<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 22, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------------
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA 3571 94-1081436
(State of incorporation) (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
--------------------------
3000 HANOVER STREET
PALO ALTO, CA 94304
(415) 857-1501
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
--------------------------
D. CRAIG NORDLUND, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
3000 HANOVER STREET
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
(415) 857-1501
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
--------------------------
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ANN O. BASKINS, ESQ. LARRY W. SONSINI, ESQ. RICHARD E. CLIMAN, ESQ.
CHARLES N. CHARNAS, ESQ. AARON J. ALTER, ESQ. MICHAEL R. JACOBSON, ESQ.
MARIE OH HUBER, ESQ. MARTIN W. KORMAN, ESQ. KEITH A. FLAUM, ESQ.
CHRISTINE S. CHUA, ESQ. WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI COOLEY GODWARD LLP
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION FIVE PALO ALTO SQUARE
3000 HANOVER STREET 650 PAGE MILL ROAD 3000 EL CAMINO REAL
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304 PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304 PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94306
(415) 857-1501 (415) 493-9300 (415) 843-5000
</TABLE>
--------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
Upon Consummation of the Merger described herein.
--------------------------
If the securities being registered on this form are to be offered in connection
with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General
Instruction G, check the following box. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) PER SHARE(2) OFFERING PRICE(2) FEE(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share..... 24,854,017 shares $52.875 $1,314,156,149 $398,229.14
</TABLE>
(1) Represents the number of shares of the Common Stock of the Registrant which
may be issued to former stockholders of VeriFone, Inc. ("VeriFone") pursuant
to the Merger described herein.
(2) Each share of Common Stock of VeriFone will be converted into one share of
Common Stock of the Registrant pursuant to the Merger described herein.
Pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registration fee has been calculated based on the average of the high and
low sale prices per share of the Registrant's Common Stock as reported in
New York Stock Exchange composite transactions for May 20, 1997.
(3) The amount of the registration fee includes $264,695.28 previously paid
pursuant to Section 14(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, in connection with the filing by VeriFone of a preliminary Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus related to the Merger described herein.
--------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
THREE LAGOON DRIVE
REDWOOD CITY, CA 94065
May 28, 1997
Dear Stockholder:
As you may be aware, VeriFone, Inc. ("VeriFone") has entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Reorganization Agreement") with
Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP"), providing for the acquisition of VeriFone by HP.
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, a special meeting of stockholders (the
"VeriFone Stockholders Meeting") of VeriFone will be held at the Stanford Park
Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025 on June 25, 1997 at
10:00 a.m. local time.
At the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting you will be asked to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement which provides
for the merger of VeriFone with a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP (the "Merger").
Upon consummation of the Merger, VeriFone will become a wholly-owned subsidiary
of HP. As a result of the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of
VeriFone will be converted into one share of common stock of HP. The Merger is
described more fully in the accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
After careful consideration, the VeriFone Board of Directors has unanimously
approved the Reorganization Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
and has concluded they are fair to, and in the best interests of, VeriFone and
its stockholders. Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote in favor
of the Merger.
In the materials accompanying this letter you will find a Notice of Special
Meeting of Stockholders, a Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the proposal
to be voted upon at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting and a Proxy Card. The
Proxy Statement/Prospectus more fully describes the proposed transactions.
Stockholders are urged to review carefully the information contained in the
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus, in particular the information under the
captions "Risk Factors," "VeriFone Stockholders Meeting--Recommendation of
VeriFone Board of Directors," "Approval of the Merger and Related
Transactions--VeriFone's Reasons For the Merger" and "--Material Contacts and
Board Deliberations" prior to voting on the proposal.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the VeriFone Stockholders
Meeting in person. If you attend the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting, you may vote
in person if you wish even though you have previously returned your completed
proxy. Whether or not you plan to attend the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting, it
is important that your shares be represented and voted at the VeriFone
Stockholders Meeting, regardless of the number of shares you hold. Approval of
the Merger requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of VeriFone common stock. Therefore, please complete, sign,
date and return your proxy in the enclosed envelope. Please do not send in the
stock certificate(s) representing your VeriFone common stock at this time.
On behalf of the Board, I thank you for your support and ask you to vote in
favor of the Merger.
Sincerely,
/s/ Hatim A. Tyabji
Hatim A. Tyabji
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD,
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT--PLEASE RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY
<PAGE>
VERIFONE, INC.
THREE LAGOON DRIVE
REDWOOD CITY, CA 94065
------------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 25, 1997
------------------------
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFONE, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "VeriFone
Stockholders Meeting") of VeriFone, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VeriFone"),
will be held on June 25, 1997 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Stanford Park
Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025 to consider and vote
upon the following proposal:
To (i) approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
"Reorganization Agreement"), dated as of April 22, 1997, among VeriFone,
Hewlett-Packard Company, a California corporation ("HP"), and Tower Bridge
Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary
of HP ("Merger Sub"), and (ii) approve the merger of Merger Sub with and
into VeriFone pursuant to which VeriFone will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of HP and all outstanding shares of VeriFone common stock will be
converted into shares of HP common stock.
Information relating to the above proposal is set forth in the attached
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Stockholders of record at the close of business on
May 16, 1997 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the VeriFone
Stockholders Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Approval and
adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and approval of the merger described
above will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
shares of VeriFone common stock outstanding on the record date. All stockholders
are cordially invited to attend the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting in person.
By order of the Board of Directors
/s/ William G. Barmeier
William G. Barmeier
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL
COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
Redwood City, California
May 28, 1997
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING,
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IN ORDER TO ASSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. NO
POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF THE PROXY CARD IS MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
[VERIFONE LOGO] [HP LOGO]
</TABLE>
VERIFONE, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------------
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
PROSPECTUS
---------------------
Hewlett-Packard Company, a California corporation ("HP"), VeriFone, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("VeriFone"), and Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of HP ("Merger Sub"), have
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of April 22, 1997
(the "Reorganization Agreement"). In accordance with the Reorganization
Agreement, Merger Sub will merge into VeriFone, VeriFone will become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of HP and all outstanding shares of common stock of
VeriFone, $0.01 par value per share ("VeriFone Common Stock"), will be converted
into shares of the common stock of HP, $1.00 par value per share ("HP Common
Stock") (all such actions being referred to herein collectively as the
"Merger").
Upon consummation of the Merger (i) each issued and outstanding share of
VeriFone Common Stock (other than shares owned by HP, VeriFone, Merger Sub or
any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of HP or VeriFone) will be
converted into one share of HP Common Stock (the "Exchange Ratio") and each
outstanding option to purchase or other right with respect to VeriFone Common
Stock under the stock option plans, employee stock purchase plan and phantom
stock plans of VeriFone will be assumed by HP and will become an equivalent
right with respect to HP Common Stock, on the same terms as the original option
or right; and (ii) all shares of VeriFone Common Stock will cease to be
outstanding and will be canceled and retired and will cease to exist, and each
holder of a certificate formerly representing shares of VeriFone Common Stock
will thereafter cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right
to receive certificates representing the shares of HP Common Stock into which
such shares of VeriFone Common Stock have been converted.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to stockholders of
VeriFone in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the VeriFone Board of
Directors (the "VeriFone Board") for use at the special meeting of VeriFone
stockholders to be held on June 25, 1997, at the Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El
Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025, commencing at 10:00 a.m., local time,
and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "VeriFone Stockholders
Meeting").
HP Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the
symbol "HWP." It is a condition of the obligations of HP and VeriFone to
consummate the Merger that the shares of HP Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger be approved for listing on the NYSE. Following consummation of the
Merger, VeriFone Common Stock will be removed from registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and will no
longer be listed on the NYSE.
On April 22, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution and delivery of the Reorganization Agreement, the
closing sale prices of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock on the NYSE
were $50.50 per share and $30.125 per share, respectively. On May 21, 1997, the
closing prices of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock were $54.00 per
share and $52.625 per share, respectively.
Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed, changes in the market price of HP
Common Stock will affect the dollar value of HP Common Stock to be received by
stockholders of VeriFone in the Merger. Stockholders of VeriFone are encouraged
to obtain current market quotations for HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common
Stock prior to the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes the Prospectus of HP with
respect to up to 24,854,017 shares of HP Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
in exchange for outstanding shares of VeriFone Common Stock.
------------------------
<PAGE>
THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS HAVE
NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE
"SEC") OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SEC OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
------------------------
THE ABOVE MATTERS ARE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THE PROPOSED MERGER IS A COMPLEX TRANSACTION. THE
STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFONE ARE URGED TO READ AND CONSIDER CAREFULLY THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING THE MATTERS REFERRED TO
BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 UNDER "RISK FACTORS."
------------------------
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES OR THE OFFERING OF SECURITIES MADE
HEREBY, AND, IF GIVEN, ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY HP, VERIFONE OR ANY OTHER PERSON. THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF
AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OR THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO OR FROM WHOM IT IS NOT LAWFUL TO MAKE ANY
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES HEREUNDER SHALL
CREATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN
THE AFFAIRS OF HP OR VERIFONE SINCE THE DATE HEREOF, OR THAT ANY INFORMATION
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE AS OF WHICH SUCH
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED.
------------------------
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the accompanying proxy card are first
being mailed to stockholders of VeriFone on or about May 28, 1997.
The date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus is May 28, 1997.
------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION...................................................................................... 1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE............................................................ 1
SUMMARY.................................................................................................... 3
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................................................. 10
RISK FACTORS............................................................................................... 12
Risks related to HP's Business........................................................................... 12
Risks related to VeriFone's Business..................................................................... 14
Risks related to the Merger.............................................................................. 14
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA................................................................................. 16
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION................................................................................... 17
VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING.............................................................................. 18
Date, Time and Place of VeriFone Stockholders Meeting.................................................... 18
Purpose.................................................................................................. 18
Record Date and Outstanding Shares....................................................................... 18
Vote Required............................................................................................ 18
Proxies.................................................................................................. 18
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses........................................................................ 19
Recommendation of VeriFone Board of Directors............................................................ 19
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFONE.................................... 20
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS............................................................ 21
HP's Reasons for the Merger.............................................................................. 21
VeriFone's Reasons for the Merger........................................................................ 21
Recommendation of VeriFone's Board of Directors.......................................................... 23
Material Contacts and Board Deliberations................................................................ 23
Opinion of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.................................................................. 25
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger............................................................... 29
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations................................................................ 32
Governmental and Regulatory Matters...................................................................... 33
Accounting Treatment..................................................................................... 34
No Appraisal Rights...................................................................................... 34
TERMS OF THE MERGER........................................................................................ 35
Effective Time........................................................................................... 35
Manner and Basis for Converting Shares................................................................... 35
Treatment of Employee Equity Benefit Plans............................................................... 36
Stock Ownership following the Merger..................................................................... 37
Effect of the Merger..................................................................................... 37
Representations and Warranties........................................................................... 37
Conduct of VeriFone's Business prior to the Merger....................................................... 37
No Solicitation.......................................................................................... 39
Conditions to the Merger................................................................................. 41
Termination of the Reorganization Agreement.............................................................. 42
Effect of Termination.................................................................................... 42
Break-Up Fee............................................................................................. 43
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Indemnification and Insurance............................................................................ 44
Affiliate Agreements..................................................................................... 44
COMPARISON OF CAPITAL STOCK................................................................................ 44
Description of HP Capital Stock.......................................................................... 44
Description of VeriFone Capital Stock.................................................................... 45
Comparison of Capital Stock.............................................................................. 46
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................................................. 52
EXPERTS.................................................................................................... 53
ANNEX A-- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of April 22, 1997, among HP, Merger Sub and
VeriFone
ANNEX B-- Opinion of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
HP and VeriFone are subject to the information reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Such
reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC's regional
offices located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048, and at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material may be obtained by mail from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The SEC also maintains a Web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at the address
http://www.sec.gov. HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock are listed on the
NYSE, and such reports, proxy statements and other information can also be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
HP has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (herein
referred to, together with all amendments and exhibits, as the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement. Copies of the
Registration Statement and the exhibits and schedules are available as described
above.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents previously filed with the SEC by HP pursuant to the
Exchange Act are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
1. HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1996, as amended by HP's Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on March 12, 1997;
2. HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31,
1997; and
3. The description of HP Common Stock contained in HP's Registration
Statement filed with the SEC on or about November 6, 1957 and the Amended and
Restated Articles of Incorporation of HP which appeared as Exhibit 3(a) to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996.
The following documents previously filed with the SEC by VeriFone pursuant
to the Exchange Act are incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus:
1. VeriFone's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996;
2. VeriFone's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1997;
3. VeriFone's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 22, 1997; and
4. The description of VeriFone Common Stock contained in VeriFone's
Registration Statements on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on March 13, 1990 and
July 23, 1996.
All documents and reports filed by HP and by VeriFone pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the date of the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus and
to be part hereof from the dates of filing of such documents and reports.
Statements contained in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as to the contents of
any contract or other document referred to herein are not necessarily complete
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
documents filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or incorporated by
reference therein, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference.
1
<PAGE>
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any
other subsequently filed document that is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein) modifies or supersedes such previous statement. Any statement
so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof except
as so modified or superseded.
All information contained or incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relating to HP has been supplied by HP and all such
information relating to VeriFone has been supplied by VeriFone.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE THAT ARE
NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS
TO SUCH DOCUMENTS, UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN) ARE AVAILABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE, UPON ORAL OR WRITTEN REQUEST BY
ANY PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN DELIVERED, IN THE
CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO HP, FROM HP, 3000 HANOVER STREET, PALO ALTO,
CALIFORNIA 94304, ATTENTION: INVESTOR RELATIONS; TELEPHONE NUMBER: (415)
857-1501, AND, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO VERIFONE, FROM VERIFONE,
THREE LAGOON DRIVE, REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA 94065, ATTENTION: INVESTOR
RELATIONS; TELEPHONE NUMBER: (415) 591-6500. IN ORDER TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY
OF THE DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO THE VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING, ANY SUCH REQUEST
SHOULD BE MADE BY JUNE 18, 1997.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus contains trademarks of HP and VeriFone and
may contain trademarks of others.
2
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
OTHER THAN STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACT, STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING STATEMENTS AS TO THE BENEFITS EXPECTED TO RESULT
FROM THE MERGER AND AS TO FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND THE ANALYSES
PERFORMED BY THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO VERIFONE, ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE
EXCHANGE ACT. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN
SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE
SET FORTH IN "RISK FACTORS" BELOW, WHICH VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CAREFULLY
REVIEW.
THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED ELSEWHERE
IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT CONTAIN A COMPLETE
STATEMENT OF ALL MATERIAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL TO BE VOTED ON AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING ELSEWHERE
IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IN THE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ANNEXED
HERETO.
THE COMPANIES
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
HP was incorporated in 1947 under the laws of the State of California as the
successor to a partnership founded in 1939 by William R. Hewlett and David
Packard.
On a worldwide basis, HP designs, manufactures and services equipment and
systems for measurement, computation and communications. HP offers a wide
variety of systems and standalone products, including computer systems, personal
computers ("PCs"), printers and other peripheral products, calculators and other
personal information products, electronic test equipment and systems, medical
electronic equipment, solid state components and instrumentation for chemical
analysis. Services such as systems integration, selective-outsourcing
management, consulting, education, product financing and rentals, as well as
customer support and maintenance, are also an integral part of HP's offerings.
These products and services are used in industry, business, engineering,
science, medicine and education.
HP's computers, computer systems, personal information products, personal
peripheral products and other peripherals are used in a variety of applications,
including scientific and engineering computation and analysis, instrument
control and business information management. HP's core computing products and
technologies include its PA-RISC architecture for systems and workstations, and
software infrastructure for open systems. HP's general-purpose computers and
computer systems include scalable families of PCs, servers and systems for use
in homes, small workgroups, larger departments and entire enterprises. Key
products include the HP 9000 series, which runs HP-UX, HP's implementation of
the UNIX operating system, and comprises both workstations with powerful
computational and graphics capabilities as well as multiuser computers for both
technical and commercial applications; the HP NetServer series of PC servers;
the HP Pavilion multimedia home PC; and the HP Vectra series of IBM-compatible
PCs for use in business, engineering, manufacturing and chemical analysis.
HP offers software programming services, network services, distributed
system services and data management services. Customers of its computers,
computer systems and software infrastructure products include original equipment
manufacturers, dealers, value-added resellers and retailers, as well as end
users for a variety of applications.
HP's peripheral products include a variety of systems and desktop printers,
such as the HP LaserJet family; the HP DeskJet family, which is based on HP's
thermal inkjet technology; large-format printers and page scanners; video
display terminals; and tape drives and related autochangers.
HP also produces measurement systems for use in electronics, medicine and
chemical analysis. Test-and-measurement instruments include voltmeters and
multimeters that measure voltage, current and resistance; counters that measure
the frequency of an electrical signal; oscilloscopes and logic analyzers that
measure electrical changes in relation to time; signal generators that provide
the electrical stimulus for
3
<PAGE>
the testing of systems and components; specialized communications and
semiconductor test equipment; and atomic frequency standards, which are used in
accurate time-interval and timekeeping applications. Instruments for medical
applications include continuous monitoring systems for critical-care patients,
fetal monitors, electrocardiographs, cardiac catheterization laboratory systems,
blood gas measuring instruments and cardiac defibrillators. Instruments for
chemical-analysis applications include gas and liquid chromatographs, mass
spectrometers, laboratory data systems and spectrophotometers. HP also
manufactures electronic component products consisting principally of microwave
semiconductor, fiber-optic and optoelectronic devices, including light-emitting
diodes (LEDs). The products are sold primarily to other manufacturers for
incorporation into their electronic products but also are used in many of HP's
products.
HP provides service for its equipment, systems and peripherals, including
support and maintenance services, parts and supplies for design and
manufacturing systems, office and information systems, general-purpose
instruments, computers and computer systems, peripherals and network products.
HP's executive offices are located at 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto,
California 94304, and its telephone number is (415) 857-1501.
VERIFONE, INC.
VeriFone is a corporation organized in Hawaii in 1981 and reincorporated in
Delaware in 1986. VeriFone develops, manufactures, markets and supports hardware
and software systems which automate transactions--principally electronic payment
transactions among consumers, merchants and financial institutions.
VeriFone's product line consists primarily of: terminal products which
interface with magnetic-stripe cards; products which interface with integrated
circuit cards ("chip cards"); peripherals such as printers, PIN pads and
communications products; and software and services. Currently, the most
prevalent use of VeriFone's products is to automate credit and debit card
payments at the point of sale in merchant establishments. VeriFone's products
also automate payments by check, electronic cash (i.e., stored value on a chip
card) and other means, and automate payment transactions in venues other than
merchant establishments, including credit card transactions over the Internet.
In addition to products used at the point of sale, some of VeriFone's products
are used by banks and payment processors, at their "back-end" facilities, to
process (e.g., sort and route) payment transactions and to manage terminal
operations. Other VeriFone products are used to automate non-payment
transactions, such as the collection of labor management data, implementation of
retail loyalty programs, submission of health insurance claims, and issuance of
government permits. The services provided by VeriFone include consulting
services (e.g., advice on system strategies and alternatives), professional
services (e.g., the design, installation and integration of systems), support
services (e.g., maintenance), and financing.
VeriFone's executive offices are located at Three Lagoon Drive, Redwood
City, California 94065, and its telephone number is (415) 591-6500.
TOWER BRIDGE ACQUISITION CORPORATION
Merger Sub is a corporation recently organized by HP for the purpose of
effecting the Merger. It has no material assets and has not engaged in any
activities except in connection with the Merger. Merger Sub's executive offices
are located at 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California 94304, and its
telephone number is (415) 857-1501.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFONE
TIME, DATE, PLACE AND PURPOSE
The VeriFone Stockholders Meeting will be held at the Stanford Park Hotel,
100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025, on June 25, 1997 at 10:00
a.m., local time. The purpose of the VeriFone
4
<PAGE>
Stockholders Meeting is to allow VeriFone stockholders to vote upon a proposal
to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and approve the Merger. See
"VeriFone Stockholders Meeting--Date, Time and Place of VeriFone Stockholders
Meeting" and "--Purpose."
RECORD DATE AND VOTE REQUIRED
Only holders of record of VeriFone Common Stock at the close of business on
May 16, 1997 (the "Record Date") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
VeriFone Stockholders Meeting. Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law
("DGCL") and the VeriFone Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of VeriFone Common Stock outstanding as of the
Record Date is required to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and to
approve the Merger. Hatim A. Tyabji, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of VeriFone (who as of the Record Date owned approximately 0.65% of the
outstanding shares of VeriFone Common Stock), has entered into an agreement with
HP which obligates him to vote all shares of VeriFone Common Stock he holds in
favor of the proposal to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and
approve the Merger.
As of the Record Date, there were approximately 1,321 stockholders of record
of VeriFone Common Stock and 23,502,405 shares of VeriFone Common Stock
outstanding, with each share entitled to one vote on the matter to be acted upon
at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting. See "VeriFone Stockholders Meeting--Vote
Required."
RECOMMENDATION OF VERIFONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The VeriFone Board has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the Merger is fair
to and in the best interests of VeriFone and its stockholders. After careful
consideration, the VeriFone Board unanimously recommends a vote in favor of
approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and approval of the
Merger. Stockholders should read this Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully prior
to voting. See "VeriFone Stockholders Meeting--Recommendations of VeriFone Board
of Directors," "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--VeriFone's
Reasons For the Merger," and "--Material Contacts and Board Deliberations."
RISK FACTORS
See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors pertaining to the
Merger and the businesses of HP and VeriFone.
FAIRNESS OPINION
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. ("DMG") has delivered to the VeriFone Board
its written opinion, dated April 22, 1997, to the effect that, as of such date,
the Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
VeriFone Common Stock. The full text of the opinion of DMG, which sets forth
assumptions made and matters considered, is attached as Annex B to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Holders of
VeriFone Common Stock are urged to, and should, read such opinion in its
entirety. See "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--Opinion of
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc." and Annex B hereto.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the VeriFone Board with respect to the
Reorganization Agreement and the Merger, holders of VeriFone Common Stock should
be aware that members of the VeriFone Board and the executive officers of
VeriFone have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to the
interests of holders of VeriFone Common Stock generally. See "Approval of the
Merger and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
5
<PAGE>
In particular, certain stock options and phantom stock grants held by
members of the VeriFone Board and executive officers of VeriFone will vest
immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger or upon a termination of
employment without cause within certain time periods after consummation of the
Merger. In addition, certain employees of VeriFone have received retention
arrangements under which they will receive cash payments if they are employed by
VeriFone or HP on certain dates following consummation of the Merger (or if they
are terminated without cause before such dates) and/or HP Common Stock if they
are employed by VeriFone or HP on certain dates following consummation of the
Merger. See "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger."
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The Merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in which case no
gain or loss generally should be recognized by the holders of shares of VeriFone
Common Stock on the conversion of their shares of VeriFone Common Stock solely
into shares of HP Common Stock in the Merger. As a condition to the consummation
of the Merger, HP and VeriFone will have received an opinion from their
respective tax counsel that the Merger will constitute a reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Code. However, all VeriFone stockholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisors. See "Approval of the Merger and Related
Transactions--Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations;" and "Terms of the
Merger--Conditions to the Merger."
GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS
Consummation of the Merger is subject to compliance with the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"). The notifications required under the HSR Act have been furnished to the
Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the
Department of Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the specified waiting
period under the HSR Act for the Merger is expected to expire on June 8, 1997,
assuming no request for further information from either the FTC or the Antitrust
Division is received. In addition, in connection with the consummation of the
Merger certain notification and waiting period requirements under antitrust laws
in a number of European countries will be complied with. In general, the waiting
periods in the applicable European countries expire 30 days after notification
is filed, unless extended by the applicable regulatory authority. The Merger
must also satisfy the requirements of federal and certain state securities laws.
See "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--Governmental and
Regulatory Matters."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger is intended to qualify as a pooling of interests for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon (i) receipt by HP of a letter
from its independent accountants dated the date of the closing of the Merger
(the "Closing Date") to the effect that such accountants concur with HP
management's conclusion that pooling-of-interests accounting for the Merger is
appropriate and (ii) receipt by VeriFone of a letter from its independent
auditors dated on the Closing Date to the effect that such auditors concur with
VeriFone management's conclusion that no conditions exist relating to VeriFone
that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
See "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--Accounting Treatment" and
"Terms of the Merger--Conditions to the Merger."
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
The stockholders of VeriFone are not entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger under applicable state law. See "Approval of the
Merger and Related Transactions--No Appraisal Rights."
6
<PAGE>
THE MERGER
TERMS OF THE MERGER; EXCHANGE RATIO
At the Effective Time (as defined below), Merger Sub will merge with and
into VeriFone and VeriFone will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP. Once the
Merger is consummated, Merger Sub will cease to exist as a corporation and
VeriFone will remain as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP (the "Surviving
Corporation"). As a result of the Merger, each outstanding share of VeriFone
Common Stock, other than shares owned by VeriFone, HP, Merger Sub or any direct
or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of HP or VeriFone, will be converted into
one share of HP Common Stock, and each outstanding option or other right with
respect to VeriFone Common Stock under various stock option plans and phantom
stock plans of VeriFone as well as the employee stock purchase plan of VeriFone
will be assumed by HP and will become an equivalent option or right with respect
to shares of HP Common Stock.
On April 22, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution and delivery of the Reorganization Agreement, the
closing prices per share of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock on the
NYSE were $50.50 and $30.125, respectively. On May 21, 1997, the closing prices
per share of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock on the NYSE were $54.00
and $52.625, respectively. See "Market Price Information." Because the Exchange
Ratio is fixed, changes in the market price of HP Common Stock will affect the
value of the HP Common Stock to be received by stockholders of VeriFone in the
Merger. VeriFone stockholders are encouraged to obtain current market quotations
for HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock prior to the VeriFone Stockholders
Meeting.
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
The Merger will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Merger
(the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware or at such later time as may be agreed in writing by HP, VeriFone and
Merger Sub and specified in the Certificate of Merger (the "Effective Time").
Assuming all conditions to the Merger are met or waived prior thereto, it is
currently anticipated that the Closing Date and Effective Time will be on June
25, 1997. See "Terms of the Merger--Effective Time."
EXCHANGE OF VERIFONE STOCK CERTIFICATES
Promptly after the Effective Time, HP, acting through Harris Trust and
Savings Bank as its exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent"), will deliver to each
VeriFone stockholder of record as of the Effective Time by U.S. mail at its
address of record a letter of transmittal with instructions to be used by such
stockholder in surrendering certificates which, prior to the Merger, represented
shares of VeriFone Common Stock. CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED BY THE
HOLDERS OF VERIFONE COMMON STOCK UNTIL SUCH HOLDERS RECEIVE THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT, AND THEN ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS
OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT
As soon as reasonably practical (and in any event within five days) after
the Effective Time, HP will file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the
Securities Act covering the shares of HP Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
options to purchase VeriFone Common Stock to be assumed by HP and assumed
"rights" under VeriFone's Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan. See
"Terms of the Merger--Manner and Basis for Converting Shares."
7
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP FOLLOWING THE MERGER
Based upon the capitalization of VeriFone as of the close of business on the
Record Date, an aggregate of approximately 23,502,405 shares of HP Common Stock
will be issued to VeriFone stockholders in the Merger and HP will assume options
to acquire up to approximately 3,117,578 additional shares of VeriFone Common
Stock. Based upon the number of shares of HP Common Stock issued and outstanding
as of April 30, 1997, and after giving effect to the issuance of HP Common Stock
as described in the previous sentence and the exercise of all options to
purchase VeriFone Common Stock assumed by HP, the former holders of VeriFone
Common Stock and options to purchase VeriFone Common Stock would hold, and have
voting power with respect to, approximately 2.6% of HP's total issued and
outstanding shares. The foregoing numbers of shares and percentages are subject
to change to reflect any changes in the capitalization of either HP or VeriFone
subsequent to the dates indicated and prior to the Effective Time, and there can
be no assurance as to the actual capitalization of HP or VeriFone at the
Effective Time or HP at any time following the Effective Time.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS; MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE MERGER
The Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation will consist of the
directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time. The officers of
VeriFone immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation, until their successors are duly appointed.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE MERGER
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, VeriFone has agreed that, until
the earlier of the termination of the Reorganization Agreement pursuant to its
terms and the Effective Time, subject to certain exceptions, and except to the
extent that HP consents in writing, VeriFone will carry on its business, in all
material respects, in the usual, regular and ordinary course, and in compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations, pay its debts and taxes when due
subject to good faith disputes over such debts or taxes, pay or perform other
material obligations when due, and use its reasonable best efforts consistent
with past practices and policies (i) to preserve intact its present business
organization, (ii) to keep available the services of its present officers and
employees, and (iii) to preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers,
distributors, licensors, licensees and others with which it has business
dealings. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, VeriFone has agreed that,
without the prior written consent of HP, it will not perform or engage in
certain activities in the conduct of its business and the business of its
subsidiaries. See "Terms of the Merger--Conduct of VeriFone's Business Prior to
the Merger."
NO SOLICITATION
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, except under certain limited
circumstances, VeriFone has agreed that it will not (i) solicit any alternate
acquisition proposal, (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with
any other parties with respect to an alternate acquisition proposal, or (iii)
provide any non-public information concerning VeriFone to any other parties in
connection with any alternate acquisition proposal. See "Terms of the Merger--No
Solicitation."
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including (i)
declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (ii)
approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and approval of the Merger
by the stockholders of VeriFone at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting, (iii)
absence of any law or order prohibiting consummation of the Merger, (iv) receipt
by HP and VeriFone of legal opinions that the Merger will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, (v) receipt by
HP of a letter from its independent accountants dated the Closing Date to the
effect that such accountants concur with HP management's conclusion that
pooling-of-interests accounting
8
<PAGE>
for the Merger is appropriate and receipt by VeriFone of a letter from its
independent auditors dated on the Closing Date to the effect that such auditors
concur with VeriFone management's conclusion that no conditions exist relating
to VeriFone that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a pooling
of interests, (vi) subject to certain materiality thresholds, the accuracy of
the representations and warranties made by each party in the Reorganization
Agreement, (vii) subject to certain materiality thresholds, performance of all
covenants required by the Reorganization Agreement, and (viii) the absence of a
material adverse effect with regard to either HP or VeriFone. See "Terms of the
Merger--Conditions to the Merger."
TERMINATION; FEES
The Reorganization Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances.
VeriFone has agreed that, if the Merger is not consummated under certain
circumstances, it will pay HP a sum of $30 million. See "Terms of the
Merger--Termination of the Reorganization Agreement" and "--Break-Up Fee."
AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS
Each of the members of the VeriFone Board and certain officers of VeriFone
have entered into agreements restricting sales, dispositions or other
transactions reducing their risk of investment in respect of the shares of
VeriFone Common Stock held by them prior to the Merger and the shares of HP
Common Stock to be received by them in the Merger so as to comply with the
requirements of applicable federal securities laws and to help ensure that the
Merger will be treated as a pooling of interests for accounting and financial
reporting purposes. Certain persons who may be deemed affiliates of HP have
entered into agreements restricting sales, dispositions or other transactions
reducing their risk of investment with respect of the shares of HP Common Stock
held by them so as to help ensure that the Merger will be treated as a pooling
of interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes.
MARKET AND PRICE DATA
HP Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "HWP." On April 22,
1997, the last trading day before announcement of the execution of the
Reorganization Agreement, the closing price of HP Common Stock as reported on
the NYSE was $50.50 per share. On May 21, 1997, the closing price of HP Common
Stock as reported on the NYSE was $54.00 per share. There can be no assurance as
to the actual price of HP Common Stock prior to, at or at any time following the
Effective Time of the Merger.
VeriFone Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "VFI." On April
22, 1997, the last day before announcement of the execution of the
Reorganization Agreement, the closing price of VeriFone Common Stock as reported
on the NYSE was $30.125 per share. Following the Merger, VeriFone Common Stock
will no longer be traded on the NYSE. On May 21, 1997, the closing price of
VeriFone Common Stock as reported on the NYSE was $52.625 per share. There can
be no assurance as to the actual price of VeriFone Common Stock prior to, or at
the Effective Time of the Merger, or in the event the Merger is not consummated.
See "Risk Factors," "Market Price Information" and "Comparison of Capital
Stock."
9
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected historical annual financial information of HP and
VeriFone (except for information pertaining to orders and numbers of employees)
has been derived from their respective audited consolidated historical financial
statements and should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto. The consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto of HP for each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
and of VeriFone for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The
selected historical financial information of HP as of April 30, 1997, and for
the six month periods ended April 30, 1996 and 1997 has been derived from the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of HP and, in the opinion of HP's
management, reflects all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of such
unaudited interim financial information. The selected historical financial
information of VeriFone as of March 31, 1997 and for the three month periods
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 has been derived from the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of VeriFone and, in the opinion of VeriFone's management,
reflects all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of such unaudited
interim financial information. The results of operations for interim periods are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.
HP SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, ENDED APRIL 30,
----------------------------------------------------- --------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS DATA:
U.S. orders............................. $ 7,569 $ 9,462 $ 11,692 $ 14,686 $ 17,181 $ 8,595 $ 8,801
International orders.................... 9,192 11,310 13,658 17,999 21,708 11,617 12,567
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total orders............................ 16,761 20,772 25,350 32,685 38,889 20,212 21,368
Net revenue............................. 16,410 20,317 24,991 31,519 38,420 19,168 20,635
Earnings from operations................ 1,404 1,879 2,549 3,568 3,726 2,236 2,383
Earnings before effect of 1992
accounting change..................... 881 1,177 1,599 2,433 2,586 1,513 1,696
Net earnings............................ 549 1,177 1,599 2,433 2,586 1,513 1,696
Per share amounts(1)(2):
Earnings before effect of 1992
accounting change................... $ .87 $ 1.16 $ 1.54 $ 2.31 $ 2.46 $ 1.44 $ 1.62
Net earnings.......................... .55 1.16 1.54 2.31 2.46 1.44 1.62
Cash dividends........................ .18 .225 .275 .35 .44 .20 .24
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 30,
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND
EMPLOYEE DATA:
Total assets............................... $ 13,700 $ 16,736 $ 19,567 $ 24,427 $ 27,699 $ 27,845
Long-term debt............................. 425 667 547 663 2,579 2,495
Employees.................................. 92,600 96,200 98,400 102,300 112,000 114,600
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) 1992 results include an after-tax charge of $.32 per share for the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting for retiree medical benefits.
(2) All per share amounts reflect the retroactive effect of 1995 and 1996
two-for-one stock splits.
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VERIFONE SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ENDED MARCH 31,
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED
OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues................... $ 228,928 $ 264,227 $ 316,108 $ 387,016 $ 472,460 $ 102,927 $ 116,013
Income from operations......... 31,409 30,409 37,469 41,737 53,517 8,852 10,333
Net income..................... 24,439 21,946 28,110 32,505 39,264 6,717 7,209
Net income per share........... $ .99 $ .88 $ 1.14 $ 1.32 $ 1.53 $ .26 $ .30
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------- MARCH 31,
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AND EMPLOYEE DATA:
Working capital......................... $ 154,503 $ 167,555 $ 182,229 $ 210,999 $ 145,239 $ 142,533
Total assets............................ 241,153 292,505 330,552 379,516 404,980 427,511
Long-term debt and obligations under
capital leases, non-current portion... 2,216 12,180 7,515 2,205 517 266
Stockholders' equity.................... 174,092 195,177 218,372 264,385 239,566 239,441
Employees............................... 1,562 1,750 1,932 2,471 2,850 2,902
</TABLE>
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RISK FACTORS
THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN
THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE EXCHANGE
ACT. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW AND
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT. THE FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BY HOLDERS OF VERIFONE COMMON STOCK IN EVALUATING WHETHER
TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND APPROVE THE MERGER. THESE
FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED
OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING IN
CONJUNCTION WITH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE HEREIN. FOR PERIODS FOLLOWING
THE MERGER, REFERENCES TO HP SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO REFER TO HP AND ITS
SUBSIDIARIES, INCLUDING VERIFONE, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES.
RISKS RELATED TO HP'S BUSINESS
COMPETITION. HP encounters aggressive competition in all areas of its
business activity. HP's competitors are numerous, ranging from some of the
world's largest corporations to many relatively small and highly specialized
firms. HP competes primarily on the basis of technology, performance, price,
quality, reliability, distribution and customer service and support. Product
life cycles are short, and, to remain competitive, HP will be required to
develop new products, periodically enhance its existing products and compete
effectively on the basis of the factors described above. In particular, HP
anticipates that it will have to continue to adjust prices of many of its
products to stay competitive and it will have to effectively manage financial
returns with reduced margins.
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS. HP's future operating results may be adversely
affected if HP is unable to continue to develop, manufacture and market
innovative products and services rapidly that meet customer requirements for
product performance or reliability. The process of developing new high
technology products and solutions is inherently complex and uncertain. It
requires accurate anticipation of customers' changing needs and emerging
technological trends. HP consequently must make long-term investments and commit
significant resources before knowing whether its predictions will eventually
result in products that achieve market acceptance. After a product is developed,
HP must quickly manufacture sufficient volumes at acceptable costs. This is a
process that requires accurate forecasting of volumes, mix of products and
configurations. Moreover, the supply and timing of a new product or service must
match customers' demand and timing for the particular product or service. Given
the wide variety of systems, products and services HP offers, the process of
planning production and managing inventory levels becomes increasingly
difficult.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT. Inventory management has become increasingly complex
as HP continues to sell a greater mix of products, especially printers and
personal computers, through third-party distribution channels. Resellers
constantly adjust their ordering patterns in response to HP's and its
competitors' supply into the channel and the timing of their new product
introductions and relative feature sets, as well as seasonal fluctuations in
end-user demand such as the back-to-school and holiday selling periods.
Resellers may increase orders during times of shortages, cancel orders if the
channel is filled with currently available products, or delay orders in
anticipation of new products. Any excess supply could result in price reductions
and inventory writedowns, which in turn could adversely affect HP's gross
margins.
SHORT PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES. The short life cycles of many of HP's products
pose a challenge for the effective management of the transition from existing
products to new products and could adversely affect HP's future operating
results. Product development or manufacturing delays, variations in product
costs, and delays in customer purchases of existing products in anticipation of
new product introductions are among the factors that make a smooth transition
from current products to new products difficult. In addition, the timing of
competitors' introductions of new products and services may negatively affect
future operating results of HP, especially when these introductions coincide
with periods leading up to HP's own
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<PAGE>
introduction of new or enhanced products. Furthermore, some of HP's own new
products may replace or compete with certain of HP's current products.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. HP generally relies upon patent, copyright,
trademark and trade secret laws in the United States and in selected other
countries to establish and maintain its proprietary rights in its technology and
products. However, there can be no assurance that any of HP's proprietary rights
will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that any such rights
will provide significant competitive advantages. Moreover, because of the rapid
pace of technological change in the information technology industry, many of
HP's products rely on key technologies developed by others. There can be no
assurance that HP will be able to continue to obtain licenses to such
technologies. In addition, from time to time HP receives notices from third
parties regarding patent or copyright claims. Any such claims, with or without
merit, could be time-consuming to defend, result in costly litigation, divert
management's attention and resources and cause HP to incur significant expenses.
In the event of a successful claim of infringement against HP and failure or
inability of HP to license the infringed technology or to substitute similar
non-infringing technology, HP's business could be adversely affected.
RELIANCE ON SUPPLIERS. Portions of HP's manufacturing operations are
dependent on the ability of suppliers to deliver quality components,
subassemblies and completed products in time to meet critical manufacturing and
distribution schedules. HP periodically experiences constrained supply of
certain component parts in some product lines as a result of strong demand in
the industry for those parts. Such constraints, if persistent, may adversely
affect HP's operating results until alternate sourcing can be developed. In
order to secure components for production and introduction of new products, HP
frequently makes advance payments to certain suppliers, and often enters into
noncancelable purchase commitments with vendors for such components. Volatility
in the prices of these component parts, the possible inability of HP to secure
enough components at reasonable prices to build new products in a timely manner
in the quantities and configurations demanded or, conversely, a temporary
oversupply of these parts, could adversely affect HP's future operating results.
