<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 1999
Registration No. 333-71587
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
--------------
PRE-EFFECTIVE
AMENDMENT NO. 1
To
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------
Mattel, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Delaware 5092 95-1567322
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245-5012
(310) 252-2000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
--------------
Lee B. Essner, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245-5012
(310) 252-2000
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent for Service)
--------------
Copies to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Thomas C. Sadler, Esq. Neal S. Winneg, Esq. Mark G. Borden, Esq.
Latham & Watkins The Learning Company, Inc. Hale and Dorr LLP
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000 One Athenaeum Street 60 State Street
Los Angeles, California 90071 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142 Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(213) 485-1234 (617) 494-1200 (617) 526-6000
</TABLE>
--------------
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other
conditions under the merger agreement (described in the joint proxy
statement/prospectus herein) are satisfied or waived.
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 for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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. [_]
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. [_]
--------------
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 of the Securities Act or until this Registration Statement shall
become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said
Section 8, may determine.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[MATTEL LOGO]
[LEARNING COMPANY LOGO]
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MERGER PROPOSED--YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
The boards of directors of Mattel, Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc. have
unanimously approved a merger agreement that will result in the merger of
Mattel and Learning Company. Following the completion of the merger, Learning
Company will cease to exist and the combined company will be named Mattel, Inc.
If the merger is completed:
. Each share of Learning Company common stock you own will be exchanged for
not less than 1.0 nor more than 1.2 shares of Mattel common stock. Within
the above minimum and maximum, the exact exchange ratio will be
calculated by dividing $33.00 by the average of the closing prices of the
Mattel common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for 10 randomly
selected trading days out of the 20 trading days ending on the fifth
trading day preceding the merger.
. Each outstanding exchangeable non-voting share of Learning Company's
Canadian subsidiary, Softkey Software Products Inc., will remain
outstanding, but will thereafter be exchangeable into a number of shares
of Mattel common stock equal to the exchange ratio.
. Mattel stockholders will continue to own their existing shares.
The shares of Mattel common stock to be issued to holders of Learning Company
common stock and issuable after the merger upon the exchange of the
exchangeable shares will, depending on the exchange ratio, represent between
26.2% and 29.8% of the outstanding Mattel voting stock after the merger.
Assuming an exchange ratio of 1.2 and the exercise or conversion prior to the
merger of all outstanding stock options or other convertible securities of
Learning Company, up to 152,963,658 shares of Mattel common stock will be
issued in the merger.
Mattel common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific
Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "MAT." Learning Company common stock is listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TLC."
The merger cannot be completed unless both Mattel's and Learning Company's
stockholders approve the merger agreement. We have scheduled special meetings
for our respective stockholders to vote on the merger agreement. The exact
exchange ratio may not be determined by the date of the special meetings.
Whether or not you plan to attend a special meeting, please take the time to
vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to us. If you sign, date
and mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy
will be counted as a vote in favor of the proposal(s) submitted at your
meeting, unless your shares are held in a brokerage account. If you fail to
return your proxy card or to vote in person at your meeting, the effect will be
a vote against the merger. Your vote is very important.
The dates, times and places of the meetings are as follows:
For Mattel stockholders:
, 1999
local time
For Learning Company stockholders:
, 1999
local time
<PAGE>
This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information
about the proposed merger. In addition, you may obtain information about our
companies from documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Jill E. Barad Michael J. Perik
Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer
Mattel, Inc. The Learning Company, Inc.
</TABLE>
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved the Mattel common stock to
be issued in the merger or determined if this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the
contrary is a criminal offense.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated , 1999 and is expected
to be first mailed to stockholders on , 1999.
<PAGE>
[Inside Front Cover]
Sources of Additional Information
This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business
and financial information about Mattel and Learning Company that is not
included or delivered with this document. Such information is available
without charge to Mattel and Learning Company stockholders upon written or
oral request. Contact Mattel at 333 Continental Boulevard, El Segundo,
California 90245, attn.: Robert Normile, Secretary. Mattel's telephone
number is (310) 252-2000. Contact Learning Company at One Athenaeum
Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, attn.: Neal S. Winneg, Secretary.
Learning Company's telephone number is (617) 494-1200.
To obtain timely delivery of requested documents prior to the special
meeting of Mattel stockholders or the special meeting of Learning Company
stockholders, you must request them no later than , 1999, which
is five business days prior to the date of such meetings.
Also see "Where You Can Find More Information" in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus.
<PAGE>
MATTEL, INC.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245
----------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On , 1999
----------------
To the Stockholders of Mattel, Inc.:
A special meeting of stockholders of Mattel, Inc., will be held on
, 1999, at , local time, at , for the
following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 1998, between Mattel
and The Learning Company, Inc., pursuant to which:
(a) Learning Company will be merged with and into Mattel, with Mattel
being the surviving corporation;
(b) each issued and outstanding share of common stock of Learning
Company will be changed and converted into and represent the
right to receive a number (the "exchange ratio") of shares of
common stock of Mattel equal to the number determined by
dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price (as defined below);
provided, that (1) if the number determined by dividing $33.00
by the Average Mattel Price is less than or equal to 1.0, the
exchange ratio will be 1.0, and (2) if the number determined by
dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price is 1.2 or higher,
the exchange ratio will be 1.2;
(c) each issued and outstanding share of Series A convertible
participating preferred stock of Learning Company, other than
shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock held by
stockholders exercising appraisal rights, will be changed and
converted into and represent the right to receive a number of
shares of Mattel common stock equal to the product of (1) the
exchange ratio and (2) the number of shares of Learning Company
common stock issuable upon conversion of such share of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger; and
(d) the share of special voting stock of Learning Company will,
unless the holder of such share exercises appraisal rights, be
changed and converted into and represent the right to receive
one share of special voting preferred stock of Mattel.
After the merger is consummated, each outstanding exchangeable
non-voting share of Learning Company's Canadian subsidiary,
Softkey Software Products Inc., will remain outstanding, but
under the terms of the exchangeable shares, will then be
exchangeable into a number of shares of Mattel common stock
equal to the exchange ratio.
"Average Mattel Price" means the average of the closing prices
of the Mattel common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction
Tape for the Random Trading Days. The "Random Trading Days" are
the 10 trading days selected by lot out of the
<PAGE>
20 trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day
preceding the effective time of the merger. The Random Trading
Days will be selected by lot by designated representatives of
Mattel and Learning Company at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the
second trading day preceding the effective time of the merger.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Mattel
special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Mattel
special meeting, including without limitation, potential adjournments
or postponements of the Mattel special meeting for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies in order to approve and adopt the
merger agreement.
Mattel's board of directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement
and recommends that you vote FOR approval and adoption of the merger
agreement. We have described the proposal in more detail in the accompanying
joint proxy statement/prospectus, which you should read in its entirety before
voting. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as annex A to the
accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus.
The close of business on , 1999 has been fixed by Mattel's board of
directors as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at the Mattel special meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof. Only holders of record of Mattel common stock and Mattel
Series C mandatorily convertible redeemable preferred stock at the close of
business on the record date may vote at the Mattel special meeting. All of the
shares of Mattel Series C preferred stock are held by BankBoston, N.A., as
depositary for the holders of Mattel Series C depositary shares. Each Mattel
Series C depositary share represents one twenty-fifth of a share of Mattel
Series C preferred stock. The Mattel Series C preferred stock will be voted by
BankBoston, N.A. in accordance with instructions received from the holders of
the Mattel Series C depositary shares. Each share of Mattel Series C preferred
stock is entitled to 12.219 votes per share. Consequently, holders of Mattel
Series C depositary shares are entitled to direct BankBoston, N.A. with
respect to 0.48876 of a vote per Mattel Series C depositary share.
The approval and adoption of the merger agreement will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the
shares of Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred stock outstanding
on the record date, voting together as a single class.
All stockholders of Mattel and holders of Mattel Series C depositary shares
are cordially invited to attend the Mattel special meeting in person. However,
to ensure your representation at the Mattel special meeting, you are urged to
complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in
the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. You may revoke your proxy in the manner
described in the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus at any time
before it is voted at the Mattel special meeting. Executed proxies with no
instructions indicated thereon will be voted "FOR" approval and adoption of
the merger agreement. If you fail to return a properly executed proxy card or
to vote in person at the Mattel special meeting, the effect will be a vote
against the merger agreement.
By Order of the Board of Directors
El Segundo, California Robert Normile
, 1999 Secretary
The board of directors of Mattel recommends that stockholders vote "FOR"
approval and adoption of the merger agreement.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please
complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in
the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.
<PAGE>
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
----------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On , 1999
----------------
To the Stockholders of
The Learning Company, Inc.:
A special meeting of stockholders of The Learning Company, Inc. will be held
on , 1999, at , local time, at for
the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 1998, between Learning
Company and Mattel, Inc. pursuant to which:
(a) Learning Company will be merged with and into Mattel, with Mattel
being the surviving corporation;
(b) each issued and outstanding share of common stock of Learning
Company will be changed and converted into and represent the
right to receive a number (the "exchange ratio") of shares of
common stock of Mattel equal to the number determined by
dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price (as defined below);
provided, that (1) if the number determined by dividing $33.00
by the Average Mattel Price is less than or equal to 1.0, the
exchange ratio will be 1.0, and (2) if the number determined by
dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price is 1.2 or higher,
the exchange ratio will be 1.2;
(c) each issued and outstanding share of Series A convertible
participating preferred stock of Learning Company, other than
shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock held by
stockholders exercising appraisal rights, will be changed and
converted into and represent the right to receive a number of
shares of Mattel common stock equal to the product of (1) the
exchange ratio and (2) the number of shares of Learning Company
common stock issuable upon conversion of such share of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger; and
(d) the share of special voting stock of Learning Company will,
unless the holder of such share exercises appraisal rights, be
changed and converted into and represent the right to receive
one share of special voting preferred stock of Mattel.
After the merger is consummated, each outstanding exchangeable
non-voting share of Learning Company's Canadian subsidiary,
Softkey Software Products Inc., will remain outstanding, but
under the terms of the exchangeable shares, will then be
exchangeable into a number of shares of Mattel common stock
equal to the exchange ratio.
<PAGE>
"Average Mattel Price" means the average of the closing prices
of the Mattel common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction
Tape for the Random Trading Days. The "Random Trading Days" are
the 10 trading days selected by lot out of the 20 trading days
ending on and including the fifth trading day preceding the
effective time of the merger. The Random Trading Days will be
selected by lot by designated representatives of Mattel and
Learning Company at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the second
trading day preceding the effective time of the merger.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Learning Company special meeting or any adjournment or postponement
of the Learning Company special meeting, including without
limitation, potential adjournments or postponements of the Learning
Company special meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional
proxies in order to approve and adopt the merger agreement.
Learning Company's board of directors has unanimously approved the merger
agreement and recommends that you vote FOR approval and adoption of the merger
agreement. We have described the proposal in more detail in the accompanying
joint proxy statement/prospectus, which you should read in its entirety before
voting. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as annex A to the
accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus.
The close of business on , 1999 has been fixed by Learning Company's
board of directors as the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Learning Company special meeting or
any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only holders of record of Learning
Company common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred stock at the close
of business on the record date may vote at the Learning Company special
meeting. In addition, holders of record of exchangeable shares at the close of
business on the record date will be entitled to notice of the Learning Company
special meeting and to direct the vote of CIBC Mellon Trust Company, the holder
as trustee for such persons, of the one outstanding share of Learning Company
special voting stock.
Any record holder of Learning Company Series A preferred stock or Learning
Company special voting stock (a) who, before the taking of the vote on the
approval and adoption of the merger agreement, delivers to Learning Company a
written demand stating that he, she or it intends to demand appraisal of his,
her or its shares if the merger is consummated and (b) whose shares are not
voted in favor of approval and adoption of the merger agreement, may be
entitled to such appraisal of his, her or its shares. Mattel, as the surviving
corporation in the merger, and any such stockholder shall in such cases have
the rights and duties and shall follow the procedures set forth in Section 262
of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a copy of which is included as annex D
to the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a description of the
procedures to be followed in asserting appraisal rights in connection with the
proposed merger, see "The Merger--Appraisal Rights" in the accompanying joint
proxy statement/prospectus.
The approval and adoption of the merger agreement will require the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares
of Learning Company common stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock and
the share of Learning Company special voting stock outstanding on the record
date, voting together as a single class.
<PAGE>
All stockholders of Learning Company and holders of exchangeable shares are
cordially invited to attend the Learning Company special meeting in person.
