Prior to the Closing Date, there shall
--------------------------
be no material adverse change in the assets or liabilities, the business or
condition, (financial or otherwise) of FLS or AmeriSteel.
5.5 Governmental Permits and Approvals. All permits and approvals from
----------------------------------
any governmental or regulatory body (if any) required for the lawful
consummation of the Closing and the continued operation of the business of
AmeriSteel shall have been obtained, including termination or early termination
of the waiting period prescribed by the HSR Act, and all necessary governmental
consents (if any) to the continuation of operation permits (environmental or
otherwise) which otherwise may be affected by a change in control of AmeriSteel.
In the event that such items are not obtained, Buyer's sole remedy
(notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary) is to
delay the Closing for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
5.6 Opinions of Counsel. Buyer shall have received the opinion of
-------------------
Seller's special transaction counsel, Smith, Gambrell and Russell, LLP,
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 5.6 (a). Buyer shall have
received the opinion of Braun Moriya Hoashi & Kubota, special Japanese counsel
to Seller, substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.6 (b). Buyer shall also have
received the opinion of Trenam, Kemker, Scharf, Barkin, Frye, O'Neill & Mullis,
general counsel to AmeriSteel, in substantially in form attached hereto as
Exhibit 5.6 (c).
5.7 No Litigation. No action, suit, or proceeding shall be pending or
-------------
threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any
federal, state, or local jurisdiction, or before any arbitrator, wherein an
unfavorable injunction, judgement, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (a)
prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or (b) cause any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to
be rescinded following consummation.
5.8 Certificates of Good Standing. At Closing, Seller shall have
-----------------------------
delivered to Buyer certificates of existence and good standing of FLS from the
office of the Delaware Secretary of State
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and of AmeriSteel from the office of the Florida Secretary of State dated not
earlier than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date. Seller shall also deliver
a certificate of existence of AmeriSteel from each jurisdiction set forth on
Schedule 2.1 certifying the due qualification of AmeriSteel to transact business
- ------------
in said jurisdictions as a foreign corporation dated not earlier than ten (10)
days prior to the Closing Date.
5.9 Compliance With HSR. The parties acknowledge, that all applicable
-------------------
waiting periods under the HSR Act have expired or otherwise been terminated.
5.10 Third-Party Consents. All consents, permits, waivers and approvals
--------------------
from parties to material contracts or other agreements with Seller, FLS, and to
the Knowledge of Seller, AmeriSteel, that may be required in connection with the
performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement or the continuance
of such contracts or other agreements with either FLS or AmeriSteel without
material modification after the Closing shall have been obtained (with
satisfactory written evidence thereof, and with recordable form where necessary)
and furnished to Buyer at the Closing).
5.11 Transfer Taxes. Seller shall have paid, or caused to be paid, all
--------------
stock transfer and other taxes, if any, required to be paid in connection with
the sale and delivery to Buyer of the Purchased Stock, and shall have caused all
appropriate stock transfer tax stamps, if any, to be affixed to the certificates
representing the Purchased Stock.
5.12 Stock Certificates. A stock certificate or certificates
------------------
representing all of the Purchased Stock, shall be duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by stock powers duly endorsed in blank, and ready for immediate
delivery to Buyer.
5.13 Shareholder's Agreement. A shareholders agreement by and among
-----------------------
Buyer, Seller, and FLS substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.13 hereto (the
"Shareholders Agreement") shall be ready for immediate execution and delivery by
Seller. Seller shall cause FLS to execute such Shareholders Agreement.
5.14 Sumitomo Corporation. Seller agrees to request SC Steel
--------------------
Investment, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Sumitomo Corporation , to maintain its current holdings of 455,545 shares of
AmeriSteel common stock subsequent to the Closing of the Transaction. As long
as the request is made in good faith, Seller's obligations under this Section
shall be deemed discharged.
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<PAGE>
5.15 Resignations of Directors and Officers. Seller shall deliver
--------------------------------------
signed resignations of any director and officer of FLS and AmeriSteel under the
control of Seller (other than the "Kyoei FLS Designee" and the "Kyoei AmeriSteel
Designee" as defined in the aforementioned Shareholders Agreement) requested by
Buyer dated the Closing Date.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATION OF SELLER TO CLOSE
---------------------------------------------------------
The obligations of Seller to complete the Closing are subject to the
satisfaction on or before the Closing Date of each of the following conditions
precedent; provided, however, that the election by Seller to complete the
Closing notwithstanding that any such condition is not fulfilled by such time
shall not preclude Seller from seeking redress from Buyer or Gerdau for breach
of the terms of the Agreement, provided that if Seller has actual knowledge of
the failure, notice of the failure to fulfill the condition has been provided to
Buyer and Gerdau and they have been given a reasonable opportunity to fulfill
the condition or elect not to close without penalty.
6.1 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations
------------------------------------------
and warranties of Buyer and Gerdau set forth in Article III shall have been true
and correct in all material respects on the date made, and shall be true and
correct on the Closing Date. Seller shall have received a certificate to that
effect signed by a duly authorized officer of Buyer and Gerdau. The parties
expressly intend that a non-material breach by Buyer or Gerdau of its
representations and warranties shall not give Seller the right to refuse to
consummate the Closing or to terminate this agreement pursuant to Article X.
However, such Closing shall be without prejudice to Seller's rights of
indemnification under Article IX hereof, unless Seller has actual knowledge of
the breach on or prior to the Closing and has consummated the Closing of this
Agreement without affording Buyer and Gerdau notice of the breach and a
reasonable opportunity to cure the breach, or elect not to close without
penalty.
6.2 Performance of Covenants. Buyer and Gerdau shall have performed
------------------------
and complied with all covenants, obligations, and conditions required to be
performed or complied with by Buyer and Gerdau on or before the Closing Date
pursuant to this Agreement. Seller shall have received a certificate to that
effect signed by a duly authorized officer of Buyer and Gerdau. The parties
expressly intend that a non-material failure by Buyer or Gerdau to perform or
comply with any such covenant, obligation, or condition shall not give Seller
the right to refuse to consummate the Closing or to
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<PAGE>
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article X. However, such Closing shall be
without prejudice to Seller's rights of indemnification under Article IX hereof,
unless Seller has actual knowledge of the failure on or prior to the Closing and
has consummated the Closing of this Agreement without affording Buyer and Gerdau
notice of failure and a reasonable opportunity to cure the failure, or elect not
to close without penalty.
6.3 Opinion of Buyer and Gerdau's Counsel. Seller shall have received
-------------------------------------
an opinion of Greenberg Traurig, counsel to Buyer and Gerdau, substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.3.
6.4 No Litigation. No action, suit, or proceeding shall be pending or
-------------
threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any
federal, state, or local jurisdiction, or before any arbitrator, wherein an
unfavorable injunction, judgement, order, decree, ruling, or charge would (a)
prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or (b) cause any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to
be rescinded following consummation.
6.5 Certificates of Good Standing. At Closing Buyer shall provide
-----------------------------
Seller with a certificate of existence and good standing from the office of the
Delaware Secretary of State, certifying the existence and good standing of Buyer
in the State of Delaware. Such certificate shall be dated not more than ten
(10) days prior to the Closing Date.
6.6 Standby Letter of Credit. Buyer shall have delivered to Seller
------------------------
three (3) letters of credit in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.6 from a
Bank reasonably acceptable to Seller to secure payment, in the respective
amounts of each of the Buyer Notes described in Section 1.2(b).
6.7 Buyer Notes. The Buyer Notes shall have been duly executed,
-----------
notarized and ready for immediate delivery to Seller.
6.8 Certified Copy of Authorizing Resolutions. Seller shall have
-----------------------------------------
received a copy of Buyer and Gerdau's resolutions approving this transaction,
duly certified by a secretary or equivalent officer of Buyer and Gerdau.