RELIANCE ON THIRD-PARTY DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. HP continues to expand into
third-party distribution channels to accommodate changing customer preferences.
As a result, the financial health of resellers of HP's products, and HP's
continuing relationships with such resellers, are becoming more important to
HP's success. Some of these companies are thinly capitalized and may be unable
to withstand changes in business conditions. HP's financial results could be
adversely affected if the financial condition of certain of these resellers
substantially weakens or if HP's relationship with such resellers deteriorates.
INTERNATIONAL. Sales outside the United States make up more than half of
HP's revenues. In addition, a portion of HP's product and component
manufacturing, along with key suppliers, are located outside the United States.
Accordingly, HP's future results could be adversely affected by a variety of
factors, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in a
specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, trade
protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, the overlap of
different tax structures, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements and
natural disasters.
ACQUISITIONS, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, JOINT VENTURES AND DIVESTITURES. As a
matter of course, HP frequently engages in discussions with a variety of parties
relating to possible acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and
divestitures. Although consummation of any transaction is unlikely to have a
material effect on HP's results as a whole, the implementation or integration of
a transaction may contribute to HP's results differing from the investment
community's expectation in a given quarter. Divestitures may result in the
cancellation of orders and charges to earnings. Acquisitions and strategic
alliances may require, among other things, integration or coordination with a
different company culture, management team organization and business
infrastructure. They may also require the development, manufacture and marketing
of product offerings with HP's products in a way that enhances the performance
of the combined business or product line. Depending on the size and complexity
of the transaction, successful integration depends on a variety of factors,
including the hiring and retention of key employees, management of
geographically
13
<PAGE>
separate facilities, and the integration or coordination of different research
and development and product manufacturing facilities. All of these efforts
require varying levels of management resources, which may temporarily adversely
impact other business operations.
EARTHQUAKE. A portion of HP's research and development activities, its
corporate headquarters, other critical business operations and certain of its
suppliers are located near major earthquake faults. The ultimate impact on HP,
its significant suppliers and the general infrastructure is unknown, but
operating results could be materially affected in the event of a major
earthquake. HP is predominantly self-insured for losses and interruptions caused
by earthquakes.
ENVIRONMENTAL. Certain of HP's operations involve the use of substances
regulated under various federal, state and international laws governing the
environment. It is HP's policy to apply strict standards for environmental
protection to sites inside and outside the U.S., even if not subject to
regulations imposed by local governments. The liability for environmental
remediation and related costs is accrued when it is considered probable and the
costs can be reasonably estimated. Environmental costs are presently not
material to HP's operations or financial position.
QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS AND VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE. Although HP believes
that it has the product offerings and resources needed for continuing success,
future revenue and margin trends cannot be reliably predicted and may cause HP
to adjust its operations, which could cause period-to-period fluctuations in
operating results. HP's stock price, like that of other technology companies, is
subject to significant volatility. The announcement of new products, services or
technological innovations by HP or its competitors, quarterly variations in HP's
results of operations, changes in revenue or earnings estimates by the
investment community and speculation in the press or investment community are
among the factors affecting HP's stock price. In addition, the stock price may
be affected by general market conditions and domestic and international
macroeconomic factors unrelated to HP's performance. Because of the foregoing
reasons, recent trends should not be considered reliable indicators of future
stock prices or financial results. See "Market Price Information."
RISKS RELATED TO VERIFONE'S BUSINESS
VeriFone's business is subject to numerous risks, including risks that
quarterly operating results will vary from expectations due to unexpected
revenue shortfalls, changes in gross margins or other factors and the risk that
the new markets VeriFone is entering, including the Internet commerce and
consumer markets, will not develop as expected by VeriFone. A full discussion of
these risks and other risks associated with VeriFone's business may be found in
VeriFone's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, and
its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.
RISKS RELATED TO THE MERGER
UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO INTEGRATION. The successful combination of HP and
VeriFone, including the successful operation of VeriFone as an autonomous
subsidiary of HP, will require substantial effort from each company. The
diversion of the attention of management and any difficulties encountered in the
transition process could have an adverse impact on HP's ability to realize the
anticipated benefits of the Merger. The successful combination of the two
companies will also require coordination of their research and development and
sales and marketing efforts. In addition, the process of combining the two
organizations could cause the interruption of, or a loss of momentum in,
VeriFone's activities. There can be no assurance that HP will be able to retain
VeriFone's key management, technical, sales and customer support personnel, or
that HP will realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
EFFECT OF MERGER ON CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERS. Certain of VeriFone's existing
customers or strategic partners may view themselves as competitors of HP, and
therefore determine that the Merger is competitively disadvantageous to them. As
a consequence, VeriFone's relationship with these customers or
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<PAGE>
strategic partners could be adversely affected. In addition, HP's relationships
with certain of its customers that compete with VeriFone may be adversely
affected by the Merger.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FIXED EXCHANGE RATIO. As a result of the Merger, each
outstanding share of VeriFone Common Stock will be converted into one share of
HP Common Stock. Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed and will not increase or
decrease due to fluctuations in the market price of either HP Common Stock or
VeriFone Common Stock, the specific value of the consideration to be received by
VeriFone stockholders in the Merger will depend on the market price of HP Common
Stock at the Effective Time. In the event that the market price of HP Common
Stock decreases or increases prior to the Effective Time, the market value at
the Effective Time of HP Common Stock to be received by VeriFone stockholders in
the Merger would correspondingly decrease or increase. The market prices of HP
Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock as of a recent date are set forth herein
under "Summary--Market and Price Data," and "Market Price Information." VeriFone
stockholders are advised to obtain recent market quotations for HP Common Stock
and VeriFone Common Stock. HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock
historically have been subject to substantial price volatility. No assurance can
be given as to the market prices of HP Common Stock or VeriFone Common Stock at
any time before the Effective Time or as to the market price of HP Common Stock
at any time thereafter. See "Summary--Market and Price Data," "Market Price
Information" and "Comparison of Capital Stock."
15
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
The following table sets forth certain historical per share data of HP and
VeriFone and certain equivalent VeriFone per share data. The information set
forth below should be read in conjunction with the selected historical financial
data included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The equivalent
VeriFone per share data is calculated based on HP historical data and an assumed
exchange ratio in the Merger of one share of HP Common Stock for each share of
VeriFone Common Stock outstanding. Pro forma HP data giving effect to the Merger
on a pooling-of-interests basis has not been presented because it is not
materially different from historical HP information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, APRIL 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL--HP:
Earnings per share(1)................................. $ 1.54 $ 2.31 $ 2.46 $ 1.44 $ 1.62
Cash dividends per share(1)........................... $ .275 $ .35 $ .44 $ .20 $ .24
Book value per share (at period end)(1)(2)............ $ 13.25 $ 14.56
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL--VERIFONE:
Net income per share.................................... $ 1.14 $ 1.32 $ 1.53 $ .26 $ .30
Cash dividends per share................................ -- -- -- -- --
Book value per share (at period end)(2)................. $ 10.26 $ 10.26
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) All per share amounts reflect the retroactive effect of 1995 and 1996
two-for-one stock splits.
(2) Historical book value per share is computed by dividing total shareholders'
equity by the number of shares outstanding at the end of each period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, APRIL 30,
------------------------------- --------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EQUIVALENT VERIFONE:
Earnings per share.................................... $ 1.54 $ 2.31 $ 2.46 $ 1.44 $ 1.62
Cash dividends per share.............................. $ .275 $ .35 $ .44 $ .20 $ .24
Book value per share (at period end).................. $ 13.25 $ 14.56
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
MARKET PRICE INFORMATION
The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the
reported high and low closing prices of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common
Stock, as reported on the NYSE for all periods for HP Common Stock and for
periods after August 10, 1995 for VeriFone Common Stock, and as quoted on the
Nasdaq National Market for VeriFone Common Stock for periods prior to August 10,
1995. HP share prices reflect the retroactive effect of 1995 and 1996
two-for-one stock splits.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VERIFONE COMMON
HP COMMON STOCK STOCK(1)
------------------------ ------------------
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
---------- ---------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1994 CALENDAR YEAR
First Quarter....................................... $ 23 $ 19 7/16 $19 1/2 $17
Second Quarter...................................... 20 15/16 18 13/16 18 14 3/4
Third Quarter....................................... 22 27/32 18 23 3/4 15 1/2
Fourth Quarter...................................... 25 17/32 21 1/8 23 1/4 20
1995 CALENDAR YEAR
First Quarter....................................... $ 31 $ 24 19/32 $27 $21 3/4
Second Quarter...................................... 38 3/8 29 25/32 24 1/2 19 3/4
Third Quarter....................................... 42 13/16 36 1/4 31 1/4 23 3/4
Fourth Quarter...................................... 48 38 3/16 30 25 5/8
1996 CALENDAR YEAR
First Quarter....................................... $ 51 3/4 $ 37 3/4 $46 1/2 $26 1/4
Second Quarter...................................... 56 7/8 47 9/16 51 3/4 35 3/8
Third Quarter....................................... 50 13/16 38 1/4 49 3/8 36 7/8
Fourth Quarter...................................... 56 3/8 43 1/8 45 1/8 29
1997 CALENDAR YEAR
First Quarter....................................... $ 59 $ 49 1/8 $39 $29 5/8
Second Quarter (through May 21, 1997)............... 58 7/8 49 57 1/2 29 1/2
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Equivalent VeriFone per share information is not presented as it would be
identical to the HP information because of the one-share-for-one-share fixed
exchange ratio.
On April 22, 1997, the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the execution and delivery of the Reorganization Agreement, the
closing prices on the NYSE for HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock were
$50.50 per share and $30.125 per share, respectively. On May 21, 1997, the
closing prices on the NYSE for HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock were
$54.00 per share and $52.625 per share, respectively.
Because the Exchange Ratio is fixed, changes in the market price of HP
Common Stock will affect the dollar value of HP Common Stock to be received by
stockholders of VeriFone in the Merger. VeriFone stockholders are urged to
obtain current market quotations for HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock
prior to the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting.
As indicated under the heading "Selected Financial Information--HP Selected
Financial Information," HP declared and paid cash dividends of $.275, $.35 and
$.44 per share for the fiscal years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The declaration and payment by HP of cash dividends in the future
and the amount thereof will depend upon HP's results of operations, financial
condition, cash requirements, future prospects, limitations imposed by credit
agreements or senior securities and other factors deemed relevant by its Board
of Directors. No assurance can be given that cash dividends will continue to be
declared and paid at historical levels or at all.
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<PAGE>
VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING
The VeriFone Stockholders Meeting will be held at the Stanford Park Hotel,
100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025, on June 25, 1997 at 10:00 a.m.
local time.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting is to vote upon a proposal
to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and approve the Merger.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only holders of record of VeriFone Common Stock on the Record Date are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting. As of
the Record Date, there were approximately 1,321 stockholders of record holding
an aggregate of approximately 23,502,405 shares of VeriFone Common Stock.
This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being mailed on or about May 28, 1997 to
all stockholders of record of VeriFone as of the Record Date.
VOTE REQUIRED
Pursuant to the DGCL and the VeriFone Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of VeriFone
Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date is required to approve and adopt
the Reorganization Agreement and approve the Merger. Each holder of record of
VeriFone Common Stock on the Record Date will be entitled to cast one vote per
share on the proposal to be acted upon at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting. As
of the Record Date, the directors and executive officers of VeriFone and their
affiliates held approximately 0.76% of the outstanding shares of VeriFone Common
Stock. See "Security Ownership of Management and Principal Stockholders of
VeriFone."
The presence, in person or by proxy, of at least a majority of the
outstanding shares of VeriFone Common Stock entitled to vote at the VeriFone
Stockholders Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Abstentions will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum. For
purposes of obtaining the required vote of a majority of the outstanding shares
of VeriFone Common Stock for approval and adoption of the Reorganization
Agreement and approval of the Merger, the effect of an abstention and the effect
of a broker non-vote are the same as that of a vote against the proposal.
Hatim A. Tyabji, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of VeriFone
(who as of the Record Date owned approximately 0.65% of the outstanding shares
of VeriFone Common Stock), has entered into an agreement with HP which obligates
him to vote all shares of VeriFone Common Stock he holds in favor of the
proposal to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and approve the
Merger.
PROXIES
Each of the persons named in the proxy is an officer of VeriFone. All shares
of VeriFone Common Stock that are entitled to vote and are represented at the
VeriFone Stockholders Meeting by properly executed proxies received prior to or
at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting and not duly and timely revoked will be
voted at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on such proxies. If no such instructions are indicated, such proxies
will be voted to approve and adopt the Reorganization Agreement and to approve
the Merger.
Execution of a proxy does not in any way affect a stockholder's right to
attend the meeting and vote in person. Any proxy may be revoked by a stockholder
at any time before it is exercised by delivering a
18
<PAGE>
written revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Secretary of VeriFone, or by
attending the meeting and voting in person. Any written notice of revocation or
subsequent proxy should be sent so as to be delivered to VeriFone at Three
Lagoon Drive, Redwood City, California 94065, Attention: Secretary, or hand-
delivered to the Secretary of VeriFone, in each case at or before the taking of
the vote at the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES; EXPENSES
All costs of solicitation of proxies will be borne by VeriFone. Brokers,
custodians and fiduciaries will be requested to forward proxy soliciting
material to the owners of stock held in their names, and VeriFone will reimburse
them for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs. In addition, proxies may also be
solicited by directors, officers and employees of VeriFone personally or by
mail, telephone or telegraph following the original solicitation. Such persons
will not receive additional compensation for such solicitation. VeriFone has
retained McCormick & Pryor, Ltd., an independent proxy solicitation firm, to
assist in soliciting proxies at an estimated fee of $6,000 plus reimbursement of
reasonable expenses.
RECOMMENDATION OF VERIFONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The VeriFone Board has unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby and has determined that the Merger is fair
to, and in the best interests of, VeriFone and its stockholders. AFTER CAREFUL
CONSIDERATION, THE VERIFONE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE
MERGER.
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<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OF VERIFONE
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of VeriFone Common Stock as of May 1, 1997 (except as otherwise noted)
by (i) each director of VeriFone, (ii) VeriFone's Chief Executive Officer and
each of the four other most highly compensated executive officers of VeriFone
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, (iii) all directors and
executive officers of VeriFone as a group, and (iv) all those known by VeriFone
to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of outstanding shares of
VeriFone Common Stock. This table is based on information provided to VeriFone
or filed with the SEC by VeriFone's directors, executive officers and principal
stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, and subject to
community property laws where applicable, each of the named persons has sole
voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown as beneficially
owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF PERCENTAGE OF
BENEFICIAL OUTSTANDING
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIAL OWNER COMMON STOCK(1) OWNED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Kopp Investment Advisors, Inc.(2)................................................ 1,361,151 5.8%
6600 France Avenue South, Suite 672
Edina, MN 55435
Hatim A. Tyabji(3)............................................................... 238,787 1.0%
Roger B. Bertman................................................................. 61,886 *
James A. Palmer.................................................................. 56,194 *
Denis A. Calvert(4).............................................................. 33,705 *
C. Lloyd Mahaffey................................................................ 17,916 *
John R.C. Porter(5).............................................................. 34,110 *
H. H. Haight IV.................................................................. 30,556 *
A. Michael Spence(6)............................................................. 1,111 *
R. Elton White................................................................... 16,333 *
J. Robert Harcharik.............................................................. 14,389 *
Thomas E. Peterson............................................................... 11,111 *
Clinton V. Silver................................................................ 2,778 *
All directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)(4).................. 621,225 2.6%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than one percent.
(1) The figures shown include the following numbers of shares that the named
persons have the right to acquire pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days following May 1, 1997: Mr. Tyabji, 85,733; Mr. Bertman, 59,166; Mr.
Palmer, 43,912; Mr. Mahaffey, 17,916; Mr. Porter, 30,556; Mr. Haight,
30,556; Dr. Spence, 1,111; Mr. White, 13,333; Mr. Harcharik, 13,889; Mr.
Peterson, 11,111; Mr. Silver, 2,778; and all directors and executive
officers as a group, 443,191.
(2) The number of shares listed for Kopp Investment Advisors, Inc. is from the
Schedule 13G filed by Kopp Investment Advisors, Inc. dated May 9, 1997.
(3) The number of shares listed for Mr. Tyabji includes 153,054 shares as to
which Mr. Tyabji has shared voting and investment power.
(4) Mr. Calvert ceased to be an executive officer of VeriFone in March 1997. The
number of shares listed for Mr. Calvert is as of January 1, 1997. The number
of shares listed for all directors and executive officers as a group does
not include shares that are beneficially owned by Mr. Calvert.
(5) The number of shares listed for Mr. Porter includes 3,554 shares as to which
Mr. Porter has shared voting and investment power.
(6) The number of shares listed for Dr. Spence is as of May 3, 1997.
20
<PAGE>
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
OTHER THAN STATEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FACT, THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS
SECTION, INCLUDING STATEMENTS AS TO THE BENEFITS EXPECTED TO RESULT FROM THE
MERGER AND AS TO FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND THE ANALYSES PERFORMED BY
VERIFONE'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR, ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING
OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE EXCHANGE ACT. ACTUAL
RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH IN "RISK
FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
HP'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
The Board of Directors of HP has identified several benefits of the Merger,
including the following:
- HP believes that the Merger will enable HP to implement and accelerate a
focused electronic-commerce strategy based on VeriFone's strength in the
electronic payments marketplace. HP also believes that VeriFone will
complement HP's technological innovation and leadership in, and commitment
to, electronic commerce, the Internet, intranets and financial services.
- HP believes that the Merger will enhance HP's "Extended Enterprise,"
comprised of information systems and services designed to provide
companies with solutions that encompass business partners, suppliers,
remote workers and customers and that add management, measurement and
security technologies to Internet-enabled platforms and devices, including
Web servers, Web appliances, printers, scanners and related instruments.
- HP believes that VeriFone will complement HP's Financial Services Business
Unit in providing information technology solutions to banks, insurers and
securities firms, as well as providers of Internet financial services and
customer-service centers.
- HP believes that its core competencies, including security, mail and
messaging technologies, network and systems management and professional
services in mixed computing environments which include UNIX, Windows NT
and legacy mainframe systems, could be enhanced by VeriFone's expertise in
providing end-to-end electronic payment solutions.
- HP believes that VeriFone, as the leader in the electronic payments
market, is well-positioned to succeed in implementing electronic payment
solutions employing the Internet and other emerging technologies such as
smart cards, which will allow HP to serve existing customers and potential
new customers better.
- HP believes that HP and VeriFone have several complementary strengths,
including (i) VeriFone's global presence in providing electronic payment
solutions to financial institutions and HP's core competence in providing
financial institutions with secure computing infrastructures; (ii)
VeriFone's electronic payment solutions using smart cards and HP's smart
card program; and (iii) VeriFone's global sales channels, which include
many financial institutions, and HP's global professional services network
and mission-critical application support network.
- HP believes that the Merger will enhance HP's capabilities and strengthen
HP's market position in providing end-to-end electronic-commerce solutions
to businesses, consumers and the financial services industry; help HP to
extend its competitive position in Internet-enabled enterprise products
and services; and complement HP's strategy of partnering with the world's
leading providers of business applications as part of HP's overall goal of
delivering comprehensive integrated information technology solutions to
its customers.
VERIFONE'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
The VeriFone Board believes that the Merger is fair to and in the best
interests of VeriFone and its stockholders, and the VeriFone Board has
unanimously approved the Reorganization Agreement and the
21
<PAGE>
Merger. The following are among the reasons the VeriFone Board believes the
Merger will be beneficial to VeriFone and its stockholders:
- The Merger is expected to provide VeriFone's stockholders with HP Common
Stock at a significant premium over the market price for shares of
VeriFone Common Stock prevailing prior to the public announcement of the
Merger in a tax-free exchange.
- Following the Merger, VeriFone's stockholders will be able to participate
in the potential growth of HP.
- Based solely on historical trading prices of HP Common Stock and VeriFone
Common Stock, the Merger could provide VeriFone's stockholders with
securities that may have less price volatility than VeriFone Common Stock.
- HP's hardware and network products and technologies are complementary to
VeriFone's electronic payment solutions, enabling VeriFone to offer the
worldwide, secure, end-to-end payment solutions that the market is
increasingly demanding.
- The Merger should provide VeriFone with greater resources to support its
marketing, distribution and product development efforts.
- HP's substantial domestic and international sales, marketing and
distribution capabilities should provide an expanded opportunity for
distribution of VeriFone's products both within the United States and in
international markets, thereby allowing VeriFone to expand its customer
base and to enhance its relationships with existing customers.
- The combination of the technologies and the product development resources
of HP and VeriFone should enable VeriFone to respond more effectively to
the rapid technological change and continuing emergence of competing
products that characterize the electronic payment systems industry.
- The creation of a combined customer service and technical support system
should permit VeriFone to provide its customers with a higher level of
worldwide systems integration and customization support.
In addition to the factors set forth above, in the course of its
deliberations concerning the Merger, the VeriFone Board consulted with
VeriFone's legal and financial advisors as well as VeriFone's management, and
reviewed a number of other factors relevant to the Merger, including (i) reports
from management and legal and financial advisors on specific terms of the
Reorganization Agreement and ancillary transaction agreements referred to in the
Reorganization Agreement; (ii) information concerning the financial performance,
business operations and prospects of HP presented at meetings of the VeriFone
Board, including among other things, HP's recent and historical stock and
earnings performance, and the ability of HP to implement successfully its growth
strategy; (iii) VeriFone's understanding that VeriFone would operate as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of HP after the Merger, with sufficient independence to
continue to implement its business strategy; (iv) VeriFone's belief that the
management styles and corporate cultures of the two companies would be
complementary; (v) the expected tax and accounting treatment of the Merger; (vi)
financial presentations by DMG and DMG's opinion to the effect that, as of April
22, 1997 and based upon and subject to certain matters stated in such opinion,
the Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
VeriFone Common Stock; and (vii) the fact that the Reorganization Agreement
would permit the VeriFone Board to terminate the agreement under certain
circumstances.
The VeriFone Board also considered a number of potentially negative factors
in its deliberations concerning the Merger, including (i) the possibility of
management disruption associated with the Merger and the risk that key technical
and management personnel of VeriFone might not continue with VeriFone; (ii) the
risks associated with obtaining necessary approvals of the Merger and the
possibility that the Merger may not be consummated even if approved by
VeriFone's stockholders; (iii) the possibility that the
22
<PAGE>
Merger might adversely affect VeriFone's relationship with certain of its
customers; (iv) the possibility of a decline in the value of HP Common Stock;
and (v) the risk that the potential benefits of the Merger might not be
realized. The VeriFone Board concluded, however, that the benefits of the
transaction to VeriFone and its stockholders outweighed the risks associated
with the foregoing factors.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
VeriFone Board in connection with its evaluation of the Merger is not intended
to be exhaustive but is intended to include all of the material factors
considered by the directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered
by the VeriFone Board, the directors did not find it practical to, and did not,
quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered.
RECOMMENDATION OF VERIFONE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VERIFONE BOARD HELD ON APRIL 22, 1997, THE
DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST
INTERESTS OF VERIFONE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE
REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER, AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL
AND ADOPTION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT AND APPROVAL OF THE MERGER BY
VERIFONE'S STOCKHOLDERS.
MATERIAL CONTACTS AND BOARD DELIBERATIONS
VeriFone and HP have had a commercial relationship since May 1996, when
VeriFone and HP entered into an alliance agreement (the "Alliance Agreement")
pursuant to which the parties agreed to market jointly VeriFone's Omnihost
software operating on HP's computers and to engage in other collaborative
marketing activities. On December 2, 1996, the parties amended the Alliance
Agreement to include joint marketing of additional VeriFone and HP products,
including Internet commerce and consumer products.
On February 12, 13 and 17, 1997, Lloyd Mahaffey, Senior Vice President and
General Manager, Global Marketing and Software Systems Division of VeriFone, and
Patrick McGill, Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chairman of
VeriFone, met with Ruann Ernst, then General Manager, Financial Services
Business Unit of the Computer Systems Organization of HP, and Gary O'Neall, then
General Manager, Electronic Commerce of the Computer Systems Organization of HP,
to discuss possible joint bidding by the parties on a major commercial
opportunity. In response to an issue raised in these discussions as to whether
VeriFone and HP would work with each other exclusively in pursuit of this
commercial opportunity, the parties discussed a range of possible strategic
relationships which could be entered into between VeriFone and HP, including an
acquisition of VeriFone by HP.
On February 24, 1997, Messrs. Mahaffey and McGill, together with Hatim
Tyabji, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of VeriFone, Joseph
Zaelit, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial
Officer of VeriFone, and William Barmeier, Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of VeriFone, met with Ms. Ernst, Mr. O'Neall, Richard
Belluzzo, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Computer
Organization of HP, Richard Watts, then Vice President and General Manager of
the Computer Systems Organization of HP, Glenn Osaka, then General Manager,
Enterprise Systems Business Unit of HP, Manuel Diaz, then Vice President and
General Manager of the Solutions, Sales and Delivery Group of the Computer
Systems Organization of HP, and Andrew Hirst, then Worldwide Partner Manager of
the Financial Services Business Unit of the Computer Systems Organization of HP,
to review VeriFone's business plans and to discuss a possible closer
relationship between VeriFone and HP. In these discussions, Mr. Tyabji and Mr.
Belluzzo decided that VeriFone and HP should form a small team comprised of
representatives of each company to explore in more detail a possible acquisition
of VeriFone by HP.
Representatives of HP and VeriFone met daily from February 26 to March 2,
1997 to explore a possible acquisition of VeriFone by HP, and discussed the
potential benefits of a combination of the two companies and how such a
combination could best be achieved from an organizational standpoint. Terms
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of a non-disclosure agreement were also discussed at certain of these meetings,
but no resolution was reached because of disagreements over the scope of
"standstill" provisions to be incorporated into such agreement. A non-disclosure
agreement, with agreed-upon standstill provisions, was executed later in March.
During the week of March 3, 1997, in a series of meetings and telephone
calls, Mr. Tyabji informed members of the VeriFone Board of the discussions
concerning a possible acquisition of VeriFone by HP.
On March 4, 1997, Messrs. Tyabji, Belluzzo and Watts met to discuss the
status of the discussions held between the parties during the prior week and a
timetable for moving forward with further discussions.
On March 4, 1997, VeriFone engaged DMG as its financial advisor in
connection with a possible acquisition of VeriFone.
On March 7, 1997, representatives of VeriFone, including Mr. Tyabji, met
with representatives of HP, including Mr. Belluzzo, to summarize the discussions
between the parties during the prior week and to develop a valuation of
VeriFone's business.
On March 8, 1997, representatives of VeriFone presented VeriFone's business
and financial plans to representatives of HP and certain outside consultants to
HP.
On March 8, 1997, HP engaged Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("Morgan
Stanley") as its financial advisor in connection with a possible acquisition of
VeriFone.
On March 11, 1997, the VeriFone Board held a special meeting to discuss the
status of discussions between VeriFone and HP and other matters. VeriFone's
legal and financial advisors participated in this meeting.
On March 12, 1997, Messrs. Tyabji and Belluzzo discussed by telephone the
valuation of VeriFone, the possible structure of an acquisition of VeriFone by
HP, and the schedule for such a transaction.
On March 15, 1997, the VeriFone Board held a special meeting to discuss
further the status of discussions between VeriFone and HP, the potential
valuation of VeriFone and other matters. DMG made a financial presentation at
this meeting.
On March 19, 1997, HP commenced a general due diligence review of VeriFone,
through discussions with representatives of VeriFone and a review of various
materials provided to HP by VeriFone.
On March 20, 1997, Lewis Platt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of HP, and Robert Wayman, Executive Vice President, Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer of HP, and Messrs. Belluzzo and Osaka
of HP, met with Mr. Tyabji to discuss VeriFone's business and the schedule for
moving forward on a possible acquisition of VeriFone by HP.
Over the period from March 19 to March 21, 1997, Mr. Belluzzo presented the
proposed transaction to the HP Board in a series of meetings and telephone
calls.
On March 21, 1997, Mr. Belluzzo communicated by electronic mail to Mr.
Tyabji certain concerns raised by members of the HP Board related to the
valuation of VeriFone, integration of the two companies and retention of key
employees.
On March 22 and April 2, 1997, Messrs. Tyabji and Belluzzo spoke at length
(on March 22 by telephone and on April 2 in person) concerning the valuation,
integration and retention issues.
On April 5, 1997, Messrs. Tyabji and Belluzzo spoke by telephone to discuss
further the valuation of VeriFone.
Thereafter, representatives of HP and VeriFone and their advisors met
regularly to discuss due diligence issues, schedule and integration and
retention issues. During this period the financial advisors of
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the parties also discussed valuation issues, including whether the transaction
would be structured with a fixed exchange ratio or a formula exchange ratio tied
to a specific price.
On April 9, 1997, HP presented to VeriFone detailed terms of the proposed
acquisition through a draft Reorganization Agreement. Among the terms proposed
were a "break-up" fee equal to 3.5% of the transaction value payable by VeriFone
to HP under certain circumstances if the acquisition transaction were not to
close, and a stock option agreement to be entered into by VeriFone giving HP the
right to purchase newly-issued VeriFone Common Stock under certain
circumstances.
On April 11, 1997, representatives of HP, including Mr. Belluzzo, met with
representatives of VeriFone, including Mr. Tyabji, in Phoenix, Arizona to
discuss further the retention plans for certain VeriFone employees, the proposed
organization structure of VeriFone following the acquisition, and communication
plans to employees following the announcement of the acquisition.
On April 11, 1997, the HP Board held a special meeting to review the status
of the proposed acquisition of VeriFone. At that meeting, the HP Board delegated
to its Executive Committee the authority to review and approve the final terms
and conditions of the proposed acquisition.
On April 14, 1997, at a regularly scheduled meeting of the VeriFone Board,
the VeriFone Board discussed the status of the transaction between VeriFone and
HP. VeriFone's legal and financial advisors participated in the meeting.
On April 15, 1997, representatives of HP and its advisers met with
representatives of VeriFone and its advisors to negotiate further the principal
terms of the proposed acquisition. After this meeting, a number of issues
remained open, including valuation, the proposed stock option and termination
fee, closing conditions, and events of termination. Thereafter negotiations and
due diligence activities continued.
On April 18, 1997, Messrs. Belluzzo and Tyabji had further discussions
concerning the valuation of VeriFone, and Mr. Belluzzo made a proposal of a
one-share-for-one-share fixed exchange ratio. On April 19, 1997, Messrs.
Belluzzo and Tyabji further discussed valuation issues and Mr. Tyabji agreed to
bring such exchange ratio proposal to the VeriFone Board.
On April 20, 21 and 22, 1997, representatives from HP and VeriFone, as well
as their respective counsel, met to negotiate and finalize the terms of the
Reorganization Agreement.
On April 22, 1997, the VeriFone Board met to review the status of the
transaction, including a review of the terms of the draft Reorganization
Agreement, which at that point no longer contemplated a grant by VeriFone to HP
of a stock option and contained a $30 million break-up fee triggered by a more
limited set of events than was contemplated in the first draft of the
Reorganization Agreement. The Board received presentations by VeriFone's counsel
and by DMG, including DMG's oral fairness opinion, and after discussion
unanimously approved the terms of the Reorganization Agreement and directed the
officers of VeriFone to finalize and execute the Reorganization Agreement. Also
on April 22, 1997, the Executive Committee of the HP Board authorized certain
officers and managers of HP to finalize the Reorganization Agreement and to
execute a definitive agreement calling for a one-share-for-one-share fixed
exchange ratio. The definitive Reorganization Agreement was executed on behalf
of HP, VeriFone and Merger Sub before the commencement of the business day on
April 23, 1997.
OPINION OF DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL INC.
VeriFone retained DMG to act as its financial advisor in connection with a
possible acquisition of VeriFone. DMG was selected by the VeriFone Board to act
as VeriFone's financial advisor based on DMG's qualifications, expertise and
reputation as well as DMG's investment banking relationship and familiarity with
VeriFone.
At the meeting of the VeriFone Board on April 22, 1997, DMG rendered its
oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing (the "Opinion"), that, as of
such date, based upon and subject to the various
25
<PAGE>
considerations set forth in the Opinion, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the
Reorganization Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the holders
of VeriFone Common Stock.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
ASSUMPTIONS MADE, PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, MATTERS CONSIDERED, AND LIMITATIONS ON
THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY DMG IN RENDERING THE OPINION, IS ATTACHED
AS ANNEX B TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED
TO READ THE OPINION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY. DMG DID NOT RECOMMEND TO
VERIFONE THAT ANY SPECIFIC EXCHANGE RATIO CONSTITUTED THE APPROPRIATE EXCHANGE
RATIO FOR THE MERGER. THE OPINION ADDRESSES ONLY THE FAIRNESS OF THE EXCHANGE
RATIO FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW TO THE HOLDERS OF VERIFONE COMMON STOCK AS
OF THE DATE OF THE OPINION, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY
STOCKHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH STOCKHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS
MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION.
In rendering the Opinion, DMG, among other things, (i) analyzed certain
publicly available financial statements and other information of HP and
VeriFone; (ii) analyzed certain internal financial statements and other
financial and operating data concerning VeriFone prepared by the management of
VeriFone; (iii) analyzed certain financial projections relating to VeriFone
prepared by the management of VeriFone; (iv) discussed the past and current
operations and financial condition and the prospects of VeriFone with senior
executives of VeriFone; (v) discussed the past and current operations and
financial condition and the prospects of HP with senior executives of HP; (vi)
analyzed the pro forma impact of the Merger on the earnings per share and
consolidated capitalization of HP; (vii) reviewed the reported prices and
trading activity for VeriFone Common Stock; (viii) compared the financial
performance of VeriFone and the prices and trading activity of VeriFone Common
Stock with those of certain other publicly-traded companies which DMG deemed to
be relevant and their securities; (ix) reviewed the reported prices and trading
activity for HP Common Stock; (x) compared the financial performance of HP and
the prices and trading activity of HP Common Stock with those of certain other
publicly-traded companies which DMG deemed to be relevant; (xi) reviewed the
financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain merger and
acquisition transactions which DMG deemed to be relevant; (xii) participated in
discussions and negotiations among representatives of VeriFone and HP and their
respective financial and legal advisors; (xiii) reviewed the Reorganization
Agreement; and (xiv) performed such other analyses and considered such other
factors as DMG deemed appropriate.
In rendering the Opinion, DMG assumed and relied upon, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by it
for the purposes of the Opinion. DMG assumed that the financial projections
provided by VeriFone were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance
of VeriFone. DMG was not provided with, and therefore did not review, any
internal financial projections or forecasts relating to future operations or
prospects of HP. Based on HP's representation that its internal forecasts for
the remainder of its fiscal year ending October 31, 1997 were within the range
of publicly available estimates of research analysts, DMG assumed that such
estimates were a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate and analyze the future
financial performance of HP. With respect to the information furnished by HP and
VeriFone, and with respect to the information discussed with the managements of
HP and VeriFone regarding their views of future operations, DMG assumed that
such information was reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently
available estimates and judgments of HP's or VeriFone's management as to the
competitive, operating and regulatory environments and related financial
performance of HP and VeriFone, as the case may be, for the relevant periods.
DMG did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets,
liabilities or technology of HP or VeriFone, respectively, and it was not
furnished with any such appraisals. DMG assumed that the Merger will be
accounted for as a pooling-of-interests business combination in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles and will be consummated in accordance
with the terms set forth in the Reorganization Agreement. The Opinion is
necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and
the information made available to DMG as of, the date of the Opinion. DMG was
not authorized to solicit, and DMG did
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not solicit, interest from, nor did DMG negotiate with, any party, other than
HP, with respect to a possible acquisition of or other business combination
involving all or any part of VeriFone or any of its assets.
The following is a summary of the analysis performed by DMG in preparation
of the Opinion, and reviewed with the VeriFone Board at a meeting held on April
22, 1997. This analysis was provided to the Board of Directors of VeriFone for
background information only and was one of the many factors considered by DMG in
rendering its Opinion. No conclusions can be independently drawn from any
individual part of the analysis described below. In rendering the Opinion, DMG
noted that the Exchange Ratio, based on the closing trading price of $49.88 for
HP Common Stock on April 18, 1997 and an average closing price of $53.32 for HP
Common Stock over the 30 days up to and including April 18, 1997, represented
implied values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of $49.88 and $53.52,
respectively. At the April 22, 1997 VeriFone Board meeting, DMG noted that the
trading prices of HP Common Stock and VeriFone Common Stock had not changed
materially since April 18, 1997.
PEER GROUP COMPARISON: DMG examined certain available financial and market
information of approximately 60 selected publicly traded companies in various
sectors of the technology industry which were deemed comparable to at least some
portion of VeriFone's business for purposes of DMG's financial analysis. Such
sectors included categories which DMG identified as electronic commerce
service/processors, high growth electronic commerce, electronic commerce
systems, enterprise applications, value-added networking hardware and enterprise
systems. Such financial and market information included, among other things,
market valuation, stock price as a multiple of earnings per share and aggregate
market valuation as a multiple of revenues. The multiples are based on a
compilation of publicly available information and earnings forecasts by
securities research analysts.
PRESENT VALUE ANALYSIS--TOTAL COMPANY ESTIMATES: As part of its analysis,
DMG computed a range of values per share of VeriFone Common Stock based on the
mean analyst consensus estimates published by First Call and management
estimates of the earnings for the calendar years 1997 and 1998 and a range of
price to earnings per share multiples based on DMG's industry sample of 18.0 to
25.0 times for calendar year 1997 and 16.0 to 20.0 times for calendar year 1998.
Based on this analysis, DMG computed a range of values per share of VeriFone
Common Stock of $32.76 to $46.25 based upon calendar year 1997 earnings
estimates and $35.52 and $49.20 based upon calendar year 1998 earnings
estimates.
DMG also performed an analysis of the present value per share of VeriFone
Common Stock based on the First Call consensus and management estimates of
earnings for calendar year 2000 and a range of price to earnings per share
multiples based on DMG's industry sample of 17.5 to 22.5 times at a range of
discount rates of 15.0% to 30.0%. Based on this analysis, DMG computed a range
of present values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of $36.74 to $45.66.
PRESENT VALUE ANALYSIS--COMPONENT ESTIMATES: DMG calculated a range of
values per share of VeriFone Common Stock based on management estimates of the
revenues and earnings from each of the systems business ("Systems Business") and
the software business ("Software Business") (collectively, the "Businesses") of
VeriFone; the sum of the Businesses' revenues and earnings being equal to
management estimates of the total revenues and earnings of VeriFone. Based on a
range of price to earnings per share multiples for calendar year 1997 based on
DMG's industry sample of 17.5 to 20.0 times for the Systems Business and a range
of aggregate value to calendar year 1997 revenue multiples based on DMG's
industry sample of 3.0 to 5.0 times for the Software Business, DMG computed a
range of values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of $39.41 to $49.86. In
addition, based on a range of price to earnings per share multiples for calendar
year 1998 based on DMG's industry sample of 15.0 to 17.5 times for the Systems
Business and 20.0 to 30.0 based on DMG's industry sample times for the Software
Business, DMG computed a range of values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of
$39.58 to $49.79.