However, to ensure your representation at the Learning Company special meeting,
you are urged to complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly
as possible in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. You may revoke your proxy
in the manner described in the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus at
any time before it is voted at the Learning Company special meeting. Executed
proxies with no instructions indicated thereon will be voted "FOR" approval and
adoption of the merger agreement. If you fail to return a properly executed
proxy card or to vote in person at the Learning Company special meeting, the
effect will be a vote against the merger agreement.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Cambridge, Massachusetts Neal S. Winneg
, 1999 Secretary
The board of directors of Learning Company recommends that stockholders vote
"FOR" approval and adoption of the merger agreement.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please
complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in
the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER.................................... 1
SUMMARY................................................................... 3
THE MATTEL SPECIAL MEETING................................................ 18
Date, Time and Place.................................................... 18
Purpose................................................................. 18
Mattel Board of Directors' Recommendation............................... 18
Record Date, Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights ...................... 18
Vote Required; Quorum................................................... 18
Voting of Proxies....................................................... 19
Revocation of Proxies................................................... 19
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses....................................... 20
THE LEARNING COMPANY SPECIAL MEETING...................................... 21
Date, Time and Place.................................................... 21
Purpose................................................................. 21
Learning Company Board of Directors' Recommendation..................... 21
Record Date, Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights....................... 21
Vote Required; Quorum................................................... 22
Voting of Proxies....................................................... 22
Revocation of Proxies................................................... 23
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses....................................... 23
THE MERGER................................................................ 24
Background of the Merger................................................ 24
Joint Reasons for the Merger............................................ 26
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Mattel; Mattel's Reasons for
the Merger............................................................. 27
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Learning Company; Learning
Company's Reasons for the Merger....................................... 28
Opinion of Financial Advisor to Mattel.................................. 30
Opinion of Financial Advisor to Learning Company........................ 34
Interests of Some Persons in the Merger................................. 40
Treatment of Learning Company Special Voting Stock and Exchangeable
Shares................................................................. 44
Treatment of Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock.................. 46
Accounting Treatment of the Merger...................................... 46
Legal Proceedings....................................................... 47
Regulatory Approvals.................................................... 49
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations................ 50
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations to Holders of
Exchangeable Shares.................................................... 52
Delisting and Deregistration of Learning Company Common Stock; Listing
of Mattel Common Stock Issued in Connection with the Merger............ 54
Resales of Mattel Common Stock Issued in Connection with the Merger;
Affiliate Agreements................................................... 54
Appraisal Rights........................................................ 55
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.............. 58
Effect of Merger on Outstanding 5 1/2% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2000
of Learning Company.................................................... 59
THE MERGER AGREEMENT...................................................... 60
The Merger.............................................................. 60
Conversion of Securities................................................ 60
Treatment of Exchangeable Shares........................................ 61
Treatment of Learning Company Stock Options............................. 62
Exchange of Stock Certificates.......................................... 62
Representations and Warranties.......................................... 64
Certain Covenants....................................................... 65
Conditions to Obligations to Effect the Merger.......................... 69
Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses.............................. 71
Amendment and Waiver.................................................... 72
Stock Option Agreement.................................................. 73
Stockholder Support Agreements.......................................... 74
MATTEL UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........ 75
CAPITALIZATION OF MATTEL AND LEARNING COMPANY............................. 85
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT OF MATTEL................................ 87
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS.................................................... 88
DESCRIPTION OF MATTEL CAPITAL STOCK....................................... 90
General................................................................. 90
Mattel Common Stock..................................................... 90
Description of Preference Share Purchase Rights......................... 90
Preferred Stock......................................................... 91
Series C Mandatorily Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock; Series C
Depositary Shares...................................................... 91
Mattel Special Voting Preferred Stock................................... 91
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF MATTEL COMMON STOCK AND LEARNING
COMPANY COMMON STOCK AND LEARNING COMPANY SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK BEFORE
AND AFTER THE MERGER..................................................... 93
Capital Stock........................................................... 93
Number and Election of Directors........................................ 93
Voting.................................................................. 93
Special Meeting of Stockholders......................................... 94
Written Consent of Stockholders......................................... 94
Proposals and Nominations............................................... 94
Rights Agreement........................................................ 94
Rights of Holders of Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock.......... 95
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS..................................................... 96
TRADEMARK MATTERS......................................................... 97
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................. 97
EXPERTS.................................................................... 97
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION........................................ 98
</TABLE>
ANNEXES
A. AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
B. OPINION OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
C. OPINION OF MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
D. SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
E. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
iii
<PAGE>
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
Q: Why are the two companies proposing to merge?
A: Mattel and Learning Company are proposing to merge because we believe the
resulting combination will create a stronger, more competitive company
capable of achieving greater financial strength, operational efficiencies,
earning power and growth potential than either company would have on its
own.
The combined company will feature a portfolio of well-known brands
including, among others, Barbie, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Reader
Rabbit, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Carmen Sandiego and Oregon Trail. We intend
to leverage these brands across software, toy and related product
categories to capitalize on Mattel's global distribution strength and to
exploit opportunities in Internet e-commerce.
Q: When do you expect the merger to be completed?
A: We are working toward completing the merger as quickly as possible. We
expect to complete the merger by 1999, which is two business
days after the special meetings. If necessary or desirable, Mattel and the
Learning Company may agree to a later date.
Q: What do I need to do now?
A: We urge you to read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully,
including its annexes, and to consider how the merger affects you as a
stockholder. You also may want to review the documents referenced under
"Where You Can Find More Information" on page 98.
Q: How do I vote?
A: If you are a stockholder of Mattel or Learning Company, you should simply
indicate on your proxy card how you want to vote, and sign and mail your
proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as possible so that your
shares may be represented at your respective special meeting. If you sign
and send in your proxy and do not indicate how you want to vote, your proxy
will be counted as a vote for the merger agreement, except if your shares
are held in a brokerage account. If you fail to return your proxy card or to
vote in person at your respective special meeting, the effect will be a vote
against the merger agreement.
If you are a holder of exchangeable shares of Softkey Software Products
Inc., enclosed with this joint proxy statement/prospectus are materials
informing you of your rights with respect to the voting of the share of
special voting stock of Learning Company at the special meeting of
stockholders of Learning Company and instructions informing you how to
exercise your rights.
Q: If my shares are held in a brokerage account, will my broker vote my shares
for me?
A: Your broker will not vote your shares for you unless you provide
instructions on how to vote. It is important therefore that you follow the
directions provided by your broker regarding how to instruct your broker to
vote your shares.
1
<PAGE>
Q: May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy card?
A: Yes. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at
your respective special meeting. You may do this in one of three ways.
First, you may send a written notice stating that you would like to revoke
your proxy. Second, you may complete and submit a new proxy card. If you
choose either of these two methods, you must submit your notice of
revocation or your new proxy card to Mattel at the address on page 20 if
you are a Mattel stockholder, or to Learning Company at the address on
page 23 if you are a Learning Company stockholder. Third, you may attend
your respective special meeting and vote in person. Simply attending your
respective special meeting, without voting in person, will not revoke your
proxy. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow
directions received from your broker to change your vote or to vote at your
respective special meeting.
Q: Should I send in my stock certificates now?
A: No. If you are a Learning Company stockholder, after the merger is
completed, we will send you written instructions for exchanging your stock
certificates. Mattel stockholders and holders of exchangeable shares will
not exchange their stock certificates.
Q: Who Can Help Answer Your Questions?
A: If you are a Mattel stockholder and would like additional copies of the
joint proxy statement/prospectus or if you have questions about the merger,
including how to complete and return your proxy card, you should contact:
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245
Attention: Office of Investor Relations
Phone Number: (310) 252-2703
or
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
77 Water Street
New York, New York 10005
Phone Number: (800) 769-4414
If you are a Learning Company stockholder and would like additional copies
of the joint proxy statement/prospectus or if you have questions about the
merger, including how to complete and return your proxy card, you should
contact:
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
Attention: Office of Investor Relations
Phone Number: (617) 494-5816
or
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
77 Water Street
New York, New York 10005
Phone Number: (800) 758-5880
2
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this document and may not
contain all of the information that is important to you. 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 98. We have included page references parenthetically to direct you to a
more complete description of the topics in this summary.
The Companies
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245
(310) 252-2703
Mattel is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
children's products. Mattel's portfolio of brands are encompassed within four
major categories, including girls, infant and preschool, wheels and
entertainment. Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and markets
its products in more than 150 nations throughout the world.
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
(617) 494-1200
Learning Company develops and publishes a broad range of high-quality branded
consumer software for personal computers that educates across every age
category, from young children to adults. Learning Company's primary emphasis is
in education and productivity software, but it also offers a selection of
lifestyle and, to a lesser extent, entertainment products, both in North
America and internationally.
The Merger (Page 24)
The merger agreement is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as
annex A. We encourage you to read the merger agreement as it is the legal
document that governs the merger.
What Holders of Learning Company
Common Stock Will Receive in the Merger (Page 60)
Each share of Learning Company common stock you own will be exchanged for not
less than 1.0 nor more than 1.2 shares of Mattel common stock. Within the above
minimum and maximum, the exact exchange ratio will be calculated by dividing
$33.00 by the average of the closing prices of the Mattel common stock on the
New York Stock Exchange for 10 randomly selected trading days out of the 20
trading days ending on the fifth trading day preceding the merger.
Under this formula:
. The minimum exchange ratio of 1.0 share of Mattel common stock will apply
if the average closing price of Mattel common stock is $33.00 or more for
the randomly selected trading days.
. The maximum exchange ratio of 1.2 shares of Mattel common stock will apply
if the average closing price of Mattel common stock is $27.50 or less for
the randomly selected trading days.
. The exchange ratio will vary between the minimum and maximum if the
average closing price of Mattel common stock is between $27.50 and $33.00
for the randomly selected trading days.
For Example:
. If the average closing price of Mattel common stock for the randomly
selected
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trading days is $37.00, you will receive one share of Mattel common stock
for each share of Learning Company common stock you hold. Due to the
higher average closing price of Mattel common stock, the market value of
Mattel common stock as determined over the randomly selected trading days
will be approximately $37.00, rather than $33.00.
. If the average closing price of Mattel common stock for the randomly
selected trading days is $24.00, you will receive 1.2 shares of Mattel
common stock for each share of Learning Company common stock you hold. Due
to the lower average closing price of Mattel common stock, the market
value of Mattel common stock as determined over the randomly selected
trading days will be approximately $28.80, rather than $33.00.
. If the average closing price of Mattel common stock for the randomly
selected trading days is between $27.50 and $33.00, you will receive
between 1.0 and 1.2 shares of Mattel common stock for each share of
Learning Company common stock you hold. The market value of Mattel common
stock as determined over the randomly selected trading days will be
$33.00.
At the time of the Learning Company special meeting of stockholders, you will
not know the exact value of the Mattel common stock you will receive when the
merger is completed. This is because the price of Mattel common stock may
change between the time the exchange ratio is determined and when you receive
your shares of Mattel common stock, which could increase or decrease the actual
value of the Mattel common stock that you will receive.
Under the merger agreement, any increase or decrease in Mattel's or Learning
Company's stock price either before or after the exchange ratio is determined
does not give either Mattel or Learning Company the right to terminate or
renegotiate the merger agreement or to resolicit proxies. In no event will the
exchange ratio be less than 1.0 or greater than 1.2.
Mattel will not issue you fractional shares of Mattel common stock. Instead,
you will be paid cash for fractional shares.
Votes Required (Pages 18 and 22)
To approve the merger agreement:
. the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of
Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred stock, voting together
as one class, must vote in favor of the merger agreement.
. the holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of
Learning Company common stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock
and Learning Company special voting stock, voting together as one class,
must vote in favor of the merger agreement.
Mattel common stock represents approximately 94.0%, and Mattel Series C
preferred stock represents approximately 6.0%, of the outstanding voting power
of Mattel. Learning Company common stock represents approximately 81.2%,
Learning Company Series A preferred stock represents approximately 14.0%, and
Learning Company special voting stock represents approximately 4.8%, of the
outstanding voting power of Learning Company.
The directors of Learning Company and some holders of Learning Company common
stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock and/or exchangeable non-voting
shares who collectively beneficially own
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approximately % of the outstanding voting power of Learning Company, have
already agreed under stockholder support agreements to vote in favor of the
merger agreement. Some of the stockholders who are parties to the stockholder
support agreements have received rights as a part of these agreements to have
Mattel register the resale of their shares under the Securities Act of 1993.
For a description of these stockholder support agreements, see page 74.
The directors and executive officers of Learning Company and their
affiliates, as a group, beneficially own approximately % of the outstanding
voting power of Learning Company. Learning Company currently expects that all
of these holders will vote in favor of the merger agreement.
The directors and executive officers of Mattel and their affiliates, as a
group, beneficially own approximately % of the outstanding voting power of
Mattel. Mattel currently expects that all of these holders will vote in favor
of the merger agreement.