6.9 Shareholders Agreement. The Shareholders Agreement shall be ready
----------------------
for immediate execution and delivery by Buyer.
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ARTICLE VII
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE CLOSING
----------------------------------
The following actions shall be taken at the Closing, each of which shall be
conditioned on completion of all the others and all of which shall be deemed to
have taken place simultaneously:
7.1 Stock Certificates. Seller shall deliver to Buyer stock
------------------
certificate(s) representing all of the Purchased Stock, duly endorsed in blank
or accompanied by stock powers duly executed in blank, in proper form for
transfer, in accordance with the terms of Section 1.1 of this Agreement.
7.2 Purchase Price. Buyer shall deliver to Seller the Purchase Price
--------------
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including the Cash Consideration
by wire transfer of immediately available U.S. funds, the Buyer Notes and the
letters of credit as provided in Section 6.6 above.
7.3 Collateral Documents. Each party shall deliver to the other those
--------------------
certificates and opinions specified in Articles V and VI above, as well as the
Shareholders Agreements, and otherwise satisfy the other party's conditions to
Closing specified in Sections V and VI above.
ARTICLE VII
POST-CLOSING COVENANTS
----------------------
As to the loan from MIC to FLS, Buyer acknowledges and agrees that MIC has the
right, and intends to exercise the right, to call the loan on or subsequent to
the Closing, and such call will result in repayment of the loan being
accelerated. Such loan is indirectly guaranteed by Seller. Buyer covenants and
agrees to cause FLS to notify MIC within one (1) business day subsequent to the
Closing that the Closing has occurred. In the event that MIC demands repayment
of the loan, Buyer further covenants and agrees that it will cause FLS to repay
the loan, in full, in accordance with the terms of the loan, such that Seller
shall have no direct or indirect liability, damage, loss, cost or expense in
connection with Seller's guarantee of such loan. Buyer acknowledges and agrees
that these post-closing covenants by Buyer are individually and collectively
material inducements to Seller entering into this Agreement, and that if Buyer
breaches these covenants (or either of them), Seller shall have all of the
rights and remedies set forth in Article IX; provided, however, that the
limitations on Buyer's liability set forth in Section 9.5 shall not apply to
Buyer's obligations in this Article VIII.
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ARTICLE IX
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION
-----------------------------------------------------------
9.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All of the
------------------------------------------
representations and warranties of Seller and Buyer contained (i) in this
Agreement and (ii) all instruments, certificates and related documents executed
and delivered in connection herewith shall survive the Closing for 18 months,
except that representations and warranties contained in Section 2.12 (including
tax liabilities) shall survive for the applicable statutory period of
limitations, provided, however, that any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement that would otherwise expire in accordance with of this Section 9.1
shall survive to the extent it is the subject of a valid Notice of Claim given
prior to the date of expiration pursuant to Section 9.4, solely for purposes of
the matters described in such Notice of Claim and until such Notice of Claim is
resolved.
9.2 Seller's Agreement to Indemnify. Except as expressly provided in
-------------------------------
Section 9.4(b), and subject to the provisions of Section 9.5 hereof, Seller
shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Buyer and Gerdau (and their respective
directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, successors and assigns) from
and against any and all direct or indirect, demands, claims, payments, defenses,
obliga tions, recoveries, deficiencies, fines, penalties, interest,
assessments, actions, liens, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments,
losses, damages (including without limitation punitive, exemplary or
consequential damages, lost income and profits, interruptions of business,
liabilities, costs, and expenses of any kind (including without limitation (i)
interest, penalties and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, (ii) attorneys'
fees and expenses necessary to enforce their rights to indemnification
hereunder, and (iii) consultants' fees and other costs of defending or
investigating any claim hereunder), and interest on any amount payable as a
result of the foregoing, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, known, unknown,
or otherwise as of the Closing Date or thereafter asserted against, imposed upon
or incurred by Buyer or Gerdau or any of their respective directors, officers,
employees, agents, affiliates, successors or assigns (a "Loss of Buyer") by
reason of, resulting from, arising out of, based upon, awarded or asserted
against in respect of or otherwise in respect of:
(a) any breach of any representation and warranty contained in this
Agreement or any misrepresentation in or omission on the part of
Seller contained in any certificate furnished or to be furnished to
Buyer by Seller pursuant to this Agreement; or
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<PAGE>
(b) any breach or nonfulfillment on the part of Seller of any covenant
contained in this Agreement.
9.3 Buyer's Agreement to Indemnify. Except as expressly provided in
------------------------------
Section 9.4(b), Buyer shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Seller from and
against any and all direct or indirect, demands, claims, payments, defenses,
obligations, recoveries, deficiencies, fines, penalties, interest, assessments,
actions, liens, causes of action, suits, proceedings, judgments, losses, damages
(including without limitation punitive, exemplary or consequential damages, lost
income and profits, interruptions of business, liabilities, costs, and expenses
of any kind (including without limitation (i) interest, penalties and reasonable
attorneys' fees and expenses, (ii) attorneys' fees and expenses necessary to
enforce their rights to indemnification hereunder, and (iii) consultants' fees
and other costs of defending or investigating any claim hereunder), and interest
on any amount payable as a result of the foregoing, whether accrued, absolute,
contingent, known, unknown, or otherwise as of the Closing Date or thereafter
asserted against, imposed upon or incurred by Seller or any of its respective
directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates, successors or assigns (a
"Loss of Seller") by reason of, resulting from, arising out of, based upon,
awarded or asserted against in respect of or otherwise in respect of:
(a) any breach of any representation and warranty or nonfulfillment of
any covenant or agreement on the part of Buyer contained in this
Agreement or any misrepresentation in or omission from or
nonfulfillment of any covenant on the part of Buyer contained in any
certificate furnished or to be furnished to Seller by Buyer pursuant
to this Agreement; and
(b) any guarantee entered into by Seller on behalf of FLS which is not
released at Closing.
9.4 Indemnification Procedure.
-------------------------
(a) Upon obtaining knowledge thereof, the party to be indemnified
hereunder (the "Indemnitee") shall promptly notify the indemnifying
party hereunder (the "Indemnitor") in writing of any damage, claim,
loss, liability or expense or other matter which the Indemnitee has
determined has given or could give rise to a claim for which
indemnification rights are granted hereunder (such written notice
referred to as the "Notice of Claim"). The Notice of Claim shall
specify, in all reasonable detail, the nature and
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estimated amount of any such claim giving rise to a right of
indemnification, to the extent the same can reasonably be estimated.
Any failure on the part of an Indemnitee to give timely notice to the
Indemnitor of a claim shall not affect the right of the Indemnitee to
obtain indemnification from the Indemnitor with respect to such
claim; (i) unless the Indemnitor is actually harmed by such failure
to notify, and only to the extent of such actual harm, or (ii) the
notice is subsequent to the expiration of the survival period, in
which case the claim shall be disallowed.
(b) With respect to any matter set forth in a Notice of Claim relating to
a third party claim the Indemnitor shall defend, in good faith and at
its expense, any such claim, and the Indemnitee, at its expense,
shall have the right to participate in the defense of any such third
party claim. So long as Indemnitor is defending, in good faith, any
such third party claim, and subject to adequate assurances of
payment, the Indemnitee shall not settle or compromise such third
party claim. The Indemnitee shall make available to the Indemnitor or
its representatives at its expense all records and other materials
reasonably required by them for use in contesting any third party
claim and shall cooperate fully with the Indemnitor in the defense of
all such claims. If the Indemnitor does not timely and in good faith
defend any such third party claim or if the Indemnitor does not
provide the Indemnitee with prompt and reasonable assurances
(including adequate security) that the Indemnitor will satisfy the
third party claim, the Indemnitee may, at its option, elect to defend
any such third party claim, at the Indemnitor's expense. An
Indemnitor may not settle or compromise any claim without obtaining a
full and unconditional release of the Indemnitee and on such terms
and conditions which are acceptable to the Indemnitee.