DMG also performed an analysis of the present value per share of VeriFone
Common Stock based on management estimates of the earnings applicable to each of
the Businesses for calendar year 2000 and a
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range of price to earnings per share multiples of 12.5 to 15.0 times and a
discount rate of 15.0% for the Systems Business and a range of price to earnings
per share multiples of 20.0 to 25.0 times and a discount rate of 25.0% for the
Software Business. Based on this analysis, DMG computed a range of present
values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of $40.26 to $49.23. DMG also
performed a discounted cash flow analysis (I.E., an analysis of the present
value of the projected unlevered free cash flows) of VeriFone for the years 1997
through 2000. Based on VeriFone management estimates of VeriFone's unlevered
cash flow for the years 1997 through 2000 at a discount rate of 15.0% combined
with the range of present values of the VeriFone Common Stock previously
described in this paragraph, DMG computed a range of present values per share of
VeriFone Common Stock of $43.13 to $52.10.
HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATIO ANALYSIS: DMG reviewed the historical trading
prices for VeriFone Common Stock and HP Common Stock, separately, and in
comparison to each other. DMG also reviewed the ratios of the daily closing
stock prices of VeriFone Common Stock to HP Common Stock for each day over
various periods, starting as far back as December 31, 1994 and ending April 18,
1997 and computed the premiums represented by the Exchange Ratio over the
average of these ratios. The average of the ratios of the daily closing stock
prices of VeriFone Common Stock to HP Common Stock for the various periods
ending on April 18, 1997 were 0.770 for the period since January 1, 1995; 0.759
for the previous 180 days; 0.633 for the previous 90 days; 0.649 for the
previous 60 days; 0.641 for the previous 30 days; 0.639 for the
previous 20 days; 0.660 for the previous 10 days; and 0.591 for April 18, 1997.
The Exchange Ratio represented a premium of 29.9%, 31.8%, 58.1%, 54.1%, 55.9%,
56.4%, 51.4% and 69.1%, respectively, over the aforementioned ratios of the
prices of VeriFone Common Stock to HP Common Stock.
PREMIUM ANALYSIS: DMG reviewed 50 stock-for-stock acquisition transactions
involving companies in the technology sector since 1987, none of which were
deemed directly comparable to the Merger. Such analysis showed transaction
exchange ratios resulting in average premiums of approximately 20.9%, 32.3%,
37.4%, 40.5%, 36.7% and 30.7% over the average of the ratios of the closing
stock prices of the companies involved in such mergers over the one year,
90-day, 60-day, 30-day, 10-day and one day periods ending the day preceding the
public announcement of these transactions, respectively. In addition, DMG
applied these average premiums to the observed ratios of the daily closing stock
prices of VeriFone Common Stock to HP Common Stock (as described above) and
computed implied values per share of VeriFone Common Stock of $48.37, $41.74,
$44.47, $44.95, $45.02 and $38.54 for the respective comparable periods ending
on April 18, 1997.
SELECTED PRECEDENT TRANSACTIONS: DMG reviewed 23 acquisition transactions
since 1994 involving companies involved in electronic commerce, none of which
were deemed directly comparable to the Merger. DMG compared some of the
financial statistics for these transactions with those for the Merger. The
analysis showed a median premium paid by the acquiring company over the market
price of the target company one day prior to public announcement of these
transactions of 25.4% and median multiples of aggregate value paid for the
target company to latest twelve months revenues of the target company of 2.03
times and equity value paid for the target company to latest twelve months
earnings of the target company of 32.3 times. DMG computed various multiples and
the premium to the price of VeriFone Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio
and the closing stock price of HP Common Stock of $49.875 on April 18, 1997.
Such analyses resulted in multiples of 2.5 times latest twelve months revenue,
31.6 times latest twelve months earnings, and a premium of 69.1% to the price of
VeriFone Common Stock on April 18, 1997.
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PRO FORMA ANALYSIS OF THE MERGER: DMG analyzed certain pro forma effects of
the Merger on the earnings and capitalization of HP. Such analysis was based on
First Call consensus estimates for HP and VeriFone. Based on such analysis, DMG
observed that, based on the Exchange Ratio and assuming that the Merger was
treated as a pooling-of-interests business combination for accounting purposes,
before taking into account any one-time restructuring charges, the Merger would
result in earnings per share dilution for HP stockholders of 1.0% for the each
of calendar years 1997 and 1998.
DMG performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses for the
purpose of rendering the Opinion. While the foregoing summary describes all
material analyses and factors reviewed by DMG with the VeriFone Board, it does
not purport to be a complete description of the presentations by DMG to the
VeriFone Board or the analyses performed by DMG in arriving at the Opinion. The
preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. DMG believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses
and factors, could create a misleading view of the processes underlying the
Opinion. In addition, DMG may have given various analyses more or less weight
than other analyses, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less
probable than other assumptions, so that the range of valuations resulting from
any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be DMG's view of
the actual value of VeriFone or HP. In performing its analyses, DMG made
numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and
economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
VeriFone or HP. The analyses performed by DMG are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the
value of businesses or assets do not purport to be appraisals or to necessarily
reflect the prices at which businesses or assets may actually be sold. The
analyses performed were prepared solely as part of DMG's analysis of the
fairness of the Exchange Ratio, from a financial point of view, to the holders
of VeriFone Common Stock and were provided to the VeriFone Board in connection
with the delivery of the Opinion.
VeriFone has agreed to pay DMG a fee for its financial advisory services in
connection with the Merger, including, among other things, rendering the Opinion
and making the presentation referred to above. Pursuant to a letter agreement
between VeriFone and DMG dated March 4, 1997, VeriFone has agreed to pay DMG, in
the event the Merger is consummated, a transaction fee of 0.45% to 0.54% of the
aggregate value of the Merger. For purposes of computing the transaction fee,
the aggregate value of the Merger will depend upon the closing share price of HP
Common Stock during the ten trading days up to and including the day preceding
the Closing Date. In addition, VeriFone has agreed to reimburse DMG for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement,
and to indemnify DMG and certain related persons against certain liabilities and
expenses arising out of or in conjunction with its rendering of services under
its engagement, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
In the past, affiliates of DMG have provided financing services to HP. DMG,
as part of its investment banking business, is continuously engaged in the
valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and
valuations for corporate and other purposes. DMG is an internationally
recognized investment banking and advisory firm. In the ordinary course of its
business, DMG may actively trade the securities of VeriFone and HP for its own
account and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time
hold a long or short position in such securities.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the VeriFone Board with respect to the
Reorganization Agreement and the Merger, holders of shares of VeriFone Common
Stock should be aware that certain executive officers and directors of VeriFone
have certain interests in the Merger that are in addition to the
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interests of holders of VeriFone Common Stock generally. The VeriFone Board has
considered these interests, among other matters, in approving the Reorganization
Agreement and the Merger.
STOCK OPTIONS AND PHANTOM STOCK GRANTS. At the Effective Time, each
outstanding option issued pursuant to the VeriFone Amended and Restated 1992
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), the VeriFone
Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "ISO Plan"), and the
VeriFone Amended and Restated 1987 Supplemental Stock Option Plan (the
"Supplemental Plan") will be assumed by HP. Each option so assumed will continue
to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set forth in the stock
option plan under which it was issued and the stock option agreement by which it
is evidenced, except that each option will be or become exercisable for HP
Common Stock rather than VeriFone Common Stock. See "Terms of the
Merger--Treatment of Employee Equity Benefit Plans." All option agreements
entered into after August 8, 1995 under the ISO Plan and the Supplemental Plan
contain terms which provide that vesting of all options covered by such
agreements will accelerate upon the termination of an option holder's employment
under certain circumstances within one year following a change of control of
VeriFone. In addition, all option agreements entered into under the Directors'
Plan contain terms which provide that vesting of all options covered by such
agreements will accelerate immediately prior to a change of control of VeriFone.
The Merger will constitute such a change of control.
As of the Record Date, certain executive officers and directors of VeriFone
owned outstanding options to purchase up to an aggregate of 809,117 shares of
VeriFone Common Stock. Assuming that the Merger is consummated on June 29, 1997,
the following table shows: (i) the number of unvested options that would be held
by each director of VeriFone immediately prior to the consummation of the
Merger, the vesting of which would be accelerated as a result of the Merger; and
(ii) the number of unvested options that would be held by each executive officer
of VeriFone immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger, the vesting of
which might be accelerated within one year after consummation of the Merger
pursuant to the provisions described above:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS WHOSE VESTING MAY
OPTIONS WHOSE VESTING ACCELERATE WITHIN ONE
WOULD ACCELERATE YEAR
IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO AFTER CONSUMMATION OF THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER MERGER
BENEFICIAL OWNER (# OF UNDERLYING SHARES) (# OF UNDERLYING SHARES)
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF VERIFONE:
William G. Barmeier....................................... 30,065
Katherine Beall........................................... 26,557
Roger B. Bertman.......................................... 20,375
Eldon Bullington.......................................... 8,231
C. Lloyd Mahaffey......................................... 53,334
James A. Palmer........................................... 27,293
Hatim A. Tyabji........................................... 0
Joseph M. Zaelit.......................................... 30,606
OUTSIDE DIRECTORS OF VERIFONE:
H. H. Haight IV........................................... 9,444
J. Robert Harcharik....................................... 6,111
Thomas E. Peterson........................................ 8,889
John R.C. Porter.......................................... 9,444
Clinton V. Silver......................................... 17,222
A. Michael Spence......................................... 10,000
R. Elton White............................................ 6,667
</TABLE>
The exercise prices for the options listed in the table above range between
$19.50 and $41.00 per share.
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In addition to the foregoing, each phantom stock grant (each a "Phantom
Grant") outstanding under VeriFone's 1996 Restricted Phantom Stock Plan (the
"1996 Phantom Plan"), whether or not exercisable, will be assumed by HP. Each
Phantom Grant so assumed by HP will continue to have, and be subject to, the
same terms and conditions set forth in the 1996 Phantom Plan and the phantom
stock agreement by which it is evidenced, except that the redemption value per
share after the Effective Time will be calculated based on the fair market value
of a share of HP Common Stock. See "Terms of the Merger--Treatment of Employee
Equity Benefit Plans." Agreements entered into under the 1996 Phantom Plan
contain provisions which provide that the vesting of all Phantom Grants granted
under the 1996 Phantom Plan will accelerate upon the termination of a Phantom
Grant holder's employment under certain circumstances at any time following a
change of control of VeriFone. The Merger will constitute such a change of
control.
Agreements entered into under VeriFone's 1997 Restricted Phantom Stock Plan
(the "1997 Phantom Plan") contain terms which provide that the stock granted
under the 1997 Phantom Plan will be issued immediately prior to a change of
control of VeriFone. The Merger constitutes such a change of control.
As of the Record Date, Roger Bertman, Vice President, Corporate Development
of VeriFone, held 25,000 shares of restricted phantom stock under the 1996
Phantom Plan, and Lloyd Mahaffey, Senior Vice President and General Manager,
Global Marketing and Software Systems Division of VeriFone, held 10,000 shares
of restricted phantom stock under the 1997 Phantom Plan.
RETENTION ARRANGEMENTS. Mr. Tyabji has requested that neither VeriFone nor
HP provide to him any retention or severance benefits in connection with the
Merger. Accordingly, no retention or severance arrangements have been entered
into with Mr. Tyabji in connection with the Merger. VeriFone has agreed to
provide retention benefits (the "Retention Benefits") to certain of its
employees, including six executive officers of VeriFone (other than Mr. Tyabji),
who remain with VeriFone and/or HP following the Merger for specified periods of
time (or who are terminated without cause by VeriFone or HP during such
specified periods). Entitlement to the Retention Benefits is conditioned upon
the closing of the Merger.
Three executive officers of VeriFone whose responsibilities are expected to
decrease following the Merger have entered into retention arrangements that
provide for a payment of cash in an amount equal to one year's annual total cash
compensation on the six-month anniversary of the Effective Time and a payment of
cash equal to one year's annual total cash compensation on the nine-month
anniversary of the Effective Time, if the employee is still employed by VeriFone
or HP at those times (and such payments will accelerate if the employee is
terminated by VeriFone or HP prior to such times for any reason other than
cause). The early payment will not be made if such employee voluntarily
terminates his employment for any reason, including "constructive termination."
Three other executive officers of VeriFone have entered into retention
arrangements that provide for (i) a payment of cash in an amount equal to one
year's annual total cash compensation on the nine-month anniversary of the
Effective Time if the employee is still employed by VeriFone or HP at that time,
and (ii) a grant of shares of restricted HP Common Stock under the HP 1995
Incentive Stock Plan having a value equal to one year's annual total cash
compensation, which shares will be granted upon the Effective Time and which
will fully vest on the eighteen-month anniversary of the Effective Time provided
such person is an employee of VeriFone or HP at that time. The cash payment
referred to in clause (i) of this paragraph will accelerate if the employee is
terminated by VeriFone or HP, for any reason other than cause, prior to the date
such cash payment is to be paid. The early payment referred to in the preceding
sentence will not be made if the employee voluntarily terminates his or her
employment for any reason, including "constructive termination." Two of the
three executive officers also will each receive a cash payment if such employee
terminates his employment within twenty-four months of the Effective Time
because VeriFone or HP eliminates such employee's then current position and
there is no comparable position for such employee within VeriFone or HP. The
amount of such cash payment is equal to (i) one year's annual total cash
compensation if VeriFone or HP eliminates such employee's position before the
eighteen-month anniversary of the Closing, or (ii) one-half year's total cash
compensation if VeriFone or
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HP eliminates such employee's position during the period between the
eighteen-month anniversary and the twenty-four month anniversary of the Closing.
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, HP
agreed that, after the Effective Time, it will cause the Surviving Corporation
to provide certain indemnification and liability insurance benefits to certain
indemnified parties, including directors and executive officers of VeriFone. See
"Terms of the Merger--Indemnification and Insurance."
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax
considerations relevant to the conversion of shares of VeriFone Common Stock
into HP Common Stock pursuant to the Merger that are generally applicable to
holders of VeriFone Common Stock. This discussion is based on currently existing
provisions of the Code, existing and proposed Treasury Regulations thereunder
and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject
to change. Any such change, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the
tax consequences to HP, VeriFone or VeriFone's stockholders as described herein.
VeriFone stockholders should be aware that this discussion does not deal
with all federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular
VeriFone stockholders in light of their particular circumstances, such as
stockholders who are dealers in securities, who are subject to the alternative
minimum tax provisions of the Code, who are foreign persons, who do not hold
their VeriFone Common Stock as capital assets or who acquired their shares in
connection with stock option or stock purchase plans or in other compensatory
transactions. In addition, the following discussion does not address the tax
consequences of the Merger under foreign, state or local tax laws, the tax
consequences of transactions effectuated prior or subsequent to, or concurrently
with, the Merger (whether or not any such transactions are undertaken in
connection with the Merger), including without limitation any transaction in
which shares of VeriFone Common Stock are acquired or shares of HP Common Stock
are disposed of, or the tax consequences of the assumption by HP of the VeriFone
options. Accordingly, VERIFONE STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING
THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES.
The Merger is intended to constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning
of the Code (a "Reorganization"), in which case, subject to the limitations and
qualifications referred to herein, the Merger will generally result in the
following federal income tax consequences:
(a) No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of VeriFone Common Stock
solely as a result of the conversion of their shares of VeriFone Common Stock
into shares of HP Common Stock in the Merger.
(b) The aggregate tax basis of the HP Common Stock received by VeriFone
stockholders in the Merger will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the
VeriFone Common Stock converted pursuant to the Merger.
(c) The holding period of the HP Common Stock received by each VeriFone
stockholder in the Merger will include the period for which the VeriFone Common
Stock surrendered in exchange therefor was considered to be held, provided that
the VeriFone Common Stock so surrendered is held as a capital asset at the time
of the Merger.
(d) Neither HP nor VeriFone will recognize any gain solely as a result of
the Merger.
The parties are not requesting a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") in connection with the Merger. The obligations of each of HP and
VeriFone to effect the Merger are contingent on receipt of an opinion from their
respective counsel (the General Tax Counsel of HP and Cooley Godward LLP,
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<PAGE>
respectively), to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes, the Merger
will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code. These opinions, which are collectively referred to herein as the "Tax
Opinions," will neither bind the IRS nor preclude the IRS from adopting a
contrary position. In addition, the Tax Opinions will be subject to certain
assumptions and qualifications and will be based on the truth and accuracy of
certain representations made by HP, Merger Sub and VeriFone, including
representations in certificates delivered to counsel by the respective
managements of HP, Merger Sub and VeriFone. Of particular importance are those
assumptions and representations relating to the "continuity of interest"
requirement.
To satisfy the continuity of interest requirement, VeriFone stockholders
must not, pursuant to a plan or intent existing at or prior to the Merger,
dispose of or transfer so much of either (i) their VeriFone Common Stock in
anticipation of the Merger or (ii) the HP Common Stock to be received in the
Merger (collectively, "Planned Dispositions"), such that VeriFone stockholders,
as a group, would no longer have a significant equity interest in the VeriFone
business being conducted after the Merger. VeriFone stockholders will generally
be regarded as having a significant equity interest as long as the number of
shares of HP Common Stock received in the Merger less the number of shares
subject to Planned Dispositions (if any) represents, in the aggregate, a
substantial portion of the entire consideration received by the VeriFone
stockholders in the Merger. No assurance can be made that the continuity of
interest requirement will be satisfied, and if such requirement is not
satisfied, that the Merger would not be treated as a Reorganization. The Tax
Opinions rely in part on representations from HP and VeriFone relating to the
continuity of interest requirement.
A successful IRS challenge to the Reorganization status of the Merger (as a
result of a failure to satisfy the continuity of interest requirement or
otherwise) would result in VeriFone stockholders recognizing taxable gain or
loss with respect to each share of VeriFone Common Stock surrendered equal to
the difference between the stockholder's basis in such share and the fair market
value, as of the Effective Time, of the HP Common Stock received in exchange
therefor. In such event, a stockholder's aggregate basis in the HP Common Stock
so received would equal its fair market value, and the stockholder's holding
period for such stock would begin the day after the Merger.
GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS
Under the HSR Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder by the FTC, the
Merger cannot be consummated until notifications have been given to the FTC or
the Antitrust Division and the specified waiting period has expired or
terminated early. The notifications required under the HSR Act have been
furnished to the FTC and the Antitrust Division and the specified waiting period
under the HSR Act for the Merger is expected to expire on June 8, 1997, assuming
no request for further information from either the FTC or the Antitrust Division
is received. In addition, in connection with the consummation of the Merger,
certain notification and waiting period requirements under antitrust laws in a
number of European countries will be complied with. In general, the waiting
periods in the applicable European countries expire 30 days after notification
is filed, unless extended by the applicable regulatory authority. HP intends to
file such notifications promptly. At any time before or after consummation of
the Merger, and notwithstanding the expiration of the applicable waiting periods
under the HSR Act and other applicable antitrust laws, the Antitrust Division,
the FTC or any state or foreign governmental authority could take such action
under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public
interest. Such action could include seeking to enjoin the consummation of the
Merger or seeking divestiture of VeriFone or businesses of HP or VeriFone by HP.
Private parties may also seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws
under certain circumstances.
Based on information available to them, HP and VeriFone believe that the
Merger will be effected in compliance with federal, state and foreign antitrust
laws. However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the consummation of
the Merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or that, if such a challenge
were made, HP and VeriFone would prevail.
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<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger is intended to qualify as a pooling of interests for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
This accounting method would permit the recorded assets and liabilities of
VeriFone to be carried forward to the consolidated financial statements of HP at
their recorded historical amounts. Consummation of the Merger is conditioned
upon (i) receipt by HP of a letter from its independent accountants dated the
Closing Date to the effect that such accountants concur with HP management's
conclusion that pooling-of-interests accounting for the Merger is appropriate,
and (ii) receipt by VeriFone of a letter from its independent auditors dated on
the Closing Date to the effect that such auditors concur with VeriFone
management's conclusion that no conditions exist relating to VeriFone that would
preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Under Section 262 of the DGCL, appraisal rights are generally available to
stockholders of a constituent Delaware corporation in connection with a merger.
However, appraisal rights are not available to the stockholders of a constituent
Delaware corporation if (i) as of the record date for the meeting of
stockholders to approve the merger, the corporation's stock is either (a) listed
on a national securities exchange or (b) held of record by more than 2,000
stockholders; and (ii) the consideration to be received by such stockholders in
the merger consists only of (a) shares of the capital stock of the corporation
surviving the merger, (b) shares of the capital stock of any other corporation
provided that such stock, as of the date on which the merger becomes effective,
is either (1) listed on a national securities exchange or (2) held of record by
more than 2,000 stockholders, (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares, or (d) a
combination of the foregoing.
Since VeriFone Common Stock was listed on the NYSE as of the close of
business on the Record Date and since the holders of VeriFone Common Stock will
receive shares of HP Common Stock, which will be listed on the NYSE and held of
record by more than 2,000 stockholders, the holders of VeriFone Common Stock are
not entitled to appraisal rights under the DGCL in connection with the Merger.
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<PAGE>
TERMS OF THE MERGER
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX A TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. HOWEVER, THE
FOLLOWING IS NOT A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF ALL PROVISIONS OF THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS. STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WITH RESPECT TO THE TERMS OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
AND SUCH RELATED AGREEMENTS ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ENTIRETIES BY
REFERENCE TO THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THE REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND SUCH RELATED AGREEMENTS.
EFFECTIVE TIME
Subject to the provisions of the Reorganization Agreement, HP, VeriFone and
Merger Sub shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with
the relevant provisions of Delaware law as soon as practicable on or after the
Closing Date (the time of such filing (or such later time as may be agreed in
writing by the parties and specified in the Certificate of Merger) being the
"Effective Time" of the Merger). The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall
take place at the offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati at a time and date
to be specified by the parties within two business days after satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions set forth in the Reorganization Agreement or at such
other date, time and location as HP, Merger Sub and VeriFone may agree. The
Closing is currently anticipated to occur on or about June 25, 1997.
MANNER AND BASIS FOR CONVERTING SHARES
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the
part of Merger Sub, VeriFone or the holders of any of the following securities,
each share of VeriFone Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time (other than any shares of VeriFone Common Stock owned by HP,
VeriFone, Merger Sub or any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of HP or
VeriFone) will be canceled and extinguished and automatically converted into one
share of HP Common Stock.
Each share of VeriFone Common Stock owned by HP, VeriFone, Merger Sub or any
direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of HP or VeriFone immediately prior
to the Effective Time will be canceled and extinguished without any conversion
thereof.
At the Effective Time, all options to purchase VeriFone Common Stock then
outstanding under the ISO Plan, the Supplemental Plan, the Directors' Plan and
the Enterprise Integration Technologies Corporation 1991 Stock Plan, as amended
(collectively, the "VeriFone Option Plans"); all Phantom Grants then outstanding
under the 1996 Phantom Plan, the 1997 Phantom Plan and VeriFone's Phantom Stock
Option Agreements for VeriFone employees in India (collectively, the "VeriFone
Phantom Stock Plans"); all then outstanding rights to acquire shares of VeriFone
Common Stock under VeriFone's Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the "ESPP"); all Enterprise Integration Technologies Corporation Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreements; and all then outstanding rights to receive cash under
the SHA Stock Bonus Plan Scheme for 1997 and the India Stock Bonus Plan Scheme
for 1997 (collectively, the "Foreign Phantom Stock Plans") will be assumed by
HP. See "--Treatment of Employee Equity Benefit Plans."
Each share of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Merger Sub issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into
one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock, $0.01
par value per share, of the Surviving Corporation. Each certificate evidencing
ownership of shares of Merger Sub Common Stock will evidence ownership of such
shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
The Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to reflect appropriately the effect of
any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend (including any dividend or
distribution of securities convertible into HP Common
35
<PAGE>
Stock or VeriFone Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification or other like change with respect to HP Common Stock or
VeriFone Common Stock occurring or having a record date on or after the date of
the Reorganization Agreement and prior to the Effective Time.
Promptly after the Effective Time, HP, acting through the Exchange Agent,
will deliver to each holder of record as of the Effective Time a certificate or
certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
outstanding shares of VeriFone Common Stock a letter of transmittal with
instructions to be used by such holder in surrendering such certificates in
exchange for certificates representing shares of HP Common Stock. CERTIFICATES
SHOULD NOT BE SURRENDERED BY THE HOLDERS OF VERIFONE COMMON STOCK UNTIL SUCH
HOLDERS RECEIVE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT, AND THEN ONLY
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEE EQUITY BENEFIT PLANS
STOCK OPTIONS. At the Effective Time, each option outstanding pursuant to
the VeriFone option Plans, whether or not exercisable, will be assumed by HP and
will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set
forth in the stock option plan under which it was issued and the stock option
agreement by which it is evidenced (including, to the extent permissible, with
respect to the status as an "incentive stock option" under Section 422 of the
Code), except that each option will be or become exercisable for HP Common Stock
rather than VeriFone Common Stock. See "Approval of the Merger and Related
Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" for a discussion of
certain options held by directors and executive officers.
PHANTOM GRANTS. At the Effective Time, each Phantom Grant outstanding under
the VeriFone Phantom Stock Plans, whether or not exercisable, will be assumed by
HP. Each Phantom Grant so assumed by HP under the Reorganization Agreement will
continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set forth in
the applicable Phantom Stock Plan and the phantom stock agreement by which it is
evidenced, except that the redemption value per share after the Effective Time
will be calculated based on the fair market value of a share of HP Common Stock.
See "Approval of the Merger and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger" for a discussion of certain Phantom Grants held by
executive officers.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. At the Effective Time, each outstanding
purchase right (each an "Assumed Purchase Right" and, collectively, the "Assumed
Purchase Rights") under the ESPP will be deemed to constitute a purchase right
to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the ESPP
immediately prior to the Effective Time, a number of shares of HP Common Stock
determined as provided in the ESPP, except that the purchase price of such
shares of HP Common Stock under each Assumed Purchase Right will be the lower of
(i) 85% of the fair market value of VeriFone Common Stock on the offering date
of each assumed offering and (ii) 85% of the fair market value of HP Common
Stock on each exercise date of the assumed offering occurring after the
Effective Time.
FOREIGN PHANTOM STOCK PLANS. At the Effective Time, each outstanding right
to receive cash under the Foreign Phantom Stock Plans will be deemed to
constitute a right to receive cash, on the same terms and conditions as were
applicable under such plans immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that
the calculation of the right to receive cash will be made using the price of HP
Common Stock.
FORM S-8 FILING. HP has agreed to file with the SEC, as soon as reasonably
practical (and in any event within five days) after the Effective Time, a
registration statement on Form S-8 to register shares of HP Common Stock
issuable as the result of the assumption of the VeriFone options and Assumed
Purchase Rights.
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401(K) PLAN. Following consummation of the Merger, any shares of VeriFone
Common Stock held in or by the VeriFone 401(k) Retirement Savings and Investment
Plan will be converted into shares of HP Common Stock in accordance with the
Exchange Ratio.
STOCK OWNERSHIP FOLLOWING THE MERGER
Based upon the capitalization of VeriFone as of the close of business on the
Record Date, an aggregate of approximately 23,502,405 shares of Common Stock
will be issued to VeriFone stockholders in the Merger and HP will assume options
to acquire up to approximately 3,117,578 additional shares of VeriFone Common
Stock. Based upon the number of shares of HP Common Stock issued and outstanding
as of April 30, 1997, and after giving effect to the issuance of HP Common Stock
as described in the previous sentence and the exercise of all options to
purchase VeriFone Common Stock assumed by HP, the former holders of VeriFone
Common Stock and options to purchase VeriFone Common Stock would hold, and have
voting power with respect to, approximately 2.6% of HP's total issued and
outstanding shares. The foregoing numbers of shares and percentages are subject
to change to reflect any changes in the capitalization of either HP or VeriFone
subsequent to the dates indicated and prior to the Effective Time, and there can
be no assurance as to the actual capitalization of HP or VeriFone at the
Effective Time or HP at any time following the Effective Time.
EFFECT OF THE MERGER
Once the Merger is consummated, Merger Sub will cease to exist as a
corporation, and VeriFone will remain as the Surviving Corporation.
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, the Certificate of Incorporation
of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time will become the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and the By-laws of
Merger Sub will become the By-laws of the Surviving Corporation. The Board of
Directors of the Surviving Corporation will consist of the directors who are
serving as directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time. The
officers of VeriFone immediately prior to the Effective Time will be the
officers of the Surviving Corporation, until their successors are duly
appointed.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, each of VeriFone, HP and Merger
Sub made certain representations and warranties relating to its respective
business and various other matters. None of such representations and warranties
will survive the Merger.
CONDUCT OF VERIFONE'S BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE MERGER
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, VeriFone has agreed that, until
the earlier of the termination of the Reorganization Agreement pursuant to its
terms and the Effective Time, subject to certain exceptions, and except to the
extent that HP consents in writing, VeriFone will carry on its business, in all
material respects, in the usual, regular and ordinary course, and in compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations, pay its debts and taxes when due
subject to good faith disputes over such debts or taxes, pay or perform other
material obligations when due, and use its reasonable best efforts consistent
with past practices and policies (i) to preserve intact its present business
organization, (ii) to keep available the services of its present officers and
employees, and (iii) to preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers,
distributors, licensors, licensees, and others with which it has business
dealings.
In addition, except as permitted by the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement, and subject to certain exceptions, until the earlier of the
termination of the Reorganization Agreement pursuant to its terms and the
Effective Time, VeriFone has agreed not to do any of the following or permit its
subsidiaries to do any of the following without the prior written consent of HP:
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(a) Waive any stock repurchase rights, accelerate, amend or change the
period of exercisability of options or restricted stock, or reprice options
granted under any employee, consultant or director stock plans or authorize cash
payments in exchange for any options granted under any of such plans;
(b) Grant any severance or termination pay to any officer or employee except
payments in amounts consistent with policies and past practices or pursuant to
written agreements outstanding, or policies existing, on the date of the
Reorganization Agreement and as previously disclosed in writing or made
available to HP, or adopt any new severance plan;
(c) Transfer or license to any person or entity or otherwise extend the term
of any agreement with respect to, amend or modify in any material respect any
rights (including without limitation distribution rights) to its intellectual
property, or enter into assignments of future patent rights, other than non-
exclusive licenses and distribution rights in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with past practice;
(d) Declare or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions (whether
in cash, stock, equity securities or property) in respect of any capital stock
or split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or issue or authorize the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for any capital stock;
(e) Repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of
its capital stock, except repurchases of unvested shares at cost in connection
with the termination of the employment relationship with any employee pursuant
to agreements in effect as of the date of the Reorganization Agreement;
(f) Issue, deliver, sell, authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or
sale of, any shares of capital stock or any securities convertible into shares
of capital stock, or subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire any
shares of capital stock or any securities convertible into shares of capital
stock, or enter into other agreements or commitments of any character obligating
it to issue any such shares or convertible securities, other than the issuance
delivery and/or sale of (i) shares of VeriFone Common Stock pursuant to the
exercise of stock options therefor outstanding as of the date of the
Reorganization Agreement, (ii) shares of VeriFone Common Stock issuable to
participants in the ESPP consistent with the terms thereof, and (iii) shares of
VeriFone Common Stock upon the exercise of rights outstanding as of the date of
the Reorganization Agreement under the 1997 Phantom Plan;
(g) Cause, permit or propose any amendments to any charter document or bylaw
(or similar governing instruments of any subsidiaries);
(h) Acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by
purchasing any equity interest in or a material portion of the assets of, or by
any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership interest,
association or other business organization or division thereof, or otherwise
acquire or agree to acquire any assets which are material, individually or in
the aggregate, to its business or enter into any material joint ventures,
strategic partnerships or alliances;
(i) Sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or
assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to its business,
except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or lend
funds to any third party (other than intracompany loans and travel advances in
the ordinary course of business);
(j) Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than (i) in connection
with the financing of ordinary course trade payables; (ii) pursuant to existing
credit facilities or any modifications, renewals or replacements of such credit
facilities (it being understood that the maximum amount of borrowing which may
be made under such credit facilities may be increased by up to 20% of the
current maximum amount) in the ordinary course of business; (iii) in connection
with leasing activities in the ordinary course of business; or (iv) for tax
planning purposes in the ordinary course of business) or guarantee any
indebtedness of any person for borrowed money (except that VeriFone may
guarantee any indebtedness of any of
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its subsidiaries, and any such subsidiary may guarantee any indebtedness of
VeriFone or of any other subsidiary of VeriFone), or issue or sell any debt
securities or warrants or rights to acquire debt securities of VeriFone or
guarantee any debt securities of others;
(k) Adopt or amend any employee benefit plan or employee stock purchase or
employee stock option plan, enter into any employment contract (other than (i)
offer letters and letter agreements with employees who are terminable "at will,"
(ii) as required by law, or (iii) employment contracts that are customarily
entered into outside the United States), pay any special bonus or special
remuneration to any director or employee other than in the ordinary course of
business, consistent with past practice, or increase the salaries or wage rates
of its officers or employees other than in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practice;
(l) Make any payments outside of the ordinary course of business in excess
of $1 million for purposes of settling any dispute;
(m) Take any action, or permit any of its affiliates to take any action,
that would be reasonably likely to interfere with HP's ability to account for
the Merger as a pooling of interests whether or not otherwise permitted by the
Reorganization Agreement;
(n) Enter into any material agreement requiring the consent or approval of
any third party with respect to the Merger; or
(o) Agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the foregoing actions.
NO SOLICITATION
Under the terms of the Reorganization Agreement, VeriFone has agreed that,
until the earlier of the Effective Time and termination of the Reorganization
Agreement pursuant to its terms, it and its subsidiaries will not, and it will
instruct its directors, officers, employees, representatives, investment
bankers, agents and affiliates not to, directly or indirectly (i) solicit or
knowingly encourage submission of, any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below)
by any person, entity or group (other than HP and its affiliates, agents and
representatives), or (ii) participate in any discussions or negotiations with,
or disclose any non-public information concerning VeriFone or any of its
subsidiaries to, or afford any access to the properties, books or records of
VeriFone or any of its subsidiaries to, or otherwise assist or facilitate, or
enter into any agreement or understanding with, any person, entity or group
(other than HP and its affiliates, agents and representatives), in connection
with any Acquisition Proposal with respect to VeriFone. An "Acquisition
Proposal" means any proposal or offer for (i) any merger, consolidation, sale of
substantial assets or similar transactions involving VeriFone or any of its
material subsidiaries (other than sales of assets or inventory in the ordinary
course of business or as permitted under the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement), (ii) sale by VeriFone of any shares of capital stock of VeriFone
except as may be permitted by the Reorganization Agreement, (iii) the
acquisition by any person (including without limitation by way of a tender offer
or an exchange offer) of beneficial ownership or a right to acquire beneficial
ownership of, or the formation of any "group" (as defined under Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder) which beneficially
owns, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 10% or more of the
then outstanding shares of capital stock of VeriFone (except for acquisitions in
the market for passive investment purposes of not more than 15% of the then
outstanding shares of capital stock of VeriFone only in circumstances where the
person or group qualifies for filing a Schedule 13G report under the Exchange
Act with respect thereto and is not and does not become obligated to file a
Schedule 13D report under the Exchange Act), or (iv) any public announcement of
a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the foregoing or any agreement to
engage in any of the foregoing. Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement,
VeriFone further agreed to cease any and all activities, discussions or
negotiations with any parties conducted prior to the date of the Reorganization
Agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal. In addition, VeriFone agreed
that it will (i) notify HP as promptly as practicable if it receives any
Acquisition Proposal or written inquiry or any written request
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for information or access in connection with a potential Acquisition Proposal,
and (ii) as promptly as practicable notify HP of the significant terms and
conditions of any such Acquisition Proposal. In addition, subject to the other
provisions of the section of the Reorganization Agreement summarized here,
VeriFone agreed that, from and after the date of the Reorganization Agreement
until the earlier of the Effective Time and termination of the Reorganization
Agreement pursuant to its terms, VeriFone and its subsidiaries will not, and
will instruct their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives,
investment bankers, agents and affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, make
or authorize any public statement, recommendation or solicitation in support of
any Acquisition Proposal made by any person, entity or group (other than HP or
any of its affiliates, agents or representatives); provided, however, that HP
and VeriFone have agreed that nothing contained in the Reorganization Agreement
will prohibit VeriFone's Board of Directors from taking and disclosing to
VeriFone's stockholders a position with respect to a tender or exchange offer
pursuant to Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to the restrictions on the
conduct of VeriFone's business described above, prior to the Effective Time, to
the extent the VeriFone Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with
outside legal counsel, that the Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law
require it to do so, VeriFone may participate in discussions or negotiations
with, and furnish non-public information and afford access to the properties,
books or records of VeriFone, to any person, entity or group after such person,
entity or group has delivered to VeriFone in writing, an unsolicited bona fide
Acquisition Proposal which the Board of Directors of VeriFone in its good faith
reasonable judgment determines, after consultation with its independent
financial advisors, would reasonably be likely to result in a transaction more
favorable than the Merger to the stockholders of VeriFone from a financial point
of view (a "Superior Proposal"). In addition, in connection with an Acquisition
Proposal or a possible Acquisition Proposal, VeriFone may refer any third party
to the provision of the Reorganization Agreement described here or make a copy
of the provision available to a third party. In the event VeriFone receives a
Superior Proposal, nothing contained in the Reorganization Agreement will
prevent the VeriFone Board from recommending such Superior Proposal to its
stockholders, if the Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with
outside legal counsel, that such action is required by its fiduciary duties
under applicable law; in such case, the Board of Directors of VeriFone may
withdraw, modify or refrain from making its recommendation concerning the
Merger, and, to the extent it does so, VeriFone may refrain from soliciting
proxies to secure the vote of its stockholders as may otherwise be required by
the Reorganization Agreement; provided, however, that VeriFone (i) shall provide
HP at least 24 hours prior notice of any VeriFone Board meeting at which the
VeriFone Board is reasonably expected to consider a Superior Proposal, and (ii)
shall not recommend to its stockholders a Superior Proposal for a period of not
less than the greater of 2 business days and 48 hours after HP's receipt of a
copy of such Superior Proposal (or a description of the significant terms and
conditions thereof, if not in writing); and, provided further, that, unless the
Reorganization Agreement is terminated, subject to applicable laws, nothing in
the provision summarized in this paragraph limits VeriFone's obligation to hold
and convene the VeriFone Stockholders Meeting (regardless of whether the
recommendation of the Board of Directors of VeriFone shall have been withdrawn,
modified or not yet made) or to provide the VeriFone stockholders with material
information relating to such meeting. In addition, notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained in the Reorganization Agreement, the VeriFone Board may
withdraw or modify in a manner adverse to HP the recommendation of the VeriFone
Board regarding approval and adoption of the Reorganization Agreement and
approval of the Merger to the extent that the VeriFone Board determines, in good
faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that compliance with its
fiduciary duties under applicable law would require it to do so.
VeriFone has agreed not to provide any non-public information to a third
party unless (i) VeriFone provides such non-public information pursuant to a
non-disclosure agreement with terms regarding the protection of confidential
information at least as restrictive as such terms in an existing non-disclosure
agreement entered into by HP and VeriFone in connection with the Merger, and
(ii) such non-public information has been previously delivered to HP.
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CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
The respective obligations of each party to the Reorganization Agreement to
effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing
Date of the following conditions: (i) the Reorganization Agreement shall have
been approved and adopted, and the Merger shall have been duly approved, by the
requisite vote under applicable law, by the stockholders of VeriFone; (ii) the
SEC shall have declared the Registration Statement of which this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part effective and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been
issued and no proceeding for that purpose, and no similar proceeding in respect
of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, shall have been initiated or threatened in
writing by the SEC; (iii) no governmental entity shall have enacted, issued,
promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent)
which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal or
otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger and all waiting periods, if
any, under the HSR Act relating to the transactions contemplated hereby will
have expired or terminated early, (iv) HP and VeriFone shall each have received
written opinions from their respective tax counsel (the General Tax Counsel of
HP and Cooley Godward LLP, respectively), in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to them, to the effect that the Merger will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and such
opinions shall not have been withdrawn; provided, however, that, if the counsel
to either HP or VeriFone does not render such opinion, this condition shall
nonetheless be deemed to be satisfied with respect to such party if counsel to
the other party renders such opinion to such party, and (v) the shares of HP
Common Stock issuable to stockholders of VeriFone in the Merger and such other
shares required to be reserved for issuance in connection with the Merger shall
have been authorized for listing on the NYSE upon official notice of issuance.