Our Recommendations to Stockholders
(Pages 27 and 28)
To Mattel Stockholders:
The Mattel board of directors voted unanimously to approve the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Mattel board believes
that the merger is in your best interests and recommends that you vote FOR the
proposal to approve the merger agreement.
To Learning Company Stockholders:
The Learning Company board of directors voted unanimously to approve the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Learning
Company board believes that the merger is in your best interests and recommends
that you vote FOR the proposal to approve the merger agreement.
Treatment of Learning Company Exchangeable Shares in the Merger
(Pages 44 and 61)
The outstanding exchangeable shares of Learning Company's Canadian
subsidiary, Softkey Software Products Inc., will remain outstanding after the
merger. The exchangeable shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange and will generally have the same rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions as prior to the merger, except that each exchangeable share will be
exchangeable into a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the
exchange ratio.
Ownership of Mattel Following the Merger
Based on the shares of Learning Company common stock, Learning Company
Series A preferred stock and exchangeable shares outstanding on February 18,
1999:
. with an exchange ratio of 1.0, Learning Company stockholders will receive
approximately 102.4 million shares of Mattel common stock in the merger
which, together with the exchangeable shares, will constitute
approximately 26.2% of the outstanding voting power of Mattel following
the merger.
. with an exchange ratio of 1.2, Learning Company stockholders will receive
approximately 122.9 million shares of Mattel common stock in the merger
which, together with the exchangeable shares will constitute approximately
29.8% of the outstanding voting power of Mattel following the merger.
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Conditions to the Merger (Page 69)
The completion of the merger depends upon meeting a number of conditions,
including:
. the approval of the merger agreement by the stockholders of each of
Mattel and Learning Company;
. the absence of any new law or any injunction that effectively prohibits
the merger;
. the effectiveness of the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the shares of Mattel
common stock to be issued to the Learning Company stockholders in the
merger;
. the receipt of letters from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP that the merger
qualifies for pooling of interests accounting treatment; and
. the receipt of legal opinions regarding material tax consequences of the
merger.
Further, the obligation of Mattel to complete the merger is also conditioned
on, among other things:
. its receipt of a legal opinion that no approval of the holders of the
exchangeable shares, voting as a separate class, is required for the
merger to be completed or for the exchangeable shares to thereafter be
exchangeable for Mattel common stock;
. the approval or clearance of the merger by several foreign nations; and
. no exercise of appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation
Law by either the holder of the share of Learning Company special voting
stock or the holders of more than 12,500 shares of Learning Company
Series A preferred stock.
Termination Fees (Page 71)
The merger agreement requires Learning Company to pay Mattel a termination
fee of $35 million if the merger agreement terminates under some circumstances
and an additional termination fee of $75 million if, within 12 months, Learning
Company enters into a business combination with a third party. An option
granted to Mattel by Learning Company to purchase up to 15,673,160 shares of
Learning Company common stock also becomes exercisable if the merger agreement
terminates under some circumstances. The option may only be exercised to the
extent that the total profit derived from the termination fees and from shares
acquired under the option does not exceed $125 million. Mattel and Learning
Company have each agreed to reimburse up to $3 million of expenses of the other
party if the other party terminates the merger agreement in some circumstances.
Interests of Some Persons in the Merger
(Page 40)
In considering the recommendation of Learning Company board, you should be
aware of the interests that executive officers and directors of Learning
Company have in the merger. These include:
. acceleration of vesting of stock options;
. employment arrangements and severance agreements; and
. indemnification, directors and officers' liability insurance and split
dollar insurance policies.
In discussing the fairness of the merger to stockholders of Learning Company,
Learning Company's board took into account these interests. These interests are
different from and in addition to your and their interests as stockholders. The
executive officers and
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directors have stock options that will be converted under the terms of Learning
Company's various employee benefit plans into options to purchase shares of
Mattel common stock and will become immediately exercisable as a result of the
merger. Executive officers and directors of Learning Company hold stock options
to purchase an aggregate of 5,906,987 shares of Learning Company common stock.
Learning Company has entered into amended employment agreements with Michael
J. Perik, Chief Executive Officer of Learning Company, and Kevin O'Leary,
President of Learning Company, which become effective upon completion of the
merger. Under the employment agreements, Mattel will pay them each an annual
base salary of $650,000 to remain officers of the Learning Company division of
Mattel after the merger. The maximum aggregate severance payments that would be
paid under the agreements to each of Messrs. Perik and O'Leary is approximately
$5,250,000. This amount does not include any gross-up payments that may be paid
under the agreements. Following the merger, Mattel will grant each of Mr. Perik
and Mr. O'Leary premium price options with respect to 1,000,000 shares of
Mattel common stock. Mattel's premium price options are options that are
granted at an exercise price that is in excess of the fair market value of
Mattel common stock on the date of grant and contain provisions that offer the
possibility of accelerated vesting.
Please refer to pages 40 through 44 for more information concerning the
arrangements benefiting Learning Company's executive officers and directors.
Opinions of Financial Advisors
(Pages 30 and 34)
In deciding to approve the merger agreement, our boards of directors received
opinions from our respective financial advisors as to the fairness of the
exchange ratio from a financial point of view. Mattel received an opinion from
its financial advisor, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and Learning Company received an
opinion from its financial advisor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated. The full text of these opinions are attached as annexes B and C
to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and should be read carefully in their
entirety. The opinions of Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch are directed to the
board of directors of Mattel and Learning Company, respectively, and do not
constitute a recommendation to any stockholder with respect to matters relating
to the merger.
Accounting Treatment (Page 46)
We expect the merger to qualify as a pooling of interests under generally
accepted accounting principles, which means that for accounting and financial
reporting purposes, Mattel will treat Mattel and Learning Company as if they
had always been a combined entity.
Material Federal Income Tax Considerations (Pages 50 and 52)
We have structured the merger so that no gain or loss generally will be
recognized by you for United States federal income tax purposes on the exchange
of shares of Learning Company common stock or Learning Company Series A
preferred stock for shares of Mattel common stock. In addition, no gain or loss
generally will be recognized by the holders of exchangeable shares for United
States and Canadian federal income tax purposes as a result of the merger.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to
you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You should consult your tax
advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the merger to you.
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Certain Regulatory Matters
(Page 49)
To complete the merger, we must make filings and receive authorizations from
various federal and state governmental agencies in the United States and
various governmental agencies of foreign jurisdictions. These filings relate to
antitrust matters and other regulations.
It is possible that some of these governmental authorities may impose
conditions for granting approval. We cannot predict whether we will obtain all
the required regulatory approvals within the time frame contemplated by the
merger agreement or without burdensome conditions.
Appraisal Rights (Page 55)
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, the holders of Learning Company
common stock are not entitled to any appraisal rights with respect to the
merger because shares of Learning Company common stock are, and shares of
Mattel common stock issued in the merger will be, listed on the New York Stock
Exchange. However, holders of shares of Learning Company Series A preferred
stock have, and the holder of Learning Company special voting stock has, the
right to seek an appraisal of, and to be paid the fair value of, their shares.
Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which governs the rights
of stockholders who wish to seek appraisal of their shares, is summarized under
the heading "The Merger--Appraisal Rights" on pages 55 through 58, and is
attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as annex D.
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Comparative Market Price Information
Mattel common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific
Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "MAT". Learning Company common stock is listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TLC". The following table sets
forth the high and low closing prices per share of Mattel common stock and
Learning Company common stock for the quarterly periods indicated, which
correspond to the companies' respective quarterly fiscal periods for financial
reporting purposes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Mattel Learning Company
Common Stock Common Stock
------------- -----------------
High Low High Low
------ ------ -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
First Quarter............................ $29.25 $24.00 $ 17.75 $ 5.75
Second Quarter........................... 35.25 24.00 9.25 5.63
Third Quarter............................ 35.75 32.38 15.75 8.69
Fourth Quarter........................... 41.38 33.38 20.13 13.94
1998:
First Quarter............................ $45.63 $35.63 $ 25.00 $ 14.56
Second Quarter........................... 43.63 36.00 29.63 24.13
Third Quarter............................ 42.31 28.00 32.38 16.06
Fourth Quarter........................... 39.63 21.69 31.06 18.25
1999:
First Quarter (through February 19,
1999)................................... $27.81 $21.50 $ 29.00 $ 23.69
</TABLE>
Mattel paid cash dividends of $0.27 per common share in 1997, $0.31 per
common share in 1998, and $0.08 per common share in the first quarter of 1999.
Learning Company did not pay cash dividends on its common stock during these
periods. Mattel currently plans to continue paying its quarterly cash dividend
after the merger. However, Mattel's board of directors may increase or decrease
the per share cash dividend amount.
Comparative Market Data
The following table presents trading information for Mattel common stock and
Learning Company common stock for December 11, 1998 and March , 1999.
December 11, 1998 was the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the proposed merger. March , 1999 was the last practicable
trading day for which information was available prior to the date of the first
mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Learning Company pro forma
equivalent high, low and closing stock prices are computed by multiplying the
Mattel high, low and closing stock prices by an assumed exchange ratio of 1.2.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Learning Company Learning Company
Mattel Common Stock Common Stock Pro Forma Equivalent
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
High Low Close High Low Close High Low Close
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 11, 1998....... $30.56 $29.31 $30.13 $29.13 $26.88 $28.31 $36.67 $35.17 $36.16
March , 1999..........
</TABLE>
We urge you to obtain current market quotations of Mattel common stock and
Learning Company common stock.
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Selected Historical and Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data
We are providing the following information to aid you in your analysis of the
financial aspects of the merger. This information is only a summary and you
should read it in conjunction with the historical and unaudited pro forma
combined financial statements and related notes that are incorporated by
reference or included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You
Can Find More Information" on page 98 or "Mattel Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Financial Statements" on page 75.
Selected Financial Data of Mattel
Mattel's historical financial data for the annual periods presented below is
derived from its audited consolidated financial statements previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The selected historical financial data for Mattel for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 are unaudited and were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied to interim financial
information. In the opinion of Mattel's management, all adjustments necessary
for a fair presentation of results of operations for such interim periods have
been included.
Mattel merged with Fisher-Price, Inc. in November 1993 and Tyco Toys, Inc. in
March 1997. Each of these acquisitions was accounted for as a pooling of
interests, which means that for accounting and financial reporting purposes,
Mattel, Fisher-Price, Inc., and Tyco Toys, Inc. treated their companies as if
they had always been combined. Per share data also reflects the retroactive
effect of stock splits distributed to Mattel common stockholders in January
1994, January 1995 and March 1996.
Mattel's 1993 net income applicable to common shares reflects a $4.0 million
charge representing the net cumulative effect of adopting Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 109 and 106 as of January 1, 1993 and an
extraordinary charge of $14.7 million related to the early extinguishment of
long-term debt in connection with Mattel's merger with Fisher-Price, Inc. Net
income applicable to common shares for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1997 and for the year ended December 31, 1997 includes a $4.6 million
extraordinary charge related to the loss on early retirement of long-term debt
in connection with Mattel's merger with Tyco Toys, Inc.
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Mattel's book value per common share represents Mattel's stockholders'
equity, adjusted for the liquidation preference of Mattel Series C preferred
stock, divided by the outstanding number of common shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of or For the
As of or For the Year Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------------------------------------- -------------------
Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statement
of Operations Data:
Net sales............... $3,445.9 $3,971.2 $4,369.8 $4,535.3 $4,834.6 $3,221.5 $3,238.8
Income from continuing
operations applicable
to common shares....... 61.7 217.8 331.3 364.8 279.3 86.1 266.7
Net income applicable to
common shares.......... 43.0 217.8 331.3 364.8 274.7 81.5 266.7
Income per common
share--basic:
Income from continuing
operations............ 0.22 0.74 1.13 1.26 0.96 0.30 0.91
Net income............. 0.15 0.74 1.13 1.26 0.95 0.28 0.91
Income per common
share--diluted:
Income from continuing
operations............ 0.22 0.73 1.11 1.23 0.94 0.30 0.89
Net income............. 0.15 0.73 1.11 1.23 0.93 0.28 0.89
Dividends declared per
common share........... 0.12 0.15 0.19 0.24 0.27 0.20 0.23
Consolidated Balance
Sheet Data:
Total assets............ $2,744.8 $3,150.4 $3,341.4 $3,581.1 $3,803.8 $4,074.6 $5,157.9
Long-term liabilities... 580.2 606.4 721.7 633.3 808.3 740.5 1,102.9
Stockholders' equity.... 1,095.3 1,385.8 1,551.7 1,805.9 1,822.1 1,764.3 1,921.0
Book value per common
share.................. 5.92 6.29
</TABLE>
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Selected Financial Data of Learning Company
Learning Company's historical financial data for the fiscal years 1995, 1996
and 1997 is derived from its audited consolidated financial statements
previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Learning
Company's historical financial data for the year ended June 30, 1993, the six-
month transition period ended December 31, 1993 and the year ended December 31,
1994 are unaudited. That financial data was prepared from the previously
separate audited financial statements of Learning Company and Broderbund
Software, Inc. Learning Company acquired Broderbund Software, Inc. on August
31, 1998 and accounted for the acquisition as a pooling of interests, which
means that for accounting and financial reporting purposes Learning Company and
Broderbund Software, Inc. treated their companies as if they had always been
combined. As a result, Learning Company restated its financial statements for
the six-month transition period to include Learning Company's previously
audited financial data for that period and Broderbund Software, Inc.'s audited
financial data for its fiscal year ended August 31, 1993. Learning Company also
restated its financial statements for the year ended June 30, 1993 and December
31, 1994 to include Learning Company's previously audited financial data for
those periods and Broderbund Software, Inc.'s previously audited financial data
for its fiscal years ended August 31, 1993 and 1994, respectively.