9.5 Limitations on Liability of Seller and Buyer. Seller shall have no
--------------------------------------------
liability with respect to Losses of Buyer subject to indemnification hereunder
until the total of all Losses of Buyer exceeds $300,000 (excluding (i) any stamp
tax on the transfer of the Purchased Stock, and (ii) Seller's breach of the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.30 above ("Broker's or
Finder's Fees")) and then only for the amount by which such Losses of Buyer
exceed such $300,000 threshold. Except with regard to Seller for breach of
warranty of title to the Purchased Stock as set forth in Section 2.4(a), in no
event shall the aggregate liability of either Seller or Buyer under this Article
IX exceed an
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<PAGE>
aggregate with respect to each such party of $75,000,000. In the event this
Article IX relates to a breach of warranty of title by Seller with respect to
the Purchased Stock as set forth in Section 2.4(a), the aggregate liability of
Seller shall not exceed the Purchase Price.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
------------------------
10. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing
-----------
only as follows:
(a) at the election of Seller, if any one or more of the conditions
to the obligations of Seller to close as described in Article
VI has not been fulfilled as of the Closing Date, or if as of
the Closing Date Buyer would be in breach, in any material
respect of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement if the Closing had already
occurred;
(b) at the election of Buyer, if any one or more of the conditions
to the obligations of Buyer to close as described in Article V
has not been fulfilled as of the Closing Date, or if as of the
Closing Date Seller would be in breach, in any material respect
of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement if the Closing had already
occurred;
(c) at the election of Seller or Buyer, if any legal proceeding is
commenced or threatened by any governmental or regulatory body
or other person directed against the consummation of the
Closing or any other transaction contemplated under this
Agreement and either Seller or Buyer, as the case may be,
reasonably and in good faith deem it impractical or inadvisable
to proceed in view of such legal proceeding or threat thereof;
(d) at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, by mutual written
consent of the parties hereto; or
(e) at any time after September 27, 1999, at the election of either
Buyer or Seller, if the Closing has not occurred by that time.
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10.2 Survival. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
--------
10.1, this Agreement shall become void and of no further force and effect,
except for the provisions of Section 4.4 relating to the obligation of Buyer to
keep certain information confidential, Section 11.3 (relating to expenses), and
none of the parties hereto shall have any liability in respect of such
termination, except that any party shall be liable to the extent that failure to
satisfy the conditions of Article V, VI or VII results from such party acting in
bad faith or from the intentional or willful violation of the representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements of such party under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
11.1 Knowledge. Where any representation or warranty contained in this
---------
Agreement is expressly qualified by reference to the Knowledge, information or
belief of Seller, this means the actual knowledge of Seller, or knowledge Seller
should have had as the controlling shareholder of AmeriSteel had it used
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such knowledge.
11.2 Gender. All pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the
------
masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person
or persons may require.
11.3 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, Buyer
--------
and Seller shall pay its own expenses, including the fees and disbursements of
their respective counsel in connection with the negotiation, preparation and
execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the trans actions
contemplated hereby, including but not limited to Buyer being responsible for
all fees and costs in connection with the wire transfer of the Cash
Consideration, and any bank charges in connection with payment of Buyer Notes,
but in all cases excluding (i) any fees, charges or expenses relating to the
receipt of funds by Seller in Japan, or (ii) fees or loading charges to exchange
the payments called for in the Cash Consideration and Buyer Notes from U.S.
Dollars to Japanese Yen.
11.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement including the schedules, Exhibits
----------------
and the Ancillary Documents contains the entire agreement of the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, all previous agreements and discussions
relating to the same or similar subject matter being merged herein. The parties
acknowledge and agree that neither of them has made any representations with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement or any representations inducing
the execution and
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delivery hereof except as specifically set forth herein. Each of the parties
hereto acknowledges that it has relied on its own judgment in entering into this
Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed, amended, or modified including
---------
specifically the provisions of this paragraph, except by a writing signed by
- ---------------------------------------------
both parties hereto. The provisions of this paragraph may not be changed,
amended, modified, terminated, or waived as a result of any failure to enforce
any provision or the waiver of any specific breach or breaches thereof or any
course of conduct or course of dealing of the parties.
11.5 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
-------
in writing and shall be deemed to have been given only if and when (i)
personally delivered or (ii) in the event that a facsimile copy of a notice or
communication is dispatched and received, the Business Day (defined below) after
the facsimile was originally dispatched only if a hard copy of the document is
sent on the Business Day of dispatch by an internationally recognized expedited
delivery service, or (iii) when delivered (as evidenced by a receipt) by an
internationally recognized expedited delivery service, addressed in each case as
follows:
(a) If to Seller to:
Kyoei Steel Ltd.
18F Aqua Dojima West Building
1-4-16, Dojimahama, Kita-Ku
Osaka 530-0004, Japan
Attention: Ryutaro Yoshioka
Facsimile: 06-6346-5210
with a copy in like manner to:
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
1230 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 3100, Promenade II
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3592
Attention: Arthur Jay Schwartz
Facsimile (404) 685-6932
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<PAGE>
(b) If to Buyer to
Gerdau S.A.
Av. Farrapos, 1811
90220-005 Porto Alegre -RS - Brazil
Attention: Osvaldo B. Schirmer
Facsimile: 55 (51) 323-2293
with a copy in like manner to:
Greenberg Traurig
The Met Life Building
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Attention: Ross Kaufman
Facsimile (212) 801-9254
Each party may change its address for the giving of notices and communications
to it, and/or copies thereof, by written notice to the other parties in
conformity with the foregoing. For purposes of this Agreement, "Business Day"
is defined as the 24 hour period, New York time, on any day when national banks
located in New York City are open for business, regardless of the corresponding
time or date at Buyer's or Seller's place of business as set forth above.
11.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries. All conditions of the obligations of
----------------------------
the parties hereto, and all undertakings herein, are solely and exclusively for
the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns,
and no other person or entity shall have standing to require satisfac tion of
such conditions or to enforce such undertakings in accordance with their terms,
or be entitled to assume that any party hereto will refuse to consummate the
purchase and sale contemplated hereby in the absence of strict compliance with
any or all thereof, and no other person or entity shall, under any
circumstances, be deemed a beneficiary of such conditions or undertakings, any
or all of which may be freely waived in whole or in part, by mutual consent of
the parties hereto at any time, if in their sole discretion they deem it
desirable to do so.
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11.7 Headings. The Table of Contents and Article and Section headings
--------
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
11.8 Governing Law. The interpretation and construction of this
-------------
Agreement, and all matters relating hereto, shall be governed by the internal
laws of the State of Delaware.
11.9 Parties in Interest. This Agreement may not be transferred,
-------------------
assigned, pledged or hypothecated by either party hereto, other than by
operation of law or with the consent of the other party. This Agreement shall
be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.
11.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
------------
counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one instrument.
11.11 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
------------
application thereof to any person, entity or circumstances shall be invalid or
unenforceable to any extent, then such provision or application shall be
modified to the minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, and
the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to the
parties hereto and the transactions contemplated hereby shall not be affected
and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, unless prior to
Closing, such provision cannot be modified without materially impairing the
ability of a party to enjoy the benefit of its bargain hereunder.
11.12 Arbitration.
-----------
(a) Any disagreement, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the interpretation thereof, the agreements to be
entered into between or among the parties to this Agreement, or any arrangements
relating hereto or contemplated herein or the breach, termination or invalidity
thereof shall be settled exclusively and finally by arbitration. It is
specifically understood and agreed that any disagreement, dispute or controversy
which cannot be resolved between the parties, including any matter relating to
the interpretation of this Agreement and any technical matters arising
hereunder, may be submitted to arbitration irrespective of the magnitude
thereof, the amount in controversy or whether such disagreement, dispute or
controversy would otherwise be considered justiciable or ripe for resolution by
a court or arbitral tribunal.