In addition, the obligation of VeriFone to consummate and effect the Merger
is subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the
following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by
VeriFone (i) subject to certain materiality thresholds, the representations and
warranties of HP and Merger Sub contained in the Reorganization Agreement shall
have been true and correct on and as of the date of the Reorganization Agreement
and such representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of
the Closing Date except for changes contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement
and except in such cases where the failure to be so true and correct would not
have a material adverse effect on HP; (ii) HP and Merger Sub shall have
performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by the Reorganization Agreement to be performed or complied with by
them on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) material adverse effect with respect
to HP shall have occurred since the date of the Reorganization Agreement; and
(iv) VeriFone shall have received from Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors
for VeriFone, a letter dated on the Closing Date (which may contain customary
qualifications and assumptions), to the effect that Ernst & Young LLP concurs
with VeriFone management's conclusion that no conditions exist related to
VeriFone that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a pooling of
interests; and VeriFone shall have received from Price Waterhouse LLP, the
independent accountants for HP, a copy of a letter addressed to HP dated the
Closing Date, in substance reasonably satisfactory to VeriFone (and which may
contain customary qualifications and assumptions and which may be based in part
on the letter referred to above from Ernst & Young LLP to VeriFone), to the
effect that Price Waterhouse LLP concurs with HP management's conclusion that as
of that date, no conditions exist that would preclude HP from accounting for the
Merger as a pooling of interests.
Further, the obligations of HP and Merger Sub to consummate and effect the
Merger are subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of each
of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively
by HP: (i) subject to certain materiality thresholds, the representations and
warranties of VeriFone contained in the Reorganization Agreement shall have been
true and correct on and as of the date of the Reorganization Agreement and such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the
Closing Date except for changes contemplated by the Reorganization
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Agreement and except in such cases where the failure to be so true and correct
would not have a material adverse effect on VeriFone; (ii) VeriFone shall have
performed or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required by the Reorganization Agreement to be performed or complied with by it
on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) no event having a material adverse effect
with respect to VeriFone shall have occurred since the date of the
Reorganization Agreement; and (iv) HP shall have received from Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors for VeriFone, a copy of a letter addressed to VeriFone
dated on the Closing Date, in substance reasonably satisfactory to HP (and which
may contain customary qualifications and assumptions), to the effect that Ernst
& Young LLP concurs with VeriFone management's conclusion that no conditions
exist related to VeriFone that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger
as a pooling of interests; and HP shall have received from Price Waterhouse LLP,
the independent accountants for HP, a letter dated the Closing Date, in
substance reasonably satisfactory to HP (which may contain customary
qualifications and assumptions and which may be based in part on the letter
referred to above from Ernst & Young LLP to VeriFone), to the effect that Price
Waterhouse LLP concurs with HP management's conclusion that, as of that date, no
conditions exist that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a
pooling of interests.
TERMINATION OF THE REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT
The Reorganization Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time (i) by mutual written consent of HP and VeriFone
duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of HP and VeriFone; (ii) by either
VeriFone or HP if the Merger is not consummated by October 31, 1997 for any
reason, provided that the right to terminate the Reorganization Agreement as
provided in this clause (ii) is not available to any party whose failure to act
has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur
on or before such date and such action or failure to act constitutes a breach of
the Reorganization Agreement; (iii) by either VeriFone or HP if a governmental
entity issues an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case
having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
the Merger, which order, decree, ruling or other action is final and
nonappealable; (iv) by either VeriFone or HP if the required approvals of the
stockholders of VeriFone contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement shall not
have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a
meeting of VeriFone stockholders duly convened therefor as contemplated by the
Reorganization Agreement or at any adjournment thereof (provided that VeriFone
may not terminate the Reorganization Agreement pursuant to this provision if the
failure to obtain VeriFone stockholder approval was caused by the action or
failure to act of VeriFone and such action or failure to act constitutes a
material breach by VeriFone of the Reorganization Agreement); (v) by either
VeriFone or HP at any time prior to the approval of the Merger by VeriFone's
stockholders, if the Board of Directors of VeriFone accepts or recommends a
Superior Proposal to the stockholders of VeriFone; (vi) by HP, if the Board of
Directors of VeriFone withholds, withdraws or modifies in a manner adverse to HP
its recommendation in favor of adoption and approval of the Reorganization
Agreement and approval of the Merger; (vii) by VeriFone, upon a breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of HP set forth in
the Reorganization Agreement, or if any such representation or warranty of HP
shall have become inaccurate, subject to certain materiality thresholds and cure
provisions; or (viii) by HP, upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement on the part of VeriFone set forth in the Reorganization
Agreement, or if any such representation or warranty of VeriFone shall have
become inaccurate, subject to certain materiality thresholds and cure
provisions.
EFFECT OF TERMINATION
If the Reorganization Agreement is terminated by HP or VeriFone as described
above, the Reorganization Agreement will be of no further force or effect,
except that certain provisions contained therein, including those discussed
below relating to the "break-up" fee payable by VeriFone to HP under certain
circumstances, will survive such termination, and VeriFone, HP and Merger Sub
will remain liable for certain breaches of the Reorganization Agreement
occurring prior to such termination.
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BREAK-UP FEE
VeriFone has agreed that if, prior to or concurrent with termination of the
Reorganization Agreement, either (i) the VeriFone Board shall have withheld,
withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to HP its recommendation in favor of
adoption and approval of the Reorganization Agreement and approval of the Merger
and there shall not have been since the date of the Reorganization Agreement a
material adverse effect on HP prior to the time such recommendation is withheld,
withdrawn or modified and HP shall not be in material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement at the time such recommendation is withheld, withdrawn
or modified (other than such breaches as have been cured as of the time such
recommendation is withheld, withdrawn or modified), or (ii) the VeriFone Board
accepts or recommends a Superior Proposal to the stockholders of VeriFone and
there shall not have been since the date of the Reorganization Agreement a
material adverse effect on HP prior to the time of such acceptance or
recommendation and HP shall not be in material breach of the Reorganization
Agreement at the time of such acceptance or recommendation (other than such
breaches as have been cured as of the time of such acceptance or
recommendation), then VeriFone shall pay to HP $30 million within one business
day following the termination of the Reorganization Agreement.
VeriFone has also agreed that, if no payment is required pursuant to the
provision of the Reorganization Agreement summarized in the preceding paragraph,
and if (i) the vote of the stockholders of VeriFone as contemplated by the
Reorganization Agreement approving and adopting the Reorganization Agreement and
approving the Merger is not obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the
required vote at a meeting of stockholders duly convened therefor as
contemplated by the Reorganization Agreement (a "Negative Vote"), and (ii) prior
to such Negative Vote there was an Acquisition Proposal for a VeriFone
Acquisition (as defined below) which was publicly disclosed and was not
withdrawn prior to such Negative Vote, and (iii) within six months following the
termination of the Reorganization Agreement, VeriFone enters into a definitive
agreement providing for a VeriFone Acquisition (regardless of with whom such
definitive acquisition agreement is entered into) or the VeriFone Board
recommends to the VeriFone stockholders that they accept a tender or exchange
offer (or series of related tender or exchange offers), not by VeriFone or its
subsidiaries, for 40% or more of the VeriFone Common Stock, then, provided that
there has not been a material adverse effect on HP prior to the VeriFone
Negative Vote and provided that HP is not in material breach of the
Reorganization Agreement at the time of the VeriFone Negative Vote, VeriFone
will pay to HP $30 million within one business day following consummation of a
VeriFone Acquisition (provided that a VeriFone Acquisition is consummated within
18 months following termination of the Reorganization Agreement (regardless of
with whom such VeriFone Acquisition is consummated)). For purposes of the
foregoing, "VeriFone Acquisition" means any transaction or series of related
transactions involving (i) a merger or consolidation or other similar business
combination of VeriFone pursuant to which the stockholders of VeriFone
immediately preceding such transaction or series of related transactions hold
less than 60% of the equity interests in the surviving or resulting entity of
such transaction or transactions; (ii) a sale by VeriFone or its subsidiaries of
assets (including capital stock or assets of VeriFone's subsidiaries but
excluding assets sold in the ordinary course of business and VeriFone
intracompany transfers) having a fair market value in excess of 40% of the fair
market value of all the assets of VeriFone and its subsidiaries immediately
prior to such sale; (iii) a sale and issuance by VeriFone of shares of capital
stock of VeriFone which upon issuance would represent more than 40% or more of
the outstanding shares of capital stock of VeriFone other than in an
underwritten public offering or underwritten private placement; or (iv) the
acquisition by any person or group (including without limitation by way of a
tender offer or an exchange offer) of beneficial ownership or a right to acquire
beneficial ownership of 40% or more of the then outstanding shares of capital
stock of VeriFone.
HP and VeriFone have agreed that payment of the fees described in the
preceding two paragraphs will not be in lieu of damages incurred in the event of
breach of the Reorganization Agreement.
Except as set forth above, HP and VeriFone have agreed that all fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by
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the party incurring such expenses whether or not the Merger is consummated,
except that HP and VeriFone will share equally all fees and expenses, other than
attorneys' and accountants fees and expenses, incurred in connection with the
printing and filing of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, HP agreed that, after the
Effective Time, it will cause the Surviving Corporation to fulfill and honor in
all respects the obligations of VeriFone pursuant to each indemnification
agreement currently in effect between VeriFone and each person who is or was a
director or officer of VeriFone or any of its subsidiaries at or prior to the
Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties") and any indemnification provisions
under VeriFone's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws as in effect on the date
of the Reorganization Agreement. The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of
the Surviving Corporation will contain provisions with respect to exculpation
and indemnification that are at least as favorable to the Indemnified Parties as
those contained in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of VeriFone as in
effect on the date of the Reorganization Agreement.
Subject to certain limitations, HP further agreed to cause the Surviving
Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law or under the
Surviving Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, to indemnify and
hold harmless each Indemnified Party against any costs or expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, to the extent arising out of or pertaining to any action or
omission in his or her capacity as a director or officer of VeriFone or any of
its subsidiaries arising out of or pertaining to the transactions contemplated
by the Reorganization Agreement (except in respect of actions or omissions that
constitute bad faith or willful misconduct) for a period of six years after the
Effective Time.
Moreover, HP has agreed to cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain in
effect, during the three-year period commencing as of the Effective Time, a
policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance for the benefit of each
of the Indemnified Parties providing coverage and containing terms no less
advantageous to the Indemnified Parties than the coverage and terms of
VeriFone's existing policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance.
AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS
Each of the members of the VeriFone Board and those officers of VeriFone who
may be deemed to be affiliates of VeriFone have entered into agreements
restricting sales, dispositions or other transactions reducing their risk of
investment in respect of the shares of VeriFone Common Stock held by them prior
to the Merger and the shares of HP Common Stock to be received by them in the
Merger so as to comply with the requirements of applicable federal securities
laws and to help ensure that the Merger will be treated as a pooling of
interests for accounting and financial reporting purposes.
Certain persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of HP have entered into
agreements restricting sales, dispositions or other transactions reducing their
risk of investment in respect of the shares of HP Common Stock held by them so
as to help ensure that the Merger will be treated as a pooling of interests for
accounting and financial reporting purposes.
COMPARISON OF CAPITAL STOCK
DESCRIPTION OF HP CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of HP consists of 2,400,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, and 300,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, $1.00 par value per share.
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HP COMMON STOCK
As of April 30, 1997, there were approximately 1,015,334,000 shares of HP
Common Stock outstanding. The holders of HP Common Stock are entitled to one
vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. The
shareholders do not have a right to take action by written consent. Shareholders
may cumulate votes in connection with the election of directors. The holders of
HP Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may
be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
HP, the holders of HP Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets
remaining after payment of liabilities. HP Common Stock has no preemptive or
conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to HP Common Stock. All outstanding shares of
HP Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable, and the shares of HP Common
Stock to be outstanding upon completion of the Merger will be fully paid and
non-assessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
HP has 300,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized, of which, as of
April 30, 1997, no shares were outstanding. The HP Board has the authority to
issue these shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon any
unissued and undesignated shares of Preferred Stock and to fix the number of
shares constituting any series and the designations of such series, without any
further vote or action by the shareholders. The HP Board, without shareholder
approval, can issue Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights which
could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of HP
Common Stock and the issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of HP.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Transfer Agent and Registrar of HP Common Stock is Harris Trust and
Savings Bank and its telephone number is (312) 461-4061.
DESCRIPTION OF VERIFONE CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of VeriFone consists of 50,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, $0.01 par value per share.
VERIFONE COMMON STOCK
As of the Record Date, there were approximately 23,502,405 shares of
VeriFone Common Stock outstanding. Holders of VeriFone Common Stock are entitled
to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders.
Pursuant to the VeriFone Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "VeriFone
Certificate"), the stockholders do not have a right to take action by written
consent nor may they cumulate votes in connection with the election of
directors. The holders of VeriFone Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the VeriFone
Board out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of VeriFone, the holders of VeriFone Common Stock are
entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities.
VeriFone Common Stock has no preemptive or conversion rights or other
subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions
applicable to VeriFone Common Stock. All outstanding shares of VeriFone Common
Stock are fully paid and non-assessable, and the shares of HP Common Stock to be
received by VeriFone Stockholders in the Merger in exchange for the VeriFone
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to completion of the Merger will be
fully paid and non-assessable.
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PREFERRED STOCK
VeriFone has 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized, of which, as of
the Record Date, no shares were outstanding. The VeriFone Board has the
authority to issue these shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to
fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed
upon any unissued and undesignated shares of Preferred Stock and to fix the
number of shares constituting any series and the designations of such series,
without any further vote or action by the stockholders. Although it presently
has no intention to do so, the VeriFone Board, without stockholder approval, can
issue Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely
affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of VeriFone Common Stock
and the issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring
or preventing a change in control of VeriFone.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Transfer Agent and Registrar of VeriFone Common Stock is The First
National Bank of Boston and its telephone number is (617) 575-3120.
COMPARISON OF CAPITAL STOCK
After consummation of the Merger, the holders of VeriFone Common Stock who
receive HP Common Stock under the terms of the Reorganization Agreement will
become shareholders of HP. As stockholders of VeriFone, their rights are
presently governed by Delaware law and by the VeriFone Certificate and the
VeriFone Bylaws (the "VeriFone Bylaws"). As shareholders of HP, their rights
will be governed by California law and by the HP Restated Articles of
Incorporation, as amended (the "HP Articles") and the HP By-laws (the "HP
By-laws"). The following discussion summarizes the material differences between
the rights of holders of VeriFone Common Stock and the rights of holders of HP
Common Stock and differences between the charters and bylaws of VeriFone and HP.
This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the VeriFone Certificate and VeriFone Bylaws, the HP Articles and
HP By-laws and the relevant provisions of Delaware and California law.
SIZE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. In accordance with Delaware law, the
VeriFone Certificate states that the number of directors will be set exclusively
by the VeriFone Board and authorizes the VeriFone Board to change the number by
resolution. The number of directors of VeriFone is currently fixed at eight. The
VeriFone Board acting without stockholder approval may change such number. Under
California law, although changes in the number of directors must in general be
approved by a majority of the outstanding shares, the board of directors may fix
the exact number of directors within a stated range set forth in the articles of
incorporation or bylaws, if that stated range has been approved by the
shareholders. The HP By-laws provide the HP Board the authority to set the exact
number of directors within the range of eleven to twenty-one.
LOANS TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. Under Delaware law, a corporation may make
loans to, guarantee the obligations of or otherwise assist its officers or other
employees and those of its subsidiaries (including directors who are also
officers or employees) when such action, in the judgment of the directors, may
reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. Under California law, any
loan or guaranty to or for the benefit of a director or officer of the
corporation or its parent requires approval of the shareholders unless such loan
or guaranty is provided under a plan approved by shareholders owning a majority
of the outstanding shares of the corporation. In addition, under California law,
shareholders of any corporation with 100 or more shareholders of record may
approve a bylaw authorizing the board of directors alone to approve loans or
guaranties to or on behalf of officers (whether or not such officers are
directors) if the board determines that any such loan or guaranty may reasonably
be expected to benefit the corporation. The HP By-laws are silent as to whether
HP may make loans to, guarantee the obligations of or otherwise
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assist its officers or other employees and those of its subsidiaries (including
directors who are also officers or employees) and accordingly California law
governs the ability of HP to make such loans.
VOTING BY BALLOT. Under Delaware law, the right to vote by written ballot
may be restricted if so provided in the certificate of incorporation. The
VeriFone By-laws provides that, the election of directors at a stockholders'
meeting must be by written ballot, unless the VeriFone Certificate provides
otherwise. The VeriFone Certificate does not eliminate the written ballot
requirement. California law provides that the election of directors may proceed
in the manner described in a corporation's bylaws. HP's By-laws provide that,
upon the demand of any shareholder made at a meeting before the voting begins,
the election of directors shall be by ballot.
CUMULATIVE VOTING. In an election of directors under cumulative voting,
each share of stock normally having one vote is entitled to a number of votes
equal to the number of directors to be elected. A shareholder may then cast all
such votes for a single candidate or may allocate them among as many candidates
as the shareholder may choose. Under the Delaware law, cumulative voting in the
election of directors is not available unless specifically provided for in the
certificate of incorporation. In contrast, California law provides that any
shareholder is entitled to cumulate his or her votes in the election of
directors upon proper notice of his or her intention to do so. However, a
"listed" corporation (as defined below in the section entitled "Classified Board
of Directors") may eliminate shareholders' cumulative voting rights. VeriFone
has not provided for cumulative voting in the VeriFone Certificate and
cumulative voting is therefore not available to VeriFone's stockholders. HP has
not eliminated the right of cumulative voting, and cumulative voting is
therefore available to HP's shareholders.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS. A classified board is one on which a certain
number of the directors are elected on a rotating basis each year. This method
of electing directors makes changes in the composition of the board of
directors, and thus a potential change in control of a corporation, a lengthier
and more difficult process. Delaware law permits, but does not require, a
classified board of directors, with staggered terms under which one-half or
one-third of the directors are elected for terms of two or three years,
respectively. Under California law, directors generally must be elected
annually; however, a "listed" corporation is permitted to adopt a classified
board. A listed corporation is defined under California law as a corporation
with (i) outstanding securities listed on the NYSE or American Stock Exchange,
or (ii) a class of securities designated as a national market system security on
and by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System
(or any successor national market system) if the corporation has at least 800
holders of its equity securities. The VeriFone Certificate provides for a
classified board of directors with three classes of directors. The HP Articles
do not provide for a classified board.
POWER TO CALL SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS; ADVANCE NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDER
BUSINESS AND NOMINEES. Under Delaware law, a special meeting of stockholders may
be called by the board of directors or by any other person authorized to do so
in the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws. Under California law, a
special meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors, the
chairman of the board, the president, the holders of shares entitled to cast not
less than 10% percent of the votes at such meeting and such additional persons
as are authorized by the articles of incorporation or the bylaws. The VeriFone
Bylaws authorize only the President or the Board of Directors to call a special
meeting of stockholders. The VeriFone Certificate requires that advance notice
of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be
brought by stockholders before any meeting thereof be given in the manner
provided in the VeriFone Bylaws. The VeriFone Bylaws require timely advance
notice in proper written form of stockholder nominees for election as director
or stockholder business to be brought before a meeting, and permit the chairman
of the meeting refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person or the
proposal of any business not made in compliance with the procedures set forth in
the VeriFone Bylaws. The HP By-laws allow shareholders holding 10% of the
outstanding shares of HP's voting stock, the Board of Directors, the Chairman of
the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chairman of the Executive
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Committee or the President to call special meetings of shareholders. The HP
By-laws contain no advance notice provisions similar to those contained in the
VeriFone Bylaws.
ELIMINATION OF ACTIONS BY WRITTEN CONSENT OF SHAREHOLDERS. Under California
and Delaware law, shareholders may take action by written consent in lieu of
voting at a shareholders meeting. Both California law and Delaware law permit a
corporation, pursuant to a provision in such corporation's articles or
certificate of incorporation, as the case may be, to eliminate the ability of
shareholders to act by written consent. Elimination of the ability of
shareholders to act by written consent could lengthen the amount of time
required to take shareholder actions because certain actions by written consent
are not subject to the minimum notice requirements of a shareholders' meeting,
and could deter hostile takeover attempts. If the ability of shareholders to act
by written consent is eliminated, a holder or group of holders controlling a
majority in interest of a corporation's capital stock, for example, would not be
able to amend such corporation's bylaws or remove its directors pursuant to a
shareholders' written consent. The HP Articles and the VeriFone Certificate and
the bylaws of each company provide for the elimination of the ability of
shareholders to act by written consent.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL OF CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS. In the last several
years, a number of states (but not California) have adopted special laws
designed to make certain kinds of "unfriendly" corporate takeovers, or other
transactions involving a corporation and one or more of its significant
shareholders, more difficult. Under Section 203 of the DGCL ("Section 203"),
certain "business combinations" by Delaware corporations with "interested
stockholders" are subject to a three-year moratorium unless specified conditions
are met. Under Section 1203 of the California Corporations Code, certain
business combinations with certain interested shareholders are subject to
specified conditions, including a requirement that a fairness opinion must be
obtained and delivered to the corporation's shareholders, but there is no
equivalent provision to Section 203.
California law does require that holders of nonredeemable common stock
receive nonredeemable common stock in a merger of the corporation with the
holder of more than 50% but less than 90% of such common stock or its affiliate
unless all of the holders of such common stock consent to the transaction. This
provision of California law may have the effect of making a "cash-out" merger by
a majority shareholder more difficult to accomplish.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Under Delaware law, except as otherwise provided in
the corporation's certificate of incorporation, a director of a corporation that
has a classified board of directors or cumulative voting may be removed only
with cause. A director of a corporation that does not have a classified board of
directors or cumulative voting may be removed with the approval of a majority of
the outstanding shares entitled to vote with or without cause. Under California
law, any director or the entire board of directors may be removed, with or
without cause, with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote; however, no individual director may be removed (unless the
entire board is removed) if the number of votes cast against such removal would
be sufficient to elect the director under cumulative voting. In addition, when,
by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, the holders of shares of a
class or series, voting as a class or series, are entitled to elect one or more
directors, any director so elected may be removed only by the applicable vote of
holders of shares of that class or series. The VeriFone Certificate and the
VeriFone Bylaws provide for a classified board, although they do not provide for
cumulative voting. The VeriFone Certificate permits the removal of a director
for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to
vote and without cause with the approval of a two-thirds majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. California law governs the removal of HP
directors.
FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Under Delaware law, vacancies
and newly created directorships may be filled by a majority of the directors
then in office (even though less than a quorum) unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws (and unless the certificate of
incorporation directs that a particular class of stock is to elect such
director, in which case any other
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directors elected by such class, or a sole remaining director so elected, may
fill such vacancy). Under California law, any vacancy on the board of directors
(other than one created by removal of a director) may be filled by the board.
Unless otherwise specified in a corporation's articles of incorporation or
bylaws, if the number of directors in office at the time a vacancy occurs is
less than a quorum, a vacancy may be filled by the unanimous written consent of
the directors then in office, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
directors at a meeting held pursuant to notice or waivers of notice or by a sole
remaining director. A vacancy created by removal of a director may be filled by
the board only if the board is so authorized. The VeriFone Certificate and the
VeriFone Bylaws allow any newly created directorship on the Board to be filled
only by a majority of the directors then in office even though less than a
quorum (unless the Board determines by resolution that the newly created
directorship shall be filled by the stockholders). The VeriFone Certificate
provides that any vacancy on the Board shall be filled either by the
stockholders of VeriFone or by a majority of the remaining directors then in
office, even though less than a quorum. The HP By-laws allow a vacancy (other
than one created by removal of a director) to be filled by the remaining members
of the Board.
INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. California and Delaware have
similar laws relating to indemnification by a corporation of its officers,
directors, employees and other agents. The laws of both states also permit
corporations to adopt a provision in their charters eliminating the liability of
a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for
breach of the director's fiduciary duty of care. There are nonetheless certain
differences between the laws of the two states with respect to indemnification
and limitation of liability.
The VeriFone Certificate eliminates the liability of directors to the
fullest extent permissible under Delaware law, as such law exists currently or
as it may be amended in the future. Under Delaware law, such provision may not
eliminate or limit director monetary liability for (i) breaches of the
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) acts or
omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing
violations of law; (iii) the payment of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock
repurchases or redemptions; or (iv) transactions in which the director received
an improper personal benefit. Such limitation of liability provisions do not
affect the availability of non-monetary remedies such as injunctive relief or
rescission.
The HP Articles also eliminate the liability of directors to the fullest
extent permissible under California law. California law does not permit the
elimination of monetary liability where such liability is based on (i)
intentional misconduct or knowing and culpable violation of law; (ii) acts or
omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the best interests of the
corporation or its shareholders, or that involve the absence of good faith on
the part of the director; (iii) receipt of an improper personal benefit; (iv)
acts or omissions that show reckless disregard for the director's duty to the
corporation or its shareholders, where the director in the ordinary course of
performing a director's duties should be aware of a risk of serious injury to
the corporation or its shareholders; (v) acts or omissions that constitute an
unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the director's
duty to the corporation and its shareholders; (vi) interested transactions
between the corporation and a director in which a director has a material
financial interest; and (vii) liability for improper distributions, loans or
guarantees.
Delaware law states that the indemnification provided by statute shall not
be deemed exclusive of any other rights under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The VeriFone Bylaws
include a provision providing that VeriFone shall indemnify its directors to the
fullest extent permissible under Delaware law.
California corporations may include in their charter a provision which
extends the scope of indemnification through agreements, bylaws or other
corporate action beyond that specifically authorized by statute. The HP Articles
include a provision that HP shall indemnify its directors and officers to the
fullest extent permissible under California law.
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INSPECTION OF SHAREHOLDERS LIST. Both California and Delaware law allow any
shareholder to inspect and copy the shareholders list for a purpose reasonably
related to such person's interest as a shareholder. California law provides, in
addition, for an absolute right to inspect and copy the corporation's
shareholders list by persons holding an aggregate of 5% or more of a
corporation's voting shares, or, under certain other circumstances, shareholders
holding an aggregate of 1% or more of such shares. Delaware law does not provide
for any such absolute right of inspection, and no such right is granted under
the VeriFone Certificate or VeriFone Bylaws.
DIVIDENDS AND REPURCHASES OF SHARES. California law dispenses with the
concepts of par value of shares for most purposes as well as statutory
definitions of capital, surplus and the like. The concepts of par value, capital
and surplus are retained under Delaware law.
Delaware law permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of (i)
surplus or (ii) if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year
in which the dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long
as the amount of capital of the corporation following the declaration and
payment of the dividend is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital
represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a
preference upon the distribution of assets. In addition, Delaware law generally
provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only if such
redemption or repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Delaware corporation may redeem or repurchase
shares having a preference upon the distribution of any of its assets (or shares
of common stock, if there are no such shares of preferred stock) if such shares
will be retired upon acquisition (and provided that, after the reduction in
capital made in connection with such retirement of shares, the corporation's
remaining assets are sufficient to pay any debts not otherwise provided for).
Under California law, a corporation may not make any distribution (including
dividends, whether in cash or other property, and repurchases of its shares)
unless either the corporation's retained earnings immediately prior to the
proposed distribution equal or exceed the amount of the proposed distribution
or, immediately after giving effect to such distribution, the corporation's
assets (exclusive of goodwill, capitalized research and development expenses and
deferred charges) would be at least equal to 1 1/4 times its liabilities (not
including deferred taxes, deferred income and other deferred credits), and the
corporation's current assets would be at least equal to its current liabilities
(or 1 1/4 times its current liabilities if the average pre-tax and pre-interest
expense earnings for the preceding two fiscal years were less than the average
interest expense for such years). Such tests are applied to California
corporations on a consolidated basis.
SHAREHOLDER VOTING ON MERGERS AND SIMILAR TRANSACTIONS. Both California and
Delaware law generally require that the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting shares of the acquiring and target corporations approve statutory
mergers. Delaware law does not require a stockholder vote of the surviving
corporation in a merger (unless the corporation provides otherwise in its
certificate of incorporation) if (i) the merger agreement does not amend the
existing certificate of incorporation; (ii) each share of the surviving
corporation outstanding before the merger is equal to an identical outstanding
or treasury share after the merger; and (iii) the number of shares to be issued
by the surviving corporation in the merger does not exceed 20% of the shares
outstanding immediately prior to the merger. California law contains a similar
exception to its voting requirements for reorganizations where shareholders or
the corporation itself, or both, immediately prior to the reorganization will
own immediately after the reorganization equity securities constituting more
than five-sixths of the voting power of the surviving or acquiring corporation
or its parent entity.
Both California and Delaware law also require that a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of a corporation be approved by a majority of
the outstanding voting shares of the corporation transferring such assets.
With certain exceptions, California law also requires that mergers,
reorganizations, certain sales of assets and similar transactions be approved by
a majority vote of each class of shares outstanding. By
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contrast, Delaware law generally does not require class voting, except in
certain transactions involving an amendment to the certificate of incorporation
which adversely affects a specific class of shares, increases or decreases the
number of authorized shares of a class of shares or increases or decreases the
par value of the shares of a class of shares.
INTERESTED DIRECTOR TRANSACTIONS. Under both California and Delaware law,
certain contracts or transactions in which one or more of a corporation's
directors has an interest are not void or voidable because of such interest,
provided that certain conditions, such as obtaining the required approval and
fulfilling the requirements of good faith and full disclosure, are met. With
certain exceptions, the conditions are similar under California and Delaware
law. Under California and Delaware law, either (i) the shareholders or the
disinterested directors must approve any such contract or transaction after full
disclosure of the material facts, and in California in the case of board
approval the contract or transaction must also be "just and reasonable" to the
corporation, or (ii) the contract or transaction must have been just and
reasonable (in California) or fair (in Delaware) as to the corporation at the
time it was approved. In the latter case, California law explicitly places the
burden of proof on the interested director.
Under California law, if shareholder approval is sought, the interested
director is not entitled to vote his shares with respect to any action regarding
such contract or transaction. If board approval is sought, the contract or
transaction must be approved by a majority vote of a quorum of the directors,
without counting the vote of any interested directors (except that interested
directors may be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum).
Under Delaware law, if board approval is sought, the contract or transaction
must be approved by a majority of the disinterested directors (even though less
than a quorum). Therefore, certain transactions that the HP Board would lack the
authority to approve because of the number of interested directors, could be
approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of VeriFone representing
less than a quorum.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Under both California and Delaware law, a shareholder
of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may be
entitled, under varying circumstances, to dissenters' or appraisal rights
pursuant to which such shareholder may receive cash in the amount of the fair
market value of his or her shares in lieu of the consideration he or she would
otherwise receive in the transaction. Under Delaware law, such rights are not
available (i) with respect to the sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of the assets of a corporation (unless otherwise provided in
the corporation's certificate of incorporation); (ii) with respect to a merger
or consolidation by a corporation the shares of which are either listed on a
national securities exchange or are held of record by more than 2,000 holders if
such stockholders receive only shares of the surviving corporation, shares of
any other corporation which are either listed on a national securities exchange
or held of record by more than 2,000 holders, cash in lieu of fractional shares
or a combination of the foregoing; or (iii) to stockholders of a corporation
surviving a merger if no vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation
is required to approve the merger because the merger agreement does not amend
the existing certificate of incorporation, each share of the surviving
corporation outstanding prior to the merger is an identical outstanding or
treasury share after the merger, and the number of shares to be issued in the
merger does not exceed 20% of the shares of the surviving corporation
outstanding immediately prior to the merger and if certain other conditions are
met.
In contrast, shareholders of a California corporation whose shares are
listed on a national securities exchange or on a list of over-the-counter margin
stocks issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System generally
do not have dissenters' rights unless the holders of at least 5% of the class of
outstanding shares claim the right or unless the corporation or any law
restricts the transfer of such shares. In addition, dissenters' rights are
unavailable if the shareholders of a corporation or the corporation itself, or
both, immediately prior to the reorganization will own immediately after the
reorganization equity securities constituting more than five-sixths of the
voting power of the surviving or acquiring corporation or
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its parent entity, and if the shares of the surviving corporation have the same
rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as the shares of the
disappearing corporation that are surrendered in exchange.
Appraisal rights are not available to stockholders of VeriFone with respect
to the Merger.
DISSOLUTION. Under Delaware law, unless the board of directors approves a
proposal to dissolve, a dissolution must be approved by stockholders holding
100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if a dissolution is
initially approved by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple
majority of the corporation's outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to
vote thereon. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection
with dissolutions initiated by the Board. The VeriFone Certificate contains no
such supermajority voting requirement. Under California law, shareholders
holding 50% or more of the total voting power may authorize a corporation's
dissolution, with or without the approval of the corporation's board of
directors, and this right may not be modified by the articles of incorporation.
SUPERMAJORITY PROVISIONS IN HP'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND VERIFONE'S
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. HP's Articles provide that certain transactions,
including a merger or consolidation or a sale, lease exchange, mortgage, pledge,
transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of HP or
one of its majority-owned subsidiaries with a fair market value of more than 10%
of the total value of the assets of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries, with
or to shareholders who are, or after such transactions will be, the beneficial
owners of 20% or more of the total outstanding voting stock of HP, must be
approved by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 80% of the then
outstanding voting stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such shareholder
vote is required if such transaction is either approved by at least a majority
of the directors of HP who are not associated with the shareholders proposing
such transaction or certain complex minimum price and procedural requirements
are met.
Similarly, the VeriFone Certificate contains a provision that requires the
approval of two-thirds of VeriFone's outstanding voting stock (the "VeriFone
Supermajority Provision") as a condition of any merger or of certain other
business transactions with any holder of 20% or more of VeriFone's voting stock
and certain assignees of such 20% stockholders (collectively, the "Interested
Stockholder"), except in cases where (i) the directors of VeriFone who are not
associated with the Interested Stockholder approve the transaction, or (ii)
certain minimum price criteria and other complex procedural requirements are
met.
SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS. Under Delaware law, a stockholder may only
bring a derivative action on behalf of the corporation if the stockholder was a
stockholder of the corporation at the time of the transaction in question or his
or her stock thereafter devolved upon him or her by operation of law. California
law provides that a shareholder bringing a derivative action on behalf of a
corporation need not have been a shareholder at the time of the transaction in
question, provided that certain tests are met. California law also provides that
the corporation or the defendant in a derivative suit may make a motion to the
court for an order requiring the plaintiff shareholder to furnish a security
bond. Delaware does not have a similar bonding requirement.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Reorganization Agreement and
the federal income tax consequences of the Merger will be passed upon for
VeriFone by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo Alto, California. Partners and employees of
Cooley Godward LLP who have provided services to VeriFone in connection with the
Reorganization Agreement and the Merger hold an aggregate of 200 shares of
VeriFone Common Stock and an option to purchase an aggregate of 15,000 shares of
VeriFone Common Stock.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of HP at October 31, 1995 and 1996,
and for each of the years ended October 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, incorporated in
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of HP for the year ended October 31, 1996, have been so incorporated in reliance
on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements of VeriFone as of December 31, 1995
and 1996, and for each of the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
incorporated in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of VeriFone for the year ended December 31, 1996, have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon incorporated by reference therein. Such consolidated financial
statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports
given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the VeriFone
Stockholders Meeting and such representatives will have the opportunity to make
a statement if they should desire to do so and they are expected to be available
to respond to appropriate questions.
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ANNEX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
BY AND AMONG
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
TOWER BRIDGE ACQUISITION CORPORATION
AND
VERIFONE, INC.
DATED AS OF APRIL 22, 1997
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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ARTICLE I--THE MERGER...................................................................................... A-1
1.1 The Merger..................................................................................... A-1
1.2 Effective Time; Closing........................................................................ A-1
1.3 Effect of the Merger........................................................................... A-1
1.4 Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws........................................................... A-2
1.5 Directors and Officers......................................................................... A-2
1.6 Effect on Capital Stock........................................................................ A-2
1.7 Dissenting Shares.............................................................................. A-3
1.8 Surrender of Certificates...................................................................... A-3
1.9 No Further Ownership Rights in VFI Common Stock................................................ A-5
1.10 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates......................................................... A-5
1.11 Tax and Accounting Consequences................................................................ A-5
1.12 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action..................................................... A-5
ARTICLE II--REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VFI....................................................... A-5
2.1 Organization of VFI............................................................................ A-5
2.2 VFI Capital Structure.......................................................................... A-6
2.3 Obligations With Respect to Capital Stock...................................................... A-6
2.4 Authority...................................................................................... A-7
2.5 SEC Filings; VFI Financial Statements.......................................................... A-8
2.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events........................................................... A-9
2.7 Tax............................................................................................ A-9
2.8 Title to Properties; Absence of Liens and Encumbrances......................................... A-10
2.9 Intellectual Property.......................................................................... A-11
2.10 Compliance; Permits; Restrictions.............................................................. A-13
2.11 Litigation..................................................................................... A-14
2.12 Brokers' and Finders' Fees..................................................................... A-14
2.13 Employee Benefit Plans......................................................................... A-14
2.14 Employees; Labor Matters....................................................................... A-16
2.15 Environmental Matters.......................................................................... A-16
2.16 Agreements, Contracts and Commitments.......................................................... A-17
2.17 Pooling of Interests........................................................................... A-18
2.18 Change of Control Payments..................................................................... A-18
2.19 Statements; Proxy Statement/Prospectus......................................................... A-18
2.20 Board Approval................................................................................. A-19
2.21 Fairness Opinion............................................................................... A-19
2.22 Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law Not Applicable............................. A-19
2.23 Customs........................................................................................ A-19
ARTICLE III--REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HP AND MERGER SUB........................................... A-20
3.1 Organization of HP............................................................................. A-20
3.2 HP and Merger Sub Capital Structure............................................................ A-20
3.3 Authority...................................................................................... A-20
3.4 SEC Filings; HP Financial Statements........................................................... A-21
3.5 Absence of Certain Changes or Events........................................................... A-22
3.6 Statements; Proxy Statement/Prospectus......................................................... A-22
3.7 Pooling of Interests........................................................................... A-22
3.8 Valid Issuance................................................................................. A-22
</TABLE>
i
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<TABLE>
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<C> <S> <C>
3.9 No Ownership of VFI Common Stock............................................................... A-22
ARTICLE IV--CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME............................................................ A-22
4.1 Conduct of Business............................................................................ A-22
ARTICLE V--ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS........................................................................ A-24
5.1 Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement; Other Filings; Board Recommendations....... A-24
5.2 Meeting of Stockholders........................................................................ A-25
5.3 Confidentiality; Access to Information......................................................... A-25
5.4 No Solicitation................................................................................ A-25
5.5 Public Disclosure.............................................................................. A-27
5.6 Legal Requirements............................................................................. A-27
5.7 Third Party Consents........................................................................... A-27
5.8 Notification of Certain Matters................................................................ A-27
5.9 Best Efforts and Further Assurances............................................................ A-28
5.10 Stock Options and Employee Benefits............................................................ A-28
5.11 Form S-8....................................................................................... A-29
5.12 Indemnification................................................................................ A-29
5.13 NYSE Listing................................................................................... A-30
5.14 VFI Affiliate Agreement........................................................................ A-31
5.15 Regulatory Filings; Reasonable Efforts......................................................... A-31
5.16 Tax-Free Reorganization........................................................................ A-31
5.17 Comfort Letter................................................................................. A-31
5.18 Pooling Covenant............................................................................... A-31
5.19 Disqualified Individuals....................................................................... A-32
ARTICLE VI--CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER....................................................................... A-32
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger................................... A-32
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of VFI.................................................... A-32
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of HP and Merger Sub.................................. A-34
ARTICLE VII--TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER............................................................. A-35
7.1 Termination.................................................................................... A-35
7.2 Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination................................................... A-36
7.3 Fees and Expenses.............................................................................. A-36
7.4 Amendment...................................................................................... A-37
7.5 Extension; Waiver.............................................................................. A-37
ARTICLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS........................................................................... A-38
8.1 Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties................................................. A-38
8.2 Notices........................................................................................ A-38
8.3 Interpretation; Knowledge...................................................................... A-39
8.4 Counterparts................................................................................... A-39
8.5 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.................................................... A-39
8.6 Severability................................................................................... A-39
8.7 Other Remedies; Specific Performance........................................................... A-40
8.8 Governing Law.................................................................................. A-40
8.9 Rules of Construction.......................................................................... A-40
8.10 Assignment..................................................................................... A-40
8.11 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL........................................................................... A-40
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Exhibit A Form of VeriFone Voting Agreement
Exhibit B Form of VeriFone Affiliate Agreement
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of April 22, 1997, among Hewlett-Packard Company, a California
corporation ("HP"), Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP ("MERGER SUB"), and VeriFone, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("VFI").