The selected historical financial data for Learning Company for the nine-
month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 are unaudited and were prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied to interim
financial information. In the opinion of Learning Company's management, all
adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations for such
interim periods have been included.
Learning Company's book value per common share represents Learning Company's
stockholders' equity, adjusted for the liquidation preference of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock, divided by the outstanding number of common
shares. Learning Company's stockholders' equity was not sufficient to cover the
liquidation preference of Learning Company Series A preferred stock as of
December 31, 1997. Therefore, no book value per common share is shown as of
that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six As of or For the
Year Months As of or For the Year Ended Nine Months Ended
Ended Ended ------------------------------- -------------------
June 30, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1993 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- ------ -------- ------ ------ --------- ---------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statement
of Operations Data:
Net sales............... $205.3 $137.2 $233.1 $ 338.6 $529.5 $620.9 $401.5 $564.0
(Loss) income from
continuing operations
applicable to common
shares................. (43.6) (59.6) 32.2 (35.1) (376.5) (494.9) (327.9) (200.0)
Net (loss) income
applicable to common
shares................. (43.6) (59.6) 32.2 (35.1) (376.5) (494.9) (327.9) (200.0)
(Loss) income per common
share--basic:
(Loss) income from
continuing
operations............ (1.54) (2.00) 0.94 (0.86) (6.56) (7.48) (5.00) (2.55)
Net (loss) income...... (1.54) (2.00) 0.94 (0.86) (6.56) (7.48) (5.00) (2.55)
(Loss) income per common
share--diluted:
(Loss) income from
continuing
operations............ (1.54) (2.00) 0.90 (0.86) (6.56) (7.48) (5.00) (2.55)
Net (loss) income...... (1.54) (2.00) 0.90 (0.86) (6.56) (7.48) (5.00) (2.55)
Dividends declared per
common share........... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Consolidated Balance
Sheet Data:
Total assets............ $150.7 $179.1 $1,047.2 $969.9 $623.8 $594.9 $691.6
Long-term liabilities... 24.1 16.8 550.5 574.9 377.6 516.2 265.7
Stockholders' equity
(deficit).............. 49.2 113.5 339.2 247.9 26.0 (78.6) 172.9
Book value per common
share.................. -- 0.26
</TABLE>
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Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data
We have provided selected unaudited financial data of Mattel after giving
effect to the merger, which is referred to as "pro forma" information. In
presenting this selected unaudited pro forma combined financial data, we
treated our companies as if they had always been combined for accounting and
financial reporting purposes. This method is known as the "pooling of
interests" method of accounting. We have prepared this information on a basis
consistent with the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should be aware that
this unaudited pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes
only and may not be indicative of the operating results or financial position
that would have occurred or that will occur after the consummation of the
merger.
The unaudited pro forma combined income (loss) from continuing operations
applicable to common shares excludes the following:
. the positive effects of potential cost savings that the companies may
achieve upon combining the resources of Mattel and Learning Company; and
. transaction costs of approximately $75 million to $85 million, including
investment banking, legal and accounting fees and contractual incentive
benefits.
In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1998, and the year
ended December 31, 1997 set forth the unaudited pro forma results of operations
of Mattel, Learning Company, and Mindscape, Inc. as if the acquisition of
Mindscape, Inc. by Learning Company, which occurred on March 5, 1998, had
occurred on January 1, 1997.
Unaudited pro forma combined income (loss) per share from continuing
operations is based upon the combined historical weighted average number of
common shares outstanding, after adjustment of Learning Company's historical
number of shares, assuming an exchange ratio of 1.2.
Unaudited pro forma dividends declared per common share are assumed to be the
same as the historical cash dividend declarations of Mattel. Learning Company
did not pay cash dividends on its common stock during the periods presented.
Unaudited pro forma condensed combined stockholders' equity as of September
30, 1998 includes the impact of transaction costs related to the merger and tax
benefits relating to Learning Company's net operating loss carryforwards and
deductible temporary differences.
We calculated the unaudited pro forma combined book value per common share by
dividing the unaudited pro forma combined stockholders' equity, adjusted for
the liquidation preference of Mattel Series C preferred stock, by the unaudited
pro forma combined number of shares outstanding. We excluded the liquidation
preference of Learning Company Series A preferred stock from the calculation
because these shares will be converted into Learning Company common stock
immediately prior to the merger.
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of or For the Year As of or For the
Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------------------- --------------------
Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
-------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statement of
Operations Data:
Net sales.................... $4,708.4 $5,064.8 $5,594.0 $3,694.6 $3,811.9
Income (loss) from continuing
operations applicable to
common shares............... 301.4 29.1 (208.2) (255.2) 34.8
Income (loss) per common
share from continuing
operations--basic........... 0.88 0.08 (0.55) (0.67) 0.09
Income (loss) per common
share from continuing
operations--diluted......... 0.86 0.08 (0.55) (0.67) 0.08
Dividends declared per common
share....................... 0.19 0.24 0.27 0.20 0.23
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Data:
Total assets................. $4,394.9 $4,607.0 $4,512.9 $4,744.8 $5,949.9
Long-term liabilities........ 1,272.2 1,208.2 1,185.9 1,256.7 1,368.6
Stockholders' equity......... 1,897.2 2,109.8 1,933.4 1,761.0 2,144.3
Book value per common share.. 4.71 4.96
</TABLE>
Learning Company Unaudited Pro Forma Equivalents
The Learning Company pro forma equivalent income (loss) per common share from
continuing operations, dividends declared per common share and book value per
common share are computed by multiplying the unaudited pro forma amounts for
the combined company by an assumed exchange ratio of 1.2.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of or For the As of or For the
Year Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ -------------------
Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
----- ----- ------ --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Unaudited Pro Forma Equivalents:
Income (loss) per common share from
continuing operations--basic......... $1.06 $0.10 $(0.66) $(0.80) $0.11
Income (loss) per common share from
continuing operations--diluted....... 1.03 0.10 (0.66) (0.80) 0.10
Dividends declared per common share... 0.23 0.29 0.32 0.24 0.28
Book value per common share........... 5.65 5.95
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
Mattel Integration and Restructuring Charges
During the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1997, Mattel incurred pre-
tax integration and restructuring charges designed to accomplish the following
objectives:
. to integrate the business operations of Mattel and Fisher-Price, Inc. as
a result of their merger in November 1993;
. to consolidate Mattel's manufacturing operations and reduce headquarters
expense and support functions on a worldwide basis during 1994; and
. to integrate the business operations of Mattel and Tyco Toys, Inc. as a
result of their merger in March 1997 and to further restructure the
business operations of Mattel by consolidating some manufacturing and
distribution operations, eliminating duplicative marketing and
administrative offices, terminating various distributor and licensing
arrangements, and abandoning some product lines.
The following table summarizes the nature of the actual charges for each of
the restructuring plans:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1997
------ ----- ---- ------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Severance and other compensation..................... $ 64.4 $48.4 $-- $ 82.6
Sale and writedown of assets......................... 19.4 4.4 -- 88.4
Merger-related transaction costs..................... 17.4 -- -- 44.6
Lease termination costs.............................. 4.9 8.3 -- 31.6
Distributor, license and other contract
terminations........................................ 3.2 6.4 -- 9.7
Other costs.......................................... 5.7 4.5 -- 18.1
------ ----- ---- ------
Sub-total............................................ 115.0 72.0 -- 275.0
Tyco restructuring (pre-merger)...................... 28.2 4.7 8.9 --
------ ----- ---- ------
Total.............................................. $143.2 $76.7 $8.9 $275.0
====== ===== ==== ======
</TABLE>
The following unaudited table summarizes the nature of the costs savings
estimated at the time the charges were recorded and the actual cost savings
realized:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 Plan 1994 Plan 1997 Plan
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Estimated Annualized Estimated Annualized Estimated Annualized
Annualized Cost Annualized Cost Annualized Cost
Cost Savings Cost Savings Cost Savings
Savings Realized Savings Realized Savings Realized
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cost of production...... $16.0 $19.0 $ 7.0 $ 5.0 $ 46.0 $ 43.5
Advertising, selling and
administrative
expenses............... 24.0 18.0 16.0 17.5 105.0 105.0
Financing costs......... 4.0 5.0 -- -- 6.0 7.0
Other................... 1.0 4.0 -- 2.5 3.0 --
----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
Total................. $45.0 $46.0 $23.0 $25.0 $160.0 $161.0
===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Cost savings realized for the 1993 and 1994 Plans represent savings achieved
in the year following each plan. Mattel's cost savings realized as of September
30, 1998 for the 1997 Plan was approximately $110 million. In connection with
this plan, revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 decreased by
approximately $80 million due to discontinued products. The cost savings
realized were not reduced by cost increases, other than expenditures related to
Mattel's expansion of on-going business activities.
15
<PAGE>
Prior to the merger with Mattel in March 1997, Tyco Toys, Inc. adopted
restructuring plans during the years ended 1993 through 1995. In 1993, the
$28.2 million pre-tax charge was for the consolidation of some European
subsidiaries, the sale of its Italian subsidiary and the integration of its
preschool units in the United States and Hong Kong. In 1994, the $4.7 million
pre-tax charge related to additional costs to close Tyco Toys, Inc.'s Italian
subsidiary. In 1995, the $8.9 million pre-tax charge was designed to reduce its
operating expenses in Europe and at the Tyco preschool unit. Details of the
costs incurred and savings realized from these restructuring plans has not been
provided due to the immateriality of the amounts involved.
Learning Company Exit and Restructuring Charges
During the year ended June 30, 1993, the six-month transition period ended
December 31, 1993, the fiscal years ended 1994 through 1997 and the nine months
ended September 30, 1998, Learning Company incurred pre-tax exit and
restructuring charges. The following table summarizes these charges for each
period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Nine Months
Year Ended Ended For the Year Ended Ended
June 30, Dec. 31, ----------------------- Sept. 30,
1993 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Severance and other
compensation........... $ 4.0 $ 4.5 $ 0.3 $ 1.3 $ 4.3 $12.9 $27.6
Facility closure costs.. 2.8 1.5 -- -- -- 8.2 21.6
Discontinued product
costs.................. 2.3 0.4 -- -- -- 23.3 26.9
Distributor and other
contract terminations.. -- -- -- -- -- 10.2 5.0
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Sub-total of exit and
restructuring costs.... 9.1 6.4 0.3 1.3 4.3 54.6 81.1
Merger-related
transaction costs...... 8.6 15.5 11.6 9.4 8.0 14.0 14.2
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total............... $17.7 $21.9 $11.9 $10.7 $12.3 $68.6 $95.3
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The following unaudited table summarizes the nature of the cost savings
estimated at the time the 1998 charge was recorded:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended
Sept. 30,
1998
-------------
(In millions)
<S> <C>
Cost of production......................................... $ 5.0
Sales and marketing expenses............................... 15.0
Administrative expenses.................................... 15.0
Development and software costs............................. 15.0
-----
Total.................................................. $50.0
=====
</TABLE>
Learning Company implemented two restructuring plans of significance. The
1997 plan related to its acquisitions of Creative Wonders, L.L.C., Learning
Services Inc., Skills Bank Corporation, Microsystems Software, Inc. and TEC
Direct, Inc. The 1998 restructuring plan was in connection with the
acquisitions of Broderbund Software, Inc. and Mindscape, Inc. in 1998. In
connection with the 1998 plan, savings of approximately $50 million are
expected. Actual savings are not yet known. Savings realized from other
restructuring plans in prior years were not material.
16
<PAGE>
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
demonstrates that Mattel's income from continuing operations before income
taxes and interest expense was sufficient to pay Mattel's fixed charges for the
periods indicated. Fixed charges include interest payable on Mattel's
borrowings, dividends payable on Mattel's outstanding preferred and preference
stock, and the interest portion of its noncancelable operating leases.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended For the
December 31, Nine Months Ended
------------------------ -------------------
Sept. 30, Sept. 20,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends................ 2.39 4.21 4.84 5.09 4.47 2.72 5.22
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
THE MATTEL SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time and Place
The special meeting of Mattel stockholders will be held at a.m., local
time, on , 1999, at . This joint proxy statement/prospectus is being
furnished in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors of
Mattel of proxies to be used at the Mattel special meeting and at any and all
adjournments or postponements of the Mattel special meeting.
