<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 13, 1999.
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
---------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
---------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
---------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 2621 39-0394230
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
P.O. BOX 619100
DALLAS, TEXAS 75261-9100
(972) 281-1200
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
Registrant's principal executive offices)
O. GEORGE EVERBACH
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT -- LAW AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 619100
DALLAS, TEXAS 75261-9100
(972) 281-1200
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
---------------------
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
GINA E. BETTS PAUL W. HESS JEFFREY E. COHEN
LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP GENERAL COUNSEL COUDERT BROTHERS
2200 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 2200 BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS 1114 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
DALLAS, TEXAS 75201 12050 LONE PEAK PARKWAY NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
DRAPER, UTAH 84020
</TABLE>
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
possible after the effective time of the merger of Jazz Acquisition Corp., a
Utah corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with
and into Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation, as described in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger among Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz, dated as of
December 23, 1998, attached as Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming
a part of this Registration Statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities of an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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PROPOSED PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES AMOUNT TO BE MAXIMUM OFFERING AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER SHARE PRICE REGISTRATION FEE
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, $1.25 par value per
share................................ 14,563,637 Shares(1) N.A. $774,984,343(2) $215,446(3)
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Preferred Stock Purchase Rights........ 14,563,637 Rights(1) (4) (4) (4)
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</TABLE>
(1) Based on an assumed maximum number of shares of Kimberly-Clark Common Stock
to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.1(a) of the Merger Agreement assuming
the exercise of all currently outstanding options to purchase shares of
Ballard Common Stock.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by
multiplying $24.188, the average of the high and low prices of shares of
Ballard Common Stock on August 9, 1999 on the New York Stock Exchange, by
32,040,034, the number of shares of Ballard Common Stock outstanding at the
close of business on August 11, 1999, assuming the exercise of all then
outstanding options to purchase Ballard Common Stock.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(b) under the Securities Act, $193,899 of the
registration fee was paid on January 25, 1999 in connection with the filing
of preliminary proxy statement/prospectus materials.
(4) The Preferred Stock Purchase Rights of Kimberly-Clark initially are attached
to and trade with the shares of Kimberly-Clark Common Stock being registered
hereby. Value attributable to such Preferred Stock Purchase Rights, if any,
is reflected in the market price of Kimberly-Clark Common Stock.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE
ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.
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<PAGE> 2
[BALLARD LOGO]
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MERGER PROPOSED -- YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
On December 23, 1998, the board of directors of Ballard unanimously adopted
a merger agreement with Kimberly-Clark. In the medical device business, it is
becoming increasingly important to have broad product offerings. For many
months, we had been quietly looking for the right strategic merger partner to
help Ballard continue to grow and remain competitive. Kimberly-Clark, through
its Professional Health Care Sector, is a well recognized and growing producer
of premium disposable medical products, primarily for use in operating rooms.
After the merger, Ballard will become part of the Professional Health Care
Sector of Kimberly-Clark and the combined companies will be in a stronger
position to manufacture and distribute premium disposable medical products for
domestic and foreign health care markets. Our management believes the merger
will enhance Ballard's ability to compete in the marketplace and will enable
Ballard's shareholders to participate in the improved prospects of a larger and
more diversified company.
If the merger is completed, you will receive Kimberly-Clark common stock
with a value of $25.00 for each share of your Ballard common stock. Shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock will be valued for this purpose by reference to a 10
trading-day period shortly before the closing date of the merger. At the time
you vote on the merger agreement, you will not know the exact number of shares
you will receive in the merger. Beginning on September 16, 1999, through
September 22, 1999, you may call MacKenzie Partners, Inc., our proxy solicitor,
at 1-800-322-2885 to determine the number of shares you will receive. The merger
is intended to be tax free to Ballard shareholders, except for any cash received
in lieu of a fractional share.
Your board of directors has determined that the terms of the merger
agreement are fair to, and are in the best interests of, the shareholders of
Ballard. The board of directors of Ballard recommends that you vote "FOR"
approval of the merger agreement and the adjournment proposal.
Both Kimberly-Clark's common stock and Ballard's common stock are listed on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "KMB" and "BMP," respectively.
Kimberly-Clark's common stock is also listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange and
the Pacific Exchange.
Dale H. Ballard, Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS DATED AUGUST , 1999, AND IS FIRST
BEING MAILED TO SHAREHOLDERS ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 18, 1999.
<PAGE> 3
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
12050 LONE PEAK PARKWAY
DRAPER, UTAH 84020
---------------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
---------------------
To the Shareholders of Ballard Medical Products:
YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE that a special meeting of shareholders of
Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation, will be held at Ballard's
principal executive office located at 12050 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, Utah
84020 on September 23, 1999 at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following
purposes:
- To consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of December 23, 1998, pursuant to which (1) Ballard will
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, and (2) each share of
Ballard common stock will be converted into, and become exchangeable for,
a percentage of a share of Kimberly-Clark common stock equal to $25.00
divided by the average of the closing prices of Kimberly-Clark common
stock during a 10 trading-day period shortly before the merger.
- To adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to permit further
solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of
the special meeting to approve the merger proposal.
- To transact such other business as may properly come before the special
meeting or any adjournments of the special meeting.
Your board of directors has fixed the close of business on August 11, 1999
as the record date for the determination of Ballard shareholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournments of the
special meeting. The approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Ballard common stock
outstanding on the record date. To adjourn the special meeting to solicit
additional proxies, the proposal to adjourn must be approved by the holders of a
majority of the shares of Ballard common stock present in person or represented
by a properly executed proxy at the special meeting.
Under Utah law, Ballard shareholders will not be entitled to dissenters'
rights in connection with the merger.
FOR A DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT COULD AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF
KIMBERLY-CLARK OR BALLARD OR THE COMBINED ENTITY OR WHICH COULD CAUSE THEIR
FUTURE RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED IN ANY OF THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, SEE THE SECTION OF
PART I, ITEM 1 OF KIMBERLY-CLARK'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K/A FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 ENTITLED "FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS" AND
THE SECTION OF PART I, ITEM 4 OF BALLARD'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 ENTITLED "RISK FACTORS." TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THESE
REPORTS, PLEASE SEE THE DIRECTIONS SET FORTH UNDER "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION."
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE
COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR INTERESTS BE REPRESENTED AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING. YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY BY:
- DELIVERING TO THE SECRETARY OF BALLARD, BEFORE THE TAKING OF THE VOTE AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING, A WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION BEARING A LATER DATE
THAN THE DATE OF THE PROXY OR A LATER-DATED PROXY RELATING TO THE SAME
SHARES; OR
- ATTENDING THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTING IN PERSON.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
E. Martin Chamberlain, Secretary
Draper, Utah
August 13, 1999
<PAGE> 4
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement/prospectus, including information incorporated by
reference into this document, contains certain forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the business, financial condition, results of
operations, dividends, plans, objectives, prospects, growth opportunities and
future performance of each of Kimberly-Clark and Ballard or of the combined
entities. The forward-looking statements are sometimes preceded by, followed by
or include the words "plans," "believes," "intends," "expects," "anticipates,"
"estimates" or similar words or expressions.
These forward-looking statements involve both known and unknown risks and
uncertainties and are based upon Kimberly-Clark's and Ballard's management's
expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Kimberly-Clark or
Ballard, as applicable. Actual results or performance may differ materially from
those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus
or, in the case of documents incorporated by reference in this document, the
date of the documents. Additional information regarding these risks is contained
in Kimberly-Clark and Ballard filings with the SEC and the exhibits to the
filings.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to
Kimberly-Clark or Ballard or any person acting on its behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred
to in this section. Neither Kimberly-Clark nor Ballard undertakes any obligation
to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect events,
circumstances or new information after the date of this proxy
statement/prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
i
<PAGE> 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.................................. i
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER...................... 1
SUMMARY..................................................... 3
The Companies............................................. 3
The Merger................................................ 3
The Special Meeting....................................... 3
Record Date; Voting Power................................. 3
Shareholder Vote Required to Approve the Merger........... 4
Interests of Officers and Directors in the Merger......... 4
Share Ownership of Management and the Board of
Directors.............................................. 4
Recommendation of the Ballard Board to You................ 4
Ballard's Reasons For the Merger.......................... 4
Fairness Opinion of Financial Advisor..................... 5
Conditions to the Merger.................................. 5
Termination of the Merger Agreement....................... 5
Termination Fee and Expenses.............................. 5
Kimberly-Clark Has the Option to Acquire 19.9% of
Ballard................................................ 6
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.................. 7
Accounting Treatment...................................... 7
Listing of Kimberly-Clark Common Stock.................... 7
Comparative Per Share Market Price Information............ 7
Management and Operations After the Merger................ 7
Certain Differences in the Rights of Shareholders......... 7
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Selected Consolidated Financial
Data................................................... 8
Ballard Medical Products Selected Consolidated Financial
Data................................................... 11
Comparative Per Share Data of Ballard and
Kimberly-Clark......................................... 13
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS..................... 14
THE SPECIAL MEETING......................................... 15
Time and Place............................................ 15
Purpose................................................... 15
Record Date; Voting Rights................................ 15
Quorum.................................................... 15
Proxies................................................... 15
Solicitation of Proxies................................... 16
Required Vote............................................. 16
Share Ownership of Management............................. 16
THE MERGER.................................................. 17
General................................................... 17
Effective Time............................................ 17
Background of the Merger.................................. 17
Kimberly-Clark's Reasons for the Merger................... 21
Ballard's Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of its
Board of Directors..................................... 22
Opinion of Ballard's Financial Advisor.................... 23
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.................. 28
Anticipated Accounting Treatment.......................... 29
Governmental and Regulatory Approvals..................... 30
Percentage Ownership Interest of Ballard Shareholders
After the Merger....................................... 30
Absence of Dissenters' Rights............................. 30
Resales of Kimberly-Clark Common Stock.................... 30
TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT............................... 31
Exchange Ratio............................................ 31
No Fractional Shares...................................... 31
Conversion of Jazz Common Stock........................... 31
Exchange Agent; Procedures for Exchange of Certificates... 31
Representations and Warranties............................ 32
</TABLE>
ii
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<TABLE>
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Conduct of Business Pending the Merger..................................................................... 33
No Solicitation by Ballard................................................................................. 34
Conditions Precedent to the Merger......................................................................... 35
Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance........................................................ 36
Termination................................................................................................ 36
Termination Fee and Expenses............................................................................... 37
Amendment.................................................................................................. 38
Waiver..................................................................................................... 38
Ballard Stock Options...................................................................................... 38
Employee Benefits.......................................................................................... 38
OPTION AGREEMENT............................................................................................. 39
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT........................................................................................ 40
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER................................................................... 41
Consulting/Noncompetition/Severance Agreements With Dale H. Ballard........................................ 41
Noncompetition Agreements With Other Executive Officers.................................................... 42
Indemnification............................................................................................ 43
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS............................................................................. 44
Amendment of Charter Documents............................................................................. 44
Amendment and Repeal of Bylaws............................................................................. 44
Removal of Directors....................................................................................... 45
Right to Call Special Meetings of Shareholders............................................................. 45
Shareholder Action Without a Meeting....................................................................... 45
Class Voting............................................................................................... 46
Provisions Affecting Control Share Acquisitions and Business Combinations.................................. 46
Dividends.................................................................................................. 47
Director Liability......................................................................................... 47
Voting Rights.............................................................................................. 48
Classification of Board of Directors....................................................................... 48
Fiduciary Duties of Directors.............................................................................. 48
Number and Election of Directors........................................................................... 49
Shareholder Proposals...................................................................................... 49
Approval of Mergers and Asset Sales........................................................................ 49
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.................................................................. 50
Rights..................................................................................................... 51
Liquidation................................................................................................ 51
Preemptive, Subscription or Redemption Rights.............................................................. 51
DESCRIPTION OF KIMBERLY-CLARK CAPITAL STOCK.................................................................. 52
Authorized Capital Stock................................................................................... 52
Kimberly-Clark Common Stock................................................................................ 52
Kimberly-Clark Preferred Stock............................................................................. 52
Transfer Agent and Registrar............................................................................... 52
Stock Exchange Listing; Delisting and Deregistration of Ballard Common Stock............................... 53
Stockholders Rights Plan................................................................................... 53
Business Combinations With Interested Stockholders......................................................... 54
BUSINESS OF KIMBERLY-CLARK................................................................................... 55
BUSINESS OF BALLARD.......................................................................................... 55
EXPERTS...................................................................................................... 56
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................................................................... 56
SUBMISSION OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS................................................................... 56
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.......................................................................... 57
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER.................................................................................... Annex A
COMPANY OPTION AGREEMENT........................................................................................ Annex B
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT........................................................................................... Annex C
OPINION OF BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC. ............................................................................ Annex D
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE> 7
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE BRIEF ANSWERS
TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED MERGER. THESE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS DO NOT, AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO, ADDRESS ALL THE QUESTIONS THAT MAY
BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE "SUMMARY" SECTION AND THE
REMAINDER OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS THE ANNEXES AND THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE IN THIS DOCUMENT.
Q. WHAT WILL I RECEIVE FOR MY BALLARD COMMON STOCK?
A. You will receive Kimberly-Clark common stock valued at $25.00 for each share
of your Ballard common stock.
Q. HOW WILL KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK BE VALUED?
A. Shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock will be valued based on the average
closing price per share of Kimberly-Clark common stock on the New York Stock
Exchange for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the fifth trading day
prior to the closing date of the merger.
Q. WILL THE VALUE OF THE MERGER CONSIDERATION CHANGE?
A. No. If the merger is completed, you will receive Kimberly-Clark common stock
valued at $25.00 for each share of Ballard common stock you own at the time the
merger closes.
Q. HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK I AM
TO RECEIVE?
A. The number of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock you receive cannot be
determined until after the close of the financial markets on September 15, 1999.
From September 16, 1999 through September 22, 1999, you may call MacKenzie
Partners, Inc., Ballard's proxy solicitor, at 1-800-322-2885 to learn the number
of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock you will receive for each share of
Ballard common stock you own.
Q. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE MERGER HAD CLOSED ON AUGUST 11, 1999, HOW MANY SHARES OF
KIMBERLY-CLARK STOCK WOULD I HAVE RECEIVED?
A. You would have received 0.4111 of a share of Kimberly-Clark common stock for
each share of Ballard common stock you owned.
Q. WHEN IS THE SPECIAL MEETING?
A. The special meeting will be held on September 23, 1999.
Q. WHAT WILL I VOTE ON AT THE SPECIAL MEETING?
A. At the special meeting, you will be asked to approve the merger agreement and
to approve a proposal to adjourn the meeting, if necessary, to solicit
additional votes to approve the merger.
Q. AM I ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ANY DISSENTERS' RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
MERGER?
A. No.
Q. WILL KIMBERLY-CLARK STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ON THE MERGER AGREEMENT?
A. No.
Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?
A. Please complete and mail the proxy card to Ballard as soon as possible.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RETURN MY PROXY CARD AND DO NOT VOTE AT THE MEETING?
A. The effect will be a vote against the merger agreement.
Q. CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE?
A. Yes.
Q. HOW DO I CHANGE MY VOTE?
A. You may change your vote by delivering a written notice of revocation bearing
a later date than the proxy, or a proxy bearing a later date than the proxy
relating to the same shares, to the Secretary of Ballard, or by attending the
special meeting and voting in person.
Q. MAY I VOTE MY SHARES HELD IN "STREET NAME"?
A. No. Only your broker may vote the shares held in "street name." Your broker
may not vote your shares without your instructions. You should instruct your
broker to vote your shares, following the directions you provide to your broker.
If you do not provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares,
your broker will not be permitted to vote your shares, and the effect will be a
vote against the merger.
1
<PAGE> 8
Q. SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?
A. No. If the merger is completed, Kimberly-Clark will send you written
instructions for exchanging your stock certificates.
Q. WHAT IS MEANT BY "CASH IN LIEU OF FRACTIONAL SHARES"?
A. If the merger is completed, you will receive whole shares of Kimberly-Clark
common stock based on the valuation mechanism described above. If the number of
shares of Ballard common stock you have remaining would not otherwise entitle
you to receive an additional whole share of Kimberly-Clark common stock, you
will receive cash for those Ballard shares in an amount equal to the closing
price on the New York Stock Exchange of Kimberly-Clark common stock on the date
of the merger, multiplied by the fractional share of Kimberly-Clark common stock
you would otherwise be entitled to receive.
Q. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE MERGER TO BE COMPLETED?
A. We expect to complete the merger immediately after the special meeting on
September 23, 1999.
Q. WHOM SHOULD I CALL WITH QUESTIONS?
A. If you have any questions about the merger, please call Kenneth R. Sorenson,
Chief Financial Officer of Ballard, at (801) 572-6800.
2
<PAGE> 9
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this proxy
statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is
important to you. We have included page references in parentheses to direct you
to a more complete description of the topics presented in this summary. To
understand the merger fully and for a more complete description of the legal
terms of the merger, you should read carefully this entire document and the
documents to which we have referred you. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION" on page 57.
THE COMPANIES (SEE PAGE 55)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
351 Phelps Drive
Irving, Texas 75038
(972) 281-1200
Fax: (972) 281-1519
Web site: www.kimberly-clark.com
Kimberly-Clark manufactures and markets throughout the world a wide range
of products for personal, business and industrial uses. Most of these products
are made from natural and synthetic fibers using advanced technologies in
fibers, nonwovens and absorbency. Kimberly-Clark's businesses are separated into
three segments: tissue, personal care, and health care and other.
Kimberly-Clark's products are sold under a variety of well-known brand names,
including Kleenex, Scott, Kimberly-Clark, Kimwipes, Wypall, Huggies, Pull-Ups,
Kotex, Depend and Tecnol. Consolidated net sales of its products and services
totaled approximately $12.3 billion in 1998 and $6.27 billion for the six months
ended June 30, 1999.
For further information concerning Kimberly-Clark, see "-- Kimberly-Clark
Corporation Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "BUSINESS OF KIMBERLY-CLARK,"
and "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
(801) 572-6800
Fax: (801) 523-5396
Web site: www.bmed.com
Ballard is an innovative medical technology company, offering a range of
specialized medical devices. Ballard sells disposable medical products in the
following markets: closed suctioning, chronic enteral feeding, endoscopy, heart
stimulation electrodes, surgical handwashes and H. pylori diagnosis. Ballard's
TRACH CARE(R) closed suction catheter and MIC(R) enteral feeding and endoscopic
product families accounted for approximately 76% of Ballard's net sales for the
nine months ended June 30, 1999. Consolidated net sales of Ballard's products
totaled approximately $150.1 million during its 1998 fiscal year and $110.2
million for the nine months ended June 30, 1999.
For further information concerning Ballard, see "-- Ballard Medical
Products Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "BUSINESS OF BALLARD" and "WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
THE MERGER
Pursuant to the merger agreement, Ballard will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark and your Ballard common stock will become
Kimberly-Clark common stock.
The merger agreement is attached to the back of this proxy
statement/prospectus as Annex A. You are encouraged to read the merger agreement
in its entirety as it is the legal document that governs the merger.
THE SPECIAL MEETING
The Ballard special meeting of shareholders will be held at Ballard's
principal executive office located at 12050 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, Utah
84020, on Thursday, September 23, 1999, at 9:00 a.m., local time. At the special
meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the
merger agreement pursuant to which Ballard would become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark.
RECORD DATE; VOTING POWER
You are entitled to vote at the special meeting if you owned shares of
Ballard common stock as of the close of business on the record date of August
11, 1999.
3
<PAGE> 10
There were 30,842,117 shares of Ballard common stock outstanding on the
record date. You will have one vote at the special meeting for each share of
Ballard common stock you owned on the record date.
SHAREHOLDER VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE MERGER
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Ballard common stock on the record date is required to approve the merger
agreement. Your failure to vote or a broker non-vote will have the effect of a
vote against the merger agreement.
INTERESTS OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS IN THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 41)
A number of Ballard directors, executive officers and key employees have
entered into agreements with Kimberly-Clark and Ballard that may provide them
with interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, yours.
Mr. Ballard has entered into a one-year consulting agreement, a
noncompetition agreement and a severance agreement and release. Pursuant to
these agreements, Mr. Ballard will receive $300,000 in return for his consulting
services as well as his agreement not to compete with Ballard or
Kimberly-Clark's Professional Health Care Sector, and not to hire away any
employee of Ballard, Kimberly-Clark or their affiliates.
The following executive officers of Ballard have entered into
noncompetition agreements: Harold R. ("Butch") Wolcott, E. Martin Chamberlain,
Donald E. Eiring, Dennis B. Cox, Chris Thomas, Bradford D. Bell, Kenneth R.
Sorenson, Clyde H. Baker and Paul W. Hess, pursuant to which they will receive
cash payments from Ballard at the closing. If their employment is terminated due
to disability, death or involuntarily without cause or, in the case of Mr.
Wolcott, for any reason other than involuntary termination for cause, within a
specified period after the merger, they will receive additional cash payments
and other property from Ballard. Alternatively, if they remain in the employ of
Ballard for a specified time following the merger, they will receive cash
bonuses and other property.
The board of directors of Ballard was aware of these interests and
considered them in adopting the merger agreement.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
On the record date, Ballard directors, executive officers, including Dale
H. Ballard, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Ballard, and their affiliates owned and were entitled to vote 1,117,371 shares
of Ballard common stock, or approximately 3.62% of the shares of Ballard common
stock outstanding on the record date.
Mr. Ballard has entered into an agreement with Kimberly-Clark pursuant to
which he has agreed to vote his 1,063,769 shares of Ballard common stock,
constituting 3.45% of Ballard's outstanding common stock on the record date,
"FOR" the approval of the merger agreement. See Annex C for a copy of Mr.
Ballard's stockholder agreement.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BALLARD BOARD TO YOU
The Ballard board of directors believes that the merger agreement is fair
to, and in the best interests of, the shareholders of Ballard. The Ballard board
unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the merger
agreement and "FOR" the adjournment proposal.
BALLARD'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 22)
The Ballard board of directors has recommended the merger for the following
reasons:
- the need to pursue a business combination at this time to preserve the
competitive strength of Ballard and the market value of Ballard's
outstanding shares;
- the alternative courses of action available to Ballard in the current
competitive environment;
- the attractiveness of the purchase price offered by Kimberly-Clark;
- the willingness of Kimberly-Clark to value the Kimberly-Clark common
stock to be delivered to Ballard shareholders on the basis of the market
value of Kimberly-Clark's common stock as of a 10 trading-day period
shortly before closing;
4
<PAGE> 11
- the fairness opinion of Bear Stearns;
- the expectation of tax free treatment of the merger; and
- the fact that Ballard shareholders will have an ongoing interest in a
larger and more diversified company.
FAIRNESS OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR (SEE PAGE 23 AND ANNEX D)
In deciding to adopt the merger agreement, Ballard's board of directors
considered an opinion from its financial advisor, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
which stated that, subject to the conditions set forth in the opinion, the
merger consideration to be received by the Ballard shareholders is fair from a
financial point of view. This opinion is attached as Annex D to this proxy
statement/ prospectus. You are encouraged to read this opinion.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER (SEE PAGE 35)
The merger will be completed if the following conditions, among others, are
met:
- the approval of the merger agreement by the Ballard shareholders;
- the receipt by each of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark of an opinion from its
legal counsel that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization;
and
- the existence of a cash position of Ballard of at least $63 million, less
the cash purchase price of any acquisitions pre-approved by
Kimberly-Clark.
The second condition to the merger listed above may be waived by Ballard or
Kimberly-Clark, as applicable, and the third condition may be waived by
Kimberly-Clark. If a material condition is waived, you will be notified of the
waiver and Ballard will resolicit your vote.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT (SEE PAGE 36)
Ballard and Kimberly-Clark may agree to terminate the merger agreement
without completing the merger.
Either company may terminate the merger agreement if, among other things:
- the merger is not completed on or before September 30, 1999, however, a
breaching party may not terminate the merger agreement if its breach of
the merger agreement is the reason the merger has not been completed; or
- the shareholders of Ballard do not approve the merger.
Ballard may terminate the merger agreement if the Ballard board of
directors determines in good faith that a third party takeover proposal is a
superior proposal and Kimberly-Clark does not propose a change to the merger
agreement so that the Ballard board no longer believes the takeover proposal is
a superior proposal.
Kimberly-Clark may terminate the merger agreement if:
- the Ballard board of directors does not recommend the merger to you,
modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to Kimberly-Clark or
rescinds its approval of the merger agreement;
- the Ballard board recommends to you a third party takeover proposal;
- a third party tender or exchange offer for 20% or more of Ballard's
capital stock is commenced and the Ballard board does not timely
recommend against the offer; or
- Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction,
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its
assets, or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Ballard.
TERMINATION FEE AND EXPENSES (SEE PAGE 37)
Ballard must pay Kimberly-Clark a termination fee of $15 million in cash if
the merger
5
<PAGE> 12
agreement is terminated under any of the following circumstances:
- the shareholders of Ballard do not approve the merger and there exists a
third party takeover proposal, tender offer or exchange offer with
respect to Ballard prior to the special meeting, but only if the third
party transaction is completed within one year of the date of the special
meeting;
- Ballard settles, compromises or dismisses certain pending litigation
without the prior written consent of Kimberly-Clark;
- the Ballard board of directors determines that it has received a superior
takeover proposal from a third party; or
- Kimberly-Clark has the right to terminate the merger agreement because:
- the Ballard board does not recommend the merger to you, modifies its
recommendation in a manner adverse to Kimberly-Clark or rescinds its
approval of the merger agreement;
- the Ballard board recommends to you a third party takeover proposal;
- a third party tender or exchange offer for 20% or more of Ballard's
capital stock is commenced and the Ballard board does not timely
recommend against the offer; or
- Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction,
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its
assets, or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Ballard.
If Ballard's shareholders do not approve the merger at the special meeting
and, immediately prior to the vote, there exists a third party takeover
proposal, tender offer or exchange offer with respect to Ballard, Ballard must
pay Kimberly-Clark its expenses relating to the proposed merger up to $1
million. If Ballard must later pay the $15 million termination fee, the amount
of reimbursed expenses will be deducted from the fee.
If Ballard's shareholders do not approve the merger at the special meeting
and, immediately prior to the vote, there is no third party takeover proposal,
tender offer or exchange offer with respect to Ballard, then Ballard must pay
Kimberly-Clark its expenses relating to the proposed merger up to $1 million.
If, during the 180 days following the special meeting date, there exists a third
party takeover proposal, tender offer or exchange offer, and Ballard closes the
transaction within one year of the special meeting date, Ballard must pay to
Kimberly-Clark $7.5 million, less the amount of reimbursed expenses.
KIMBERLY-CLARK HAS THE OPTION TO ACQUIRE 19.9% OF BALLARD (SEE PAGE 39 AND ANNEX
B)
As an inducement for Kimberly-Clark to enter into the merger agreement,
Ballard has entered into an option agreement with Kimberly-Clark. Pursuant to
this agreement, Ballard has granted to Kimberly-Clark an option to purchase
19.9% of Ballard's outstanding common stock at a price of $23.28 per share in
cash. The 19.9% is calculated on the date of closing of the option exercise. The
option is exercisable for 180 days following:
- termination of the merger agreement by Ballard in the event of a superior
takeover proposal;
- the date of the special meeting if the Ballard shareholders fail to
approve the merger agreement at the special meeting; or
- termination of the merger agreement by Kimberly-Clark or Kimberly-Clark
having the right to terminate the merger agreement because:
- the Ballard board of directors does not recommend the merger to you,
modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to Kimberly-Clark or
rescinds its approval of the merger agreement;
- the Ballard board recommends to you a third party takeover proposal;
- a tender or exchange offer made by a third party for 20% or more of
Ballard's capital stock is commenced and the
6
<PAGE> 13
Ballard board does not timely recommend against the offer; or
- Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction;
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of
its assets; or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of
the voting power of Ballard.
The grant of the option to Kimberly-Clark, together with the termination
fee and Ballard's expense reimbursement obligation, may have the effect of
discouraging entities other than Kimberly-Clark to merge with or acquire
Ballard. In addition, the grant of the option and any exercise of the option by
Kimberly-Clark may make it impossible for any potential acquiror to close a
transaction with Ballard on a pooling of interests basis.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES (SEE PAGE 28)
Ballard intends the merger to be tax-free to you, except to the extent you
receive cash for the value of fractional shares.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (SEE PAGE 29)
The merger will be accounted for by Kimberly-Clark as a purchase of a
business. Under this method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Ballard
will be recorded at their fair value, and any excess of Kimberly-Clark's
purchase price over the fair value will be treated as goodwill. The revenues and
expenses of Ballard will be included in Kimberly-Clark's financial statements
from the date of closing of the merger. The pro forma effect of the merger on
the consolidated financial statements of Kimberly-Clark is not material.
LISTING OF KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK
Kimberly-Clark has listed the shares of its common stock to be delivered in
the merger on the New York Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and the Chicago
Stock Exchange.
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE INFORMATION (SEE PAGE 14)
Set forth below is information on the closing prices of Kimberly-Clark
common stock and Ballard common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last
full trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger and as of a
recent date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
-------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
December 22, 1998..... $53.250 $25.125
August 11, 1999....... $59.437 $24.375
</TABLE>
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER
After the merger, the Kimberly-Clark board of directors will continue to
manage the business of Kimberly-Clark, which will then include the business of
Ballard as a wholly-owned subsidiary. David R. Murray, the President of
Kimberly-Clark's Professional Health Care Sector, will become the President of
Ballard. The Professional Health Care Sector is commonly referred to as "PHC."
CERTAIN DIFFERENCES IN THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS (SEE PAGE 44)
The rights of Ballard shareholders are currently governed by Utah law, the
Ballard charter and the Ballard bylaws. If the merger is approved, your rights
will be governed by Delaware law, the Kimberly-Clark charter and the
Kimberly-Clark by-laws. In many cases, your rights will be different after the
merger. For a discussion of the differences, see "COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER
RIGHTS."
7
<PAGE> 14
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Kimberly-Clark is providing the following information to aid you in your
analysis of the merger. This information was derived from the unaudited
financial statements of Kimberly-Clark for its six months ended June 30, 1998
and 1999 and the audited financial statements for its fiscal years 1994 through
1998.
The information is only a summary and you should read it together with the
historical financial statements and related notes contained in annual reports
and other information that Kimberly-Clark has filed with the SEC. See "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED)
SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, JUNE 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(AS RESTATED -- SEE NOTE 1)
---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net Sales....................... $11,627.9 $13,373.0 $13,149.1 $12,546.6 $12,297.8 $ 6,089.9 $ 6,273.8
Charges for business improvement
and other programs:
Restructuring and Other
Unusual Charges............. -- 814.3 275.7 349.5 111.8 32.0 1.5
Accelerated Depreciation...... -- -- 143.1 37.6 85.3 58.1 27.1
Other Charges................. -- -- 11.1 91.2 180.7 35.6 --
Mobile pulp mill fees and
severances.................... -- -- -- -- 42.3 24.3 9.0
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
-- 814.3 429.9 478.3 420.1 150.0 37.6
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating Profit................ 1,277.1 838.7 1,558.8 1,468.4 1,573.3 775.6 1,093.1
Share of Net Income of Equity
Companies..................... 110.5 113.3 152.4 157.3 137.1 62.9 90.5
Income from Continuing
Operations Before
Extraordinary Items and
Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change............. 766.5 507.2 1,035.4 985.4 1,114.3 520.8 765.7
Per Share Basis:
Basic....................... 1.38 .91 1.84 1.77 2.02 .94 1.43
Diluted..................... 1.37 .90 1.83 1.76 2.01 .93 1.42
Net Income...................... 753.8 507.2 1,035.4 1,002.9 1,103.1 509.6 765.7
Per Share Basis:
Basic....................... 1.35 .91 1.84 1.80 2.00 .92 1.43
Diluted..................... 1.34 .90 1.83 1.79 1.99 .91 1.42
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total Assets.................... $12,555.7 $11,561.0 $11,820.4 $11,417.1 $11,687.8 $11,500.4 $12,088.3
Long-Term Debt.................. 2,085.4 1,984.7 1,738.6 1,803.9 2,068.2 2,089.2 2,110.9
Stockholders' Equity............ 4,145.9 4,141.3 4,595.0 4,340.3 4,031.5 4,403.3 4,076.1
</TABLE>
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(1) The financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996, 1997 and 1998 and for the six months ended June 30, 1998 has been restated
as described in Notes 1, 14 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) In 1994, share of net income of equity companies and net income
includes a charge of $39.2 million, or $.07 per share, for foreign currency
losses incurred by Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. ("KCM") on the
translation of the net exposure of U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities into
pesos.
(3) Results for 1994 include income of a discontinued operation, net of
taxes, of $48.4 million, or $.08 per share, related to S.D. Warren Company, a
former printing and publishing papers subsidiary, which was sold in December
1994.
(4) Results for 1994 include an extraordinary loss related to the early
extinguishment of debt of $61.1 million, or $.11 per share.
(5) In the fourth quarter of 1995, in connection with the Scott Paper
Company ("Scott") merger, Kimberly-Clark announced a plan to restructure the
combined operations and to accomplish other business improvement objectives (the
"1995 Plan"). The original estimated pretax cost of the 1995 Plan was
8
<PAGE> 15
$1,440.0 million. The plan was ultimately accomplished at a pretax cost of
$1,305.0 million, which was charged to earnings as follows: $814.3 million in
1995, $429.9 million in 1996 and $64.1 million in 1997. A credit of $3.3 million
was recorded in 1998. Charges and the credit under the 1995 Plan were reported
in the following income statement categories for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS
------------------------------- ENDED JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
----- ------ ----- ----- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of products sold.................. $ -- $154.2 $15.1 $ 1.7 $1.7
Restructuring and other unusual
charges.............................. 814.3 275.7 49.0 (5.0) 1.0
------ ------ ----- ----- ----
Total charges (credits)...... $814.3 $429.9 $64.1 $(3.3) $2.7
====== ====== ===== ===== ====
</TABLE>
The effects of the 1995 Plan decreased (increased) operating profit, net
income and net income per share as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SIX MONTHS
------------------------------- ENDED JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
----- ------ ----- ----- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating profit........................... $814.3 $429.9 $64.1 $(3.3) $2.7
Net income................................. 596.9 328.6 51.3 (.9) 2.7
Basic net income per share................. 1.07 .58 .09 -- --
</TABLE>
(6) In 1995, share of net income of equity companies and net income
includes a charge of $38.5 million, or $.07 per share, for foreign currency
losses incurred by KCM on the translation of the net exposure of U.S.
dollar-denominated liabilities into pesos.
(7) Share of net income of equity companies and net income for 1996
includes a charge recorded by KCM for restructuring costs related to its merger
with Scott's former Mexican affiliate. Kimberly-Clark's share of the after-tax
charge was $5.5 million, or $.01 per share.
(8) On November 21, 1997, Kimberly-Clark announced a restructuring plan
(the "1997 Plan"). The 1997 Plan includes the sale, closure or downsizing of 17
manufacturing facilities worldwide and a workforce reduction of approximately
4,800 employees. The estimated total pretax cost of the 1997 Plan is $679.5
million. Kimberly-Clark recorded $414.2 million of such total cost in 1997. In
1998, Kimberly-Clark recorded $250.8 million of such total cost at the time
costs became accruable under appropriate accounting principles, including
accelerated depreciation expense on assets that were to be disposed of but which
remained or will remain in use until disposed of in 1999 and 2000. The remaining
$14.5 million of the cost of the 1997 Plan will be recorded as accelerated
depreciation expense over the remaining useful lives of such assets.
Approximately 1,100 additional employees are expected to be notified of their
termination benefits in 1999 and 2000 and the associated costs will be charged
to earnings at that time.
Charges under the 1997 Plan were reported in the following income statement
categories for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS
DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------- ---------------
1997 1998 1998 1999
----- ------ ------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of products sold................................ $113.7 $134.0 $ 92.0 $1.3
Restructuring and other unusual charges.............. 300.5 116.8 31.0 1.5
------ ------ ------ ----
Total charges.............................. $414.2 $250.8 $123.0 $2.8
====== ====== ====== ====
</TABLE>
Charges under the 1997 Plan reduced operating profit, net income and net
income per share as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS
DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------- ---------------
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) 1997 1998 1998 1999
- ----------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating profit............................. $414.2 $250.8 $123.0 $2.8
Net income................................... 315.0 178.9 89.9 2.0
Basic net income per share................... .57 .33 .16 --
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE> 16
(9) In 1997, Kimberly-Clark sold its equity interest in Scott Paper Limited
and its Coosa Pines, Alabama pulp and newsprint operations, and related
woodlands. Also, Kimberly-Clark recorded impairment losses on certain tissue and
pulp manufacturing facilities. These transactions were aggregated and reported
as extraordinary gains totaling $17.5 million, or $.03 per share.
(10) Share of net income of equity companies and net income for 1997
includes a net gain of $16.3 million, or $.03 per share, primarily related to
the sale of a portion of the tissue business of KCM. The sale was required by
the Mexican regulatory authorities following the merger of KCM and Scott's
former Mexican affiliate.
(11) In connection with the pulp mill closure at the Mobile, Alabama pulp
operation, and as permitted by the terms of the governing contract, on May 5,
1998, Kimberly-Clark gave notice to Mobile Energy Services Company, L.L.C.
("MESC") of Kimberly-Clark's intent to terminate MESC's long-term contract for
power, steam and liquor processing services with respect to the Mobile pulp
mill. The resulting termination penalty of $24.3 million which is specified in
the contract and employee severance costs of $18.0 million were charged to cost
of products sold in the second and third quarters of 1998, respectively. On
January 14, 1999, MESC and Mobile Energy Services Holdings, Inc. filed an action
against Kimberly-Clark claiming unspecified damages in connection with the
cancellation of the contract. This action is not expected to have a material
adverse effect on Kimberly-Clark's business or results of operations. In the
second quarter of 1999, Kimberly-Clark recorded employee severance costs of $9.0
million for employee terminations related to the associated woodlands operations
when such employee severances and benefits were appropriately communicated.
(12) In the fourth quarter of 1998, Kimberly-Clark announced a facilities
consolidation plan to, among other things, further align tissue manufacturing
capacity with demand in Europe, close a diaper manufacturing facility in Canada,
shut down and dispose of a tissue machine in Thailand and write down certain
excess feminine care production equipment in North America. The aggregate cost
of this plan is $124.0 million (the "1998 Facilities Charge"). Of the 1998
Facilities Charge, $49.1 million was recorded in 1998. The remaining $74.9
million of total costs of the plan, primarily related to a tissue manufacturing
facility in the United Kingdom, which will remain in use until its expected
shutdown in October 2000, will be recorded as accelerated depreciation expense
and employee severance costs in 1999 and 2000. The 1998 Facilities Charge, which
was charged to cost of products sold, reduced 1998 operating profit $49.1
million, and net income $34.1 million, or $.06 per share. For the first six
months of 1999, $21.6 million was recorded as a charge to cost of products sold,
which reduced net income $15.2 million or $.03 per share.
(13) In 1998, the carrying amounts of trademarks and unamortized goodwill
of certain European businesses were determined to be impaired and written down.
In addition, Kimberly-Clark began depreciating the cost of all newly acquired
personal computers ("PCs") over two years. In recognition of the change in
estimated useful lives, PC assets with a remaining net book value of $16.6
million became subject to accelerated depreciation charges. These charges, along
with $8.8 million of charges for write-downs of other assets and a loss on a
pulp contract, reduced 1998 operating profit $81.2 million and net income $64.7
million, or $.12 per share. Of the $81.2 million, $6.8 million was charged to
cost of products sold and $74.4 million was charged to general expense.
(14) Net income and net income per share for 1998 includes a gain on the
sale of K-C Aviation Inc. of $78.3 million and $.14, respectively.
(15) In 1998, Kimberly-Clark changed its method of accounting for the costs
of start-up activities effective January 1, 1998, as required by Statement of
Position 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities. Kimberly-Clark
recorded a net after income tax charge of $11.2 million, or $.02 per share, as
the cumulative effect of this accounting change.
(16) The six months of 1999 includes nonoperating credits of $23.4 million,
or $.03 per share, of which approximately $9 million was attributable to a gain
on the sale of Kimberly-Clark's pulp mill in Miranda, Spain.
10
<PAGE> 17
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Ballard is providing the following information to aid you in your analysis
of the financial aspects of the merger. This information was derived from the
audited and unaudited financial statements of Ballard for its nine months ended
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999 and for its fiscal years 1994 through 1998.
The information is only a summary, and you should read it together with the
historical financial statements and related notes contained in the annual
reports on Form 10-K and other information that Ballard has filed with the SEC.
See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
JUNE 30, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------- -----------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED)
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales................................... $110.2 $111.1 $150.1 $132.7 $109.9 $ 90.0 $71.4
Cost of products sold..................... $ 40.4 $ 41.6 55.6 47.0 38.0 30.2 23.8
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Gross margin................................ 69.8 69.5 94.5 85.7 71.9 59.8 47.6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................ 33.3 30.1 43.1 37.5 31.6 26.8 23.6
Research and development expenses......... 2.7 2.1 2.9 2.9 3.2 2.4 1.9
Royalty expenses.......................... 2.3 1.5 1.9 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.4
Provision for recall...................... 1.4 -- -- -- -- -- --
Merger costs.............................. 2.1 --
Non-recurring charges..................... -- 2.0
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Total operating expenses.................. 41.8 35.7 47.9 42.2 36.5 30.7 26.9
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Operating income............................ 28.0 33.8 46.6 43.5 35.4 29.1 20.7
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Interest income -- net.................... 2.4 2.2 2.6 2.1 1.9 1.9 .8
Royalty income............................ 1.2 1.6 2.1 2.5 2.4 2.1 2.2
Other -- net.............................. -- 0.1 1.2 .9 1.0 .1 .5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Total other income -- net................. 3.6 3.9 5.9 5.5 5.3 4.1 3.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Income before income taxes.................. 31.6 37.7 52.5 49.0 40.7 33.2 24.2
Income tax expense........................ 12.5 14.8 20.5 17.7 14.8 11.3 8.4
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Income before change in accounting
principle................................. 32.0 31.3 25.9 21.9 15.8
Cumulative effect of change to accounting
principle................................. 1.4
Net income.................................. $ 19.1 $ 22.9 $ 32.0 $ 31.3 $ 25.9 $ 21.9 $17.2
Income per share before cumulative effect of
change in accounting principle:
Common and common share equivalent........ -- -- -- -- .58
Common share assuming full dilution....... -- -- -- -- .56
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principles per share:
Common and common share equivalent........ -- -- -- -- .05
Common share assuming full dilution....... -- -- -- -- .05
Net income per share:
Basic..................................... 0.62 0.76 1.06 $ 1.06 $ 0.92 $ 0.80 $0.63
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Diluted................................... 0.62 0.74 $ 1.04 $ 1.03 $ 0.87 $ 0.75 $0.61
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Common shares:
Basic..................................... 30.6 30.2 30.3 29.4 28.1 27.6 27.1
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Diluted................................... 31.1 30.9 30.8 30.2 29.6 29.1 28.2
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Balance sheet data (at period end):
Total assets.............................. $248.9 $214.5 $222.7 $194.2.. $144.2 $115.2 $94.4
Long term debt............................ 1.5 -- -- -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity...................... 237.9 205.5 215.4 181.2 137.0 110.5 91.9
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE> 18
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
1. The consolidated financial data includes the accounts of Ballard and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of significant intercompany
transactions and accounts.
2. The combinations of Ballard with Plastic Engineered Products Company
(September 1996) and Tri-Med Specialties, Inc. (February 1998) were accounted
for as a pooling of interests.
3. The "Net Income Per Common Share-Diluted" reflects the benefit from a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting for taxes in fiscal year 1994.