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(b) The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the
International Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA")
and the Supplementary Procedure for Large, Complex Disputes, as in effect on the
date of this Agreement, except as those Rules conflict with the provisions of
this Article XI in which event the provisions of this Article XI shall control.
(c) The arbitration shall be administered by the AAA. The language of
the arbitration shall be English.
(d) The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators agreed to
by both parties to the dispute or, if the parties to the dispute shall not have
agreed upon three arbitrators within sixty (60) days after receipt by the
respondent of the notice of arbitration, by an arbitral tribunal consisting of
three independent and impartial arbitrators appointed by the AAA. In making the
appointments, the AAA shall use the following list procedure unless the parties
to the dispute agree that the list procedure should not be used:
(i) at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, the AAA shall
communicate to both parties to the dispute an identical list of
arbitrators containing at least nine names;
(ii) within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of this list, each party
to the dispute may return the list to the AAA after having deleted the
name or names to which it objects and having numbered the remaining
names on the list in the order of its preference;
(iii) after the expiration of the above period of time, the AAA shall
appoint the three arbitrators from among the names approved on the lists
returned to it, to the extent possible in accordance with the order of
preference indicated by the parties to the dispute (consistent with the
last sentence of Section 11.15(b) hereof); and
(iv) if for any reason the appointments cannot be made according to this
list procedure and the parties do not agree upon an alternative
procedure the AAA may exercise its discretion in appointing the three
arbitrators.
From among the three arbitrators appointed through the foregoing procedure, the
AAA shall elect a chairman.
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(e) In proposing arbitrators the AAA shall endeavor to nominate persons
of reputation and experience in the matters in controversy who are competent in
English, but no claim that the AAA has failed to do so shall be admissible to
delay the arbitration or deny confirmation or enforcement of any award. No
person shall be nominated who is or at any time was an employee of or recipient
of compensation from, or the holder of any material pecuniary interest in,
either party or any affiliate of either party.
(f) The arbitration shall be conducted in Wilmington, Delaware, or in
such other city as the parties to the dispute may designate by mutual consent.
(g) At any time after an arbitration has commenced, either party may
serve on the other party a request (a) to produce and permit the party making
the request, or its representative, to inspect and copy any designated documents
(including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs and other data
compilations from which information can be obtained) or to inspect and copy,
test or sample any tangible things which constitute or contain matters which are
relevant to the subject matter involved in the arbitration and which are in the
possession, custody or control of the responding party, or (b) to permit entry
upon designated land or other property in the possession or control of the
responding party for the purpose of inspection, measuring, surveying,
photographing, testing or sampling the property or any designated object or
operation thereon which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the
arbitration. The request shall set forth the items to be inspected either by
individual item or by category, shall describe each item with reasonable
particularity, and shall specify a reasonable time, place and manner of making
the inspection and performing the related acts. The party upon whom the request
is served shall serve a written response within thirty days, unless the arbitral
tribunal allows a longer or shorter time. The response shall specify each item
or category, if any, to which an objection is made and the reasons for such
objection. The party submitting the request may request the arbitral tribunal to
require the responding party to produce any document or permit any inspection as
to which an objection has been made and the arbitral tribunal shall so require
unless, in its discretion, it determines that such document or inspection is not
relevant to the subject matter of the arbitration, that such production or
inspection would unduly and unnecessarily prolong the proceedings or that such
production or inspection would be unduly annoying, embarrassing, oppressive,
burdensome or expensive for the responding party. The arbitral tribunal shall
have sole discretion (but in accordance with the foregoing standards) to
determine all matters relating to production or inspection as aforesaid,
including matters as to timing and procedure. In the event of a failure by a
party to comply with an order of the arbitral tribunal or to produce a document
or to permit inspection, the arbitral tribunal shall be entitled (a) to draw any
reasonable inference as to the contents of such document or the probable results
of such
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<PAGE>
inspection unfavorable to the defaulting party and to rely upon that inference
in reaching its decision and (b) to preclude the defaulting party from
presenting testimony or other evidence with respect to the subject matter to
which such document or inspection relates.
(h) Each party shall extend to the arbitral tribunal all facilities for
obtaining any information required by the tribunal.
(i) In the event of the occurrence of a disagreement, dispute or
controversy during the period of performance of this Agreement, the arbitral
tribunal may establish such expedited or informal procedures for their
resolution and take such interim measures (subject to later modification, if
appropriate) as it deems appropriate in order to avoid delays to the extent
possible. Pending the issuance of a decision or award, the parties shall
continue performance under this Agreement, and the operations or activities
which may have given rise to the arbitration shall not be discontinued.
(j) At any oral hearing of evidence in connection with the arbitration,
each party hereto or its legal counsel shall have the right to examine its
witnesses and to cross-examine the witnesses of an opposing party. No evidence
of witnesses shall be presented in written form unless the opposing party or
parties shall have the opportunity to cross-examine such witness, except as the
parties to the dispute otherwise agree or except under extraordinary
circumstances where the interests of justice require a different procedure.
(k) No award or other decision of the arbitral tribunal whether
substantive or procedural shall be made by less than a majority of the arbitral
tribunal. The award shall grant the relief, if any, determined by the arbitral
tribunal to be appropriate and may, without limitation, direct the payment of
damages, grant rescission or reformation, and direct or prohibit action by any
party to the dispute. Whenever appropriate, the award shall specify a time for
compliance therewith.
(l) Any decision or award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and
binding upon the parties to the arbitration proceeding. The parties hereto
hereby waive any rights to appeal or to review of such award by any court or
tribunal. The award may be enforced against the parties to the arbitration
proceeding or their assets wherever they may be found. Judgment upon the award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
(m) Except as the arbitral tribunal may otherwise determine in its
discretion or in the case of disputes arising out of a breach or alleged breach
of this Agreement, each party to an arbitration shall
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<PAGE>
bear its own costs including the costs and expenses of its witnesses and the
parties shall share equally the fees, costs and expenses of the arbitral
tribunal and the administering authority.
11.13 Jurisdiction. Any judicial proceeding brought against any of the
------------
parties to this Agreement as a result of Section 11.12 above on any dispute
arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto may be brought, in
the case of claims brought against Buyer or Seller, in the federal or state
courts of the State of Delaware, and, by execution and delivery of this
Agreement, each of the parties to this Agreement accepts for itself the
exclusive personal and subject matter jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts, and
irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection
with this Agreement.
11.14 Agent for Service of Process. With respect to this Agreement and
----------------------------
for a period of two (2) years subsequent to the Closing each of the parties
hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers The Corporation Trust
Company, having an office on the date hereof at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington,
New Castle County, Delaware 19801, as its authorized agent to receive and accept
for and on behalf of service by mail of any and all legal process, summons,
notices and documents that may be served in any such action or proceeding
brought against either party in any federal or state court as described in
Section 11.3. In order for service under this Section to be effective, a
duplicate copy of such service shall also be provided in accordance with the
notice provisions of Section 11.5.
11.15 Interpretation. The parties have participated jointly in the
--------------
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Therefore, in the event of any
ambiguity in the constitution of interpretation of this Agreement, no
presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by
virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
11.16 Schedules and Exhibits. All Exhibits, Schedules and documents
----------------------
specified in this Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by
reference thereto as if fully set out, and a matter disclosed in one Schedule or
Exhibit shall be deemed to be disclosed in all other Schedules or Exhibits in
which such disclosure is called for.