Purpose
The purpose of the Mattel special meeting is to consider and vote on the
proposal to approve the merger agreement under which Learning Company would be
merged with and into Mattel with Mattel continuing as the surviving
corporation. Mattel stockholders may also be asked to transact other business
that may properly come before the Mattel special meeting or any adjournment or
postponement of the Mattel special meeting.
Mattel Board of Directors' Recommendation
The Mattel board, after careful consideration, has unanimously approved the
merger agreement and recommends a vote FOR approval of the merger agreement.
Record Date, Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights
The Mattel board has fixed , 1999 as the record date for the Mattel
special meeting. Only holders of record of shares of Mattel common stock and
Mattel Series C mandatorily convertible redeemable preferred stock on the
record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Mattel special
meeting. As of the record date, there were outstanding shares of Mattel
common stock held by approximately holders of record and 771,920 shares of
Mattel Series C preferred stock held by approximately holders of record. At
the Mattel special meeting, each share of Mattel common stock will be entitled
to one vote and each share of Mattel Series C preferred stock will be entitled
to 12.219 votes, or approximately 9,432,090 votes in the aggregate.
Accordingly, an aggregate of votes may be cast at the Mattel special
meeting by holders of Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred stock.
All of the shares of Mattel Series C preferred stock are held by BankBoston,
N.A., as depositary for the holders of the Mattel Series C depositary shares.
Each Mattel Series C depositary share represents one twenty-fifth of a share of
Mattel Series C preferred stock. Mattel Series C preferred stock will be voted
by BankBoston, N.A. in accordance with instructions received from the holders
of Mattel Series C depositary shares. Consequently, holders of Mattel Series C
depositary shares are entitled to direct BankBoston, N.A. with respect to
0.48876 of a vote per Mattel Series C depositary share. Holders of Mattel
Series C depositary shares who are holders on the record date will be entitled
to notice of and to attend the Mattel special meeting and to instruct
BankBoston, N.A. as to the voting of the shares of Mattel Series C preferred
stock represented by such holder's Mattel Series C depositary shares.
Vote Required; Quorum
The approval of the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Mattel common stock
and Mattel Series C preferred stock outstanding on the record date, voting
together as one class.
18
<PAGE>
The representation, in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders
of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock entitled to vote at
the Mattel special meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Mattel
special meeting. Shares of Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred
stock represented in person or by proxy will be counted for the purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present at the Mattel special meeting. Shares
that abstain from voting on the proposal to approve the merger agreement will
be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote at the Mattel
special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists, but
abstentions will have the same effect as votes against approval of the merger
agreement. If a broker or nominee holding shares of record for a customer
indicates that it does not have discretionary authority to vote as to a
particular matter, those shares, which are referred to as broker non-votes,
will be treated as present and entitled to vote at the Mattel special meeting
for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. Brokers or nominees
holding shares of record for customers will not be entitled to vote on the
proposal to approve the merger agreement unless they receive voting
instructions from their customers. Accordingly, broker non-votes will not be
voted in favor of approval of the merger agreement meaning that such shares
will have the same effect as shares voted against approval of the merger
agreement.
As of the record date, Mattel's directors and executive officers and their
affiliates beneficially owned approximately % of the votes represented by the
outstanding shares of Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred stock.
Mattel's directors and executive officers have expressed their intent to vote
their shares in favor of approval of the merger agreement.
Voting of Proxies
All shares of Mattel common stock and Mattel Series C preferred stock that
are entitled to vote and are represented at the Mattel special meeting by
properly executed proxies received prior to or at such meeting, and not
revoked, will be voted at such meeting in accordance with the instructions
indicated on such proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such proxies,
other than broker non-votes, will be voted for approval of the merger
agreement.
The Mattel board does not know of any matters other than those described in
the notice of the Mattel special meeting that are to come before such meeting.
If any other matters are properly presented at the Mattel special meeting for
consideration, including, among other things, consideration of a motion to
adjourn or postpone such meeting to another time and/or place for the purposes
of soliciting additional proxies or allowing additional time for the
satisfaction of conditions to the merger, the persons named in the enclosed
form of proxy and acting thereunder generally will have discretion to vote on
such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
Revocation of Proxies
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by:
. filing with the Secretary of Mattel, at or before the taking of the vote
at the Mattel special meeting, a written notice of revocation bearing a
later date than the proxy;
. duly executing a later dated proxy relating to the same shares and
delivering it to the Secretary of Mattel before the taking of the vote at
the Mattel special meeting; or
. attending the Mattel special meeting and voting in person, although
attendance at the Mattel special meeting will not in and of itself
constitute a revocation of a proxy.
19
<PAGE>
Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent to
Mattel, Inc., 333 Continental Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245,
Attention: Secretary, or hand delivered to the Secretary of Mattel at or
before the taking of the vote at the Mattel special meeting. Stockholders that
have instructed a broker to vote their shares must follow directions received
from such broker in order to change their vote or to vote at the Mattel
special meeting.
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses
All expenses of Mattel's solicitation of proxies, including the cost of
preparing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Mattel
stockholders, will be borne by Mattel. In addition to solicitation by use of
the mails, proxies may be solicited from Mattel stockholders by directors,
officers and employees of Mattel in person or by telephone, facsimile or other
means of communication. Such directors, officers and employees will not be
additionally compensated, but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with such solicitation. Mattel has retained D.F. King &
Co., Inc., a proxy solicitation firm, for assistance in connection with the
solicitation of proxies for the Mattel special meeting at a cost of
approximately $4,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for forwarding of proxy solicitation materials to beneficial
owners of shares held of record by such brokerage houses, custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries, and Mattel will reimburse such brokerage houses, custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding
such materials.
20
<PAGE>
THE LEARNING COMPANY SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Time and Place
The special meeting of Learning Company stockholders will be held at p.m.,
local time, on , 1999, at . This joint proxy statement/prospectus is
being furnished in connection with the solicitation by the board of directors
of Learning Company of proxies to be used at the Learning Company special
meeting and at any and all adjournments and postponements of the Learning
Company special meeting.
Purpose
The purpose of the Learning Company special meeting is to consider and vote
on the proposal to approve the merger agreement under which Learning Company
would be merged with and into Mattel with Mattel continuing as the surviving
corporation. Learning Company stockholders may also be asked to transact other
business that may properly come before the Learning Company special meeting or
any adjournment or postponement of the Learning Company special meeting.
Learning Company Board of Directors' Recommendation
The Learning Company board, after careful consideration, has unanimously
approved the merger agreement and recommends a vote FOR approval of the merger
agreement.
Record Date, Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights
The Learning Company board has fixed , 1999 as the record date for the
Learning Company special meeting. Only holders of record of shares of Learning
Company common stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning
Company special voting stock on the record date are entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Learning Company special meeting. As of the record date, there
were outstanding shares of Learning Company common stock held by
approximately holders of record, and 750,000 outstanding shares of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock held by approximately holders of record. At
the Learning Company special meeting, each share of Learning Company common
stock will be entitled to one vote and each share of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock will be entitled to 20 votes. In addition, at the Learning
Company special meeting, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as the holder of the one
outstanding share of Learning Company special voting stock, will be entitled to
cast up to votes, representing the number of exchangeable shares of
Softkey outstanding on the record date, other than exchangeable shares held by
Learning Company, its subsidiaries or any entity controlled by or under common
control of Learning Company. The exchangeable shares are exchangeable on a one-
for-one basis for Learning Company common stock. Accordingly, an aggregate of
votes may be cast at the Learning Company special meeting by holders of
Learning Company common stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock and
Learning Company special voting stock.
The one outstanding share of Learning Company special voting stock was issued
to CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee, under a voting and exchange trust
agreement under which each holder of exchangeable shares is entitled to
instruct the trustee to exercise one of the votes attached to the Learning
Company special voting stock for each exchangeable share held by such holder.
21
<PAGE>
Vote Required; Quorum
The approval of the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Learning Company
common stock, Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning Company
special voting stock outstanding on the record date, voting together as one
class.
The representation, in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders
of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock entitled to vote at
the Learning Company special meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the
Learning Company special meeting. Shares of Learning Company common stock,
Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning Company special voting
stock represented in person or by proxy will be counted for the purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present at the Learning Company special
meeting. Shares that abstain from voting on the proposal to approve the merger
agreement will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote at
the Learning Company special meeting for purposes of determining whether a
quorum exists, but abstentions will have the same effect as votes against
approval of the merger agreement. Broker non-votes will be treated as present
and entitled to vote at the Learning Company special meeting for purposes of
determining whether a quorum exists. Brokers or nominees holding shares of
record for customers will not be entitled to vote on the proposal to approve
the merger agreement unless they receive voting instructions from their
customers. Accordingly, broker non-votes will not be voted in favor of approval
of the merger agreement meaning that such shares will have the same effect as
shares voted against approval of the merger agreement.
As of the record date, Learning Company's directors and executive officers
and their affiliates beneficially owned approximately % of the votes
represented by the outstanding shares of Learning Company common stock,
Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning Company special voting
stock. Pursuant to stockholder support agreements entered into with Mattel, the
directors of Learning Company and their affiliates who, as of the record date,
control % of the votes entitled to be cast at the Learning Company special
meeting have irrevocably appointed Mattel as proxy to vote all of their shares
in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement at the Learning
Company special meeting. See "The Merger Agreement--Stockholder Support
Agreements." Learning Company's executive officers have expressed their intent
to vote their shares in favor of approval of the merger agreement.
Voting of Proxies
All shares of Learning Company common stock, Learning Company Series A
preferred stock and Learning Company special voting stock that are entitled to
vote and are represented at the Learning Company special meeting by properly
executed proxies received prior to or at such meeting, and not revoked, will be
voted at such meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on such
proxies. If no instructions are indicated, such proxies, other than broker non-
votes, will be voted for approval of the merger agreement.
Enclosed with this joint proxy statement/prospectus are materials informing
holders of exchangeable shares of their rights with respect to voting at the
Learning Company special meeting and instructing such holders as to how to
exercise such rights.
The Learning Company board does not know of any matters other than those
described in the notice of the Learning Company special meeting that are to
come before such meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at the
Learning Company special meeting for consideration, including,
22
<PAGE>
among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn or postpone such
meeting to another time and/or place for the purposes of soliciting additional
proxies or allowing additional time for the satisfaction of conditions to the
merger, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy and acting thereunder
generally will have discretion to vote on such matters in accordance with their
best judgment.
Revocation of Proxies
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by:
. filing with the Secretary of Learning Company, at or before the taking of
the vote at the Learning Company special meeting, a written notice of
revocation bearing a later date than the proxy;
. duly executing a later dated proxy relating to the same shares and
delivering it to the Secretary of Learning Company before the taking of
the vote at the Learning Company special meeting; or
. attending the Learning Company special meeting and voting in person,
although attendance at the Learning Company special meeting will not in
and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.
Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent to The
Learning Company, Inc., One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142,
Attention: Secretary, or hand delivered to the Secretary of Learning Company at
or before the taking of the vote at the Learning Company special meeting.
Stockholders that have instructed a broker to vote their shares must follow
directions received from such broker in order to change their vote or to vote
at the Learning Company special meeting.
Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses
All expenses of Learning Company's solicitation of proxies, including the
cost of preparing and mailing this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Learning
Company stockholders, will be borne by Learning Company. In addition to
solicitation by use of the mails, proxies may be solicited from Learning
Company stockholders by directors, officers and employees of Learning Company
in person or by telephone, facsimile or other means of communication. Such
directors, officers and employees will not be additionally compensated, but may
be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such
solicitation. Learning Company has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., a proxy
solicitation firm, for assistance in connection with the solicitation of
proxies for the Learning Company special meeting at an estimated cost of
approximately $6,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for forwarding of proxy solicitation materials to beneficial owners
of shares held of record by such brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries, and Learning Company will reimburse such brokerage houses,
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in
forwarding such materials.
23
<PAGE>
THE MERGER
Background of the Merger
During the past year, Mattel reviewed a variety of strategic alternatives,
including the acquisition of new businesses that would allow it to further
exploit its well-known brand names and properties. In connection with such
review, in the second half of 1998 Mattel explored with Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
financial advisor to Mattel, potential acquisition targets and engaged Goldman
Sachs to review potential acquisition targets. Although discussions were held
from time to time with such acquisition targets, none of such discussions
advanced past the preliminary stage.
Additionally, in the second half of 1998, as a result of continued
consolidation in the consumer software industry and increased competitive
trends, Learning Company began to consider a variety of strategic alternatives.