4. Effective for the year ending September 30, 1999, Ballard adopted SFAS
No. 130, "Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income was as follows for the
periods shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
- ------ --------------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
Nine months ended June 30, 1999............................. $18.9
Nine months ended June 30, 1998............................. 22.8
Fiscal year ended September 30, 1998........................ 32.1
Fiscal year ended September 30, 1997........................ 31.3
Fiscal year ended September 30, 1996........................ 25.8
Fiscal year ended September 30, 1995........................ 21.8
Fiscal year ended September 30, 1994........................ 17.2
</TABLE>
5. The results of operations for the nine months ended June 30, 1999 are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ended
September 30, 1999.
6. In February 1999, Ballard commenced a voluntary recall to withdraw from
the marketplace certain of its cardiac stimulation electrodes. Ballard recorded
a pretax charge of $1,412,700 in the first quarter of 1999 for costs associated
with the recall. This charge is listed as an operating expense in Ballard's
statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 1998. (See
additional explanation in the Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated
Financial Statements in Ballard's March 31, 1999 Form 10-Q.) Ballard does not
expect further recalls of defibrillation pads which would increase the above-
stated charge to earnings.
7. The Company has elected to continue to apply Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25 (as permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation").
8. Effective for the year ended September 30, 1998, the Company adopted
SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," and retroactively restated all prior-period
earnings per share data, to conform to the statement. Accordingly, net income
per common share is computed by both the basic method, which uses the weighted
average number of the Company's common shares outstanding, and the diluted
method, which includes the dilutive common shares from stock options, as
calculated using the treasury stock method.
12
<PAGE> 19
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA OF BALLARD AND KIMBERLY-CLARK
The following table sets forth selected per share data for Kimberly-Clark
and Ballard on an historical and unaudited pro forma combined basis. The
unaudited pro forma financial data assume that the merger was consummated at the
beginning of the earliest period presented and give effect to the merger as a
"purchase" under generally accepted accounting principles. Book value data for
all pro forma presentations are based upon the number of outstanding shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock, as adjusted to include the maximum number of shares
of Kimberly-Clark common stock that could be delivered in the merger.
Information is presented for the Ballard fiscal year ended September 30, 1998
and the nine-month period ended June 30, 1999 and for the Kimberly-Clark fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998 and the six-month period ended June 30, 1999. The
information set forth below should be read together with the historical
Consolidated Financial Data of Kimberly-Clark and the Consolidated Financial
Data of Ballard, including the notes thereto, incorporated by reference into
this proxy statement/prospectus. See "-- Kimberly-Clark Corporation Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "-- Ballard Medical Products Selected
Consolidated Financial Data."
The Kimberly-Clark unaudited pro forma income from continuing operations
before cumulative effect of accounting change per share data for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and for the six-month period ended June 30, 1999 and the book
value at December 31, 1998 and June 30, 1999 illustrate the results under
Kimberly-Clark's accounting policies as if the transaction had occurred on
January 1, 1998. The pro forma per share data do not purport to represent what
Kimberly-Clark's results of operations or its financial position would have
actually been as of or on such dates or to project Kimberly-Clark's results of
operations for any future period or its financial position for any future date.
The assumed exchange ratio was determined by dividing the value of the
merger consideration, $25.00 per share of Ballard common stock, by $53.25, the
closing price of Kimberly-Clark common stock on December 22, 1998. Pursuant to
the merger agreement, the exchange ratio will be calculated in the manner
described on page 17.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUIVALENT OF ONE
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD SHARE BASED
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD UNAUDITED PRO ON ASSUMED
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL FORMA COMBINED EXCHANGE RATIO
-------------- ---------- ----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Most Recent Fiscal Year:
Income from continuing operations
before cumulative effect of
accounting change per share... $2.02 $1.04 $2.00 $ .94
Cash dividends declared per
share......................... 1.00 .10 1.00 .47
Book value per share............. 7.49 7.10 8.72 4.09
Period Ended With Most Recent
Fiscal Quarter:
Income from continuing operations
per share..................... $1.43 $ .62 $1.35 $ .63
Cash dividends declared per
share......................... .52 .10 .52 .24
Book value per share............. 7.65 7.66 8.90 4.18
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE> 20
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth for the calendar periods indicated the range
of the high and low sales prices of Kimberly-Clark common stock and Ballard
common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and the dividends paid
per share of Kimberly-Clark common stock and Ballard common stock.
Kimberly-Clark's stock prices have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one
common stock split effective April 2, 1997. The Ballard fiscal year ends
September 30 and the Kimberly-Clark fiscal year ends December 31.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON
STOCK BALLARD COMMON STOCK
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
HIGH LOW DIVIDEND HIGH LOW DIVIDEND
---- --- -------- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL 1997
First Quarter............................... 55 3/8 46 11/16 .24 19 5/8 16 1/4 .05
Second Quarter.............................. 56 7/8 46 1/8 .24 21 1/4 17 7/8 --
Third Quarter............................... 55 43 1/4 .24 21 1/4 18 1/8 .05
Fourth Quarter.............................. 53 15/16 47 5/16 .24 25 19 9/16 --
FISCAL 1998
First Quarter............................... 59 7/16 46 3/4 .25 27 5/8 21 7/16 .05
Second Quarter.............................. 52 7/16 44 7/16 .25 27 3/8 22 --
Third Quarter............................... 49 7/16 35 7/8 .25 27 3/8 17 3/16 .05
Fourth Quarter.............................. 54 15/16 39 7/16 .25 20 7/8 17 5/16 --
FISCAL 1999
First Quarter............................... 54 7/8 44 13/16 .26 25 7/16 18 3/8 .05
Second Quarter.............................. 64 1/16 48 .26 24 7/16 23 13/16 --
Third Quarter............................... -- -- -- 24 3/8 22 1/2 .05
</TABLE>
Set forth below is information on the closing price of Kimberly-Clark
common stock and Ballard common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last
full trading day prior to the public announcement of the merger and as of a
recent date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
-------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
December 22, 1998........................................... $53.250 $25.125
August 11, 1999............................................. $59.437 $24.375
</TABLE>
You are urged to obtain current market quotations for the Kimberly-Clark
common stock and the Ballard common stock prior to making any decision with
respect to the merger.
Effective August 2, 1999, the Kimberly-Clark board of directors declared a
dividend on Kimberly-Clark common stock of $0.26 per share, which is payable on
October 4, 1999 to holders of record on September 10, 1999. Kimberly-Clark
anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends. The
Kimberly-Clark board, however, has discretion to decide upon the timing and
amount of any future dividends. Whether Kimberly-Clark will pay dividends and,
if so, how much the dividends will be, will depend on Kimberly-Clark's future
earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors.
Other than regular semi-annual dividends on Ballard common stock consistent
with past practice, Ballard has agreed pursuant to the merger agreement that,
until the merger is completed or the merger agreement is otherwise terminated,
Ballard will not make, declare or pay any dividend or distribution on Ballard
common stock.
14
<PAGE> 21
THE SPECIAL MEETING
This proxy statement/prospectus is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies from the holders of Ballard common stock by the Ballard
board of directors for use at the special meeting. This proxy
statement/prospectus and accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to
the shareholders of Ballard on or about August 18, 1999.
TIME AND PLACE
The Ballard special meeting will be held at Ballard's principal executive
office located at 12050 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, Utah, 84020 on Thursday,
September 23, 1999, at 9:00 a.m., local time.
PURPOSE
At the special meeting and any adjournments of the special meeting, you
will be asked to consider and vote upon the approval of the merger agreement.
You will also be asked to consider and take action upon any other business which
may properly be brought before the special meeting. If there are not sufficient
votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the merger agreement, you
will be asked to vote to adjourn the special meeting to permit further
solicitation of proxies.
The Ballard board of directors has determined that the terms of the merger
agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, Ballard's shareholders, and
has unanimously adopted the merger agreement. The Ballard board recommends that
holders of Ballard common stock vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement.
RECORD DATE; VOTING RIGHTS
Only holders of record of Ballard common stock at the close of business on
the record date, August 11, 1999, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote
at the special meeting. At the close of business on the record date, there were
30,842,117 shares of Ballard common stock outstanding, held by approximately 910
record holders. Each share of Ballard common stock entitles the record holder of
the share to one vote.
QUORUM
To constitute a quorum for the meeting, shareholders entitled to cast at
least a majority of the votes that all shareholders of Ballard are entitled to
cast on the merger agreement must be present in person or by properly executed
proxy. Ballard common stock represented by proxies which are marked "abstain"
will be counted as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum on all matters, as will shares that are represented by proxies that are
executed by any broker, fiduciary or other nominee on behalf of the beneficial
owner(s) of the shares regardless of whether authority to vote is withheld from
the broker, fiduciary or nominee on one or more matters. If a quorum is not
present at the special meeting, it is expected that the meeting will be
adjourned to solicit additional proxies.
PROXIES
All shares of Ballard common stock represented by properly executed proxies
in the enclosed form which are received in time for the special meeting and have
not been revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in
the proxies. If no instructions are indicated, the shares covered by the proxy
will be voted "FOR" the approval of the merger agreement and "FOR" approval of
the adjournment proposal, except for shares held by brokers as nominees. Ballard
does not know of any matter not described in the Notice of Special Meeting that
is expected to come before the special meeting. If, however, any other matters
are properly presented for action at the special meeting, proxies will be voted
on the matters in the discretion of the proxyholders. Any proxy granted on the
enclosed form may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by delivering
written notice of revocation to the Secretary of
15
<PAGE> 22
Ballard, by signing and returning a later dated proxy or by voting in person at
the special meeting. Notice may be delivered to:
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
Attention: Secretary
Fax No.: (801) 523-5396
Simply attending the meeting will not constitute a revocation of a proxy;
the shareholder that granted the proxy must vote at the meeting to revoke the
proxy.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Proxies are being solicited by and on behalf of the Ballard board of
directors. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the entire cost of proxy
solicitation for the special meeting, including the reasonable expenses of
brokers, fiduciaries and other nominees in forwarding solicitation material to
beneficial owners, will be borne by Ballard, except that Kimberly-Clark and
Ballard will share equally all printing and mailing expenses and filing fees. In
addition to the use of the mail, solicitations may be made by telephone or
otherwise by officers and regular employees of Ballard. The officers and regular
employees will not be additionally compensated for the solicitation, but may be
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with making the
solicitations. If undertaken, the expense of the solicitations would be nominal.
Ballard has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to aid in the solicitation of
proxies from its shareholders. MacKenzie's fees will range from $6,000 to
$6,500, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
YOU SHOULD NOT SEND ANY CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING BALLARD COMMON STOCK WITH
YOUR PROXY CARD. FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER, YOU WILL RECEIVE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SURRENDER AND EXCHANGE OF YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES.
REQUIRED VOTE
Approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Ballard common stock that were
outstanding on the record date, which majority is 15,421,059 shares. Brokers who
hold Ballard common stock as nominees will not have discretionary authority to
vote the shares in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owners of the
Ballard shares. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the effect of votes
against the merger. A "broker non-vote" refers to the shares of common stock
represented at the meeting in person or by proxy by a broker or nominee where
the broker or nominee has not received voting instructions on a particular
matter from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote; and the broker or
nominee does not have discretionary voting power on the matter presented at the
meeting.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
On the record date, directors and executive officers of Ballard, including
Dale H. Ballard, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer,
and their affiliates owned and had the right to vote an aggregate of 1,117,371
shares of the outstanding shares of Ballard common stock, representing
approximately 3.62% of the shares of Ballard common stock then outstanding.
On the record date, Mr. Ballard owned and had the right to vote an
aggregate of 1,063,769 shares of Ballard common stock, representing
approximately 3.45% of the shares of Ballard common stock then outstanding. Mr.
Ballard has agreed pursuant to a stockholder agreement, among other things, to
vote, or cause to be voted, all of the shares of Ballard common stock that he
has the right to vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement.
16
<PAGE> 23
THE MERGER
The discussion in this proxy statement/prospectus of the merger and the
material terms of the merger agreement, the related option agreement and the
related stockholder agreement is not complete. For more detailed information,
you should therefore review the merger agreement, the option agreement and the
stockholder agreement, copies of which are attached to this proxy
statement/prospectus as Annex A, Annex B and Annex C, respectively, and which
are incorporated herein by reference.
GENERAL
At the effective time of the merger, Jazz Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, will be merged with and into Ballard, with Ballard
continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark. The separate corporate existence of Jazz will cease at that
time. Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the shares of
Ballard common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time will be
converted into Kimberly-Clark common stock on the basis of an exchange ratio.
The exchange ratio is determined by dividing $25.00 by the average closing price
of Kimberly-Clark common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the 10 trading
days immediately preceding the fifth trading day prior to the closing date of
the merger. You will also receive the Kimberly-Clark rights corresponding to the
shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock. For a discussion of the Kimberly-Clark
rights, see page 53. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional share of
Kimberly-Clark common stock. See "TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT -- Exchange
Ratio" and "-- No Fractional Shares."
Set forth below is an illustrative table indicating the number of shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock you will receive in the merger for each share of
Ballard common stock you own on the closing date assuming the average closing
price of Kimberly-Clark's common stock is as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
AVERAGE CLOSING PRICE KIMBERLY-CLARK
OF KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK
COMMON STOCK YOU WILL RECEIVE
- --------------------- -------------------
<S> <C>
$55.00 .4545
56.00 .4464
57.00 .4386
58.00 .4310
59.00 .4237
60.00 .4167
61.00 .4098
62.00 .4032
63.00 .3968
64.00 .3906
65.00 .3846
</TABLE>
EFFECTIVE TIME
The merger will become effective upon the filing of the articles of merger
with the Secretary of State of the State of Utah, unless the articles of merger
provide for a later date of effectiveness. The filing of the articles of merger
will occur as soon as possible following the approval of the merger agreement
and the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions set forth in the merger
agreement. See "TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT -- Conditions Precedent to the
Merger."
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
In early 1996, Ballard began to explore various strategic alternatives in
the context of management's concern over continuing consolidation within the
medical device industry and management's perception that Ballard needed to
expand and broaden its product offerings if it was to remain competitive. Among
the possibilities explored were possible acquisitions of additional product
lines and/or other medical device companies, as well as a possible business
combination with a strategic acquisition partner. In this connection, during
1996, Dale H. Ballard, President of Ballard, and Harold ("Butch") Wolcott,
Executive
17
<PAGE> 24
Vice President of Ballard worked with representatives of a major investment bank
to locate potential business combination partners, although no formal retention
agreement was entered into between the bank and Ballard. In January 1997,
Ballard discontinued its efforts to locate a business combination partner
through such bank.
In March 1997, Ballard, while still continuing its efforts to grow its
business through acquisitions of additional product lines, began working with
Bear Stearns. Bear Stearns from time to time had acted as an advisor to Ballard
over a period of almost 15 years. Over the course of the next 20 months, Bear
Stearns approached 19 potential strategic acquisition partners (as well as three
potential financial acquisition partners) regarding their interest in a
potential business combination with Ballard.
In April 1998, Steven R. Frank, Senior Managing Director of Bear Stearns,
acting on behalf of the Ballard board of directors, contacted John W. Donehower,
Kimberly-Clark's Chief Financial Officer, concerning Kimberly-Clark's possible
interest in a strategic alliance or other business combination involving
Ballard. Given Kimberly-Clark's desire to expand its professional health care
business, it was agreed to hold preliminary discussions between the parties.
On May 27, 1998, Mr. Ballard and Mr. Wolcott, representing Ballard, John S.
Metz, representing Kimberly-Clark, and Mr. Frank of Bear Stearns met at
Ballard's headquarters in Draper, Utah. At various times throughout the meeting,
other members of the Ballard management team participated in the meeting. The
parties exchanged publicly available information regarding the respective
businesses and operations of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark and held general
discussions about the companies, their products and the nature of their
businesses. These discussions did not develop into any detailed plans or actions
on the part of either Ballard or Kimberly-Clark.
During this period, Bear Stearns continued to contact other potential
acquisition partners, including, in July 1998, a publicly-held corporation
herein referred to as Bidder A, with respect to their potential interest in a
business combination with Ballard. This initial contact did not result in any
immediate further communications between Ballard and Bidder A.
On August 7, 1998, Kimberly-Clark signed a confidentiality agreement with
Ballard covering confidential information provided by Ballard to Kimberly-Clark.
A subsequent meeting between Ballard and Kimberly-Clark was held on August
12, 1998 at Ballard's headquarters. Kimberly-Clark was represented by Robert E.
Abernathy, Group President, David R. Murray, President -- PHC, John C. Dodd,
Vice President -- Operations, PHC, David J. Bolhuis, Team Leader, Integration
for PHC, and Mr. Metz. Messrs. Ballard and Wolcott and other members of Ballard
management participated in the meeting. Mr. Frank of Bear Stearns also attended.
Ballard management gave a general presentation of public information regarding
Ballard's business, product lines and historical financial information. The
Kimberly-Clark representatives discussed public information with respect to its
business and operations. These discussions did not result in any detailed plans
or actions on the part of either Ballard or Kimberly-Clark. The presentation was
followed by a question and answer session and a tour of the Draper facility. On
August 13, 1998, Messrs. Metz, Dodd and Bolhuis visited Ballard's Pocatello,
Idaho facility accompanied by Mr. Wolcott. A meeting was held with Marty
Rockwell, Plant Manager, and others to gain a general overview of the plant and
manufacturing procedures, and a plant tour was provided for the Kimberly-Clark
personnel.
In early September 1998, Bear Stearns had further contacts with Bidder A,
as a result of which Bidder A expressed an interest in exploring a possible
business combination with Ballard.
On September 16 and 17, 1998, Messrs. Ballard and Wolcott visited
Kimberly-Clark's Roswell, Georgia office facility where PHC is headquartered.
They also visited Kimberly-Clark's LaGrange, Georgia mill. Several meetings were
held to provide a general overview of PHC and the facilities visited. In
attendance at the meetings were Messrs. Abernathy, Murray, Metz and Dodd and
other Kimberly-Clark personnel who conducted the tours and provided general
information.
18
<PAGE> 25
On September 17, 1998, Messrs. Ballard, Wolcott and other senior management
of Ballard met with Messrs. Abernathy, Murray, Metz and Dodd and other senior
management of Kimberly-Clark in Atlanta, Georgia. The discussions focused on
trends in the health care industry and how a possible combination of the two
companies could position Kimberly-Clark, as the surviving company, to benefit
from these trends. At a second meeting on September 17, 1998, Messrs. Ballard
and Wolcott met with Mr. Abernathy and reviewed and discussed certain
operational and financial information regarding Ballard's and Kimberly-Clark's
businesses. During this meeting, there was a preliminary discussion concerning
possible transaction structures, forms of consideration and possible exchange
ratios for a potential combination.
On October 5, 1998, Messrs. Metz and Bolhuis met with Messrs. Ballard and
Wolcott, Paul W. Hess, General Counsel of Ballard, and Kenneth R. Sorenson,
Chief Financial Officer of Ballard, at Ballard's Draper facility. The purpose of
the meeting was to discuss information Kimberly-Clark would need to conduct due
diligence for purposes of determining interest in a business combination with
Ballard. It was decided that representatives of Kimberly-Clark would spend the
week of October 25, 1998 in Draper to perform a comprehensive due diligence
investigation of Ballard.
On October 7, 1998, the board of directors of Ballard held a special
meeting to review the ongoing process. At this meeting, the board authorized
Ballard to retain Bear Stearns on a formal basis as Ballard's financial advisor
and to hire the law firm of Coudert Brothers as special outside legal counsel.
Effective October 13, 1998, Ballard entered into a written agreement retaining
Bear Stearns as Ballard's exclusive financial advisor and exclusive agent in
connection with a possible business combination involving Ballard.
Also on October 7, 1998, management representatives of Bidder A met with
Messrs. Ballard and Wolcott and other senior management representatives at
Ballard's headquarters in Draper, Utah. At this meeting, Ballard senior
management made presentations to Bidder A regarding the business of Ballard. Mr.
Frank, of Bear Stearns, was also present at this meeting.
During the week of October 19, 1998, Ballard assembled binders of
information related to the business and affairs of Ballard for purposes of due
diligence reviews by personnel of Kimberly-Clark and Bidder A. During the week
of October 25, 1998, representatives of Kimberly-Clark traveled to Draper to
review these due diligence materials, with the due diligence review continuing
into the following week with certain of the Kimberly-Clark representatives.
On October 27, 1998, Bidder A entered into a confidentiality agreement with
Ballard covering confidential information provided by Ballard to Bidder A. On
November 3, 1998, management representatives of Bidder A met with Messrs.
Ballard and Wolcott and Mr. Frank of Bear Stearns in Draper. At that time,
Bidder A's management conveyed its interest in exploring a possible business
combination, but noted that Bidder A's timing might be constrained by the fact
that Bidder A was in the process of merging with another public company. During
the weeks of November 9 and 16, 1998, Bidder A personnel traveled to Draper to
review the due diligence materials. Following these visits, there were numerous
telephone calls to Ballard personnel from Kimberly-Clark representatives and
Bidder A representatives regarding follow-up due diligence questions.
On November 2 and 16, 1998, the board of directors of Ballard held special
meetings to discuss the progress of the discussions with Kimberly-Clark and
Bidder A, at which time the board reiterated its concern over increasing
consolidations in the industry and the threat to Ballard's margins if Ballard
could not expand and broaden its product offerings in the immediate future. The
board further reached a consensus that continued expansion through additional
small acquisitions would probably not be sufficiently large in scale given
Ballard's resources and/or completed rapidly enough to preserve Ballard's
competitive position against larger competitors, and that delay in seeking a
business combination might well jeopardize, within a relatively short period of
time, the competitive strength and market value of Ballard. Accordingly, the
board unanimously authorized management to solicit bids from the two serious
bidders for Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Bidder A.
Following the November 16, 1998 Ballard board meeting, Bear Stearns sent
letters to Kimberly-Clark and Bidder A soliciting bids.
19
<PAGE> 26
Through December 1, 1998, representatives of Kimberly-Clark continued their
due diligence investigation of Ballard's business and operations, including
numerous meetings, both in person and by telephone, with Ballard management,
visits to Ballard's data room and on-site tours of Ballard's facilities.
On December 1, 1998, Kimberly-Clark and Bidder A each submitted its bid for
the acquisition of Ballard. Kimberly-Clark's bid proposed that the consideration
to be received by holders of Ballard common stock pursuant to the merger be
$24.00 per share of Ballard common stock. The Bidder A bid proposed a range of
$24.00 to $27.00 per share of Ballard common stock.
Both the Kimberly-Clark and Bidder A proposals involved a stock-for-stock
merger and contained various conditions, including the grant of a 19.9% option
to protect the buyer against the risk of an alternative transaction. The
Kimberly-Clark proposal also provided for a $15 million termination fee and a
stockholder voting agreement from Mr. Ballard. The Bidder A proposal was
expressly made subject to the closing of a merger transaction in which it was
then involved. Kimberly-Clark's offer was to remain open until December 10,
1998.
The Ballard board of directors met on December 4, 1998, to consider both
proposals. Mr. Frank of Bear Stearns reviewed with the Ballard board a book
prepared by Bear Stearns for the meeting, discussing each of Kimberly-Clark,
Bidder A and Bidder A's merger partner and their respective businesses,
operations and market history. He, together with Coudert Brothers, also reviewed
and compared the two proposals received. In addition, Mr. Frank reviewed in
detail with the Ballard board Bear Stearns' efforts to find an appropriate
business combination partner. He reported that a broad search process had been
conducted during the past three years by Bear Stearns and, before Bear Stearns,
another major investment bank. Bear Stearns reported that, in all, it had
contacted 19 potential strategic partners and three potential financial
partners. As a result of the search process, only two potential strategic
partners remained actively interested in entering into a business combination
with Ballard, given Ballard's current market price and business characteristics.
Mr. Frank reviewed with the Board each of the 22 potential business combination
partners it had contacted on behalf of Ballard, and summarized the contacts of
Bear Stearns with each company.
A lengthy discussion then followed regarding the benefits and risks of each
proposal. During the discussion, the Ballard board expressed its concern over
the fact that Bidder A could not proceed immediately with negotiations pending
completion of its merger with another public corporation, and that Bidder A was
unable at that time to stipulate within a narrower range the merger price it
would be willing to pay. The board also expressed concern that Kimberly-Clark,
which desired to proceed immediately, might not continue to keep its offer open,
should the proposed transaction be deferred pending further developments in the
Bidder A merger. Accordingly, the Ballard board unanimously authorized
management to move forward promptly with negotiations with Kimberly-Clark,
provided that Kimberly-Clark agreed to raise its offer to $25.00 per share. The
board, after further discussion, also unanimously determined that, with respect
to the grant of a 19.9% option, as requested in both proposals, and a $15
million termination fee, as requested by Kimberly-Clark, management was
authorized to agree to grant the option and agree to the termination fee if
necessary in order to reach a price of not less than $25.00 per share.
Bear Stearns was instructed to contact Bidder A (without specifically
identifying Kimberly-Clark) to advise Bidder A that Ballard anticipated that it
would pursue a transaction with another party. Thus, Bidder A would have the
opportunity to increase and accelerate the timing of its offer. Following Bear
Stearns' communication of this information to Bidder A, Bidder A did not offer
to narrow the range of the offer price or to accelerate the timing of its
proposal.
On December 4, 1998, Mr. Ballard telephoned Mr. Abernathy to discuss
Kimberly-Clark's proposal. During extensive discussions, Kimberly-Clark
indicated it would not consider increasing the price in the absence of the grant
of the 19.9% option, a $15 million termination fee and a voting agreement from
Mr. Ballard. Later that day, in a second teleconference between Messrs. Ballard
and Abernathy, it was agreed that the two companies would commence negotiations
of definitive documents, based on a price of $25.00 per share of Ballard common
stock, payable in shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock and
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<PAGE> 27
premised on the grant to Kimberly-Clark of a 19.9% option, a $15 million
termination fee and a stockholder voting agreement with Mr. Ballard.
During the weekend of December 5-6, 1998, Coudert Brothers prepared drafts
of a merger agreement and an option agreement for review by Kimberly-Clark.
Kimberly-Clark reviewed the drafts and delivered comments to Ballard on December
11, 1998. Kimberly-Clark also submitted to Coudert Brothers a draft of the
proposed stockholder voting agreement with Mr. Ballard.
On December 14, 1998, Kimberly-Clark submitted to Ballard's representatives
drafts of the various consulting, noncompetition and other agreements it would
require from Ballard's executive officers and certain key employees.
During the week of December 14-18, 1998, representatives of Ballard,
Kimberly-Clark and Bear Stearns met in Dallas, Texas with attorneys with Coudert
Brothers and Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP to negotiate the definitive agreements.
On December 23, 1998, the Ballard board of directors met to review and
consider the definitive agreements. Mr. Frank of Bear Stearns made a
presentation to the board regarding the $25.00 price offered by Kimberly-Clark,
and Coudert Brothers made a detailed presentation of the material provisions of
the merger agreement, as well as the option agreement and other ancillary
agreements proposed to be entered into in connection with the merger. Bear
Stearns presented its opinion to the board that, subject to the conditions set
forth in the opinion, the proposed consideration to be received was fair from a
financial point of view to the public shareholders of Ballard. Following full
discussion, the board unanimously adopted the merger agreement and other
agreements, determining that the terms of the merger agreement and the other
agreements were fair to, and in the best interests of, the shareholders of
Ballard, and directed that the merger agreement be submitted to the shareholders
of Ballard for their approval.
On December 23, 1998, the Kimberly-Clark board of directors also considered
the proposed transaction with Ballard. Senior management of Kimberly-Clark and
representatives of Kimberly-Clark's financial advisor, Merrill Lynch & Co., made
detailed presentations to the Kimberly-Clark board concerning the proposed
merger, including the material terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the
company option agreement and the other ancillary agreements to be entered into
in connection with the merger. Merrill Lynch delivered its opinion that the
exchange ratio contained in the merger agreement was fair from a financial point
of view to Kimberly-Clark. After full consideration, the Kimberly-Clark board
voted unanimously to enter into the merger agreement, the option agreement, the
ancillary agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Immediately following receipt of approval by the Kimberly-Clark board and
the Ballard board, the merger agreement, the option agreement and the other
ancillary agreements were executed by the appropriate parties and the terms of
the merger agreement were announced by separate press releases of Kimberly-Clark
and Ballard.
KIMBERLY-CLARK'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
The Kimberly-Clark board of directors believes that the merger will be a
significant step toward achieving Kimberly-Clark's objective of expanding its
presence in the professional health care business. The merger will broaden
Kimberly-Clark's product offerings, adding disposable medical devices for
respiratory care, gastroenterology and cardiology to its existing line of
surgical gowns, drapes, infection control products, sterilization wraps,
disposable face masks, cold therapy products and patient restraints.
Moreover, the merger is consistent with Kimberly-Clark's strategy of
building on well-known trademarks and strong product franchises. The Ballard
name is highly regarded in the professional health care market and Ballard sells
more than 80% of all closed-suction catheters used in United States hospitals.
The international professional health care businesses of the combined entity
will significantly expand the existing presence of each company, and provide
economy-of-scale benefits. Synergies are expected to be realized through
technology transfers, a strengthened sales and marketing presence and the
elimination of redundancies.
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<PAGE> 28
BALLARD'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement, the Ballard board
of directors considered a number of factors, including the following:
- The importance, in the board's view, of pursuing a business combination
at this time in order to preserve the competitive strength of Ballard
and, by extension, the market value of Ballard's outstanding shares.
- The alternative courses of action available to Ballard, given
- the limited possibilities for Ballard to expand rapidly through
continuing acquisitions of additional product lines and/or other
medical device companies, given Ballard's resources and the time
required to consummate and integrate a series of smaller acquisitions;
- the fact that Bidder A, the only other potential business combination
partner identified, following attempts by Ballard's financial advisors
over a period of almost three years to identify a partner, was unable
to proceed immediately with negotiations pending its merger with
another party, and was unable at the time to state within a narrower
range the merger price it would be willing to pay; and
- the fact that there could be no assurance, if Ballard did not move
forward immediately with Kimberly-Clark, that Kimberly-Clark would keep
its offer open pending further developments in the Bidder A merger.
- The attractiveness of the purchase price offered by Kimberly-Clark,
whereby each share of Ballard common stock would be converted into
$25.00, payable in shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock.
- The willingness of Kimberly-Clark to value the Kimberly-Clark common
stock to be delivered to Ballard shareholders on the basis of the market
value of Kimberly-Clark's common stock as of a 10 trading-day period
shortly before the closing of the merger, thus minimizing the risk of
downward fluctuations in the market value of Kimberly-Clark's common
stock between the public announcement of the transaction and closing for
shareholders who wished to liquidate their stock immediately following
the merger.
- The presentation of Bear Stearns, Ballard's financial advisor, and the
written opinion of Bear Stearns that, as of December 23, 1998, subject to
the conditions set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received
was fair from a financial point of view to the public shareholders of
Ballard.
- The fact that the merger was expected to be tax-free to Ballard's
shareholders for federal income tax purposes.
- The fact that, upon the closing of the merger, Ballard shareholders would
have an ongoing interest in a much larger and more diversified company
with prospects for long-term growth and increased investment value.
In its consideration of the above factors, the board considered the terms
and conditions of the merger agreement, the option agreement and the other
ancillary agreements to be entered into in connection with the merger in light
of the foregoing factors and concluded that such agreements, as negotiated,
should be entered into by Ballard.
The foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the Ballard board is
not intended to be exhaustive but it is believed to include all material factors
considered by the Ballard board in approving the merger. In view of the wide
variety of factors considered, the Ballard board did not find it practical to,
and did not, assign any relative or specific weights to the foregoing factors.
Individual directors may have given different weights to different factors.
FOR THE REASONS DISCUSSED ABOVE, THE BALLARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS
DETERMINED THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY ARE FAIR TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF,
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<PAGE> 29
BALLARD SHAREHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE BALLARD BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER PROPOSAL AND THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
OPINION OF BALLARD'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR
At the December 23, 1998 meeting of the Ballard board of directors, Bear
Stearns delivered its opinion that the consideration to be received is fair,
from a financial point of view, to the public shareholders of Ballard.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE BEAR STEARNS OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS
MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW
UNDERTAKEN BY BEAR STEARNS, IS ATTACHED AS ANNEX D TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE SUMMARY OF THE
BEAR STEARNS OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE BEAR STEARNS OPINION.
BALLARD SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE BEAR STEARNS OPINION IN ITS
ENTIRETY.
The Bear Stearns opinion is intended for the benefit and use of the Ballard
board of directors, is directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the consideration to be received by the public shareholders of Ballard,
does not address the merits of the underlying decision by Ballard to engage in
the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Ballard
common stock or to the Ballard board as to how to vote on the merger or any
related matter.
Although Bear Stearns evaluated the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the consideration to be received by the public shareholders of Ballard,
Ballard and Kimberly-Clark determined, through arm's-length negotiations, the
amount and form of the merger consideration, which determination was not based
on any recommendation by Bear Stearns. Bear Stearns did provide certain advice
to the Ballard board of directors from time to time during the course of the
negotiations. The Ballard board did not provide specific instructions to, or
place any limitations upon, Bear Stearns with respect to the procedures to be
followed or the factors to be considered by Bear Stearns in performing its
analyses or rendering the Bear Stearns opinion.
In connection with rendering the opinion, Bear Stearns, among other things:
- reviewed the merger agreement, the option agreement, the stockholder
agreement and the agreements with the Ballard executives discussed on
pages 42-43 of this proxy statement/ prospectus;
- reviewed certain operating and financial information provided by the
management of Ballard relating to Ballard's business and prospects;
- reviewed Ballard's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1998, Ballard's Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 and
Ballard's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended December
31, 1997, March 31, 1998, and June 30, 1998;
- spoke with certain members of Ballard's senior management, including
Messrs. Ballard, Wolcott, Sorenson and Hess, to discuss its operations,
historical financial performance, current financial condition and future
prospects, including certain financial estimates for the fiscal years
ending September 30, 1999 and 2000;
- reviewed Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report to Stockholders and Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and its
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 1998, June
30, 1998 and September 30, 1998;
- spoke with certain members of Kimberly-Clark's senior management,
including Messrs. Abernathy, Murray, Donehower, Metz and Bolhuis, to
discuss its operations, historical financial performance, current
financial condition and future prospects;
- reviewed the historical prices, valuation multiples, historical dividends
and trading volume of the common stock of Ballard;
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<PAGE> 30
- reviewed publicly available financial data, stock market performance data
and valuation parameters of companies which Bear Stearns deemed generally
comparable to Ballard;
- reviewed the terms of selected mergers and acquisitions involving
companies which Bear Stearns deemed generally comparable to the merger;
- solicited, on behalf of Ballard, and reviewed indications of interest
from potential buyers of Ballard, and had discussions with the interested
parties to review and negotiate the indications; and
- conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and investigations as
Bear Stearns deemed appropriate.
In the course of its review, Bear Stearns relied upon and assumed, without
independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the financial and
other information provided to it by Ballard. As to all information provided to
it that involved projections or expectations of future results, Bear Stearns
assumed that the information was based on reasonable assumptions. Ballard did
not prepare, nor did it provide to Bear Stearns, either annual budgets or any
long-term earnings forecasts. However, management of Ballard did provide
guidance on estimated sales and earnings levels for fiscal years 1999 and 2000
upon which Bear Stearns relied in rendering the opinion. Bear Stearns was
unable, as part of its analysis, to perform a discounted cash flow analysis.
Kimberly-Clark did not make available to Bear Stearns its projections of
expected future performance. Accordingly, Bear Stearns' review with respect to
the information was limited to discussions with management of Kimberly-Clark of
estimates by research analysts. Bear Stearns did not assume any responsibility
for the independent verification of any of the information and further relied
upon the assurances of the senior management of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark that
they were unaware of any facts that would make the information provided to Bear
Stearns incomplete or misleading. In arriving at the opinion, Bear Stearns did
not perform or obtain any independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities of
Ballard and Kimberly-Clark, nor was it furnished with any such appraisals. The
opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions, and the
information made available to Bear Stearns, as of the date of the opinion. Bear
Stearns also assumed that the merger will qualify as a tax-free "reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. Bear Stearns did not express any opinion as to the price or range of
prices at which shares of common stock of Kimberly-Clark may trade subsequent to
the merger.
In connection with preparing and rendering the opinion, Bear Stearns
performed a variety of valuation, financial and comparative analyses. The
summary of the analyses, as set forth below, does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses underlying the Bear Stearns opinion. The preparation
of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to
summary description. Bear Stearns believes that its analyses must be considered
as a whole, and that selecting portions of its analyses and the factors
considered by it, without considering all the factors and analyses, could create
an incomplete view of the processes underlying the opinion. Moreover, the
estimates contained in the analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly
more or less favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In addition,
analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities
actually may be sold. Accordingly, the estimates are inherently subject to
substantial uncertainties.
The following is a summary of the material valuation, financial and
comparative analyses performed by Bear Stearns in arriving at the Bear Stearns
opinion as of the date thereof.
- HISTORICAL STOCK PRICE ANALYSIS. Bear Stearns reviewed the historical
closing stock prices of Ballard common stock and Kimberly-Clark common
stock, including the five year, one year and six month periods prior to
December 18, 1998. Over the prior twelve months, Ballard's common stock
had traded between a high of $27.31 on April 1, 1998 and a low of $17.50
on June 25, 1998 and Kimberly-Clark's common stock traded between a high
of $58.94 on March 11, 1998, and a low of $37.38 on September 10, 1998.
Over the prior six months, Ballard's common stock had traded between a
high of $24.50 on December 18, 1998, and a low of $17.50 on June 25,
24
<PAGE> 31
1998, and Kimberly-Clark's common stock traded between a high of $54.00
on December 7, 1998, and a low of $37.38 on September 10, 1998. Bear
Stearns observed that, based on
- the stock price of Ballard of $24.50 on December 18, 1998;
- the stock price of Ballard of $22.13 on December 2, 1998, the date
prior to the meeting of the Ballard board to discuss the submitted
proposals;
- the average stock price of Ballard of $21.40 for the 90 calendar days
prior to December 18, 1998; and
- the average stock price of Ballard of $20.37 for the 180 calendar days
prior to December 18, 1998,
the $25.00 purchase price implied a premium of 2.0%, 13.0%, 16.8% and
22.7%, respectively. In addition, Bear Stearns observed that between
December 18, 1998, the date used for purposes of its analysis, and
December 22, 1998, the date prior to the announcement of the merger,
Ballard's common stock traded up to $25.13 per share, 0.5% above the
$25.00 purchase price. Bear Stearns also noted that there had been
some speculation in the press during November and December 1998 of a
potential transaction involving Ballard.
- COMPARABLE PUBLIC COMPANY ANALYSIS. In the course of its analysis, Bear
Stearns compared certain ratios and multiples of Ballard to the
corresponding ratios and multiples of certain publicly-traded companies
in the disposable medical device sector that Bear Stearns believed were
generally comparable to Ballard. The comparable companies included Arrow
International, C.R. Bard, Inc., Conmed Corporation, Maxxim Medical, Inc.
and Vital Signs, Inc. The multiples and ratios were calculated based on
publicly available financial information and research reports, and were
adjusted for certain extraordinary and non-recurring items. Financial
data reviewed included revenue, earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, earnings before interest and taxes, net
income and earnings per share for various time periods as well as
certain operating margins, valuation statistics, financial ratios and
projected growth rates. For purposes of its analysis, Bear Stearns also
reviewed the harmonic mean of certain valuation multiples of the
comparable companies.
Among other analyses, for each of the comparable companies, Bear Stearns
calculated the enterprise value, which is the ratio of their equity
value as of December 18, 1998 plus debt less cash and cash equivalents
to their respective revenues, EBITDA and EBIT during the most recent
last 12-month period and projected calendar 1998 and 1999 revenues,
EBITDA and EBIT and the ratios of their stock prices as of December 18,
1998 to their respective LTM earnings per share and projected calendar
year 1998 and 1999 earnings per share.
These ratios, and the share prices for Ballard imputed by such ratios,
are summarized in the tables below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUE, EBITDA AND EBIT MULTIPLES
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERPRISE VALUE/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LTM CALENDAR 1998 CALENDAR 1999
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
REVENUES EBITDA EBIT REVENUES EBITDA EBIT REVENUES EBITDA EBIT
-------- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Harmonic Mean........ 2.37x 10.2x 13.1x 1.91x 9.8x 13.1x 1.63x 8.1x 10.5x
Transaction
Multiple........... 4.72x 11.6x 13.5x 4.56x 11.3x 13.1x 4.01x 10.1x 11.6x
Multiple Range
Low.................. 1.72x 8.4x 10.4x 1.09x 8.2x 10.9x 1.02x 6.9x 9.3x
High................. 2.90x 12.8x 17.1x 2.76x 13.0x 17.5x 2.44x 10.3x 13.1x
Share Price Imputed
by Multiple
Harmonic Mean........ $13.68 $22.23 $24.38 $11.77 $21.96 $25.09 $11.52 $20.57 $22.89
Low.................. 10.58 18.66 19.76 7.72 18.85 21.24 8.03 17.89 20.57
High................. 16.25 27.38 31.09 16.00 28.48 32.78 16.11 25.43 28.11
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 32
P/E MULTIPLES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LTM CALENDAR CALENDAR
P/E 1998 P/E 1999 P/E
------ -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Harmonic Mean.................................... 19.7x 18.8x 14.7x
Transaction Multiple............................. 22.0x 21.4x 19.1x
Multiple Range
Low.............................................. 15.1x 14.7x 11.6x
High............................................. 27.0x 27.3x 21.2x
Share Price Imputed by Multiple
Harmonic Mean.................................... $22.40 $22.05 $19.34
Low.............................................. 17.23 17.19 15.17
High............................................. 30.74 32.03 27.83
</TABLE>
Bear Stearns observed that the merger consideration produced valuation
multiples that generally equaled or exceeded the harmonic mean of the
trading multiples of the comparable companies.
Bear Stearns also calculated most recent last 12-month period EBIT margins
and net margins for the comparable companies which ranged from a low of
8.7% to a high of 24.9% with an arithmetic average of 16.6% for most
recent last 12-month period EBIT margins, and ranged from a low of 3.3% to
a high of 15.7% with an arithmetic average of 9.0% for net margin. Ballard
had a most recent last 12-month period EBIT margin of 35.1% and a most
recent last 12-month period net margin of 23.4%, both of which compared
favorably to margins for the comparable companies. Bear Stearns also
observed that while Ballard had historically been growing faster than many
of the comparable companies, Ballard was expected to grow its future
earnings at rates generally slower than the comparable companies.
Bear Stearns chose the comparable companies because they have general
business, operating and financial characteristics similar to those of
Ballard. However, Bear Stearns noted that no company used in the foregoing
analysis is identical to Ballard. Accordingly, Bear Stearns did not rely
solely on the mathematical results of the analysis, but also made
qualitative judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of Ballard and the comparable companies and other factors
that could affect the values of each.
Bear Stearns noted that no transaction used in the foregoing analysis is
identical to the merger. Accordingly, Bear Stearns did not rely solely on
the mathematical results of the analysis, but also made qualitative
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the comparable transactions and other factors that
could affect the value of the companies or transactions to which Ballard
or the merger are being compared.
- COMPARABLE TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS. Bear Stearns reviewed certain
publicly-available financial information related to seven merger and
acquisition transactions completed in the disposable medical devices
sector over the prior five years that it deemed generally comparable to
the merger. For each of the comparable transactions, Bear Stearns
reviewed certain publicly-available financial information for the
acquired companies including revenue, EBITDA, EBIT, net income and
certain valuation statistics, as adjusted for certain extraordinary and
non-recurring items. The ratios of the enterprise values of the acquired
companies to their respective most recent last 12-month period revenues,
most recent last 12-month period EBITDA and most recent last 12-month
period EBIT and ratios of the equity value of the acquired companies to
their respective most recent last 12-month period net income are
summarized in the table below. Share prices for Ballard imputed by such
ratios are also summarized in the table.