RECITALS
A. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DELAWARE LAW"), HP and
VFI intend to enter into a business combination transaction.
B. The Board of Directors of VFI (i) has determined that the Merger (as
defined in Section 1.1) is consistent with and in furtherance of the long-term
business strategy of VFI and fair to, and in the best interests of, VFI and its
stockholders, (ii) has approved this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (iii) has determined to
recommend that the stockholders of VFI adopt and approve this Agreement and
approve the Merger.
C. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and as a condition
and inducement to HP's willingness to enter into this Agreement, an affiliate
stockholder of VFI is entering into a Voting Agreement in substantially the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT A.
D. The parties intend, by executing this Agreement, to adopt a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "CODE").
E. It is also intended by the parties hereto that the Merger shall qualify
for accounting treatment as a pooling of interests.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, promises and
representations set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree
as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1 THE MERGER. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2) and
subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
applicable provisions of Delaware Law, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into
VFI (the "MERGER"), the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease
and VFI shall continue as the surviving corporation. VFI as the surviving
corporation after the Merger is hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
"SURVIVING CORPORATION."
1.2 EFFECTIVE TIME; CLOSING. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
the parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in
accordance with the relevant provisions of Delaware Law (the "CERTIFICATE OF
MERGER") (the time of such filing (or such later time as may be agreed in
writing by the parties and specified in the Certificate of Merger) being the
"EFFECTIVE TIME") as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date (as herein
defined). The closing of the Merger (the "CLOSING") shall take place at the
offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, at a time
and date to be specified by the parties, which shall be no later than the second
business day after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article VI, or at such other time, date and location as the parties hereto agree
in writing (the "CLOSING DATE").
1.3 EFFECT OF THE MERGER. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger
shall be as provided in this Agreement and the applicable provisions of Delaware
Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at
the Effective Time all the property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises
of VFI and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of VFI and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities
and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
<PAGE>
1.4 CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS.
(a) At the Effective Time, the Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub,
as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the Certificate
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as
provided by law and such Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation (subject, however, to Section 5.12); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that at the
Effective Time the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation
shall be amended so that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be
VeriFone, Inc.
(b) The Bylaws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be, at the Effective Time, the Bylaws of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter amended, subject, however, to Section 5.12 hereof.
1.5 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The initial directors of the Surviving
Corporation shall be the directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the
Effective Time, until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed
and qualified. The initial officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be the
officers of VFI immediately prior to the Effective Time, until their respective
successors are duly appointed.
1.6 EFFECT ON CAPITAL STOCK. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of Merger Sub, VFI or the holders of
any of the following securities:
(a) CONVERSION OF VFI COMMON STOCK. Each share of Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of VFI (the "VFI COMMON STOCK") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time, (other than any shares of VFI Common
Stock to be canceled pursuant to Section 1.6(b) and any Dissenting Shares (as
defined in and to the extent provided in Section 1.7(a)) will be canceled and
extinguished and automatically converted (subject to Sections 1.6(e) and (f))
into one (the "EXCHANGE RATIO") share of Common Stock of HP (the "HP COMMON
STOCK").
(b) CANCELLATION OF HP-OWNED STOCK. Each share of VFI Common Stock held by
VFI or owned by Merger Sub, HP or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of VFI or of HP immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and
extinguished without any conversion thereof.
(c) STOCK OPTIONS; EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLANS. At the Effective Time,
all options to purchase VFI Common Stock then outstanding under VFI's Amended
and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "ISO PLAN"), VFI's Amended and
Restated 1987 Supplemental Stock Option Plan (the "SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN"), VFI's
Amended and Restated 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the
"DIRECTORS' PLAN"), the Enterprise Integration Technologies Corporation 1991
Stock Plan, as amended (the "EIT PLAN" and collectively, the "VFI STOCK OPTION
PLANS"); all phantom stock grants then outstanding under VFI's 1996 Restricted
Phantom Stock Plan (the "1996 PHANTOM PLAN"), VFI's 1997 Restricted Phantom
Stock Plan (the "1997 PHANTOM PLAN") and VFI's Phantom Stock Option Agreements
for VFI employees in India (the "INDIAN PHANTOM STOCK AGREEMENTS" and
collectively, the "VFI PHANTOM STOCK PLANS"); all then outstanding rights to
acquire shares of VFI Common Stock under VFI's Amended and Restated Employee
Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"); all Enterprise Integration Technologies
Corporation Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements (the "RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE
AGREEMENTS"); and all then outstanding rights to receive cash under the SHA
Stock Bonus Plan Scheme for 1997 ("SHA STOCK BONUS PLAN"), and India Stock Bonus
Plan Scheme for 1997 (the "INDIA STOCK BONUS PLAN" and collectively, the "VFI
STOCK BONUS PLANS") shall be assumed by HP in accordance with Section 5.10
hereof.
(d) CAPITAL STOCK OF MERGER SUB. Each share of Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of Merger Sub (the "MERGER SUB COMMON STOCK") issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into one
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of the Surviving Corporation. Each certificate evidencing
ownership of shares of Merger Sub Common Stock shall evidence ownership of such
shares of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
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<PAGE>
(e) ADJUSTMENTS TO EXCHANGE RATIO. The Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted to
reflect appropriately the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into
HP Common Stock or VFI Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification or other like change with respect to HP Common Stock or VFI
Common Stock occurring or having a record date on or after the date hereof and
prior to the Effective Time.
(f) FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fraction of a share of HP Common Stock will be
issued by virtue of the Merger, but in lieu thereof each holder of shares of VFI
Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of HP
Common Stock (after aggregating all fractional shares of HP Common Stock that
otherwise would be received by such holder) shall receive from HP an amount of
cash (rounded to the nearest whole cent) equal to the product of (i) such
fraction, multiplied by (ii) the average closing price of one share of HP Common
Stock for the five (5) most recent days that HP Common Stock has traded ending
on the trading day immediately prior to the Effective Time, as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange.
1.7 DISSENTING SHARES.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the
shares of any holder of VFI Common Stock who has the right under Delaware Law to
demand appraisal rights and has demanded and perfected appraisal rights for such
shares in accordance with Delaware Law and who, as of the Effective Time, has
not effectively withdrawn or lost such appraisal rights ("DISSENTING SHARES"),
shall not be converted into HP Common Stock pursuant to Section 1.6, but the
holder thereof shall only be entitled to such rights as are granted by Delaware
Law.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any holder of shares of VFI Common
Stock who has the right under Delaware Law to demand and who does demand
appraisal of such shares under Delaware Law shall effectively withdraw or lose
(through failure to perfect or otherwise) the right to appraisal, then, as of
the later of the Effective Time or the occurrence of such event, such holder's
shares shall automatically be converted into and represent only HP Common Stock
and the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of HP Common Stock in
accordance with Section 1.6 hereof, without interest thereon.
(c) VFI shall give HP (i) prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal
of any shares of VFI Common Stock, withdrawals of such demands, and any other
instruments served pursuant to Delaware Law and received by VFI which relate to
any such demand for appraisal and (ii) the opportunity to participate in all
negotiations and proceedings which take place prior to the Effective Time with
respect to demands for appraisal under Delaware Law. VFI shall not, except with
the prior written consent of HP or as may be required by applicable law,
voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for appraisal of VFI
Common Stock or offer to settle or settle any such demands. Any payments made in
respect of Dissenting Shares shall be made by VFI or the Surviving Corporation,
as the case may be.
(d) Because the VFI Common Stock and the HP Common Stock are listed on a
national securities exchange, the parties hereto believe that no appraisal
rights will be available under Delaware Law for shares of VFI Common Stock in
connection with the Merger.
1.8 SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATES.
(a) EXCHANGE AGENT. Harris Trust and Savings Bank shall act as the
exchange agent (the "EXCHANGE AGENT") in the Merger.
(b) HP TO PROVIDE COMMON STOCK. Promptly after the Effective Time, HP
shall make available to the Exchange Agent for exchange in accordance with this
Article I, the shares of HP Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.6 in
exchange for outstanding shares of VFI Common Stock, and cash in an amount
sufficient for payment in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.6(f)
and any dividends or distributions to which holders of shares of VFI Common
Stock may be entitled pursuant to Section 1.8(d).
A-3
<PAGE>
(c) EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. Promptly after the Effective Time, HP shall cause
the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record (as of the Effective Time)
of a certificate or certificates (the "CERTIFICATES"), which immediately prior
to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of VFI Common Stock whose
shares were converted into shares of HP Common Stock pursuant to Section 1.6,
cash in lieu of any fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.6(f) and any
dividends or other distributions pursuant to Section 1.8(d), (i) a letter of
transmittal in customary form (which shall specify that delivery shall be
effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon
delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall contain such other
provisions as HP may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for certificates
representing shares of HP Common Stock, cash in lieu of any fractional shares
pursuant to Section 1.6(f) and any dividends or other distributions pursuant to
Section 1.8(d). Upon surrender of Certificates for cancellation to the Exchange
Agent or to such other agent or agents as may be appointed by HP, together with
such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance
with the instructions thereto, the holders of such Certificates shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor certificates representing the number of
whole shares of HP Common Stock into which their shares of VFI Common Stock were
converted at the Effective Time, payment in lieu of fractional shares which such
holders have the right to receive pursuant to Section 1.6(f) and any dividends
or distributions payable pursuant to Section 1.8(d), and the Certificates so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. Until so surrendered, outstanding
Certificates will be deemed from and after the Effective Time, for all corporate
purposes, subject to Section 1.8(d) as to the payment of dividends, to evidence
the ownership of the number of full shares of HP Common Stock into which such
shares of VFI Common Stock shall have been so converted and the right to receive
an amount in cash in lieu of the issuance of any fractional shares in accordance
with Section 1.6(f) and any dividends or distributions payable pursuant to
Section 1.8(d).
(d) DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED SHARES. No dividends or
other distributions declared or made after the date of this Agreement with
respect to HP Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be
paid to the holders of any unsurrendered Certificates with respect to the shares
of HP Common Stock represented thereby until the holders of record of such
Certificates shall surrender such Certificates. Subject to applicable law,
following surrender of any such Certificates, the Exchange Agent shall deliver
to the record holders thereof, without interest, certificates representing whole
shares of HP Common Stock issued in exchange therefor along with payment in lieu
of fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.6(f) hereof and the amount of any
such dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective
Time payable with respect to such whole shares of HP Common Stock.
(e) TRANSFERS OF OWNERSHIP. If certificates representing shares of HP
Common Stock are to be issued in a name other than that in which the
Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor are registered, it will be a
condition of the issuance thereof that the Certificates so surrendered will be
properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the persons
requesting such exchange will have paid to HP or any agent designated by it any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of certificates
representing shares of HP Common Stock in any name other than that of the
registered holder of the Certificates surrendered, or established to the
satisfaction of HP or any agent designated by it that such tax has been paid or
is not payable.
(f) NO LIABILITY. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section
1.8, neither the Exchange Agent, HP, the Surviving Corporation nor any party
hereto shall be liable to a holder of shares of HP Common Stock or VFI Common
Stock for any amount properly paid to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
1.9 NO FURTHER OWNERSHIP RIGHTS IN VFI COMMON STOCK. All shares of HP
Common Stock issued in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid
in respect thereof pursuant to Section 1.6(f) and 1.8(d)) shall be deemed to
have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of
VFI Common Stock, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the
records of the Surviving Corporation of shares of VFI Common Stock which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
A-4
<PAGE>
Time. If after the Effective Time Certificates are presented to the Surviving
Corporation for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in
this Article I.
1.10 LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES. In the event any Certificates
shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall issue in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon the making of an
affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, certificates representing the
shares of HP Common Stock into which the shares of VFI Common Stock represented
by such Certificates were converted pursuant to Section 1.6, cash for fractional
shares, if any, as may be required pursuant to Section 1.6(f) and any dividends
or distributions payable pursuant to Section 1.8(d); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that HP
may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance of such
certificates representing shares of HP Common Stock, require the owner of such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates to deliver a bond in such sum as it may
reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against HP,
the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent with respect to the Certificates
alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
1.11 TAX AND ACCOUNTING CONSEQUENCES.
(a) It is intended by the parties hereto that the Merger shall constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code. The parties hereto
adopt this Agreement as a "plan of reorganization" within the meaning of
Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) of the United States Income Tax Regulations.
(b) It is intended by the parties hereto that the Merger shall qualify for
accounting treatment as a pooling of interests.
1.12 TAKING OF NECESSARY ACTION; FURTHER ACTION. If, at any time after the
Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full
right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers
and franchises of VFI and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of VFI and
Merger Sub will take all such lawful and necessary action. HP shall cause Merger
Sub to perform all of its obligations relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VFI
VFI represents and warrants to HP and Merger Sub, subject to the exceptions
disclosed in writing in the disclosure letter supplied by VFI to HP dated as of
the date hereof (the "VFI SCHEDULES"), as follows:
2.1 ORGANIZATION OF VFI.
(a) VFI and each of its subsidiaries is a corporation or other legal entity
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to
jurisdictions which recognize such concept) under the laws of the jurisdiction
in which it is organized; has the corporate or other similar power and authority
to own, lease and operate its assets and property and to carry on its business
as now being conducted; and is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is
in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions which recognize such concept) in
each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or
operated by it or the nature of its activities makes such qualification or
licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have
a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below) on VFI.
A-5
<PAGE>
(b) VFI has delivered to HP a true and complete list of all of VFI's
subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement, indicating the jurisdiction of
organization of each subsidiary and VFI's equity interest therein.
(c) VFI has delivered or made available to HP a true and correct copy of the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of VFI and similar governing instruments
of each of its subsidiaries, each as amended to date, and each such instrument
is in full force and effect. Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries is in
violation of any of the provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws
or equivalent governing instruments.
(d) When used in connection with VFI, the term "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"
means, for purposes of this Agreement, any change, event or effect that is
materially adverse to the business, assets (including intangible assets),
financial condition or results of operations of VFI and its subsidiaries taken
as a whole; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) any adverse change, event or effect that
is proximately caused by conditions affecting the United States economy
generally or the economy of any nation or region in which VFI or any of its
subsidiaries conducts a material amount of business shall not be taken into
account in determining whether there has been or would be a "Material Adverse
Effect" on or with respect to VFI (unless such conditions adversely affect VFI
in a materially disproportionate manner), (ii) any adverse change, event or
effect that is proximately caused by conditions affecting any industry in which
VFI competes shall not be taken into account in determining whether there has
been or would be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or with respect to VFI (unless
such conditions adversely affect VFI in a materially disproportionate manner),
(iii) any adverse change, event or effect that is proximately caused by the
announcement or pendency of the Merger shall not be taken into account in
determining whether there has been or would be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or
with respect to VFI, and (iv) any adverse change, event or effect that is
proximately caused by any breach by HP of any covenant or obligation set forth
in this Agreement shall not be taken into account in determining whether there
has been or would be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or with respect to VFI; and,
PROVIDED FURTHER, that with respect to any dispute regarding whether a change,
event or effect is "proximately caused" by any of the foregoing, VFI shall have
the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
2.2 VFI CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The authorized capital stock of VFI consists of
50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of which there were
23,305,172 shares issued and outstanding as of April 21, 1997 (excluding shares
held in treasury of which there are 1,954,453), and 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share, of which no shares are issued or
outstanding. All outstanding shares of VFI Common Stock are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are not subject to preemptive
rights created by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of VFI or
any agreement or document to which VFI is a party or by which it is bound. As of
April 21, 1997, there were options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of
3,316,265 shares of VFI Common Stock, issued to employees, consultants and
non-employee directors pursuant to the VFI Stock Option Plans. All shares of VFI
Common Stock subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and
conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable,
would be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The VFI
Schedules list for each person who held options to acquire shares of VFI Common
Stock as of April 21, 1997, the name of the holder of such option, the exercise
price of such option, the number of shares as to which such option had vested at
such date, the vesting schedule for such option and whether the exercisability
of such option will be accelerated in any way by the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, and indicates the extent of acceleration, if any.
2.3 OBLIGATIONS WITH RESPECT TO CAPITAL STOCK. Except as set forth in
Section 2.2 and except for VFI Common Stock issued between April 21, 1997 and
the date of this Agreement upon exercise of stock options outstanding on April
21, 1997, as of the date of this Agreement there are no equity securities,
partnership interests or similar ownership interests of any class of VFI, or any
securities exchangeable or convertible into or exercisable for such equity
securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests, issued,
reserved for issuance or outstanding. Except for securities VFI owns, directly
or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries, and except for shares of capital
stock or other similar ownership
A-6
<PAGE>
interests of certain subsidiaries of VFI that are owned by certain nominee
equity holders as required by the applicable law of the jurisdiction of
organization of such subsidiaries, as of the date of this Agreement, there are
no equity securities, partnership interests or similar ownership interests of
any class of any subsidiary of VFI, or any security exchangeable or convertible
into or exercisable for such equity securities, partnership interests or similar
ownership interests, issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. Except as set
forth in Section 2.2 and except for VFI Common Stock issued between April 21,
1997 and the date of this Agreement upon exercise of stock options outstanding
on April 21, 1997, as of the date of this Agreement there are no options,
warrants, equity securities, partnership interests or similar ownership
interests, calls, rights (including preemptive rights), commitments or
agreements of any character to which VFI or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or by which it is bound obligating VFI or any of its subsidiaries to issue,
deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, or repurchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire, or cause the repurchase, redemption or acquisition of, any
shares of capital stock, partnership interests or similar ownership interests of
VFI or any of its subsidiaries or obligating VFI or any of its subsidiaries to
grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of or enter into any such option, warrant,
equity security, call, right, commitment or agreement. As of the date of this
Agreement, except as contemplated by this Agreement, there are no registration
rights and, to the knowledge of VFI, there are no voting trusts, proxies or
other agreements or understandings to which VFI is a party or by which it is
bound with respect to any equity security of any class of VFI or with respect to
any equity security, partnership interest or similar ownership interest of any
class of any of its subsidiaries. Assuming that HP Common Stock continues to be
listed on a national securities exchange, stockholders of VFI are not entitled
to dissenters rights under applicable state law.
2.4 AUTHORITY.
(a) VFI has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of VFI, subject only to the approval and adoption of this Agreement
and the approval of the Merger by VFI's stockholders and the filing of the
Certificate of Merger pursuant to Delaware Law. A vote of the holders of at
least a majority of the outstanding shares of the VFI Common Stock is required
for VFI's stockholders to approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the
Merger. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by VFI and, assuming
the due authorization, execution and delivery by HP and, if applicable, Merger
Sub, constitutes valid and binding obligations of VFI, enforceable against VFI
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy and other similar laws and general principles of equity. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by VFI do not, and the performance of
this Agreement by VFI will not, (i) conflict with or violate the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws of VFI or the equivalent organizational documents of any
of its subsidiaries, (ii) subject to obtaining the approval and adoption of this
Agreement and the approval of the Merger by VFI's stockholders as contemplated
in Section 5.2 and compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 2.4(b)
below, conflict with or violate any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or
decree applicable to VFI or any of its subsidiaries or by which VFI or any of
its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties is bound or affected
which conflict or violation would result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a
loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI, HP or the
Surviving Corporation, or (iii) result in any breach of or constitute a default
(or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default)
under, or impair VFI's rights or alter the rights or obligations of any third
party under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment,
acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien or
encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of VFI or any of its subsidiaries
pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease,
license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which VFI or any
of its subsidiaries is a party or by which VFI or any of its subsidiaries or its
or any of their respective properties are bound or affected which would result,
in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material
liability to VFI, HP or the Surviving Corporation. The VFI Schedules list all
consents, waivers and approvals under any of VFI's
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or any of its subsidiaries' agreements, contracts, licenses or leases required
to be obtained in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, which, if individually or in the aggregate not obtained,
would result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or
any material liability to VFI, HP or the Surviving Corporation as a result of
the Merger.
(b) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with any court, administrative agency or commission or
other governmental authority or instrumentality, foreign or domestic
("GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY"), is required to be obtained or made by VFI in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
Merger, except for (i) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (ii) the filing of the Proxy
Statement (as defined in Section 2.19) with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"), (iii) such consents, approvals, orders,
authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under
applicable federal, foreign and state securities (or related) laws and the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
ACT"), and the securities or antitrust laws of any foreign country, and (iv)
such other consents, authorizations, filings, approvals and registrations which
if not obtained or made would not be material to VFI or HP or have a material
adverse effect on the ability of the parties to consummate the Merger.
2.5 SEC FILINGS; VFI FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) VFI has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by
VFI with the SEC since January 1, 1996 and has made available to HP such forms,
reports and documents in the form filed with the SEC. All such required forms,
reports and documents (including those that VFI may file subsequent to the date
hereof) are referred to herein as the "VFI SEC REPORTS." As of their respective
dates, the VFI SEC Reports (i) were prepared in accordance with and complied
with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES
ACT"), or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of
the SEC thereunder applicable to such VFI SEC Reports and (ii) did not at the
time they were filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date
of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. None of VFI's
subsidiaries is required to file any forms, reports or other documents with the
SEC.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the VFI SEC Reports (the "VFI
FINANCIALS"), including any VFI SEC Reports filed after the date hereof until
the Closing, (x) complied as to form in all material respects with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (y) was prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except as may be indicated in
the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, as
may be permitted by the SEC on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act) and (z) fairly
presented the consolidated financial position of VFI and its subsidiaries as at
the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of VFI's operations
and cash flows for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited interim
financial statements may not contain footnotes. The balance sheet of VFI
contained in VFI SEC Reports as of December 31, 1996 is hereinafter referred to
as the "VFI BALANCE SHEET." Except as disclosed in the VFI Financials or in the
consolidated unaudited balance sheet of VFI as of March 31, 1997 previously
delivered to HP, since the date of the VFI Balance Sheet neither VFI nor any of
its subsidiaries has any liabilities (absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise) of a nature required to be disclosed on a balance sheet or in the
related notes to the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance
with GAAP which are, individually or in the aggregate, material to the business,
results of operations or financial condition of VFI and its subsidiaries taken
as a whole, except for (i) liabilities identified in the VFI Balance Sheet, (ii)
liabilities incurred since the date of the VFI Balance Sheet in the ordinary
course of business consistent
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with past practices, or (iii) liabilities which, in any individual case or
series of related cases, would not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a
loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI.
(c) VFI has heretofore furnished to HP a complete and correct copy of any
amendments or modifications, which have not yet been filed with the SEC but
which are required to be filed, to agreements, documents or other instruments
which previously had been filed by VFI with the SEC pursuant to the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act.
(d) The financial statements of VFI for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
1997, previously delivered to HP and a copy of which is contained in the VFI
Schedules (the "MARCH FINANCIALS"), were prepared in accordance with GAAP
(except as may be permitted by the SEC on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act and
except that the March Financials do not contain footnotes) applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods involved and with VFI's 1996 annual
financial statements previously filed with the SEC. The March Financials fairly
presented the consolidated financial position of VFI and its subsidiaries as at
March 31, 1997 and the consolidated results of VFI's operations and cash flows
for the periods indicated in accordance with GAAP. The financial statements to
be included in the Form 10-Q to be filed by VFI with the SEC with respect to the
fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997 will be, in form and substance,
substantially identical to the March Financials.
2.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. From the date of the VFI Balance
Sheet and until the date hereof there has not been: (i) any Material Adverse
Effect on VFI, (ii) any material change by VFI in its accounting methods,
principles or practices, except as required by concurrent changes in GAAP, or
(iii) any material revaluation by VFI of any of its assets, including, without
limitation, writing down the value of capitalized inventory or writing off notes
or accounts receivable other than in the ordinary course of business.
2.7 TAXES.
(a) DEFINITION OF TAXES. For the purposes of this Agreement, "TAX" or
"TAXES" refers to any and all federal, state, local and foreign taxes,
assessments and other governmental charges, duties, impositions and liabilities
relating to taxes, including taxes based upon or measured by gross receipts,
income, profits, sales, use and occupation, and value added, ad valorem,
transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, recapture, employment, excise and
property taxes, together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with
respect to such amounts and any obligations under any agreements or arrangements
with any other person with respect to such amounts and including any liability
for taxes of a predecessor entity.
(b) TAX RETURNS AND AUDITS.
(i) VFI and each of its subsidiaries have timely filed all federal, state,
local and foreign returns, estimates, information statements and reports
("RETURNS") relating to Taxes required to be filed by VFI and each of its
subsidiaries with any Tax authority, except such Returns which are not material
to VFI, and have paid all Taxes shown to be due on such Returns.
(ii) VFI and each of its subsidiaries as of the Effective Time will have
withheld with respect to its employees all federal and state income taxes, the
Federal Insurance Contribution Act ("FICA"), the Federal Unemployment Tax Act
("FUTA") and other Taxes required to be withheld.
(iii) There is no Tax deficiency outstanding, proposed or assessed against
VFI or any of its subsidiaries, nor has VFI or any of its subsidiaries executed
any unexpired waiver of any statute of limitations on or extending the period
for the assessment or collection of any Tax.
(iv) No audit or other examination of any Return of VFI or any of its
subsidiaries by any Tax authority is in progress, nor has VFI or any of its
subsidiaries been notified in writing of any request for such an audit or other
examination.
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(v) No adjustment relating to any Returns filed by VFI or any of its
subsidiaries has been proposed in writing formally or informally by any Tax
authority to VFI or any of its subsidiaries or any representative thereof.
(vi) Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries has any liability for unpaid
Taxes which has not been accrued for or reserved on the VFI Balance Sheet,
whether asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise, which in any individual
case or series of related cases, would result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in
a loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI other than any
liability for unpaid Taxes that may have accrued since the date of the VFI
Balance Sheet in connection with the operation of the business of VFI and its
subsidiaries in the ordinary course.
(vii) There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement to which VFI is a
party as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to the
provisions of this Agreement, covering any employee or former employee of VFI or
any of its subsidiaries that, individually or collectively, could give rise to
the payment of any amount that would not be deductible pursuant to Sections
280G, 404 or 162(m) of the Code.
(viii) Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries has filed any consent agreement
under Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code
apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset (as defined in Section
341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by VFI.
(ix) Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries is party to or has any
obligation under any tax-sharing, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement or
arrangement, except as required by applicable law.
(x) Except as may be required as a result of the Merger, VFI and its
subsidiaries have not been and will not be required to include any adjustment in
Taxable income for any Tax period (or portion thereof) pursuant to Section 481
or Section 263A of the Code or any comparable provision under state or foreign
Tax laws as a result of transactions, events or accounting methods employed
prior to the Closing.
(xi) None of VFI's or its subsidiaries' assets is tax exempt use property
within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code.
(xii) The VFI Schedules list (A) any foreign Tax holidays, (B) any
intercompany transfer pricing agreements, or other arrangements that have been
established by VFI or any of its subsidiaries with any Tax authority and (C) any
expatriate programs or policies affecting VFI or any of its subsidiaries as of
the date of this Agreement.
2.8 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ABSENCE OF LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES.
(a) The VFI Schedules list the real property owned by VFI as of the date of
this Agreement. The VFI Schedules list all real property being leased as of the
date of this Agreement. All such real property is being leased pursuant to lease
agreements that are in full force and effect, are valid and effective in
accordance with their respective terms, and there is not, under any of such
leases, any existing default or event of default (or event which with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) that would, in VFI's
reasonable judgment, give rise to a claim in an amount greater than $1 million.
(b) VFI has good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties
and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and
assets, real, personal and mixed, used or held for use in its business, free and
clear of any liens, pledges, charges, claims, security interests or other
encumbrances of any sort ("LIENS"), except as reflected in the VFI Financials
and except for liens for taxes not yet due and payable and such Liens or other
imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, which are not material in
character, amount or extent, and which do not materially detract from the value,
or materially interfere with the present use, of the property subject thereto or
affected thereby.
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2.9 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. For the purposes of this Agreement, the
following terms have the following definitions:
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean any or all of the following and all
rights therein: (i) all United States, international and foreign patents and
applications (including provisional applications) therefor that have not been
abandoned or withdrawn; (ii) all inventions (whether patentable or not),
invention disclosures, trade secrets, proprietary information, know how,
technology, technical data and customer lists, and all documentation relating to
any of the foregoing, and all improvements thereto; (iii) all copyrights,
registered copyrights and applications therefor, and moral or equivalent rights,
throughout the world; (iv) all industrial designs registered industrial designs
and applications therefor throughout the world; (v) all trade names, logos,
common law trademarks and service marks, registered trademarks and service marks
and applications therefor that have not been abandoned or withdrawn, throughout
the world; and (vi) all databases and data collections and all rights therein,
throughout the world.
"VFI INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean any Intellectual Property that is
owned by, or filed in the name of, VFI or any of its subsidiaries.
"VFI PRODUCT" shall mean any hardware or software product that is
distributed by or for VFI, either directly or indirectly, or any software tool
used by VFI in the performance of any services provided to VFI's customers, as
of the date hereof.
"VFI REGISTERED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean any Registered
Intellectual Property owned by, or filed in the name of, VFI or any of its
subsidiaries.
"REGISTERED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" shall mean all United States,
international and foreign: (i) patents and patent applications (including
provisional applications) that have not been abandoned or withdrawn; (ii)
registered trademarks and service marks and applications therefor that have not
been abandoned or withdrawn; (iii) registered copyrights and applications
therefor; and (iv) registered industrial designs and applications therefor.
(a) Section 2.9 of the VFI Schedules lists all VFI Registered Intellectual
Property as of the date hereof; and all patent applications filed by or in the
name of VFI or any of its subsidiaries that have been abandoned or withdrawn and
trademark and service mark registration applications filed by or in the name of
VFI or any of its subsidiaries that have been abandoned or withdrawn, in each
case since January 1, 1996.
(b) Section 2.9 of the VFI Schedules lists each proceeding or action pending
(including any mediation) as of the date hereof and to which VFI or any of its
subsidiaries is a party before any court or tribunal (including the United
States Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO"), or equivalent authority anywhere in
the world) related to any VFI Registered Intellectual Property.
(c) There is no VFI Intellectual Property or VFI Registered Intellectual
Property that is subject to any proceeding or outstanding decree, order,
judgment, agreement entered pursuant to an order of a court, tribunal or
equivalent authority anywhere in the world, or stipulation in connection with
any proceeding materially restricting in any manner the use, transfer, or
licensing thereof by VFI, or that would be likely to materially and adversely
affect the validity, use or enforceability of any VFI Intellectual Property or
VFI Registered Intellectual Property. VFI is not a party to any proceeding or
outstanding decree, order, judgment, agreement entered pursuant to an order of a
court, tribunal or equivalent authority anywhere in the world, or stipulation in
connection with any proceeding materially restricting in any manner the use,
transfer, or licensing by VFI of any Intellectual Property of any third party
that is incorporated into a necessary component of any VFI Product.
(d) Each item of VFI Registered Intellectual Property is subsisting; all
necessary registration, maintenance and renewal fees due as of the date hereof
in connection with such VFI Registered Intellectual Property have been paid and
all documents and certificates required to be filed with a patent,
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copyright, trademark or other governmental authority in the United States or any
foreign jurisdiction for the purposes of maintaining such VFI Registered
Intellectual Property have been filed with such authority, except where the
failure to pay any fees or file any such documents would not result, in VFI's
reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability
to VFI, or upon the Closing, to HP or the Surviving Corporation.
(e) VFI: (i) owns and has good title to, or has all necessary licenses
(either express or implied) under or to, each item of Intellectual Property that
is incorporated into a necessary component of any VFI Product, including all VFI
Registered Intellectual Property, but excluding any Intellectual Property
incorporated into a necessary component of any VFI Product that has been
developed or created by a third party for VFI, free and clear of any Lien (other
than (A) licenses and related restrictions, (B) any Lien reflected in the VFI
Financials, and (C) any Lien not material in character, amount or extent; and
which Liens do not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material
benefits to or any material liability to VFI); (ii) owns and has good and
exclusive title to, or has all necessary licenses (either express or implied)
under or to, each item of Intellectual Property that is incorporated into a
necessary component of the VFI Products specified in Section 2.9 of the VFI
Schedules, including all VFI Registered Intellectual Property, but excluding any
Intellectual Property incorporated into a necessary component of any such VFI
Products that has been developed or created by a third party for VFI, free and
clear of any Lien (other than (A) licenses and related restrictions, (B) any
Lien reflected in the VFI Financials, and (C) any Lien not material in
character, amount or extent; and which Liens do not result, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI),
excluding any custom development work of VFI Products performed by VFI or any of
its subsidiaries for any third party or, to the extent that failure to so own,
have such title or license would have a Material Adverse Effect on VFI; and
(iii) owns and has good title to, or has a license to each trademark and trade
name used in connection with the distribution of any VFI Products.
(f) To the extent that any Intellectual Property incorporated into a
necessary component of any VFI Products has been developed or created by a third
party for VFI, VFI either (i) has obtained ownership of, free and clear of any
Lien (other than (A) licenses and related restrictions, (B) any Lien reflected
in the VFI Financials, and (C) any Lien not material in character, amount or
extent; and which Liens do not materially detract from the current manner of
manufacture, use or distribution of such VFI Products that include such
Intellectual Property), or (ii) has obtained a license under or to such third
party's Intellectual Property, to the extent it is legally possible to do so;
except to the extent that the failure to do so does not result, in VFI's
reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability
to VFI.
(g) Between January 1, 1996 and the date hereof, VFI has not transferred
ownership of, or granted any exclusive license with respect to, any VFI
Intellectual Property owned by VFI or any of its subsidiaries at the time of its
development or any VFI Registered Intellectual Property, to any third party;
except to the extent such Intellectual Property pertains to custom development
work of VFI Products performed by VFI or any of its subsidiaries for any third
party or if such transfer or grant would not result, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI.
(h) Section 2.9 of the VFI Schedules lists all material contracts, licenses
and other agreements to which VFI is a party as of the date hereof (i) with
respect to VFI Intellectual Property licensed or transferred by VFI or any of
its subsidiaries to any third party (other than (A) those with end-users entered
into in the ordinary course of business, (B) those with distributors or
resellers entered into in the ordinary course of business, (C) those entered
into in connection with the sale or lease of hardware products and associated
software entered into in the ordinary course of business, (D) those relating to
the performance of services by VFI in the ordinary course of business, and (E)
those entered into in the ordinary course of business on terms that do not
materially deviate from VFI's standard terms previously disclosed to HP); or
(ii) pursuant to which a third party is licensing or transferring any
Intellectual Property to VFI or any of its subsidiaries that is incorporated
into a necessary component of a VFI Product (other than (A) those entered into
in connection with the custom development work of VFI Products performed by VFI
or any
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of its subsidiaries for any third party, (B) those that pertain to mass-marketed
products commercially available to similarly situated businesses, (C) those that
pertain to publicly available protocols or specifications that are used in the
development of VFI Products, and (D) those entered into in the ordinary course
of business on terms that do not materially deviate from VFI's standard terms
previously disclosed to HP.)
(i) Following the Closing Date, the Surviving Corporation will be permitted
to exercise all of VFI's rights under the contracts, licenses and agreements
required to be listed in Section 2.9 of the VFI Schedules to the same extent VFI
would have been permitted to exercise such rights had the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement not occurred and without the payment of any
material additional amounts or consideration other than ongoing fees, royalties
or payments which VFI would have been required to pay had the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement not occurred; except to the extent that any
contract, license, agreement or activity of HP or the Surviving Corporation
(entered into or taken by the Surviving Corporation after the Closing) affects
the exercise of such rights or the payment of such amounts.
(j) Section 2.9 of the VFI Schedules lists or specifically refers to all
material contracts, licenses and agreements to which VFI or any of its
subsidiaries is a party as of the date hereof and wherein or whereby VFI or any
of its subsidiaries has agreed to, or assumed, any material obligation or duty
to warrant, indemnify, hold harmless or otherwise assume or incur any material
obligation or liability with respect to the infringement or misappropriation by
VFI or such third party of the Intellectual Property of any third party (other
than (A) those with end-users entered into in the ordinary course of business,
(B) those with distributors or resellers entered into in the ordinary course of
business, (C) those entered into in connection with the sale or lease of
hardware products and associated software entered into in the ordinary course of
business, (D) those relating to the performance of services by VFI in the
ordinary course of business, and (E) those entered into in the ordinary course
of business on terms that do not materially deviate from VFI's standard terms
previously disclosed to HP).
(k) The operation of the business of VFI as such business is currently being
operated with respect to VFI Products (including VFI's design, development,
manufacture, marketing and sale of VFI Products) is not infringing or
misappropriating the Intellectual Property of any third party (provided that
with respect to patent rights, such representation is limited to VFI's
knowledge) to the extent that such infringement or misappropriation will result,
in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material
liability to VFI.
(l) Since January 1, 1993, VFI has not received written notice from any
third party that any VFI Product infringes or misappropriates the Intellectual
Property of any third party to the extent that such infringement or
misappropriation will result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of
material benefits to or any material liability to VFI.
(m) To the knowledge of VFI, no person is infringing or misappropriating any
VFI Intellectual Property that would result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a
loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI.
(n) VFI has taken reasonable steps to protect VFI's rights in VFI's
confidential information and trade secrets that it wishes to protect or any
trade secrets or confidential information of third parties provided to VFI.
Without limiting the foregoing, VFI makes reasonable and customary efforts to
implement a policy requiring each employee and contractor to execute a
proprietary information/ confidentiality agreement in VFI's standard form (as
may have been changed over time).
2.10 COMPLIANCE; PERMITS; RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries is, in any material respect, in
conflict with, or in default or in violation of any law, rule, regulation,
order, judgment or decree applicable to VFI or any of its subsidiaries or by
which VFI or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties is
bound or affected, except for conflicts, violations and defaults that
individually would not cause, in VFI's reasonable
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judgment, VFI to lose benefits aggregating to $1 million or more, or to incur
liabilities aggregating to $1 million or more. No investigation or review by any
Governmental Entity is pending or, to the knowledge of VFI, has since January 1,
1993, been threatened in a writing delivered to VFI against VFI or any of its
subsidiaries, nor, to VFI's knowledge, has any Governmental Entity indicated an
intention in a writing delivered to VFI to conduct an investigation of VFI or
any of its subsidiaries. There is no material judgment, injunction, order or
decree binding upon VFI or any of its subsidiaries which has or could reasonably
be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any
business practice of VFI or any of its subsidiaries, any acquisition of material
property by VFI or any of its subsidiaries or the conduct of business by VFI as
currently conducted.