On November 2, 1998, Michael Perik, the Chief Executive Officer of Learning
Company, and Kevin O'Leary, the President of Learning Company, met in New York
City with Jill Barad, the Chief Executive Officer of Mattel, Ned Mansour, the
President, Corporate Operations of Mattel, Francesca Luzuriaga, Executive Vice
President, Worldwide Business Planning and Resources of Mattel, and Harry
Pearce, Chief Financial Officer of Mattel. Representatives of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, financial advisor to Learning Company, and
Goldman Sachs were also present. At the meeting, Ms. Barad expressed on behalf
of Mattel an interest in entering into discussions about a possible combination
of Learning Company and Mattel. Thereafter, between November 2 and November 11,
1998, several telephone conversations took place between Mr. Perik and Mr.
O'Leary and Ms. Barad and/or Mr. Mansour. In addition, on November 10, 1998,
Mattel and Learning Company entered into a confidentiality agreement providing
for the exchange of certain confidential information, and Learning Company
delivered certain financial information to Mattel. On November 10, 1998, Mattel
also engaged Goldman Sachs with respect to a potential combination with
Learning Company.
On November 13, 1998, representatives of the two companies met again in
Boston. Representatives of Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs attended that
meeting. During the meeting, the representatives of the two companies reviewed
their respective businesses, exchanged information relevant to the conduct of
due diligence, and discussed the benefits that could result from a combination.
Representatives of Mattel, Learning Company, Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch
next met in the San Francisco area on November 18, 1998, and on November 20,
1998, representatives of Mattel and Learning Company met in El Segundo,
California. During those meetings, the representatives of the two companies
continued to review their respective businesses and additional discussions
occurred concerning the business plans of Learning Company and the possibility
that a business combination between the two companies could result in cost and
revenue synergies.
On December 2, 1998, representatives of Mattel and Learning Company and their
respective financial advisors met in New York City. At that meeting, the
parties discussed the price range at which a transaction might be possible.
On December 3, 1998, the Learning Company board held a regularly scheduled
meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts at which, among other things, it reviewed
the discussions with Mattel held to date.
24
<PAGE>
From December 3 through December 7, 1998, the parties' advisors discussed
structural issues, principally related to tax and accounting issues. In
addition, several telephone calls were exchanged between Merrill Lynch and
Goldman Sachs regarding the price range of the transaction. During this period,
Mattel continued its due diligence of Learning Company and Learning Company
conducted due diligence on Mattel's business and financial condition. Learning
Company and its outside legal counsel for the transaction, and Mattel and its
outside legal counsel for the transaction also commenced drafting and
negotiating the terms of a proposed merger agreement.
From December 8 through December 10, 1998 numerous telephone calls were
placed between representatives of Mattel, Learning Company, Merrill Lynch and
Goldman Sachs, during which the parties continued their due diligence reviews
and negotiations and exchanged information. During these calls, the parties
communicated various proposals and counter-proposals for a tax-free, pooling of
interests merger, including an appropriate exchange ratio and a "collar" for
the exchange ratio. The parties also discussed the definitive documentation for
the transaction.
As a result of these discussions, on December 10, 1998, the per share price
of the proposed merger was set at $33.00 in Mattel common stock, with a collar
that would maintain the value of this consideration so long as Mattel's common
stock remained above $27.50 per share. The preliminary understanding between
the parties with respect to a proposed merger continued to be subject to
Mattel's and Learning Company's satisfaction with continued due diligence and
to further negotiations of the definitive documentation for the transaction.
On December 11, 1998, the Mattel board held a telephonic meeting to review
the proposed merger with Learning Company and the discussions held to date.
Goldman Sachs summarized certain financial analyses and engaged in a discussion
about the transaction with members of the Mattel board.
On December 11, 1998, the Learning Company board also held a telephonic
meeting to review the proposed merger with Mattel and the discussions held to
date. Merrill Lynch summarized certain financial aspects of the transaction and
engaged in a discussion about the transaction with members of the Learning
Company board. Following such discussions, the Learning Company board approved
a continuation of the discussions and the continuation of Learning Company's
due diligence investigation of Mattel.
Following the parties' respective board meetings, the parties and their
advisors held numerous conference calls to discuss the structure of the
proposed merger, the terms under which Learning Company could terminate the
merger agreement to pursue an alternative transaction, the payment of
termination fees, a proposed stock option agreement between Mattel and Learning
Company, the treatment of employees of Learning Company and the terms of the
employment agreements for certain executive officers of Learning Company.
On December 13, 1998, the Mattel board held a meeting in El Segundo,
California to consider and vote upon the proposed merger agreement and related
transactions. At such meeting, Goldman Sachs presented their opinion regarding
the fairness to Mattel, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement. Additionally, Mattel's outside legal counsel
made a presentation regarding the significant terms of the merger agreement,
the stockholder support agreements to be entered into by certain stockholders
of Learning Company, and a stock option agreement to be entered into between
Learning Company and Mattel. Following such presentations and further
discussion, the execution of such documents and related matters were approved
by the Mattel board.
25
<PAGE>
On December 13, 1998, the Learning Company board held a meeting to consider
and vote upon the proposed merger agreement and related transactions. At such
meeting, representatives of Merrill Lynch had discussions with the Learning
Company board regarding Mattel and the toy industry and presented their opinion
regarding the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio
to the holders of Learning Company common stock, including shares of Learning
Company common stock issued upon conversion of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock. Learning Company's management and representatives of Merrill
Lynch also reported on the results of their due diligence of Mattel.
Additionally, Learning Company's outside legal counsel reviewed the Learning
Company board's fiduciary duties in considering a strategic business
combination and the significant terms of the merger agreement, the stockholder
support agreements to be entered into by certain stockholders of Learning
Company, and a stock option agreement to be entered into between Learning
Company and Mattel. Following such presentations and further discussion, the
execution of such documents and related matters were approved by the Learning
Company board.
Following the parties' respective board meetings, the merger agreement, the
stockholder support agreements and the stock option agreement were finalized
and executed by each of the parties. The terms of the merger were announced in
a joint press release that was issued before the opening of the stock markets
on December 14, 1998.
Joint Reasons for the Merger
The Mattel board and the Learning Company board each believe that the
combined company after the merger will have the potential for greater financial
strength, operational efficiencies, earning power and growth potential than
either Mattel or Learning Company would have on its own. The Mattel board and
the Learning Company board identified a number of potential benefits of the
merger which they believe could contribute to the success of the combined
company and thus enure to the benefit of stockholders of both companies,
including the following:
. The combined experience, financial resources, managerial, marketing and
technological expertise, and size and breadth of product offerings of the
combined company may allow it to respond more quickly and effectively to
technological change, increased competition and market demands in the
toy, children's products and consumer interactive software markets, each
of which is an industry experiencing rapid innovation and change.
. The merger may provide the combined company with an opportunity to expand
its product offerings and develop new products and thereby help the
combined company to realize the strategic objective of increasing market
share and to compete more effectively in its highly competitive markets.
In particular, the merger may provide opportunities to develop consumer
software products based on Mattel's well-known brands, which Mattel could
not develop as effectively or efficiently on its own. Additionally, the
merger may provide opportunities to develop toys or other children's
products based on Learning Company's well-known brands, which Learning
Company could not develop as effectively or efficiently on its own.
. The combined product lines and potential new product offerings of the
combined company may enable the combined company to expand the scope of
distribution of the combined company's products and to obtain
efficiencies in the marketing and promotion of its product offerings. In
particular, the merger could provide the combined company with the
opportunity to expand the direct-to-consumer marketing of both companies'
products and may assist the combined company's ability to further develop
its data base of customers to whom the combined company's products could
be marketed.
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. By combining the well-known brands and content of both Mattel and
Learning Company and by taking advantage of the marketing and promotion
resources of the combined company, the merger may enable the combined
company to achieve its strategic objective of developing an Internet
business based upon a family-oriented on-line community and on-line
distribution of the combined company's products.
. The combined company is expected to have a stronger presence in the
international market through Mattel's operations in Europe, Latin America
and the Pacific Rim. Mattel expects to be able to market Learning
Company's products through these channels to expand sales.
. The combined company is expected to have a stronger presence in the
school market through Learning Company's consumer educational software
operations.
. The broadening of the companies' product lines resulting from the merger
may enable the combined company to avoid excessive dependence on any
particular product, group of products, distribution channel or end-
customer group for a substantial portion of its revenue.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Mattel; Mattel's Reasons for the
Merger
The Mattel board believes that the terms of the merger are fair to and in the
best interests of Mattel and its stockholders. Accordingly, the Mattel board
unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby and recommends approval of the merger agreement by the stockholders of
Mattel.
In reaching its conclusion to approve the merger agreement, the Mattel board
considered the factors described above under "Joint Reasons for the Merger," as
well as the opportunity of the Mattel stockholders to participate in the
potential growth of the combined company after the merger as a result of their
ownership of Mattel common stock.
In the course of its deliberations during Mattel board meetings held on
December 11, 1998 and December 13, 1998, the Mattel board considered and
reviewed with management a number of factors relevant to the merger, including,
but not limited to, the following:
. historical information concerning Mattel's and Learning Company's
respective businesses, prospects, financial performance and condition,
operations, technology, management and competitive position, including
public reports concerning results of operations filed during the most
recent fiscal year and fiscal quarter for each company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission;
. the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Mattel
and Learning Company after giving effect to the merger;
. current financial market conditions and historical market prices,
volatility and trading information with respect to Mattel common stock
and Learning Company common stock;
. the consideration to be received by Learning Company's stockholders in
the merger and the relationship between the market value of Mattel common
stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Learning Company common
stock and a comparison of comparable merger transactions;
. the terms of the merger agreement, including the parties'
representations, warranties and covenants, the conditions to their
respective obligations and the provisions regarding termination fees;
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. the prospects of Mattel as an independent company;
. the opinion of Goldman Sachs to the Mattel board, dated as of December
13, 1998, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject
to the factors and assumptions set forth in such opinion, the exchange
ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Mattel from a
financial point of view, and the related financial analysis of Goldman
Sachs; a copy of this opinion is attached as annex B to this joint proxy
statement/prospectus and stockholders are urged to review it carefully;
. reports from management, legal and financial advisors as to the results
of the due diligence investigation of Learning Company;
. the risk that the synergies and benefits sought in the merger would not
be fully achieved;
. the risk that the merger would not be completed;
. the effect of the public announcement of the merger on the market price
of Mattel common stock;
. the risk that the announcement of the merger would result in a certain
degree of disruption in Mattel's operations; and
. the substantial charges expected to be incurred by Mattel in connection
with the merger.
In addition, the Mattel board noted that the merger is expected to be accounted
for as a pooling of interests under generally accepted accounting principles
and that no goodwill is expected to be created on the books of the combined
company as a result thereof.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Mattel board is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to include all
material factors considered by the Mattel board. In view of the wide variety of
information and factors considered, the Mattel board did not find it practical
to, and did not, assign any relative or specific weights to the foregoing
factors, and individual directors may have given differing weights to different
factors. The Mattel board did not attempt to analyze the fairness of the
exchange ratio in isolation from the considerations as to the businesses of
Mattel and Learning Company, the strategic merits of the merger or the other
considerations referred to above. The Mattel board did, however, take into
account, and placed reliance upon, the analyses performed by, and the opinion
rendered by Goldman Sachs as to the fairness from a financial point of view of
the exchange ratio to Mattel.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Learning Company; Learning
Company's Reasons for the Merger
The Learning Company board believes that the terms of the merger are fair to
and in the best interests of Learning Company and its stockholders.
Accordingly, the Learning Company board has unanimously approved the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommends approval of
the merger agreement by the stockholders of Learning Company.
In reaching its conclusion to approve the merger agreement, the Learning
Company board considered the factors described above under "Joint Reasons for
the Merger," as well as the opportunity of the Learning Company stockholders to
participate in the potential growth of the combined company after the merger as
a result of their ownership of Mattel common stock.