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<PAGE> 33
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY VALUE/ ENTERPRISE VALUE/
------------- -------------------------
LTM LTM LTM LTM
NET INCOME REVENUE EBITDA EBIT
------------- ------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Harmonic Mean................................... 23.9x 1.9x 10.4x 14.5x
Transaction Multiple............................ 22.0x 4.7x 11.6x 13.5x
Multiple Range
Low............................................. 20.2x 1.2x 9.0x 11.2x
High............................................ 29.0x 3.3x 14.2x 22.6x
Share Price Imputed by Multiple
Harmonic Mean................................... $27.22 $11.66 $22.59 $26.85
Low............................................. 22.96 7.87 19.86 21.14
High............................................ 32.96 18.15 30.17 40.48
</TABLE>
Bear Stearns observed that the merger consideration produced multiples
that generally compared favorably to the harmonic means of enterprise
value to most recent last 12-month period revenues, enterprise value to
most recent last 12-month period EBITDA and equity value to most recent
last 12-month period net income of the comparable transactions.
- PRO FORMA MERGER ANALYSIS. Bear Stearns reviewed and analyzed certain
pro forma financial impacts of the merger on the holders of Ballard
common stock and Kimberly-Clark common stock based on:
- a price for Kimberly-Clark common stock of $52.50 per share, the
closing price on December 18, 1998;
- 546.7 million fully diluted shares of Kimberly-Clark outstanding and
31.1 million fully diluted shares of Ballard common stock outstanding
(based on a $25.00 per share acquisition price);
- an assumed exchange ratio of 0.4762;
- EPS projections derived with Ballard management's guidance for Ballard
and First Call consensus estimates for Kimberly-Clark;
- a 30-year goodwill amortization period, which was expected to be
Kimberly-Clark's accounting treatment; and
- no assumed cost savings or synergies.
First Call is an industry data service which monitors and publishes a
compilation of earnings estimates for publicly-traded companies produced
by selected equity research analysts. Bear Stearns did not take into
account the income statement impact of potential restructuring charges or
other one-time items associated with the merger.
The results of the analysis indicated that without synergies the
transaction with Kimberly-Clark would result in dilution of the equivalent
projected EPS of Ballard common stock of ($0.02) or (1.7)% for calendar
year 1998, accretion of $0.004 or 0.3% for calendar year 1999, and
dilution of ($0.10) or (6.2)% for calendar year 2000, as compared to the
projected EPS of Ballard common stock on a stand-alone basis.
By way of comparison, the results of this analysis indicated that without
synergies the transaction with Kimberly-Clark would result in the dilution
of the equivalent projected EPS of Kimberly-Clark common stock of ($0.04)
or (1.5)% for calendar year 1998, ($0.04) or (1.4)% EPS dilution for
calendar year 1999, and ($0.03) or (1.1)% EPS dilution for calendar year
2000, as compared to the projected EPS of Kimberly-Clark common stock on a
stand-alone basis. Bear Stearns calculated that $10 million of synergies
would add $0.01 in EPS in each year, and be (1.1)%, (1.0)% and (0.7)%
dilutive to Kimberly-Clark shareholders in 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively.
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<PAGE> 34
- OTHER ANALYSES. Bear Stearns conducted such other analyses as it deemed
necessary, including the following:
- reviewing historical and projected financial and operating data for both
Ballard and Kimberly-Clark;
- analyzing selected investment research reports on, and earnings and
other estimates for, each of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark;
- analyzing the historic stock performance and trading volume for Ballard
and Kimberly-Clark;
- analyzing the historic dividend payments and dividend yields of Ballard
and Kimberly-Clark; and
- reviewing available information regarding the institutional holdings of
Ballard common stock and Kimberly-Clark common stock.
The Ballard board of directors engaged Bear Stearns as its financial
advisor based on Bear Stearns' experience and expertise. Bear Stearns is
an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial
experience in the health care industry and expertise in transactions
similar to the merger. As part of its investment banking business, Bear
Stearns 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 estate,
corporate and other purposes. Pursuant to the terms of its engagement
letter, dated October 13, 1998, Ballard has agreed to pay Bear Stearns the
following compensation:
- a fee of $750,000 in connection with the delivery of the Bear Stearns
opinion;
- a transaction fee, contingent upon and payable at closing of the merger,
of 1% of the total consideration to be paid by Kimberly-Clark in the
merger against which the opinion fee is to be credited, which
transaction fee is estimated at approximately $7.8 million; and
- to reimburse Bear Stearns for 50% of all reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, and of other
consultants and advisors retained by Bear Stearns.
Ballard has also agreed to indemnify Bear Stearns and certain related
persons against certain liabilities in connection with its engagement,
including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws. Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, may be permitted to Bear Stearns pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, Bear Stearns and Ballard have been informed 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
ordinary course of business, Bear Stearns may actively trade the equity
securities of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark for its own account and for the
accounts of its customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or
short position in the securities.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
Tax Opinion. Closing of the merger is conditioned upon the receipt of a
legal opinion by Ballard from its counsel, Coudert Brothers, and the receipt by
Kimberly-Clark of an opinion from its counsel, Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, to the
effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the merger will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, and that each of
Ballard, Jazz and Kimberly-Clark will be a party to the tax-free reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code. If Ballard waives the
condition to its obligation to consummate the merger relating to the receipt of
the legal opinion from Coudert Brothers, Ballard will resolicit proxies from its
shareholders with respect to the merger.
The executed opinions of Coudert Brothers and Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP are
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this proxy
statement/prospectus forms a part. The opinions should be
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<PAGE> 35
read in their entirety. To obtain a copy of the opinions, please call or write
Ballard's Secretary or Kimberly-Clark's Stockholder Services Department as
described on pages 57 and 58.
Consequences of Reorganization Status. If, in accordance with the opinions
referred to above, the merger constitutes a tax-free "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and Ballard, Jazz and Kimberly-Clark are
each a party to the tax-free "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
368(b) of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
- no gain or loss will be recognized by you except with respect to any cash
received for fractional share interests;
- your tax basis in the shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock received in
the merger will be equal to your tax basis in the shares of Ballard
common stock exchanged therefor, reduced by any amount of basis allocable
to fractional share interests for which cash is received; and
- for purposes of determining whether or not gain or loss on the subsequent
disposition of Kimberly-Clark common stock received in the merger is
long-term or short-term, the holding period of the Kimberly-Clark common
stock received by you will include the holding period of the shares of
Ballard common stock exchanged therefor, provided the Ballard common
stock was held by you as a capital asset.
Capital gains of individuals derived in respect of capital assets held for more
than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation depending upon the
holding period of the capital assets.
The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of Kimberly-Clark common
stock by you pursuant to the merger will generally result in taxable gain or
loss to you for U.S. federal income tax purposes based upon the difference
between the amount of cash received by you and your basis in the fractional
share as set forth above. The gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss,
provided the Kimberly-Clark common stock received by you in the merger is held
by you as a capital asset.
No gain or loss will be recognized by Ballard, Kimberly-Clark or Jazz as a
result of the merger.
You will be required to retain records and file with your U.S. federal
income tax returns a statement setting forth certain facts relating to the
merger.
No information is provided herein with respect to the tax consequences, if
any, of the merger under applicable foreign, state, local or other tax laws.
THE OPINIONS OF COUDERT BROTHERS AND LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP ARE NOT
BINDING ON THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE TAX
LAWS, AND BECAUSE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU MAY BE AFFECTED BY
MATTERS NOT DISCUSSED HEREIN, YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOU OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH
RESPECT TO YOUR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF
STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, ESTATE TAX LAWS AND PROPOSED CHANGES IN
APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The merger will be accounted for as a "purchase" for accounting and
financial reporting purposes. For purposes of preparing Kimberly-Clark's
consolidated financial statements, Kimberly-Clark will establish a new
accounting basis for Ballard's assets and liabilities based upon their fair
values and Kimberly-Clark's purchase price, including the direct costs of the
acquisition. A final determination of required purchase accounting adjustments
and of the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Ballard has not yet been
made. After the merger, Kimberly-Clark will undertake a study to determine the
fair value of Ballard's assets and liabilities and will make appropriate
purchase accounting adjustments upon completion of the study. For financial
reporting purposes, Kimberly-Clark will consolidate the results of Ballard's
operations with those of Kimberly-Clark's operations, beginning with the closing
of the merger, but Kimberly-Clark's financial statements for prior periods will
not be restated as a result of the merger.
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GOVERNMENTAL AND REGULATORY APPROVALS
Filings with, notifications to and authorizations and approvals of various
governmental agencies, both domestic and foreign, with respect to the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement must be made and received
prior to the closing of the merger.
The closing of the merger is conditioned upon the expiration or termination
of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the
regulations adopted thereunder, the merger may not close until notifications
have been given and certain information has been furnished to the Federal Trade
Commission and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of
Justice, and the applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated. On
February 8, 1999, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard were granted early termination of
the applicable waiting period required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.
At any time before or after the effective time of the merger,
notwithstanding that the waiting period has been terminated, the FTC or the
Antitrust Division may take action under the antitrust laws as it deems
necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to stop the
closing of the merger or seeking the sale of assets of Kimberly-Clark or
Ballard. Similarly, at any time before or after the effective time of the
merger, and notwithstanding that the waiting period has been terminated, any
state could take any action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or
desirable in the public interest.
Under German law, the merger may not close unless notification is made with
the Federal Cartel Office, and the merger is cleared by that agency. The Federal
Cartel Office cleared the merger on February 19, 1999.
The respective obligations of Kimberly-Clark and Ballard to close the
merger are subject to the condition that no court or other governmental entity
having jurisdiction over Kimberly-Clark or Ballard, or any of their respective
subsidiaries, shall have entered any injunction or other order (whether
temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is then in effect and restrains,
enjoins or otherwise prohibits the closing of the merger. See "TERMS OF THE
MERGER AGREEMENT -- Conditions Precedent to the Merger."
PERCENTAGE OWNERSHIP INTEREST OF BALLARD SHAREHOLDERS AFTER THE MERGER
Based on the number of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock outstanding on
the record date and assuming the delivery of approximately 14,563,637 shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock in connection with the merger, and the exercise of
all outstanding Kimberly-Clark and Ballard stock options, upon the closing of
the merger, there will be approximately 567,704,822 shares of Kimberly-Clark
common stock outstanding at the effective time of the merger, of which the
former shareholders of Ballard will own approximately 2.57%.
ABSENCE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Under Utah law, you are not entitled to dissent from the merger and seek
the fair value of your Ballard common stock.
RESALES OF KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK
All shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock issued to you in the merger will
be freely transferable, except that shares received by any person who may be
deemed to be an "affiliate" of Ballard for purposes of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act, may not be resold except in transactions permitted by Rule 145
or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. Ballard will deliver to
Kimberly-Clark a list identifying each person who is, in the opinion of Ballard,
at the time of the special meeting, an "affiliate" of Ballard. Ballard will use
its best efforts to cause each affiliate to deliver to Kimberly-Clark on or
prior to the date of the special meeting a written agreement providing that he
or she will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, any shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock delivered to him or her in connection with the
merger, except pursuant to an effective registration statement or in compliance
with Rule 145 or another exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act.
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TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the merger
agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy
statement/prospectus. This summary is not complete. For more detailed
information you should review the merger agreement, which is incorporated herein
by reference.
EXCHANGE RATIO
The merger agreement provides that each share of Ballard common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will, at the
effective time, be converted into and exchangeable for a percentage of a share
of Kimberly-Clark common stock equal to the exchange ratio described below,
together with the corresponding percentage of a Kimberly-Clark right. Any
Ballard shares owned by Kimberly-Clark, Jazz or their affiliates will be
cancelled in the merger.
The exchange ratio is determined by dividing $25.00 by the average closing
price of Kimberly-Clark common stock for the 10 trading days immediately
preceding the fifth trading date prior to the closing of the merger. For
example, the average closing price of Kimberly-Clark common stock during the
period July 21, 1999 through August 3, 1999 was $60.81. If the closing of the
merger had occurred on August 11, 1999, you would have received 0.4111 of a
share of Kimberly-Clark common stock for each share of Ballard common stock you
owned.
All references in this proxy statement/prospectus to shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock to be received pursuant to the merger will be
deemed, from and after the effective time of the merger, to include the
associated Kimberly-Clark rights. For a discussion of the rights, see
"DESCRIPTION OF KIMBERLY-CLARK CAPITAL STOCK -- Stockholders Rights Plan" on
page 53.
NO FRACTIONAL SHARES
No certificates for fractional shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock will
be issued in the merger. If your shares of Ballard common stock would otherwise
entitle you to receive a fractional share of Kimberly-Clark common stock, you
will be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fractional
interest multiplied by the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of
Kimberly-Clark common stock on the date of the merger.
CONVERSION OF JAZZ COMMON STOCK
Each share of common stock of Jazz issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the effective time of the merger will be converted into one share of common
stock, $0.10 par value per share, of Ballard. The converted shares will, after
the merger, constitute all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Ballard. All of the outstanding shares of Ballard common stock will be owned by
Kimberly-Clark.
EXCHANGE AGENT; PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
Boston EquiServe, L.P. has been selected to act as exchange agent under the
merger agreement. As of the effective time of the merger, Kimberly-Clark will
deposit with Boston EquiServe, for your benefit, certificates representing the
shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock to be delivered or paid pursuant to the
merger agreement in exchange for shares of Ballard common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. After the effective time
of the merger, Kimberly-Clark will also deposit with Boston EquiServe any
dividends or distributions payable on Kimberly-Clark common stock to cover
dividends or distributions payable on Ballard common stock that has not yet been
exchanged for Kimberly-Clark common stock.
As soon as possible after the effective time of the merger, a letter of
transmittal will be mailed to you. The letter of transmittal must be used in
forwarding certificates for exchange for certificates evidencing Kimberly-Clark
common stock and, if applicable, any unpaid dividends and other distributions
and cash in lieu of any fractional share of Kimberly-Clark common stock. The
letter of transmittal will be accompanied by instructions specifying details of
the exchange. After receipt of the letter of transmittal,
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you should surrender your certificates to Boston EquiServe in accordance with
the instructions accompanying the letter of transmittal. You will receive in
exchange for the Ballard certificates a certificate evidencing the whole number
of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock to which you are entitled and a check
representing the amount of cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock, if any, and unpaid dividends and distributions, if
any, which you have the right to receive pursuant to the merger agreement, after
giving effect to any required withholding tax.
After the effective time of the merger, each certificate, until so
surrendered and exchanged, will be deemed, for all purposes, to represent only
the right to receive, upon surrender, a certificate representing Kimberly-Clark
common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, and unpaid dividends
and distributions, if any, as provided above. You will not be entitled to
receive any dividends or other distributions declared or made by Kimberly-Clark
having a record date that is 10 days or more after the effective time of the
merger until the certificate is surrendered.
YOU SHOULD NOT FORWARD YOUR BALLARD CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD, NOR SHOULD YOU SEND IN YOUR BALLARD CERTIFICATES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT,
UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED A TRANSMITTAL LETTER.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The merger agreement contains customary mutual representations and
warranties by each of Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz relating to, among other
things:
- organization, good standing, qualification, corporate power and similar
corporate matters;
- capitalization;
- authorization, execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the
merger agreement;
- required filings with governmental entities in connection with the
merger;
- absence of conflicts, violations and defaults under charter documents and
certain other agreements and documents;
- documents and reports filed by it with the SEC and the accuracy and
completeness of the information contained in the documents and reports;
- the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the
registration statement and this proxy statement/prospectus which is a
part of the registration statement;
- the absence of certain changes in its business, properties, results of
operations and financial condition;
- the absence of certain litigation and liabilities;
- compliance with laws and permits;
- environmental and tax matters; and
- brokers and finders.
In addition, the merger agreement contains additional representations and
warranties of Ballard relating to, among other things:
- employee matters;
- intellectual property; and
- takeover defense mechanisms.
All representations and warranties of Kimberly-Clark, Ballard and Jazz
expire at the effective time of the merger.
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CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Pursuant to the merger agreement, Ballard has agreed, except as otherwise
expressly contemplated by the merger agreement or as agreed to by Kimberly-Clark
in writing, that from December 23, 1998 through the effective time of the
merger, it will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, conduct its business in the
ordinary and usual course and, to the extent consistent with such conduct, use
all reasonable efforts to preserve its business organization intact and maintain
its existing relations and goodwill with customers, suppliers, distributors,
creditors, lessors, employees and business associates. Specifically, Ballard has
agreed for itself and each of its subsidiaries that, for the same period,
neither Ballard nor any of its subsidiaries will, except as otherwise expressly
contemplated by the merger agreement or agreed to by Kimberly-Clark in writing:
- sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any capital stock owned by it in any
subsidiary or affiliate;
- amend its certificate of incorporation or bylaws;
- split, combine or reclassify its outstanding shares of capital stock;
- declare, set aside or pay any dividend, other than Ballard's regular
semi-annual dividends or dividends from Ballard's direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiaries;
- repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock
or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any
shares of its capital stock;
- issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any shares of, or any
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of,
or any options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any kind to
acquire shares of, its capital stock of any class, other than shares of
Ballard common stock issuable pursuant to options outstanding on December
15, 1998;
- purchase, transfer, lease, sell, mortgage, pledge, dispose of or encumber
any real property, or effect any improvements or expansions on the real
property;
- other than in the ordinary and usual course of business, purchase,
transfer, lease, license, guarantee, sell, mortgage, pledge, dispose of
or encumber any other property or assets, including capital stock of any
Ballard subsidiaries, or incur or modify any material indebtedness or
other liability;
- make or authorize or commit for any capital expenditures other than in
the ordinary and usual course of business, provided they do not exceed
$500,000 individually or $2,000,000 in the aggregate;
- make any acquisition of, or investment in, any business, through an
acquisition of assets or stock of any other person or entity;
- except as may be required by applicable law, terminate, establish, adopt,
enter into, make any new grants or awards under, amend or otherwise
modify any compensation and benefit plans or increase the salary, wage,
bonus, severance, incentive or other compensation of any employees,
except for salary or wage increases occurring in the ordinary and usual
course of business;
- settle or compromise any material claims or litigation or, except in the
ordinary and usual course of business, enter into, modify, amend or
terminate any material debt contracts or other contracts, or waive,
release or assign any material rights or claims;
- make any tax election or permit any insurance policy naming it as a
beneficiary or loss-payable payee to be canceled or terminated, except in
the ordinary and usual course of business;
- take any action, other than reasonable and usual actions in the ordinary
and usual course of business consistent with past practice, with respect
to accounting policies or procedures, except as may be required by
changes in generally accepted accounting principles;
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- sell, transfer, assign or abandon any of its patents or trademarks,
except for any abandonment of a non-material trademark or any
intercompany transfers that are in the ordinary and usual course of
business;
- license or otherwise encumber any of its patents or trademarks, except in
the ordinary and usual course of business; or
- make any modification to employee or customer incentives or trade
policies which would reasonably be expected to cause Ballard's
distributors or end-user customers to increase purchases above those
levels normally required to meet their respective needs or cause an
excessive increase or decrease in Ballard's inventories or working
capital, other than incentives to encourage larger purchases of Ballard
products which are consistent with past practices.
Additionally, Ballard has agreed:
- not to settle, compromise or dismiss specified ongoing litigation, and to
consult with Kimberly-Clark with respect to the litigation;
- to promptly notify Kimberly-Clark if it or any of its subsidiaries become
aware of any material infringement by it or its subsidiaries of the
intellectual property rights of any other person or any material
infringement by any other person of its or its subsidiaries' intellectual
property rights;
- except where Ballard has, prior to December 23, 1998, given instruction
for maintenance and annuity fees not to be paid, to timely pay all
maintenance and annuity fees for its and its subsidiaries' patents and
patent applications; and
- with respect to specified environmental matters, to consult with
Kimberly-Clark before taking any material action with respect to those
matters.
Each of Kimberly-Clark and Ballard has further agreed that neither of them
will knowingly take or cause to be taken any action which would disqualify the
merger as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code.
NO SOLICITATION BY BALLARD
Ballard has agreed not to, and to use its best efforts not to permit any of
its or its subsidiaries' directors, officers, employees or representatives to,
solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage, including by way of furnishing
information, any takeover proposal, as defined below, from any person, or engage
in or continue discussions or negotiations relating to any takeover proposal.
Ballard may, however, engage in discussions or negotiations with, and furnish
information to, any person that makes a written takeover proposal which the
Ballard board of directors concludes in good faith that,
- if consummated, would constitute a superior proposal, as defined below;
and
- on the basis of the advice of its outside counsel, the failure to take
action would be inconsistent with the fiduciary obligations of the
Ballard board.
As soon as possible, but no later than the date on which a takeover
proposal is presented to the Ballard board, Ballard must notify Kimberly-Clark
that a named person has made a takeover proposal or intends to make a superior
proposal and disclose the material terms of the takeover proposal.
As used in the merger agreement and this proxy statement/prospectus,
"takeover proposal" means any proposal or offer, other than a proposal or offer
by Kimberly-Clark or any of its affiliates, by any person relating to any actual
or potential merger, consolidation or other business combination involving
Ballard or any of its subsidiaries or any acquisition in any manner, including,
without limitation, by tender or exchange offer, of a substantial equity
interest in, or a substantial portion of the assets of, Ballard or any of its
subsidiaries.
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As used in the merger agreement and this proxy statement/prospectus,
"superior proposal" means a bona fide proposal or offer made by any person:
- to acquire Ballard pursuant to any tender or exchange offer or any
acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of Ballard and its
subsidiaries as a whole; or
- to enter into a merger, consolidation or other business consolidation
with Ballard or any of its subsidiaries, in each case on terms which a
majority of the members of the Ballard board determines in good faith,
and based on the advice of independent financial advisors, to be more
favorable to Ballard and its shareholders than the Kimberly-Clark merger
transaction, including any revised transaction proposed by
Kimberly-Clark.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER
The respective obligations of Kimberly-Clark, Ballard and Jazz to effect
the merger are subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the following conditions
at or prior to the merger:
- approval of the merger agreement by the Ballard shareholders;
- listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the shares of Kimberly-Clark
common stock you will receive in connection with the merger;
- expiration or termination of the waiting period and any extension thereof
under the HSR Act;
- receipt of all required consents or approvals of, or the making of all
required filings with, any governmental entity, except those for which
the failure to receive or make are not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect;
- absence of any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment,
decree, injunction or other order restraining, enjoining or otherwise
prohibiting the merger;
- effectiveness of the registration statement and the absence of any stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement; and
- receipt by Kimberly-Clark of all necessary state securities and "blue
sky" approvals.
The obligations of Kimberly-Clark and Jazz to effect the merger are also
subject to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the merger of the following
additional conditions:
- each of the representations and warranties of Ballard being true and
correct in all material respects when made and at and as of the closing
date as if they were made at and as of the closing date;
- performance in all material respects by Ballard of its obligations under
the merger agreement;
- receipt by Ballard of the consent or approval of each person required
under any contract to which Ballard or any of its subsidiaries is a
party, except where the failure to obtain the consent or approval is not
reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material
adverse effect on Ballard and its subsidiaries;
- receipt by Kimberly-Clark of the opinion of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP to
the effect that the merger will be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section
368(a) of the Code and that each of Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz will
be a party to the reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of
the Code; and
- Ballard having at least $63 million in cash and cash equivalents, less
the cash purchase price of any business acquisitions pre-approved by
Kimberly-Clark.
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The obligation of Ballard to effect the merger is also subject to the
fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the effective time of the merger of the
following additional conditions:
- each of the representations and warranties of Kimberly-Clark and Jazz
being true and correct in all material respects when made and at and as
of the closing date as if they were made at and as of the closing date;
- performance in all material respects by Kimberly-Clark and Jazz of their
obligations under the merger agreement;
- receipt by Kimberly-Clark of the consent or approval of each person
required under any contract to which Kimberly-Clark or any of its
subsidiaries is a party, except where the failure to obtain the consent
or approval is not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a material adverse effect on Kimberly-Clark and its subsidiaries;
and
- receipt by Ballard of an opinion of Coudert Brothers to the effect that
the merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization qualifying under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the
Code and that each of Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz will be a party to
the reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
INDEMNIFICATION; DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INSURANCE
Kimberly-Clark will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law, each present and former director and officer of
Ballard and its subsidiaries against any costs or expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities
incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising
out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the merger,
including the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; provided, that
Kimberly-Clark will not have any obligation to any indemnified party
- if and when a court of competent jurisdiction ultimately determines, and
the court's determination has become final, that the indemnification of
the indemnified party in the manner contemplated by the merger agreement
is prohibited by applicable law; or
- if the matter is attributable to the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the indemnified party.
Kimberly-Clark will also advance expenses to the indemnified parties as incurred
to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law if the person to whom
expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay the advances if it is
ultimately determined that the indemnified party is not entitled to
indemnification.
After the merger, Ballard will use its best efforts to maintain its
existing officers' and directors' liability insurance for a period of six years
after the merger so long as the annual premium for the insurance is not in
excess of the last annual premium paid prior to December 23, 1998. If the
existing insurance expires, is terminated or canceled during the six-year
period, Ballard must use its best efforts to obtain as much substantially
similar insurance as can be obtained for the remainder of the six years, but in
no event for a premium in excess, on an annualized basis, of two times the
current premium.
TERMINATION
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the merger by
written mutual consent of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark, or by:
- either Kimberly-Clark or Ballard if the merger has not been completed by
September 30, 1999, but neither Kimberly Clark nor Ballard may terminate
if the reason that the merger has not been completed is its own breach;
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- either Kimberly-Clark or Ballard if the shareholders of Ballard fail to
approve the merger agreement at the special meeting or any adjournment
thereof;
- either Kimberly-Clark or Ballard if a court or other governmental entity
shall have issued a final and nonappealable injunction, order, decree or
ruling, or taken other similar action, prohibiting either Ballard or
Kimberly-Clark from completing the merger;
- either Kimberly-Clark or Ballard if there is a material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement by the other party, which
breach has not been cured, if capable of being cured, within 15 business
days after receipt of written notice of the breach;
- either Kimberly-Clark or Ballard if 10 business days elapse after all
conditions precedent to the merger have occurred or have been waived and
the closing does not occur through no fault of the terminating party;
- Ballard if the Ballard board of directors determines in good faith that a
takeover proposal is a superior proposal and Kimberly-Clark does not
propose a change to the merger agreement so that the Ballard board no
longer believes the takeover proposal is a superior proposal;
- Kimberly-Clark if the Ballard board of directors does not recommend the
merger to you, modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to
Kimberly-Clark or rescinds its approval of the merger agreement;
- Kimberly-Clark if the Ballard board of directors recommends to you any
takeover proposal;
- Kimberly-Clark if a third party tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or
more of Ballard's capital stock is commenced and the Ballard board of
directors does not timely recommend against the offer; or
- Kimberly-Clark if Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction,
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its
assets, or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Ballard.
TERMINATION FEE AND EXPENSES
Ballard must pay Kimberly-Clark a termination fee of $15 million if:
- a purchase event (defined on page 39) occurs;
- the merger agreement is terminated by Kimberly-Clark because Ballard
settles, compromises or dismisses specified pending litigation without
Kimberly-Clark's prior written consent; or
- the Ballard shareholders do not approve the merger at the special meeting
and immediately prior to the vote, there exists a takeover proposal, or
an outstanding third party tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Ballard and, in either
case, Ballard or its affiliates close the third party transaction within
one year of the date of the special meeting or any adjournment of the
special meeting.
Any of the transactions described in the third bullet point are referred to as a
"third party transaction."
If the Ballard shareholders do not approve the merger at the special
meeting and, immediately prior to the vote, there exists a third party
transaction, Ballard must pay Kimberly-Clark its expenses relating to the
proposed merger up to $1.0 million. If Ballard later pays the $15 million
termination fee, the amount of reimbursed expenses will be deducted from the
fee.
If the Ballard shareholders do not approve the merger at the special
meeting and, immediately prior to the vote, there is no third party transaction,
Ballard must pay Kimberly-Clark its expenses relating to
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the proposed merger up to $1.0 million. If, during the 180 days following the
special meeting date, there exists a third party transaction, and the third
party transaction is closed within one year of the special meeting date, Ballard
must pay Kimberly-Clark $7.5 million less the amount of reimbursed expenses.
The parties have agreed that any termination fee payments, together with
any rights arising under the option agreement, will constitute liquidated
damages and will constitute full and complete satisfaction of, and will be
Kimberly-Clark's and Jazz's sole and exclusive remedy for, their losses, damages
and expense relating to the merger agreement.
The merger agreement provides that, except for printing and mailing
expenses and filing fees incurred in connection with this proxy
statement/prospectus, which will be shared equally, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard
will each pay its own costs and expenses in connection with the merger agreement
and the related transactions, whether or not the merger is consummated.
AMENDMENT
At any time prior to the merger, the parties to the merger agreement may
modify or amend the merger agreement.
WAIVER
The conditions to each of the parties' obligations to close the merger may
be waived by such party in whole or in part. If a material condition is waived
by Ballard, Ballard will notify you and it will resolicit your vote.
BALLARD STOCK OPTIONS
At the effective time of the merger, all outstanding Ballard stock options
that have not been exercised will become and represent an option to purchase the
number of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock, decreased to the nearest whole
share, determined by multiplying the number of Ballard shares subject to the
options immediately prior to the merger by the exchange ratio. The exercise
price per share of Kimberly-Clark common stock shall be the exercise price per
Ballard share immediately prior to the merger divided by the exchange ratio,
increased to the nearest whole cent. Kimberly-Clark will pay cash as soon as
practicable after the merger to holders of the options in lieu of issuing
fractional shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock upon the exercise of the
options. After the merger, each substitute option will be exercisable upon the
same terms, conditions and restrictions as were applicable to the related
Ballard stock option immediately prior to the merger.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Kimberly-Clark has agreed that, for not less than 12 months following the
merger, the employees of Ballard and its subsidiaries in the United States will
be provided with employee benefit plans and programs that are no less favorable
in value in the aggregate, as determined by Kimberly-Clark in good faith in
accordance with any method customarily used by Kimberly-Clark for making benefit
comparisons, than those provided to the employees immediately prior to the
merger, excluding Ballard's stock option plans and 401(k) plan. Nothing in the
merger agreement, however, limits the right of Kimberly-Clark or Ballard after
the merger to amend, terminate or discontinue any particular employee benefit
plan or program in accordance with its terms. Employees who become participants
in any employee benefit plan or program of Kimberly-Clark or any of its
subsidiaries, excluding any program with respect to retiree medical or retiree
life insurance benefits, will be given credit under the plans and programs, for
purposes of eligibility and vesting under the employee benefit plans or
programs, for all service with Ballard or its subsidiaries.
Kimberly-Clark has agreed that it will, and will cause Ballard after the
merger to, honor all of Ballard's employment and severance agreements disclosed
in the merger agreement in accordance with their terms and subject to the rights
of termination provided in the agreements.
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<PAGE> 45
After the merger, Ballard will take all actions necessary to fully vest the
account balances in Ballard's 401(k) plan of all participants whose employment
is involuntarily terminated within two years after the merger.
OPTION AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of material provisions of the option agreement,
a copy of which is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus. This
summary is not complete. For more detailed information you should review the
option agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
As a condition to Kimberly-Clark's willingness to enter into the merger
agreement, Kimberly-Clark required that Ballard enter into the option agreement
pursuant to which Ballard granted to Kimberly-Clark the option to purchase 19.9%
of the outstanding shares of Ballard common stock at an exercise price of $23.28
per share. The 19.9% is calculated as of the closing date of the purchase of
stock upon exercise of the option.
The option granted to Kimberly-Clark may be exercised only after the
occurrence of a "purchase event" or a "stockholder event." A "purchase event"
occurs if the merger agreement is terminated by Kimberly-Clark because any of
the following occurs:
- the Ballard board of directors determines in good faith that a takeover
proposal is a superior proposal and Kimberly-Clark does not propose a
change to the merger agreement so that the Ballard board no longer
believes that the takeover proposal is a superior proposal;
- the Ballard board does not recommend the merger to you, modifies its
recommendation in a manner adverse to Kimberly-Clark or rescinds its
recommendation of the merger;
- the Ballard board recommends to you any takeover proposal;
- a third party tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of Ballard's
capital stock is commenced, and the Ballard board fails to timely
recommend against the offer; or
- Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction,
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its
assets, or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Ballard.
A "stockholder event" occurs if Ballard's shareholders fail to approve the
merger at the special meeting or any adjournment of the special meeting.
The option terminates upon the earlier to occur of:
- the merger; or
- the termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms;
provided, however, if a purchase event or a stockholder event occurs, the
option will remain exercisable until:
- 180 days after the date of the termination, or, if earlier, 180 days
after the date on which Kimberly-Clark has the right to terminate the
merger agreement as described in the second, third, fourth and fifth
main bullet points above, or
- 180 days after the date of the special meeting.
After the occurrence of a purchase event, but prior to the second
anniversary of the purchase event, Kimberly-Clark has the right to cause Ballard
to repurchase the option and any common stock purchased under the option if:
- Ballard completes any merger, consolidation or any similar transaction or
any sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of Ballard and its subsidiaries considered as a whole; or
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<PAGE> 46
- any person acquires beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the then
outstanding shares of Ballard common stock.
Each of the events described in the preceding two bullet points is referred to
as a "put event."
If Kimberly-Clark exercises its repurchase right, the price will be the
greater of:
- $23.28 per share;
- the market price per share at the time of exercise; or
- the highest price per share paid in any transaction triggering a put
event or at which a tender or exchange offer which led to a put event was
made for shares of Ballard common stock.
If Kimberly-Clark has not previously exercised its repurchase right, then
six months after the later of the occurrence of a purchase event and the
termination of the merger agreement, Ballard shall have the right to repurchase
from Kimberly-Clark the option, together with all shares of Ballard common stock
subject thereto or purchased by Kimberly-Clark pursuant to the exercise of the
option and with respect to which Kimberly-Clark then has beneficial ownership.
The repurchase price will be the greater of the market price per share at the
time the right is exercised or $23.28 per share.
For three years after the occurrence of a purchase event, Kimberly-Clark or
any beneficial owner of more than 2,000,000 shares of Ballard common stock
issued pursuant to the option agreement has a one-time right to require Ballard
to file a registration statement with the SEC covering the Ballard common stock
acquired upon exercise of the option.
The option agreement was entered into by Kimberly-Clark and Ballard
concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement in an effort to increase
the likelihood that the merger will be completed in accordance with the terms
set forth in the merger agreement. Consequently, certain aspects of the option
agreement may have the effect of discouraging persons who are now, or prior to
the merger may be, interested in merging with or acquiring a significant equity
interest in Ballard or proposing an acquisition. In addition, the grant of the
option to Kimberly-Clark may make it impossible for any third party to close a
transaction with Ballard on a pooling of interests basis.
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of material provisions of the stockholder
agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex C to this proxy
statement/prospectus. This summary is not complete. For more detailed
information you should review the stockholder agreement which is incorporated
herein by reference.
As a condition to Kimberly-Clark's willingness to enter into the merger
agreement, Kimberly-Clark required that Mr. Ballard execute a stockholder
agreement pursuant to which he agreed:
- to vote, or cause to be voted, all shares of Ballard common stock he has
the right to vote to approve the merger and the merger agreement;
- to vote, against any other merger, consolidation or combination, sale of
substantial assets, sale of stock, reorganization, dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of Ballard or any of its subsidiaries or any
other takeover proposal (as defined on page 34);
- to vote against any amendment to the Ballard charter or bylaws which
would impede the merger, any change to the current Ballard board of
directors or any change in Ballard's current capitalization;
- not to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of his shares;
- not to enter into any other voting arrangement with respect to his
shares; and
- subject to his fiduciary duties as an officer and director of Ballard,
not to solicit or encourage any takeover proposal.
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<PAGE> 47
The stockholder agreement terminates upon the earliest to occur of:
- the close of business on September 30, 1999;
- the merger; or
- the termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms.
However, if a stockholder event occurs or the merger agreement is terminated for
any of the following reasons, Mr. Ballard's covenants concerning the voting and
transfer of his shares are extended for 180 days:
- the Ballard board receives a takeover proposal which it determines to be
a superior proposal (as defined on page 35);
- the Ballard board does not recommend the merger to you, modifies its
recommendation in a manner adverse to Kimberly-Clark or rescinds its
approval of the merger agreement;
- the Ballard board recommends a takeover proposal to you;
- the Ballard board does not timely recommend against a third party tender
offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of Ballard's capital stock; or
- Ballard takes specified actions with a third party to:
- effect a merger, consolidation or similar transaction,
- sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its
assets, or
- sell or otherwise dispose of securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Ballard.
Mr. Ballard owned and had the right to vote in the aggregate, 1,063,769
shares of Ballard common stock on the record date. These shares, which represent
approximately 3.45% of the shares of Ballard common stock outstanding on the
record date, are subject to the stockholder agreement.
The stockholder agreement binds the actions of Mr. Ballard only in his
capacity as a Ballard shareholder. Mr. Ballard has complete freedom pursuant to
the stockholder agreement to act in accordance with his fiduciary duties as a
director of Ballard. While he is contractually bound by the stockholder
agreement to vote as a Ballard shareholder in favor of the merger and against
other takeover proposals, should any be presented, his fiduciary duties as a
Ballard director nevertheless require him to act in his capacity as a director
in the best interests of Ballard and its shareholders.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of the Ballard board of directors with
respect to the merger agreement, the shareholders of Ballard should be aware
that certain persons, as members of Ballard's management, and in certain
instances, also as members of the Ballard board, have interests in the merger in
addition to their interests as shareholders of Ballard. The Ballard board was
aware of these interests and considered them, among other things, in adopting
the merger agreement.
CONSULTING/NONCOMPETITION/SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS WITH DALE H. BALLARD
Kimberly-Clark required, as a condition to its willingness to enter into
the merger agreement, that Kimberly-Clark and Ballard enter into a consulting
agreement, a noncompetition agreement and a severance agreement and release with
Dale H. Ballard, effective upon the merger.
The one year consulting agreement provides that Mr. Ballard will receive
$300,000 for his consulting services, as well as for entering into the
noncompetition agreement and the severance agreement and release.
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<PAGE> 48
Pursuant to the noncompetition agreement, Mr. Ballard has agreed that for
five years following the merger, he will not compete with the products,
including products in development, or professional services of PHC or Ballard.
Mr. Ballard has also agreed that, during the five year period, he will not hire
away any employee of Ballard, Kimberly-Clark or their affiliates. Further, Mr.
Ballard has agreed to a confidentiality provision which survives for three years
following the termination of the consulting agreement.
If Mr. Ballard fails to provide the required consulting services or if he
breaches the noncompetition, confidentiality or nondisparagement provisions
contained in his noncompetition agreement, then if Kimberly-Clark or Ballard
terminates the consulting agreement for those reasons, he will not be entitled
to any further payments under the agreement.
If Mr. Ballard dies or becomes disabled during the term of the consulting
agreement, Ballard will pay to his estate or to him, as applicable, all
remaining payments due under the agreement.
Mr. Ballard has also entered into a severance agreement and release,
pursuant to which he will release Kimberly-Clark, Ballard and related persons,
as of the merger, from all claims which he and his heirs and assigns may have
against Kimberly-Clark, Ballard or related persons, except for any obligation
under any agreement entered into in connection with the merger or under any
employee benefit plan.
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Kimberly-Clark also required, as a condition to its willingness to enter
into the merger agreement, that Kimberly-Clark and Ballard enter into
noncompetition agreements with the nine executive officers listed below and 14
other key employees of Ballard, in each case effective upon the merger. Pursuant
to the noncompetition agreements, each of the executive officers and key
employees agreed that during the term of his or her employment with Ballard and
for a specified period following the termination of his or her employment, he or
she would not compete with designated products and services of PHC, Ballard or
their subsidiaries. Specifically, the designated products and services include
the following:
- any products sold by or being developed as of December 23, 1998;
- any professional service offered as of December 23, 1998;
- any direct product line extension of any product, product in development
or professional service referred to in the preceding two bullet points
which is acquired or developed after December 23, 1998; and
- any other product, product in development or professional service
acquired or developed after December 23, 1998, if the executive officer
or key employee works directly with, or has sufficient and meaningful
exposure to confidential information regarding, the product, product in
development or professional service.
If an executive officer's or key employee's employment is terminated
without cause within six months following the merger, the noncompetition
provisions described above only apply to products sold or in development, or
professional services offered, by Ballard as of December 23, 1998. Pursuant to
the noncompetition agreements, each of the executive officers and key employees
also agreed that, for a specified period of time following the termination of
his or her employment, he or she will not hire away any employee of PHC, Ballard
or their subsidiaries. The executive officers and key employees also agreed to a
confidentiality provision which survives for three years following termination
of their employment. The executive officers and key employees also rescinded
their existing severance agreements with Ballard, effective upon the merger.
As consideration for the executives and key employees agreeing to the
provisions described above, the parties agreed that upon completion of the
merger, they will receive a lump sum payment from Ballard. Further, if the
executive officer or key employee dies, becomes disabled, is terminated without
cause, or, in the case of Mr. Wolcott, his employment is terminated for any
reason other than involuntary termination for cause, within a specified time
following the merger, and he or she executes a severance agreement and
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<PAGE> 49
release, or he or she remains in the employ of Ballard for a specified period of
time following the merger, he or she will receive a retention bonus payment or
termination payment, as the case may be, equal to his or her then base salary
for a specified number of months and title to a company vehicle will be
transferred to him or her. If he or she is involuntarily terminated without
cause or as a result of disability, he or she will be reimbursed for a specified
number of months of medical insurance coverage.
Set forth below is a list of each executive officer, (1) the value of his
lump sum payment (before federal and state income taxes) payable upon the
completion of the merger; (2) the number of months of base salary payable upon
death, disability or at the end of his retention period; (3) alternatively, the
number of months of base salary payable in the case of earlier terminations of
employment as described above; and (4) the term of his noncompetition agreement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LUMP SUM RETENTION TERMINATION NONCOMPETITION
EXECUTIVE OFFICER PAYMENT BONUS PAYMENT TERM
- ----------------- -------- --------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. Martin Chamberlain....................... $70,350 18 months 15 months 2 years
Director and V.P. of Regulatory Affairs
and Secretary
Paul W. Hess................................ 192,150 24 months 21 months 3 years
Director and General Counsel
Harold R. Wolcott........................... 240,975 24 months 21 months 3 years
Executive V.P.
Donald C. Eiring............................ 181,125 24 months 21 months 3 years
V.P. of Sales -- Critical Care
Dennis B. Cox............................... 120,750 18 months 15 months 2.5 years
V.P. of Sales and
Marketing -- Interventional
Chris Thomas................................ 196,875 24 months 21 months 3 years
V.P. -- Corporate Development
Bradford D. Bell............................ 60,375 12 months 9 months 2 years
V.P. of International Sales
Kenneth R. Sorenson......................... 104,000 18 months 15 months 2 years
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Clyde H. Baker.............................. 75,000 12 months 9 months 2 years
V.P. of Sales and Marketing -- Primary
Care
</TABLE>
INDEMNIFICATION
For six years after the effective time of the merger, Kimberly-Clark has
agreed to maintain, or will cause Ballard to maintain, certain rights to
indemnification in favor of each present and former director or officer of
Ballard and its subsidiaries and to maintain Ballard's existing directors' and
officers' liability insurance policy or provide a similar policy, subject to
certain limitations. See "TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT -- Indemnification;
Directors' and Officers' Insurance."