(b) VFI and its subsidiaries hold, to the extent legally required, all
permits, licenses, variances, exemptions, orders and approvals from a
Governmental Entity that are material to and required for the operation of the
business of VFI as currently conducted (collectively, the "VFI PERMITS"), other
than such VFI Permits, which if not held, would not result, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefit to or any material liability to VFI. VFI
and its subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the terms
of the VFI Permits, except where the failure to be in compliance with the terms
of the VFI Permits would not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of
material benefit to or any material liability to VFI.
2.11 LITIGATION. There is no action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or
investigation by a Governmental Entity pending, and to VFI's knowledge, no
person in a writing delivered to VFI since January 1, 1993 has threatened to
commence any action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or investigation against VFI
or any of its subsidiaries or to allege a claim which, in any individual case or
series of related cases, would result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss
of material benefit to or any material liability to VFI. No Governmental Entity
has at any time since January 1, 1996 challenged or questioned in a writing
delivered to VFI the legal right of VFI to manufacture, offer or sell any of its
products in the present manner or style thereof.
2.12 BROKERS' AND FINDERS' FEES. Except for fees payable to Deutsche
Morgan Grenfell Inc. pursuant to an engagement letter dated March 4, 1997, a
copy of which has been provided to HP, VFI has not incurred, nor will it incur,
directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees or agents'
commissions or any similar charges in connection with this Agreement or any
transaction contemplated hereby.
2.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) The VFI Schedules contain an accurate and complete list of each plan,
program, policy, contract, or agreement in effect as of the date of this
Agreement providing for compensation, severance, termination pay, performance
awards, stock or stock-related awards, fringe benefits or other employee
benefits of any kind, whether formal or informal, written or otherwise, funded
or unfunded and whether or not legally binding, including without limitation,
each "employee benefit plan" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which
is being maintained or contributed to by VFI or any trade or business which is
under common control with VFI within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code (an
"AFFILIATE") (or which has been maintained or contributed to and under which VFI
has, as of the date of this Agreement, material obligations under) for the
benefit of any current, former, or retired employee, officer, or director of VFI
or any Affiliate (the "VFI EMPLOYEE PLANS"). As of the date of this Agreement,
VFI does not have any plan, commitment or intention, whether legally binding or
not, to establish any new VFI Employee Plan, to materially modify any VFI
Employee Plan (except to the extent required by law or to conform any such VFI
Employee Plan to the requirements of any applicable law, in each case as
previously disclosed to HP in writing, or as required by this Agreement), or to
enter into any VFI Employee Plan.
(b) VFI has provided or made available to HP (i) correct and complete copies
of all documents embodying each VFI Employee Plan including all amendments
thereto; (ii) the most recent annual actuarial valuations, if any, prepared for
each VFI Employee Plan; (iii) the three most recent annual reports (Series 5500
and all schedules thereto), if any, required under ERISA or the Code in
connection
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with each VFI Employee Plan or related trust; (iv) if the VFI Employee Plan is
funded, the most recent annual and periodic accounting of VFI Employee Plan
assets; (v) the most recent summary plan description together with the most
recent summary of material modifications, if any, required under ERISA with
respect to each VFI Employee Plan; (vi) all IRS determination letters and
rulings issued to VFI relating to VFI Employee Plans; (vii) all material
agreements and contracts relating to each VFI Employee Plan, including but not
limited to, administration service agreements, group annuity contracts and group
insurance contracts; (viii) all material communications from VFI to any
Employees relating to any amendments, terminations, establishments, increases or
decreases in benefits, acceleration of payments or vesting schedules or other
events with respect to any VFI Employee Plan which would result in any material
liability to VFI; and (ix) all registration statements and the most recent
prospectuses prepared in connection with each VFI Employee Plan.
(c) (i) VFI has performed in all respects all obligations required to be
performed by it under, is not in default or violation of, and has no knowledge
of any default or violation by any other party to each VFI Employee Plan, except
for any such nonperformance, default or violation, which in any individual case
or series of related cases, would not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a
loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI and each VFI
Employee Plan has been established and maintained in accordance with its terms
and in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, orders, rules and
regulations (including any applicable exemptions thereto), including but not
limited to ERISA or the Code; except in any individual case or series of related
cases, as would not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material
benefits to or any material liability to VFI; (ii) each VFI Employee Plan
intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and each trust intended to
qualify under Section 501(a) of the Code has either received a favorable
determination letter with respect to each such VFI Employee Plan from the IRS or
has remaining a period of time under applicable Treasury regulations or IRS
pronouncements in which to apply for such a determination letter and make any
amendments necessary to obtain a favorable determination, and nothing has
occurred since the date of such letter that could reasonably be expected to
affect the qualified status of such plan; (iii) no "prohibited transaction",
within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Sections 406 or 407 of ERISA,
and not otherwise exempt under Section 408 of ERISA, or Section 4975 of the Code
has occurred with respect to any VFI Employee Plan; (iv) there are no actions,
suits or administrative proceedings pending and to the knowledge of VFI, no
person has since January 1, 1993 threatened in a writing delivered to VFI to
commence an action or suit against any VFI Employee Plan or against the assets
of any VFI Employee Plan, except in any individual case or series of related
cases, as would not result, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of material
benefits to or any material liability to VFI; and (v) each VFI Employee Plan can
be amended, terminated or otherwise discontinued after the Effective Time in
accordance with its terms, without liability to VFI, HP or any Affiliate (other
than liabilities that may arise in accordance with the terms of such VFI
Employee Plan, including ordinary administration expenses typically incurred in
a termination event); (vi) there are no material inquiries or proceedings
pending against VFI, and, to the knowledge of VFI or any Affiliate, neither the
IRS nor the Department of Labor ("DOL") has since January 1, 1993 threatened in
a writing delivered to VFI to commence an inquiry or proceeding against VFI with
respect to any VFI Employee Plan; and (vii) neither VFI nor any Affiliate is
subject to any penalty or tax in excess of $1 million with respect to any VFI
Employee Plan under Section 402(1) of ERISA or Section 4975 through 4980 of the
Code.
(d) VFI does not now, nor has it ever, maintained, established, sponsored,
participated in, or contributed to, any pension plan which is subject to Title
IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code.
(e) At no time has VFI contributed to or been requested to contribute to any
"multi-employer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.
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(f) No VFI Employee Plan provides, or has any liability to provide, life
insurance or medical or other employee welfare benefits to any employee upon his
or her retirement or termination of employment for any reason, except as may be
required by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 ("COBRA")
or other applicable statute, and VFI has never represented, promised or
contracted (whether in oral or written form) to any employee (either
individually or to employees as a group) that such employee(s) would be provided
with life insurance or medical or other employee welfare benefits upon their
retirement or termination of employment, except to the extent required by
statute.
(g) Neither VFI nor any Affiliate has, prior to the Effective Time and in
any material respect, violated any of the health care continuation requirements
of COBRA or any similar provisions of state law applicable to its employees.
(h) The execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not constitute an event under any VFI Employee Plan,
trust or loan that will or may result in any payment (whether of severance pay
or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting, distribution,
increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect to any current,
former or retired employee of VFI, except to the extent required by statute.
(i) No payment or benefit which will or may be made (i) by VFI or its
affiliates, or (ii) (x) pursuant to or as a result of any agreement or
understanding in place as of the date of this Agreement or (y) to VFI's
knowledge as of the date hereof HP or any of its affiliates, with respect to any
Employee as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be
characterized as an "excess parachute payment," within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) of the Code.
2.14 EMPLOYEES; LABOR MATTERS. Between January 1, 1996 and the date of
this Agreement, to VFI's knowledge based on written notice from a former
employer of a VFI employee, no employee of VFI has violated any employment
contract, patent disclosure agreement or non competition agreement between such
employee and any former employer of such employee due to such employee being
employed by VFI and disclosing to VFI trade secrets or proprietary information
of such employer. To VFI's knowledge, there are no activities or proceedings of
any labor union to organize any employees of VFI or any of its subsidiaries and
there are no strikes, or material slowdowns, work stoppages or lockouts, or
threats thereof by or with respect to any employees of VFI or any of its
subsidiaries. VFI is not, and has never been, a party to any collective
bargaining agreement. VFI and its subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 1996,
VFI and its subsidiaries have been in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable laws regarding employment practices, terms and conditions of
employment, and wages and hours (including, without limitation, ERISA, WARN or
any similar state or local law), except for any noncompliance which, in any
individual case or series of related cases, would not result, in VFI's
reasonable judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability
to VFI.
2.15 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
(a) HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. Except as reasonably would not result, in any
individual case or series of related cases, in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a
loss of material benefit to or any material liability to VFI, no underground
storage tanks and no amount of any substance that has been designated by any
Governmental Entity or by applicable federal, state or local law to be
radioactive, toxic, hazardous or otherwise a danger to health or the
environment, including, without limitation, PCBs, asbestos, petroleum,
urea-formaldehyde and all substances listed as hazardous substances pursuant to
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
1980, as amended, or defined as a hazardous waste pursuant to the United States
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the regulations
promulgated pursuant to said laws, but excluding office and janitorial supplies,
(a "HAZARDOUS MATERIAL") are present, as a result of the actions of VFI or any
of its subsidiaries or any affiliate of VFI, or, to VFI's knowledge, as a result
of any actions of any third party or otherwise, in, on or under any property,
including the land and the improvements, ground water and surface water thereof,
that VFI or any of its subsidiaries has at any time owned, operated, occupied or
leased.
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(b) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACTIVITIES. Except as reasonably would not, in any
individual case or series of related cases, result, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefit to or any material liability to VFI, (i)
neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries has transported, stored, used,
manufactured, disposed of, released or exposed its employees or others to
Hazardous Materials in violation of any law currently in effect, and (ii)
neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries has disposed of, transported, sold,
used, released, exposed its employees or others to or manufactured any product
containing a Hazardous Material (collectively "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACTIVITIES")
in violation of any rule, regulation, treaty or statute promulgated by any
Governmental Entity in effect prior to or as of the date hereof to prohibit,
regulate or control Hazardous Materials or any Hazardous Material Activity.
(c) PERMITS. VFI and its subsidiaries currently hold all environmental
approvals, permits, licenses, clearances and consents (the "VFI ENVIRONMENTAL
PERMITS") necessary for the conduct of VFI's and its subsidiaries' Hazardous
Material Activities and other businesses of VFI and its subsidiaries as such
activities and businesses are currently being conducted. VFI and its
subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the
VFI Environmental Permits, except as would not result, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefit to or any material liability to VFI.
(d) ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES. No action, proceeding, revocation
proceeding, amendment procedure, writ, injunction or claim is pending, and to
VFI's knowledge, no action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, amendment
procedure, writ, injunction or claim has since January 1, 1996 been threatened
by any Governmental Entity against VFI or any of its subsidiaries in a writing
delivered to VFI concerning any VFI Environmental Permit, Hazardous Material or
any Hazardous Materials Activity of VFI or any of its subsidiaries.
2.16 AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. As of the date of this
Agreement, neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to or is bound by:
(a) any employment or consulting agreement, contract or commitment with any
(i) officer or (ii) employee whose annual base compensation exceeds $125,000 or
member of VFI's Board of Directors, other than those that are terminable by VFI
or any of its subsidiaries on no more than 30 days notice without liability or
financial obligation, except to the extent general principles of wrongful
termination law or applicable foreign law may limit VFI's or any of its
subsidiaries' ability to terminate employees at will;
(b) any agreement or plan, including, without limitation, any stock option
plan, stock appreciation right plan or stock purchase plan, any of the benefits
of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of which will be
accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the
basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
(c) any agreement of indemnification or any guaranty other than: (i) any
agreement of indemnification or guaranty entered into in the ordinary course of
business, (ii) any agreement of indemnification entered into in connection with
the sale or lease of hardware products (or in connection with the sale, lease or
license of the software related to or incorporated in hardware products) in the
ordinary course of business, (iii) any agreement of indemnification entered into
in connection with services performed in the ordinary course of business, (iv)
any indemnification agreement between VFI or any of its subsidiaries and any of
their respective officers, directors or employees; (v) guarantees of obligations
of a VFI subsidiary by VFI or another VFI subsidiary in the ordinary course of
business, and (vi) any agreement of indemnification entered into in connection
with the licensing by VFI of software in the ordinary course of business;
(d) any agreement, contract or commitment containing any covenant limiting
in any material respect the right of VFI or any of its subsidiaries or
subsequent parent or sister companies to engage in any line of business or to
compete with any person or granting any exclusive distribution rights;
(e) any agreement, contract or commitment currently in force relating to the
disposition or acquisition by VFI or any of its subsidiaries after the date of
this Agreement of a material amount of assets not in
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the ordinary course of business or pursuant to which VFI has any material
ownership interest in any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other
business enterprise;
(f) any joint marketing or development agreement currently in force under
which VFI or any of its subsidiaries have continuing material obligations to
jointly market any product, technology or service and which may not be canceled
without penalty upon notice of 30 days or less, or any material agreement
pursuant to which VFI or any of its subsidiaries have continuing material
obligations to jointly develop any intellectual property that will not be owned,
in whole or in part, by VFI or any of its subsidiaries and which may not be
canceled without penalty upon notice of 90 days or less;
(g) any agreement, contract or commitment currently in force to provide
source code to any third party for any product or technology that is material to
VFI and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for (i) any agreement,
contract or commitment pursuant to which source code is provided for maintenance
of the source code or for development of modifications thereto only, and not for
distribution of source or object code to third parties, and (ii) any source code
escrow agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business that contains
provisions relating to the release of source code if VFI and/or any of its
subsidiaries ceases to do business or fails to provide appropriate maintenance;
or
(h) any agreement, contract or commitment currently in force to license any
third party to manufacture or reproduce any VFI Product, except as a distributor
in the normal course of business.
Neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries, nor to VFI's knowledge any other
party to a VFI Contract (as defined below), is in breach, violation or default
under, and neither VFI nor any of its subsidiaries has since January 1, 1996
received, to its knowledge, written notice that it has breached, violated or
defaulted under, any of the material terms or conditions of any material note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit,
franchise or other instrument to which VFI or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or by which it is bound that are exhibits to VFI's SEC Reports, that are
required to be disclosed in the VFI Schedules pursuant to clauses (a) through
(h) above or pursuant to Section 2.9 hereof or that are otherwise material to
VFI (any such agreement, contract or commitment, a "VFI CONTRACT") in such a
manner as would permit any other party to cancel or terminate any such VFI
Contract, or would permit any other party to seek damages, which would result,
in VFI's reasonable judgment, in a loss of benefits to VFI and/or liabilities to
VFI in excess of $1 million (for any individual breach, violation or default).
2.17 POOLING OF INTERESTS. Neither VFI nor any of its directors, officers,
affiliates or stockholders has taken any action which would preclude HP's
ability to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
2.18 CHANGE OF CONTROL PAYMENTS. The VFI Schedules set forth each plan or
agreement as to which VFI is a party as of the date hereof pursuant to which any
amounts may become payable (whether currently or in the future) to current or
former officers and directors of VFI as a result of or in connection with the
Merger.
2.19 STATEMENTS; PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. The information supplied by
VFI for inclusion in the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 3.4(b))
shall not at the time the Registration Statement is filed with the SEC and at
the time it becomes effective under the Securities Act contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The information
supplied by VFI for inclusion in the proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to
the stockholders of VFI in connection with the meeting of VFI's stockholders to
consider the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the approval of the
Merger (the "VFI STOCKHOLDERS' MEETING") (such proxy statement/prospectus as
amended or supplemented is referred to herein as the "PROXY STATEMENT") shall
not, on the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to VFI's stockholders or at
the time of the VFI Stockholders' Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not false or misleading; or omit to
state any material fact
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necessary to correct any statement in any earlier communication with respect to
the solicitation of proxies for the VFI Stockholders' Meeting which has become
false or misleading. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material
respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event relating to VFI
or any of its affiliates, officers or directors should be discovered by VFI
which is required to be set forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement
or a supplement to the Proxy Statement, VFI shall promptly inform HP.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, VFI makes no representation or warranty with
respect to any information supplied by HP or Merger Sub which is contained in
any of the foregoing documents.
2.20 BOARD APPROVAL. The Board of Directors of VFI has, as of the date of
this Agreement, determined (i) that the Merger is fair to, and in the best
interests of VFI and its stockholders, and (ii) to recommend that the
stockholders of VFI approve and adopt this Agreement and approve the Merger.
2.21 FAIRNESS OPINION. VFI's Board of Directors has received an opinion
from Deutsche Morgan Grenfell dated as of the date hereof, to the effect that as
of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair to VFI's stockholders from a
financial point of view and will deliver to HP a copy of such opinion within 3
business days following the date hereof.
2.22 SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW NOT
APPLICABLE. The Board of Directors of VFI has taken all actions so that the
restrictions contained in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
applicable to a "business combination" (as defined in such Section 203) will not
apply to the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement or to the
consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
2.23 CUSTOMS. VFI has acted with reasonable care to properly value and
classify, in accordance with applicable tariff laws, rules and regulations, all
goods that VFI or any of its subsidiaries import into the United States or into
any other country (the "IMPORTED GOODS"). To VFI's knowledge, there are
currently no claims for material amounts pending against VFI by the U.S. Customs
Service (or other foreign customs authorities) relating to the valuation,
classification or marking of the Imported Goods. To VFI's knowledge, since
January 1, 1993, there have not been any material penalties assessed or claimed
by the U.S. Customs Service or foreign customs authorities with respect to the
Imported Goods. To VFI's knowledge, VFI and its subsidiaries have paid to the
U.S. Customs Service and relevant foreign customs authorities, with such
exceptions as are not material, all duties, tariffs and excise taxes assessed,
due and payable prior to April 22, 1997 with such exceptions as would not
result, in any individual case or series of related cases, in VFI's reasonable
judgment, in a loss of material benefits to or any material liability to VFI.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HP AND MERGER SUB
HP and Merger Sub represent and warrant to VFI as follows:
3.1 ORGANIZATION OF HP.
(a) Each of HP and Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is
organized; has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
assets and property and to carry on its business as now being conducted; and is
duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by
it or the nature of its activities makes such qualification or licensing
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material
Adverse Effect (as defined below) on HP.
(b) HP has delivered or made available to VFI a true and correct copy of the
charter and Bylaws of HP and Merger Sub, each as amended to date, and each such
instrument is in full force and effect. Neither HP nor Merger Sub is in
violation of any of the provisions of its charter or Bylaws.
(c) When used in connection with HP, the term "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT"
means, for purposes of this Agreement, any change, event or effect that is
materially adverse to the business, assets (including intangible assets),
financial condition or results of operations of HP and its subsidiaries taken as
a whole; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) any adverse change, event or effect that is
proximately caused by conditions affecting the United States economy generally
or the economy of any nation or region in which HP or any of its subsidiaries
conducts a material amount of business shall not be taken into account in
determining whether there has been or would be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or
with respect to HP (unless such conditions adversely affect HP in a materially
disproportionate manner), (ii) any adverse change, event or effect that is
proximately caused by conditions affecting any industry in which HP competes
shall not be taken into account in determining whether there has been or would
be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or with respect to HP (unless such conditions
adversely affect HP in a materially disproportionate manner), (iii) any adverse
change, event or effect that is proximately caused by the announcement or
pendency of the Merger shall not be taken into account in determining whether
there has been or would be a "Material Adverse Effect" on or with respect to HP,
and (iv) any adverse change, event or effect that is proximately caused by any
breach by VFI of any covenant or obligation set forth in this Agreement shall
not be taken into account in determining whether there has been or would be a
"Material Adverse Effect" on or with respect to HP; and, PROVIDED FURTHER, that
with respect to any dispute regarding whether a change, event or effect is
"proximately caused" by any of the foregoing, HP shall have the burden of proof
by a preponderance of the evidence.
3.2 HP AND MERGER SUB CAPITAL STRUCTURE. The authorized capital stock of
HP consists of 2,400,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which there were
1,016,181,501 shares issued and outstanding as of January 31, 1997, and
300,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which no shares are issued or
outstanding. The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares
of Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100 of which, as of the date hereof, are issued
and outstanding and are held by HP. Merger Sub was formed on April 11, 1997, for
the purpose of consummating the Merger and has no material assets or liabilities
except as necessary for such purpose. All outstanding shares of HP Common Stock
are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and are not
subject to preemptive rights created by statute, the Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws of HP or any agreement or document to which HP is a party or by which
it is bound.
3.3 AUTHORITY.
(a) Each of HP and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by
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all necessary corporate action on the part of HP and Merger Sub, subject only to
the filing of the Certificate of Merger pursuant to Delaware Law. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by each of HP and Merger Sub and, assuming
the due authorization, execution and delivery by VFI, constitutes the valid and
binding obligation of HP and Merger Sub, enforceable against HP and Merger Sub
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy and other similar laws and general principles of equity. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of HP and Merger Sub does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by each of HP and Merger Sub will not, (i)
conflict with or violate the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of HP or the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Merger Sub, (ii) conflict with or
violate in any material respect any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or
decree applicable to HP or Merger Sub or by which any of their respective
properties is bound or affected or (iii) result in any material breach of or
constitute a material default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or
both would become a material default) under, or impair HP's rights or alter the
material rights or obligations of any third party under, or give to others any
rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in
the creation of a material lien or encumbrance on any of the material properties
or assets of HP or Merger Sub pursuant to, any material note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other
instrument or obligation to which HP or Merger Sub is a party or by which HP or
Merger Sub or any of their respective properties are bound or affected.
(b) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with any Governmental Entity is required to be obtained or
made by HP or Merger Sub in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement or the consummation of the Merger, except for (i) the filing of a Form
S-4 Registration Statement (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") with, and the
declaration of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement by, the SEC in
accordance with the Securities Act, (ii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, (iii) such consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as
may be required under applicable federal, foreign and state securities (or
related) laws and the HSR Act and the securities or antitrust laws of any
foreign country, and (iv) such other consents, authorizations, filings,
approvals and registrations which if not obtained or made would not be material
to HP or VFI or have a material adverse effect on the ability of the parties to
consummate the Merger.
3.4 SEC FILINGS; HP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) HP has filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by HP
with the SEC since November 1, 1995, and has made available to VFI such forms,
reports and documents in the form filed with the SEC. All such required forms,
reports and documents (including those that HP may file subsequent to the date
hereof) are referred to herein as the "HP SEC REPORTS." As of their respective
dates, the HP SEC Reports (i) were prepared in accordance with, and in
compliance with, the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as
the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable
to such HP SEC Reports, and (ii) did not at the time they were filed (or if
amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on
the date of such filing) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. None of HP's subsidiaries is required to file any
forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any related notes thereto) contained in the HP SEC Reports (the "HP
FINANCIALS"), including any HP SEC Reports filed after the date hereof until the
Closing, (x) complied as to form in all material respects with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (y) was prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of
unaudited interim financial statements, as may be permitted by the SEC on Form
10-Q under the Exchange Act) and (z) fairly presented the consolidated financial
position of HP and its subsidiaries as at
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the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of HP's operations and
cash flows for the periods indicated, except that the unaudited interim
financial statements may not contain footnotes. The balance sheet of HP
contained in HP SEC Reports as of January 31, 1997 is hereinafter referred to as
the "HP BALANCE SHEET."
3.5 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since the date of the HP Balance
Sheet, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect on HP.
3.6 STATEMENTS; PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. The information supplied by HP
for inclusion in the Registration Statement shall not at the time the
Registration Statement is filed with the SEC and at the time it becomes
effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading. The information supplied by HP for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, on the date the Proxy Statement is
first mailed to VFI's stockholders or at the time of the VFI Stockholders'
Meeting contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
false or misleading; or omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any
statement in any earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of
proxies for the VFI Stockholders' Meeting which has become false or misleading.
If at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event relating to HP or any of
its affiliates, officers or directors should be discovered by HP which is
required to be set forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement or a
supplement to the Proxy Statement, HP shall promptly inform VFI. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, HP makes no representation or warranty with respect to any
information supplied by VFI which is contained in any of the foregoing
documents.
3.7 POOLING OF INTERESTS. Neither HP nor any of its directors, officers,
affiliates or stockholders has taken any action which would preclude HP's
ability to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
3.8 VALID ISSUANCE. The HP Common Stock to be issued in the Merger, when
issued in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
3.9 NO OWNERSHIP OF VFI COMMON STOCK. HP does not own, beneficially or of
record, any shares of VFI Common Stock.
ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
4.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. During the period from the date of this Agreement
and continuing until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement pursuant
to its terms or the Effective Time, VFI and each of its subsidiaries shall,
except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement or to the extent that HP
shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, or as provided in Section 4 of the VFI Schedules, carry on its
business, in all material respects, in the usual, regular and ordinary course,
and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, pay its debts and
taxes when due subject to good faith disputes over such debts or taxes, pay or
perform other material obligations when due, and use its reasonable best efforts
consistent with past practices and policies to (i) preserve intact its present
business organization, (ii) keep available the services of its present officers
and employees and (iii) preserve its relationships with customers, suppliers,
distributors, licensors, licensees, and others with which it has business
dealings.
In addition, except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement, and except
as provided in Section 4 of the VFI Schedules, without the prior written consent
of HP (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) during the period from
the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the termination
of this Agreement pursuant to its terms and the Effective Time, VFI shall not do
any of the
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following and shall not permit its subsidiaries to do any of the following
(except as required by applicable law):
(a) Waive any stock repurchase rights, accelerate, amend or change the
period of exercisability of options or restricted stock, or reprice options
granted under any employee, consultant or director stock plans or authorize cash
payments in exchange for any options granted under any of such plans;
(b) Grant any severance or termination pay to any officer or employee except
payments in amounts consistent with policies and past practices or pursuant to
written agreements outstanding, or policies existing, on the date hereof and as
previously disclosed in writing or made available to HP, or adopt any new
severance plan;
(c) Transfer or license to any person or entity or otherwise extend the term
of any agreement with respect to, amend or modify in any material respect any
rights (including without limitation distribution rights) to the VFI
Intellectual Property, or enter into assignments of future patent rights, other
than non-exclusive licenses and distribution rights in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice;
(d) Declare or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions (whether
in cash, stock, equity securities or property) in respect of any capital stock
or split, combine or reclassify any capital stock or issue or authorize the
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for any capital stock;
(e) Repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of
capital stock of VFI, except repurchases of unvested shares at cost in
connection with the termination of the employment relationship with any employee
pursuant to agreements in effect as of the date hereof;
(f) Issue, deliver, sell, authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or
sale of, any shares of capital stock or any securities convertible into shares
of capital stock, or subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire any
shares of capital stock or any securities convertible into shares of capital
stock, or enter into other agreements or commitments of any character obligating
it to issue any such shares or convertible securities, other than the issuance
delivery and/or sale of (i) shares of VFI Common Stock pursuant to the exercise
of stock options therefor outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, (ii)
shares of VFI Common Stock issuable to participants in the VFI ESPP consistent
with the terms thereof and (iii) shares of VFI Common Stock upon the exercise of
rights outstanding as of the date hereof under the 1997 Phantom Plan.
(g) Cause, permit or propose any amendments to any charter document or Bylaw
(or similar governing instruments of any subsidiaries);
(h) Acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by
purchasing any equity interest in or a material portion of the assets of, or by
any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership interest,
association or other business organization or division thereof, or otherwise
acquire or agree to acquire any assets which are material, individually or in
the aggregate, to the business of VFI or enter into any material joint ventures,
strategic partnerships or alliances;
(i) Sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or
assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of
VFI, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or
lend funds to any third party (other than intracompany loans and travel advances
in the ordinary course of business);
(j) Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than (i) in connection
with the financing of ordinary course trade payables; (ii) pursuant to existing
credit facilities or any modifications, renewals or replacements of such credit
facilities (it being understood that the maximum amount of borrowing which may
be made under such credit facilities may be increased by up to 20% of the
current maximum amount) in the ordinary course of business; (iii) in connection
with leasing activities in the ordinary course of
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business; or (iv) for tax planning purposes in the ordinary course of business)
or guarantee any indebtedness of any person for borrowed money (except that VFI
may guarantee any indebtedness of any subsidiary of VFI, and any subsidiary of
VFI may guarantee any indebtedness of VFI or of any other subsidiary of VFI), or
issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire debt
securities of VFI or guarantee any debt securities of others;
(k) Adopt or amend any employee benefit plan or employee stock purchase or
employee stock option plan, enter into any employment contract (other than: (x)
offer letters and letter agreements with employees who are terminable "at will,"
(y) as required by law, or (z) employment contracts that are customarily entered
into outside the United States), pay any special bonus or special remuneration
to any director or employee other than in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practice, or increase the salaries or wage rates of its
officers or employees other than in the ordinary course of business, consistent
with past practice;
(l) Make any payments outside of the ordinary course of business in excess
of $1 million for purposes of settling any dispute;
(m) Take any action, or permit any of its affiliates to take any action,
that would be reasonably likely to interfere with HP's ability to account for
the Merger as a pooling of interests whether or not otherwise permitted by the
provisions of this Article IV;
(n) Enter into any material agreement requiring the consent or approval of
any third party with respect to the Merger; or
(o) Agree in writing or otherwise to take any of the actions described in
Article 4 (a) through (n) above.
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS; REGISTRATION STATEMENT; OTHER FILINGS;
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, VFI
and HP will prepare, and file with the SEC, the Proxy Statement and HP will
prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement in which the Proxy
Statement will be included as a prospectus. Each of VFI and HP will respond to
any comments of the SEC, will use its respective reasonable best efforts to have
the Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as
promptly as practicable after such filing and, to the extent that presenting
this Agreement and the Merger to VFI's stockholders for their approval and
adoption would not violate applicable law, VFI will cause the Proxy Statement to
be mailed to the VFI stockholders at the earliest practicable time after the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC. As promptly as
practicable after the date of this Agreement, each of VFI and HP will prepare
and file any other filings required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act,
the Securities Act or any other Federal, foreign or Blue Sky or related laws
relating to the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
"OTHER FILINGS"). Each of VFI and HP will notify the other promptly upon the
receipt of any comments from the SEC or its staff or any other government
officials and of any request by the SEC or its staff or any other government
officials for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Proxy
Statement or any Other Filing or for additional information and will supply the
other with copies of all correspondence between such party or any of its
representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, or its staff or any other
government officials, on the other hand, with respect to the Registration
Statement, the Proxy Statement, the Merger or any Other Filing. Each of VFI and
HP will cause all documents that it is responsible for filing with the SEC or
other regulatory authorities under this Section 5.1(a) to comply in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of law and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. Whenever VFI or HP obtains knowledge of the occurrence
of any event which is required to be set forth in an amendment or supplement to
the Proxy Statement, the
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Registration Statement or any Other Filing, VFI or HP, as the case may be, will
promptly inform the other of such occurrence and cooperate in filing with the
SEC or its staff or any other government officials, and/ or mailing to
stockholders of VFI, such amendment or supplement.
(b) The Proxy Statement will include the recommendation of the Board of
Directors of VFI in favor of adoption and approval of this Agreement and
approval of the Merger (except that notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement, the Board of Directors of VFI may withdraw, modify
in a manner adverse to HP or refrain from making such recommendation to the
extent that the Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with outside
legal counsel, that compliance with the Board's fiduciary duties under
applicable law would require it to do so).
5.2 MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS. Promptly after the date hereof, to the extent
permitted of the Board of Directors of VFI under applicable law, VFI will take
all action necessary in accordance with the Delaware Law and its Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws to convene and hold the VFI Stockholders' Meeting to be
held as promptly as practicable (on a date reasonably acceptable to the parties
hereto), and in any event (to the extent permissible under applicable law)
within 45 days after the declaration of effectiveness of the Registration
Statement, for the purpose of voting upon this Agreement and the Merger;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Agreement, VFI may adjourn or postpone the VFI Stockholders' Meeting to the
extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment to the
Proxy Statement is provided to VFI's stockholders in advance of a vote on the
Merger and this Agreement. Unless the Board of Directors of VFI withdraws,
modifies or refrains from making the recommendation set forth in Section 5.1(b)
in accordance with Section 5.1(b), VFI will use its reasonable best efforts to
solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of the adoption and approval of
this Agreement and the approval of the Merger and to take all other action
necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of its stockholders
required by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or Delaware Law to obtain
such approvals.
5.3 CONFIDENTIALITY; ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
(a) The parties acknowledge that VFI and HP have previously executed a
Confidential Disclosure Agreement, dated as of February 24, 1997 (the
"CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT"), which Confidentiality Agreement will continue in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
(b) ACCESS TO INFORMATION. VFI will afford HP and its accountants, counsel
and other representatives reasonable access during normal business hours to the
properties, books, records and personnel of VFI during the period prior to the
Effective Time to obtain all information concerning the business, including the
status of product development efforts, properties, results of operations and
personnel of VFI, as HP may reasonably request. No information or knowledge
obtained by HP in any investigation pursuant to this Section 5.3 will affect or
be deemed to modify any representation or warranty contained herein or the
conditions to the obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger.
5.4 NO SOLICITATION.
(a) From and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the
Effective Time or termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms, VFI and
its subsidiaries will not, and will instruct their respective directors,
officers, employees, representatives, investment bankers, agents and affiliates
not to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit or knowingly encourage submission
of, any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) by any person, entity or group
(other than HP and its affiliates, agents and representatives), or (ii)
participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or disclose any non-public
information concerning VFI or any of its subsidiaries to, or afford any access
to the properties, books or records of VFI or any of its subsidiaries to, or
otherwise assist or facilitate, or enter into any agreement or understanding
with, any person, entity or group (other than HP and its affiliates, agents and
representatives), in connection with any Acquisition Proposal with respect to
VFI. For the purposes of this Agreement, an "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" means any
proposal or offer for (i) any merger, consolidation, sale of substantial assets
or similar transactions
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involving VFI or any of its material subsidiaries (other than sales of assets or
inventory in the ordinary course of business or as permitted under the terms of
this Agreement), (ii) sale by VFI of any shares of capital stock of VFI except
as may be permitted pursuant to Article IV, (iii) without limiting clause (ii)
above, the acquisition by any person (including without limitation by way of a
tender offer or an exchange offer) of beneficial ownership or a right to acquire
beneficial ownership of, or the formation of any "group" (as defined under
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder)
which beneficially owns, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of,
10% or more of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of VFI (except for
acquisitions in the market for passive investment purposes of not more than 15%
of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of VFI only in circumstances
where the person or group qualifies for filing a Schedule 13G with respect
thereto and is not and does not become obligated to file a Schedule 13D); or
(iv) any public announcement of a proposal, plan or intention to do any of the
foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing. VFI will
immediately cease any and all existing activities, discussions or negotiations
with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any Acquisition Proposal.
VFI will (i) notify HP as promptly as practicable if it receives any Acquisition
Proposal or written inquiry or any written request for information or access in
connection with a potential Acquisition Proposal and (ii) as promptly as
practicable notify HP of the significant terms and conditions of any such
Acquisition Proposal. In addition, subject to the other provisions of this
Section 5.4, from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the
Effective Time and termination of this Agreement pursuant to its terms, VFI and
its subsidiaries will not, and will instruct their respective directors,
officers, employees, representatives, investment bankers, agents and affiliates
not to, directly or indirectly, make or authorize any public statement,
recommendation or solicitation in support of any Acquisition Proposal made by
any person, entity or group (other than HP or any of its affiliates, agents or
representatives); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing contained in this Agreement
shall prohibit VFI's Board of Directors from taking and disclosing to VFI's
stockholders a position with respect to a tender or exchange offer pursuant to
Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 5.4(a) or
elsewhere in this Agreement but subject to the prohibitions contained in the
subparagraphs of Section 4.1 hereof, prior to the Effective Time, VFI may, to
the extent the Board of Directors of VFI determines, in good faith, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, that the Board's fiduciary duties under
applicable law require it to do so, participate in discussions or negotiations
with, and, subject to the requirements of paragraph (c) below, furnish
non-public information, and afford access to the properties, books or records of
VFI, to any person, entity or group after such person, entity or group has
delivered to VFI in writing, an unsolicited bona fide Acquisition Proposal
(which may be subject to customary conditions, including a "due diligence"
condition) which the Board of Directors of VFI in its good faith reasonable
judgment determines, after consultation with its independent financial advisors,
would reasonably be likely to result in a transaction more favorable than the
Merger to the stockholders of VFI from a financial point of view (a "SUPERIOR
PROPOSAL"). In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) above
or any other provisions of this Agreement, in connection with an Acquisition
Proposal or a possible Acquisition Proposal, VFI may refer any third party to
this Section 5.4 or make a copy of this Section 5.4 available to a third party.
In the event VFI receives a Superior Proposal, nothing contained in this
Agreement (but subject to the terms of this paragraph (b)) will prevent the
Board of Directors of VFI from recommending such Superior Proposal to its
stockholders, if the Board determines, in good faith, after consultation with
outside legal counsel, that such action is required by its fiduciary duties
under applicable law; in such case, the Board of Directors of VFI may (in
accordance with Section 5.1(b)) withdraw, modify or refrain from making its
recommendation set forth in Section 5.1(b), and, to the extent it does so, VFI
may refrain from soliciting proxies to secure the vote of its stockholders as
may otherwise be required by Section 5.2; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that VFI shall (i)
provide HP at least 24 hours prior notice of any VFI Board meeting at which
VFI's Board of Directors is reasonably expected to consider a Superior Proposal
and (ii) not recommend to its stockholders a Superior Proposal for a period of
not less than the greater of 2 business
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days and 48 hours after HP's receipt of a copy of such Superior Proposal (or a
description of the significant terms and conditions thereof, if not in writing);
and PROVIDED FURTHER, that unless this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 7.1, nothing contained in this Section 5.4(b) shall limit VFI's
obligation to hold and convene the VFI Stockholders' Meeting (regardless of
whether the recommendation of the Board of Directors of VFI shall have been
withdrawn, modified or not yet made) or to provide the VFI stockholders with
material information relating to such meeting.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.4, VFI will
not provide any non-public information to a third party unless: (i) VFI provides
such non-public information pursuant to a nondisclosure agreement with terms
regarding the protection of confidential information at least as restrictive as
such terms in the Confidentiality Agreement; and (ii) such non-public
information has been previously delivered to HP.
5.5 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. HP and VFI will consult with each other, and to the
extent practicable, agree, before issuing any press release or otherwise making
any public statement with respect to the Merger, this Agreement or an
Acquisition Proposal and will not issue any such press release or make any such
public statement prior to such consultation, except as may be required by law or
any listing agreement with a national securities exchange. At any time after the
date hereof, VFI may file with the SEC a report on Form 8-K with respect to this
Agreement and may file a copy of this Agreement and any related agreements as an
exhibit to such report, provided that HP shall have a reasonable opportunity to
review and comment on such report prior to filing. The parties have agreed to
the text of the joint press release announcing the signing of this Agreement.
5.6 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. Each of HP, Merger Sub and VFI will take all
reasonable actions necessary or desirable to comply promptly with all legal
requirements which may be imposed on them with respect to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including furnishing all
information required in connection with approvals by or filings with any
Governmental Entity, and prompt resolution of any litigation prompted hereby)
and will promptly cooperate with and furnish information to any party hereto
necessary in connection with any such filings with or investigations by any
Governmental Entity, and any other such requirements imposed upon any of them or
their respective subsidiaries in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. HP will use its reasonable best
efforts to take such steps as may be necessary to comply with the securities,
blue sky and related laws of all jurisdictions which are applicable to the
issuance of HP Common Stock pursuant hereto. VFI will use its reasonable best
efforts to assist HP as may be necessary to comply with the securities, blue sky
and related laws of all jurisdictions which are applicable in connection with
the issuance of HP Common Stock pursuant hereto.