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In the course of its deliberations during the Learning Company board meetings
held on December 11, 1998 and December 13, 1998, the board considered the
following important factors:
. historical information concerning Mattel's business, prospects,
financial performance and condition, management and competitive
position, including public reports concerning results of operations
filed during the most recent fiscal year and fiscal quarter for each
company with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
. the consideration to be received by Learning Company stockholders in
connection with the merger;
. the terms of the merger agreement, including the representations,
warranties and covenants and the conditions to each party's obligation
to complete the merger;
. that pooling of interests accounting treatment should be available for
the merger and that the merger would be a tax-free reorganization for
federal income tax purposes;
. current financial market conditions and historical market prices,
volatility and trading information with respect to Learning Company
common stock and Mattel common stock;
. the possibility of other strategic alternatives, including possible
business combinations with other companies;
. the opinion of Merrill Lynch to the Learning Company board, dated
December 13, 1998, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon
and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the
exchange ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of
shares of Learning Company common stock, and the related financial
analyses of Merrill Lynch; a copy of the opinion is attached to this
joint proxy statement/prospectus as annex C and stockholders are urged
to review it carefully;
. the ability of Mattel and Learning Company to complete the merger,
including their ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and
their obligations to try to obtain those approvals;
. reports from management and Merrill Lynch as to the results of their due
diligence investigation of Mattel;
. the risk that the synergies and benefits sought in the merger would not
be fully achieved;
. the risk that the merger would not be completed;
. the risk that a shortfall in earnings of Mattel for fiscal 1998 would
result in a decline in Mattel's stock price;
. the risk that the announcement of the merger would result in a
disruption in the operations and marketing efforts of Learning Company;
and
. the risk that the termination fee and stock option granted to Mattel by
Learning Company may prevent others from proposing an alternative
transaction that may be more advantageous to Learning Company
stockholders, and the interests of executive officers and directors in
the merger.
While the Learning Company board considered the termination fee to be a
potentially negative factor in the merger, Learning Company believes that a
termination fee is not an unusual feature in transactions such as the merger.
The amount of the termination fee was determined by arms-length
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negotiation between Mattel and Learning Company. In determining the fairness of
the merger to the stockholders of Learning Company, the Learning Company board
took into account the relatively small amount of the termination fee in
relation to the size of the transaction and the limited circumstances in which
it would be paid.
The foregoing discussions of the information and factors considered by the
Learning Company board is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to
include all material factors considered by the Learning Company board. In view
of the wide variety of information and factors considered, the Learning Company
board did not find it practical to, and did not, assign any relative or
specific weights to the foregoing factors, and individual directors may have
given differing weights to different factors. The Learning Company board did
not attempt to analyze the fairness of the exchange ratio in isolation from the
considerations as to the business of Learning Company and Mattel, the strategic
merits of the merger or the other considerations referred to above. The
Learning Company board did, however, take into account and placed reliance
upon, the analyses performed by, and the opinion rendered by, Merrill Lynch as
to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the exchange ratio to the
holders of Learning Company common stock, including shares of Learning Company
common stock issued upon conversion of Learning Company Series A preferred
stock.
Opinion of Financial Advisor to Mattel
Goldman Sachs has acted as financial advisor to Mattel in connection with the
merger. On December 13, 1998, Goldman Sachs delivered its written opinion to
the Mattel board, that as of the date of such opinion, the exchange ratio
pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to
Mattel.
The full text of the Goldman Sachs opinion is attached as annex B to this
joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated into this joint proxy
statement/prospectus by reference. Stockholders of Mattel are urged to, and
should, read such opinion in its entirety.
In connection with its opinion, Goldman Sachs reviewed:
.the merger agreement;
. the annual reports to stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of
Mattel and Learning Company for the five years ended December 31, 1997;
. certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-
Q of Mattel and Learning Company;
. other communications from Mattel and Learning Company to their respective
stockholders; and
. internal financial analyses and forecasts for Mattel and Learning Company
prepared by their respective managements, including cost savings and
operating synergies projected by the managements of Mattel and Learning
Company to result from the merger.
Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior management of
Mattel and Learning Company regarding the strategic rationale for, and the
potential benefits of, the merger and the past and current business operations,
financial condition and future prospects of their respective companies. In
addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading activity for
the Mattel common stock and the Learning Company common stock, compared certain
financial and stock market information for Mattel and Learning Company with
similar information for certain
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other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the
financial terms of certain recent business combinations. Goldman Sachs
performed such other studies and analyses as it considered appropriate.
Goldman Sachs assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial
and other information reviewed by it for purposes of rendering its opinion.
Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent of the Mattel board, the reasonableness
and accuracy of the financial forecasts prepared by Mattel and Learning
Company, including the projected synergies. Mattel and Learning Company
informed Goldman Sachs that they prepared their forecasts based on their best
available estimates and judgments. In addition, Goldman Sachs did not make an
independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of Mattel or
Learning Company or any of their respective subsidiaries and Goldman Sachs was
not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. The Goldman Sachs opinion
was provided for the information and assistance of the Mattel board in
connection with its consideration of the transaction contemplated by the merger
agreement. The Goldman Sachs opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to
how any holder of Mattel common stock should vote with respect to such
transaction. The exchange ratio was determined through arm's-length
negotiations between Mattel and Learning Company, in which negotiations Goldman
Sachs advised Mattel.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by
Goldman Sachs to the Mattel board on December 11, 1998. Goldman Sachs utilized
substantially the same type of financial analyses in connection with providing
the written opinion attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as annex
B.
Contribution Analysis. Goldman Sachs calculated the percentage
contribution to 1999 estimated net income by each of the companies. Such
analysis indicated that Mattel would contribute approximately 70% and
Learning Company would contribute approximately 30% of the estimated net
income of the combined company in 1999.
Historical Stock Trading Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed the historical
trading prices and volumes for the Mattel common stock and the Learning
Company common stock. Such analysis indicated that the historical trading
prices ranged from $26.50 to $46.56 for the Mattel common stock and from
$13.75 to $32.81 for the Learning Company common stock for the 52 weeks
ended December 9, 1998. Such analysis also indicated that the price of the
Learning Company common stock outperformed the price of the Mattel common
stock and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index over the last three months and
year, that the price of the Mattel common stock outperformed the price of
the Learning Company common stock and underperformed the S&P 500 Index over
the last three years and the price of the Mattel common stock, the price of
the Learning Company common stock and the S&P 500 Index performed at
substantially the same level over the last five years.
Selected Companies Analysis. Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared certain
financial information relating to Mattel and Learning Company to
corresponding information for Hasbro, Inc. and Electronic Arts Inc. The
selected companies were chosen because they are publicly-traded companies
with operations that for purposes of analysis may be considered similar to
Mattel and Learning Company. The analysis was performed using stock prices
on December 10, 1998. Equity market capitalization is the value of the
common equity based on the stock price. P/E is the stock price divided by
earnings per share. Earnings per share and earnings per share growth rate
information for Hasbro and Electronic Arts are from estimates provided by
Institutional Brokers Estimate System. Earnings per share and earnings per
share growth rate
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information for Mattel and Learning Company are from their managements.
This analysis indicated that (1) stock prices as a percentage of 52-week
high stock prices were 64.0% for Mattel, 86.9% for Learning Company, 83.5%
for Hasbro and 80.7% for Electronic Arts, (2) equity market capitalization
was $8,575 million for Mattel, $3,076 million for Learning Company, $4,472
million for Hasbro and $2,812 million for Electronic Arts, (3) 1999 P/E was
14.3 for Mattel, from 15.5 to 19.5 for Learning Company depending on the
assumed tax rate, 16.7 for Hasbro and 22.8 for Electronic Arts, (4) 1999
P/E to earnings per share growth rate was 1.0 for Mattel, from 0.8 to 1.0
for Learning Company depending on the assumed tax rate, 1.2 for Hasbro and
0.9 for Electronic Arts and (5) the five year earnings per share growth
rate was 15.0% for Mattel, 20.0% for Learning Company, 14.0% for Hasbro and
25.0% for Electronic Arts.
Price Analysis. Goldman Sachs performed an analysis of the consideration
in the merger to Learning Company's stock price, sales, earnings before
interest and taxes ("EBIT") and earnings per share assuming a 30% tax rate
based on Learning Company's management projections and book value. Equity
consideration is the value of Learning Company common equity based on the
consideration of the merger, and assumes shares outstanding calculated on a
fully diluted basis and proceeds from exercised options are used to
repurchase stock. Levered consideration is equity consideration plus
estimated market value of debt less cash and a net operation loss valuation
adjustment of $100 million. The analysis indicated a 15.8% premium to the
price of Learning Company common stock on December 10, 1998. This analysis
also indicated that (1) levered consideration as a multiple of sales was
4.4x in 1998, 3.6x in 1999 and 3.0x in 2000, (2) levered consideration as a
multiple of EBIT was 20.8x in 1998, 12.3x in 1999 and 10.0x in 2000, (3)
equity consideration as a multiple of net income was 27.4x in 1998, 19.3x
in 1999 and 15.7x in 2000 and (4) equity consideration as a multiple of
book value as of September 30, 1998 was 21.9x.
Selected Transactions Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed certain
information relating to eight selected transactions: Cendant Software/Havas
S.A., MicroProse/Hasbro, Inc., Broderbund Software, Inc./Learning Company,
Maxis, Inc./Electronic Arts Inc., Knowledge Adventure/Cendant Software,
Davidson & Associates, Inc./Cendant Software, Sierra On-Line, Inc./Cendant
Software and SoftKey International, Inc./The (former) Learning Company. The
transactions were chosen because they involved interactive software
companies since 1995. Equity consideration is the value of the common
equity based on the consideration in the transaction. Levered consideration
is equity consideration plus book value of debt less cash. Sales, EBIT and
net income information was for the most recent reported twelve months
preceding the transaction. This analysis indicated that for the selected
transactions (1) levered consideration as a multiple of sales ranged from
1.1x to 9.7x, with a mean of 4.4x and a median of 2.4x, (2) levered
consideration as a multiple of EBIT ranged from 19.8x to 55.2x, with a mean
of 49.8x and a median of 54.1x, and (3) equity consideration as a multiple
of net income ranged from 55.0x to 85.2x, with a mean of 72.8x and a median
of 78.2x.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Goldman Sachs prepared pro forma analyses of
the financial impact of the merger. Using earnings estimates for Mattel and
Learning Company prepared by their respective managements, including the
projected synergies, Goldman Sachs estimated pro forma ownership of the
combined company and earnings per share of the common stock of the combined
company on a pro forma basis for 1999, 2000 and 2001. Goldman Sachs
performed this analysis based on implied exchange ratios of 1.000x, 1.107x
and 1.200x and based on the price of Mattel common stock on December 10,
1998. Based on such analyses, Learning
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Company stockholders would own between 27.8% and 31.7% of the combined
company and the proposed transaction would be accretive in 1999, 2000 and
2001.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Goldman Sachs performed a discounted cash
flow analysis using Mattel's and Learning Company's management projections.
Goldman Sachs calculated annual cash flows for the years 1999 through 2001.
Goldman Sachs calculated Learning Company's terminal values in the year
2001 based on multiples ranging from 14x net income to 22x net income,
including the projected synergies. These terminal values were then
discounted to present value using discount rates from 10% to 20%. The
discounted cash flow valuation based on net income ranged from $3,238.3
million to $6,197.7 million for Learning Company.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering
the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying Goldman Sachs' opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination,
Goldman Sachs considered the results of all such analyses. No company or
transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable
to Mattel or Learning Company or the contemplated transaction. The analyses
were prepared solely for purposes of Goldman Sachs' providing its opinion to
the Mattel board as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the
exchange ratio. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily
reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold.
Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative
of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable
than suggested by such analyses. Because such analyses are inherently subject
to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control
the parties or their respective advisors, actual future results may differ
materially from those forecasted. As described above, Goldman Sachs' opinion to
the Mattel board was one of many factors taken into consideration by the Mattel
board in making its determination to approve the merger agreement. This summary
is not a complete description of the analysis performed by Goldman Sachs. You
should read the entire opinion of Goldman Sachs in annex B.
Goldman Sachs, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Mattel selected
Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because it is a nationally recognized
investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar
to the merger.
Goldman Sachs provides a full range of financial, advisory and brokerage
services and in the course of its normal trading activities may from time to
time effect transactions and hold positions in the securities or options on
securities of Mattel and/or Learning Company for its own account and for the
account of customers.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated November 10, 1998, Mattel engaged
Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with the merger.
Mattel has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee equal to the lesser of
(1) 0.4% of the aggregate consideration paid in the merger or (2) $10,000,000.
Fifty percent of such fee was paid upon entering into the merger agreement and
the balance of such fee will be paid upon consummation of the merger. Mattel
has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses, including attorney's fees, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs against
certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities
laws.
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Opinion of Financial Advisor to Learning Company
Learning Company retained Merrill Lynch to act as its exclusive financial
advisor in connection with the merger. On December 13, 1998, Merrill Lynch
delivered to the Learning Company board a written opinion, to the effect that,
as of that date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set
forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio was fair from a financial point of
view to the holders of shares of Learning Company common stock, including
shares of Learning Company common stock issued upon conversion of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock.
The full text of the opinion of Merrill Lynch, which sets forth the
assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the
review undertaken by Merrill Lynch, is attached as annex C to this joint proxy
statement/prospectus and is incorporated into this joint proxy
statement/prospectus by reference. The summary of the written opinion of
Merrill Lynch included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus should be read
in the context of the full opinion attached as annex C. Learning Company
stockholders are urged to read the opinion carefully in its entirety.