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<PAGE> 50
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
As a result of the merger, you will receive Kimberly-Clark common stock in
exchange for your shares of Ballard common stock. The following is a summary of
certain material differences between the rights of holders of Kimberly-Clark
common stock and the rights of holders of Ballard common stock. These
differences arise in part from the differences between Delaware law and Utah
law. Additional differences arise from the governing instruments of the two
companies, which, in the case of Kimberly-Clark, are the Kimberly-Clark charter
and the Kimberly-Clark by-laws, and, in the case of Ballard, are the Ballard
charter and the Ballard bylaws. Although it is impractical to compare all of the
aspects in which Delaware law and Utah law and Kimberly-Clark's and Ballard's
governing instruments differ with respect to stockholders' rights, the following
discussion summarizes certain significant differences between them.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMENDMENT OF CHARTER DOCUMENTS
<S> <C>
Unless a certificate of incorporation otherwise To amend a Utah corporation's articles of
provides, Delaware law requires approval by holders incorporation, Utah law requires the approval of
of a majority of the voting power of a corporation shareholders holding a majority of the voting power
and by holders of a majority of outstanding stock of entitled to vote on the matter unless otherwise
each class entitled to vote on the matter as a class specified in the corporation's articles of
in order to amend a corporation's certificate of incorporation, except that the board of directors of
incorporation. The Kimberly-Clark charter provides the corporation may, without shareholder approval,
for the affirmative vote of the holders of not less make nominal changes to the corporation's articles or
than 80% of the shares having voting power to amend, effect a share split. The Ballard charter does not
alter, change, repeal, or adopt any provision specify otherwise.
inconsistent with provisions of the Kimberly-Clark
charter regarding the following:
- preferred stock issuance and rights;
- actions required to be effected at a meeting of
stockholders;
- procedure for calling meetings of stockholders;
- powers, structure and procedures of the board of
directors; and
- amendments to the Kimberly-Clark charter.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMENDMENT AND REPEAL OF BYLAWS
<S> <C>
Delaware law provides that holders of a majority of Utah law provides that both the shareholders and the
the voting power of a corporation, and, when provided directors have the power to amend a corporation's
in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of bylaws, except to the extent that the articles and/or
the corporation, have the power to adopt, amend and the bylaws reserve this power exclusively to the
repeal the by-laws of the corporation. The shareholders. The Ballard bylaws require that
Kimberly-Clark charter grants the directors of amendments be approved by the affirmative vote of
Kimberly-Clark the power to adopt, amend and repeal two-thirds of the entire board of directors, but the
the by-laws. vote of a majority of the shareholders may repeal any
amendment approved by the board.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 51
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
<S> <C>
Delaware law provides that directors may be removed Utah law provides that directors may be removed, with
from office, with or without cause, by the holders of or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the
a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an holders of a majority of the voting power of a
election of directors, except that members of a corporation unless the corporation's articles
classified board may be removed only for cause, otherwise provide. The Ballard charter does not
unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise provide.
otherwise. If the corporation has cumulative voting,
certain other voting requirements apply. The
Kimberly-Clark charter provides that a director may
be removed only for cause by:
- the affirmative vote of 80% of the then-
outstanding shares entitled to vote for the
election of the director; or
- the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire
board at any time prior to the expiration of his
term of office.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RIGHT TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
<S> <C>
Delaware law permits special meetings of stockholders Utah law provides that a special meeting may be
to be called by the board of directors and such other called by a majority of a corporation's directors,
persons, including stockholders, as a certificate of holders of at least 10% of the votes entitled to be
incorporation or by-laws may provide. Delaware law cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the
does not require that stockholders be given the right meeting, or any other person authorized by the bylaws
to call special meetings. The Kimberly-Clark charter to call a special meeting. In addition, the Ballard
provides that special meetings may be called only by bylaws authorize the President of Ballard to call a
the following: special meeting.
- the Kimberly-Clark board pursuant to a resolution
adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the entire board;
- the chairman of the board; or
- the chief executive officer.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING
<S> <C>
Delaware law provides that any action that may be Utah law provides that any action that may be taken
taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a
without a meeting, without prior notice and without a meeting, without prior notice, if the holders of
vote, if the holders of common stock having not less common stock having not less than the minimum number
than the minimum number of votes otherwise required of votes otherwise required to approve the action at
to approve the action at a meeting of stockholders a meeting of shareholders consent in writing, unless
consent in writing, unless otherwise provided by a otherwise provided by a corporation's certificate of
corporation's certificate of incorporation. The incorporation. The Ballard charter does not otherwise
Kimberly-Clark charter specifically denies provide.
Kimberly-Clark stockholders the power to consent in
writing without a meeting to the taking of any action
other than the following:
</TABLE>
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- dissolution of Kimberly-Clark;
- the sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or
substantially all of the property and assets of
Kimberly-Clark; or
- the adoption of an agreement of merger or
consolidation.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS VOTING
<S> <C>
Delaware law requires voting by separate classes with Utah law provides that holders of a particular class
respect to amendments to a corporation's certificate of shares are entitled to vote as a separate class if
of incorporation that increase or decrease the the rights of that class are affected in certain
aggregate number of authorized shares or the par respects by mergers, consolidations or amendments to
value of the shares of any of those classes, or that the articles of incorporation.
alter or change the powers, preferences or special
rights of the shares of those classes so as to affect
them adversely.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS AND BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
<S> <C>
Delaware law provides generally that any person who, Utah law provides that any person or entity that
together with any affiliate or associate of such acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting shares
person acquires 15% or more of a corporation's voting of a publicly held Utah corporation is denied voting
stock (thereby becoming an "interested stockholder") rights with respect to the acquired shares unless a
may not engage in a wide range of "business majority of the disinterested shareholders of the
combinations" with the corporation for a period of corporation votes to restore the voting rights. The
three years following the date the person became an shareholders of the corporation must consider the
interested stockholder, unless: status of those voting rights at the next annual or
special meeting of shareholders. The acquiror may
- the board of directors of the corporation has accelerate the decision and require the corporation
approved, prior to the acquisition date, either to hold a special meeting of shareholders for the
the business combination or the transaction that purpose of considering the status of those rights if
resulted in the person becoming an interested the acquiror
stockholder;
- upon closing of the transaction that resulted in - files an "acquiring person statement" with the
the person becoming an interested stockholder, corporation; and
that person owns at least 85% of the corporation's - agrees to pay all expenses of the meeting.
voting stock outstanding at the time the
transaction commenced, excluding shares owned by If the shareholders do not vote to restore voting
persons who are directors and also officers and rights to the control shares, the corporation may, if
shares owned by employee stock plans in which its articles or bylaws so provide, redeem the control
participants do not have the right to determine shares from the acquiror at fair market value. An
confidentially whether shares will be tendered in a acquisition pursuant to an agreement to which the
tender or exchange offer; or corporation is a party and which is conducted
pursuant to the merger provisions of Utah law, which
- the business combination is approved by the board generally will require shareholder approval, is not
of directors and authorized by the affirmative considered a "control share acquisition" and is
vote, at an annual or special meeting and not by therefore exempt from these provisions of Utah law.
written consent, of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting stock not owned by the A corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws
interested stockholder. may provide that these provisions of Utah law do not
apply to control share acquisitions of shares of the
corporation after the adoption of the provision
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 53
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
These restrictions on interested stockholders do not in the articles of incorporation or bylaws. Neither
apply under certain circumstances, including, but not the Ballard charter nor the Ballard bylaws contain
limited to, the following: such a provision.
- if the corporation's original certificate of
incorporation contains a provision expressly
electing not to be governed by Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law; or
- if the corporation, by action of its
stockholders, adopts an amendment to its bylaws
or certificate of incorporation expressly
electing not to be governed by Section 203, with
the amendment to became effective 12 months
thereafter.
Neither the Kimberly-Clark charter nor the
Kimberly-Clark by-laws contain a provision electing
not to be governed by Section 203.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIVIDENDS
<S> <C>
Delaware law provides that a corporation may declare Utah law provides that a corporation may pay
and pay dividends out of any surplus, and, if it has dividends so long as the corporation is solvent and
no surplus, out of any net profits for the fiscal payment of the dividend would not render the
year in which the dividend was declared or for the corporation insolvent, provided that the payment will
preceding fiscal year. If, however, the capital of not reduce capital represented by all classes of
the corporation has been diminished to an amount less shares having a preference upon the distribution of
than the aggregate amount of capital represented by assets, unless the articles otherwise provide. The
all issued and outstanding classes of shares having a Ballard charter does not otherwise provide.
preference upon the distribution of assets, the
directors of the corporation may not declare and pay
dividends out of net profits until the deficiency has
been repaired, provided that the payment will not
reduce capital below the amount of capital
represented by all classes of shares having a
preference upon the distribution of assets.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR LIABILITY
<S> <C>
Delaware law allows a corporation to include in its Utah law permits a corporation, if so provided in its
certificate of incorporation, and the Kimberly-Clark articles, its bylaws or in a shareholder resolution,
charter contains, a provision eliminating the to eliminate or limit the personal liability of a
liability of a director for monetary damages for a director for monetary damages due to any action taken
breach of the director's fiduciary duties as a or any failure to take action as a director, except
director, except liability: liability for:
- for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty - improper financial benefit received;
to Kimberly-Clark or the Kimberly-Clark - intentional infliction of harm on the corporation
stockholders; or its shareholders;
- for acts or omissions not in good faith or that - payment of dividends to shareholders making the
involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation corporation insolvent; and
of law; - intentional violations of criminal law.
- under a provision of Delaware law which deals
generally with unlawful payments of
The Ballard charter so limits the personal liability
</TABLE>
47
<PAGE> 54
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions; of directors.
and
- for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOTING RIGHTS
<S> <C>
Unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise Under Utah law, unless the articles of incorporation
provides, Delaware law entitles each stockholder to provide differently, each shareholder is entitled to
one vote for each share of capital stock held by the one vote for each whole share and a fractional vote
stockholder. Delaware law also provides for the for each corresponding fractional share held by each
election of directors by cumulative voting, if so respective shareholder. In addition, unless the
provided in the certificate of incorporation. articles of incorporation otherwise provide, Utah law
Although the Kimberly-Clark charter does not alter denies shareholders the right to cumulate their votes
this rule with respect to holders of Kimberly-Clark in the election of directors and directors are
common stock, it grants the directors the power to elected by a plurality vote in favor of the director
determine the voting rights of any preferred stock. by the shareholders entitled to vote on the election
The holders of Kimberly-Clark Series A Junior of directors. The Ballard charter does not alter this
Participating Preferred Stock have 100 votes per provision.
share on all matters submitted to the stockholders
for vote. As of the date of this proxy
statement/prospectus, there are of no shares of
Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The
Kimberly-Clark charter does not provide its
stockholders with cumulative voting rights.
Kimberly-Clark directors are elected by a majority
vote of stockholders entitled to vote on the election
of directors in favor of the director. Stockholders
may vote either in person or by proxy so long as a
quorum is present at the stockholder meeting.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASSIFICATION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
<S> <C>
Delaware law enables directors to be divided into up Pursuant to Utah law, articles of incorporation may
to three classes in either the certificate of provide for two or three staggered terms of
incorporation or the bylaws. The Kimberly-Clark directors. The Ballard charter does not classify
charter divides the directors into three classes with directors.
each class to serve a staggered three year term.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
<S> <C>
Under Delaware law, directors have a fiduciary Under Utah law, directors have fiduciary duties to
relationship to the corporation and its stockholders the corporation and its shareholders. Directors must
and are required to discharge their duties in good discharge their duties in good faith, with the care
faith, and in a manner reasonably believed to be in that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position
the best interests of the corporation and its would use under similar circumstances and in a manner
stockholders. Directors must use the same care, which the director reasonably believes to be in the
including reasonable inquiry, skill and diligence, best interests of the corporation. A director is not
that a person of ordinary prudence would exercise liable to the corporation or its shareholders for any
under similar circumstances. In the absence of a action taken, or failure to take any action, unless
breach of a fiduciary duty, a lack of good faith or the director breached a fiduciary duty and the breach
self-dealing, any act of the board of directors, a constitutes gross negligence, willful misconduct or
committee thereof or an individual director is
</TABLE>
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KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
presumed to be in the best interests of the intentional infliction of harm on the corporation or
corporation. Delaware courts also impose upon the shareholders.
directors a duty of care which requires directors to
exercise informed business judgment, whereby
directors must inform themselves of all reasonably
available material information. In addition, Delaware
courts have found a heightened standard of conduct to
be imposed on directors when responding to a proposed
change in control or engaging in a sale or auction of
the corporation.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
<S> <C>
Under Delaware law, a board of directors must have Utah law provides that a corporation's board of
one or more members, as fixed by, or in the manner directors must have at least three members as
provided by, the bylaws unless fixed by the specified in the bylaws. The Ballard bylaws provide
certificate of incorporation. The Kimberly-Clark for a board of directors consisting of five members.
charter provides that the Kimberly-Clark board of The Ballard board of directors may increase or
directors must have at least 11 but no more than 25 decrease the number of directors by a majority vote
members, the number to be determined by the of the directors provided that the board may not have
Kimberly-Clark board of directors. The Kimberly-Clark more than 11 nor less than three members. A vacancy
board of directors currently consists of 12 members. on the board of directors may be filled by the
Any vacancies and newly created directorships may be shareholders, the Ballard board of directors, or if
filled by the remaining directors, subject to the the remaining directors constitute less than a
rights of the holders of any outstanding quorum, by a majority vote of the remaining
Kimberly-Clark preferred stock or any other class of directors.
Kimberly-Clark capital stock, except its common
stock.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
<S> <C>
The Kimberly-Clark charter restricts the manner in The Ballard bylaws restrict the business that may be
which nominations for directors may be made by transacted at a special meeting of the shareholders
stockholders. The Kimberly-Clark by-laws restrict the to the subjects stated in the notice of the meeting.
business that may be transacted at a special meeting
of the stockholders to the subjects stated in the
notice of the meeting.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROVAL OF MERGERS AND ASSET SALES
<S> <C>
Under Delaware law, unless required by the Under Utah law, unless the articles of incorporation
certificate of incorporation, no vote of the provide otherwise, the board of directors of a
stockholders of a constituent corporation surviving a corporation whose shares will be acquired in a share
merger is necessary to authorize the merger if: exchange must submit the plan of merger to the
shareholders for approval, unless the corporation is
- the merger agreement does not amend the the surviving corporation or the plan of share
certificate of incorporation of the corporation; exchange otherwise provides. The plan of merger must
- each share of stock of the corporation be approved by a majority of all the votes entitled
outstanding prior to the merger will be an to be cast by each voting group. The Ballard charter
identical or treasury share of the surviving does not otherwise provide.
corporation after the merger; and
- either no shares of common stock of the surviving
corporation and no shares, securities
</TABLE>
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KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
or obligations convertible into such common
stock are to be issued under the merger
agreement, or the number of shares of common
stock issued or so issuable does not exceed 20%
of the number outstanding immediately prior to
the merger.
The Kimberly-Clark charter does not otherwise provide
for a vote in such circumstances.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<S> <C>
Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any Utah law and the Ballard bylaws permit a corporation
person who, by reason of the fact that the person is to indemnify any person made a party to a proceeding
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the who is or was a director or an officer, against
corporation, was or is a party or is threatened to be liability in the proceeding if:
made a party to:
- any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, - his conduct was in good faith;
criminal, administrative or investigative, other
than an action by or in the right of the - he reasonably believed his conduct was in, or not
corporation, against expenses, including attorneys' opposed to, the corporation's best interests; and
fees, judgments, fines and reasonable settlement
amounts if the person acted in good faith and - in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no
reasonably believed that his actions were in or not reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
opposed to the best interests of the corporation unlawful.
and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was Utah law prohibits indemnification of a director if a
unlawful; or director is adjudged liable to the corporation in the
following circumstances:
- any derivative action or suit on behalf of the
corporation against expenses, including attorneys' - in connection with a proceeding by or in the right
fees, actually and reasonably incurred in of the corporation; or
connection with the defense or settlement of the - in connection with a proceeding charging that the
action or suit, if the person acted in good faith director derived an improper personal benefit,
and reasonably believed that his actions were in or whether or not involving action in the director's
not opposed to the best interests of the official capacity, the director is adjudged liable
corporation. on the basis of the improper personal benefit
derived by the director.
With respect to derivative suits and actions, in the
event that a person is adjudged to be liable to the Furthermore, under Utah law, a corporation must,
corporation, Delaware law prohibits indemnification unless limited by the articles of incorporation,
unless, and then only to the extent that, either the indemnify a director who was successful, on the
Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any
derivative action or suit was brought determines that proceeding, or in the defense of any claim, issue or
the person is entitled to indemnification for those matter in the proceeding, to which he was a party
expenses which that court deems proper. To the extent because he is or was a director of the corporation
that a representative of a corporation has been against reasonable expenses incurred by him in
successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense connection with the defense. The Ballard charter does
of the third party or derivative action or suit on not otherwise provide. The Ballard bylaws further
behalf of the corporation, indemnification for actual provide for the permissive advancement of certain
and reasonable expenses incurred in the defense of a expenses to directors, subject to certain
limitations, including the delivery of an undertaking
to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined
that the director failed to meet the standard of
conduct set forth above.
</TABLE>
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KIMBERLY-CLARK BALLARD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
third party or derivative action, indemnification for
actual and reasonable expenses incurred is mandatory.
The Kimberly-Clark by-laws provide for
indemnification of directors and officers of
Kimberly-Clark to the maximum extent permitted under
Delaware law. The Kimberly-Clark by-laws further
provide for the permissive advancement of certain
expenses in accordance with Delaware law, subject to
certain limitations, including the delivery of an
undertaking to reimburse all amounts so advanced to
which a person is determined by a court not to be
entitled.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RIGHTS
<S> <C>
Kimberly-Clark has issued the Kimberly-Clark rights Ballard is not party to any similar plan and has
and is party to the Kimberly-Clark rights agreement. neither authorized nor issued similar securities.
For a description of the Kimberly-Clark rights, see
"DESCRIPTION OF KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK --
Stockholder Rights Plan."
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIQUIDATION
<S> <C>
Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Under Utah law, upon the liquidation, dissolution or
the affairs of Kimberly-Clark, the holders of winding up of the affairs of a corporation, after the
Kimberly-Clark common stock are entitled to share payment of all liabilities, the remaining property is
ratably in all assets of Kimberly-Clark available for distributed among the shareholders according to their
distribution to them after the payment of all debts ownership interest.
and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights of
the holders of any outstanding series of
Kimberly-Clark preferred stock.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREEMPTIVE, SUBSCRIPTION OR REDEMPTION RIGHTS
<S> <C>
The holders of Kimberly-Clark common stock do not The holders of Ballard common stock do not have
have preemptive, subscription, redemption or preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion
conversion rights. rights.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 58
DESCRIPTION OF KIMBERLY-CLARK CAPITAL STOCK
While the following summary of the terms of the capital stock of
Kimberly-Clark sets forth all material terms of the Kimberly-Clark capital
stock, it is not complete. You should review the Kimberly-Clark charter, the
Kimberly-Clark by-laws and the rights agreement dated as of June 21, 1988, as
amended and restated as of June 8, 1995 with The First National Bank of Boston,
as rights agent. The First National Bank of Boston is now known as BankBoston
N.A. Copies of the Kimberly-Clark charter, the Kimberly-Clark by-laws and the
Kimberly-Clark rights agreement are incorporated by reference herein and will be
sent to holders of shares of Ballard common stock upon request. See "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION."
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
As of August 1, 1999, Kimberly-Clark's authorized capital stock consisted
of: 1,200,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.25 par value, and 20,000,000 shares
of preferred stock, without par value, of which 2,000,000 shares have been
designated as "Kimberly-Clark Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock." At
the close of business on August 1, 1999, there were 532,729,409 shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock outstanding and no shares of Series A Preferred
Stock outstanding.
KIMBERLY-CLARK COMMON STOCK
The holders of Kimberly-Clark common stock are entitled to one vote for
each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Subject to the full cumulative dividends on any outstanding preferred stock
having been paid, dividends may be declared and paid on the shares of common
stock out of any funds or property legally available therefor. In the event of a
liquidation or dissolution of Kimberly-Clark, holders of common stock are
entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities
and the liquidation preference and accumulated and unpaid dividends of any
outstanding preferred stock.
The holders of Kimberly-Clark common stock do not have preemptive,
subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The outstanding shares of
Kimberly-Clark common stock are, and the shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock
to be delivered pursuant to the merger will be, duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable. The outstanding shares of Kimberly-Clark common
stock are, and the shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock to be delivered
pursuant to the merger will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange.
KIMBERLY-CLARK PREFERRED STOCK
The Kimberly-Clark board of directors is authorized to approve the issuance
of any series of preferred stock and to determine the powers, preferences and
rights of the shares of the series and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof without further action by the holders of Kimberly-Clark
common stock.
One of the effects of authorized but unissued and reserved shares of
capital stock may be to render more difficult or discourage an attempt by a
potential acquiror to obtain control of Kimberly-Clark by means of a merger,
tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of
Kimberly-Clark's management. The issuance of the shares of capital stock may
have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of
Kimberly-Clark without any further action by the stockholders of Kimberly-Clark.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Boston EquiServe is the transfer agent and registrar for the Kimberly-Clark
common stock and preferred stock.
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<PAGE> 59
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING; DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF BALLARD COMMON STOCK
It is a condition to the merger that the shares of Kimberly-Clark common
stock issuable in the merger be approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange on or prior to the effective time of the merger. If the merger is
consummated, Ballard common stock will cease to be listed on the New York Stock
Exchange.
STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS PLAN
Pursuant to the rights agreement, each holder of an outstanding share of
Kimberly-Clark common stock has received one Kimberly-Clark right entitling the
holder to purchase from Kimberly-Clark, at a price of $112.50, subject to
adjustment, one two-hundredth of a share of Kimberly-Clark Series A Preferred
Stock on or after the Kimberly-Clark distribution date.
For each share of Kimberly-Clark common stock you receive in connection
with the merger, you will receive one Kimberly-Clark right. The Kimberly-Clark
rights are not, however, currently evidenced by separate certificates.
Until the earlier to occur of:
- 10 days after the first public announcement that a person or group other
than a Kimberly-Clark related entity has become the beneficial owner of
20% or more of the outstanding shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock; or
- 10 business days, unless extended by the Kimberly-Clark board of
directors in accordance with the rights agreement, after the commencement
of, or the first public announcement of the intention to make, a tender
or exchange offer the closing of which would result in any person or
group other than a Kimberly-Clark related entity becoming a 20%
beneficial owner,
the Kimberly-Clark rights will be evidenced only by certificates representing
Kimberly-Clark common stock, will be transferable only in connection with the
transfer of the Kimberly-Clark common stock and will not be exercisable. After
the earlier of such two dates, the Kimberly-Clark rights become exercisable, and
separate certificates evidencing the Kimberly-Clark rights will be mailed to the
registered holders of outstanding shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock. The
separate certificates will thereafter be the sole evidence of the Kimberly-Clark
rights.
If any person or group other than a Kimberly-Clark related entity becomes
the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Kimberly-Clark
common stock, proper provision will be made so that each registered holder of a
Kimberly-Clark right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the
exercise thereof at a price equal to the then current Kimberly-Clark purchase
price multiplied by the number of one two-hundredths of a share of Series A
Preferred Stock for which a Kimberly-Clark right is then exercisable, the number
of shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock having a market value of two times the
price. After the occurrence of the event described in the preceding sentence,
all Kimberly-Clark rights which are, or under circumstances specified in the
rights agreement were, beneficially owned by the person or group will be void.
In addition, after the first public announcement that any person or group has
become a 20% beneficial owner, in the event that Kimberly-Clark is acquired in a
merger or other business combination or 50% or more of its consolidated assets
or earning power are sold, proper provision will be made so that each registered
holder of a Kimberly-Clark right, except Kimberly-Clark rights which have become
void will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at a
price equal to the then current Kimberly-Clark purchase price multiplied by the
number of one two-hundredths of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for which a
Kimberly-Clark right is then exercisable, the number of common shares of the
acquiring company which at the time of the transaction will have a market value
of two times the price.
Under certain circumstances, Kimberly-Clark may redeem the Kimberly-Clark
rights, in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.005 per Kimberly-Clark right
or exchange the Kimberly-Clark rights, except rights which have become void, in
whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of Kimberly-Clark
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<PAGE> 60
common stock per Kimberly-Clark right, in each case subject to adjustment. The
Kimberly-Clark rights will expire on June 8, 2005, unless earlier redeemed or
exchanged or unless the expiration date is extended by the Kimberly-Clark board.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS WITH INTERESTED STOCKHOLDERS
Delaware law prohibits generally a public Delaware corporation, including
Kimberly-Clark, from engaging in a business combination with an interested
stockholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in
which a person became an interested stockholder, unless:
- the board of directors of the corporation approved, prior to the date a
person became an interested stockholder, either the business combination
or the transaction;
- upon closing of the transaction, the interested stockholder owns at least
85% of the voting shares of the corporation, excluding specified shares;
or
- the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the
corporation and authorized by the affirmative vote at an annual or
special meeting and not by written consent of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation, excluding shares held by
the interested stockholder.
A "business combination" includes:
- mergers, consolidations and sales or other dispositions of 10% or more of
the assets of a corporation to or with an interested stockholder,
- certain transactions resulting in the issuance or transfer to an
interested stockholder of any stock of the corporation or its
subsidiaries, and
- other transactions resulting in a disproportionate financial benefit to
an interested stockholder.
An "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with its affiliates and
associates, owns, or within a three-year period did own, 15% or more of a
corporation's stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
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<PAGE> 61
BUSINESS OF KIMBERLY-CLARK
Kimberly-Clark manufactures and markets throughout the world a wide range
of products for personal, business and industrial uses. Most of these products
are made from natural and synthetic fibers using advanced technologies in
fibers, nonwovens and absorbency. Kimberly-Clark's businesses are separated into
three segments: tissue, personal care, and health care and other. Consolidated
net sales of its products and services totaled approximately $12.3 billion in
1998 and $6.27 billion for the six months ended June 30, 1999.
The tissue segment includes facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels and
wipes for household and away-from-home use, wet wipes, printing, premium
business and correspondence papers, and related products. Products in this
business segment are sold under the Kleenex, Scott, Kimberly-Clark, Kleenex
Cottonelle, Kleenex Viva, Huggies, Kimwipes, Wypall and other brand names.
The personal care segment includes disposable diapers, training and youth
pants, feminine and incontinence care products, and related products. Products
in this business segment are primarily for household use and are sold under a
variety of well-known brand names, including Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers,
GoodNites, Kotex, New Freedom, Lightdays, Depend, Poise and KimCare.
The health care and other segment includes health care products such as
surgical packs and gowns, sterilization wraps, disposable face masks, specialty
and technical papers and related products, and other products. Products in this
segment are sold under the Kimberly-Clark, Tecnol and other brand names.
Kimberly-Clark was incorporated in Delaware in 1928 as the successor to a
business established in 1872. For further information concerning Kimberly-Clark,
see "SUMMARY -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation Selected Consolidated Financial Data"
and "WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION."
BUSINESS OF BALLARD
Ballard is an innovative medical technology company, offering a range of
specialized medical devices. Ballard reported net sales of approximately $150.1
million in its 1998 fiscal year and $110.2 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 1999.
Ballard sells disposable products in the following principal markets:
closed suctioning, chronic enteral feeding, surgical hand washes, endoscopy,
heart stimulation electrodes, pain management, and H. pylori diagnosis.
Ballard's TRACH CARE(R) closed suction catheter and MIC(R) enteral feeding and
endoscopic product families accounted for approximately 76% of Ballard's net
sales for the nine months ended June 30, 1999. Ballard products are sold in 62
countries, and the customers purchasing Ballard products include more than
12,500 hospitals and other medical care facilities worldwide. Ballard owns
numerous patents and patent applications with respect to its products.
Although the United States continues to be the principal market for
Ballard's products, in its fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, net sales
outside the United States exceeded 10% for the first time in Ballard's history.
For the nine months ended June 30, 1999, international sales were approximately
17% of total net sales. Ballard's 132-person sales force is complemented by a
distribution system comprised of specialty and general line dealers.
Sales by Ballard are generated in many areas within a hospital, such as
intensive care units, emergency services, anesthesiology departments, oncology
departments, pain clinics, gastrointestinal and radiology procedure rooms, burn
units, respiratory therapy, bone marrow transplant units, general nursing
floors, and post-anesthesia care units, as well as the main hospital operating
room and outpatient/satellite surgical centers. A second important market for
certain of Ballard's products is the alternate care market. Alternate care site
sales continue to improve as patients are moved into these locations at an
increasing rate.
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<PAGE> 62
Ballard has a 393,735 square foot manufacturing facility located in Draper,
Utah and a 208,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Pocatello, Idaho.
Ballard also has a laboratory in Charlottesville, Virginia (leased in connection
with the Tri-Med Specialties acquisition) and a 22,000 square foot manufacturing
facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (subleased in connection with the
Wiltek Medical acquisition). Ballard has approximately 1,350 full-time
employees, approximately 844 of whom are hourly production employees.
Ballard was organized in 1978 and its shares have been publicly-traded
since 1983.
For further information concerning Ballard, see "SUMMARY -- Ballard Medical
Products Consolidated Financial Data" and "WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION."
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial
statement schedule of Kimberly-Clark as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, incorporated by
reference herein, and the consolidated financial statements and related
consolidated financial statement schedules of Ballard as of September 30, 1998
and 1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30,
1998, also incorporated by reference herein, have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are also
incorporated by reference herein, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The financial statements of Tri-Med Specialties, Inc., which was acquired
by Ballard in 1998, as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and for the year ended
September 30, 1997, were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants, as stated in their report, which is incorporated by reference
herein and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the
special meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to
do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. Representatives
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are not expected to be present at the special
meeting.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock being offered
hereby is being passed on for Kimberly-Clark by O. George Everbach, Senior Vice
President-Law and Government Affairs of Kimberly-Clark. Mr. Everbach owned
59,648 shares of Kimberly-Clark common stock as of August 1, 1999, held options
to acquire 328,718 shares of such common stock, of which 205,917 options are
currently exercisable or will become exercisable in 60 days from such date, and,
as of July 30, 1999, 16,701.23 shares of such common stock were attributable to
his account under the Kimberly-Clark Corporation Salaried Employees Incentive
Investment Plan.
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, counsel to Kimberly-Clark, and Coudert Brothers,
counsel to Ballard, have delivered opinions concerning certain federal income
tax consequences of the merger.
SUBMISSION OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Due to the contemplated closing of the merger, Ballard does not currently
expect to hold a 1999 annual meeting of shareholders because, following the
merger, Ballard will not be a publicly-traded company. If the merger is not
consummated and the meeting is held, to be eligible for inclusion in Ballard's
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the meeting, proposals of
shareholders intended to be presented at the 1999 annual meeting must be
received by Ballard no later than December 17, 1999.
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<PAGE> 63
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Kimberly-Clark and Ballard file annual, quarterly and special reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any
reports, statements or other information filed by either company at the SEC's
public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago,
Illinois. The public reference room at the SEC's office in Washington, D.C. is
located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the public reference rooms. The companies' SEC filings
are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and
at the web site maintained by the SEC at "http://www.sec.gov."
Kimberly-Clark has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 to register
with the SEC the Kimberly-Clark common stock to be delivered to Ballard
shareholders in the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that
registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of Kimberly-Clark in
addition to being a proxy statement of Ballard for the special meeting. As
allowed by SEC rules, this proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all the
information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the
registration statement.
The federal securities laws allow Ballard and Kimberly-Clark to
"incorporate by reference" information into this proxy statement/prospectus,
which means important information may be disclosed to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by
reference is deemed to be part of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for
any information superseded by information in, or incorporated by reference in,
this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/ prospectus incorporates
by reference the documents set forth below that have been previously filed with
the SEC. These documents contain important information about our companies and
their finances.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BALLARD SEC FILINGS (FILE NO. 001-12318) PERIOD
Annual Report on Form 10-K Year ended September 30, 1998.
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Year ended September 30, 1998.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended December 31, 1998.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A Quarter ended December 31, 1998.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 1999.
Current Report on Form 8-K Dated December 23, 1998.
KIMBERLY-CLARK SEC FILINGS
(FILE NO. 001-00225) PERIOD
Annual Report on Form 10-K Year ended December 31, 1998.
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Year ended December 31,1998.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A Quarter ended March 31, 1999.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 1999.
Current Reports on Form 8-K Dated January 26, 1999, March 12, 1999,
March 16, 1999, and July 22, 1999.
</TABLE>
Kimberly-Clark and Ballard are also incorporating by reference additional
documents that either company may file with the SEC between the date of this
proxy statement/prospectus and the date of the special meeting. If any document
Kimberly-Clark or Ballard files with the SEC during that time period changes in
any way a statement made in any earlier document, including this document, you
should consider the most recently reported information to be the correct
information making the earlier statements invalid to the extent they are
modified.
Kimberly-Clark has supplied all information contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus relating to Kimberly-Clark, and
Ballard has supplied all the information relating to Ballard.
If you are a shareholder, Ballard may have sent you some of the Ballard
documents incorporated by reference, but you may obtain any of them through
either Ballard or the SEC. Documents incorporated by reference are available
from either company without charge, excluding all exhibits unless specifically
57
<PAGE> 64
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. Shareholders may
obtain free copies of documents incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus or those that are exhibits to the Form S-4 by requesting
them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate party at the following
address:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For Ballard Documents: For Kimberly-Clark Documents:
Ballard Medical Products Kimberly-Clark Corporation
12050 Lone Peak Parkway P. O. Box 619100
Draper, Utah 84020 Dallas, Texas 75261-9100
Tel: (801) 572-6800 Tel: (972) 281-1200
Fax: (801) 523-5396 Fax: (972) 281-1519
Attention: E. Martin Chamberlain, Attention: Stockholder Services
Secretary
Web site: www.bmed.com Web site: www.kimberly-clark.com
</TABLE>
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST DOCUMENTS FROM EITHER COMPANY, PLEASE DO SO BY
SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 TO RECEIVE THEM BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus to vote on the approval of the
merger agreement. Neither Ballard nor Kimberly-Clark has authorized anyone to
provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this
proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus is dated August ,
1999. You should not assume that the information contained in the proxy
statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than such date, and
neither the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus to shareholders nor the
delivery of Kimberly-Clark common stock in the merger shall create any
implication to the contrary.
WE HAVE AUTHORIZED NO ONE TO GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED MERGER OR THE COMPANIES THAT DIFFERS FROM OR
ADDS TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT OR IN THE DOCUMENTS
KIMBERLY-CLARK AND BALLARD HAVE PUBLICLY FILED WITH THE SEC. THEREFORE, IF
ANYONE SHOULD GIVE YOU ANY DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT
RELY ON IT.
IF YOU LIVE IN A JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO OFFER TO EXCHANGE OR
SELL, OR TO ASK FOR OFFERS TO EXCHANGE OR BUY, THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS
DOCUMENT, OR TO ASK FOR PROXIES, OR, IF YOU ARE A PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL
TO DIRECT SUCH ACTIVITIES, THEN THE OFFER PRESENTED BY THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT
EXTEND TO YOU.
58
<PAGE> 65
ANNEX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Among
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS,
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
and
JAZZ ACQUISITION CORP.
Dated as of December 23, 1998
<PAGE> 66
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME....................................... A-2
1.1. The Merger.......................................................... A-2
1.2. Closing............................................................. A-2
1.3. Effective Time...................................................... A-2
1.4. Further Assurances.................................................. A-2
ARTICLE II
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION.....
A-2
2.1. The Certificate of Incorporation.................................... A-2
2.2. The By-Laws......................................................... A-3
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION....................... A-3
3.1. Directors........................................................... A-3
3.2. Officers............................................................ A-3
ARTICLE IV
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES........... A-3
4.1. Effect on Capital Stock............................................. A-3
4.2. Exchange of Certificates for Shares................................. A-4
4.3. Dissenters' Rights.................................................. A-6
4.4. Adjustments of Exchange Ratio....................................... A-6
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................ A-6
5.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company....................... A-6
(a) Organization, Good Standing and Qualification............... A-6
(b) Capital Structure........................................... A-7
(c) Corporate Authority; Approval and Fairness.................. A-7
(d) Governmental Filings; No Violations......................... A-8
(e) Company Reports; Financial Statements....................... A-8
(f) Absence of Certain Changes.................................. A-9
(g) Litigation and Liabilities.................................. A-9
(h) Employee Matters............................................ A-10
(i) Compliance with Laws; Permits............................... A-11
(j) Takeover Statutes........................................... A-11
(k) Environmental Matters....................................... A-11
(l) Tax Matters................................................. A-12
(m) Taxes....................................................... A-12
(n) Intellectual Property....................................... A-13
(o) Brokers and Finders......................................... A-14
5.2. Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub............. A-14
(a) Capitalization of Merger Sub................................ A-14
(b) Organization, Good Standing and Qualification............... A-14
(c) Capital Structure........................................... A-14
(d) Corporate Authority......................................... A-15
(e) Governmental Filings; No Violations......................... A-15
(f) Parent Reports; Financial Statements........................ A-16
(g) Absence of Certain Changes.................................. A-16
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(h) Litigation and Liabilities.................................. A-16
(i) Compliance with Laws; Permits............................... A-17
(j) Environmental Matters....................................... A-17
(k) Tax Matters................................................. A-17
(l) Ownership of Shares......................................... A-17
(m) Brokers and Finders......................................... A-17
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS................................................................. A-18
6.1. Interim Operations.................................................. A-18
6.2. Acquisition Proposals............................................... A-19
6.3. Information Supplied................................................ A-20
6.4. Stockholders Meeting................................................ A-20
6.5. Filings; Other Actions; Notification................................ A-21
6.6. Taxation............................................................ A-22
6.7. Access.............................................................. A-22
6.8. Affiliates.......................................................... A-22
6.9. Stock Exchange Listing and De-listing............................... A-23
6.10. Publicity........................................................... A-23
6.11. Options and Benefits................................................ A-23
6.12. Fees and Expenses................................................... A-24
6.13. Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance................. A-24
6.14. Takeover Statute.................................................... A-25
6.15. Parent Vote......................................................... A-25
6.16. Notification of Certain Matters..................................... A-25
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS................................................................ A-25
7.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.......... A-25
7.2. Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.................. A-26
7.3. Conditions to Obligation of the Company............................. A-27
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION............................................................... A-28
8.1. Termination......................................................... A-28
8.2. Effect of Termination............................................... A-30
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL................................................. A-31
9.1. Survival............................................................ A-31
9.2. Modification or Amendment........................................... A-31
9.3. Waiver of Conditions................................................ A-31
9.4. Counterparts........................................................ A-31
9.5. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL....................... A-31
9.6. Notices............................................................. A-32
9.7. Entire Agreement; No Other Representations.......................... A-33
9.8. No Third Party Beneficiaries........................................ A-33
9.9. Obligations of Parent and of the Company............................ A-33
9.10. Severability........................................................ A-33
9.11. Interpretation...................................................... A-33
9.12. Assignment.......................................................... A-33
9.13. Specific Performance................................................ A-33
9.14. Projections and Forward-Looking Information......................... A-34
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE> 68
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (hereinafter called this "AGREEMENT"), dated
as of December 23, 1998, among Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation (the
"COMPANY"), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("PARENT"), and
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent ("MERGER SUB," the Company and Merger Sub sometimes being hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of each of Parent, Merger Sub
and the Company have approved and declared advisable the merger of Merger Sub
with and into the Company (the "MERGER") and approved the Merger upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, whereby each issued
and outstanding share of the Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of the
Company (a "SHARE" or, collectively, the "SHARES"), not owned directly or
indirectly by Parent or the Company, will be converted into shares of Common
Stock, $1.25 par value, of Parent ("PARENT COMMON STOCK");
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent and the Company have
determined that the Merger is in furtherance of and consistent with their
respective long-term business strategies and is fair to and in the best
interests of their respective stockholders;
WHEREAS, it is intended that, for federal income tax purposes, the Merger
shall qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder (the "CODE");
WHEREAS, for financial accounting purposes, it is intended that the Merger
will be accounted for as a "purchase;"
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
as a condition to Parent's willingness to enter into this Agreement, Dale H.
Ballard, solely in his capacity as a stockholder of the Company (the
"STOCKHOLDER"), has entered into an agreement with Parent, in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A (the "COMPANY STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which the
Stockholder has agreed, among other things, to vote his Shares in favor of the
Merger; and
WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, concurrently herewith: (i) the Company and Parent are entering into a
Consulting Agreement, a Severance Agreement and Release, and a Noncompetition
Agreement with Dale H. Ballard, dated as of the date hereof; and (ii) the
Company and Parent are entering into Noncompetition Agreements with certain
other officers and key employees of the Company, each dated as of the date
hereof (collectively, such Consulting Agreement, Severance Agreement and
Release, and Noncompetition Agreements are referred to herein as the "EXECUTIVE
AGREEMENTS");
WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, the Company and Parent are simultaneously entering into the option
agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "COMPANY OPTION AGREEMENT") pursuant
to which the Company is granting an option to Parent to purchase Shares on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and
WHEREAS, the Company, Parent and Merger Sub desire to make certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE> 69
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER; CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME
1.1. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in accordance with the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act,
as amended (the "URBCA"), at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3)
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company and the separate corporate
existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease. The Company shall be the
surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter referred to as the
"SURVIVING CORPORATION"), and the separate corporate existence of the Company
with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises shall
continue unaffected by the Merger, except as set forth in Article III. The
Merger shall have the effects specified in Section 16-10a-1106 of the URBCA.
1.2. Closing. The closing of the Merger (the "CLOSING") shall take place
(i) at the offices of Coudert Brothers, 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
New York 10036 at 9:00 A.M. on the third business day after the day on which the
last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other
than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing,
but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied
or waived in accordance with this Agreement or (ii) at such other place and time
and/or on such other date as the Company and Parent may agree in writing (the
"CLOSING DATE").
1.3. Effective Time. As soon as practicable following the Closing, the
Company and Parent will cause Articles of Merger (the "UTAH ARTICLES OF MERGER")
to be executed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of Utah as
provided in Section 16-10a-1105 of the URBCA. The Merger shall become effective
when the Utah Articles of Merger have been duly filed with the Secretary of
State of Utah or, if otherwise agreed by the Company and Parent, such later date
or time as is established by the Utah Articles of Merger (the "EFFECTIVE TIME").
1.4. Further Assurances. If, at any time after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of
sale, assignments or assurances or any other acts, agreements or things are
necessary, desirable or proper (i) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or
otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation its right, title and interest in, to or
under any of the rights, privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of
either of the Constituent Corporations or (ii) otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, the Surviving Corporation and its proper officers
and directors or their designees shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in
the name and on behalf of either Constituent Corporation, all such deeds, bills
of sale, assignments and assurances and to do, in the name and on behalf of
either Constituent Corporation, all such other acts and things as may be
necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm the Surviving
Corporation's right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights,
privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of such Constituent
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION
2.1. The Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate of incorporation of
the Company as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation (the "CHARTER"), until
duly amended as provided therein or by applicable law, except that Article IV of
the Articles of Incorporation shall be amended to read in its entirety as
follows: "Article IV. Shares. The aggregate number of shares which this
corporation shall have authority to issue is one hundred (100) shares, par value
$.10 per share. All shares of the corporation shall be of the same class and
shall have the same rights and preferences. Fully paid stock of this corporation
shall not be liable to any further call or assessment."
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2.2. The By-Laws. The by-laws of the Company in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation (the
"BY-LAWS"), until thereafter amended as provided therein or by applicable law,
except that Sections 2 and 3 of Article V of the By-Laws shall be deleted and
the remainder of Article V and all cross-references to sections within Article V
shall be renumerated accordingly.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
OF THE SURVIVING CORPORATION
3.1. Directors. The directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the directors of the
Surviving Corporation until their successors have been duly elected or appointed
and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance
with the Charter and the By-Laws.
3.2. Officers. The officers of Merger Sub immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation until their successors have been duly elected or appointed
and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance
with the Charter and the By-Laws.