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ARTICLE XII
GUARANTEES
----------
Except as provided below, as a material inducement to Seller entering into
this Agreement, Gerdau hereby unconditionally guarantees the full and prompt
payment and performance of all obligations of Buyer under this Agreement as for
Gerdau's own debt and obligation. Gerdau hereby waives any right to require
Seller to take any action against Buyer prior to enforcing this guaranty against
Gerdau. Gerdau agrees that Seller may grant one or more extensions to fulfill
such obligations or release or reach a compromise with any person liable for
such obligations without giving Gerdau notice or without obtaining Gerdau's
consent. This guaranty is absolute, unconditional, continuing, primary and
irrevocable under any and all circumstances and shall not be released, in whole
or in part, by any action or thing which might, but for this provision be deemed
a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor, or by reason of any
waiver, omission, action or failure to act by Seller (whether or not Gerdau's
risk is varied or increased or its rights or remedies are affected thereby), or
by reason of any further dealings between Seller and Buyer, and Gerdau hereby
expressly waives and surrenders any defense to its liability hereunder based
upon, and shall be deemed to have consented to, the foregoing. Gerdau hereby
waives notice of acceptance hereof, notice of non-payment or default by Buyer,
presentment, demand, notice of dishonor, protest and any other notices of any
kind. This guaranty is a guarantee of payment and performance, not merely of
collection. This guaranty is subject to Gerdau's right to assert any defense
which could be asserted by Buyer. Under no circumstances shall Gerdau's
liability to Seller exceed the liability of Buyer to Seller hereunder; provided,
however, that the discharge in bankruptcy of Buyer shall not act to discharge
Gerdau's obligations hereunder. So long as each of the Buyer Notes remains
secured by a valid and enforceable standby letter of credit, as described in
Section 1.2(b) above, which is paid to Seller if Buyer fails to pay the Buyer
Notes (or any of them) then this guaranty shall not apply to payments and
obligations of Buyer related to the Buyer Notes.
[SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement under seal as of
the date first above written.
BUYER
GERDAU USA INC.
By:
-------------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------------
GERDAU S.A.
By:
-------------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------------
SELLER
KYOEI STEEL, LTD.
By:
-------------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------------
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SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
This SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of this 27th day of September, 1999, by and among Gerdau USA Inc., a Delaware
corporation, ("Gerdau"), KYOEI STEEL, LTD., a corporation formed under the laws
of Japan ("Kyoei"), and FLS HOLDINGS, INC. a Delaware corporation ("FLS") with
respect to the stock of FLS owned by each of the Shareholders. Gerdau and Kyoei
are sometimes collectively referred to as "Shareholders" or individually as a
"Shareholder".
W I T N E S S E T H:
- - - - - - - - - -
WHEREAS, as of the date first mentioned above, FLS has issued and
outstanding a total of two hundred (200) shares of its common stock with one
hundred seventy-six (176) shares owned by Gerdau and twenty-four (24) shares
owned by Kyoei; and
WHEREAS, FLS is a holding company whose primary asset is 9,000,000 shares
or approximately eighty-five and thirty-six hundredths percent (85.36%) of the
Common Stock of AmeriSteel Corporation, a Florida corporation, ("AmeriSteel");
and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to set forth their mutual agreement with
respect to the direct control of FLS and the indirect control of AmeriSteel; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto believe it to be in the best interest of each
Shareholder and of FLS to provide for the future disposition of FLS Stock or the
stock of a merged corporation;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
obligations contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt, adequacy, and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as
follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
-----------
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
meanings set forth below:
1.1 "Agreement" shall mean this Shareholders Agreement together with any
amendments made in the manner authorized herein.
1
<PAGE>
1.2 "Disposition" or "Dispose" shall mean any sale, gift, assignment,
pledge or other transfer, disposition, or encumbrance, whether outright or as
security, with or without consideration, voluntary or involuntary, whether by
operation of law or otherwise, of all or any part of any right, title, or
interest (including but not limited to voting rights) in or to the FLS Stock.
1.3 "FLS Stock" shall mean all shares of the capital stock of FLS
---------
authorized in its articles of incorporation, which from time to time are issued
and outstanding to any shareholder of FLS.
1.4 "Kyoei AmeriSteel Designee" -- shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.
1.5 "Kyoei FLS Designee" -- shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.1.
1.6 "Permitted Dispositions" -- shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.1.
1.7 "Remaining Holdings"-- shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.3.
1.8 "Shareholder" -- shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to
this Agreement.
2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Kyoei hereby represents and warrants that
------------------------------
it owns its FLS Stock free and clear of all liens, restrictions, pledges, and
encumbrances, that it has made no other Disposition or agreed to make a
Disposition, and that it has granted no proxy rights or other voting rights with
respect to any of its FLS Stock. Gerdau hereby represents and warrants that its
FLS Stock has been pledged in favor of Toronto-Dominion Bank as collateral
security for a loan, and except for such pledge in favor of Toronto-Dominion
Bank, it has made no other Disposition or agreed to make a Disposition and has
granted no other proxy rights or other voting rights with respect to its FLS
Stock.
3. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT.
---------------------------
3.1 Directors.
---------
3.1.1 Election of FLS Directors. At each annual meeting of the
-------------------------
Shareholders of FLS, at each special meeting of the Shareholders of FLS called
for the purpose of electing directors of FLS, at any time at which Shareholders
of FLS shall have the right to, or shall, vote for or consent in writing to the
election of directors of FLS, and at any meeting of the FLS Board of Directors
where said Board will elect or appoint a person to fill a vacancy on the FLS
Board of Directors, then, and in each event, all votes entitled to be cast by
Gerdau (or, as applicable, its elected nominees on the FLS Board of Directors)
shall be cast in favor of assuring that one (1) person nominated by Kyoei (the
"Kyoei FLS Designee") shall be elected or appointed at all times as a member of
the Board of Directors of FLS. Gerdau shall also cause all of its nominees who
are elected or appointed to the FLS Board of directors to elect or appoint the
Kyoei FLS Designee a member of all Board Committees if requested by Kyoei.
2
<PAGE>
3.1.2 Election of AmeriSteel Director. At each annual meeting of the
-------------------------------
shareholders of AmeriSteel, at each special meeting of the shareholders of
AmeriSteel called for the purpose of electing directors of AmeriSteel, at any
time at which shareholders of AmeriSteel shall have the right to, or shall, vote
for or consent in writing to the election of directors of AmeriSteel, and at any
meeting of the AmeriSteel Board of Directors where said Board will elect or
appoint a person to fill a vacancy on the AmeriSteel Board of Directors then,
and in each event, all votes entitled to be cast by FLS (or, as applicable, its
elected nominees on the AmeriSteel Board of Directors) shall be cast in favor of
assuring that one (1) person nominated by Kyoei (the "Kyoei AmeriSteel
Designee") shall be elected or appointed at all times as a member of the Board
of Directors of AmeriSteel. FLS shall also cause all of its nominees who are
elected to the AmeriSteel Board of directors to elect or appoint the Kyoei
AmeriSteel Designee a member of all Board Committees if requested by Kyoei.
3.1.3 Designee Rights Subject To Minimum Holdings. Kyoei's
-------------------------------------------
designation rights under Subsections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 above are subject to Kyoei
maintaining at least a five percent (5%) direct or beneficial interest in FLS.
In the event that (or for so long as) Kyoei's direct or beneficial interest in
FLS is less than this amount, then Kyoei's designation rights shall terminate.
3.1.4 Transferability of Designee Rights. For so long as Kyoei's
----------------------------------
direct or beneficial ownership interest in FLS equals or exceeds five percent
(5%), the designation rights under Subsections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 above shall
remain with Kyoei, notwithstanding any transfer of a portion of Kyoei's interest
in FLS to a third party. However, in the event that Sumitomo Corporation or one
of its affiliates ("Sumitomo"), is the transferee of a portion of Kyoei's
interest in FLS and acquires a five percent (5%) or more direct or beneficial
interest in FLS, then Kyoei may elect to transfer and assign its designation
rights to Sumitomo. In the event of such transfer and assignment, Kyoei's
designation rights shall terminate.