5.7 THIRD PARTY CONSENTS. As soon as practicable following the date
hereof, HP and VFI will each use its reasonable best efforts to obtain any
material consents, waivers and approvals under any of its or its subsidiaries'
agreements, contracts, licenses or leases required to be obtained in connection
with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.8 NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN MATTERS. HP and Merger Sub will give prompt
notice to VFI, and VFI will give prompt notice to HP, after obtaining knowledge
of the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event, which occurrence or
failure to occur would be reasonably likely to cause (a) any representation or
warranty contained in this Agreement and made by it to be untrue or inaccurate
at any time from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time such that the
condition set forth in Section 6.2(a) or 6.3(a), as the case may be, would not
be satisfied as a result thereof or (b) any failure of HP and Merger Sub or VFI,
as the case may be, or to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any
covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under
this Agreement such that the condition set forth in Section 6.2(b) or 6.3(b), as
the case may be, would not be satisfied as a result thereof. Notwithstanding the
above, the delivery of any notice pursuant to this section will not limit or
otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such
notice.
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5.9 BEST EFFORTS AND FURTHER ASSURANCES. Subject to the respective rights
and obligations of HP and VFI under this Agreement (including the rights of VFI
under Section 5.1(b) and under Section 5.4(b)), each of the parties to this
Agreement will use its reasonable best efforts to effectuate the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and to fulfill and cause to be fulfilled
the conditions to closing under this Agreement; provided that neither HP nor VFI
nor any subsidiary or affiliate thereof will be required to agree to any
divestiture by itself or any of its affiliates of shares of capital stock or of
any business, assets or property, or the imposition of any material limitation
on the ability of any of them to conduct their businesses or to own or exercise
control of such assets, properties and stock. Subject to the foregoing, each
party hereto, at the reasonable request of another party hereto, will execute
and deliver such other instruments and do and perform such other acts and things
as may be necessary or desirable for effecting completely the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.10 STOCK OPTIONS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
(a) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to purchase shares of VFI
Common Stock (each a "VFI STOCK OPTION") under the VFI Stock Option Plans,
whether or not exercisable, will be assumed by HP. Each VFI Stock Option so
assumed by HP under this Agreement will continue to have, and be subject to, the
same terms and conditions set forth in the applicable VFI Stock Option Plan
immediately prior to the Effective Time and the stock option agreement
(including, without limitation, any repurchase rights) by which it is evidenced,
except that (i) each VFI Stock Option will be exercisable (or will become
exercisable in accordance with its terms) for that number of whole shares (and
no fractional shares) of HP Common Stock equal to the product of the number of
shares of VFI Common Stock that were issuable upon exercise of such VFI Stock
Option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,
rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of HP Common Stock and (ii)
the per share exercise price for the shares of HP Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of such assumed VFI Stock Option will be equal to the quotient
determined by dividing the exercise price per share of VFI Common Stock at which
such VFI Stock Option was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time by
the Exchange Ratio, rounded up to the nearest whole cent. As soon as reasonably
practicable after the Effective Time, HP will issue to each holder of an
outstanding VFI Stock Option a notice describing the foregoing assumption of
such VFI Stock Option by HP.
(b) It is intended that VFI Stock Options assumed by HP shall qualify
following the Effective Time as incentive stock options as defined in Section
422 of the Code to the extent VFI Stock Options qualified as incentive stock
options immediately prior to the Effective Time and the provisions of this
Section 5.10 shall be applied consistent with such intent.
(c) At the Effective Time, each phantom stock option grant ("VFI PHANTOM
STOCK GRANT") under the VFI Phantom Stock Plans, whether or not exercisable,
will be assumed by HP. Each VFI Phantom Stock Grant so assumed by HP under this
Agreement will continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and
conditions set forth in the applicable VFI Phantom Stock Plan immediately prior
to the Effective Time and the phantom stock agreement by which it is evidenced,
except that (i) the number of shares of stock subject to the VFI Phantom Stock
Grant shall equal the number of whole shares (and no fractional shares) of HP
Common Stock equal to the product of the number of shares of VFI Common Stock
that were subject to such VFI Phantom Stock Grant immediately prior to the
Effective Time multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest
whole number of shares of HP Common Stock and (ii) the redemption value per
share after the Effective Time shall be calculated based on the fair market
value of a share of HP Common Stock. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, HP will issue to each holder of an outstanding VFI Phantom Stock
Grant a notice describing the foregoing assumption of such VFI Phantom Stock
Grant by HP.
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(d) At the Effective Time, each outstanding purchase right (an "Assumed
Purchase Right") under the ESPP shall be deemed to constitute a purchase right
to acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under the ESPP
immediately prior to the Effective Time, a number of shares of HP Common Stock
determined as provided in the ESPP except that the purchase price of such shares
of HP Common Stock under each Assumed Purchase Right shall be the lower of (i)
the quotient determined by dividing eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market
value of the VFI Common Stock on the offering date of each assumed offering by
the Exchange Ratio or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of
the HP Common Stock on each exercise date of the assumed offering occurring
after the Effective Time. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, HP
shall deliver to the participants in the ESPP appropriate notice setting forth
such participants' rights pursuant thereto and that the purchase rights pursuant
to the ESPP shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions.
(e) At the Effective Time, each outstanding right to receive cash (an
"Assumed Cash Right") under the VFI Stock Bonus Plans shall be deemed to
constitute a right to receive cash, on the same terms and conditions as were
applicable under the VFI Stock Bonus Plans immediately prior to the Effective
Time, except that the calculation of the right to receive cash shall be made
using (i) as the beginning price the quotient determined by dividing eighty-five
percent (85%) of the fair market value of the VFI Common Stock on the offering
date of the assumed offering by the Exchange Ratio and (ii) as the ending price
eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of the HP Common Stock on
each exercise date of the assumed offering occurring after the Effective Time.
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, HP shall deliver to the
participants in the VFI Stock Bonus Plans appropriate notice setting forth such
participants' rights pursuant thereto and that the rights to receive cash
payments pursuant to the VFI Stock Bonus Plans shall continue in effect on the
same terms and conditions.
(f) HP shall assume all Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements and VFI shall
assign its repurchase rights under such Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements to
HP pursuant to Section 4(d) of the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements. The
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements so assumed by HP under this Agreement will
continue to have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set forth in
the applicable Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement by which it is evidenced
(including, without limitation, any repurchase rights) immediately prior to the
Effective Time, except that (i) the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement will be
for that number of whole shares (and no fractional shares) of HP Common Stock
equal to the product of the number of shares of VFI Common Stock that have not
vested immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the Exchange Ratio,
rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of HP Common Stock and (ii)
the per share repurchase price for the unvested shares of HP Common Stock
subject to the repurchase right will be equal to the quotient determined by
dividing the purchase price per share of VFI Common Stock at which such VFI
Common Stock was purchased under the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement by the
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole cent. As soon as reasonably
practicable after the Effective Time, HP will issue to the holder of the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement a notice describing the foregoing assumption
of such Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements by HP.
(g) HP will reserve sufficient shares of HP Common Stock for issuance under
Section 5.10 and under Section 1.6(c) hereof.
5.11 FORM S-8. HP agrees to file a registration statement on Form S-8 for
(i) the shares of HP Common Stock issuable with respect to assumed VFI Stock
Options, (ii) if required, the shares of HP Common Stock issued pursuant to a
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement and (iii) the assumed "rights" under the
ESPP, as soon as reasonably practical (and in any event within five days) after
the Effective Time.
5.12 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, HP will cause the Surviving
Corporation to fulfill and honor in all respects the obligations of VFI pursuant
to each indemnification agreement currently in effect
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between VFI and each person who is or was a director or officer of VFI or any of
its subsidiaries at or prior to the Effective Time (the "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES")
and any indemnification provisions under VFI's Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws as in effect on the date hereof. The Certificate of Incorporation and
By-laws of the Surviving Corporation will contain provisions with respect to
exculpation and indemnification that are at least as favorable to the
Indemnified Parties as those contained in the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of VFI as in effect on the date hereof, which provisions will not be
amended, repealed or otherwise modified from the Effective Time in any manner
that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of any Indemnified Party,
unless such modification is required by law.
(b) Without limiting the provisions of paragraph (a), after the Effective
Time HP will cause the Surviving Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable law or under the Surviving Corporation's Certificate of
Incorporation or By-laws, to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Party
against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, to the extent arising out of
or pertaining to any action or omission in his or her capacity as a director or
officer of VFI or any of its subsidiaries arising out of or pertaining to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (except in respect of actions or
omissions that constitute bad faith or willful misconduct) for a period of six
years after the Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if, at any time prior to
the sixth anniversary of the Effective Time, any Indemnified Party delivers to
HP a written notice asserting a claim for indemnification under this Section
5.12(b), then the claim asserted in such notice shall survive the sixth
anniversary of the Effective Time until such time as such claim is fully and
finally resolved. In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation (i) HP will have the right to control any defense, (ii) any
counsel retained by the Indemnified Parties for any period after the Effective
Time must be reasonably satisfactory to HP, and (iii) after the Effective Time,
HP will cause the Surviving Corporation to pay the reasonable fees and expenses
of such counsel, promptly after statements therefor are received (provided that
in the event that any Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification
hereunder, any amounts advanced on his or her behalf shall be remitted to the
Surviving Corporation); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither HP nor the Surviving
Corporation will be liable for any settlement effected without its express
written consent. The Indemnified Parties as a group may retain only one law firm
(in addition to local counsel) to represent them with respect to any single
action unless there is, under applicable standards of professional conduct, a
conflict on any significant issue between the positions of any two or more
Indemnified Parties.
(c) Without limiting any of the obligations of HP or the Surviving
Corporation set forth elsewhere in this Section 5.12, HP shall cause the
Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect, during the three-year period
commencing as of the Effective Time, a policy of directors' and officers'
liability insurance for the benefit of each of the Indemnified Parties providing
coverage and containing terms no less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties
than the coverage and terms of VFI's existing policy of directors' and officers'
liability insurance; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Surviving Corporation shall not
be required to pay a per annum premium in excess of 150% of the per annum
premium that VFI currently pays for its existing policy of directors' and
officers' liability insurance (it being understood that, if the premium required
to be paid by the Surviving Corporation for such policy would exceed such 150%
amount, then the coverage of such policy shall be reduced to the maximum amount
of coverage that can be obtained for a per annum premium in such 150% amount).
(d) This Section 5.12 will survive the consummation of the Merger, is
intended to benefit and may be enforced by each of the Indemnified Parties
following the Effective Time, and will be binding on all successors and assigns
of the Surviving Corporation and HP.
5.13 NYSE LISTING. HP agrees to cause to be listed on the New York Stock
Exchange the shares of HP Common Stock issuable, and those required to be
reserved for issuance, in connection with the Merger, upon official notice of
issuance.
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5.14 VFI AFFILIATE AGREEMENT. Set forth on the VFI Schedules is a list of
those persons who may be deemed to be, in VFI's reasonable judgment, affiliates
of VFI within the meaning of Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities Act (each
a "VFI AFFILIATE"). VFI will provide HP with such information and documents as
HP reasonably requests for purposes of reviewing such list. VFI will use its
reasonable best efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered to HP, as promptly
as practicable on or following the date hereof, from each VFI Affiliate an
executed affiliate agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT B (the "VFI AFFILIATE AGREEMENT"), each of which will be in full force
and effect as of the Effective Time. HP will be entitled to place appropriate
legends on the certificates evidencing any HP Common Stock to be received by a
VFI Affiliate pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and to issue appropriate
stop transfer instructions to the transfer agent for the HP Common Stock,
consistent with the terms of the VFI Affiliate Agreement.
5.15 REGULATORY FILINGS; REASONABLE EFFORTS. As soon as may be reasonably
practicable, VFI and HP each shall file with the United States Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the United States
Department of Justice ("DOJ") Notification and Report Forms relating to the
transactions contemplated herein as required by the HSR Act, as well as
comparable pre-merger notification forms required by the merger notification or
control laws and regulations of any applicable jurisdiction, as agreed to by the
parties. VFI and HP each shall promptly (a) supply the other with any
information which may be required in order to effectuate such filings and (b)
supply any additional information which reasonably may be required by the FTC,
the DOJ or the competition or merger control authorities of any other
jurisdiction and which the parties may reasonably deem appropriate.
5.16 TAX-FREE REORGANIZATION. No party shall take any action either prior
to or after the Effective Time that could reasonably be expected to cause the
Merger to fail to qualify as a "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the
Code.
5.17 COMFORT LETTER. VFI shall use reasonable best efforts to cause Ernst
& Young LLP, certified public accountants to VFI, to provide comfort letter(s)
dated the date on which the Registration Statement shall become effective and
the Effective Time, respectively, and reasonably acceptable to HP, relating to
the performance of Ernst & Young LLP of customary procedures, including a review
of interim financial statement information as described in SAS No. 71, with
respect to the financial statements of VFI contained in or incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement.
5.18 POOLING COVENANT.
(a) Prior to the earlier of termination of this Agreement and the Effective
Time, HP will not take any action, and HP will not permit any of its affiliates
to take any action, that would be reasonably likely to interfere with HP's
ability to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests. In addition, HP
will use its reasonable best efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered to VFI,
on or as promptly as practicable following the date hereof (and in any event no
later than the date 30 days prior to the Effective Time), from each person who
may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of HP within the meaning of Rule 145
promulgated under the Securities Act, an agreement (which will be in full force
and effect as of the Effective Time) requiring such person to refrain from
taking any action that would be reasonably likely to interfere with HP's ability
to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests. In addition, without
limiting, and in addition to, the covenants set forth in Article IV hereof,
prior to the earlier of termination of this Agreement and the Effective Time,
VFI will not take any action, and VFI will not permit any of its affiliates to
take any action, that would be reasonably likely to interfere with HP's ability
to account for the Merger as a pooling of interests.
(b) HP shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Price Waterhouse LLP
to deliver within six business days following the date hereof to it a letter
(which may contain customary qualifications and assumptions and which may be
based in part on a letter from Ernst & Young LLP) to the effect that Price
Waterhouse LLP concurs with HP management's conclusion that, as of that date, no
condition exists that
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would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a "pooling of interests"; to
the extent that HP receives such a letter, HP shall promptly deliver a copy to
VFI.
5.19 DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. VFI shall request that each Disqualified
Individual (as defined below) execute an agreement whereby such Disqualified
Individual will agree to limit the payments he or she may receive relating to
the Merger to the extent necessary to prevent any such payment from being
non-deductible under Section 280G of the Code. A Disqualified Individual shall
mean any person performing personal services for VFI who would receive payments
which would be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Code. VFI will use its
reasonable best efforts to identify each Disqualified Individual and send each
such Disqualified Individual an agreement within 20 days following the date
hereof.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTY TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:
(a) VFI STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Agreement shall have been approved and
adopted, and the Merger shall have been duly approved, by the requisite vote
under applicable law, by the stockholders of VFI.
(b) REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE; PROXY STATEMENT. The SEC shall have
declared the Registration Statement effective. No stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been
issued and no proceeding for that purpose, and no similar proceeding in respect
of the Proxy Statement, shall have been initiated or threatened in writing by
the SEC.
(c) NO ORDER; HSR ACT. No Governmental Entity shall have enacted, issued,
promulgated, enforced or entered any statute, rule, regulation, executive order,
decree, injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent)
which is in effect and which has the effect of making the Merger illegal or
otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger. All waiting periods, if any,
under the HSR Act relating to the transactions contemplated hereby will have
expired or terminated early.
(d) TAX OPINIONS. HP and VFI shall each have received written opinions
from their respective tax counsel (the General Tax Counsel of HP and Cooley
Godward LLP, respectively), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
them, to the effect that the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and such opinions shall not have been
withdrawn; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the counsel to either HP or VFI does not
render such opinion, this condition shall nonetheless be deemed to be satisfied
with respect to such party if counsel to the other party renders such opinion to
such party. The parties to this Agreement agree to make such reasonable
representations as requested by such counsel for the purpose of rendering such
opinions.
(e) NYSE LISTING. The shares of HP Common Stock issuable to stockholders
of VFI pursuant to this Agreement and such other shares required to be reserved
for issuance in connection with the Merger shall have been authorized for
listing on the New York Stock Exchange upon official notice of issuance.
6.2 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF VFI. The obligation of VFI to
consummate and effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction at or
prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions, any of which may
be waived, in writing, exclusively by VFI:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
HP and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall have been true and correct
on and as of the date of this Agreement (it being understood that, for purposes
of determining whether such representations and warranties shall have been true
and correct, (i) any inaccuracies therein that shall have been cured (without
such cure resulting or being reasonably expected to result in a loss of material
benefits or a material liability to HP or
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otherwise having or being reasonably expected to have a material negative impact
on HP's business or financial condition) in all material respects shall be
disregarded and (ii) any inaccuracy therein (together with all other
inaccuracies) that shall not have resulted nor reasonably be expected to result
in a loss by HP of a material benefit or in a material liability to HP and that
shall not otherwise have had, nor shall reasonably be expected to have, a
material negative impact on HP's business or financial condition shall be
disregarded). In addition, the representations and warranties of HP and Merger
Sub contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the
Closing Date except for changes contemplated by this Agreement and except for
those representations and warranties which address matters only as of the date
of this Agreement or any other particular date (other than the Closing Date)
which shall remain true and correct as of such particular date, (it being
understood that, for purposes of determining whether such representations and
warranties made as of the date of this Agreement or any other particular date
(other than the Closing Date) and the representations in Sections 3.2 and 3.8
shall have been true and correct, (i) any inaccuracies therein that shall have
been cured (without such cure resulting or reasonably being expected to result
in a loss of material benefits or a material liability to HP or otherwise having
or being reasonably expected to have a material negative impact on HP's business
or financial condition) in all material respects shall be disregarded and (ii)
any inaccuracy therein (together with all other inaccuracies) that shall not
have resulted in nor reasonably be expected to result in a loss by HP of a
material benefit or in a material liability to HP and that shall not otherwise
have had, nor shall reasonably be expected to have, a material negative impact
on HP's business or financial condition shall be disregarded), with the same
force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date, except in such cases
(other than the representations in Sections 3.2 and 3.8) where the failure to be
so true and correct would not have a Material Adverse Effect on HP. VFI shall
have received a certificate with respect to the foregoing signed on behalf of HP
by an authorized officer of HP;
(b) AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS. HP and Merger Sub shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by
this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the
Closing Date, and VFI shall have received a certificate to such effect signed on
behalf of HP by an authorized officer of HP;
(c) MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. No Material Adverse Effect with respect to HP
shall have occurred since the date of this Agreement; and
(d) OPINION OF ACCOUNTANTS. VFI shall have received from Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors for VFI, a letter dated the Closing Date (which may
contain customary qualifications and assumptions), to the effect that Ernst &
Young LLP concurs with VFI management's conclusion that no conditions exist
related to VFI that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a
pooling of interests; and VFI shall have received from Price Waterhouse LLP, the
independent auditors for HP, a copy of a letter addressed to HP dated the
Closing Date, in substance reasonably satisfactory to VFI (and which may contain
customary qualifications and assumptions and which may be based in part on the
letter referred to above from Ernst & Young LLP to VFI), to the effect that
Price Waterhouse LLP concurs with HP management's conclusion that as of that
date, no conditions exist that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger
as a pooling of interests.
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6.3 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF HP AND MERGER SUB. The
obligations of HP and Merger Sub to consummate and effect the Merger shall be
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the
following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, exclusively by HP:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties of
VFI contained in this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the date
of this Agreement (it being understood that, for purposes of determining whether
such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct, (i) any
inaccuracies therein that shall have been cured (without such cure resulting or
being reasonably expected to result in a loss of material benefits or a material
liability to VFI, otherwise having or being reasonably expected to have a
material negative impact on VFI's business or financial condition or materially
impairing or being reasonably expected to materially impair the value to HP of
VFI) in all material respects shall be disregarded and (ii) any inaccuracy
therein (together with all other inaccuracies) that shall not have resulted nor
shall reasonably be expected to result in a loss by VFI of a material benefit or
in a material liability to VFI, that shall not otherwise have had, nor shall
reasonably be expected to have, a material negative impact on VFI's business or
financial condition and that shall not have materially impaired, nor shall
reasonably be expected to materially impair, the value to HP of VFI, shall be
disregarded). In addition, the representations and warranties of VFI contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the Closing Date except
for changes contemplated by this Agreement and except for those representations
and warranties which address matters only as of the date of this Agreement or
any other particular date (other than the Closing Date), which shall remain true
and correct as of such particular date, (it being understood that, for purposes
of determining whether such representations and warranties made as of the date
of this Agreement or any other particular date (other than the Closing Date) and
the representations in Sections 2.2, 2.3 and 2.21 shall have been true and
correct, (i) any inaccuracies therein that shall have been cured (without such
cure resulting or being reasonably expected to result in a loss of material
benefits or a material liability to VFI, otherwise having or being reasonably
expected to have a material negative impact on VFI's business or financial
condition or materially impairing or being reasonably expected to materially
impair the value to HP of VFI) in all material respects shall be disregarded and
(ii) any inaccuracy therein (together with all other inaccuracies) that shall
not have resulted nor shall reasonably be expected to result in a loss by VFI of
a material benefit or in a material liability to VFI, that shall not otherwise
have had, nor shall reasonably be expected to have, a material negative impact
on VFI's business or financial condition and that shall not have materially
impaired, nor shall reasonably be expected to materially impair the value to HP
of VFI, shall be disregarded), with the same force and effect as if made on and
as of the Closing Date, except in such cases (other than the representations in
Sections 2.2, 2.3 and 2.21) where the failure to be so true and correct would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on VFI. HP shall have received a certificate
with respect to the foregoing signed on behalf of VFI by the Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of VFI;
(b) AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS. VFI shall have performed or complied in all
material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement
to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, and HP
shall have received a certificate to such effect signed on behalf of VFI by the
Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of VFI;
(c) MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. No Material Adverse Effect with respect to
VFI shall have occurred since the date of this Agreement; and
(d) OPINION OF ACCOUNTANTS. HP shall have received from Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors for VFI, a copy of a letter addressed to VFI dated on the
Closing Date, in substance reasonably satisfactory to HP (and which may contain
customary qualifications and assumptions), to the effect that Ernst & Young LLP
concurs with VFI management's conclusion that no conditions exist related to VFI
that would preclude HP from accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests;
and HP shall have received from Price Waterhouse LLP, the independent auditors
for HP, a letter dated the Closing Date, in substance reasonably satisfactory to
HP (which may contain customary qualifications and assumptions and which may be
based in part on the letter referred to above from Ernst & Young LLP to VFI) to
the effect
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that Price Waterhouse LLP concurs with HP management's conclusion that, as of
that date, no conditions exist that would preclude HP from accounting for the
Merger as a "pooling of interests."
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
7.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of VFI:
(a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the Boards of Directors of
HP and VFI;
(b) by either VFI or HP if the Merger shall not have been consummated by
October 31, 1997 for any reason; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to terminate
this Agreement under this Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any party
whose action or failure to act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the
failure of the Merger to occur on or before such date and such action or failure
to act constitutes a breach of this Agreement;
(c) by either VFI or HP if a Governmental Entity shall have issued an order,
decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger, which
order, decree, ruling or other action is final and nonappealable;
(d) by either VFI or HP if the required approvals of the stockholders of VFI
contemplated by this Agreement shall not have been obtained by reason of the
failure to obtain the required vote at a meeting of VFI stockholders duly
convened therefor as contemplated by this Agreement or at any adjournment
thereof (PROVIDED that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section
7.1(d) shall not be available to VFI where the failure to obtain VFI stockholder
approval shall have been caused by the action or failure to act of VFI and such
action or failure to act constitutes a material breach by VFI of this
Agreement);
(e) by either VFI or HP at any time prior to the approval of the Merger by
VFI's stockholders, if the Board of Directors of VFI accepts or recommends a
Superior Proposal to the stockholders of VFI;
(f) by HP, if the Board of Directors of VFI shall have withheld, withdrawn
or modified in a manner adverse to HP its recommendation in favor of adoption
and approval of this Agreement and approval of the Merger;
(g) by VFI, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement on the part of HP set forth in this Agreement, or if any such
representation or warranty of HP shall have become inaccurate, in either case
such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.2(a) or Section 6.2(b) would not
be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of the time such representation
or warranty shall have become inaccurate, PROVIDED that if such inaccuracy in
HP's representations and warranties or breach by HP is curable by HP through the
exercise of its reasonable best efforts, then (i) VFI may not terminate this
Agreement under this Section 7.1(g) with respect to a particular breach or
inaccuracy prior to or during the 45-day period commencing upon delivery by VFI
of written notice to HP describing such breach or inaccuracy, provided HP
continues to exercise reasonable best efforts to cure such breach or inaccuracy
and (ii) VFI may not, in any event, terminate this Agreement under this Section
7.1(g) if such inaccuracy or breach shall have been cured (without such cure
resulting in or being reasonably expected to result in a loss of material
benefits or a material liability to HP or otherwise having or being reasonably
expected to have a material negative impact upon HP's business or financial
condition) in all material respects during such 45-day period; and, PROVIDED
FURTHER that VFI may not terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph (g)
if it shall have materially breached this Agreement; or
(h) by HP, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement on the part of VFI set forth in this Agreement, or if any such
representation or warranty of VFI shall have become inaccurate, in either case
such that the conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) or Section 6.3(b) would not
be satisfied as of the time of such breach or as of the time such representation
or warranty shall have become inaccurate,
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PROVIDED, that if such inaccuracy in VFI's representations and warranties or
breach by VFI is curable by VFI through the exercise of its reasonable best
efforts, then (i) HP may not terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(h)
with respect to a particular breach or inaccuracy prior to or during the 45-day
period commencing upon delivery by HP of written notice to VFI describing such
breach or inaccuracy, provided VFI continues to exercise reasonable best efforts
to cure such breach or inaccuracy and (ii) HP may not, in any event, terminate
this Agreement under this Section 7.1(h) if such inaccuracy or breach shall have
been cured (without such cure resulting in or being reasonably expected to
result in a loss of material benefits or a material liability to VFI, otherwise
having, or being reasonably expected to have, a material negative impact upon
VFI's business or financial condition or materially impairing or being
reasonably expected to materially impair the value to HP of VFI) in all material
respects during such 45-day period; and, PROVIDED FURTHER that HP may not
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this paragraph (h) if it shall have
materially breached this Agreement.
7.2 NOTICE OF TERMINATION; EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Any termination of this
Agreement under Section 7.1 above will be effective immediately upon the
delivery of written notice of the terminating party to the other parties hereto.
In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 7.1,
this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect, except (i) as set forth
in this Section 7.2, Section 7.3 and Article 8 (miscellaneous), each of which
shall survive the termination of this Agreement, (ii) nothing herein shall
relieve any party from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement, (iii)
nothing herein shall relieve VFI from liability for any breach (whether or not
willful) of the representation set forth in Section 2.17 or the covenants set
forth in Section 4.1(m) or Section 5.18(a), and (iv) nothing herein shall
relieve HP from liability for any breach (whether or not willful) of the
representation set forth in Section 3.7 or the covenant set forth in Section
5.18(a). No termination of this Agreement shall affect the obligations of the
parties contained in the Confidentiality Agreement, all of which obligations
shall survive termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms.
7.3 FEES AND EXPENSES.
(a) GENERAL. Except as set forth in this Section 7.3, all fees and
expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses whether
or not the Merger is consummated; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that HP and VFI shall share
equally all fees and expenses, other than attorneys' and accountants fees and
expenses, incurred in relation to the printing and filing (with the SEC) of the
Proxy Statement (including any preliminary materials related thereto) and the
Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits) and any
amendments or supplements thereto.
(b) VFI PAYMENTS.
(i) If prior to or concurrent with termination of this Agreement either (x)
the Board of Directors of VFI shall have withheld, withdrawn or modified in a
manner adverse to HP its recommendation in favor of adoption and approval of
this Agreement and approval of the Merger and there shall not have occurred
since the date hereof a Material Adverse Effect on HP prior to the time such
recommendation is withheld, withdrawn or modified and HP shall not be in
material breach of this Agreement at the time such recommendation is withheld,
withdrawn or modified (other than such breaches as have been cured as of the
time such recommendation is withheld, withdrawn or modified), or (y) the Board
of Directors of VFI accepts or recommends a Superior Proposal to the
shareholders of VFI and there shall not have occurred since the date hereof a
Material Adverse Effect on HP prior to the time of such acceptance or
recommendation and HP shall not be in material breach of this Agreement at the
time of such acceptance or recommendation (other than such breaches as have been
cured as of the time of such acceptance or recommendation), then VFI shall pay
to HP an amount equal to $30 million within one business day following the
termination of this Agreement.
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(ii) If no payment shall be required pursuant to clause 7.3(b)(i) above, and
if:
(x) the vote of the stockholders of VFI as contemplated by this Agreement
approving and adopting this Agreement and approving the Merger shall not have
been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a meeting
of stockholders duly convened therefor as contemplated by this Agreement (a "VFI
NEGATIVE VOTE"), and
(y) prior to such VFI Negative Vote there shall have occurred an Acquisition
Proposal for a VFI Acquisition (as defined below) which shall have been publicly
disclosed and not withdrawn prior to such VFI Negative Vote, and
(z) within 6 months following the termination of this Agreement, VFI shall
enter into a definitive agreement providing for a VFI Acquisition (regardless of
with whom such definitive acquisition agreement is entered into) or the Board of
Directors of VFI shall recommend to the VFI stockholders that they accept a
tender or exchange offer (or series of related tender or exchange offers), not
by VFI or its subsidiaries, for 40% or more of the VFI Common Stock,
then, provided that there shall have not occurred a Material Adverse Effect
on HP prior to the VFI Negative Vote and provided that HP shall not have been in
material breach of this Agreement at the time of the VFI Negative Vote, VFI
shall pay to HP an amount equal to $30 million within one business day following
consummation of a VFI Acquisition (provided that a VFI Acquisition is
consummated within 18 months following termination of this Agreement (regardless
of with whom such VFI Acquisition is consummated)). "VFI ACQUISITION" means: any
transaction or series of related transactions involving (i) a merger or
consolidation or other similar business combination of VFI pursuant to which the
stockholders of VFI immediately preceding such transaction or series of related
transactions hold less than 60% of the equity interests in the surviving or
resulting entity of such transaction or transactions; (ii) a sale by VFI or its
subsidiaries of assets (including capital stock or assets of VFI's subsidiaries
but excluding assets sold in the ordinary course of business and VFI
intracompany transfers) having a fair market value in excess of 40% of the fair
market value of all the assets of VFI and its subsidiaries immediately prior to
such sale; (iii) a sale and issuance by VFI of shares of capital stock of VFI
which would, upon issuance, represent more than 40% or more of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of VFI other than in an underwritten public offering or
underwritten private placement; or (iv) the acquisition by any person or group
(including without limitation by way of a tender offer or an exchange offer) of
beneficial ownership or a right to acquire beneficial ownership of 40% or more
of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of VFI.
(c) Payment of the fees described in Section 7.3(b) above shall not be in
lieu of damages incurred in the event of breach of this Agreement.
7.4 AMENDMENT. Subject to applicable law, this Agreement may be amended by
the parties hereto at any time by execution of an instrument in writing signed
on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
7.5 EXTENSION; WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time any party
hereto may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto,
(ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such
party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of
such party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of such party. Delay in exercising any right under this
Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right.
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ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations
and warranties of VFI, HP and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall
terminate at the Effective Time, and only the covenants that by their terms
survive the Effective Time shall survive the Effective Time.
8.2 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial
delivery service, or sent via telecopy (receipt confirmed) to the parties at the
following addresses or telecopy numbers (or at such other address or telecopy
numbers for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) if to HP or Merger Sub, to:
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attention: Director, Corporate Department
Telephone No.: (415) 857-3100
Telecopy No.: (415) 852-8342
with a copies to:
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attention: General Counsel
Telephone No.: (415) 857-2043
Telecopy No.: (415) 857-4392
and
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, California 94304-1050
Attention: Larry W. Sonsini, Esq.
Aaron J. Alter, Esq.
Marty Korman, Esq.
Telephone No.: (415) 493-9300
Telecopy No.: (415) 493-6811
(b) if to VFI, to:
VeriFone, Inc.
Three Lagoon Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065
Attention: General Counsel
Telephone No.: (415) 591-6500
Telecopy No.: (415) 598-4516
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with a copy to:
Cooley Godward LLP
Five Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Attention: Richard E. Climan, Esq.
Michael R. Jacobson, Esq.
Telephone No.: (415) 843-5000
Telecopy No.: (415) 857-0663
8.3 INTERPRETATION; KNOWLEDGE.
(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to Exhibits, such reference
shall be to an Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. When a
reference is made in this Agreement to Sections, such reference shall be to a
Section of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The words "INCLUDE,"
"INCLUDES" and "INCLUDING" when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be
followed by the words "without limitation." The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When reference is
made herein to "THE BUSINESS OF" an entity, such reference shall be deemed to
include the business of all direct and indirect subsidiaries of such entity.
Reference to the subsidiaries of an entity shall be deemed to include all direct
and indirect subsidiaries of such entity. In determining whether any item
results in a loss by VFI or HP of "MATERIAL BENEFITS" or "MATERIAL LIABILITY" to
VFI or HP, such reference to VFI or HP, as the case may be, shall be deemed to
refer, as the case may be, to VFI and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or HP
and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. In addition, reference to a "MATERIAL
NEGATIVE IMPACT" upon the business or financial condition of VFI or HP shall be
deemed to refer to the business or financial condition of VFI and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole or HP and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, as
the case may be, and such term shall be deemed to be a lower standard of
materiality than a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement (a) as it relates to HP, the term
"KNOWLEDGE" means, with respect to any matter in question, that any of the Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller of HP, has actual
knowledge of such matter and (b) as it relates to VFI, the term "KNOWLEDGE"
means, with respect to any matter in question, that any of the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel or corporate counsel has
actual knowledge of such matter.
8.4 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
8.5 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement and the
documents and instruments and other agreements among the parties hereto as
contemplated by or referred to herein, including VFI Schedules (a) constitute
the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral,
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, it being understood
that the Confidentiality Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until
the Closing and shall survive any termination of this Agreement; and (b) are not
intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder,
except as specifically provided in Section 5.12.
8.6 SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of this Agreement or the
application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will
continue in full force and effect and the application of such provision to other
persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the
intent of the parties
A-39
<PAGE>
hereto. The parties further agree to replace such void or unenforceable
provision of this Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will
achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of
such void or unenforceable provision.
8.7 OTHER REMEDIES; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Except as otherwise provided
herein, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be
deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby,
or by law or equity upon such party, and the exercise by a party of any one
remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy. The parties hereto
agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the
provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their
specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the
parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent
breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this
being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in
equity.
8.8 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that
might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of law thereof.
8.9 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. The parties hereto agree that they have been
represented by counsel during the negotiation and execution of this Agreement
and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding or rule of
construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other document will
be construed against the party drafting such agreement or document.
8.10 ASSIGNMENT. No party may assign either this Agreement or any of its
rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval
of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
8.11 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF HP, VFI AND MERGER SUB HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR
COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF HP, VFI OR MERGER SUB IN THE
NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
*****
A-40
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized respective officers as of the date first
written above.
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
By: /s/ Richard E. Belluzzo
--------------------------------------
Name: Richard E. Belluzzo
--------------------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President
--------------------------------------
TOWER BRIDGE ACQUISITION CORPORATION
By: /s/ Ann O. Baskins
--------------------------------------
Name: Ann O. Baskins
--------------------------------------
Title: V.P. and Secretary
--------------------------------------
VERIFONE, INC.
By: /s/ Joseph M. Zaelit
--------------------------------------
Name: Joseph M. Zaelit
--------------------------------------
Title: Senior V.P. and CFO
--------------------------------------
**** REORGANIZATION AGREEMENT ****
A-41
<PAGE>
ANNEX B
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[LOGO]
TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
Technology Group
1550 El Camino Real
Suite 100
Menlo Park, California 94025
Telephone: (415) 614-5000
Fax: (415) 614-5030
</TABLE>
April 22, 1997
Board of Directors
Verifone, Inc.
Three Lagoon Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065-1596
Members of the Board:
We understand that Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP"), VeriFone, Inc.
("Verifone"), and Golden Gate Acquisition Corp. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of HP, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization,
dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides, among
other things, for the merger (the "Merger") of Merger Sub with and into
VeriFone. Pursuant to the Merger, VeriFone will become a wholly-owned subsidiary
of HP and each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of VeriFone (the "Verifone Common Stock"), other than shares held in
treasury or held by HP or any subsidiary of HP or VeriFone, shall be converted
into a number of shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of HP (the
"HP Common Stock") equal to the "Exchange Ratio" as defined in the Merger
Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in
the Merger Agreement.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether, as of the date hereof, the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point
of view to the holders of VeriFone Common Stock.
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
i. analyzed certain publicly available financial statements and other
information of HP and VeriFone, respectively;
ii. analyzed certain internal financial statements and other financial and
operating data concerning VeriFone prepared by the management of
VeriFone;
iii. analyzed certain financial projections relating to VeriFone prepared by
the management of VeriFone;
iv. discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and
the prospects of VeriFone with senior executives of VeriFone;
v. discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and
the prospects of HP with senior executives of HP;
<PAGE>
vi. analyzed the pro forma impact of the Merger on the earnings per share
and consolidated capitalization of HP;
vii. reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the VeriFone
Common Stock;
viii. compared the financial performance of VeriFone and the prices and
trading activity of the VeriFone Common Stock with that of certain other
publicly-traded companies which we deemed to be relevant and their
securities;
ix. reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the HP Common
Stock;
x. compared the financial performance of HP and the prices and trading
activity of the HP Common Stock with that of certain other
publicly-traded companies which we deemed to be relevant and their
securities;
xi. reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain merger and acquisition transactions which we deemed to be
relevant;
xii. participated in discussions and negotiations among representatives of
VeriFone and HP and their respective financial and legal advisors;
xiii. reviewed the Merger Agreement; and
xiv. performed such other analyses and considered such other factors as we
have deemed appropriate.
We have assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of
this opinion. With respect to the financial projections, we have assumed that
they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of
VeriFone. We have not been provided with, and therefore have not reviewed, any
internal financial projections or forecasts relating to future operations or
prospects of HP, and therefore, upon the advice of HP, we have assumed that the
publicly available estimates of research analysts are a reasonable basis upon
which to evaluate and analyze the future financial performance of HP. With
respect to the information furnished by HP and VeriFone, and with respect to the
information discussed with the managements of HP and VeriFone regarding their
views of future operations, we have assumed that such information has been
reasonably prepared and reflects the best currently available estimates and
judgments of HP's or VeriFone's management as to the competitive, operating and
regulatory environments and related financial performance of HP and VeriFone, as
the case may be, for the relevant periods. We have not made any independent
valuation or appraisal of the assets, liabilities or technology of HP or
VeriFone, respectively, nor have we been furnished with any such appraisals. We
have assumed that the Merger will be accounted for as a "pooling-of-interests"
business combination in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles and will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the
Merger Agreement. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other
conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the
date hereof.
In arriving at our opinion, we were not authorized to solicit, and did not
solicit, interest from, nor did we negotiate with, any party, other than HP,
with respect to a possible acquisition of or other business combination
involving all or any part of VeriFone or any of its assets.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of VeriFone in
connection with this transaction and will receive a fee for our services if the
Merger is consummated. In the past, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell and its affiliates
have provided financing services for HP and have received fees for the rendering
of these services.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of VeriFone only and may not be used for any other purpose without our
prior written consent, except that this opinion may be included in its entirety
in any proxy, or information statement, prospectus or other materials mailed to
B-2
<PAGE>
VeriFone's shareholders in connection with the Merger and this opinion may be
made available to the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
regulators or any other governmental authority. In addition, we express no
recommendation or opinion as to how the holders of VeriFone Common Stock should
vote at the shareholders' meeting held in connection with the Merger.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date
hereof that the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a
financial point of view to the holders of VeriFone Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL INC.