ARTICLE IV
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK;
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
4.1. Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, as a result of the
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder of any capital stock of
the Company:
(a) Merger Consideration. Each Share issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (other than Shares owned by Parent, Merger Sub or
any other direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent (collectively, the "PARENT
COMPANIES") or Shares that are owned by the Company or any direct or indirect
subsidiary of the Company and in each case not held on behalf of third parties
(collectively, "EXCLUDED SHARES")) shall be converted into, and become
exchangeable for, that percentage of a validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of Parent Common Stock which is equal to the Exchange Ratio
(as defined below), together with the corresponding percentage of a right (such
rights being hereinafter referred to collectively as the "PARENT RIGHTS") to
purchase shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Parent (the
"PARENT SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK") pursuant to the Rights Agreement, dated as of
June 21, 1988, as amended and restated as of June 8, 1995 (as so amended and
restated, the "PARENT RIGHTS AGREEMENT") between Parent and The First National
Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent. All references in this Agreement to Parent
Common Stock to be received in accordance with the Merger shall be deemed, from
and after the Effective Time, to include the associated Parent Rights. At the
Effective Time, all Shares shall no longer be outstanding and shall be canceled
and retired and shall cease to exist, and each certificate (a "CERTIFICATE")
formerly representing any of such Shares (other than Excluded Shares) shall
thereafter represent only the right to receive the shares of Parent Common Stock
into which such Shares have been converted, the right to purchase the Parent
Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Parent Rights Agreement and the right,
if any, to receive pursuant to Section 4.2(e) cash in lieu of fractional shares
into which such Shares have been converted pursuant to this Section 4.1(a) and
any distribution or dividend pursuant to Section 4.2(c). As used in this
Agreement, the "EXCHANGE RATIO" shall mean the quotient (rounded to the nearest
1/10,000) determined by dividing $25.00 by the average of the closing price per
share of Parent Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") for the
10 trading days immediately preceding the fifth trading day preceding the
Closing Date (the "Exchange Rate Period").
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<PAGE> 71
(b) Cancellation of Shares. Each Excluded Share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof, shall cease to be outstanding, shall
be canceled and retired without payment of any consideration therefor and shall
cease to exist.
(c) Merger Sub. At the Effective Time, each share of Common Stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be converted into one share of the Common Stock, par
value $.10 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.
4.2. Exchange of Certificates for Shares.
(a) Exchange Agent. As of the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit, or
shall cause to be deposited, with Boston Equiserve, L.P. or a commercial bank
having capital of not less than $5 billion selected by Parent with the Company's
prior approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"),
for the benefit of the holders of Shares, certificates representing the shares
of Parent Common Stock, and, after the Effective Time, if applicable, any cash,
dividends or other distributions, with respect to the Parent Common Stock, to be
issued or paid pursuant to the next to last sentence of Section 4.1(a) in
exchange for Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time upon due
surrender of the Certificates (or affidavits of loss and, if reasonably required
by Parent, indemnity bonds in lieu thereof) pursuant to the provisions of this
Article IV (such certificates for shares of Parent Common Stock, together with
the amount of any dividends or other distributions payable with respect thereto,
being hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE FUND").
(b) Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of
record of Shares (other than holders of Excluded Shares) (i) a letter of
transmittal specifying that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates (or
affidavits of loss and, if reasonably required by Parent, indemnity bonds in
lieu thereof) to the Exchange Agent, such letter of transmittal to be in such
form and have such other provisions as Parent and the Company may reasonably
agree, and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the
Certificates in exchange for (A) certificates representing shares of Parent
Common Stock and (B) any unpaid dividends and other distributions and cash in
lieu of fractional shares. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to
the Exchange Agent together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, the
holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (x)
a certificate representing that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock
that such holder is entitled to receive pursuant to this Article IV, (y) a check
in the amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) of (A) any
cash in lieu of fractional shares plus (B) any unpaid non-stock dividends and
any other dividends or other distributions that such holder has the right to
receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article IV, and the Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid or accrued on
any amount payable upon due surrender of the Certificates. In the event of a
transfer of ownership of Shares that is not registered in the transfer records
of the Company, a certificate representing the proper number of shares of Parent
Common Stock, together with a check for any cash to be paid upon due surrender
of the Certificate and any other dividends or distributions in respect thereof,
may be issued and/or paid to such a transferee if the Certificate formerly
representing such Shares is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all
documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any
applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. If any certificate for shares of
Parent Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the
Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a
condition of such exchange that (i) the Person (as defined below) requesting
such exchange shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the
issuance of certificates for shares of Parent Common Stock in a name other than
that of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered, or shall establish
to the satisfaction of Parent or the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid
or is not applicable, and (ii) that the Certificate so surrendered shall be
properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer. Parent or the
Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration
otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of the Shares such
amounts as Parent or the Exchange Agent are required to
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<PAGE> 72
deduct and withhold under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign
tax law, with respect to the making of such payment. To the extent that amounts
are so withheld by Parent or the Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be
treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of
the Shares in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made by Parent
or the Exchange Agent.
For the purposes of this Agreement, the term "PERSON" shall mean any
individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust,
association, organization, Governmental Entity (as defined in Section 5.1(d)) or
other entity of any kind or nature.
(c) Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares; Voting. (i) All
shares of Parent Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to the Merger shall be
deemed issued and outstanding as of the Effective Time and whenever a dividend
or other distribution is declared by Parent in respect of the Parent Common
Stock, the record date for which is at or after the Effective Time, that
declaration shall include dividends or other distributions in respect of all
shares issuable pursuant to this Agreement, provided that no dividends or other
distributions declared or made in respect of the Parent Common Stock with a
record date that is 10 days or more after the Effective Time shall be paid to
the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of Parent
Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of such Certificate shall
surrender such Certificate or affidavit of loss and, if reasonably required by
Parent, indemnity bond in lieu thereof in accordance with this Article IV.
Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following surrender of any such
Certificate, there shall be issued and/or paid to the holder of the certificates
representing whole shares of Parent Common Stock delivered in exchange therefor,
without interest, (A) at the time of such surrender, the dividends or other
distributions with a record date at or after the Effective Time theretofore
payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock and not paid
and (B) at the appropriate payment date, the dividends or other distributions
payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock with a record
date at or after the Effective Time but with a payment date subsequent to
surrender.
(ii) Holders of unsurrendered Certificates shall be entitled to vote
after the Effective Time at any meeting of Parent stockholders the number of
whole shares of Parent Common Stock represented by such Certificates, regardless
of whether such holders have exchanged their Certificates.
(d) Transfers. After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on
the stock transfer books of the Company of the Shares that were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(e) Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing fractional
shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates pursuant to this Article IV; no dividend or other distribution by
Parent and no stock split, combination or reclassification shall relate to any
such fractional share; and no such fractional share shall entitle the record or
beneficial owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a stockholder of
Parent. In lieu of any such fractional share, each holder of Shares who would
otherwise have been entitled thereto upon the surrender of Certificate(s) for
exchange pursuant to this Article IV will be paid an amount in cash (without
interest) rounded up to the nearest whole cent, determined by multiplying (i)
the per share closing price on the NYSE of Parent Common Stock (as reported in
the NYSE Composite Transactions) on the date on which the Effective Time shall
occur (or, if the Parent Common Stock shall not trade on the NYSE on such date,
the first day of trading in Parent Common Stock on the NYSE thereafter) by (ii)
the fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock to which such holder would
otherwise be entitled.
(f) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
(including the proceeds of any investments thereof and any Parent Common Stock)
that remains unclaimed by the stockholders of the Company for 180 days after the
Effective Time shall be paid to Parent. Any stockholders of the Company who have
not theretofore complied with this Article IV shall thereafter look only to
Parent for payment of their shares of Parent Common Stock and any cash,
dividends and other distributions in respect thereof payable and/or issuable
pursuant to Section 4.1, Section 4.2(c) or Section 4.2(e) upon due
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<PAGE> 73
surrender of their Certificates (or affidavits of loss and, if reasonably
required by Parent, indemnity bonds in lieu thereof), in each case, without any
interest thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Parent, the Surviving
Corporation, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any
former holder of Shares for any amount properly delivered to a public official
pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws.
(g) Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any Certificate
shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making and delivery to the
Exchange Agent of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such
Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed, a properly completed letter of
transmittal and, if reasonably required by Parent, the posting by such Person of
a bond in customary amount as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent will deliver in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the shares of Parent
Common Stock and any cash payable and any unpaid dividends or other
distributions in respect thereof pursuant to Section 4.2(c) or Section 4.2(e)
upon due surrender of, and deliverable in respect of the Shares represented by,
such Certificate pursuant to this Agreement.
4.3. Dissenters' Rights. In accordance with Section 16-10a-1302 of the
URBCA, no appraisal rights shall be available to holders of Shares in connection
with the Merger.
4.4. Adjustments of Exchange Ratio. In the event that the Company changes
the number of Shares or securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for Shares or, during the period between the commencement of the
Exchange Rate Period and the Closing Date, Parent changes the number of shares
of Parent Common Stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for shares of Parent Common Stock, issued and outstanding prior to
the Effective Time as a result of a reclassification, stock split (including a
reverse split), dividend or distribution (other than quarterly cash dividends),
recapitalization, merger (other than the Merger), subdivision, issuer tender or
exchange offer for the issuer's own shares (other than repurchases by Parent
between the date hereof and the Effective Time of less than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to Rule 10b-18, promulgated
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), or other similar
transaction with a materially dilutive effect, or if a record date with respect
to any of the foregoing shall occur prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange
Ratio shall be equitably adjusted.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company. Except as set forth in
the disclosure letter (any matter disclosed in any section thereof being deemed
to have been disclosed with respect to all other sections thereof) delivered to
Parent by the Company on or prior to entering into this Agreement (the "COMPANY
DISCLOSURE LETTER"), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and
Merger Sub that:
(a) Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Each of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and
has all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own and operate
its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted
and is qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation
in each jurisdiction where the ownership or operation of its properties or
conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to
be so qualified or in good standing is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined
below). The Company has made available to Parent a complete and correct copy of
the Company's and its Subsidiaries' certificates of incorporation and by-laws,
each as amended to date. The Company's and its Subsidiaries' certificates of
incorporation and by-laws so made available are in full force and effect.
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As used in this Agreement, the terms (i) "SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect
to the Company, Parent or Merger Sub, as the case may be, any entity, whether
incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the securities
or ownership interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions
is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such party or by one or more of
its respective Subsidiaries or by such party and any one or more of its
respective Subsidiaries and (ii) "COMPANY MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, properties or results of
operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided,
however, that any such effect resulting from any change (A) in law, rule or
regulation applicable to all companies and businesses generally, or to the
disposable medical products industry specifically, (B) in economic or business
conditions generally, or in the disposable medical products industry
specifically, or (C) in the securities markets in general, shall not be
considered when determining if a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred.
(b) Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share, of
which 30,548,908 shares were outstanding as of the close of business on December
15, 1998. All of the outstanding Shares have been duly authorized and are
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Company has no Shares reserved
for issuance, except for (i) Shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of
options pursuant to the Company Option Agreement, (ii) as of December 15, 1998,
750,018 shares reserved under the Company's 1988 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
1,125,021 shares reserved under the Company's 1990 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
750,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1991 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
200,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
600,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
600,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
700,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
700,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
750,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
and 750,000 shares reserved under the Company's 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan
(which Incentive Stock Option Plans are hereinafter collectively referred to as
the "STOCK PLANS") and (iii) 10,000 shares reserved pursuant to options granted
to a consultant. No stock options or other rights have been granted to any
person under the 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan. The Company Disclosure Letter
contains a correct and complete list as of December 15, 1998 of each outstanding
option to purchase Shares under the Stock Plans (each a "COMPANY OPTION"),
including the holder, grant date, vesting date, exercise price and number of
Shares subject thereto. Each of the outstanding shares of capital stock or other
securities of each of the Company's Subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and owned by the Company or a direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, free and clear of any lien,
pledge, security interest, right of first refusal agreement, limitation on
voting rights, claim or other encumbrance. Except as set forth above, there are
no preemptive or other outstanding rights (other than rights accruing to the
Company or its Subsidiaries), options, warrants, conversion rights, stock
appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements,
arrangements or commitments by the Company to issue or sell any shares of
capital stock or other securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
any securities or obligations convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable
for, or giving any Person a right to subscribe for or acquire, any securities of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and no securities or obligations
evidencing such rights are authorized, issued or outstanding. The Company does
not have outstanding any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the
holders of which have the right to vote (or convertible into or exercisable for
securities having the right to vote) with the stockholders of the Company on any
matter.
(c) Corporate Authority; Approval and Fairness. As of the date hereof,
the Board of Directors of the Company has duly approved this Agreement, the
Company Option Agreement and the Executive Agreements and has resolved to
recommend the adoption of this Agreement by the Company's stockholders and
directed that this Agreement be submitted to the Company's stockholders for
approval. The Company has all corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and the Executive Agreements and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, subject to the
adoption of this Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding
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Shares (the "COMPANY REQUISITE VOTE"). The execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and the Executive Agreements by
the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Company, subject to adoption of this Agreement by the
stockholders of the Company. This Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and
the Executive Agreements have been duly executed and delivered by the Company
and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of such agreements
by each other party thereto) constitute valid and binding agreements of the
Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except
that enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights (the "BANKRUPTCY EXCEPTION") and is
subject to general equity principles (the "EQUITY EXCEPTION").
(d) Governmental Filings; No Violations. (i) Other than the filings
and/or notices (A) pursuant to Section 1.3, (B) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT"), and comparable
international antitrust laws, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "EXCHANGE ACT"), and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"SECURITIES ACT"), (C) to comply with state securities or "blue-sky" laws, if
any, and (D) required to be made with the NYSE, no notices, reports or other
filings are required to be made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with,
nor are any consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations
required to be obtained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from, any
governmental or regulatory authority, agency, commission, body or other
governmental entity ("GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY"), in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement or the Company Option Agreement by the Company
and the consummation by the Company of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, except those that the failure to make or obtain
are not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably likely to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect or prevent, materially delay or materially impair the
ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
Company Option Agreement and the Executive Agreements by the Company do not, and
the consummation by the Company of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby will not, constitute or result in (A) a breach or
violation of, or a default under, the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
the Company or the comparable governing instruments of any of its Subsidiaries,
(B) a breach or violation of, or a default under, the acceleration of any
obligations or the creation of a lien, pledge, security interest or other
encumbrance on the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (with or
without notice, lapse of time or both) pursuant to, any loan or credit
agreement, note, bond, indenture or other instrument evidencing indebtedness for
borrowed money ("DEBT CONTRACTS") or any other agreement, lease, contract,
arrangement or other obligation ("OTHER CONTRACTS") binding upon the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or any Law (as defined in Section 5.1(i)) or
governmental or non-governmental permit or license to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is subject or any judgment, order or decree to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its properties is subject or (C)
any change in the rights or obligations of any party under any of the Debt
Contracts or Other Contracts, except, in the case of clause (B) or (C) above,
for any breach, violation, default, acceleration, creation or change that,
individually or in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect or prevent, materially delay or materially impair the
ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or the Company Option Agreement.
(iii) (A) There is no event of default, or event that, but for the
giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default
under any Debt Contract binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and
(B) there is no event of default, or event that, but for the giving of notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default under any Other
Contract binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which would, in
either case (A) or (B), individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely
to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Company Reports; Financial Statements. Since September 30, 1996 (the
"AUDIT DATE"), the Company has filed all reports and other documents that it was
required to file with the Securities and
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Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Each registration statement, report, proxy
statement or information statement (including exhibits, annexes and any
amendments thereto) filed by it with the SEC (collectively, including any such
reports filed subsequent to the date hereof, the "COMPANY REPORTS") since the
Audit Date was filed with the SEC electronically via and is available on the
SEC's EDGAR system. As of their respective dates, the Company Reports did not,
and any Company Reports filed with the SEC subsequent to the date hereof will
not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made
therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
Each of the consolidated balance sheets included in or incorporated by reference
into the Company Reports (including the related notes and schedules) fairly
presents, or will fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of its date and each
of the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and of cash
flows included in or incorporated by reference into the Company Reports
(including any related notes and schedules) fairly presents, or will fairly
present, in all material respects, the results of consolidated operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows, as the case may be, of the Company and its
Subsidiaries for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of
unaudited statements, to notes and normal year-end audit adjustments that will
not be material in amount or effect), in each case in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied during the periods
involved, except as may be noted therein.
(f) Absence of Certain Changes. Except as disclosed or reflected in the
Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof or disclosed or reflected in the
Company's 1998 audited financial statements, a copy of which has been furnished
to Parent (the "Audited Financials"), since September 30, 1997 the Company and
its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in, and have
not entered into or engaged in any material transaction other than in, the
ordinary and usual course of such businesses and there has not been (i) any
change in the financial condition, properties, business or results of operations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any
damage, destruction or other casualty loss with respect to any asset or property
owned, leased or otherwise used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
whether or not covered by insurance except as is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect; (iii) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution in
respect of the capital stock of the Company, except for dividends or other
distributions on its capital stock publicly announced prior to the date hereof;
or (iv) any material change by the Company in accounting principles, practices
or methods. Since September 30, 1997, except as provided for herein or as
disclosed in the Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof or as disclosed
or reflected in the Audited Financials, there has not been any increase in the
compensation payable or that could become payable by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to officers or key employees or any amendment of any of the
Compensation and Benefit Plans (as defined in Section 5.1(h)) other than
increases or amendments in the ordinary course.
(g) Litigation and Liabilities. Except as disclosed or reflected in the
Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof or as disclosed in the Audited
Financials, and except for obligations and liabilities arising in the ordinary
and usual course since the date on which the Company's Quarterly Report in Form
10-Q for its third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1998 was filed with the SEC
(which obligations and liabilities have not had, and are not reasonably expected
to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect),
there are no (i) civil, criminal or administrative actions, suits, claims,
hearings, investigations or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
current or former director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(in their capacity as such) or (ii) obligations or liabilities, whether or not
accrued, contingent or otherwise, including those relating to matters involving
any Environmental Law (as defined in Section 5.1(k)), that, in the case of
either clause (i) or (ii), individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably
likely in either such case to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent
or materially burden or materially impair the ability of the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or, as of the date
hereof, the Company Option Agreement. Except as disclosed in the Company Reports
filed prior to the date hereof or as disclosed in the Audited Financials, there
are no
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outstanding orders, judgments, injunctions, awards or decrees of any
Governmental Entity against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any of its
or their properties, assets or business, or, to the knowledge of the executive
officers of the Company, any of its or their current or former directors or
officers (in their capacity as such), that is reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Employee Matters.
(i) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has any labor contracts
or collective bargaining agreements with respect to any persons employed by the
Company or its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries has
engaged in any unfair labor practice except as is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the
date hereof, there is no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the
knowledge of the executive officers of the Company, threatened against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown,
or stoppage pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of the
Company, threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries, and neither the
Company nor its Subsidiaries has experienced any primary work stoppage or labor
difficulty involving its employees during the last three years, except in each
case as is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) Set forth in Section 5.1(h) of the Company Disclosure Letter is
a true and complete list of each bonus, deferred compensation, pension,
retirement, profit-sharing, thrift, savings, employee stock ownership, stock
bonus, stock purchase, restricted stock, stock option, employment, termination,
severance, compensation, medical, health, welfare, fringe benefits or other
plan, agreement, policy or arrangement which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries maintains, or as to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
or will be required to make any payment for the benefit of any employee,
director, former employee or former director of the Company and its Subsidiaries
(the "COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS"). The Company has delivered or made
available to Parent with respect to each Compensation and Benefit Plan correct
and complete copies, where applicable, of (i) all plan documents and amendments
thereto, trust agreements and amendments thereto and insurance and annuity
contracts and policies, (ii) the current summary plan description, (iii) the
Annual Reports (Form 5500 series) and accompanying schedules, as filed, for the
most recently completed two plan years for which such reports have been filed,
(iv) the financial statements for the most recently completed two plan years for
which statements have been prepared, (v) the most recent determination letter
issued by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and the application submitted
with respect to such letter, and (vi) all correspondence with the IRS or
Department of Labor concerning any pending controversy. Any "change of control"
or similar provisions contained in any Compensation and Benefit Plan are
specifically identified in Section 5.1(h) of the Company Disclosure Letter.
(iii) All Compensation and Benefit Plans have been established and
administered in all material respects in accordance with their terms and are in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws, including the Code
and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA").
Each Compensation and Benefit Plan that is an "employee pension benefit plan"
within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (a "PENSION PLAN") and that is
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a
favorable determination letter from the IRS, and the Company is not aware as of
the date hereof of any circumstances likely to result in revocation of any such
favorable determination letter or of any circumstance indicating that any such
plan is not so qualified in operation. As of the date hereof, there is no
pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of the Company, material
threatened litigation, claim (other than routine claims for benefits) or audit
by any Person relating to the Compensation and Benefit Plans. To the knowledge
of the executive officers of the Company, no prohibited transaction described in
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code has occurred which would be
expected to result in material liability to the Company or its Subsidiaries,
assuming that, for purposes of determining materiality, the "taxable period"
within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code with respect to such prohibited
transaction had expired as of the date hereof.
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(iv) As of the date hereof, no liability under Subtitle C or D of
Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by the Company or any
Subsidiary with respect to any ongoing, frozen or terminated "single-employer
plan", within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, currently or formerly
maintained by any of them, or the single-employer plan of any entity which is
considered one employer with the Company under Section 4001 of ERISA or Section
414 of the Code (an "ERISA AFFILIATE"). None of the Company, its Subsidiaries
and their ERISA Affiliates have contributed, or been obligated to contribute, to
a multiemployer plan under Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA at any time, and no
liability has been or is expected to be incurred by the Company or any
Subsidiary with respect to any such plan. None of the Company, any of its
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate contributes to or maintains a Pension Plan
subject to Title IV of ERISA or has contributed to or maintained any such plan
at any time during the six-year period prior to the date hereof.
(v) All contributions required to be made under the terms of any
Compensation and Benefit Plan as of the date hereof, have been timely made or
have been reflected on the most recent consolidated balance sheet filed or
incorporated by reference in the Company Reports prior to the date hereof.
(vi) Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have any obligations
for retiree health and life benefits under any Compensation and Benefit Plan,
except as required under Part 6 of Title I of ERISA.
(vii) Except as contemplated by this Agreement or disclosed in
Section 5.1(h) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the consummation of the Merger
and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Company Option
Agreement will not (x) entitle any employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries
to severance pay or entitle them to severance pay upon their termination of
employment, (y) accelerate the time of payment or vesting or trigger any payment
of compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable or trigger any
other material obligation pursuant to, any of the Compensation and Benefit Plans
or the Stock Plans or (z) result in any material breach or violation of, or a
material default under, any of the Compensation and Benefit Plans or the Stock
Plans.
(i) Compliance with Laws; Permits. Except as set forth in the Company
Reports filed prior to the date hereof, the businesses of each of the Company
and its Subsidiaries are being conducted in compliance with applicable federal,
state, local and foreign laws (collectively, "LAWS"), except for such violations
that, individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially burden or materially
impair the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or the Company Option Agreement. The Company and its Subsidiaries
each has all permits, licenses, franchises, variances, exemptions, orders and
other governmental authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to own or
lease and operate their respective properties and conduct its business as
presently conducted except those the absence of which are not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or
prevent or materially burden or materially impair the ability of the Company to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Company Option Agreement.
(j) Takeover Statutes. No "fair price," "moratorium," "control share
acquisition" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation (including the
Utah Control Shares Acquisitions Act) (each a "TAKEOVER STATUTE") or any
applicable anti-takeover provision in the Company's certificate of incorporation
and by-laws or any shareholder rights agreement is, or at the Effective Time
will be, applicable to the Company, the Shares, the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Company Option Agreement.
(k) Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in the Company Reports
filed prior to the date hereof and except for such matters that, individually or
in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect (i) to the knowledge of the Company, the Company and its Subsidiaries are
in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notices from any
Governmental Entity or any other person or entity alleging the violation of any
applicable Environmental Law (as defined below); (iii) the Company and its
Subsidiaries are not the subject of any court order, administrative order or
decree arising under any
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Environmental Law; (iv) to the knowledge of the executive officers of the
Company, there has not been a release of Hazardous Substances (as defined below)
on any of the properties owned or operated by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; and (v) to the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries has generated, stored, used, emitted, discharged or
disposed of any Hazardous Substances in violation of or giving rise to liability
under applicable Environmental Laws.
As used in this Agreement (i) the term "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means any
federal, state or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code,
license, permit, order, decree or injunction relating to the protection of the
environment (including air, water, soil and natural resources) or regulating or
imposing standards of care with respect to the use, storage, handling, release
or disposal of any Hazardous Substance, including petroleum; and (ii) the term
"HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE" means any substance listed, defined, designated, regulated
or classified as hazardous, toxic or radioactive under any applicable
Environmental Law, including petroleum and petroleum products.
(l) Tax Matters. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of
its Affiliates (as defined below) has taken or agreed to take any action, nor do
the executive officers of the Company have any knowledge of any fact or
circumstance, that would prevent the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement from qualifying as a "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. An "Affiliate" of a party is a Person
that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is
controlled by or is under common control with it.
(m) Taxes. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries (i) have prepared in
good faith and duly and timely filed (taking into account any extension of time
within which to file) all Tax Returns (as defined below) required to be filed by
any of them; (ii) have paid all Taxes (as defined below) that are shown as due
on such filed Tax Returns except for Taxes provided for in a reserve which is
adequate for the payment of such Taxes and is reflected in the financial
statements included in or incorporated by reference into the Company Reports
filed prior to the date hereof or the books and records of the Company; and
(iii) as of the date hereof, have not waived any statute of limitations with
respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax
assessment or deficiency. There are not, to the knowledge of the Company, any
unresolved questions or claims concerning the Company's or any of its
Subsidiaries' Tax liability that are reasonably likely to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect. As of the date hereof, there are no pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened audits, examinations, investigations or
other proceedings in respect of Taxes or Tax matters. The Company has made
available to Parent true and correct copies of the United States federal income
Tax Returns filed by the Company and its Subsidiaries for each of the fiscal
years ended 1997, 1996, and 1995. As a result of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and the Executive Agreements or
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, none of the Company, Parent or
their Subsidiaries will be obligated to make a payment that would be an "excess
parachute payment" to an individual that is currently a "disqualified
individual" with respect to the Company as those terms are defined in Section
280G of the Code, without regard to whether such payment is reasonable
compensation for personal services performed or to be performed in the future.
The Company is not, nor has it ever been, a party to any Tax sharing agreement
and has not assumed the Tax liability of any other person. The Company has
disclosed on its federal income tax returns all positions it has taken that
could give rise to a substantial understatement penalty within the meaning of
Code Section 6662. To the knowledge of the executive officers of the Company,
the representations set forth in the Company Tax Certificate (as defined in
Section 7.2 (d)) attached to the Company Disclosure Letter are true and correct
in all material respects.
As used in this Agreement, (i) the term "TAX" (including, with correlative
meaning, the terms "TAXES" and "TAXABLE") includes all federal, state, local and
foreign income, profits, franchise, gross receipts, environmental, customs duty,
capital stock, severance, stamp, payroll, sales, employment, unemployment,
disability, use, property, withholding, excise, production, value added,
occupancy and other taxes, duties or assessments of any nature whatsoever,
together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such
amounts and any interest in respect of such penalties and additions, and
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(ii) the term "TAX RETURN" includes all returns and reports (including
elections, declarations, disclosures, schedules, estimates and information
returns) required to be supplied to a Tax authority relating to Taxes.
(n) Intellectual Property.
(i) The Company and/or its Subsidiaries owns all right, title and
interest to, or has the right to use pursuant to a valid license (each of which
licenses is listed under Section 5.1(n) of the Company Disclosure Letter), as
the case may be, all Intellectual Property Rights (as defined below) used in the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as presently conducted, except for
any failure to own or right to use that, individually or in the aggregate, is
not reasonably likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. None of the
Intellectual Property Rights are subject to any lien of any third party recorded
in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
(ii) Defendants in the litigation captioned Ballard Medical Products
v. Allegiance Healthcare Corporation and Sorenson Critical Care, Inc., C. D.
Utah, Civil No: 2:97 CV 0985J have alleged that the patents-in-suit are invalid
and unenforceable. The Company denies such allegations and believes that the
patents will be held to be valid and enforceable.
(iii) Other than as described in subparagraph (ii) above, all issued
patents and registered trademarks owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries are
valid and enforceable, except for any invalidity or unenforceability that,
individually or in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(iv) Except as is not reasonably likely to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect:
(A) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, nor will
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries be, as a result of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement or the performance of its obligations hereunder, in
violation of any license, sublicense, or other agreement as to which the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is authorized to use any third-party Intellectual Property
Rights or computer software programs or applications; and
(B) To the knowledge of the Company, there are no infringements,
misappropriations or violations of any Intellectual Property Rights of any other
person that has occurred or results in any way from the operations of the
respective businesses (excluding products under development) of the Company or
its Subsidiaries. No claim of any infringement, misappropriation or violation of
any Intellectual Property Rights of any other person has been made or asserted
in respect of the operations of the respective businesses of the Company or its
Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has had notice of,
nor does the Company have knowledge of any valid grounds for, any bona fide
claim against the Company or its Subsidiaries that its Intellectual Property
Rights, operations, activities, products (excluding products under development)
software, equipment, machinery or processes infringe, misappropriate or violate
any Intellectual Property Rights of any other Person.
(C) The Company and its Subsidiaries do not own any software.
(v) The Company has paid all maintenance and annuity fees for all
patents and patent applications that are material to the Company and its
Subsidiaries.
(vi) As used in this Agreement, the term "Intellectual Property
Rights" means:
(A) All United States and foreign patents, patent applications,
continuations, continuations-in-part, continuing prosecution applications,
divisions, reissues, patent disclosures, extensions, re-examinations, inventions
(whether or not patentable) or improvements thereto;
(B) All United States, state, foreign, and common law trademarks,
service marks, domain names, logos, trade dress and trade names (including all
assumed or fictitious names under which the Company and each Subsidiary is
conducting its business), whether registered or unregistered, and pending
applications to register the foregoing;
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(C) All United States and foreign copyrights, whether registered
or unregistered and pending applications to register the same; and
(D) All confidential ideas, trade secrets, know-how, concepts,
methods, processes, formulae, reports, data, customer lists, mailing lists,
business plans and other proprietary information.
(o) Brokers and Finders. Neither the Company nor any of its officers,
directors or employees has employed any broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection
with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
that the Company has employed Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. as its financial advisor,
pursuant to arrangements which have been disclosed to Parent prior to the date
hereof.
5.2. Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub. Except as set
forth in the corresponding sections or subsections of the disclosure letter
delivered to the Company by Parent on or prior to entering into this Agreement
(the "PARENT DISCLOSURE LETTER"), Parent and Merger Sub each hereby represent
and warrant to the Company that:
(a) Capitalization of Merger Sub. The authorized capital stock of Merger
Sub consists of 100 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100
shares of which are validly issued and outstanding. All of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Merger Sub is, and at the Effective Time will be,
owned by Parent, and there are (i) no other shares of capital stock or voting
securities of Merger Sub, (ii) no securities of Merger Sub convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock or voting securities of Merger Sub and
(iii) no options or other rights to acquire from Merger Sub, and no obligations
of Merger Sub to issue, any capital stock, voting securities or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock or voting securities of
Merger Sub. Merger Sub has not conducted any business prior to the date hereof
and has no, and prior to the Effective Time will have no, assets, liabilities or
obligations of any nature other than those incident to its formation and
pursuant to this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Organization, Good Standing and Qualification. Each of Parent and
its Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization and has
all requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own and operate its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently conducted and is
qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in
each jurisdiction where the ownership or operation of its properties or conduct
of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
qualified or in such good standing is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect (as defined
below). Parent has made available to the Company a complete and correct copy of
Parent's and Merger Sub's certificates of incorporation and by-laws, each as
amended to the date hereof. Parent's and Merger Sub's certificates of
incorporation and by-laws so made available are in full force and effect.
As used in this Agreement, the term "PARENT MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means
a material adverse effect on the financial condition, properties or results of
operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided,
however, that any such effect resulting from any change (i) in law, rule or
regulation applicable to all companies and businesses generally or to the
consumer products, tissue, paper or forest products industries specifically,
(ii) in economic or business conditions generally, or in the consumer products,
tissue, paper or forest products industries specifically, or (iii) in the
securities markets in general, shall not be considered when determining if a
Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred.
(c) Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of Parent consists
of 1,200,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, and 20,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, without par value (the "PARENT PREFERRED STOCK") of which
2,000,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock (the "PARENT SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK"). As of December 15, 1998,
541,561,949 shares of Parent Common Stock were outstanding, and no shares of
Parent Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. All of the shares of Parent
Common Stock deliverable in exchange for the Shares at the Effective Date in
accordance with this Agreement and all of the shares of Parent Series A
Preferred Stock
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deliverable to the holders of such Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Parent
Rights Agreement if and when deliverable to them under the Parent Rights
Agreement will be, when so issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. All of the outstanding shares
of Parent Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable. Parent has no Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred
Stock reserved for issuance, except that, as of December 15, 1998, (i) there
were 2,000,000 shares of Parent Series A Preferred Stock reserved for issuance
under the Parent Rights Agreement, and (ii) there were outstanding: (A) options
to purchase 898,928 shares of Parent Common Stock under Parent's 1986 Equity
Participation Plan, (B) options to purchase 12,648,831 shares of Parent Common
Stock under Parent's 1992 Equity Participation Plan (C) options to purchase up
to 678,668 shares of Parent Common Stock under Parent's Global Stock Option
Plan, and (D) options to purchase 698,048 shares of Parent Common Stock under
the stock option plans of Kimberly-Clark Tissue Company (formerly Scott Paper
Company). Except as set forth above or in the Parent Reports (as defined in
Section 5.2(f)), as of the date hereof there are no preemptive or other
outstanding rights, options, warrants, conversion rights, redemption rights,
repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments by Parent to issue or
to sell any shares of Parent Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock or any
securities or obligations convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for,
or giving any Person a right to subscribe for or acquire Parent Common Stock or
Parent Preferred Stock, and no securities or obligation evidencing such rights
is authorized, issued or outstanding.
(d) Corporate Authority.
(i) No vote of holders of capital stock of Parent is necessary to
approve this Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Company
Option Agreement and any Executive Agreements to which Parent is a party by
Parent and, where applicable, Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and
Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent and, where
applicable, Merger Sub. This Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and any
Executive Agreements to which Parent is a party have been duly executed and
delivered by Parent and, where applicable, Merger Sub and (assuming the valid
authorization, execution and delivery of such agreements by the other parties
thereto) constitute the valid and binding agreements of Parent and, where
applicable, Merger Sub, enforceable against each of Parent and, where
applicable, Merger Sub in accordance with their terms, except that
enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exception and is subject to the
Equity Exception.
(ii) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent will have taken all
necessary action to permit it to deliver the number of shares of Parent Common
Stock required to be delivered pursuant to Article IV. The Parent Common Stock,
when delivered, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no
stockholder of Parent will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase
in respect thereof.
(e) Governmental Filings; No Violations. (i) Other than the filings
and/or notices (A) pursuant to Section 1.3, (B) under the HSR Act, and
comparable international antitrust laws, the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act, (C) to comply with state securities or "blue sky" laws, if applicable, and
(D) required to be made with the NYSE, no notices, reports or other filings are
required to be made by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, including Merger Sub,
with, nor are any consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations
required to be obtained by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, including Merger
Sub, from, any Governmental Entity, in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, the Company Option Agreement and any Executive
Agreements to which Parent is a party by Parent and, where applicable, Merger
Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except those that the failure to
make or obtain are not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably likely to
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent, materially delay or materially
impair the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby.
(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
Company Option Agreement and any Executive Agreements to which it is a party by
Parent and, where applicable, Merger
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Sub do not, and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not, constitute or
result in (A) a breach or violation of, or a default under, the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of Parent or Merger Sub or the comparable governing
instruments of any of their respective Subsidiaries, (B) a breach or violation
of, or a default under, or an acceleration of any obligations or the creation of
a lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance on the assets of Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries (with or without notice, lapse of time or both)
pursuant to, any Debt Contracts or Other Contracts binding upon Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries or any Law or governmental or non-governmental permit or
license to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or any judgment,
order or decree to which the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its
properties is subject or (C) any change in the rights or obligations of any
party under any such Debt Contracts or Other Contracts, except, in the case of
clause (B) or (C) above, for any breach, violation, default, acceleration,
creation or change that, individually or in the aggregate, is not reasonably
likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent, materially delay or
materially impair the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(f) Parent Reports; Financial Statements. Each registration statement,
report, proxy statement or information statement filed by Parent with the SEC
since December 31, 1996 (including exhibits, annexes and any amendments thereto)
(collectively, including any such reports filed subsequent to the date hereof,
the "PARENT REPORTS") was filed with the SEC electronically via and is available
on the SEC's EDGAR system. As of their respective dates, the Parent Reports did
not, and any Parent Reports filed with the SEC subsequent to the date hereof
will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
made therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not
misleading. Each of the consolidated balance sheets included in or incorporated
by reference into the Parent Reports (including the related notes and schedules)
fairly presents, or will fairly present, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Parent and its Subsidiaries as of its date
and each of the consolidated statements of income and cash flows included in or
incorporated by reference into the Parent Reports (including any related notes
and schedules) fairly presents, or will fairly present, in all material
respects, the results of operations and changes in financial position, as the
case may be, of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the periods set forth therein
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to notes and normal year-end
audit adjustments that will not be material in amount or effect), in each case
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved, except
as may be noted therein.
(g) Absence of Certain Changes. Except as disclosed in the Parent
Reports filed prior to the date hereof, since December 31, 1997 Parent and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in, and have not
entered into or engaged in any material transaction other than in the ordinary
and usual course of business and there has not been (i) any change in the
financial condition, properties, business or results of operations of Parent and
its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or is
reasonably likely to result in a Parent Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any
damage, destruction or other casualty loss with respect to any asset or property
owned, leased or otherwise used by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or
not covered by insurance, except as is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect; (iii) any
material change by Parent in accounting principles, practices or methods; or
(iv) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution in respect of the capital stock of Parent, except for dividends or
other distributions on its capital stock publicly announced prior to the date
hereof or Parent's regular quarterly dividends or increases in such dividends
which are not materially in excess of past practice.
(h) Litigation and Liabilities. Except as disclosed in the Parent
Reports filed prior to the date hereof, there are no (i) civil, criminal or
administrative actions, suits, claims, hearings, investigations or proceedings
pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of Parent, threatened
against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any current or former director or
officer of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (in their capacity as such) or (ii)
obligations or liabilities, whether or not accrued, contingent or otherwise,
including those relating to matters involving any Environmental Law, that, in
the case of either clause (i) or (ii), individually or in the aggregate, are
reasonably likely, in either such case, to have a Parent
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Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially burden or materially impair the
ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or, as of the date hereof, the Company Option Agreement. Except
as disclosed in the Parent Reports filed prior to the date hereof, there are no
outstanding orders, judgments, injunctions, awards or decrees of any
Governmental Entity against the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, any of its or
their properties, assets or business, or, to the knowledge of the executive
officers of the Parent, any of its or their current or former directors or
officers (in their capacity as such), that is reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Compliance with Laws; Permits. Except as set forth in the Parent
Reports filed prior to the date hereof, the businesses of each of Parent and its
Subsidiaries are being conducted in compliance with applicable Laws, except for
such violations that, individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably
likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially burden
or materially impair the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Parent and its Subsidiaries each
has all permits, licenses, trademarks, patents, trade names, copyrights, service
marks, franchises, variances, exemptions, orders and other governmental
authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to own or lease and operate
their respective properties and conduct its business as presently conducted
except those the absence of which are not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent or
materially burden or materially impair the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(j) Environmental Matters. Except as disclosed in the Parent Reports
filed prior to the date hereof and except for such matters that, individually or
in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect: (i) to the knowledge of Parent, Parent and its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) neither Parent nor any
of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice from any Governmental Entity
or any other person or entity alleging the violation of any applicable
Environmental Law; (iii) Parent and its Subsidiaries are not the subject of any
court order, administrative order or decree arising under any Environmental Law;
(iv) to the knowledge of the executive officers of Parent, there has not been a
release of Hazardous Substances on any of the properties owned or operated by
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; and (v) to the knowledge of Parent, neither
Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has generated, stored, used, emitted,
discharged or disposed of any Hazardous Substances in violation of or giving
rise to liability under applicable Environmental Laws.
(k) Tax Matters. As of the date hereof, neither Parent nor any of its
Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action, nor do the executive officers
of Parent have any knowledge of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement from qualifying
as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(l) Ownership of Shares. Except as to Shares which may be acquired by
Parent pursuant to the Company Option Agreement, neither Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries is the "Beneficial Owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 of
the Exchange Act) of any Shares.
(m) Brokers and Finders. Neither Parent nor any of its officers,
directors or employees has employed any broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection
with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
that Parent has engaged Merrill Lynch & Co. as its financial advisor.
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ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS
6.1. Interim Operations. The Company covenants and agrees as to itself and
each of its Subsidiaries that, after the date hereof and prior to the Effective
Time (unless Parent shall otherwise approve, and except as set forth in the
Company Disclosure Letter or as otherwise expressly contemplated by this
Agreement):
(a) the business of it and its Subsidiaries shall be conducted in the
ordinary and usual course and, to the extent consistent therewith, it and its
Subsidiaries shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve its business
organization intact and maintain its existing relations and goodwill with
customers, suppliers, distributors, creditors, lessors, employees and business
associates;
(b) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) sell, pledge,
dispose of or encumber any capital stock owned by it or any of its Subsidiaries
in any of its Subsidiaries or other Affiliates; (ii) amend its certificate of
incorporation or by-laws; (iii) split, combine or reclassify its outstanding
shares of capital stock; (iv) declare, set aside or pay any dividend payable in
cash, stock or property in respect of any capital stock other than dividends on
its capital stock publicly announced prior to the date hereof or the Company's
regular semi-annual dividends or increases in such dividends which are not
materially in excess of past practice or dividends from its direct or indirect
wholly-owned Subsidiaries; or (v) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or
permit any of its Subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire, any shares of
its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any shares of its capital stock;
(c) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) issue, sell,
pledge, dispose of or encumber any shares of, or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or
rights of any kind to acquire, any shares of its capital stock of any class
(other than Shares issuable pursuant to options outstanding on December 15, 1998
under the Stock Plans or that certain consulting arrangement referred to Section
5.1(b) hereof); (ii) purchase, transfer, lease, sell, mortgage, pledge, dispose
of or encumber any real property, effect any improvements or expansions thereon;
(iii) other than in the ordinary and usual course of business, purchase,
transfer, lease, license, guarantee, sell, mortgage, pledge, dispose of or
encumber any other property or assets (including capital stock of any of its
Subsidiaries) or incur or modify any material indebtedness or other liability;
(iv) make or authorize or commit for any capital expenditures other than in the
ordinary and usual course of business (provided that any such expenditures do
not exceed $500,000 individually or $2,000,000 in the aggregate); or (v) by any
means, make any acquisition of, or investment in any business, through
acquisition of assets or stock of any other Person or entity;
(d) except as may be required by applicable law, and except as provided
in Section 6.11, neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall terminate,
establish, adopt, enter into, make any new grants or awards under, amend or
otherwise modify any Compensation and Benefit Plans or increase the salary,
wage, bonus, severance, incentive or other compensation of any employees, except
for salary or wage increases occurring in the ordinary and usual course of
business;
(e) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall settle or compromise
any material claims or litigation or, except in the ordinary and usual course of
business, enter into any material Debt Contracts or Other Contracts or modify,
amend or terminate any of its material Debt Contracts or Other Contracts or
waive, release or assign any material rights or claims;
(f) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall make any Tax election
or permit any insurance policy naming it as a beneficiary or loss-payable payee
to be canceled or terminated except in the ordinary and usual course of
business;
(g) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action, other
than reasonable and usual actions in the ordinary and usual course of business
consistent with past practice, with respect to
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accounting policies or procedures, except as may be required by changes in GAAP
(in which case the Company will so advise Parent in advance in writing);
(h) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall sell, transfer, assign
or (except as contemplated by subsection (n) below) abandon any patents or
trademarks which are owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, except for any abandonment of a non-material
trademark or any intercompany transfer among the Company and its Subsidiaries,
in either case, in the ordinary and usual course of business;
(i) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall license or in any way
encumber any patents or trademarks which are owned or controlled directly or
indirectly by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the ordinary and
usual course of business;
(j) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall make any modification
to employee or customer incentives or trade policies which would reasonably be
expected to cause the Company's distributors or end-user customers to increase
purchases above those levels normally required to meet their respective needs or
cause an excessive increase or decrease in the Company's inventories or working
capital, provided, however, that the Company and its Subsidiaries may continue,
in a manner consistent with past practices, to give incentives to distributors,
from time to time, to encourage larger purchases of Company products by said
distributors;
(k) neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries shall authorize or announce
an intention to do any of the foregoing, or enter into any contract, agreement,
commitment or arrangement to do any of the foregoing;
(l) the Company agrees that it will not settle, compromise or dismiss
its ongoing litigation with Allegiance Healthcare Corporation and Sorenson
Critical Care, Inc. (collectively, the "Allegiance Litigation"), and that it
will allow Parent to actively participate as a consultant in, and will provide
to Parent regular reports regarding the status of, such litigation and shall
give due and careful consideration to suggestions on all aspects of said pending
litigation from counsel for and executives of Parent;
(m) the Company shall promptly notify Parent if the Company or its
Subsidiaries become aware of any material infringement by the Company or its
Subsidiaries of the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party or any
material infringement by a third party of the Company's or its Subsidiaries'
Intellectual Property Rights;
(n) except where the Company has, prior to the date hereof, given
instruction for maintenance and annuity fees not to be paid, the Company shall
timely pay all maintenance and annuity fees for its and its Subsidiaries'
patents and patent applications; and
(o) the Company agrees that, with respect to the matters disclosed under
Section 5.1(k) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company will consult with
Parent before taking any material action with respect to such matters, and will
provide to Parent regular reports regarding the status of such matters and shall
give due and careful consideration to suggestions on all aspects of such
matters, from counsel for and executives of Parent.