3.2 Dividends. In the event that FLS is the recipient of a dividend on
---------
its share holdings in AmeriSteel, FLS covenants and agrees, to the extent
permitted by law, to make a corresponding dividend to the Shareholders based on
the number of shares of FLS Stock that each Shareholder owns on the record date
of the dividend.
3.3 Covenant to Act.
---------------
3.3.1 FLS Stock. Each Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees to
---------
take all actions necessary to effect the intent of this Agreement.
3.3.2 AmeriSteel Stock. FLS hereby covenants and agrees to take all
----------------
actions necessary to effect the intent of this Agreement.
3
<PAGE>
4. RESTRICTIONS UPON THE TRANSFER OF THE STOCK.
-------------------------------------------
Each Shareholder agrees that it will not make any Disposition of FLS Stock,
except as permitted by this Agreement. Any purported Disposition in violation
of any provision of this Agreement shall be null and void and shall not operate
to transfer any interest or title to the purported transferee. FLS covenants
and agrees that it shall make no transfers on its stock record books except in
conformity with this Section.
4.1 Permitted Dispositions.
----------------------
4.1.1 Designation of Permitted Dispositions. Subject to compliance
-------------------------------------
with the conditions set forth in Section 4.1.2, the following Dispositions shall
be deemed "Permitted Dispositions" which are allowed under this Agreement:
(a) merger of FLS into another corporation in conformity with
applicable law;
(b) the transfer by Gerdau of all of its Shares to a holding
company having the same beneficial ownership as Gerdau or
to an affiliate of Metalurgica Gerdau, S.A.;
(c) dispositions in compliance with Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4
of this Agreement; or
(d) liens on the FLS Stock of Gerdau existing on the date
hereof.
4.1.2 Survival After Merger. Except as provided in Section 5 below,
---------------------
in the event that FLS is merged into another corporation pursuant to Section
4.1.1(a), including AmeriSteel, all of the rights granted in this Agreement to
Kyoei and Gerdau shall continue to apply with reference to the stock of the
surviving corporation which, immediately after the merger, is held by such
Shareholder. Except as provided in Section 5 below, all of the obligations of
FLS in this Agreement shall devolve to the surviving corporation.
4.2 Rights of First Refusal. If Kyoei desires to sell any FLS Stock to a
-----------------------
third party (other than a majority owned subsidiary of Kyoei), Kyoei shall first
offer to sell such FLS Stock to Gerdau by giving Gerdau written notice of its
intention to sell the FLS Stock. Such notice shall state the name and address
of the proposed transferee, the number of shares to be transferred, the per
share price to be paid by the proposed transferee, and the terms of payment.
Following receipt of such notice by Gerdau, Gerdau may, within twenty (20) days
of the notice being effective, exercise its right of first refusal to purchase
all of the offered FLS Stock on the terms specified in the notice and at the
price specified in the notice. If Gerdau exercises its right, the closing of
the transaction between Gerdau and Kyoei shall happen within fifteen (15) days
of the exercise of such right. Payment to Kyoei shall take place in Japan in
accordance with payment instructions to be issued by Kyoei. Upon the expiration
of said twenty (20) day period, Kyoei shall be free to sell its shares to
4
<PAGE>
the third party on the terms and conditions stated in the notice; provided,
--------
however, that if prior to the consummation of the sale, the terms and conditions
- -------
materially change, then Gerdau shall be entitled to a new notice and opportunity
to exercise its right of first refusal as provided above.
4.3 Kyoei's Put Option. Gerdau grants to Kyoei a right to require
-------------------
Gerdau to purchase all but not less than all of Kyoei's then remaining holdings
of the 24 shares of FLS Stock it holds on the date hereof (the "Remaining
Holdings") at a price per share equal to the product of Thirty-Three Dollars
($33.00) multiplied by the number of AmeriSteel shares (subject to adjustment
for stock splits and other capital adjustments) derivatively represented by each
share of the Remaining Holdings (the "Put"); provided, however, that if this Put
is exercised after the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, the
aforesaid Thirty-Three Dollar ($33.00) price shall be increased (but not
decreased) annually as if the $33.00 were invested in one (1) year United States
-- --
Treasury bills as issued on the relevant anniversary date of this Agreement (or
if such day is not a business day in the United States, then on the next day
when United States governmental offices are open), with interest compounded on
each anniversary date at the then applicable one (1) year Treasury Bill rate;
and provided further, however, that no further increase in the Put price shall
occur from and after the eighth anniversary date of this Agreement; provided
further, however, that any increase in the aggregate Put price shall be
decreased by any dividends actually received by Kyoei, in cash, on the Remaining
Holdings during this period (provided that the Put price multiple shall never be
less than $33.00 per share). The Put described herein is personal to Kyoei and
no transferee pursuant to a disposition permitted by Sections 4.2 or 4.4 hereof
shall have the benefit of the rights provided to Kyoei hereunder in respect of
the Put. In order to exercise the Put pursuant to this Section 4.3, Kyoei shall
deliver written notice to Gerdau stating its intention to exercise the Put, its
calculation of the Put price and payment instructions. Such notice once given
shall be irrevocable and binding. Within forty-five (45) days after its receipt
of the Put notice, Gerdau shall deliver to Kyoei the Put price, payable by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to Kyoei's bank account as designated by
Kyoei in the Put notice. Contemporaneously with receipt of the Put price, Kyoei
shall deliver all, but not less than all, of its shares to Gerdau or its
designate, free and clear of all liens, pledges, security interests,
encumbrances or trust arrangements of any kind.
4.4 Tag-Along Rights. In addition to and not in lieu of other
----------------
restrictions and limitations on Disposition imposed hereunder, Gerdau shall not
make a Disposition (other than a Permitted Disposition) of any FLS Stock unless
Gerdau grants Kyoei the right to participate, pro rata, in such Disposition of
FLS Stock by Gerdau in accordance with the following provisions:
4.4.1 Tag-Along Notice. If Gerdau desires to make a Disposition,
----------------
Gerdau shall give prior notice to Kyoei of each intended Disposition of FLS
Stock owned by Gerdau, which notice shall contain all the terms of the proposed
Disposition, including, without limitation, the name and address of the proposed
transferee, the number of shares to be Disposed of, the per share price to be
paid by the proposed transferee, the terms of payment, and the closing date.
4.4.2 Election to Participate. Kyoei may elect to participate in the
-----------------------
proposed Disposition of FLS Stock which Gerdau desires to Dispose of, on the
same terms set forth in the notice, upon providing written notice of election to
Gerdau within ten (10) days after the Effective
5
<PAGE>
Date of the notice from Gerdau. Upon making a timely election, the maximum
number of shares of FLS Stock which Kyoei may Dispose of in the subject
transaction shall be determined on a prorata basis as follows: The number of
shares of Kyoei's then Remaining Holdings shall be multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of shares of FLS Stock that Gerdau proposes to
sell (in the absence of Kyoei's rights in this Section 4.4), and the denominator
of which is the total shares of FLS Stock held by Gerdau. The product of this
calculation shall be the maximum number of shares of the Remaining Holdings
which Kyoei shall be entitled to sell. Kyoei shall have the sole right to
determine whether to sell some or all of the permitted number of shares of FLS
Stock. In the event that Gerdau's buyer is unwilling to purchase both Kyoei's
shares and Gerdau's shares, then the amount of shares sold by Gerdau shall be
reduced by the number of shares which Kyoei desires to sell as permitted above.
4.4.3 Failure to Participate. In the event that Kyoei does not
----------------------
timely exercise its tag-along rights, Gerdau shall have the right to Dispose of
the shares of FLS Stock which were the subject of the notice in Section 4.4.1
above on the terms set forth in the notice. However, in the event the terms and
conditions specified in the notice change, then Gerdau's notice shall be null
and void, and no Disposition of FLS Stock shall be effected unless and until the
procedure specified above is repeated.