By: /s/ FRANK P. QUATTRONE
-----------------------------------------
Frank P. Quattrone
Managing Director
By: /s/ GEORGE F. BOUTROS
-----------------------------------------
George F. Boutros
Managing Director
B-3
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 204 of the General Corporation Law of the State of California
("California Law") authorizes a corporation to adopt a provision in its articles
of incorporation eliminating the personal liability of directors to corporations
and their shareholders for monetary damages for breach or alleged breach of
directors' "duty of care." Following a California corporation's adoption of such
a provision, its directors are not accountable to corporations and their
shareholders for monetary damages for conduct constituting negligence (or gross
negligence) in the exercise of their fiduciary duties; however, directors
continue to be subject to equitable remedies such as injunction or rescission.
Under California Law, a director also continues to be liable for (1) a breach of
his or her duty of loyalty; (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or involving
intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law; (3) illegal payments of
dividends; and (4) approval of any transaction from which a director derives an
improper personal benefit. The adoption of such a provision in the articles of
incorporation also does not limit directors' liability for violations of the
federal securities laws.
Section 317 of the California Law makes a provision for the indemnification
of officers, directors and other corporate agents in terms sufficiently broad to
indemnify such persons, under certain circumstances, for liabilities (including
reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"). An amendment to Section 317 provides that the
indemnification provided by this section is not exclusive to the extent
additional rights are authorized in a corporation's articles of incorporation.
The Registrant has adopted provisions in its Restated Articles of
Incorporation which eliminate the personal liability of its directors to the
Registrant and its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the
directors' fiduciary duties in certain circumstances and authorize the
Registrant to indemnify its officers, directors and other agents to the fullest
extent permitted by law.
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, the Registrant agreed that, after
the Effective Time, it will cause the Surviving Corporation to fulfill and honor
in all respects the obligations of VeriFone pursuant to each indemnification
agreement currently in effect between VeriFone and each person who is or was a
director or officer of VeriFone or any of its subsidiaries at or prior to the
Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties") and any indemnification provisions
under VeriFone's Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws as in effect on the date
of the Reorganization Agreement. The Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of
the Surviving Corporation will contain provisions with respect to exculpation
and indemnification that are at least as favorable to the Indemnified Parties as
those contained in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of VeriFone as in
effect on the date of the Reorganization Agreement.
The Registrant further agreed to cause the Surviving Corporation, to the
fullest extent permitted under applicable law or under the Surviving
Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws, to indemnify and hold
harmless each Indemnified Party against any costs or expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, to the extent arising out of or pertaining to any action or
omission in his or her capacity as a director or officer of VeriFone or any of
its subsidiaries arising out of or pertaining to the transactions contemplated
by the Reorganization Agreement (except in respect of actions or omissions that
constitute bad faith or willful misconduct) for a period of six years after the
Effective Time.
Moreover, the Registrant has agreed to cause the Surviving Corporation to
maintain in effect, during the three-year period commencing as of the Effective
Time, a policy of directors' and officers' liability
II-1
<PAGE>
insurance for the benefit of each of the Indemnified Parties providing coverage
and containing terms no less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties than the
coverage and terms of VeriFone's existing policy of directors' and officers'
liability insurance.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of April 22, 1997, among
Hewlett-Packard Company, Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation and VeriFone, Inc.
(included as Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which is a part of this
Registration Statement).
2.2 Voting Agreement dated April 22, 1997 between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hatim A.
Tyabji.
2.3 Form of VeriFone Affiliate Agreement.
2.4 Form of Certificate of Merger between VeriFone, Inc. and Tower Bridge Acquisition
Corporation.
5.1 Opinion of General Counsel of the Registrant.
8.1 Tax Opinion of General Tax Counsel of the Registrant.
8.2 Tax Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.
23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants.
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
23.3 Consent of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
23.4 Consent of Cooley Godward LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2).
24.1 Power of Attorney (see Page II-4).
99.1 VeriFone Form of Proxy.
</TABLE>
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
The information required to be set forth herein with respect to VeriFone is
incorporated by reference from VeriFone's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. No financial data schedules are required
for the Registrant.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement;
II-2
<PAGE>
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or
section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference
in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(5) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus
will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with
respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to
the information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.
(6) That every prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of section
10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities
subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration
statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference
into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within
one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes
information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(8) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all required
information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved
therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement
when it became effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 22nd day of May
1997.
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
By: /s/ D. CRAIG NORDLUND
--------------------------------------
Name: D. Craig Nordlund
--------------------------------------
Title: Associate General Counsel and Secretary
--------------------------------------
II-4
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL THESE PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints D. Craig Nordlund and Ann O. Baskins and
each of them, jointly and severally, as his or her true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution for him or
her and in his or her name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign
any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that each such attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
Chairman of the Board,
/s/ LEWIS E. PLATT President and Chief
- ------------------------------ Executive Officer May 22, 1997
(Lewis E. Platt) (Principal Executive
Officer)
Executive Vice President,
Finance and
/s/ ROBERT P. WAYMAN Administration and Chief
- ------------------------------ Financial Officer May 22, 1997
(Robert P. Wayman) (Principal Financial
Officer) and Director
/s/ RAYMOND W. COOKINGHAM Vice President and
- ------------------------------ Controller (Principal May 22, 1997
(Raymond W. Cookingham) Accounting Officer)
/s/ THOMAS E. EVERHART
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(Thomas E. Everhart)
/s/ JOHN B. FERY
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(John B. Fery)
/s/ JEAN-PAUL G. GIMON
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(Jean-Paul G. Gimon)
- ------------------------------ Director , 1997
(Sam Ginn)
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE
- ------------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
- ------------------------------ Director , 1997
(Richard A. Hackborn)
/s/ WALTER B. HEWLETT
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(Walter B. Hewlett)
/s/ GEORGE A. KEYWORTH II
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(George A. Keyworth II)
/s/ DAVID M. LAWRENCE, M.D.
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(David M. Lawrence, M.D.)
/s/ PAUL F. MILLER, JR.
- ------------------------------ Director May 22, 1997
(Paul F. Miller, Jr.)
/s/ SUSAN P. ORR
- ------------------------------ Director May 21, 1997
(Susan P. Orr)
- ------------------------------ Director , 1997
(David W. Packard)
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of April 22, 1997, among Hewlett-Packard Company,
Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation and VeriFone, Inc. (included as Annex A to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement).
2.2 Voting Agreement dated April 22, 1997 between Hewlett-Packard Company and Hatim A. Tyabji.
2.3 Form of VeriFone Affiliate Agreement.
2.4 Form of Certificate of Merger between VeriFone, Inc. and Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation.
5.1 Opinion of General Counsel of the Registrant.
8.1 Tax Opinion of General Tax Counsel of the Registrant.
8.2 Tax Opinion of Cooley Godward LLP.
23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants.
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
23.3 Consent of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
23.4 Consent of Cooley Godward LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2).
24.1 Power of Attorney (see Page II-6).
99.1 VeriFone Form of Proxy.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.2
VOTING AGREEMENT
This Voting Agreement ("AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as of April 22,
1997, between Hewlett-Packard Company, a California corporation ("PARENT"), and
the undersigned stockholder ("STOCKHOLDER") of VeriFone, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY").
RECITALS
A. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Parent, the Company
and Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("MERGER SUB"), are entering into an Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization (the "MERGER AGREEMENT") which provides for the
merger (the "MERGER") of Merger Sub with and into the Company. Pursuant to the
Merger, shares of capital stock of the Company will be converted into Common
Stock of Parent on the basis described in the Merger Agreement.
B. The Stockholder is the record holder of such number of outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company as is indicated on the final page of this
Agreement. In addition, the Stockholder holds options to purchase such number of
shares of Common Stock of the Company as is indicated on the final page of this
Agreement.
C. As a material inducement to enter into the Merger Agreement, Parent
desires the Stockholder to agree, and the Stockholder is willing to agree, to
vote the Shares (as defined below) and other such shares of capital stock of the
Company over which Stockholder has voting power so as to facilitate consummation
of the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:
1. AGREEMENT TO VOTE SHARES; ADDITIONAL PURCHASES.
1.1 AGREEMENT TO VOTE SHARES. At every meeting of the stockholders of the
Company called with respect to any of the following, and at every adjournment
thereof, and on every action or approval by written consent of the stockholders
of the Company with respect to any of the following, Stockholder shall cause the
Shares and any New Shares (as defined below) to be voted in favor of approval of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
1.2 DEFINITION. For purposes of this Agreement, "Shares" shall mean all
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company owned of record or
beneficially (over which beneficially-owned shares the Stockholder exercises
voting power) by the Stockholder as of the record date for persons entitled (a)
to receive notice of, and to vote at the meeting of the stockholders of the
Company called for the purpose of voting on the matter referred to in Section
1.1, or (b) to take action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company
with respect to the matter referred to in Section 1.1
1.3 ADDITIONAL PURCHASES. Stockholder agrees that any shares of capital
stock of the Company that Stockholder purchases or with respect to which
Stockholder otherwise acquires beneficial ownership (over which
beneficially-owned shares the Stockholder exercises voting power) after the
execution of this Agreement and prior to the date of termination of this
Agreement ("New Shares") shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted Shares.
2. IRREVOCABLE PROXY. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement,
Stockholder agrees to deliver to Parent a proxy in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "PROXY"), which shall be irrevocable, with respect to the Shares.
1
<PAGE>
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE STOCKHOLDER. Stockholder (i) is
the owner of the shares of Common Stock of the Company, and the options to
purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company, indicated on the final page of
this Agreement, which at the date hereof are free and clear of any liens,
claims, options, charges or other encumbrances; (ii) does not beneficially own
any securities of the Company other than the shares of Common Stock of the
Company, and options to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company,
indicated on the final page of this Agreement; and (iii) has full power and
authority to make, enter into and carry out the terms of this Agreement.
4. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. Stockholder and Parent hereby covenant and agree
to execute and deliver any additional documents necessary or desirable, in the
reasonable opinion of Parent or Stockholder, as the case may be, to carry out
the intent of this Agreement.
5. CONSENT AND WAIVER. Stockholder (not in his capacity as a director or
officer of the Company) hereby gives any consents or waivers that are reasonably
required for the consummation of the Merger under the terms of any agreements to
which Stockholder is a party or pursuant to any rights Stockholder may have.
6. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate and shall have no further
force or effect as of the earlier to occur of (i) such date and time as the
Merger shall become effective in accordance with the terms and provisions of the
Merger Agreement or (ii) such date and time as the Merger Agreement shall have
been terminated pursuant to Article VII thereof.
7. MISCELLANEOUS.
7.1 SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, then the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
7.2 BINDING EFFECT AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement and all of the
provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but, except as
otherwise specifically provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations of the parties hereto may be assigned by either
of the parties without prior written consent of the other.
7.3 AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement may not be modified,
amended, altered or supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a
written agreement executed by the parties hereto.
7.4 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties hereto
acknowledge that Parent will be irreparably harmed and that there will be no
adequate remedy at law for a violation of any of the covenants or agreements of
Stockholder set forth herein. Therefore, it is agreed that, in addition to any
other remedies that may be available to Parent upon any such violation, Parent
shall have the right to enforce such covenants and agreements by specific
performance, injunctive relief or by any other means available to Parent at law
or in equity.
7.5 NOTICES. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered in
person, by cable, telegram or telex, or sent by mail (registered or certified
mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) or overnight courier (prepaid)
to the respective parties as follows:
If to Parent: Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Attn: President and Chief Executive Officer
2
<PAGE>
With a copy to: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, California 94304-1050
Attn: Larry W. Sonsini, Esq.
Aaron J. Alter, Esq.
If to the Stockholder: To the address for notice set forth on the
last page hereof.
With a copy to: Cooley Godward LLP
Five Palo Alto Square
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Attn: Richard E. Climan, Esq.
Michael R. Jacobson, Esq.
or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address
shall only be effective upon receipt.
7.6 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of
California (without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof).
7.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
of the parties in respect of the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all
prior negotiations and understandings between the parties with respect to
such subject matter.
7.8 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
7.9 EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The section headings herein are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of
this Agreement.
3
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Voting Agreement to be duly
executed on the date and year first above written.
PARENT
By: /s/ Richard E. Belluzzo
--------------------------------------
Name: Richard E. Belluzzo
--------------------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President
--------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDER:
By: /s/ Hatim A. Tyabji
--------------------------------------
Name: Hatim A. Tyabji
--------------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------------
Stockholder's Address for Notice:
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Outstanding Shares of Common Stock of the
--- Company
Shares of Common Stock of the Company
--- subject to outstanding stock options
***VOTING AGREEMENT***
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
IRREVOCABLE PROXY
The undersigned Stockholder of VeriFone, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"COMPANY"), hereby irrevocably appoints the directors on the Board of Directors
of Hewlett-Packard Company, a California corporation ("PARENT"), and each of
them, as the sole and exclusive attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, to the full extent of the
undersigned's rights with respect to the voting of the Shares (as defined in the
Voting Agreement of even date between Parent and the Stockholder (the "VOTING
AGREEMENT")) on the matter described below (and on no other matter), until such
time as that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of April 22,
1997 (the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), among Parent, Tower Bridge Acquisition
Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent
("MERGER SUB"), and the Company, shall be terminated in accordance with its
terms or the Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement) becomes effective. Upon
the execution hereof, all prior proxies given by the undersigned with respect to
the Shares and any and all other shares or securities issued or issuable in
respect thereof on or after the date hereof are hereby revoked and no subsequent
proxies will be given.
This proxy is irrevocable, is granted pursuant to the Voting Agreement and
is granted in consideration of Parent entering into the Merger Agreement. The
attorneys and proxies named above will be empowered at any time prior to the
earlier of termination of the Merger Agreement and the date on which the Merger
becomes effective to exercise all voting rights (including, without limitation,
the power to execute and deliver written consents with respect to the Shares) of
the undersigned at every annual, special or adjourned meeting of the Company's
stockholders, and in every written consent in lieu of such a meeting, or
otherwise, to vote the Shares in favor of approval of the Merger and the Merger
Agreement.
The attorneys and proxies named above may only exercise this proxy to vote
the Shares subject hereto at any time prior to the earlier of termination of the
Merger Agreement and the date on which the Merger becomes effective, at every
annual, special or adjourned meeting of the Stockholders of the Company and in
every written consent in lieu of such meeting, in favor of approval of the
Merger and the Merger Agreement. The undersigned Stockholder may vote the Shares
on all other matters.
Any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the undersigned.
This proxy is irrevocable.
Dated: April 22, 1997
Signature of Stockholder: /s/ Hatim A. Tyabji
Print Name of Stockholder: Hatim A. Tyabji
***PROXY***
5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.3
FORM OF VERIFONE, INC. AFFILIATE AGREEMENT
This AFFILIATE AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") is dated as of April 22, 1997,
between Hewlett-Packard Company, a California corporation ("PARENT"), VeriFone,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY") and the undersigned (the
"AFFILIATE").
WHEREAS, Parent and the Company have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization ("MERGER AGREEMENT") pursuant to which Parent and the Company
intend to enter into a business combination transaction to pursue their long
term business strategies (the "MERGER") (capitalized terms used and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in
the Merger Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger, at the Effective Time, all of the issued
and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock, including any shares owned
by Affiliate as of the Effective Time, will be converted into shares of Parent
Common Stock as set forth in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, Affiliate has been advised that Affiliate may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of the Company, as the term "affiliate" is used (i) for purposes of
paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the Rules and Regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and (ii) in the SEC's Accounting
Series Releases 130 and 135, as amended, although nothing contained herein shall
be construed as an admission by Affiliate that Affiliate is in fact an affiliate
of the Company;
WHEREAS, it will be a condition to consummation of the Merger pursuant to
the Merger Agreement that the independent accounting firms that audit the annual
financial statements of Parent and the Company will have delivered their written
concurrences with the conclusions of management of Parent and the Company to the
effect that the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16;
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Affiliate is a
material inducement to Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
1. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BY AFFILIATE. Affiliate acknowledges and understands
that the representations, warranties and covenants by Affiliate set forth herein
will be relied upon by Parent, the Company, and their respective affiliates,
counsel and accounting firms for purposes of determining Parent's eligibility to
account for the Merger as a "pooling of interests," and that substantial losses
and damages may be incurred by these persons if Affiliate's representations,
warranties or covenants are breached. Affiliate has carefully read this
Agreement and the Merger Agreement and has had an opportunity to discuss the
requirements of this Agreement with Affiliate's professional advisors, who are
qualified to advise Affiliate with regard to such matters.
2. COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 145 AND THE ACT.
(a) Affiliate has been advised that (i) the issuance of shares of Parent
Common Stock in connection with the Merger is expected to be effected pursuant
to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "ACT"), and as such will not be deemed "restricted securities"
within the meaning of Rule 144 promulgated thereunder and resale of such shares
will not be subject to any restrictions other than as set forth in Rule 145 of
the Act unless otherwise transferred pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Act or an appropriate exemption from registration, (ii)
Affiliate may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Company, and (iii) no sale,
transfer or other disposition by Affiliate of any Parent Common Stock received
by Affiliate in the Merger will be registered under the Act. Affiliate
accordingly agrees not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Parent
Common Stock issued
1
<PAGE>
to Affiliate in the Merger unless (x) such sale, transfer or other disposition
is made in conformity with the requirements of Rule 145(d) promulgated under the
Act, (y) an authorized representative of the SEC takes the position in writing
to the effect that the SEC would take no action, or that the staff of the SEC
would not recommend that the SEC take action, with respect to such sale,
transfer or other disposition, and a copy of such written position ("No Action
Correspondence") is delivered to Parent, or (z) Affiliate delivers to Parent a
written opinion of counsel, reasonably acceptable to Parent in form and
substance, that such sale, transfer or other disposition is otherwise exempt
from registration under the Act.
(b) Parent will give stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent with
respect to any Parent Common Stock received by Affiliate pursuant to the Merger
and there will be placed on the certificates representing such Parent Common
Stock, or any substitutions therefor, a legend stating in substance:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION
TO WHICH RULE 145 PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED, APPLIES AND MAY ONLY BE TRANSFERRED (A) IN CONFORMITY WITH RULE
145(d) UNDER SUCH ACT, (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH A WRITTEN OPINION OF
COUNSEL, REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE THAT
SUCH TRANSFER IS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AS AMENDED OR (C) AS IS OTHERWISE PERMITTED UNDER THAT CERTAIN
AFFILIATE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF April 22, 1997, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON
FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE ISSUER."
The legend set forth above shall be removed (by delivery of a substitute
certificate without such legend) and Parent shall instruct its transfer agent to
remove such legend, if Affiliate delivers to Parent (i) satisfactory written
evidence that the shares have been sold in compliance with Rule 145 (in which
case, the substitute certificate will be issued in the name of the transferee),
(ii) a copy of the No Action Correspondence, (iii) an opinion of counsel, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent to the effect that public
sale of the shares by the holder thereof is no longer subject to Rule 145, or
(iv) a written request for removal of such legend after the earlier of (x) the
inapplicability of Rule 145 by its terms or (y) the effective date of any action
by the SEC eliminating the restrictions upon sale, transfer or disposition under
Rule 145 or otherwise rendering compliance with such restrictions unnecessary.
3. COVENANTS RELATED TO POOLING OF INTERESTS. In accordance with SAB 65,
during the period contemplated by SAB 65, until the earlier of (A) Parent's
public announcement of financial results covering at least 30 days of combined
operations of Parent and the Company or (B) the Merger Agreement is terminated
in accordance with its terms, Affiliate will not sell, exchange, transfer,
pledge, distribute, or otherwise dispose of or grant any option, establish any
"short" or put-equivalent position with respect to or enter into any similar
transaction (through derivatives or otherwise) intended or having the effect,
directly or indirectly, to reduce its risk relative to: (A) any shares of
Company Common Stock, except pursuant to and upon the consummation of the
Merger; or (B) any shares of Parent Common Stock received by Affiliate in the
Merger or any shares of Parent Common Stock received by Affiliate upon exercise
of options assumed by Parent in connection with the Merger. Parent may, at its
discretion, cause a restrictive legend covering the restrictions referred to in
this Section 3 to be placed on Parent Common Stock certificates issued to
Affiliate in the Merger and place a stock transfer notice consistent with the
restrictions referred to in this Section 3 with its transfer agent with respect
to such certificates, provided that such restrictive legend shall be removed
and/or such notice shall be countermanded promptly upon expiration of the
necessity therefor at the request of Affiliate.
4. PERMITTED TRANSFERS. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
in this Agreement, Affiliate may (with the consent of Parent, not to be
unreasonably withheld): (a) transfer shares of Common Stock of the Company to
the Company in payment of the exercise price of options to purchase Common Stock
of the Company; (b) transfer shares of Parent Common Stock to Parent in payment
of the exercise price of options to purchase Parent Common Stock, (c) transfer
shares of Common Stock of the Company
2
<PAGE>
to any organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, so long as such organization has traditionally been
supported by contributions from the general public (as opposed to being
supported largely by a specific donor); and (d) transfer of shares of Common
Stock of the Company or shares of Parent Common Stock to a trust established for
the benefit of Affiliate and/or for the benefit of one or more members of
Affiliate's family, or make a bona fide gift of shares of Common Stock of the
Company or shares of Parent Common Stock to one or more members of Affiliate's
family, provided that in the case of a transfer or gift pursuant to this clause
(d), a transferee of such shares agrees to be bound by the limitations set forth
in this Agreement.
5. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Affiliate agrees that irreparable damages would
occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms, or were otherwise breached.
It is, accordingly, agreed that Parent shall be entitled to injunctive relief to
prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement, and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions hereof, in addition to any other remedy to
which Parent may be entitled at law or in equity.
6. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) For the convenience of the parties hereto, 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 document.
(b) This Agreement shall be enforceable by, and shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns. As used herein, the term "successors and assigns" shall mean, where the
context so permits, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees and successor
trustees, and personal and other representatives.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed, interpreted and
enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California
(without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof).
(d) If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of
this Agreement is not enforceable or enforceable only if limited in time and/or
scope, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with such
provision stricken or so limited.
(e) Counsel to and accountants for the parties to the Agreement shall be
entitled to rely upon this Agreement as needed.
(f) This Agreement shall not be modified or amended, or any right hereunder
waived or any obligation excused, except by a written agreement signed by both
parties.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, this Agreement and
all obligations of Affiliate hereunder shall terminate upon the termination of
the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
(h) Parent currently intends to file on a timely basis, from and after the
Effective Time and as long as is necessary in order to permit Affiliate to sell
Parent Common Stock held by Affiliate pursuant to Rule 145, all reports required
to be filed by it pursuant to the Exchange Act, and currently intends to
otherwise make available adequate information regarding Parent in such manner as
may be required to satisfy the requirements of Rule 144(c) under the Act as now
in effect.
3
<PAGE>
Executed as of the date shown on the first page of this Agreement.
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
--------------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------------
VERIFONE, INC.
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
--------------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------------
AFFILIATE
By:
--------------------------------------
Name of Affiliate: ----------------------------
Name of Signatory (if different from
Affiliate):
---------------------------------------------
Title of Signatory
(if applicable):
--------------------------------
Number of shares of the Company's Common Stock beneficially owned by Affiliate:
- ---------------------------------------------
Number of shares of the Company's Common Stock subject to options beneficially
owned by Affiliate:
- ---------------------------------------------
***AFFILIATE AGREEMENT***
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 2.4
FORM OF
CERTIFICATE OF MERGER
MERGING
TOWER BRIDGE ACQUISITION CORPORATION
WITH AND INTO
VERIFONE, INC.
------------------------
PURSUANT TO SECTION 251 OF THE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW OF
THE STATE OF DELAWARE
------------------------
VeriFone, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VeriFone"), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY AS
FOLLOWS:
FIRST: That VeriFone was incorporated on June 3, 1986 pursuant to the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law") as a successor corporation
to VeriFone, Inc., a Hawaii corporation. Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation
("Merger Sub") was incorporated on April 11, 1997 pursuant to the Delaware Law.
SECOND: That an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Reorganization
Agreement"), dated as of April 22, 1997, among Hewlett-Packard Company, a
Delaware corporation, Merger Sub and VeriFone, setting forth the terms and
conditions of the merger of Merger Sub with and into VeriFone (the "Merger"),
has been approved, adopted, certified, executed and acknowledged by each of the
constituent corporations in accordance with the requirements of Section 251 of
the Delaware Law.
THIRD: That the name of the surviving corporation (the "Surviving
Corporation") shall be VeriFone, Inc.
FOURTH: That pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, the Certificate of
Incorporation of Merger Sub shall be amended and restated on the date of the
Merger to read in its entirety as set forth in EXHIBIT A attached hereto.
From and after the effective time of the Merger, the Certificate of
Incorporation of Merger Sub, as so amended, shall continue to be the Certificate
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation, until amended as provided by law.
FIFTH: That an executed copy of the Reorganization Agreement is on file at
the principal place of business of the Surviving Corporation at the following
address:
VeriFone, Inc.
Three Lagoon Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065
SIXTH: That a copy of the Reorganization Agreement will be furnished by the
Surviving Corporation, on request and without cost, to any stockholder of any
constituent corporation.
SEVENTH: That the Merger shall become effective upon the filing of this
Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, VeriFone has caused this Certificate of Merger to be
executed in its corporate name as of the day of , 1997.
VERIFONE, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------------
2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
VERIFONE, INC.
ARTICLE 1.
The name of the corporation is VeriFone, Inc. (the "Corporation").
ARTICLE 2.
The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of Delaware
is 1013 Centre Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19805. The name of its registered
agent at such address is Corporation Service Company of New Castle County.
ARTICLE 3.
The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity
for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of
Delaware.
ARTICLE 4.
The Corporation is authorized to issue one class of shares to be designated
"Common Stock." The total number of shares of Common Stock this Corporation
shall have authority to issue is One Thousand (1,000) shares, with a par value
of one cent ($0.01).
ARTICLE 5.
The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.
ARTICLE 6.
Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of
the Corporation shall so provide.
ARTICLE 7.
The number of directors which constitute the whole Board of Directors of the
Corporation shall be designated in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 8.
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the
Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to make, alter,
amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 9.
A director of the corporation shall, to the full extent not prohibited by
the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be
amended, not be liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of his or her fiduciary duty as a director.
ARTICLE 10.
Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of
Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept
(subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside of the State of
Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the
Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street [HP LOGO]
Palo Alto, California 94304
D. Graig Nordlund
Associate General
Counsel and Secretary
</TABLE>
May 22, 1997
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, California 94304
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") to be filed by Hewlett-Packard Company ("HP") with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on or about May 23, 1997 in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of up
to 24,854,017 shares (the "Shares") of HP's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share. The Shares will be issued in connection with the merger of Tower Bridge
Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary of HP, with and into
VeriFone, Inc. I have examined the proceedings taken and am familiar with the
proceedings proposed to be taken by HP in connection with the sale and issuance
of the Shares.
It is my opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner
described in the Registration Statement will be legally and validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable.
I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to said Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of my name wherever appearing in said
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.
Very truly yours,
/s/ D. CRAIG NORDLUND
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.1
[HP LOGO]
May 22, 1997
Hewlett-Packard Company
3000 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, California 94304
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is being delivered in connection with Section 6.1(d) of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of April 22, 1997 (the
"Reorganization Agreement"), among Hewlett-Packard Company, a California
corporation ("Parent"), Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and Verifone,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the " Company"). Pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement, Merger Sub will merge into the Company (the "Merger").
Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms not defined herein have the
meanings set forth in the Reorganization Agreement. All section references,
unless otherwise indicated, are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code").
The undersigned is counsel to Parent. As such, and for the purpose of
rendering this opinion, counsel has examined originals, certified copies or
copies otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true copies of the
original of the following documents (including all exhibits and schedules
attached thereto):
(a) The Reorganization Agreement;
(b) The Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Parent with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement");
(c) Representation letters of Parent and Merger Sub and the Company (the
"Officer's Certificates"); and
(d) such other instruments and documents related to the formation,
organization and operation of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company and related
to the consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate.
In connection with rendering this opinion, it has been assumed (without any
independent investigation or review thereof) that:
1. Original documents (including signatures) are authentic, documents
submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, and there is
(or will be prior to the Closing) due execution and delivery of all
documents where due execution and delivery are a prerequisite to the
effectiveness thereof;
2. The truth and accuracy at all relevant times, of all
representations, warranties and statements made or agreed to by Parent,
Merger Sub and the Company, their managements, employees, officers,
directors and stockholders in connection with the Merger, including but not
limited to those set forth in the Reorganization Agreement (including the
exhibits) and the Officer's Certificates; and that all covenants contained
in such agreements are or will be performed without waiver or breach of any
material provision thereof; and
3. There is no plan or intention on the part of the Company's
stockholders to engage in a sale, exchange, transfer, distribution, pledge
or other disposition (including a distribution by a corporation
<PAGE>
Hewlett-Packard Company
May 22, 1997
Page 2
to its stockholders) or any transaction which would result in a reduction of
risk of ownership, or a direct or indirect disposition (a "Sale") of shares
of Parent Common Stock to be received in the Merger that would reduce the
Company stockholders' ownership of Parent Common Stock to a number of shares
having an aggregate fair market value, as of the Effective Time, of less
than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate fair market value of all of the
capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the
consummation of the Merger. Shares of the Company capital stock which are
sold, redeemed or disposed of in a transaction that is in contemplation of
or related to the Merger shall be considered shares of capital stock of the
Company which are exchanged in the Merger for shares of Parent Common Stock
which are then disposed of pursuant to a plan.
Based on our examination of the foregoing items and subject to the
limitations, qualifications, assumptions and caveats set forth herein, we are of
the opinion that:
(a) For federal income tax purposes, the Merger will qualify as a
"reorganization" as defined in Section 368(a); and
(b) The discussion entitled "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations"
in the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement insofar
as it relates to the statements of law or legal conclusions is correct in
all material respects.
This opinion does not address the various state, local or foreign tax
consequences that may result from the Merger. In addition, no opinion is
expressed as to any federal income tax consequence of the Merger except as
specifically set forth herein and this opinion may not be relied upon except
with respect to the consequences specifically discussed herein.
No opinion is expressed as to any transaction other than the Merger as
described in the Reorganization Agreement or to any other transaction whatsoever
including the Merger if all the transactions described in the Reorganization
Agreement are not consummated in accordance with the terms of the Reorganization
Agreement and without waiver of any material provision thereof. To the extent
any of the representations, warranties, statements and assumptions material to
our opinion and upon which we have relied are not complete, correct, true and
accurate in all material respects at all relevant times, our opinion would be
adversely affected and should not be relied upon.
This opinion only represents our best judgment as to the federal income tax
consequences of the Merger and is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or
the courts. The conclusions are based on the Code, existing judicial decisions,
administration regulations and published rulings. No assurance can be given that
future legislative, judicial or administrative changes would not adversely
affect the accuracy of the conclusions stated herein. Nevertheless, by rendering
this opinion, we undertake no responsibility to advise you of any new
developments in the application or interpretation of the federal income tax
laws.
This opinion may not be relied upon or utilized for any other purpose or by
any other person or entity, and may not be distributed or otherwise made
available to any other person or entity without our prior
<PAGE>
Hewlett-Packard Company
May 22, 1997
Page 3
written consent. We hereby consent to the reference to this opinion in (and its
filing as an exhibit to) the Registration Statement.
Sincerely,
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
By: /s/ LESTER D. EZRATI
----------------------------------------
Lester D. Ezrati
Title: General Tax Counsel
Hewlett-Packard Company
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.2
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ATTORNEYS AT LAW San Francisco, CA
[LOGO] Five Palo Alto Square 415 693-2000
3000 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA
May 22, 1997 Palo Alto, CA 415 843-5000
94306-2155 San Diego, CA
Main 415 843-5000 619 550-6000
Fax 415 857-0663 Boulder, CO
http://www.cooley.com 303 546-4000
WEBB B. MORROW III Denver, CO
415 843-5080 303 606-4800
[email protected]
</TABLE>
VeriFone, Inc.
Three Lagoon Drive
Redwood City, CA 95065
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is being delivered in connection with Section 6.1(d) of the
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of April 22, 1997 (the
"Reorganization Agreement") by and among Hewlett-Packard Company, a California
corporation ("Parent"), Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub") and VeriFone,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). Pursuant to the Reorganization
Agreement, Merger Sub will merge into the Company (the "Merger").
Except as otherwise provided, capitalized terms not defined herein have the
meanings set forth in the Reorganization Agreement. All section references,
unless otherwise indicated, are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code").
The undersigned is counsel to the Company. As such, and for the purpose of
rendering this opinion, counsel has examined originals, certified copies or
copies otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true copies of the
original of the following documents (including all exhibits and schedules
attached thereto):
a. The Reorganization Agreement;
b. the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Parent with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement");
c. representation letters of Parent and Merger Sub and the Company (the
"Officer's Certificates"); and
d. such other instruments and documents related to the formation,
organization and operation of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company and related to
the consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby as we
have deemed necessary or appropriate.
In connection with rendering this opinion, it has been assumed (without any
independent investigation or review thereof) that:
1. Original documents (including signatures) are authentic, documents
submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, and there is (or
will be prior to the Closing) due execution and delivery of all documents where
due execution and delivery are prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof;
<PAGE>
VeriFone Inc.
May 22, 1997
Page 2
2. The truth and accuracy at all relevant times, of all representations,
warranties and statements made or agreed to by Parent, Merger Sub and the
Company, their managements, employees, officers, directors and stockholders in
connection with the Merger, including but not limited to those set forth in the
Reorganization Agreement (including the exhibits) and the Officer's
Certificates; and that all covenants contained in such agreements are or will be
performed without waiver or breach of any material provision thereof; and
3. There is no plan or intention on the part of the Company's stockholders
to engage in a sale, exchange, transfer, distribution, pledge or other
disposition (including a distribution by a corporation to its stockholders) or
any transaction which would result in a reduction of risk of ownership, or a
direct or indirect disposition (a "Sale") of shares of Parent Common Stock to be
received in the Merger that would reduce the Company stockholders' ownership of
Parent Common Stock to a number of shares having an aggregate fair market value,
as of the Effective Time, of less than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate fair
market value of all of the capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately
prior to the consummation of the Merger. Shares of the Company capital stock
which are sold, redeemed or disposed of in a transaction that is in
contemplation of or related to the Merger, shall be considered shares of capital
stock of the Company which are exchanged in the Merger for shares of Parent
Common Stock which are then disposed of pursuant to a plan.
Based on our examination of the foregoing items and subject to the
limitations, qualifications, assumptions and caveats set forth herein, we are of
the opinion that:
(a) For federal income tax purposes, the Merger will qualify as a
"reorganization" as defined in Section 368(a); and
(b) the discussion entitled "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations" in
the Prospectus constituting a part of the Registration Statement insofar as it
relates to the statements of law or legal conclusions is correct in all material
respects.
This opinion does not address the various state, local or foreign tax
consequences that may result from the Merger. In addition, no opinion is
expressed as to any federal income tax consequence of the Merger except as
specifically set forth herein and this opinion may not be relied upon except
with respect to the consequences specifically discussed herein.
No opinion is expressed as to any transaction other than the Merger as
described in the Reorganization Agreement or to any other transaction whatsoever
including the Merger if all the transactions described in the Agreement are not
consummated in accordance with the terms of the Reorganization Agreement and
without waiver of any material provision thereof. To the extent any of the
representations, warranties, statements and assumptions material to our opinion
and upon which we have relied are not complete, correct, true and accurate in
all material respects at all relevant times, our opinion would be adversely
affected and should not be relied upon.
This opinion only represents our best judgment as to the federal income tax
consequences of the Merger and is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or
the courts. The conclusions are based on the Code, existing judicial decisions,
administration regulations and published rulings. No assurance can be given that
future legislative, judicial or administrative changes would not adversely
affect the accuracy of the conclusions stated herein. Nevertheless, by rendering
this opinion, we undertake no responsibility to advise you of any new
developments in the application or interpretation of the federal income tax
laws.
<PAGE>
VeriFone Inc.
May 22, 1997
Page 3
This opinion may not be relied upon or utilized for any other purpose or by
any other person or entity, and may not be distributed or otherwise made
available to any other person or entity without our prior written consent. We
hereby consent to the reference to this opinion in (and its filing as an exhibit
to) the Registration Statement.
Sincerely,
COOLEY GODWARD LLP
By: /s/ WEBB B. MORROW III
-------------------------------
Webb B. Morrow III
WBM:ekh
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form
S-4 of Hewlett-Packard Company of our report dated November 18, 1996, which
appears on page 52 of Hewlett-Packard's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders,
which is incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended October 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in such Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
/s/ PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
San Jose, California
May 21, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Hewlett-Packard
Company and the Proxy Statement of VeriFone, Inc. for the registration of shares
of Hewlett-Packard Company's common stock and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our reports dated January 17, 1997, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of VeriFone, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the related
financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Palo Alto, California
May 21, 1997
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
EXHIBIT 23.3 [LOGO]
TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
Technology Group
1550 El Camino Real
Suite 100
Menlo Park, California 94025
Telephone: (415) 614-5000
Fax: (415) 614-5030
</TABLE>
CONSENT OF DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL INC.
We hereby consent to the use of Annex B containing our opinion letter dated
April 22, 1997 to the Board of Directors of VeriFone, Inc. ("VeriFone") in the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting a part of the registration statement on
Form S-4 relating to the combination of VeriFone and Hewlett-Packard Company and
to the references to our firm name in such Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In giving
this consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"), or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with
respect to any part of such registration statement within the meaning of the
term "experts" as used in the Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC
promulgated thereunder.
May 22, 1997 DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL INC.
By: /s/ FRANK P. QUATTRONE
-----------------------------------------
Frank P. Quattrone
MANAGING DIRECTOR
By: /s/ DAVID A. POPOWITZ
-----------------------------------------
David A. Popowitz
VICE PRESIDENT
<PAGE>
DETACH HERE
VERIFONE, INC.
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - JUNE 25, 1997
P THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF VERIFONE, INC. (THE "COMPANY")
R
The undersigned hereby appoints Hatim A. Tyabji and Joseph M. Zaelit,
O and each of them, as attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, with
full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of the Company's
X common stock which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at the Stanford Park
Y Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, California 94025, on June 25, 1997
at 10:00 a.m. local time, and at any and all adjournments or postponements
thereof, with all of the powers the undersigned would possess if personally
present, upon and in respect of the following proposal and in accordance
with the following instructions. The proposal referred to herein is
described in detail in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.
UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR THE PROPOSAL SPECIFIED ON THE REVERSE SIDE. IF A SPECIFIC DIRECTION IS
INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.
-----------
|SEE REVERSE|
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE) | SIDE |
-----------
<PAGE>
DETACH HERE
/X/PLEASE MARK
VOTES AS IN
THIS EXAMPLE.
PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
POSTPAID RETURN ENVELOPE. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
FOLLOWING PROPOSAL.
1. To (i) approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated
as of April 22, 1997, among the Company, Hewlett-Packard Company, a
California corporation ("HP"), and Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of HP, and (ii) approve the
merger of Tower Bridge Acquisition Corporation with and into the Company
pursuant to which the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP
and all outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock will be converted
into shares of HP's Common Stock.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
MARK HERE
FOR ADDRESS / /
CHANGE AND
NOTE AT LEFT
Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon.
If the stock is registered in the names of two or
more persons, each should sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, guardians and
attorneys-in-fact should add their titles. If the
signer is a corporation, please give the full
corporate name and have a duly authorized officer
sign, stating such officer's title. If the signer
is a partnership, please sign in the
partnership's name by an authorized person.
Signature:_________________ Date:______ Signature:__________________ Date:______