For the avoidance of misunderstanding, it is understood and agreed that,
notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.1 to the contrary, the Company and
its Subsidiaries intend to continue to review potential acquisitions and
acquisition candidates during the period between the date hereof and the
Effective Time, provided that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall consummate any acquisition or enter into any agreement with respect
thereto without the prior written approval of Parent.
6.2. Acquisition Proposals. From and after the date hereof, the Company
shall not, and shall use its best efforts not to permit any of its directors,
officers, employees, attorneys, financial advisors, agents or other
representatives or those of any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing
information) any Takeover Proposal (as hereinafter defined) from any Person, or
engage in or continue discussions or negotiations relating to any Takeover
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Proposal; provided, however, that the Company may engage in discussions or
negotiations with, and furnish information to, any Person that makes a written
Takeover Proposal in respect of which the Board of Directors of the Company
concludes in good faith if consummated would constitute a Superior Proposal (as
hereinafter defined), but only if the Board of Directors of the Company shall
conclude in good faith on the basis of the advice of its outside counsel that
the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the fiduciary
obligations of such Board of Directors under applicable law; and provided
further that notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, the
Board of Directors of the Company may take and disclose to the Company's
stockholders a position contemplated by Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the
Exchange Act, comply with Rule 14d-9 thereunder and make all disclosures
required by applicable law in connection therewith. The Company shall as soon as
practicable and in any event no later than the date on which such Takeover
Proposal is presented to the Company's Board of Directors notify Parent of any
Takeover Proposal received by it or any of its directors, officers, employees,
attorneys, financial advisors, agents or other representatives or those of any
of its Subsidiaries or the receipt by the Company or any of the foregoing of any
notice of any intention to make a Superior Proposal, including the identity of
the person making such Takeover Proposal or intending to make a Superior
Proposal and the material terms of any such Takeover Proposal. As used in this
Agreement: (i) "TAKEOVER PROPOSAL" means any proposal or offer (other than a
proposal or offer by Parent or any of its Affiliates) by any Person relating to
any actual or potential merger, consolidation or other business combination
involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any acquisition in any
manner (including, without limitation, by tender or exchange offer) of a
substantial equity interest in, or a substantial portion of the assets of, the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (ii) "SUPERIOR PROPOSAL" means a bona
fide proposal or offer made by any Person (x) to acquire the Company pursuant to
any tender or exchange offer or any acquisition of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or (y) to enter into a
merger, consolidation or other business consolidation with the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, in each case on terms which a majority of the members of the
Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith, and based on the
advice of independent financial advisors, to be more favorable to the Company
and its stockholders than the transactions contemplated hereby (including any
revised transaction proposed by Parent pursuant to Section 8.1(f)). During the
period from the date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, the Company
shall not terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any confidentiality
agreement pertaining to the Company or its Subsidiaries or any standstill
agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party. During such period,
the Company shall enforce, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law,
but subject to the exercise by the Board of Directors of the Company of their
fiduciary obligations after consultation with outside counsel, the provisions of
any such agreement, including, but not limited to, by obtaining injunctions to
prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in any court of the United States of America or of any
state having jurisdiction.
6.3. Information Supplied. The Company and Parent each agrees, as to itself
and its Subsidiaries, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by
it or its Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (i) the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by Parent in
connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger
(including the proxy statement and prospectus (the "PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT")
constituting a part thereof) (the "S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT") will, at the
time the S-4 Registration Statement 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 to make the statements therein
not misleading, and (ii) the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and any amendment or
supplement thereto will, at the date of mailing to the Company's stockholders
and at the time of the meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held in
connection with the Merger, 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 were made, not misleading.
6.4. Stockholders Meeting. The Company will take, in accordance with
applicable law and its certificate of incorporation and by-laws, all action
necessary to convene a meeting of holders of Shares (the "STOCKHOLDERS MEETING")
as promptly as practicable after the S-4 Registration Statement is declared
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effective to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement. The
Company's Board of Directors shall recommend such approval and shall take all
lawful action to solicit such approval; provided, however, that the Company's
Board of Directors shall not be required to make, and shall be entitled to
withdraw, such recommendation (and cease such solicitation) if such Board of
Directors concludes in good faith on the basis of the advice of its outside
counsel that the making of, or the failure to withdraw, such recommendation
would violate the fiduciary obligations of such Board of Directors under
applicable law.
6.5. Filings; Other Actions; Notification. (a) Parent and the Company shall
promptly prepare and file with the SEC the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, and
Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the S-4 Registration Statement as
promptly as practicable. Parent shall use its best efforts (and the Company
shall cooperate therewith) to have the S-4 Registration Statement declared
effective under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing,
and promptly thereafter Parent and the Company shall mail the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement to the stockholders of the Company. Parent shall also use its best
efforts to obtain prior to the effective date of the S-4 Registration Statement
all necessary state securities law or "blue sky" permits and approvals, if any,
required in connection with the Merger and to consummate the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and will pay all expenses incident thereto.
(b) The Company and Parent each shall use its best efforts to cause to
be delivered to the other party and its directors a letter of its independent
auditors, dated (i) the date on which the S-4 Registration Statement shall
become effective and (ii) the Closing Date, and addressed to the other party and
its directors, in form and substance customary for "comfort" letters delivered
by independent public accountants in connection with registration statements
similar to the S-4 Registration Statement.
(c) The Company and Parent shall cooperate with each other and use (and
shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to use) their respective best efforts
to take or cause to be taken all actions, and do or cause to be done all things,
necessary, proper or advisable on its part under this Agreement and applicable
Laws to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as soon as practicable, including preparing and
filing as promptly as practicable all documentation to effect all necessary
notices, reports and other filings and responding promptly to any requests for
further information, in order to obtain as promptly as practicable all consents,
registrations, approvals, permits and authorizations necessary or advisable to
be obtained from any third party and/or any Governmental Entity in order to
consummate the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement as promptly as practicable. Subject to applicable laws relating to the
exchange of information, Parent and the Company shall have the right to review
in advance, and to the extent practicable each will consult the other on, all
the information relating to the other and any of its respective Subsidiaries
that appear in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to, any
third party and/or any Governmental Entity in connection with the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing
right, each of the Company and Parent shall act reasonably and as promptly as
practicable.
(d) The Company and Parent each shall, upon request by the other,
furnish the other with all information concerning itself, its Subsidiaries,
directors, officers and stockholders and such other matters as may be reasonably
necessary or advisable in connection with the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the
S-4 Registration Statement or any other statement, filing, notice or application
made by or on behalf of Parent, the Company or any of their respective
Subsidiaries to any third party and/or any Governmental Entity in connection
with the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(e) The Company and Parent each shall keep the other apprised of the
status of matters relating to completion of the transactions contemplated
hereby, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of notices or other
communications received by Parent or the Company, as the case may be, or any of
its Subsidiaries, from any third party and/or any Governmental Entity with
respect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Without limiting the generality of the undertakings pursuant to this
Section 6.5, (i) the Company and Parent agree to provide promptly to any and all
federal, state, local or foreign court or
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Government Entity with jurisdiction over enforcement of any applicable antitrust
laws ("GOVERNMENT ANTITRUST ENTITY") information and documents requested by any
Government Antitrust Entity or necessary, proper or advisable to permit
consummation of the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Company Option Agreement; and (ii) in connection with any filing or
submission or other action required to be made or taken by either Parent or the
Company to effect the Merger and to consummate the other transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, the Company shall not, without Parent's prior
written consent, commit to any divestiture transaction, and neither Parent nor
any of its Affiliates shall be required to divest or hold separate or otherwise
take or commit to take any action that limits its freedom of action with respect
to, or its ability to retain, the Company or, in any material respect, any
portions thereof or any of the business, product lines, properties or assets of
Parent or any of its Affiliates.
6.6. Taxation. Subject to Section 6.2, neither Parent nor the Company shall
take or cause to be taken any action, whether before or after the Effective
Time, that would disqualify the Merger as a "reorganization" within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code.
6.7. Access. Upon reasonable notice, and except as may otherwise be
required by applicable law, the Company shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries
to) afford Parent's officers, employees, counsel, accountants and other
authorized representatives ("REPRESENTATIVES") access, during normal business
hours throughout the period prior to the Effective Time, to its properties,
books, contracts and records (including its audit work papers and related
documents) and, during such period, shall (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to)
furnish promptly to Parent all information concerning its business, properties
and personnel as may reasonably be requested, provided that no investigation
pursuant to this Section shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation
or warranty made by the Company, and provided, further, that the foregoing shall
not require the Company to permit any inspection, or to disclose any
information, that in the reasonable judgment of the Company, would conflict with
applicable laws relating to the exchange of information or result in the
disclosure of any trade secrets of it or third parties or violate any of its
obligations with respect to confidentiality if the Company shall have used
reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of such third party to such inspection
or disclosure. All requests for information made pursuant to this Section shall
be directed to an executive officer of the Company or such Person as may be
designated by the Company's officers. In requesting information hereunder,
Parent shall cause its Representatives to act in a manner reasonably designed to
minimize, to the extent practicable, disruption of the normal business
operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Parent and the Company shall
each designate two representatives to meet on a monthly basis to discuss the
Company's capital expenditures, inventory management, sales promotions,
distribution arrangements, construction projects, group purchasing organization
contracts, other material contracts, patent licenses and such other business
matters concerning the Company's operations as are desired. All such information
shall be governed by the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement (as defined in
Section 8.2).
6.8. Affiliates. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall deliver to
Parent a list of names and addresses of those Persons who are, in the opinion of
the Company, as of the time of the Stockholders Meeting, "AFFILIATES" of the
Company within the meaning of Rule 145 under the Securities Act. The Company
shall provide to Parent such information and documents as Parent shall
reasonably request for purposes of reviewing such list. There shall be added to
such list the names and addresses of any other Person subsequently identified by
either Parent or the Company as a Person who may be deemed to be such an
affiliate of the Company; provided, however, that no such Person identified by
Parent shall be added to the list of affiliates of the Company if Parent shall
receive from the Company, on or before the date of the Stockholders Meeting, an
opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to Parent to the effect that such
Person is not such an affiliate. The Company shall exercise its best efforts to
deliver or cause to be delivered to Parent, prior to the date of the
Stockholders Meeting, from each affiliate of the Company identified in the
foregoing list (as the same may be supplemented as aforesaid), a letter dated as
of the Closing Date substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C (the
"AFFILIATES LETTER"). Parent shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness
of the S-4 Registration Statement or any other registration statement under the
Securities Act for the purposes of resale of Parent Common Stock by such
affiliates received in
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the Merger and the certificates representing Parent Common Stock received by
such affiliates shall bear a customary legend regarding applicable Securities
Act restrictions and the provisions of this Section.
6.9. Stock Exchange Listing and De-listing. Parent shall use its best
efforts to cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to
be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
prior to the Closing Date. The Surviving Corporation shall use its best efforts
to cause the Shares to no longer be listed on the NYSE and de-registered under
the Exchange Act as soon as practicable following the Effective Time.
6.10. Publicity. The initial press releases by Parent and the Company
concerning this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby shall be
mutually agreed as to content prior to issuance and thereafter the Company and
Parent shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or
otherwise making public announcements with respect to the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and prior to making any filings with
any third party and/or any Governmental Entity (including any national
securities exchange) with respect thereto, except as may be required by law or
by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any national
securities exchange.
6.11. Options and Benefits.
(a) Stock Options. At the Effective Time, all outstanding Company
Options which have not been exercised shall become and represent an option to
purchase the number of shares of Parent Common Stock (a "Substitute Option")
decreased to the nearest whole share, determined by multiplying (i) the number
of Company Shares subject to such Company Options immediately prior to the
Effective Time by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, at an exercise price per share of
Parent Common Stock (increased to the nearest whole cent) equal to the exercise
price per Company Share immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the
Exchange Ratio. Parent shall pay cash as soon as practicable after the Effective
Time to the holders of Substitute Options in lieu of issuing fractional shares
of Parent Common Stock upon the exercise thereof. After the Effective Time,
except as provided in this Section 6.11(a), each Substitute Option shall be
exercisable upon the same terms, conditions and restrictions as were applicable
to the related Company Option immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(b) Employee Benefits. Parent agrees that for a period of not less than
12 months following the Effective Time, the employees of the Company and its
Subsidiaries in the United States (the "EMPLOYEES") will be provided with
employee benefit plans and programs that are no less favorable in value in the
aggregate, as determined by Parent in good faith in accordance with any
reasonable method customarily used by Parent for making benefit comparisons, to
those provided to the Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time, as set
forth in Section 5.1(h)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Letter, excluding the
Stock Plans and the 401(k) Plan (as defined below); provided that nothing in
this Agreement shall limit the right of Parent or the Surviving Corporation to
amend, terminate or discontinue any particular employee benefit plan or program
in accordance with the terms thereof. Employees who become participants in any
employee benefit plan or program of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries,
excluding any program with respect to retiree medical or retiree life insurance
benefits, will be given credit under such plans and programs, for purposes of
eligibility and vesting thereunder, for all service with the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
Parent agrees that it shall, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation
to, honor all employment and severance agreements disclosed in Section 6.11 of
the Company Disclosure Letter (except to the extent such employment and
severance agreements are amended as of the date hereof pursuant to the Executive
Agreements or are amended after the date hereof in contravention of Section
6.1(d) of this Agreement) in accordance with the terms thereof and subject to
the rights of termination provided therein.
(c) 401(k) Plan. After the Effective Time, Parent agrees to cause the
Surviving Corporation to take all actions necessary to fully vest the account
balances in the Company's 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) PLAN") of all participants
who are involuntarily terminated within two years after the Effective Time.
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6.12. Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.12,
whether or not the Merger shall be consummated, all costs and expenses incurred
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel, financial
advisors, accountants, actuaries and consultants, shall be paid by the party
incurring such costs and expenses, provided that all expenses incurred in
connection with the filing fees for the Prospectus/ Proxy Statement and the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and the printing and mailing of the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement shall be shared equally by the Parent and the
Company.
6.13. Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance.
(a) Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent
permitted under applicable law (and Parent shall also advance expenses as
incurred to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law provided the
Person to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such
advances if it is ultimately determined that such Person is not entitled to
indemnification), each present and former director and officer of the Company
and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") against any costs
or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (collectively, "COSTS") incurred in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to
matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, including the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that Parent shall not
have any obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party (i) if and when a court
of competent jurisdiction shall ultimately determine, and such determination
shall have become final, that the indemnification of such Indemnified Party in
the manner contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable law, or (ii) if such
matter is attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
Indemnified Party. All rights to indemnification in respect of any such claim or
claims shall continue until final disposition of any and all such claims.
(b) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under
paragraph (a) of this Section 6.13, upon learning of any such claim, action,
suit, proceeding or investigation, shall promptly notify Parent thereof, but the
failure to so notify shall not relieve Parent of any liability it may have to
such Indemnified Party unless (and only to the extent) such failure materially
prejudices the indemnifying party. In the event of any such claim, action, suit,
proceeding or investigation (whether arising before or after the Effective
Time), (i) Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall have the right to assume
the defense thereof and Parent shall not be liable to such Indemnified Parties
for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently
incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with the defense thereof,
except that if Parent or the Surviving Corporation elects not to assume such
defense or counsel for the Indemnified Parties advises that there are issues
which raise conflicts of interest between Parent or the Surviving Corporation
and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel
satisfactory to them, and Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall pay all
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties
promptly as statements therefor are received; provided, however, that Parent
shall be obligated pursuant to this paragraph (b) to pay for only one firm of
counsel for all Indemnified Parties in any jurisdiction unless the use of one
counsel for such Indemnified Parties would present such counsel with a conflict
of interest, (ii) the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any
such matter and (iii) Parent shall not be liable for any settlement effected
without its prior written consent. If such indemnity is not available with
respect to any Indemnified Party, then the Surviving Corporation and the
Indemnified Party shall contribute to the amount payable in such proportion as
is appropriate to reflect relative faults and benefits.
(c) The Surviving Corporation shall use its best efforts to maintain the
Company's existing officers' and directors' liability insurance ("D&O
INSURANCE") for a period of six years from and after the Effective Time so long
as the annual premium therefor is not in excess of the last annual premium paid
prior to the date hereof (the "CURRENT PREMIUM"); provided, however, that if the
existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or canceled during such six-year
period, the Surviving Corporation will use its best efforts to obtain as much
substantially similar D&O Insurance as can be obtained for the remainder of such
period but in no event for a premium in excess (on an annualized basis) of two
times the Current Premium.
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(d) If the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns (i)
shall consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or entity and shall
not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation
or merger or (ii) shall transfer all or substantially all of its properties and
assets to any individual, corporation or other entity, then, and in each such
case, proper provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the
Surviving Corporation shall assume all of the obligations set forth in this
Section.
(e) The provisions of this Section are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Indemnified Parties, their heirs,
their representatives and assigns.
6.14. Takeover Statute. If any Takeover Statute is or may become applicable
to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
Company Stockholder Agreement or the Company Option Agreement, each of Parent
and the Company and its Board of Directors shall grant such approvals and take
such actions as are necessary so that such transactions may be consummated as
promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement, the Company
Stockholder Agreement and the Company Option Agreement or by the Merger and
otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation
on such transactions.
6.15. Parent Vote. Parent shall vote (or consent with respect to) or cause
to be voted (or a consent to be given with respect to) any Shares and any shares
of common stock of Merger Sub beneficially owned by it or any of its Affiliates
or with respect to which it or any of its Affiliates has the power (by
agreement, proxy or otherwise) to cause to be voted (or to provide a consent),
in favor of the adoption and approval of this Agreement at any meeting of
stockholders of the Company or Merger Sub, respectively, at which this Agreement
shall be submitted for adoption and approval and at all adjournments or
postponements thereof (or, if applicable, by any action of stockholders of
either the Company or Merger Sub by consent in lieu of a meeting).
6.16. Notification of Certain Matters. Parent shall give prompt notice to
the Company, and the Company shall give prompt notice to Parent, of: (i) the
occurrence, or non-occurrence, of any event the occurrence, or non-occurrence,
of which would cause (A) any representation or warranty contained in this
Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect or (B) any
covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement not to be complied
with or satisfied in any material respect; and (ii) any failure of Parent or the
Company, as the case may be, to comply with any covenant or agreement to be
complied with by it hereunder in any material respect; provided, however, that
the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 6.16 shall not limit or
otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such
notice.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS
7.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligation of each party to effect the Merger is subject to the
satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the
following conditions:
(a) Stockholder Approval. This Agreement shall have been duly approved
by holders of Shares constituting the Company Requisite Vote and shall have been
duly approved by the sole stockholder of Merger Sub in accordance with
applicable law and the certificate or articles of incorporation, as the case may
be, and by-laws of each such corporation.
(b) NYSE Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock deliverable to the
Company stockholders pursuant to this Agreement shall have been authorized for
listing on the NYSE upon official notice of issuance.
(c) Regulatory Consents. The waiting period applicable to the
consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
terminated and, other than the filing provided for in
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Section 1.3, all notices, reports and other filings required to be made prior to
the Effective Time by the Company or Parent or any of their respective
Subsidiaries with, and all consents, registrations, approvals, permits and
authorizations required to be obtained prior to the Effective Time by the
Company or Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries from, any Governmental
Entity (collectively, "GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS") in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby by the Company, Parent and Merger Sub shall
have been made or obtained (as the case may be), except those that the failure
to make or to obtain are not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably
likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
(d) Litigation. No court or Governmental Entity of competent
jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any
law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, injunction or other
order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and
restrains, enjoins or otherwise prohibits consummation of the Merger
(collectively, an "ORDER").
(e) S-4. The S-4 Registration Statement shall have become effective
under the Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the S-4
Registration Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been initiated or be threatened, by the SEC.
(f) Blue Sky Approvals. Parent shall have received all state securities
and "blue sky" permits and approvals, if any, necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
7.2. Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The obligations of
Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction
or waiver by Parent at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement that is qualified by
materiality shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and
correct at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date
and each of such representations and warranties that is not so qualified shall
have been true and correct in all material respects when made and shall be true
and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date as if made at
and as of the Closing Date, in each case except as contemplated or permitted by
this Agreement; and Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
the Company by its Chief Executive Officer and its Treasurer to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have
performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by
it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date and Parent shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive
Officer and its Treasurer to such effect.
(c) Consents Under Agreements. The Company shall have obtained the
consent or approval of each Person whose consent or approval shall be required
under any Debt Contract or Other Contract to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, except those for which the failure to obtain such
consent or approval, individually or in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely
to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Tax Opinion. Parent shall have received an opinion of Locke Liddell
& Sapp LLP dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Parent, substantially to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes;
(i) The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Company, Merger Sub and Parent will each
be a party to such reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the
Code.
(ii) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent or the Company as a
result of the Merger.
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(iii) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of the
Company upon the exchange of their Shares solely for shares of Parent Common
Stock pursuant to the Merger, except with respect to cash, if any, received in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock.
(iv) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of Parent Common Stock
received by a stockholder solely in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger
(including fractional shares of Parent Common Stock for which cash is received)
will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Shares exchanged therefor.
(v) The holding period for shares of Parent Common Stock received by
a stockholder in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger will include the
holding period that such Shares were held by the stockholder, provided such
Shares were held as capital assets by such stockholder at the Effective Time.
(vi) A stockholder of the Company who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Parent Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference, if any, between such stockholder's basis in such fractional share
and the amount of cash received.
In rendering such opinion, Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP may receive and rely
upon representations contained in a certificate of Parent (the "PARENT TAX
CERTIFICATE") substantially in the form attached to the Parent Disclosure
Letter, a certificate of the Company (the "COMPANY TAX CERTIFICATE")
substantially in the form attached to the Company Disclosure Letter and other
appropriate certificates of Parent, the Company and others.
(e) Cash Position. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company
shall have at least $63 million (reduced on a dollar for dollar basis by the
amount of any cash expended by the Company or its Subsidiaries between the date
hereof and the Closing Date as the purchase price for any business acquisition
which is approved in advance by Parent in the manner contemplated by the last
paragraph of Section 6.1) in the form of cash and cash equivalents on deposit
with one or more financial institutions and shall have furnished written
documentation, reasonably acceptable to Parent, evidencing such cash position.
7.3. Conditions to Obligation of the Company. The obligation of the Company
to effect the Merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the
Company at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement that is
qualified by materiality shall have been true and correct when made and shall be
true and correct at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the
Closing Date and each of such representations and warranties that is not so
qualified shall have been true and correct in all material respects when made
and shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing
Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date, in each case except as
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement; and the Company shall have received
a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by its Chief Executive Officer and its
Chief Financial Officer.
(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. Each of Parent
and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing
Date and the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
Parent by its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer to such
effect.
(c) Consents Under Agreements. Parent shall have obtained the consent or
approval of each Person whose consent or approval shall be required in order to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any Debt
Contract or Other Contract to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party, except those for which failure to obtain such consents and approvals,
individually or in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
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(d) Tax Opinion. The Company shall have received an opinion of Coudert
Brothers, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Company, substantially to the effect that, for federal income tax
purposes;
(i) The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Company, Merger Sub and Parent will each
be a party to such reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the
Code.
(ii) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent or the Company as a
result of the Merger.
(iii) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of the
Company upon the exchange of their Shares solely for shares of Parent Common
Stock pursuant to the Merger, except with respect to cash, if any, received in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock.
(iv) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of Parent Common Stock
received by a stockholder solely in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger
(including fractional shares of Parent Common Stock for which cash is received)
will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Shares exchanged therefor.
(v) The holding period for shares of Parent Common Stock received by
a stockholder in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger will include the
holding period that such Shares were held by the stockholder, provided such
Shares were held as capital assets by such stockholder at the Effective Time.
(vi) A stockholder of the Company who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Parent Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference, if any, between such stockholder's basis in such fractional share
and the amount of cash received.
In rendering such opinion, Coudert Brothers may receive and rely upon
representations contained in a certificate of Parent substantially in the form
of the Parent Tax Certificate, a certificate of the Company substantially in the
form of the Company Tax Certificate and other appropriate certificates of
Parent, the Company and others.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
8.1. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the Merger
abandoned, at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after any
approval by the stockholders of Merger Sub or the Company of the matters
presented in connection with the Merger:
(a) by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company;
(b) by Parent, by written notice to the Company, if (i) the Company
shall have failed to comply in any material respect with any of its covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement required to be complied with prior to the
date of such termination, which failure to comply has not been cured within
fifteen business days after receipt by the Company of written notice of such
failure to comply or (ii) the stockholders of the Company shall not approve the
Merger at the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
(c) by the Company, by written notice to Parent, if (i) Parent or Merger
Sub shall have failed to comply in any material respect with any of its
respective covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement required to be
complied with prior to the date of such termination, which failure to comply has
not been cured within fifteen business days after receipt by Parent of written
notice of such failure to comply or (ii) the stockholders of the Company shall
not approve the Merger at the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof;
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(d) by either Parent or the Company, by written notice from the
terminating party to the other parties, if there has been (i) a breach by the
other (or Merger Sub if the Company is the terminating party) of any
representation or warranty made as of the date hereof that is not qualified by
reference to a Material Adverse Effect, the effect of which has a Company
Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be,
or (ii) a breach by the other (or Merger Sub if the Company is the terminating
party) of any representation or warranty made as of the date hereof that is
qualified by reference to a Material Adverse Effect, in each case, which breach
has not been cured (if capable of being cured) within fifteen business days
after receipt by the breaching party of written notice of the breach;
(e) by either Parent or the Company, by written notice from the
terminating party to the other parties, if: (i) the Merger has not been effected
on or prior to the close of business on September 30, 1999, whether such date is
before or after the date of approval by the stockholders of the Company;
provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
clause (e) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any
obligation of this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure
of the Merger to have occurred on or prior to such date; or (ii) any court or
other Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over a party hereto shall have
issued an injunction, order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and such order, decree, ruling or other action
shall have become final and nonappealable;
(f) by the Company, by written notice to Parent, if the Board of
Directors of the Company shall determine in good faith that a Takeover Proposal
constitutes a Superior Proposal; provided, however, that the Company may not
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (f) unless (i) five business
days shall have elapsed after delivery to Parent of a written notice of such
determination by such Board of Directors and at all reasonable times during such
five business day period the Company shall have provided Parent a reasonable
opportunity, during such five business day period, to propose a modification of
the terms and conditions of this Agreement so that a business combination
between the Company and Parent (or an Affiliate of Parent) may be effected, and
(ii) at the end of such five business day period such Board of Directors shall
continue to believe in good faith that such Takeover Proposal constitutes a
Superior Proposal and simultaneously therewith the Company shall enter into a
definitive acquisition, merger or similar agreement to effect such Superior
Proposal;
(g) by Parent, by written notice to the Company, if (i) the Board of
Directors of the Company shall not have recommended the Merger to the Company's
stockholders, or shall have resolved not to make such recommendation, or shall
have modified in a manner adverse to Parent or rescinded its recommendation of
the Merger to the Company's stockholders as being advisable and fair to and in
the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, or shall have modified
in a manner adverse to Parent or rescinded its approval of the Agreement, or
shall have resolved to do any of the foregoing, (ii) the Board of Directors of
the Company shall have recommended to the stockholders of the Company any
Takeover Proposal (other than by Parent or an Affiliate of Parent) or shall have
resolved to do so, (iii) a tender offer or exchange offer (other than by Parent
or an Affiliate of Parent) for 20% or more of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Company is commenced, and the Board of Directors of the Company
fails to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by
its stockholders within the 10 business day period (or such shorter period)
required by Section 14e-2 of the Exchange Act (the taking of no position by the
expiration of such ten business day period (or such shorter period) with respect
to the acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders
constituting such a failure), or (iv) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
without having received prior written consent from Parent, shall have entered
into, authorized, recommended, proposed, or publicly announced its intention to
enter into, authorize, recommend or propose to its shareholders an agreement,
arrangement, understanding or letter of intent with any Person (other than
Parent or any of its Affiliates) to (A) effect a merger or consolidation or
similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (B)
purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire all or a substantial portion of the assets
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (C) purchase or otherwise acquire
(including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar
transaction) Beneficial Ownership (as defined in the Company Option Agreement)
of
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securities representing 20% or more of the voting power of the Company (in each
case other than any such merger, consolidation, purchase, lease or other
transaction involving only the Company and one or more of its Subsidiaries or
involving only any two or more of its Subsidiaries); and
(h) by Parent or the Company, by written notice to the other party, if
ten business days elapse after all the conditions set forth in Article VII
(other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing)
shall be satisfied or waived and the Closing shall not have occurred through no
fault of the terminating party.
The right of Parent or the Company to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
this Section 8.1 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless
of any investigation made by or on behalf of such party, whether prior to or
after the execution of this Agreement.
8.2. Effect of Termination. (a) In the event of the termination of this
Agreement by either Parent or the Company as provided in Section 8.1, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void without any liability hereunder on the
part of the Company, Parent, Merger Sub or their respective directors or
officers, except that the agreements of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub
contained in Section 6.12 (Expenses) and this Section 8.2, in Article IX and in
the Confidentiality Agreement dated August 3, 1998 between Parent and the
Company (the "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT") shall survive any such termination;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 8.2 shall relieve any
party hereto from any liability for any breach of this Agreement.
(b) The Company and Parent agree that if (i) if a Purchase Event (as
defined in the Company Option Agreement) shall have occurred, (ii) this
Agreement is terminated by Parent because the Company settles, compromises or
dismisses the Allegiance Litigation without the prior written consent of Parent,
or (iii) the stockholders of the Company fail to approve the Merger at the
Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof and, immediately prior to such
vote, there exists (x) a Takeover Proposal (other than by Parent or any
Affiliate of Parent) or (y) an outstanding tender offer or exchange offer by any
person (other than Parent or any Affiliate of Parent) for 20% or more of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (any transaction described in
the preceding clauses (x) or (y) being a "THIRD PARTY TRANSACTION"), and the
Company or its Affiliates consummates such Third Party Transaction within one
year of the date of the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof (the
"MEETING DATE"); then in the case of any event described in the preceding clause
(i), (ii) or (iii), the Company shall pay to Parent an amount in cash equal to
$15,000,000 (the "$15,000,000 TERMINATION FEE"). If the stockholders of the
Company fail to approve the Merger at the Stockholder Meeting or any adjournment
thereof and, immediately prior to such vote, there exists a Third Party
Transaction, then within five business days of the Meeting Date the Company
shall pay to Parent all of Parent's and Merger Sub's expenses incurred in
connection herewith (the "MERGER EXPENSES") up to a maximum amount of $1,000,000
(the "EXPENSE CAP"). If the Company subsequently pays the $15,000,000
Termination Fee pursuant to clause (iii) of this Section 8.2(b), such amount
shall be offset and reduced by the amount of the Merger Expenses actually paid
to Parent by the Company under this Section 8.2(b).
(c) The Company and Parent agree that if the Company's stockholders do
not approve the Merger at the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof
and, immediately prior to such vote, there exists no Third Party Transaction,
then within five business days of the Meeting Date the Company shall pay to
Parent an amount in cash equal to the Merger Expenses up to the Expense Cap. If,
however, during the 180-day period following the Meeting Date, there exists a
Third Party Transaction and the Company or its Affiliates consummates such Third
Party Transaction within one year of the Meeting Date, the Company shall pay to
Parent on the date of consummation of such Third Party Transaction an amount in
cash equal to $7,500,000 (the "$7,500,000 FEE") less the amount of the Merger
Expenses actually paid to the Parent by the Company under this Section 8.2(c).
(d) Any payment of the $15,000,000 Termination Fee (i) made pursuant to
clause (i) or (ii) of Section 8.2(b) shall be made within five business days of
the occurrence of the events described therein or (ii) made pursuant to clause
(iii) of Section 8.2(b) shall be made on the date of consummation of the
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Third Party Transaction, in each case by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to an account designated in writing by Parent. Notwithstanding anything in
this Agreement (including Section 9.13) to the contrary, if either the
$15,000,000 Termination Fee or the $7,500,000 Fee is paid under this Section
8.2, such payment shall constitute (together with rights, if any, arising under
the Company Option Agreement) liquidated damages in full and complete
satisfaction of, and shall be Parent's and Merger Sub's sole and exclusive
remedy for, any loss, liability, damage or expense arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL
9.1. Survival. This Article IX and the agreements of the Company, Parent
and Merger Sub contained in Article IV and in Sections 6.6 (Taxation), 6.9
(Stock Exchange Listing and De-listing), 6.11 (Options and Benefits), 6.12 (Fees
and Expenses) and 6.13 (Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance)
shall survive the consummation of the Merger. This Article IX, the agreements of
the Company, Parent and Merger Sub contained in Section 6.12 (Expenses), Section
8.2 (Effect of Termination and Abandonment) and the Confidentiality Agreement
shall survive the termination of this Agreement. All other representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement shall not survive the
consummation of the Merger or the termination of this Agreement.
9.2. Modification or Amendment. Subject to the provisions of the applicable
law and the rules of the NYSE, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties hereto may modify or amend this Agreement, by written agreement executed
and delivered by duly authorized officers of the respective parties.
9.3. Waiver of Conditions. The conditions to each of the parties'
obligations to consummate the Merger are for the sole benefit of such party and
may be waived by such party in whole or in part to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
9.4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument,
and all such counterparts shall together constitute the same agreement.
9.5. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. (a) THIS AGREEMENT
SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN AND IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE INTERPRETED,
CONSTRUED AND GOVERNED BY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF
DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF, EXCEPT THAT
MATTERS RELATING TO THE INTERNAL CORPORATE LAW OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY THE URBCA. Except as permitted by Section 9.13, the parties hereby
irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware
and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of
Delaware solely in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the
provisions of this Agreement and of the documents referred to in this Agreement,
and in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, and hereby waive, and
agree not to assert, as a defense in any action, suit or proceeding for the
interpretation or enforcement hereof or of any such document, that it is not
subject thereto or that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is
not maintainable in said courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate
or that this Agreement or any such document may not be enforced in or by such
courts, and the parties hereto irrevocably agree that all claims with respect to
such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such a Delaware State
or Federal court. The parties hereby consent to and grant any such court
jurisdiction over the person of such parties and over the subject matter of such
dispute and agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any
such action or proceeding in the manner provided in Section 9.6 or in such other
manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
(b) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY
ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED
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AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN
RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY
CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY
OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD
NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) EACH
PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) EACH
PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO
ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND
CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.5.
9.6. Notices. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be
given hereunder by any party to the others shall be in writing and delivered
personally or sent by overnight courier or by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, or by facsimile:
if to Parent or Merger Sub:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
1400 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, Georgia 30076
Attention: Robert E. Abernathy
Facsimile: (770) 587-7749
with a copy to:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
351 Phelps Drive
Irving, Texas 75038
Attention: Senior Vice President -- Law
and Government Affairs
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Gina E. Betts, Esq.
Facsimile: (214) 740-8800
if to the Company:
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
Attention: Dale H. Ballard and Paul Hess
Facsimile: (801) 523-5396
with a copy to:
Coudert Brothers
1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Jeffrey E. Cohen, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 626-4120
or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by the
party to receive such notice as provided above.
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9.7. Entire Agreement; No Other Representations. This Agreement (including
any exhibits hereto), the Company Option Agreement, the Company Disclosure
Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter, the Company Stockholder Agreement, the
Executive Agreements, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Confidentiality
Agreement dated December 16, 1998, by and between Parent and the Company
constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all other prior agreements,
understandings, representations and warranties both written and oral, among the
parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES
THAT, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT,
NEITHER PARENT AND MERGER SUB NOR THE COMPANY MAKES ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES, AND EACH HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES
MADE BY ITSELF OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, FINANCIAL
AND LEGAL ADVISORS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES, WITH RESPECT TO THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY,
NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE TO THE OTHER OR THE OTHER'S
REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING.
9.8. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section 6.13
(Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance), this Agreement is not
intended to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto any rights or
remedies hereunder.
9.9. Obligations of Parent and of the Company. Whenever this Agreement
requires a Subsidiary of Parent to take any action, such requirement shall be
deemed to constitute an undertaking on the part of Parent to cause such
Subsidiary to take such action. Whenever this Agreement requires a Subsidiary of
the Company to take any action, such requirement shall be deemed to constitute
an undertaking on the part of the Company to cause such Subsidiary to take such
action and, after the Effective Time, on the part of the Surviving Corporation
to cause such Subsidiary to take such action.
9.10. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed
severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not
affect the validity or enforceability or the other provisions hereof. If any
provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any Person or any
circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (a) a suitable and equitable
provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far as may be
valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid or unenforceable
provision and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such
provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such
invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such invalidity or unenforceability
affect the validity or enforceability of such provision, or the application
thereof, in any other jurisdiction.
9.11. Interpretation. The table of contents and headings herein are for
convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and
shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.
Where a reference in this Agreement is made to a Section or Exhibit, such
reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated. Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation."
9.12. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable by operation of
law or otherwise; provided, however, that Parent may designate, by written
notice to the Company, another wholly-owned direct Subsidiary to be a
Constituent Corporation in lieu of Merger Sub, in which event all references
herein to Merger Sub shall be deemed references to such other Subsidiary, except
that all representations and warranties made herein with respect to Merger Sub
as of the date of this Agreement shall be deemed representations and warranties
made with respect to such other Subsidiary as of the date of such designation.
9.13. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable
damage would occur in the event that any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific wording or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that each of the parties hereto
shall
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be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this
Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any
court of the United States of America or any state having jurisdiction, such
remedy being in addition to any other remedy to which any party may be entitled
at law or in equity.
9.14. Projections and Forward-Looking Information. Certain statements (i)
contained in the Company Reports or in materials made available by the Company
to Parent or in statements made by the Company to Parent in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) contained in the Parent
Reports or in materials made available by Parent to the Company or in statements
made by Parent to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement may contain projections or other forward-looking information
which indicate the Company's or the Parent's (as the case may be) current
expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements may often be
identified by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect,"
"intend," "may," "could," "possible," "plan," "project," "will," "forecast" and
similar words or expressions. Such forward-looking information inherently
involves a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, and may be
affected by inaccurate assumptions and numerous other factors, including risks
not identified in any discussion of risk factors contained in the Company
Reports or the Parent Reports. Actual results may vary materially. With respect
to all such projections and other forward-looking information and data, it is
acknowledged and agreed by the parties that none of the parties hereto is making
any representation or warranty with respect to the fulfillment of any such
projection or forward-looking information and data.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto as of the date first written
above.
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER
----------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By: /s/ DALE H. BALLARD
----------------------------------
Name: Dale H. Ballard
Title: President
JAZZ ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER
----------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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<PAGE> 103
ANNEX B
COMPANY OPTION AGREEMENT
This COMPANY OPTION AGREEMENT ("Option Agreement") dated as of December 23,
1998, is by and between Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Parent"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Company").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent and Company have
approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of even date herewith (the
"Merger Agreement") providing for the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent ("Merger Sub") with and into Company with Company being the Surviving
Corporation;
WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent's willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, Company has agreed to grant to Parent the option set forth herein to
purchase a number of shares of the Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of
Company (the "Common Stock") equal to 19.9% of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock (calculated on the closing date of such purchase, treating as outstanding
the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the time
of such purchase) (the "Option Shares"); and
WHEREAS, contemporaneously herewith, Parent, Sub and Company are entering
into the Merger Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises herein contained, the
parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings
as set forth in the Merger Agreement.
2. GRANT OF OPTION.
On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, Company hereby
grants to Parent an irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase the Option
Shares at a price of $23.28 per share (the "Purchase Price") payable in cash as
provided in Section 4 hereof.
3. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) Parent may exercise the Option in its entirety at any time after a
Purchase Event (as defined below) or a Stockholder Event (as defined below)
shall have occurred; provided, however, that (i) if the Option shall not have
been exercised, it shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon
the earlier to occur of (A) the Effective Time of the Merger, or (B) the
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms; provided,
further, however, that (x) if the Merger Agreement is terminated by Company
pursuant to Section 8.1(f) thereof, (y) the Merger Agreement is terminated by
Parent or Parent has the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1(g) thereof, or (z) a Stockholder Event shall have occurred, the
Option shall remain exercisable until the date which is 180 days after the date
of such termination (or, if earlier, 180 days after the date on which Parent has
the right to terminate the Agreement under Section 8.1(g)) or 180 days after the
Meeting Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), as applicable; (ii) if the
Option cannot be exercised immediately prior to its expiration date because of
an injunction, order or similar restraint issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the Option shall expire on the 30th business day after such
injunction, order or restraint shall have been dissolved or when such
injunction, order or restraint shall have become permanent and no longer subject
to appeal, as the case may be; and (iii) if the Option cannot be exercised
immediately prior to its expiration date because any applicable waiting periods
under the Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust
<PAGE> 104
Improvements Act of 1976 or similar laws of applicable foreign countries
(collectively, the "Antitrust Laws") shall not have expired or been terminated,
the Option shall expire on the 30th business day after such expiration or
termination.
(b) As used herein, a "Purchase Event" shall be deemed to have occurred if
(i) the Merger Agreement is terminated by Company in accordance with Section
8.1(f) thereof; or (ii) Parent has the right to terminate the Merger Agreement
pursuant to Section 8.1(g) thereof. For purposes of determining whether a
Purchase Event has occurred, the right of Parent to terminate the Merger
Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(g) shall not be deemed to arise until Parent
has received written notice from Company as to the existence of one or more of
the matters referenced in Section 8.1(g) of the Merger Agreement; provided,
however, that if Parent acknowledges its knowledge of any such matter(s) in
writing to Company, such right to terminate shall be deemed to arise on the date
such written acknowledgment is delivered to Company. Company hereby agrees to
notify Parent as to the existence of such matters immediately upon its first
becoming aware of same.
(c) As used herein, a "Stockholder Event" shall be deemed to have occurred
if the Company's stockholders fail to approve the Merger at the Stockholder
Meeting (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or any adjournment thereof.