5. RESTRICTION OF FURTHER ISSUANCE OF FLS STOCK. FLS covenants and agrees not
--------------------------------------------
to issue any additional shares of its capital stock to any party unless such
party executes a joinder agreement (in form and content reasonably acceptable to
the parties hereto) agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions of this
Agreement; provided, however, that (i) such party shall neither enjoy the rights
-------- -------
nor be bound by the obligations of Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 hereof, and (ii)
the provisions of this Section 5 shall not apply in the event that FLS is merged
into AmeriSteel.
6. LEGEND ON STOCK. Upon the execution of this Agreement, FLS's Secretary
---------------
shall endorse each stock certificate with the following legend (in addition to
any other legend required by agreement of the parties or applicable law):
The shares of stock in FLS Holdings, Inc. represented by this
certificate are held subject to, and transfer of such shares
restricted by, the terms of a Shareholders' Agreement, dated as of the
27th day of September 1999, a copy of which is on file at the office
of the Company. No transfer of any share represented by this
certificate shall be valid unless made in accordance with the terms of
such Agreement.
All certificates representing FLS Stock held by a Shareholder (or either of
them) shall bear an identical endorsement. In the event any stock certificate
of FLS does not bear a legend in conformity with this section, all Shareholders
covenant to return any such non-conforming stock certificates to the FLS
Secretary, so that the FLS Secretary may issue new stock certificates conforming
to the requirements of this section. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed
with FLS's Secretary.
6
<PAGE>
7. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of:
-----------
(a) the date that all FLS Stock is owned by any one Shareholder; or
(b) the date that FLS is adjudicated bankrupt, FLS executes an
assignment for benefit of creditors, or FLS voluntarily or
involuntarily dissolves (other than administrative dissolution
followed by reinstatement as provided by law); or
(c) the date that all Shareholders agree to terminate this Agreement.
In the event of termination, each Shareholder (or former Shareholder) agrees to
abide by the provisions hereof which by their terms contemplate survival.
8. NOTICE. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
------
and shall be deemed to have been given only if and when (i) personally delivered
or (ii) in the event that a facsimile copy of a notice or communication is
dispatched and received, the Business Day (defined below) after the facsimile
was originally dispatched only if a hard copy of the document is sent on the
Business Day of dispatch by an internationally recognized expedited delivery
service, or (iii) when delivered (as evidenced by a receipt) by an
internationally recognized expedited delivery service, addressed in each case as
follows:
If to Kyoei to:
Kyoei Steel Ltd.
18F Aqua Dojima West Building
1-4-16, Dojimahama, Kita-Ku
Osaka 530-0004, Japan
Attention: Ryutaro Yoshioka
Facsimile: 06-6346-5210
with a copy in like manner to:
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
1230 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 3100, Promenade II
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3592
7
<PAGE>
Attention: Arthur Jay Schwartz
Facsimile (404) 685-6932
If to FLS to:
c/o Gerdau S.A.
Av. Farrapos, 1811
90220-005 Porto Alegre -RS - Brazil
Attention: Osvaldo B. Schirmer
Facsimile: 55 (51) 323-2293
If to Gerdau to:
Gerdau S.A.
Av. Farrapos, 1811
90220-005 Porto Alegre -RS - Brazil
Attention: Osvaldo B. Schirmer
Facsimile: 55 (51) 323-2293
with a copy in like manner to:
Greenberg Traurig
The Met Life Building
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Attention: Ross Kaufman
Facsimile (212) 801-9254
Each party may change its address for the giving of notices and communications
to it, and/or copies thereof, by written notice to the other parties in
conformity with the foregoing. For purposes of this Agreement, "Business Day"
is defined as the 24 hour period, New York time, on any day when national banks
located in New York City are open for business, regardless of the corresponding
time or date at Buyer's or Seller's place of business as set forth above.
8
<PAGE>
9. REMEDIES.
--------
The FLS Stock subject to this Agreement is not readily marketable, and, for
that reason and other reasons, the parties will be irreparably damaged if this
Agreement is not specifically enforced. The parties declare that it is
impossible to measure in money the damages that will accrue to any party having
rights under this Agreement because of a failure of another party to perform any
of its obligations under this Agreement. Therefore, this Agreement shall be
enforceable by specific performance or other equitable remedy cumulative with
and not exclusive of any other remedy. If any party shall institute any action
or proceeding to enforce this Agreement, any party subject to this Agreement
against whom such action or proceeding is brought hereby waives the claim or
defense that the person instituting the action or proceeding has an adequate
remedy at law, and no party shall in any action or proceeding put forward the
claim or defense that an adequate remedy at law exists. Should any dispute
concerning the transfer of FLS Stock arise under this Agreement, an injunction
may be issued restraining the transfer of such FLS Stock until such dispute has
been resolved.
10. MISCELLANEOUS.
-------------
10.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
-------------
accordance with the internal laws of Delaware without giving effect to its
principles of conflicts of laws.
10.2 Captions. Titles or captions of sections contained in this Agreement
--------
are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way
define, limit, extend, or prescribe the scope of this Agreement or the intent of
any provision.
10.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same Agree ment.
10.4 Further Acts. Each party agrees to perform any further acts and to
------------
execute and deliver any instruments or documents that may be necessary or
reasonably deemed advisable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
10.5 Gender. Masculine, feminine, and neuter terms shall be
------
interchangeable (and shall include a corporation, a trust, or another entity),
as shall be singular and plural, where the context makes a change of gender or
number appropriate.
9
<PAGE>
10.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application
------------
thereof to any person, entity or circumstances shall be invalid or unenforceable
to any extent, then such provision or application shall be modified to the
minimum extent necessary to render it valid and enforceable, and the remainder
of this Agreement and the application of such provision to the parties hereto
and the transactions contemplated hereby shall not be affected and shall be
enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, unless such provision cannot
be modified without materially impairing the ability of the parties to enjoy the
benefit of their bargain hereunder.
10.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
----------------------
shall inure to the benefit of the Shareholders and their respective successors,
successors-in-title, legal representatives, and permitted assigns. Except as
set forth in this Agreement, no party shall have the right to assign this
Agreement, or any interest under this Agreement, without the prior written
consent of the other parties. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, no Disposition of FLS Stock shall be valid unless and until the
proposed transferee of such interest agrees in writing to accept and be bound by
all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in which case all such terms and
conditions shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon such acquirer and
its successors, personal representatives, heirs, and permitted assigns to the
same extent as if such acquirer had originally been a party to this Agreement.
If any shares of FLS Stock shall be or become subject to attachment, lien, or
charge by a creditor or assigned to or held for the benefit of any creditor, the
interest obtained by such creditor or assignee shall be only that of a
lienholder and in no event shall any such creditor or assignee have any rights
as a shareholder.
10.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of
----------------
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, all previous agreements
and discussions relating to the same or similar subject matter being merged
herein. The parties acknowledge and agree that neither of them has made any
representations with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement or any
representations inducing the execution and delivery hereof except as
specifically set forth herein. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it
has relied on its own judgment in entering into this Agreement. This Agreement
may not be changed, amended, or modified including specifically the provisions
-------------------------------------
of this paragraph, except by a writing signed by all parties hereto. The
- -----------------
provisions of this paragraph may not be changed, amended, modified, terminated,
or waived as a result of any failure to enforce any provision or the waiver of
any specific breach or breaches thereof or any course of conduct or course of
dealing of the parties. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of
10
<PAGE>
this Agreement and the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of FLS, this
Agreement shall control as among the parties thereto.
10.9 Arbitration.
-----------
(a) Any disagreement, dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the interpretation thereof, the agreements to be
entered into between or among the parties to this Agreement, or any arrangements
relating hereto or contemplated herein or the breach, termination or invalidity
thereof shall be settled exclusively and finally by arbitration. It is
specifically understood and agreed that any disagreement, dispute or controversy
which cannot be resolved between the parties, including any matter relating to
the interpretation of this Agreement and any technical matters arising
hereunder, may be submitted to arbitration irrespective of the magnitude
thereof, the amount in controversy or whether such disagreement, dispute or
controversy would otherwise be considered justiciable or ripe for resolution by
a court or arbitral tribunal.