(d) In the event Parent wishes to exercise the Option, it shall deliver to
Company a written notice (the date of which being herein referred to as the
"Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of shares it intends to purchase
pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a place and date not earlier than three
business days nor later than 10 business days from the Notice Date for the
closing of such purchase (the "Closing Date").
4. PAYMENT AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES.
(a) At any closing referred to in Section 3 hereof, Parent shall pay to
Company the aggregate Purchase Price for the shares of Common Stock purchased
pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately available funds by wire
transfer to a bank account designated in writing by Company.
(b) At any such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of cash as
provided in Section 4(a), Company shall deliver to Parent a certificate or
certificates representing the number of shares of Common Stock purchased by
Parent, registered in the name of Parent or a nominee designated in writing by
Parent, and Parent shall deliver to Company a letter agreeing that Parent shall
not offer to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of such shares in violation of
applicable law or the provisions of this Option Agreement.
(c) If at the time of issuance of any Common Stock pursuant to any exercise
of the Option, Company shall have issued any share purchase rights or similar
securities to holders of Common Stock, then each such share of Common Stock
shall also represent rights with terms substantially the same as and at least as
favorable to Parent as those issued to other holders of Common Stock.
(d) Certificates for Common Stock delivered at any closing hereunder shall
be endorsed with a restrictive legend which shall read substantially as follows:
"The transfer of the shares represented by this certificate is subject
to certain provisions of an agreement between the registered holder hereof
and Company (the "Company"), a copy of which is on file at the principal
office of Company, and to resale restrictions arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 and any applicable state securities laws. A copy of such
agreement will be provided to the holder hereof without charge upon receipt
by Company of a written request therefor."
It is understood and agreed that the above legend shall be removed by
delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such legend if Parent shall have
delivered to Company an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to Company, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Company and its counsel, to the
effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the Securities Act and
any applicable state securities laws.
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<PAGE> 105
5. AUTHORIZATION, ETC.
(a) Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent that:
(i) Company has full corporate authority to execute and deliver this
Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
(ii) such execution, delivery and consummation have been authorized by
the Board of Directors of Company, and no other corporate proceedings are
necessary therefor;
(iii) this Option Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of Company,
enforceable against Company in accordance with its terms, except that
enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exception and is subject to
the Equity Exception;
(iv) Company has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve and permit it to issue and, at all times from the date hereof
through the date of the exercise in full or the expiration or termination
of the Option, shall have reserved for issuance upon exercise of the
Option, a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 19.9% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock on the date hereof (as such number may
be adjusted pursuant to Section 6 hereof or because of any increase in the
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock after the date hereof) all of
which, upon issuance pursuant hereto, shall be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and shall be delivered free and clear
of all claims, liens, encumbrances, restrictions, security interests and
preemptive rights; and
(v) except as otherwise required by the Antitrust Laws and other than
any filings required under applicable securities and blue sky laws, the
execution and delivery of this Option Agreement by Company and the
consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby do not require
the consent, waiver, approval or authorization of or any filing with any
person or public authority and will not violate, result in a breach of or
the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default under,
any provision of any charter or bylaw, indenture, mortgage, lien, lease,
agreement, contract, instrument, order, law, rule, regulation, judgment,
ordinance, or decree, or restriction by which Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets is bound.
(b) Parent hereby represents and warrants to Company that:
(i) Parent has full corporate authority to execute and deliver this
Option Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
(ii) such execution, delivery and consummation have been authorized by
all requisite corporate action by Parent, and no other corporate
proceedings are necessary therefor;
(iii) this Option Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered and represents a valid and legally binding obligation of Parent,
enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, except that
enforcement may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exception and is subject to
the Equity Exception;
(iv) any Common Stock or other securities acquired by Parent upon
exercise of the Option will not be taken with a view to the public
distribution thereof and will not be transferred or otherwise disposed of
except in compliance with the Securities Act; and
(v) except as otherwise required by the Antitrust Laws and other than
any filings required under applicable securities and blue sky laws, the
execution and delivery of this Option Agreement by Parent and the
consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby do not require
the consent, waiver, approval or authorization of or any filing with any
person or public authority and will not violate, result in a breach of or
the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default under,
any provision of any charter or by-law, indenture, mortgage, lien, lease,
agreement, contract,
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instrument, order, law, rule, regulation, judgment, ordinance, or decree,
or restriction by which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets is bound.
6. ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.
In the event of any change in Common Stock by reason of stock dividends,
stock splits, split-ups, reclassifications, recapitalizations or the like, the
type and number of shares subject to the Option, and the purchase price per
share, as the case may be, shall be adjusted appropriately. In the event that
any additional shares of Common Stock are issued or transferred from Company's
treasury stock account after December 15, 1998 (other than pursuant to an event
described in the preceding sentence or pursuant to this Option Agreement), the
number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option (but not the purchase
price per share) shall be adjusted so that, after such issuance, it equals at
least 19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding
(without considering as outstanding any shares subject to or issued pursuant to
the Option).
7. REPURCHASE.
(a) At the request of Parent at any time after the occurrence of a Purchase
Event but prior to the second anniversary of such Purchase Event (the
"Repurchase Period"), if a Put Event (as defined below) has occurred, Company
(or any successor entity thereof) shall repurchase the Option from Parent
together with all (but not less than all) shares of Common Stock subject thereto
or purchased by Parent pursuant thereto and with respect to which Parent then
has Beneficial Ownership, at a price per share (the "Per Share Repurchase
Price") equal to the greater of:
(i) The per share exercise price paid by Parent for any shares of
Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Option;
(ii) The "Market Price" per share of Common Stock (defined as the
average of the closing sales price per share for the 10 trading days prior
to the date of such request for Common Stock on the NYSE (as reported in
the Wall Street Journal or other authoritative source)); and
(iii) The highest price per share paid in any transaction triggering a
Put Event pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof or at which a tender or exchange
offer which led to a Put Event was made for shares of Common Stock. In
determining such price, the value of any consideration other than cash
shall be determined by an independent nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by Parent and reasonably acceptable to Company.
(b) In the event Parent exercises its rights under this Section 7, Company
shall, within 10 business days thereafter, pay the required amount to Parent by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Parent
and Parent shall surrender to Company the Option and the certificates evidencing
any shares of Common Stock purchased thereunder with respect to which Parent
then has Beneficial Ownership, and Parent shall warrant that it has sole record
and Beneficial Ownership of such shares and that the same are free and clear of
all liens, claims, charges, restrictions and encumbrances of any kind
whatsoever.
(c) For purposes of this Section 7, a "Put Event" shall be deemed to have
occurred (i) upon the consummation of any merger, consolidation or any similar
transaction involving Company or any purchase, lease or other acquisition of all
or substantially all of the assets of Company and its Subsidiaries considered as
a whole or (ii) upon the acquisition by any person of Beneficial Ownership of
50% or more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, provided that no
such event shall constitute a Put Event unless a Purchase Event shall have
occurred prior to expiration or termination of the Option.
8. REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF COMPANY AND FIRST REFUSAL.
(a) If Parent shall not have previously exercised its rights under Section
7, then, at the request of Company from and after the date which is the later of
(x) six months after a Purchase Event has occurred and (y) six months after the
termination of the Merger Agreement, Company may repurchase
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from Parent, and Parent shall sell to Company, the Option together with all (but
not less than all, subject to Section 10) shares of Common Stock subject thereto
or purchased by Parent pursuant hereto and with respect to which Parent then has
Beneficial Ownership at a price per share equal to the greater of (i) the Market
Price per share of Common Stock (less the exercise price per share for any
unexercised shares of Common Stock subject to the Option) and (ii) the per share
exercise price paid by Parent for any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to the Option (less the exercise price per share for any unexercised shares of
Common Stock subject to the Option). Any repurchase under this Section 8(a)
shall be consummated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section
8(b).
(b) In the event Company exercises its rights under Section 8(a), Company
shall, within 10 business days thereafter, pay the required amount to Parent by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Parent
and Parent shall surrender to Company the Option and the certificates evidencing
any shares of Common Stock purchased thereunder with respect to which Parent
then has Beneficial Ownership, and Parent shall warrant that it has sole record
and Beneficial Ownership of such shares and that the same are free and clear of
all liens, claims, charges, restrictions and encumbrances of any kind
whatsoever.
(c) If, at any time after the occurrence of a Purchase Event and prior to
the third anniversary of the date of such occurrence, Parent shall desire to
sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Option or all or any of the
shares of Common Stock acquired by it pursuant to the Option, it shall give
Company written notice of the proposed transaction (an "Offeror's Notice"),
identifying the proposed transferee, and setting forth the terms of the proposed
transaction. An Offeror's Notice shall be deemed an offer by Parent to Company,
which may be accepted within 10 business days after its receipt of such
Offeror's Notice, to purchase such Option or shares on the same terms and
conditions and at the same price at which Parent is proposing to transfer the
Option or such shares to a third party. The purchase of the Option or such
shares by Company shall be closed within 10 business days of the date of the
acceptance of the offer and the purchase price shall be paid to Parent by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Parent. In
the event of the failure or refusal of Company to purchase the Option or shares
in each case as and to the extent covered by the Offeror's Notice or if the
Board of Directors of Company does not approve Company's proposed purchase of
the Option or such shares, Parent may, within 60 days from the date of the
Offeror's Notice, sell all, but not less than all, of the Option or such shares
in each case as and to the extent covered by the Offeror's Notice to such third
party at no less than the price specified and on terms no more favorable to the
purchaser than those set forth in the Offeror's Notice. These requirements shall
not apply to any disposition of Common Stock by a Person to whom Parent has sold
shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Option in compliance with the
terms hereof.
(d) As used herein, the terms "Beneficial Ownership" and "Beneficially Own"
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
9. REGISTRATION RIGHTS; APPROVAL.
(a) For three years after a Purchase Event, Company shall, if requested by
any holder or beneficial owner (each a "Holder") of more than 2,000,000 shares
(subject to adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split,
split-up, reclassification, recapitalization or the like) of Common Stock issued
pursuant to this Option Agreement, file a registration statement on a form for
general use under the Securities Act if necessary in order to permit the sale or
other disposition of the shares of Common Stock that have been acquired upon
exercise of the Option in accordance with the intended method of sale or other
disposition requested by such Holder (it being understood and agreed that any
such sale or other disposition shall be effected on a widely distributed basis
so that, upon consummation thereof, no purchaser or transferee shall
Beneficially Own more than 2% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding).
Each such Holder shall provide all information reasonably requested by Company
for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder. Company shall
use its reasonable commercial efforts to cause such registration statement first
to become effective and then to remain effective for such period not in excess
of 90 days from the day such registration statement first becomes effective as
may be reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other dispositions. The
registration effected under this
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Section 9 shall be at Company's expense except for underwriting commissions and
the fees and disbursements of such Holder's counsel attributable to the
registration of such Common Stock. In no event shall Company be required to
effect more than one registration hereunder. The filing of the registration
statement hereunder may be delayed for up to 120 days if such filing would
require premature disclosure of any material corporate development or otherwise
interfere with or adversely affect any proposed distribution by Company of
Common Stock or if a special audit of Company would otherwise be required in
connection therewith. If requested by any such Holder in connection with such
registration, Company shall become a party to any underwriting agreement
relating to the sale of such shares, but only to the extent of obligating itself
in respect of the representations, warranties, indemnities and other agreements
customarily included in such underwriting agreements for parties similarly
situated. Upon receiving any request for registration under this Section 9 from
any Holder entitled to such registration, Company agrees to send a copy thereof
to any other person known to Company to be entitled to registration rights under
this Section 9, in each case by promptly mailing the same, postage prepaid, to
the address of record of the persons entitled to receive such copies entitled to
such registration.
(b) Subject to applicable law and the rules and regulations of the NYSE,
Company shall promptly file an application to list the shares subject to the
Option on the NYSE and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain
approval of such listing and to effect all necessary filings by Company under
the HSR in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the
parties hereto will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain consents
of all third parties and governmental authorities, if any, necessary for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated.
10. SEVERABILITY.
Any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Option
Agreement held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, voidness or
unenforceability, but neither the remaining terms, provisions, covenants or
restrictions contained in this Option Agreement nor the validity or
enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction shall be affected or impaired
thereby. Any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Option
Agreement that is so found to be so broad as to be unenforceable shall be
interpreted to be as broad as is enforceable. If for any reason such court
determines that applicable law will not permit Parent or any other person to
acquire, or Company to repurchase or purchase, the full number of shares of
Common Stock provided in Section 2 hereof (as adjusted pursuant to Section 6
hereof), it is the express intention of the parties hereto to allow Parent or
such other person to acquire, or Company to repurchase or purchase, such lesser
number of shares as may be permissible, without any amendment or modification
hereof.
11. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Expenses. Each of the parties hereto shall pay all costs and expenses
incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereunder, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
investment bankers, accountants and counsel, except as otherwise provided
herein.
(b) Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or
therein, this Option Agreement and the Merger Agreement contain the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements and understandings with respect
thereto, written or oral.
(c) Successors; No Third Party Beneficiaries. The terms and conditions of
this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in
this Option Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any
party, other than the parties hereto and any Holder, and their respective
successors and assigns, any rights, remedies, obligations, or liabilities under
or by reason of this Option Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
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(d) Assignment. Other than as provided in Sections 8 and 9 hereof, neither
of the parties hereto may sell, transfer, assign or otherwise dispose of any of
its rights or obligations under this Option Agreement or the Option created
hereunder to any other person (whether by operation of law or otherwise),
without the express written consent of the other party. Any purported assignment
in violation hereof shall be null and void.
(e) Notices. All notices or other communications which are required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and sufficient if delivered in
accordance with Section 9.6 of the Merger Agreement (which is incorporated
herein by reference).
(f) Counterparts. This Option Agreement may be executed in counterparts,
and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but both
such counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
(g) Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that if for any reason
Parent or Company shall have failed to perform its obligations under this Option
Agreement, then either party hereto seeking to enforce this Option Agreement
against such non-performing party shall be entitled to specific performance and
injunctive and other equitable relief, and the parties hereto further agree to
waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with
the obtaining of any such injunctive or other equitable relief. This provision
is without prejudice to any other rights that either party hereto may have
against the other party hereto for any failure to perform its obligations under
this Option Agreement.
(h) Governing Law. THIS OPTION AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE MADE IN AND
IN ALL RESPECTS SHALL BE INTERPRETED, CONSTRUED AND GOVERNED BY AND IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT
OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF, EXCEPT THAT MATTERS RELATING TO THE INTERNAL
CORPORATE LAW OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE URBCA. Except as permitted
by Section 11(g), the parties hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of
the courts of the State of Delaware and the Federal courts of the United States
of America located in the State of Delaware solely in respect of the
interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Option Agreement and of
the documents referred to in this Option Agreement, and in respect of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as
a defense in any action, suit or proceeding for the interpretation or
enforcement hereof or of any such document, that it is not subject thereto or
that such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or is not maintainable
in said courts or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate or that this
Option Agreement or any such document may not be enforced in or by such courts,
and the parties hereto irrevocably agree that all claims with respect to such
action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such a Delaware State or
Federal court. The parties hereby consent to and grant any such court
jurisdiction over the person of such parties and over the subject matter of such
dispute and agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any
such action or proceeding in the manner provided in Section 11(e) or in such
other manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service
thereof.
(i) Waiver of Jury. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY
WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS OPTION AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND
DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN
RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS OPTION AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS OPTION
AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (i) NO REPRESENTATIVE,
AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE,
THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE
FOREGOING WAIVER, (ii) EACH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE
IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (iii) EACH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER
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VOLUNTARILY, AND (iv) EACH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS OPTION
AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS
SECTION 11(i).
(j) Waiver and Amendment. Any provision of this Option Agreement may be
waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefits of such
provision. This Option Agreement may not be modified, amended, altered or
supplemented except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement
executed by the parties hereto.
(k) Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings herein are inserted for
convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or to affect
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Option
Agreement as of the date first written above.
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER
----------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By: /s/ DALE H. BALLARD
----------------------------------
Name: Dale H. Ballard
Title: President
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ANNEX C
STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT
This STOCKHOLDER AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") dated as of December 23, 1998,
is entered into by the undersigned stockholder (the "Stockholder") of Ballard
Medical Products, a Utah corporation (the "Company"), for the benefit of
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent").
WHEREAS, Parent, the Company and Jazz Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
of even date herewith (as the same may be amended or supplemented, the "Merger
Agreement") providing for the merger of Sub with and into the Company (the
"Merger");
WHEREAS, the Stockholder has sole voting and dispositive power and/or full
voting power as to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, par value
$0.10 per share, of the Company (the "Company Common Stock") set forth opposite
his name on Schedule A attached hereto; such shares of Company Common Stock, as
such shares may be adjusted by any stock dividend, stock split,
recapitalization, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation,
reorganization or other change or transaction of or by the Company, being
referred to herein as the "Subject Shares;" and
WHEREAS, as a condition to its willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, Parent has requested that the Stockholder enter into this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, to induce Parent to enter into, and in consideration of its
entering into, the Merger Agreement, and in consideration of the premises and
the representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, the parties
agree as follows:
1. Representations and Warranties of the Stockholder. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
(a) Authority. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the
Stockholder enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to
creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the terms hereof
will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or
without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of, any trust
agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease
or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license,
judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to the Stockholder or to the Stockholder's property
or assets.
(b) The Subject Shares. The Stockholder represents that he
beneficially owns and has sole voting and dispositive power over the number
of shares of Company Common Stock set forth opposite his name on Schedule A
hereto, and that his beneficial ownership of such shares is free and clear
of all liens, charges and encumbrances, agreements and commitments of every
kind. The representations and warranties of the Stockholder set forth in
this Agreement shall not survive termination of this Agreement.
2. Representations and Warranties of Parent. Parent hereby represents and
warrants to the Stockholder that Parent 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 by Parent, and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Parent enforceable in accordance with its terms,
<PAGE> 113
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
relating to creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity.
3. Covenants of the Stockholder.
(a) At any meeting of stockholders of the Company called to vote upon
the Merger or the Merger Agreement or at any adjournment thereof or in any
other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with
respect to the Merger or the Merger Agreement is sought, the Stockholder
shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Subject Shares, and any other voting
securities of the Company, whether issued heretofore or hereafter, that
such person has the right to vote, in favor of the Merger, the adoption by
the Company of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the terms thereof
and each of the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
(b) At any meeting of stockholders of the Company or at any
adjournment thereof or in any other circumstances upon which the
Stockholder's vote or consent of the Subject Shares is sought, the
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) the Subject Shares, and any
other voting securities of the Company, whether issued heretofore or
hereafter, that such person has the right to vote, against (i) any merger
agreement or merger (other than the Merger Agreement and the Merger),
consolidation, combination, sale of substantial assets, sale of stock,
reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation or winding up of
or by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other Takeover Proposal
(as defined in the Merger Agreement); (ii) any amendment of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or other proposal or transaction
involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which amendment or other
proposal or transaction would in any manner impede, frustrate, prevent or
nullify the Merger, the Merger Agreement or any of the other transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement or which is reasonably likely to
result in any of the conditions to the Company's obligations under the
Merger Agreement not being fulfilled; (iii) any change in the Company's
Board of Directors; or (iv) any change in the present capitalization of the
Company.
(c) Other than in the context of a business combination in which the
Subject Shares are converted or exchanged without the Stockholder's
voluntary action by operation of law, the Stockholder agrees not to sell,
transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any
contract, option or other arrangement with respect to the sale, transfer,
pledge, assignment or other disposition of, the Subject Shares or any other
voting securities of the Company, whether issued heretofore or hereafter,
that such person has the right to vote to any person. The Stockholder
agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the
Company against the transfer of any Subject Shares in violation of this
Section 3(c).
(d) The Stockholder agrees not to enter into any voting arrangement
with respect to the Subject Shares (other than this Agreement), whether by
proxy, voting arrangement, voting agreement or otherwise.
(e) The Stockholder shall not, and shall use his best efforts to cause
any investment banker, attorney or other adviser or representative of the
Stockholder not to, unless the Stockholder is advised by legal counsel that
the failure to take the following actions would be inconsistent with his
fiduciary duties as an officer and director of the Company, (i) directly or
indirectly solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage the submission of, any
Takeover Proposal; or (ii) directly or indirectly participate in any
discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person any
information with respect to, or knowingly take any other action to
facilitate any inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or
would reasonably be expected to lead to, any Takeover Proposal.
4. Affiliates Letter. The Stockholder agrees to execute and deliver on a
timely basis a letter agreement in the form of Exhibit C to the Merger
Agreement, when and if requested by Parent prior to the effectiveness of the
Merger.
5. Further Assurances. The Stockholder will, from time to time, execute and
deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional or further
transfers, assignments, endorsements, consents and other
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instruments as Parent may request for the purpose of effectively carrying out
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by the parties without the prior written
consent of the other party. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Stockholder, his personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
heirs, distributors, devisees and legatees and by the Parent, its successors and
assigns.
7. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the
close of business on September 30, 1999; (ii) the Effective Time (as defined in
the Merger Agreement); (iii) the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms; provided, that (x) if the Merger Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Sections 8.1(f) or (g) of the Merger Agreement or (y) if
a Stockholder Event (as defined in the Company Option Agreement entered into
contemporaneously herewith by Parent and the Company) has occurred, Sections
3(b), 3(c) and 3(d) hereof shall survive for 180 days after the termination of
this Agreement. The termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof shall
not relive either party hereto from any liability for any breach of this
Agreement or such provision prior to such termination.
8. General Provisions.
(a) Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.
(b) Notice. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be
given hereunder by any party to the other shall be in writing and delivered
personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by
facsimile:
(i) if to Parent, to:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
1400 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, Georgia 30076
Facsimile: (770) 587-7749
Attention: Robert E. Abernathy
with a copy to:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
351 Phelps Drive
Irving, Texas 75038
Facsimile: (972) 281-1492
Attention: Senior Vice President -- Law and
Government Affairs
with a copy to:
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
2200 Ross Avenue
Suite 2200
Facsimile: (214) 740-8800
Attention: Gina E. Betts, Esq.
(ii) if to the Stockholder, to:
Dale H. Ballard
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
Facsimile: (801) 523-5396
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with a copy to:
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
Facsimile: (801) 523-5396
Attention: Paul W. Hess, Esq.
with a copy to:
Coudert Brothers
1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Facsimile: (212) 626-4120
Attention: Jeffrey E. Cohen, Esq.
or to such other persons or addresses as may be designated in writing by
the party to receive such notice as provided above.
(c) Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Sections, such reference shall be to a Section to this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Wherever the words "include," "includes,"
or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be
followed by the words "without limitation." Capitalized terms used herein
but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the
Merger Agreement.
(d) 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 of the counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party, it being
understood that each party need not sign the same counterpart.
(f) Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
(including the documents and instruments referred to herein) (i)
constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof and (ii) is not intended to confer upon any
person other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to
agreements made and entirely to be performed within the State of Delaware.
9. Stockholder Capacity. The Stockholder signs solely in his capacity as
the record holder and/or beneficial owner of the Subject Shares and nothing
herein shall limit, impose any obligation on, or affect any actions taken by the
Stockholder in his capacity as an officer or director of the Company.
10. Enforcement. The parties hereto acknowledge that damages would be an
inadequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and agree
that the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be specifically enforceable.
It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the United States
located in the State of Delaware or in a Delaware state court, this being in
addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. In
addition, each of the parties hereto (i) consents to submit such party to the
personal jurisdiction of any Federal court located in the State of Delaware or
any Delaware state court in the event any dispute arises out of this Agreement
or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) agrees that such party will
not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other
request for leave from any such court, (iii) agrees that such party will not
bring any action relating to this Agreement or any of the
C-4
<PAGE> 116
transactions contemplated hereby in any court other than a Federal court sitting
in the State of Delaware or a Delaware state court and (iv) waives any right to
trial by jury with respect to any claim or proceeding related to or arising out
of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
C-5
<PAGE> 117
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent has caused this Agreement to be signed by its
respective officers thereunto duly authorized and the Stockholder has signed
this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER
----------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
/s/ DALE H. BALLARD
------------------------------------
Dale H. Ballard
C-6
<PAGE> 118
SCHEDULE A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF STOCKHOLDER NUMBER OF SUBJECT SHARES ADDRESS OF STOCKHOLDER
- ------------------- ------------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Dale Henriod Ballard 1,063,769 12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, Utah 84020
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 119
ANNEX D
December 23, 1998
Board of Directors
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, UT 84020
Attention: Dale H. Ballard
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Gentlemen:
We understand that Ballard Medical Products ("Ballard") and Kimberly-Clark
Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated December 23, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which a subsidiary
of Kimberly-Clark will be merged with and into Ballard (the "Merger"). According
to the Merger Agreement, which you have provided to us, at the Effective Time
(as such term is defined in the Merger Agreement) of such Merger, each share of
Ballard common stock shall be converted into the right to receive that number of
Kimberly-Clark common shares (the "Consideration to be Received") equal to the
Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Merger Agreement), which will be based upon a
fixed price of $25.00 divided by the Average Closing Price of a share of
Kimberly-Clark's common stock over the 10 trading day period ending 5 days prior
to the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
You have asked us to render our opinion as to whether the Consideration to
be Received is fair, from a financial point of view, to the public shareholders
of Ballard.
In the course of performing our review and analysis for rendering this
opinion, we have:
1. reviewed the Merger Agreement, the Company Option Agreement, the
Stockholder Agreement and the Executive Agreements (as such terms are
defined in the Merger Agreement);
2. reviewed certain operating and financial information provided to us
by the management of Ballard relating to Ballard's business and prospects;
3. reviewed Ballard's audited financial statements for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1998, Ballard's Annual Report to Shareholders and
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 and
Ballard's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended December 31,
1997, March 31, 1998, and June 30, 1998;
4. spoke with certain members of Ballard's senior management to
discuss its operations, historical financial performance, current financial
condition and future prospects, including certain financial estimates for
the fiscal years ending September 30, 1999 and 2000;
5. reviewed Kimberly-Clark's Annual Report to Shareholders and Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and its
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 1998, June
30, 1998 and September 30, 1998;
6. spoke with certain members of Kimberly-Clark's senior management to
discuss its operations, historical financial performance, current financial
condition and future prospects;
7. reviewed the historical prices, valuation multiples, historical
dividends and trading volume of the common shares of Ballard;
8. reviewed publicly available financial data, stock market
performance data and valuation parameters of companies which we deemed
generally comparable to Ballard;
9. reviewed the terms of selected mergers and acquisitions involving
companies which we deemed generally comparable to the Merger;
<PAGE> 120
10. solicited, on behalf of Ballard, indications of interest from
potential buyers of Ballard; reviewed indications of interest and had
discussions with such interested parties to review and negotiate such
indications; and
11. conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and
investigations as we deemed appropriate.
In the course of our review, we have relied upon and assumed, without
independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the financial and
other information provided to us by Ballard. As to all information provided to
us that involves projections or expectations of future results, we have assumed
that such information is based on reasonable assumptions. As you are aware,
Ballard does not prepare, nor have they provided us with, either annual budgets
or any long-term earnings forecasts. However, management of Ballard did provide
to us guidance on estimated sales and earnings levels for fiscal 1999 and 2000
upon which we relied in rendering our opinion. We have been unable, as part of
our analysis, to perform a discounted cash flow analysis. As you are also aware,
Kimberly-Clark did not make available to us its projections of expected future
performance. Accordingly, we note that our review with respect to such
information was limited to discussions with management of Kimberly-Clark of
research analysts' estimates. We have not assumed any responsibility for the
independent verification of any such information and we have further relied upon
the assurances of the senior management of Ballard and Kimberly-Clark that they
are unaware of any facts that would make the information provided to us
incomplete or misleading. In arriving at our opinion, we have not performed or
obtained any independent appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Ballard and
Kimberly-Clark, nor have we been furnished with any such appraisals. Our opinion
is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions, and the
information made available to us, as of the date hereof.
We have assumed that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free "reorganization"
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. We do not express any opinion as to the price or range of prices at
which shares of common stock of Kimberly-Clark may trade subsequently to the
consummation of the Merger.
We have acted as a financial advisor to Ballard in connection with this
transaction and will receive a fee for such services, a substantial portion of
which is contingent upon consummation of the Merger. In the ordinary course of
business, Bear Stearns may actively trade the equity securities of Ballard and
Kimberly-Clark 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.
It is understood that this letter is intended solely for the benefit and
use of the Board of Directors of Ballard in connection with evaluating the
Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to the Board of Directors of
Ballard or its shareholders as to whether or not to approve the Merger. This
opinion does not address Ballard's underlying business decision to pursue the
Merger. This opinion is not to be used for any other purpose, or reproduced,
disseminated, quoted to or referred to at any time, in whole or in part, without
our prior written consent, provided, however, that this letter may be included
in its entirety in a joint proxy statement/prospectus to be distributed to the
holders of the shares of Ballard in connection with the Merger.
Based on and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the
Consideration to be Received is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
public shareholders of Ballard.
Very truly yours,
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
By: /s/ STEVEN R. FRANK
----------------------------------
Senior Managing Director
D-2
<PAGE> 121
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Kimberly-Clark by-laws provide, among other things, that Kimberly-Clark
shall (1) indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, other than an action
by or in the right of Kimberly-Clark, by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director or officer of Kimberly-Clark, or is or was serving at the request of
Kimberly-Clark as a director or officer of another corporation, or in the case
of an officer or director of Kimberly-Clark is or was serving as an employee or
agent of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
Kimberly-Clark, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; and (2) indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of
Kimberly-Clark to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he
is or was a director or officer of Kimberly-Clark, or is or was serving at the
request of Kimberly-Clark as a director or officer of another corporation, or in
the case of an officer or director of Kimberly-Clark is or was serving as an
employee or agent of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of Kimberly-Clark and except that no
indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to Kimberly-Clark unless
and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such
action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnify for such expenses which
the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. The Kimberly-Clark
by-laws further provide that the indemnification provided therein shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may
be entitled.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes
indemnification by Kimberly-Clark of directors and officers under the
circumstances provided in the provisions of the Kimberly-Clark by-laws described
above, and requires such indemnification for expenses actually and reasonably
incurred to the extent a director or officer is successful in the defense of any
action or any claim, issue or matter therein.
Kimberly-Clark has purchased insurance which purports to insure
Kimberly-Clark against certain costs of indemnification which may be incurred by
it pursuant to the Kimberly-Clark by-laws and to insure the officers and
directors of Kimberly-Clark, and its subsidiary companies, against certain
liabilities incurred by them in the discharge of their functions as such
officers and directors except for liabilities resulting from their own
malfeasance.
II-1
<PAGE> 122
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) The following is a list of Exhibits included as part of this
Registration Statement. Kimberly-Clark agrees to supply supplementally a copy of
any omitted schedule to the SEC upon request.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23,
1998, among Ballard Medical Products, Kimberly-Clark
Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark") and Jazz Acquisition Corp.
(included as Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
3.1 -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kimberly-Clark
dated June 21, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference
to Exhibit No. (3)(a) of Kimberly-Clark's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
3.2 -- By-Laws of Kimberly-Clark, as amended November 22, 1996,
are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2
to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the
SEC on December 6, 1996 (Registration No. 33-17367).
3.3 -- Rights Agreement dated as of June 21, 1988, as amended
and restated as of June 8, 1995, between Kimberly-Clark
and The First National Bank of Boston (now known as
Boston EquiServe), as Rights Agent, is hereby
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A of Kimberly-Clark
filed with the SEC on June 13, 1995.
3.4 -- Certificate of Adjustment dated March 7, 1997, filed by
Kimberly-Clark with The First National Bank of Boston
(now known as Boston EquiServe), as Rights Agent, is
hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A of Kimberly-Clark
filed with the SEC on March 17, 1997.
4.1 -- The instruments defining the rights of holders of
long-term debt securities of Kimberly-Clark and its
subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item
601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Kimberly-Clark
hereby agrees to furnish copies of these instruments to
the SEC upon request.
5.1 -- Opinion of O. George Everbach, Senior Vice
President -- Law and Government Affairs of
Kimberly-Clark.
8.1 -- Opinion of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP as to certain United
States federal income tax consequences of the merger.
8.2 -- Opinion of Coudert Brothers as to certain United States
federal income tax consequences of the merger.
10.1 -- Company Option Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
among Ballard Medical Products, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz
Acquisition Corp. (included as Annex B to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus).
10.2 -- Stockholder Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
between Dale H. Ballard and Ballard Medical Products
(included as Annex C to the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).
10.3 -- Form of Noncompetition Agreement.
10.4 -- Noncompetition Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
among Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard Medical
Products.
10.5 -- Severance Agreement and Release dated as of December 23,
1998, among Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard
Medical Products.
10.6 -- Consulting Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998, among
Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard Medical
Products.
23.1 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (as it relates to
Kimberly-Clark).
</TABLE>
II-2
<PAGE> 123
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<C> <S>
23.2 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (as it relates to
Ballard).
23.3 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.4 -- Consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (included in Annex D
to the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).
23.5 -- Consent of O. George Everbach (included in Exhibit 5.1 to
this Registration Statement).
23.6 -- Consent of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP (included in Exhibit
8.1 to this Registration Statement).
23.7 -- Consent of Coudert Brothers (included in Exhibit 8.2 to
this Registration Statement).
24.1 -- Powers of Attorney.
99.1 -- Form of proxy card to be mailed to holders of Ballard
Common Stock.
</TABLE>
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) to file, during any
period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to
this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10 (a) (3) of the
Securities Act.
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar amount of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule
424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no
more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set
forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement.
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement.
(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.
(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes 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 5(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the 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 the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(c) (1) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior
to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the
II-3
<PAGE> 124
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.
(2) The Registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to the paragraph immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in
connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as
a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until
such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(d) 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-4
<PAGE> 125
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, in the City of Irving,
State of Texas, on August 12, 1999.
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ WAYNE R. SANDERS
----------------------------------
Wayne R. Sanders
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE
--------- -------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ WAYNE R. SANDERS Chairman of the Board and Chief August 12, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer and Director
Wayne R. Sanders (principal executive officer)
/s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER Senior Vice President and Chief August 12, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- Financial Officer (principal
John W. Donehower financial officer)
/s/ RANDY J. VEST Vice President and Controller August 12, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------- (principal accounting officer)
Randy J. Vest
</TABLE>
DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
--------- ---------
<S> <C>
* *
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
John F. Bergstrom Pastora San Juan Cafferty
* *
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Paul J. Collins Robert W. Decherd
* *
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
William O. Fifield Claudio X. Gonzalez
* *
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Louis E. Levy Frank A. McPherson
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE> 126
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
--------- ---------
<S> <C>
* *
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Linda Johnson Rice Wolfgang R. Schmitt
*
- --------------------------------------------
Randall L. Tobias
, 1999
*By: /s/ O. GEORGE EVERBACH
- --------------------------------------------
O. George Everbach
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE> 127
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23,
1998, among Ballard Medical Products, Kimberly-Clark
Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark") and Jazz Acquisition Corp.
(included as Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus).
3.1 -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kimberly-Clark
dated June 21, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference
to Exhibit No. (3)(a) of Kimberly-Clark's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
3.2 -- By-Laws of Kimberly-Clark, as amended November 22, 1996,
are hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2
to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the
SEC on December 6, 1996 (Registration No. 33-17367).
3.3 -- Rights Agreement dated as of June 21, 1988, as amended
and restated as of June 8, 1995, between Kimberly-Clark
and The First National Bank of Boston (now known as
Boston EquiServe), as Rights Agent, is hereby
incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A of Kimberly-Clark
filed with the SEC on June 13, 1995.
3.4 -- Certificate of Adjustment dated March 7, 1997, filed by
Kimberly-Clark with The First National Bank of Boston
(now known as Boston EquiServe), as Rights Agent, is
hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A of Kimberly-Clark
filed with the SEC on March 17, 1997.
4.1 -- The instruments defining the rights of holders of
long-term debt securities of Kimberly-Clark and its
subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item
601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Kimberly-Clark
hereby agrees to furnish copies of these instruments to
the SEC upon request.
5.1 -- Opinion of O. George Everbach, Senior Vice
President -- Law and Government Affairs of
Kimberly-Clark.
8.1 -- Opinion of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP as to certain United
States federal income tax consequences of the merger.
8.2 -- Opinion of Coudert Brothers as to certain United States
federal income tax consequences of the merger.
10.1 -- Company Option Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
among Ballard Medical Products, Kimberly-Clark and Jazz
Acquisition Corp. (included as Annex B to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus).
10.2 -- Stockholder Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
between Dale H. Ballard and Ballard Medical Products
(included as Annex C to the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).
10.3 -- Form of Noncompetition Agreement.
10.4 -- Noncompetition Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998,
among Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard Medical
Products.
10.5 -- Severance Agreement and Release dated as of December 23,
1998, among Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard
Medical Products.
10.6 -- Consulting Agreement dated as of December 23, 1998, among
Dale H. Ballard, Kimberly-Clark and Ballard Medical
Products.
23.1 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (as it relates to
Kimberly-Clark).
23.2 -- Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (as it relates to
Ballard).
23.3 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 128
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<C> <S>
23.4 -- Consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (included in Annex D
to the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).
23.5 -- Consent of O. George Everbach (included in Exhibit 5.1 to
this Registration Statement).
23.6 -- Consent of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP (included in Exhibit
8.1 to this Registration Statement).
23.7 -- Consent of Coudert Brothers (included in Exhibit 8.2 to
this Registration Statement).
24.1 -- Powers of Attorney.
99.1 -- Form of proxy card to be mailed to holders of Ballard
Common Stock.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
August 12, 1999
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
351 Phelps Drive
Irving, Texas 75038
Re: Registration of Shares of Common Stock and Associated Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have acted as counsel to Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of the Company's registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the
registration of shares of Common Stock, $1.25 par value (the "Shares"), of the
Company, together with rights to purchase shares of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Rights") associated
therewith, to be issued pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of December 23, 1998, among the Company, Jazz Acquisition
Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Sub"),
and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"), which provides for
the merger (the "Merger") of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard surviving
as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The terms of the Rights are set
forth in the Rights Agreement dated as of June 21, 1988, as amended and restated
as of June 8, 1995 (the "Rights Agreement"), between the Company and Boston
Equiserve, as Rights Agent.
I have examined such corporate and other documents and records, and certificates
of public officials and officers of the Company, as I have deemed necessary for
purposes of this opinion. In stating my opinion I have assumed the genuineness
of all signatures of, and the authority of, persons signing any documents or
records on behalf of parties other than the Company, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity to authentic original
documents of all documents submitted to me as certified, photostatic or
conformed copies.
Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:
1. The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware.
2. The Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and
non-assessable and no personal liability will attach to the ownership
thereof, except with respect to non-assessability as provided by
Section 180.0622 (2)(b) of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law,
when:
<PAGE> 2
(i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have become
effective under the Securities Act; and (ii) the Merger shall have
become effective under the laws of the state of Utah.
3. Each Right associated with a Share will be legally issued
when: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended, shall have
become effective under the Securities Act; (ii) such Right shall have
been duly issued in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement;
and (iii) the associated Share shall have been duly issued as set forth
in paragraph 2 above.
The foregoing opinions are limited to the federal laws of the United States of
America and the laws of the State of Delaware. I express no opinion as to the
application of the securities or blue sky laws of any other states.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to all references to me included in or made part of the
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ O. GEORGE EVERBACH
- ------------------------
O. George Everbach
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 8.1
[Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP Letterhead]
August 13, 1999
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
351 Phelps Drive
Irving, Texas 75038
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23,
1998 (the "Agreement") among Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Parent"), Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah
corporation (the "Company"), which provides for the merger (the "Merger") of
Merger Sub with and into the Company on the terms and conditions therein set
forth, the time at which the Merger becomes effective being hereinafter referred
to as the "Effective Time." Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have
the meanings specified in the Agreement.
As provided in the Agreement, at the Effective Time, by reason of the
Merger: (1) all outstanding Shares, if any, then owned by the Company or any
direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company and all outstanding Shares then
owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent
(which, in each case described in clause (1), are not held on behalf of third
parties) will be canceled, and no capital stock of Parent or other consideration
will be delivered in exchange therefor; (2) each then outstanding share of
Common Stock of Merger Sub will be converted into one share of the Common Stock
of the Surviving Corporation; and (3) each then outstanding Share (other than
Shares canceled as described in clause (1) above) will be converted into, and
become exchangeable for, that percentage of a validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of Parent Common Stock which is equal to the Exchange Ratio,
including the corresponding percentage of Parent Rights, with cash being paid in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock. Accordingly, immediately
following the Merger, the former holders of Shares (other than Shares described
in clause (1) above) will hold Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger (and
Parent Rights and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock)
and the Company, as the surviving corporation, will be a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent. The Merger and the Agreement are more fully described in
Parent's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
<PAGE> 2
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
August 13, 1999
Page 2
Statement") which is being filed by Parent with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Registration
Statement includes the Prospectus/Proxy Statement (the "Prospectus/Proxy
Statement") of Parent and the Company.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of the facts, information and representations, and the
completeness of the covenants, contained in the Agreement, the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement and such other documents as we have deemed relevant and necessary.
Such opinions are conditioned, among other things, not only upon the accuracy
and completeness thereof as of the date hereof, but also the continuing accuracy
and completeness thereof as of the Effective Time. Moreover, we have assumed the
absence of any change to any of such instruments between the date hereof and the
Effective Time.
We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural
persons and the conformity with original documents of all copies submitted to us
for our examination. We have also assumed: (1) that the transactions related to
the Merger or contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated in accordance
with the Agreement and as described in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement; (2) that
the Merger will qualify as a statutory merger under the laws of the State of
Utah; and (3) the accuracy as of the date hereof, and the continuing accuracy as
of the Effective Time, of the written statements made by executives of Parent
and the Company contained in the Parent Tax Certificate and the Company Tax
Certificate, respectively.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have considered the
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Treasury
Department (the "Regulations"), pertinent judicial authorities, rulings of the
Internal Revenue Service and such other authorities as we have considered
relevant. It should be noted that the Code, the Regulations and such judicial
authorities, rulings and other authorities are subject to change at any time
and, in some circumstances, with retroactive effect; and any such change could
affect the opinions stated herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion, as counsel
for Parent, that for federal income tax purposes:
(1) The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Company, Merger Sub and
Parent will each be a party to such reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(b) of the Code.
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent or the
Company as a result of the Merger.
(3) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of
the Company upon the exchange of their Shares solely for shares of
Parent Common Stock pursuant to the
<PAGE> 3
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
August 13, 1999
Page 3
Merger, except with respect to cash, if any, received in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock.
(4) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of Parent Common
Stock received by a shareholder solely in exchange for Shares pursuant
to the Merger (including fractional shares of Parent Common Stock for
which cash is received) will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of
the Shares exchanged therefor.
(5) The holding period for shares of Parent Common Stock
received by a shareholder in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger
will include the holding period that such Shares were held by the
shareholder, provided such Shares were held as capital assets (within
the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code) by such shareholder at the
Effective Time.
(6) A shareholder of the Company who receives cash in lieu of
a fractional share of Parent Common Stock will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference, if any, between such shareholder's tax basis
in such fractional share and the amount of cash received.
Except as expressly set forth in paragraphs (1) through (6) in the
preceding paragraph, inclusive, you have not requested, and we do not herein
express, any opinion concerning the tax consequences of, or any other matters
related to, the Merger.
The opinions set forth above may not be applicable to shareholders of
the Company that received their Shares as compensation or that are foreign
corporations, foreign partnerships or other foreign entities or individuals who
are not citizens or residents of the United States.
We assume no obligation to update or supplement this letter to reflect
any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention with
respect to the opinions expressed above, including any changes in applicable law
which may hereafter occur.
We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a
part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 8.2
[Coudert Brothers Letterhead]
August 13, 1999
Ballard Medical Products
12050 Lone Peak Parkway
Draper, UT 84020
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23,
1998 (the "Agreement") among Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Parent"), Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah
corporation (the "Company"), which provides for the merger (the "Merger") of
Merger Sub with and into the Company on the terms and conditions therein set
forth, the time at which the Merger becomes effective being hereinafter referred
to as the "Effective Time." Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have
the meanings specified in the Agreement.
As provided in the Agreement, at the Effective Time, by reason of the
Merger: (1) all outstanding Shares, if any, then owned by the Company or any
direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company and all outstanding Shares then
owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any other direct or indirect subsidiary of Parent
(which, in each case described in clause (1), are not held on behalf of third
parties) will be canceled, and no capital stock of Parent or other consideration
will be delivered in exchange therefor, (2) each then outstanding share of
capital stock of Merger Sub will be converted into one share of common stock of
the Surviving Corporation; and (3) each then outstanding Share (other than
Shares canceled as described in clause (1) above) will be converted into, and
become exchangeable for, that percentage of a validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of Parent Common Stock, equal to the Exchange Ratio,
including the corresponding percentage of Parent Rights, with cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock. Accordingly, immediately following the
Merger, the former holders of Shares (other than Shares described in clause (1)
above) will hold Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger (and Parent Rights and
cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock) and the Company,
as the surviving corporation, will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. The
<PAGE> 2
Ballard Medical Products
August 13, 1999
Page 2
Merger and the Agreement are more fully described in Parent's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") which is being filed by
Parent with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. The Registration Statement includes the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement (the "Prospectus/Proxy Statement") of Parent and the
Company.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have relied upon the
accuracy and completeness of the facts, information and representations, and the
completeness of the covenants, contained in the Agreement, the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement and such other documents as we have deemed relevant and necessary.
Such opinions are conditioned, among other things, not only upon the accuracy
and completeness thereof as of the date hereof, but also the continuing accuracy
and completeness thereof as of the Effective Time. Moreover, we have assumed the
absence of any change to any of such instruments between the date hereof and the
Effective Time.
We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all natural
persons and the conformity with original documents of all copies submitted to us
for our examination. We have also assumed: (1) that the transactions related to
the Merger or contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated (A) in
accordance with the Agreement and (B) as described in the Prospectus/Proxy
Statement and (2) the accuracy as of the date hereof, and the continuing
accuracy as of the Effective Time, of the written statements made by executives
of Parent and the Company contained in the Parent Tax Certificate and the
Company Tax Certificate, respectively. We have relied on the opinion of Paul W.
Hess, Esq., General Counsel of the Company, that the Merger, upon consummation
in accordance with the Agreement, will qualify as a statutory merger under the
laws of the State of Utah.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have considered the
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Treasury
Department (the "Regulations"), pertinent judicial authorities, rulings of the
Internal Revenue Service and such other authorities as we have considered
relevant. It should be noted that the Code, the Regulations and such judicial
authorities, rulings and other authorities are subject to change at any time
and, in some circumstances, with retroactive effect; and any such change could
affect the opinions stated herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion, as counsel
for the Company, that for federal income tax purposes:
(1) The Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and the Company, Merger Sub and Parent will each be
a party to such reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
<PAGE> 3
Ballard Medical Products
August 13, 1999
Page 3
(2) No gain or loss will be recognized by Parent or the Company as a
result of the Merger.
(3) No gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of the
Company upon the exchange of their Shares solely for shares of Parent Common
Stock pursuant to the Merger, except with respect to cash, if any, received in
lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock.
(4) The aggregate tax basis of the shares of Parent Common Stock
received by a stockholder solely in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger
(including fractional shares of Parent Common Stock for which cash is received)
will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Shares exchanged therefor.
(5) The holding period for shares of Parent Common Stock received by a
stockholder in exchange for Shares pursuant to the Merger will include the
holding period that such Shares were held by the stockholder, provided such
Shares were held as capital assets (within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code) by such stockholder at the Effective Time.
(6) A stockholder of the Company who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Parent Common Stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference, if any, between such stockholder's tax basis in such fractional
share and the amount of cash received.
Except as expressly set forth in paragraphs (1) through (6), inclusive,
you have not requested, and we do not herein express, any opinion concerning the
tax consequences of, or any other matters related to, the Merger.
The opinions set forth above may not be applicable to stockholders of
the Company that received their Shares as compensation or that are foreign
corporations, foreign partnerships or other foreign entities or individuals who
are not citizens or residents of the United States.
We assume no obligation to update or supplement this letter to reflect
any facts or circumstances which may hereafter come to our attention with
respect to the opinions expressed above, including any changes in applicable law
which may hereafter occur.
We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a
part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ COUDERT BROTHERS
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.3
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
This Noncompetition Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
December ___, 1998, among Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation (the
"Company"), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Kimberly-Clark"), and ________________ (the "Executive").
WHEREAS, the Executive has acquired extensive knowledge of and
experience in the businesses conducted by the Company; and
WHEREAS, a Severance Agreement dated ______________________, was
entered into between the Company and the Executive (the "Severance Agreement");
and
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, the Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Jazz
Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark ("Merger Sub"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into
the Company and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark, subject to the terms and conditions thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Executive will continue to be an employee of the Company,
as of the Effective Time of the Merger (as such term is defined in the Merger
Agreement), and accordingly, the Company and the Executive desire to rescind the
Severance Agreement, effective as of the Effective Time of the Merger.
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge that Executive has
held a high-level or otherwise unique position at the Company, and has been and
will continue to be made privy to highly sensitive trade secrets and other
confidential information of the Company (and after the merger, of
Kimberly-Clark), that the Executive in a unique and special manner has
contributed significantly to the good will of the Company, and that
nondisclosure of confidential information and a period of noncompetition are,
therefore, necessary to safeguard the Company's interests; and
WHEREAS, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive desire to enter
into a noncompetition agreement upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive hereby agree as follows:
1. Effective Date of the Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 4 hereof, this Agreement shall become effective at the Effective Time of
the Merger; provided, however, that this Agreement shall terminate automatically
and shall
<PAGE> 2
be of no further force or effect if the Merger Agreement shall be terminated and
the merger shall not become effective pursuant to the terms thereof.
2. Noncompetition. (a) (i) The Executive shall not, at any time during
his employment or during the period of _____ (___) years following termination
of his employment with the Company, directly or indirectly, own, manage,
operate, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or
control of, or be associated as an officer, employee, consultant, agent, partner
or director with, or provide capital or other funding to enable a third party to
engage in, or solicit customers or distributors, with respect to any entity
whose products compete directly with the Designated Products or Services of the
Kimberly-Clark Professional Health Care Sector (which Sector shall be deemed to
include the Company, Tecnol Medical Products, Inc. and any other direct or
indirect 40% owned subsidiary of such Sector) (collectively, the "Sector");
provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude the Executive
from owning up to 1% of the outstanding voting stock of any publicly traded
corporation whose shares are listed on a national stock exchange or listed on
NASDAQ.
For purposes hereof, the "Designated Products or Services" of the
Sector shall mean (i) any products sold by or in development by and any
professional service offered by the Sector as of the date hereof (but
specifically not including products sold by, products in development by or
services offered as of the date hereof by any business or entity acquired by the
Sector after the date hereof), (ii) any direct product line extension of any
product, product in development or professional service referred to in (i) above
which is acquired or developed by the Sector after the date hereof and (iii) any
other product, product in development or professional service acquired or
developed by the Sector after the date hereof if the Executive's
responsibilities include working directly (as part of his ordinary and usual
responsibilities) with, or exposure to sufficient and meaningful (as opposed to
incidental or intermittent) confidential information with respect to, such
product, product in development or professional service.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the above restriction, except insofar as
it applies to products sold by or products in development by or professional
services offered by the Company on the date hereof, will be inapplicable to any
Executive if his employment is involuntarily terminated without cause within
_____ (__) months after the Effective Time.
(ii) The Executive shall not, at any time during the period of ______
(__) years following termination of the Executive's employment with the Company,
solicit, directly or indirectly, any employee of the Sector, to leave such
employment; provided, however that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude
the Executive from hiring any such employees pursuant to an unsolicited response
to a general solicitation for employees.
(b) In the event any restriction contained in this Section 2 shall be
determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason
of its extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographical
area or by reason of its being too extensive in any other respect, it shall be
interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time for which it may be
enforceable, over the maximum geographical area as to which it may be
enforceable and to the maximum
-2-
<PAGE> 3
extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as
determined by such court in such action.
3. Compensation. As consideration for the mutual promises and
agreements contained herein:
(a) The Company shall pay to the Executive at the Effective Time of the
Merger an amount equal to ________ (____) months of such Executive's then
current monthly base salary.
(b) If at the date which is _______ (__) months after the date of the
Effective Time of the Merger, the Executive shall have remained in the
continuous employment of the Company, Kimberly-Clark or their Affiliates, then
the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive an amount equal to __________ (___)
months of such Executive's then current monthly base salary, (ii) transfer to
Executive ownership of the Company vehicle then being used by the Executive, if
any, and (iii) pay to the Executive an amount equal to _______ (__) percent of
the then fair market value of any Company vehicle transferred. In the event of
the death of the Executive, or his termination due to having become totally and
permanently disabled, prior to the date of payment of either the amount payable
under Section 3(b) or the amount payable under Section 3(c) hereof, the Company
shall pay to the Executive's estate, or to the Executive, as applicable, the
amount under this Section 3(b) within fifteen (15) business days of notice of
death, or evidence of permanent disability, as applicable, and demand therefor.
(c) If at any time after the Effective Time of the Merger, but prior to
the date which is _________ (___) months after the date of the Effective Time of
the Merger, the Company involuntarily terminates the employment of the Executive
(without cause) then the Company shall (i) pay to the Executive an amount equal
to _________ (__) months of such Executive's then current monthly base salary,
(ii) transfer to Executive ownership of the Company vehicle then being used by
the Executive, if any, and (iii) pay to Executive an amount equal to ______ (__)
percent of the fair market value of any Company vehicle transferred. The
Executive shall not be entitled to receive payment under this Section 3(c)
unless such Executive executes a Severance Agreement and Release in a form
reasonably acceptable to the Company (which shall not include additional
noncompete or other post-termination restrictions on the Executive other than
any non-disparagement provisions) and such Executive does not revoke such
Severance Agreement and Release within the 7-day period following the date on
which it is executed.
(d) If the Executive's employment is involuntarily terminated (without
cause), or as a result of his having become totally and permanently disabled,
within ______ (__) months of the Effective Time of the Merger, and the Executive
elects COBRA medical coverage within the COBRA election period, the Company
shall reimburse the Executive's monthly COBRA premiums for his continuing
medical coverage for himself, his spouse and covered dependents, for the maximum
period of COBRA continuation coverage. Thereafter, if the Executive obtains
medical insurance for which premiums are due, the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for such monthly premiums for
-3-
<PAGE> 4
coverage for himself, and, if covered by the COBRA continuation coverage, his
spouse and any covered dependents, until the third anniversary of the
Executive's termination of employment; provided, however, that the amount of
such monthly reimbursement shall not exceed the last monthly payment for COBRA
continuation coverage.
(e) The above amounts are subject to applicable federal and state taxes
and withholding. The amounts payable pursuant to Section 3 shall not be paid to
the Executive if his employment with the Company is terminated for cause or he
voluntarily quits or retires, provided, however, the amounts under Sections 3(c)
and 3(d) shall be paid to the Executive if (i) the Executive voluntarily
terminates employment after a reduction by the Company in the Executive's annual
base salary or aggregate annual benefits in effect at the Effective Time of the
Merger (other than a reduction in such benefits which affects as a whole the
Company's employees who are eligible to participate in such benefit plan); or
(ii) the Executive voluntarily terminates employment after the Company requires
the Executive to be based anywhere other than within fifty miles of the
Company's current offices in Draper, Utah.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "cause" shall mean any of
the following occurring after the Effective Time:
(i) the commission by the Executive of a felony;
(ii) the Executive's dishonesty, habitual neglect or incompetence
in the management of the affairs of the Company; or
(iii) the refusal or failure by the Executive to act in accordance
with any lawful directive or order of the Company, or an act
or failure to act by the Executive which is in bad faith and
to the detriment of the Company.
4. Rescission of Severance Agreement. As of the date of this Agreement,
the Executive's rights (and the Company's obligations) under the Severance
Agreement shall be suspended (and the Executive shall have no rights to payments
thereunder) until the first to occur of the termination of the Merger Agreement
or the Effective Time of the Merger. If the Merger Agreement is terminated, as
of the date of such termination all right and obligations under the Severance
Agreement shall be reinstated, and the Severance Agreement shall continue on in
full force and effect, as of and from such date. If the Merger is consummated,
at the Effective Time of the Merger, the Severance Agreement shall be rescinded
and shall be of no further force or effect whatsoever.
5. Unauthorized Disclosure. (a) The Executive shall not, without the
prior written consent of the President-Professional Health Care Sector of
Kimberly-Clark, use other than for Company purposes or disclose to any person
other than as required by law or court order or to a person to whom disclosure
is necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive
of his duties, any confidential information obtained by him concerning the
Company, Kimberly-Clark or any Affiliate (defined, with respect to any person,
as any subsidiary or any corporation or other entity in which a forty (40)
percent or more entity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by such
person) thereof while in the employ of the Company, Kimberly-Clark or any
Affiliate or any confidential information concerning any third party obtained by
him in his capacity
-4-
<PAGE> 5
as an employee or officer of the Company, Kimberly-Clark or any Affiliate,
including such information with respect to any products, improvements, formulae,
designs or styles, processes, services, customers, suppliers, marketing
techniques, methods, future plans or operating practices ("Confidential
Information"); provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not
include any information known generally to the public or previously disclosed to
the public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive)
or any information disclosed by the Company or Kimberly-Clark to a third party
without restrictions on the disclosure of such information, or any information
disclosed to the Executive by a third party without violating a legal duty owed
to the Company or Kimberly-Clark or their Affiliates.
(b) The Executive agrees that all documents, records, files, letters,
disks, memoranda, reports, data, sketches, drawings, laboratory notebooks,
program listings or other written, electronic, photographic or other tangible
material ("Tangible Property") containing Confidential Information, whether
created by the Executive or others, which have or shall come into his custody or
possession shall be and are the exclusive property of the Company and shall be
used by the Executive only in the performance of his duties. The Executive
agrees that upon the earlier of (i) a request by the Company or Kimberly-Clark
or (ii) the termination or cessation of his employment for any reason, he shall
promptly deliver to the Company all Tangible Property in his possession or under
his control which contains Confidential Information. The Executive shall not
retain or deliver to any third person copies of such Tangible Property.
(c) The Executive agrees that his obligations not to disclose or use
Confidential Information or Tangible Property of the types set forth in Section
5(a) or 5(b) hereof also extend to such types of Confidential Information and
Tangible Property of customers or suppliers to the Company or its Affiliates or
other third parties who may have disclosed or entrusted the same to the Company
or its Affiliates or to the Executive in the course of the Company's business.
(d) The covenants set forth in this Section 5 shall lapse _____ (___)
years following termination of the Executive's employment.
6. Public Announcements. The Executive agrees that he shall not make or
cause to be made any public statement, public announcement or press release
which is intended, or would reasonably be expected, to disparage the Company,
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the integration of the
Company's and its Affiliates' operations with those of Kimberly-Clark and its
Affiliates.
7. Injunctive Relief. The Executive acknowledges that a breach of the
restrictions contained in Section 2, 5 or 6 hereof shall cause irreparable
damage to the Company and Kimberly-Clark, the exact amount of which shall be
difficult to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach shall
be inadequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that if the Executive breaches
any of the restrictions contained in Section 2, 5 or 6 hereof, then the Company
and Kimberly-Clark shall be entitled to injunctive relief, without posting bond
or other security, in addition to any other remedy or remedies available to the
Company or Kimberly-Clark at law or in equity.
-5-
<PAGE> 6
8. Termination. The Executive acknowledges that his employment can be
terminated, with or without cause, by either the Company or him at any time.
This Agreement may be terminated by the Executive upon ten (10) days' prior
written notice to the Company and Kimberly-Clark in the event that the Company
or Kimberly-Clark shall breach any of their obligations under Section 3 hereof;
provided, however, that the Executive shall not be entitled to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 8 in the event that the Company or
Kimberly-Clark shall cure any such breach within such ten (10) day period. In
the event of such termination by the Executive, the Company shall pay to the
Executive all remaining payments due under this Agreement within five (5)
business days of such termination.
9. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive and by his personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees, and by the Company and Kimberly-Clark and their respective successors
and assigns.
10. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered, when delivered by facsimile or electronic mail
or by courier or overnight express service or five days after having been sent
by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed: (a) if to the
Executive, to the Executive's address set forth in the records of the Company,
or if to the Company or Kimberly-Clark, to David R. Murray,
President-Professional Health Care Sector, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 1400
Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076, Fax: (770) 587-7751, with a copy to O.
George Everbach, Senior Vice President-Law and Government Affairs,
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 351 Phelps Drive, Irving, TX 75038, Fax: (972)
281-1492, or (b) to such other address as any party may have furnished to the
other parties in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change
of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
11. Governing Law; Validity. The interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provisions of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in
full force and effect.
12. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
13. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be modified or
waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and executed
by the Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company and of
Kimberly-Clark. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by
another party hereto of, or failure to comply with, any condition or provision
of this Agreement to be performed or complied with by such other party shall be
deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar conditions or provisions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by the Executive, the Company
or Kimberly-Clark to insist upon strict compliance with any
-6-
<PAGE> 7
provisions of this Agreement or to assert any right which the Executive, the
Company or Kimberly-Clark may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver
of such provision or right or any other provision of or right under this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and Kimberly-Clark has caused
this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Executive
has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By:
--------------------------
Name:
-------------------
Title:
------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By:
--------------------------
Name:
-------------------
Title:
------------------
EXECUTIVE:
----------------------------
Executive
-7-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.4
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
This Noncompetition Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
December 23, 1998, among Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation (the
"Company"), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Kimberly-Clark"), and Dale H. Ballard (the "Executive").
WHEREAS, the Executive has acquired extensive knowledge of and
experience in the businesses conducted by the Company; and
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, the Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Jazz
Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark ("Merger Sub"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into
the Company and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark, subject to the terms and conditions thereof; and
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the
Executive are entering into a Consulting Agreement (the "Consulting Agreement")
and a Severance Agreement and Release both of which are dated as of the date
hereof; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge that Executive has
held a high-level or otherwise unique position at the Company, and has been and
will continue to be made privy to highly sensitive trade secrets and other
confidential information of the Company (and after the merger, of
Kimberly-Clark), that the Executive in a unique and special manner has
contributed significantly to the good will of the Company, and that
nondisclosure of confidential information and a period of noncompetition are,
therefore, necessary to safeguard the Company's interests; and
WHEREAS, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive desire to enter
into a noncompetition agreement upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, and the consulting services to be provided to the Company by
Executive pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, and the compensation and
benefits incident thereto, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive hereby agree as
follows:
1. Effective Date of the Agreement. This Agreement shall become
effective at the Effective Time of the Merger and shall terminate on the date
which is the fifth one-year anniversary of the Effective Time of the Merger;
provided, however, that this Agreement shall terminate automatically and shall
be of no further force or effect if the Merger Agreement shall be terminated and
the merger shall not become effective pursuant to the terms thereof.
<PAGE> 2
2. Noncompetition. (a) (i) The Executive shall not, during the term of
this Agreement, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, control or
participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be
associated as an officer, employee, consultant, agent, partner or director with,
or provide capital or other funding to enable a third party to engage in, or
solicit customers or distributors of Kimberly-Clark's Professional Health Care
Sector or the Company with respect to any entity whose products compete directly
with products (including products in development) or professional services of
Kimberly-Clark's Professional Health Care Sector (including the Company) as of
the date of termination of the Consulting Agreement; provided, however, that
nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude the Executive from owning up to 1% of
the outstanding voting stock of any publicly traded corporation whose shares are
listed on a national stock exchange or listed on NASDAQ.
(ii) The Executive shall not, during the term of this Agreement,
solicit, directly or indirectly, any employee of Kimberly-Clark's Professional
Health Care Sector, the Company or of Kimberly-Clark (including those employed
by any of their Affiliates (defined, with respect to any person, as any
subsidiary or any corporation or other entity in which a 40 percent or more
equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by such person)) to leave such
employment; provided, however that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude
the Executive from hiring any such employees pursuant to an unsolicited response
to a general solicitation for employees.
(b) In the event any restriction against engaging in a competitive
activity contained in this Section 2 shall be determined by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its extending for too
great a period of time or over too great a geographical area or by reason of its
being too extensive in any other respect, it shall be interpreted to extend only
over the maximum period of time for which it may be enforceable, over the
maximum geographical area as to which it may be enforceable and to the maximum
extent in all other respects as to which it may be enforceable, all as
determined by such court in such action.
(c) In the event that the Executive desires to determine if a business
comes within the restrictions set forth in paragraph (a)(i) above, the Executive
may request from the Company and the Company will promptly provide information
concerning the sale of its products in specific countries or territories.
3. Unauthorized Disclosure. (a) The Executive shall not, without the
prior written consent of the President-Professional Health Care Sector of
Kimberly-Clark, use other than for Company purposes or disclose to any person
other than as required by law or court order or to a person to whom disclosure
is necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive
of his duties as a consultant under the Consulting Agreement, any confidential
information obtained by him concerning the Company, Kimberly-Clark or any
Affiliate thereof while in the employ of the Company, while a consultant
pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, or while a director or officer of the
Company, or any confidential information concerning any third party obtained by
him in his capacity as a director, officer, employee or consultant of the
Company, Kimberly-Clark or any Affiliate, including such information with
respect to any products, improvements, formulae, designs or styles, processes,
services, customers, suppliers, marketing techniques, methods, future plans or
operating practices ("Confidential
-2-
<PAGE> 3
Information"); provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not
include any information known generally to the public or previously disclosed to
the public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive)
or any information disclosed by the Company or Kimberly-Clark to a third party
without restrictions on the disclosure of such information, or any information
disclosed to the Executive by a third party without violating a legal duty owed
to the Company or Kimberly-Clark or their Affiliates.
(b) The Executive agrees that all documents, records, files, letters,
disks, memoranda, reports, data, sketches, drawings, laboratory notebooks,
program listings or other written, electronic, photographic or other tangible
material ("Tangible Property") containing Confidential Information, whether
created by the Executive or others, which have or shall come into his custody or
possession shall be and are the exclusive property of the Company and shall be
used by the Executive only in the performance of his duties. The Executive
agrees that upon the earlier of (i) a request by the Company or Kimberly-Clark
or (ii) the termination or cessation of his consulting duties under the
Consulting Agreement for any reason, he shall promptly deliver to the Company
all Tangible Property in his possession or under his control which contains
Confidential Information. The Executive shall not retain or deliver to any third
person copies of such Tangible Property.
(c) The Executive agrees that his obligations not to disclose or use
Confidential Information or Tangible Property of the types set forth in Section
3(a) or 3(b) hereof also extend to such types of Confidential Information and
Tangible Property of customers or suppliers to the Company or its Affiliates or
other third parties who may have disclosed or entrusted the same to the Company
or its Affiliates or to the Executive in the course of the Company's business.
(d) The covenants set forth in this Section 3 shall lapse three (3)
years following termination of the Consulting Agreement.
4. Public Announcements. The Executive agrees that he shall not make or
cause to be made any public statement, public announcement or press release
which is intended, or would reasonably be expected, to disparage the Company,
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the integration of the
Company's and its Affiliates' operations with those of Kimberly-Clark and its
Affiliates.
5. Injunctive Relief. The Executive acknowledges that a breach of the
restrictions contained in Section 2, 3 or 4 hereof shall cause irreparable
damage to the Company and Kimberly-Clark, the exact amount of which shall be
difficult to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach shall
be inadequate. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that if the Executive breaches
any of the restrictions contained in Section 2, 3 or 4 hereof, then the Company
and Kimberly-Clark shall be entitled to injunctive relief, without posting bond
or other security, in addition to any other remedy or remedies available to
Company or Kimberly-Clark at law or in equity.
6. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Executive upon
ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Company and Kimberly-Clark in the
event that the Company or Kimberly-Clark shall breach any of their obligations
under Section 4 of the Consulting Agreement; provided, however, that the
Executive shall not be entitled
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<PAGE> 4
to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 6 in the event that the
Company or Kimberly-Clark shall cure any such breach within such ten (10) day
period. In the event of such termination by the Executive, the Company shall pay
to the Executive all remaining payments due under the Consulting Agreement
within five (5) business days of such termination.
7. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive and by his personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees, and by the Company and Kimberly-Clark and their respective successors
and assigns.
8. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered, when delivered by facsimile or electronic mail
or by courier or overnight express service or five days after having been sent
by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed: (a) if to the
Executive, to the Executive's address set forth in the records of the Company,
or if to the Company or Kimberly-Clark, to David R. Murray,
President-Professional Health Care Sector, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 1400
Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076, Fax: (770) 587-7751, with a copy to O.
George Everbach, Senior Vice President-Law and Government Affairs,
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 351 Phelps Drive, Irving, TX 75038, Fax: (972)
281-1492, or (b) to such other address as any party may have furnished to the
other parties in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change
of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
9. Governing Law; Validity. The interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provisions of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in
full force and effect.
10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be modified or
waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and executed
by the Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company and of
Kimberly-Clark. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by
another party hereto of, or failure to comply with, any condition or provision
of this Agreement to be performed or complied with by such other party shall be
deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar conditions or provisions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by the Executive, the Company
or Kimberly-Clark to insist upon strict compliance with any provisions of this
Agreement or to assert any right which the Executive, the Company or
Kimberly-Clark may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
provision or right or any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
-4-
<PAGE> 5
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and Kimberly-Clark has caused
this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Executive
has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By: /s/ Harold R. Wolcott
-----------------------------------------
Name Harold R. Wolcott
----------------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President
----------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ John W. Donehower
-----------------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief
----------------------------------
Financial Officer
----------------------------------
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Dale H. Ballard
--------------------------------
Dale H. Ballard
-5-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.5
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Severance Agreement and Release (the "Agreement") is entered into
as of December 23, 1998, among Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation
(the "Company"), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Kimberly-Clark"), and Dale H. Ballard (the "Executive").
WHEREAS, the Executive is presently a director of the Company, and is
presently employed by the Company in the capacity of Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President; and
WHEREAS, the Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Jazz Acquisition Corp., a
Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark ("Merger
Sub"), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of the date
hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Merger Agreement"),
pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company and the
Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, subject to the
terms and conditions thereof; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have entered into a Consulting Agreement
(the "Consulting Agreement") and a Noncompetition Agreement (collectively the
"Other Agreements") as of the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Executive will cease to be a director, officer and
employee of the Company and of all its subsidiaries and affiliates, effective
as of the Effective Time of the Merger (as such terms are defined in the Merger
Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive desire to make
appropriate arrangements for the release by the Executive of any and all claims
he may have against the Company and Kimberly-Clark, except as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, and in consideration of the execution of the Other
Agreements, and the consulting services to be provided to the Company by
Executive pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, and the compensation and
benefits incident thereto, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Executive hereby agree as
follows:
1. Voluntary Act. The Executive hereby represents to the Company and
Kimberly-Clark that this Agreement is entered into voluntarily, and with a full
understanding of and agreement with its terms, for the purpose of receiving
additional benefits from the Company and releasing the claims set forth in
Section 3 hereof.
2. Cessation of Employment. The Executive's employment with the
Company and with all of its subsidiaries and affiliates will cease as of the
Effective Time of the Merger.
<PAGE> 2
3. Agreements and Acknowledgment. Effective as of the Effective Time
of the Merger, the Executive, for him and his attorneys, heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns, fully, finally and forever releases and
discharges the Company and Kimberly-Clark, and all subsidiary and/or affiliated
companies and businesses thereof, as well as their successors, assigns,
officers, owners, directors, agents, representatives, attorneys, and employees,
of and from all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, damages,
losses, and expenses, of any and every nature whatsoever, whether known or
unknown, asserted or unasserted, as a result of actions or omissions occurring
through the date of this Agreement, including without limitation any and all
claims of alleged employment discrimination, either as a result of the
negotiated and specifically agreed to separation of the Executive's employment
or otherwise, under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, any other
federal, state or local statute, rule, ordinance, or regulation, as well as any
claims for alleged wrongful discharge, negligent or intentional infliction of
emotional distress, breach of contract, fraud, or any other unlawful behavior,
the existence of which is specifically denied. Nothing contained herein shall
relieve the Company or Kimberly-Clark from any obligation under this Agreement,
any employee benefit plan in which the Executive is a participant or under
which the Executive is entitled to benefits, the Other Agreements, or the
Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby. Executive
acknowledges that he is not entitled to severance or any similar arrangement
under any other severance plan, program or arrangement maintained by the
Company or Kimberly-Clark.
4. Consultation with Attorney. The Executive represents that he was
advised to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement, and that he
has consulted with an attorney and/or other persons to the extent the Executive
desired to do so before signing this Agreement.
5. No Representations or Inducements. The Executive agrees that no
promises, representations or inducements have been made which caused the
Executive to sign this Agreement other than those expressly set forth above.
6. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive and by his personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees, and by the Company and Kimberly-Clark and their respective successors
and assigns.
7. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered, when delivered by facsimile or by courier or
overnight express service or five days after having been sent by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed: (a) if to the Executive, to the
Executive's address set forth in the records of the Company, or if to the
Company or Kimberly-Clark, to David R. Murray, President-Professional Health
Care Sector, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 1400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA
30076, Fax: (770) 587-7751, with a copy to O. George Everbach, Senior Vice
President-Law and Government Affairs, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 351 Phelps
Drive, Irving, TX 75038, Fax: (972) 281-1492, or (b) to such other address as
any party may have furnished to the other parties in writing in accordance
herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon
receipt.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
8. Governing Law; Validity. The interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced
in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provisions of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in
full force and effect.
9. Review Period. The Executive represents that he was given at least
twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms of this Agreement. If the Executive
has signed this Agreement before the end of the this twenty-one (21) day
period, it is because he freely chose to do so after carefully considering its
terms.
10. Revocation. The Executive has seven (7) days from the signing of
this Agreement to revoke this Agreement. If the Executive does not revoke this
Agreement in writing delivered to O. George Everbach within seven (7) days of
the date of this Agreement, this Agreement will become final and binding.
11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
12. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be modified or
waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and executed
by the Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company and of
Kimberly-Clark. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by
another party hereto of, or failure to comply with, any condition or provision
of this Agreement to be performed or complied with by such other party shall be
deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar conditions or provisions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by the Executive, the Company
or Kimberly-Clark to insist upon strict compliance with any provisions of this
Agreement or to assert any right which the Executive, the Company or
Kimberly-Clark may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
provision or right or any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
13. Effectiveness. The provisions of Section 2 and 3 hereof shall be
effective only upon the Effective Time of the Merger, and shall be null and
void if the Merger Agreement is terminated and the Merger shall not become
effective pursuant to the terms thereof. The Executive agrees to reaffirm the
provisions of this Agreement through the Effective Time of the Merger with
respect to all matters relating to his employment with the Company and all
officerships and directorships held by the Executive with respect to the
Company and its subsidiaries. If the Executive does not reaffirm such
provisions of this Agreement as provided herein, the Executive will forfeit the
financial consideration set forth in Section 4 of the Consulting Agreement.
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<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and Kimberly-Clark has caused
this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer and the Executive
have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By: /s/ Harold R. Wolcott
--------------------------------------
Name: Harold R. Wolcott
-------------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President
------------------------------
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By /s/ John W. Donehower
-------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
-------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief
-------------------------------
Financial Officer
-------------------------------
EXECUTIVE:
/s/ Dale H. Ballard
-------------------------------
Dale H. Ballard
-4-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.6
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Consulting Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of
December 23, 1998, among Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation (the
"Company"), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Kimberly-Clark"), and Dale H. Ballard (the "Consultant").
WHEREAS, the Consultant has acquired extensive knowledge of and
experience in the businesses conducted by the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires to obtain the benefit of the Consultant's
knowledge and experience by retaining the Consultant, and the Consultant desires
to accept such position, for the term and upon the other conditions hereinafter
set forth; and
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, the Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Jazz
Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark ("Merger Sub"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated as of the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into
the Company and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Kimberly-Clark, subject to the terms and conditions thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Consultant will cease to be a director and officer of the
Company and of all its subsidiaries and affiliates, effective as of the
Effective Time of the Merger (as such terms are defined in the Merger
Agreement); and
WHEREAS, concurrently herewith, the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the
Consultant are entering into a Noncompetition Agreement (the "Noncompetition
Agreement") and a Severance Agreement and Release (collectively the "Other
Agreements") both of which are dated as of the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Executive recognizes and accepts that the compensation to
be paid under this Consulting Agreement shall serve as adequate consideration
for his execution of the Other Agreements.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements
contained herein, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
the Company, Kimberly-Clark and the Consultant hereby agree as follows:
1. Term of the Agreement. The Company engages the Consultant as a
consultant, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, for the period
commencing at the Effective Time of the Merger and ending on the date which is
the one year anniversary of the Effective Time of the Merger (the "Consulting
Period"), subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 5 hereof; provided,
however, that this Agreement shall terminate and shall be of no further force or
effect if the Merger
<PAGE> 2
Agreement shall be terminated and the Merger shall not become effective pursuant
to the terms thereof.
2. Consulting Services; Expenses. During the Consulting Period, the
Consultant shall make himself available either in person (at such times and
places as provided hereunder) or by telephone to perform consulting services
with respect to the businesses conducted, or in development, by the Company.
Such consulting services shall include those matters (appropriate to the former
Chief Executive Officer of the Company) as the President-Professional Health
Care Sector of Kimberly-Clark may reasonably designate from time to time,
including but not limited to, providing introduction to the Company's employees,
customers, distributors, or other business contacts; review of the Company's
operations, including but not limited to, manufacturing, marketing (domestic and
international), financial, product and business development; responding to
inquiries by Kimberly-Clark regarding the Company and its operations; and such
other matters as may arise from time to time. The Consultant shall accommodate
reasonable requests by the Company for the Consultant's consulting services and
shall devote reasonable time and his reasonable best efforts, skill and
attention to the performance of such consulting services, including travel
reasonably required in the performance of such consulting services, provided
that the Consultant only agrees to provide such consulting services for up to
four (4) eight hour days per week during the first three (3) months following
the Effective Time of the Merger; three (3) eight hour days per week during the
next three (3) months; and eighty (80) hours per month thereafter. The Company
shall reimburse the Consultant for all necessary travel and other reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Consultant in providing such consulting
services.
3. Independent Contractor. The Consultant shall perform the consulting
services described in Section 2 hereof as an independent contractor without the
power to bind, obligate or represent the Company or Kimberly-Clark for any
purpose whatsoever. The Consultant shall not, by virtue of being a consultant
hereunder, be eligible to receive any benefits for which officers or other
employees of the Company or Kimberly-Clark are eligible at any time, such as
insurance, participation in Company or Kimberly-Clark pension plans or other
employee benefits. The Consultant hereby acknowledges his separate
responsibility for all federal and state withholding taxes, Federal Insurance
Contribution Act taxes, and workers' compensation and unemployment compensation
taxes, if applicable, and agrees to indemnify and hold the Company and
Kimberly-Clark harmless from any claim or liability therefor.
4. Compensation. As compensation for the consulting services to be
performed by the Consultant hereunder, the Company shall pay the Consultant an
amount equal to $300,000, payable in four (4) equal installments of $75,000,
with the first installment due at the Effective Time of the Merger, and
succeeding installments due on the dates which are three, six and nine months
following the Effective Time of the Merger. No amounts shall be payable
following termination of this Agreement, except as provided in Section 5 hereof.
5. Termination. (a) This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the
Company or Kimberly-Clark upon ten (10) days prior written notice to the
Consultant in the event that the Consultant shall breach any covenant contained
in Section 2 hereof or in Sections 2, 3 or 4 of the Noncompetition Agreement;
provided however that the
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<PAGE> 3
Company and Kimberly-Clark shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 5(a) in the event that the Consultant shall cure any
such breach within such ten (10) day period. In the event of such termination by
the Company or Kimberly-Clark, the obligation of the Company to pay compensation
to the Consultant pursuant to Section 4 hereof shall cease, effective on the
date of such termination.
(b) This Agreement may be terminated by the Consultant upon ten (10)
days prior written notice to the Company and Kimberly-Clark in the event that
the Company or Kimberly-Clark shall breach any of its obligations under Section
2 or 4 hereof; provided however that the Consultant shall not be entitled to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 5(b) in the event that the
Company or Kimberly-Clark shall cure any such breach within such ten (10) day
period. In the event of such termination by Consultant, the Company shall pay to
Consultant all remaining payments due under Section 4 of this Agreement.
(c) This Agreement shall terminate immediately upon the death of the
Consultant or any disability of the Consultant which prevents him from
performing the services described hereunder. In the event of such termination
due to death or disability, the Company shall pay to Consultant, or Consultant's
estate, all remaining payments due under Section 4 of this Agreement.
6. Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by the Consultant and by his personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, devisees and
legatees, and by the Company and Kimberly-Clark and their respective successors
and assigns.
7. Assignment. This Agreement is personal to the Consultant and shall
not be assigned or otherwise transferred by the Consultant.
8. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered, when delivered by facsimile or by courier or
overnight express service or five days after having been sent by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, addressed: (a) if to the Consultant, to the
Consultant's address set forth in the records of the Company, or if to the
Company or Kimberly-Clark, to David R. Murray, President-Professional Health
Care Sector, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 1400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA
30076, Fax: (770) 587-7751, with a copy to O. George Everbach, Senior Vice
President-Law and Government Affairs, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 351 Phelps
Drive, Irving, TX 75038, Fax: (972) 281-1492, or (b) to such other address as
any party may have furnished to the other parties in writing in accordance
herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon
receipt.
9. Governing Law; Validity. The interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal laws of the State of Utah without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of
any other provisions of this Agreement, which other provisions shall remain in
full force and effect.
-3-
<PAGE> 4
10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
11. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be modified or
waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and executed
by the Consultant and by a duly authorized officer of the Company and of
Kimberly-Clark. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by
another party hereto of, or failure to comply with, any condition or provision
of this Agreement to be performed or complied with by such other party shall be
deemed a waiver of any similar or dissimilar conditions or provisions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by the Consultant, the Company
or Kimberly-Clark to insist upon strict compliance with any provisions of this
Agreement or to assert any right which the Consultant, the Company or
Kimberly-Clark may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
provision or right or any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and Kimberly-Clark has caused
this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer and the Consultant
has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
By: /s/ DALE H. BALLARD
----------------------------------------
Dale H. Ballard
President
KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION
By: /s/ JOHN W. DONEHOWER
----------------------------------------
Name: John W. Donehower
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
CONSULTANT:
/s/ DALE H. BALLARD
--------------------------------------------
Dale H. Ballard
-4-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Kimberly-Clark Corporation on Form S-4 of our reports dated January 25, 1999,
July 23, 1999, as to Note 17 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and
includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the restatement described in Note
17), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of Kimberly-Clark Corporation
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Dallas, Texas
August 13, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Kimberly-Clark Corporation on Form S-4 of our reports dated November 23, 1998
(December 23, 1998 as to the second paragraph of Note 11) and December 29, 1998,
appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Ballard Medical Products for the year ended September 30, 1998 and to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of
this Registration Statement.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
August 13, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Kimberly-Clark Corporation on Form S-4 of our report dated January 30, 1998 on
our audits of the financial statements of Tri-Med Specialities, Inc. as of
September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the year ended September 30, 1997, appearing in
and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of Ballard
Medical Products for the year ended September 30, 1998 and to the reference to
us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
-------------------------------
Kansas City, Missouri PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
August 13, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Wayne R. Sanders
----------------------------------------
Wayne R. Sanders
<PAGE> 2
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ John F. Bergstrom
----------------------------------------
John F. Bergstrom
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Pastora San Juan Cafferty
----------------------------------------
Pastora San Juan Cafferty
<PAGE> 4
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Paul J. Collins
----------------------------------------
Paul J. Collins
<PAGE> 5
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Robert W. Decherd
----------------------------------------
Robert W. Decherd
<PAGE> 6
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ William O Fifield
----------------------------------------
William O. Fifield
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Claudio X. Gonzalez
----------------------------------------
Claudio X. Gonzalez
<PAGE> 8
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Frank A. McPherson
----------------------------------------
Frank A. McPherson
<PAGE> 9
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Linda Johnson Rice
----------------------------------------
Linda Johnson Rice
<PAGE> 10
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Wolfgang R. Schmitt
----------------------------------------
Wolfgang R. Schmitt
<PAGE> 11
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Randall L. Tobias
----------------------------------------
Randall L. Tobias
<PAGE> 12
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned, a Director and/or
Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
does hereby constitute and appoint John W. Donehower, Randy J. Vest and O.
George Everbach, and each of them, with full power to act alone, his true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign on behalf of the undersigned a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
with respect to the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of
Common Stock, $1.25 par value, of the Company together with the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights associated therewith to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 23, 1998 among the Company,
Jazz Acquisition Corp., a Utah corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company ("Sub"), and Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation ("Ballard"),
which provides for the merger of Sub with and into Ballard, with Ballard
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and to execute any and
all amendments to such Registration Statement, whether filed prior or subsequent
to the time such Registration Statement becomes effective, including amendments
filed thereto, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of
them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as the
undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all
that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any one of them, or his substitute or
their substitutes, lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of
February, 1999.
/s/ Louis E. Levy
----------------------------------
Louis E. Levy
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
BALLARD MEDICAL PRODUCTS
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The shareholder of Ballard Medical Products, a Utah corporation, whose name
and signature appear on the reverse side of this card, having received the
notice of special meeting of shareholders and the related proxy
statement/prospectus for Ballard's special meeting of shareholders to be
held at the principal executive office of Ballard Medical Products located
at 12050 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper, Utah, on September 23, 1999, at 9:00
a.m., local time, hereby appoints Dale H. Ballard, Harold R. ("Butch")
Wolcott and Paul W. Hess, or each of them, the proxies of the shareholder,
each with full power of substitution, to vote at such special meeting, and
at any adjournments of such meeting, all shares of Ballard common stock, par
value $.10 per share, that the shareholder is entitled to vote, in the
manner shown on the reverse side of this card.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED
HEREBY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SHAREHOLDER'S DIRECTIONS ON THE
REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THEN THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 AND IN THE
PROXIES' DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
SPECIAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SO INDICATE IN
THE SPACE PROVIDED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY: [X]. THIS
PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED AND DELIVERED, WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED
BELOW. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1
AND 2. THE PROXIES CANNOT VOTE YOUR SHARES UNLESS YOU SIGN AND RETURN THIS
CARD.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
1. Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 23, 1998,
among Ballard Medical Products, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Jazz
Acquisition Corp.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
2. Adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to permit further
solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the time of
the special meeting to approve the merger proposal.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. I authorize the aforementioned proxies to vote in their discretion on any
other matters that may properly come before the special meeting or any
adjournments thereof, subject to limitations set forth in applicable
regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy heretofore given to vote with
respect to the Ballard common stock and hereby ratifies and confirms all
that the proxies, their substitutes or any of them may lawfully do by virtue
hereof.
If you plan to attend the meeting, please check the box. [ ]
--------------------------------
Signature
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Signature
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Date
NOTE: PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS
NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON THIS CARD.
WHEN SHARES ARE HELD JOINTLY,
BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING
AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR
GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE FULL TITLE
AS SUCH. WHEN EXECUTED BY A
CORPORATION OR PARTNERSHIP,
PLEASE SIGN IN FULL CORPORATE OR
PARTNERSHIP NAME BY A DULY
AUTHORIZED OFFICER OR PARTNER,
GIVING TITLE. PLEASE SIGN, DATE
AND MAIL THIS PROXY PROMPTLY
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO
ATTEND THE MEETING. YOU MAY
NEVERTHELESS VOTE IN PERSON IF
YOU DO ATTEND.