(b) The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the
International Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA")
and the Supplementary Procedure for Large, Complex Disputes, as in effect on the
date of this Agreement, except as those Rules conflict with the provisions of
this Article X in which event the provisions of this Article X shall control.
(c) The arbitration shall be administered by the AAA. The language of the
arbitration shall be English.
(d) The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three arbitrators agreed to by
both parties to the dispute or, if the parties to the dispute shall not have
agreed upon three arbitrators within sixty (60) days after receipt by the
respondent of the notice of arbitration, by an arbitral tribunal consisting of
three independent and impartial arbitrators appointed by the AAA. In making the
appointments, the AAA shall use the following list procedure unless the parties
to the dispute agree that the list procedure should not be used:
(i) at the request of any of the parties to the dispute, the AAA shall
communicate to both parties to the dispute an identical list of arbitrators
containing at least nine names;
(ii) within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of this list, each party
to the dispute may return the list to the AAA after having deleted the name
or names to which it objects and having numbered the remaining names on the
list in the order of its preference;
11
<PAGE>
(iii) after the expiration of the above period of time, the AAA shall
appoint the three arbitrators from among the names approved on the lists
returned to it, to the extent possible in accordance with the order of
preference indicated by the parties to the dispute (consistent with the
last sentence of Section 10.15(b) hereof); and
(iv) if for any reason the appointments cannot be made according to this
list procedure and the parties do not agree upon an alternative procedure
the AAA may exercise its discretion in appointing the three arbitrators.
From among the three arbitrators appointed through the foregoing procedure, the
AAA shall elect a chairman.
(e) In proposing arbitrators the AAA shall endeavor to nominate persons
of reputation and experience in the matters in controversy who are competent in
English, but no claim that the AAA has failed to do so shall be admissible to
delay the arbitration or deny confirmation or enforcement of any award. No
person shall be nominated who is or at any time was an employee of or recipient
of compensation from, or the holder of any material pecuniary interest in,
either party or any affiliate of either party.
(f) The arbitration shall be conducted in Wilmington, Delaware, or in
such other city as the parties to the dispute may designate by mutual consent.
(g) At any time after an arbitration has commenced, either party may
serve on the other party a request (a) to produce and permit the party making
the request, or its representative, to inspect and copy any designated documents
(including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs and other data
compilations from which information can be obtained) or to inspect and copy,
test or sample any tangible things which constitute or contain matters which are
relevant to the subject matter involved in the arbitration and which are in the
possession, custody or control of the responding party, or (b) to permit entry
upon designated land or other property in the possession or control of the
responding party for the purpose of inspection, measuring, surveying,
photographing, testing or sampling the property or any designated object or
operation thereon which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the
arbitration. The request shall set forth the items to be inspected either by
individual item or by category, shall describe each item with reasonable
particularity, and shall specify a reasonable time, place and manner of making
the inspection and performing the related acts. The party upon whom the request
is served shall serve a written response within thirty
12
<PAGE>
days, unless the arbitral tribunal allows a longer or shorter time. The response
shall specify each item or category, if any, to which an objection is made and
the reasons for such objection. The party submitting the request may request the
arbitral tribunal to require the responding party to produce any document or
permit any inspection as to which an objection has been made and the arbitral
tribunal shall so require unless, in its discretion, it determines that such
document or inspection is not relevant to the subject matter of the arbitration,
that such production or inspection would unduly and unnecessarily prolong the
proceedings or that such production or inspection would be unduly annoying,
embarrassing, oppressive, burdensome or expensive for the responding party. The
arbitral tribunal shall have sole discretion (but in accordance with the
foregoing standards) to determine all matters relating to production or
inspection as aforesaid, including matters as to timing and procedure. In the
event of a failure by a party to comply with an order of the arbitral tribunal
or to produce a document or to permit inspection, the arbitral tribunal shall be
entitled (a) to draw any reasonable inference as to the contents of such
document or the probable results of such inspection unfavorable to the
defaulting party and to rely upon that inference in reaching its decision and
(b) to preclude the defaulting party from presenting testimony or other evidence
with respect to the subject matter to which such document or inspection relates.
(h) Each party shall extend to the arbitral tribunal all facilities for
obtaining any information required by the tribunal.
(i) In the event of the occurrence of a disagreement, dispute or
controversy during the period of performance of this Agreement, the arbitral
tribunal may establish such expedited or informal procedures for their
resolution and take such interim measures (subject to later modification, if
appropriate) as it deems appropriate in order to avoid delays to the extent
possible. Pending the issuance of a decision or award, the parties shall
continue performance under this Agreement, and the operations or activities
which may have given rise to the arbitration shall not be discontinued.
(j) At any oral hearing of evidence in connection with the arbitration,
each party hereto or its legal counsel shall have the right to examine its
witnesses and to cross-examine the witnesses of an opposing party. No evidence
of witnesses shall be presented in written form unless the opposing party or
parties shall have the opportunity to cross-examine such witness, except as the
parties to the dispute otherwise agree or except under extraordinary
circumstances where the interests of justice require a different procedure.
13
<PAGE>
(k) No award or other decision of the arbitral tribunal whether
substantive or procedural shall be made by less than a majority of the arbitral
tribunal. The award shall grant the relief, if any, determined by the arbitral
tribunal to be appropriate and may, without limitation, direct the payment of
damages, grant rescission or reformation, and direct or prohibit action by any
party to the dispute. Whenever appropriate, the award shall specify a time for
compliance therewith.
(l) Any decision or award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and
binding upon the parties to the arbitration proceeding. The parties hereto
hereby waive any rights to appeal or to review of such award by any court or
tribunal. The award may be enforced against the parties to the arbitration
proceeding or their assets wherever they may be found. Judgment upon the award
may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
(m) Except as the arbitral tribunal may otherwise determine in its
discretion or in the case of disputes arising out of a breach or alleged breach
of this Agreement, each party to an arbitration shall bear its own costs
including the costs and expenses of its witnesses and the parties shall share
equally the fees, costs and expenses of the arbitral tribunal and the
administering authority.
10.10 Jurisdiction. Any judicial proceeding brought against any of the
------------
parties to this Agreement as a result of Section 10.9 above on any dispute
arising out of this Agreement or any matter related hereto may be brought, in
the case of claims brought against Gerdau or FLS, in the federal or state courts
of the State of Delaware, and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each
of the parties to this Agreement accepts for itself the exclusive personal and
subject matter jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts, and irrevocably agrees to
be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement.
For a period of two (2) years subsequent to the date hereof, each of the parties
hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers The Corporation Trust
Company, having an office on the date hereof at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington,
New Castle County, Delaware 19801, as its authorized agent to receive and accept
for and on behalf of service by mail of any and all legal process, summons,
notices and documents that may be served in any such action or proceeding
brought against either party in any federal or state court as described in this
Section 10.10. In order for service under this Section to be effective, a
duplicate copy of such service shall also be provided in accordance with the
notice provisions of Section 8 hereof.
10.11 Interpretation. The parties have participated jointly in the
--------------
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Therefore, in the event of any
ambiguity in the constitution of interpretation of this
14
<PAGE>
Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring
any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.
[Signatures on Following Page].
15
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement, as of
the date first above written.
SHAREHOLDER:
KYOEI STEEL, LTD.
By:
----------------------------------------
Print Name:
--------------------------------
Title:
-------------------------------------
Attest:
------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER:
GERDAU USA INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Print Name:
--------------------------------
Title:
-------------------------------------
Attest:
------------------------------------
CORPORATION:
FLS HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------
Print Name:
--------------------------------
Title:
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Attest:
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16