The opinion of Merrill Lynch was provided to the Learning Company board for
its information and is directed only to the fairness from a financial point of
view of the exchange ratio to the holders of Learning Company common stock,
including shares of Learning Company common stock issued upon conversion
of Learning Company Series A preferred stock. The opinion does not address any
other aspect of the merger, including the merits of the underlying decision by
Learning Company to engage in the merger, and does not constitute a
recommendation to any Learning Company stockholder as to how such stockholder
should vote on the merger agreement or any matter related thereto.
The exchange ratio was determined through negotiations between Mattel and
Learning Company and was approved by the Learning Company board.
In preparing its opinion to the Learning Company board, Merrill Lynch
performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses, including those
described below. The summary set forth below describes the material analyses
performed by Merrill Lynch and does not purport to be a complete description of
the analyses underlying Merrill Lynch's opinion or the presentation made by
Merrill Lynch to the Learning Company board. The preparation of a fairness
opinion is a complex analytic process involving various determinations as to
the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the
application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a
fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch did not attribute any
particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it, but rather made
qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and
factor. Accordingly, Merrill Lynch believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses, without
considering all analyses, would create an incomplete view of the process
underlying its opinion.
In performing its analyses, numerous assumptions were made with respect to
industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial
conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Merrill
Lynch, Learning Company or Mattel. Any estimates contained in the analyses
performed by Merrill Lynch are not necessarily indicative of actual values or
future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
suggested by such analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses
or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, such
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analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In
addition, as described above, the opinion of Merrill Lynch was among several
factors taken into consideration by the Learning Company board in making its
determination to approve the merger agreement and the merger. Consequently, the
Merrill Lynch analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of
the decision of the Learning Company board or Learning Company's management
with respect to the fairness of the exchange ratio.
In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch, among other things:
. reviewed publicly available business and financial information relating
to Learning Company and Mattel that Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant;
. reviewed information, including financial forecasts relating to the
business, earnings, cash flow, assets, liabilities and prospects of each
of Learning Company and Mattel, as well as the amount and timing of the
cost savings, related expenses and a range of synergies expected to
result from the merger, furnished to Merrill Lynch by Learning Company
and Mattel, respectively;
. conducted discussions with members of senior management and
representatives of Learning Company and Mattel concerning the matters
described in the first and second clauses above, as well as their
respective businesses and prospects before and after giving effect to the
merger and the cost savings, related expenses and range of synergies
expected to result from the merger;
. reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for Learning Company
common stock and Mattel common stock and compared them with those of
other publicly traded companies that Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant;
. reviewed the results of operations of Learning Company and Mattel and
compared them with those of publicly traded companies which Merrill Lynch
deemed to be relevant;
. compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the financial
terms of other transactions which Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant;
. participated in certain discussions and negotiations among
representatives of Learning Company and Mattel and their financial and
legal advisors;
. reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the merger;
. reviewed a draft of the merger agreement, dated December 12, 1998; and
. reviewed other financial studies and analyses and took into account other
matters as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary, including Merrill Lynch's
assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions.
In preparing its opinion, Merrill Lynch assumed and relied on the accuracy
and completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to
Merrill Lynch, discussed with or reviewed by or for Merrill Lynch, or publicly
available, and Merrill Lynch did not assume any responsibility for
independently verifying such information and Merrill Lynch has not undertaken
an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of
Learning Company or Mattel or been furnished with any such evaluation or
appraisal. In addition, Merrill Lynch did not assume any obligation to conduct,
nor did it conduct, any physical inspection of the properties or facilities of
Learning Company or Mattel. With respect to the financial forecast information
and the cost savings, related expenses and range of synergies expected to
result from the merger furnished to or discussed
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with Merrill Lynch by Learning Company or Mattel, Merrill Lynch assumed that
they have been reasonably prepared or reviewed and reflect the best currently
available estimates and judgment of Learning Company's or Mattel's management
as to the expected future financial performance of Learning Company or Mattel,
as the case may be, and the cost savings, related expenses and range of
synergies expected to result from the merger. Merrill Lynch further assumed
that the merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under generally
accepted accounting principles and that it will qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes. Merrill Lynch
also assumed that the final form of the merger agreement would be substantially
similar to the December 12, 1998 draft reviewed by Merrill Lynch.
The opinion of Merrill Lynch is necessarily based upon market, economic and
other conditions as they existed on, and could be evaluated as of, the date of
its opinion. Merrill Lynch assumed that in the course of obtaining the
necessary regulatory or other consents or approvals, contractual or otherwise,
for the merger, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements or
amendments or modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse
effect on the contemplated benefits of the merger. Merrill Lynch did not
express any opinion as to the value of the Mattel common stock when issued
pursuant to the merger or the prices at which the Mattel common stock will
trade subsequent to the merger. In connection with the preparation of its
opinion, Merrill Lynch was not authorized by Learning Company or the Learning
Company board to solicit, nor did Merrill Lynch solicit, third-party
indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any part of Learning
Company. Although Merrill Lynch evaluated the exchange ratio from a financial
point of view, Merrill Lynch was not requested to, and did not, recommend the
specific consideration payable in the merger, which consideration was
determined through negotiations between Mattel and Learning Company. No other
limitations were imposed on Merrill Lynch with respect to the investigations
made or procedures followed by Merrill Lynch in rendering its opinion.
The following is a summary of the material analyses performed by Merrill
Lynch in connection with its opinion, dated December 13, 1998, to the Learning
Company board in connection with the merger.
Historical Stock Price Performance and Premium Analysis. Merrill Lynch
reviewed the daily closing per share prices of Learning Company common
stock for the 12-month period ended December 11, 1998, the last trading day
prior to public announcement of the merger, and calculated one-day, one-
month, three-month, six-month, nine-month and twelve-month average closing
share prices and premiums implied by the exchange ratio, as of December 11,
1998. The average closing per share prices of Learning Company common stock
for these periods were $28.31, $26.22, $24.36, $25.06, $25.21 and $23.02,
respectively, and the premiums implied by the exchange ratio for the same
periods were 16.6%, 25.9%, 35.5%, 31.7%, 30.9% and 43.3%, respectively. The
high and low closing per share prices for Learning Company common stock
during the 12-month period were $32.81 and $13.78, respectively. In
addition, Merrill Lynch analyzed the premiums paid, or proposed to be paid,
in 50 stock-for-stock transactions with transaction values in excess of
$1.0 billion (as with the merger), excluding merger of equal transactions,
announced during 1998 and for which information was publicly available. The
premiums in these selected stock-for-stock transactions ranged from (19.7)%
to 120.8%, with a mean and median of 28.4% and 21.9%, respectively. Based
on the closing share price of Learning Company common stock on December 11,
1998 and assuming a premium range in the merger of 0% to 30%, this analysis
indicated an implied equity reference range for Learning Company of
approximately $28.31 to $36.75 per share, as compared with the $33.00 per
share price for Learning Company implied by the exchange ratio on
December 11, 1998.
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Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis. Merrill Lynch analyzed the ratio of
the daily closing share prices of Learning Company common stock to
corresponding share prices of Mattel common stock for the 12-month period
ended December 11, 1998 and calculated the average daily closing per share
prices of Learning Company common stock and Mattel common stock for the
one-month, three-month, six-month, nine-month and twelve-month periods
ended December 11, 1998. This analysis indicated implied exchange ratios
for these periods of 0.8335, 0.7274, 0.6929, 0.6757 and 0.6097,
respectively, as compared with the exchange ratio of 1.0 to 1.2.
Analysis of Selected Publicly Traded Companies. Merrill Lynch compared
certain financial, operating and stock market data of Learning Company to
corresponding data of the following selected publicly traded companies in
the consumer software industry: Acclaim Entertainment, Inc.; Activision,
Inc.; Corel Corporation; Electronic Arts Inc.; GT Interactive Software
Corp.; International Microcomputer Software, Inc.; Intuit, Inc.; and Midway
Games, Inc. Each of these companies was selected because it operates in the
consumer software industry, which is the same industry in which Learning
Company operates.
Merrill Lynch compared equity values as a multiple of estimated calendar
year 1999 earnings per share and enterprise value (equity value, plus debt,
less cash) as multiples of estimated calendar year 1998 revenue and
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA").
Estimated financial data for these consumer software companies was based on
estimates of selected investment banking firms as compiled by First Call
and selected research analyst estimates, and estimated financial data for
Learning Company was provided by Learning Company management. All multiples
were based on closing stock prices on December 11, 1998. Applying a range
of selected multiples for these consumer software companies of estimated
calendar year 1999 earnings per share and 1998 revenue and EBITDA of 15.0x
to 22.0x, 3.5x to 5.0x and 12.5x to 19.0x, respectively, to corresponding
financial data of Learning Company indicated an implied equity reference
range for Learning Company of approximately $23.25 to $40.00 per share, as
compared with the $33.00 per share price for Learning Company implied by
the exchange ratio on December 11, 1998.
Merrill Lynch also compared certain financial, operating and stock market
data of Mattel to corresponding data of the following selected publicly
traded companies in the consumer products industry: Avon Products, Inc.;
The Black & Decker Corporation; The Clorox Company; Colgate-Palmolive
Company; The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.; The Gillette Company; Hasbro,
Inc.; Newell Company; The Procter & Gamble Company; Revlon, Inc.; and
Rubbermaid Incorporated. Each of these companies was selected because it
operates in the consumer products industry, the same industry in which
Mattel operates.
Merrill Lynch compared equity values as a multiple of estimated calendar
year 1999 earnings per share and enterprise value as a multiple of
estimated calendar year 1998 and 1999 EBITDA. Estimated financial data for
these consumer products companies was based on estimates of selected
investment banking firms as compiled by First Call and selected research
analyst estimates, and estimated financial data for Mattel was based on
estimates of calendar year 1998 and 1999 earnings per share provided by
Mattel management and extrapolations of these estimates (Case I). Applying
a range of selected multiples for consumer products companies of estimated
calendar year 1999 earnings per share and estimated calendar year 1998 and
1999 EBITDA of 15.0x to 20.0x, 10.0x to 13.0x and 8.5x to 11.0x,
respectively, to corresponding financial data of Mattel indicated an
implied equity reference range for Mattel of approximately $24.00 to
$36.00 per share. Merrill Lynch then analyzed an alternative case to
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<PAGE>
reflect, among other things, lower earnings per share for Mattel (Case II).
Applying a range of selected multiples for consumer products companies of
estimated calendar year 1999 earnings per share and EBITDA to corresponding
Case II financial data of Mattel indicated an implied equity reference
range for Mattel of approximately $21.75 to $33.75 per share.
None of the consumer software companies or the consumer products
companies described above is identical to Learning Company or Mattel,
respectively. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing is
not mathematical; rather, it necessarily involves complex considerations
and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating
characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the
public trading value of Learning Company and Mattel and the consumer
software companies and the consumer products companies described above.
Analysis of Selected Acquisition Transactions. Merrill Lynch analyzed the
purchase prices paid, or proposed to be paid, and implied transaction
multiples in the following selected transactions in the consumer software
industry: Broderbund Software, Inc./Learning Company; Mindscape,
Inc./Learning Company; Microprose Inc./GT Interactive Software Corp.; Maxis
Incorporated/Electronic Arts Inc.; Edmark Corp./International Business
Machines Corporation; Software Publishing Corp./Allegro New Media, Inc.;
Humongous Entertainment, Inc./GT Interactive Software Corp.; Time Warner
Interactive/WMS Industries Inc.; Sierra-On-Line, Inc./CUC International
Inc.; Davidson & Associates, Inc./CUC International Inc.; Compton's New
Media/SoftKey International, Inc.; The (former) Learning Company/SoftKey
International, Inc.; and Minnesota Educational Computing Corp./SoftKey
International, Inc. Each of the selected consumer software transactions was
selected because the parties to the transactions operate in the consumer
software industry, the same industry in which Learning Company operates.
Merrill Lynch compared enterprise value as multiples of revenue and EBIT.
All multiples were based on estimated calendar year 1998 financial data for
Learning Company provided by Learning Company management and latest twelve
months financial data for the selected consumer software transactions
listed above. Applying a range of selected multiples for these transactions
of revenue and EBIT of 3.0x to 5.0x and 14.0x to 20.0x to corresponding
financial data of Learning Company indicated an implied equity reference
range for Learning Company of approximately $23.75 to $39.00 per share, as
compared with the $33.00 per share price for Learning Company implied by
the exchange ratio on December 11, 1998.
Merrill Lynch also analyzed the purchase prices paid, or proposed to be
paid, and implied transaction multiples in the following selected
transactions in the consumer products industry: Rubbermaid
Incorporated/Newell Co.; First Brands Corporation/The Clorox Company;
Inbrands Corp./Tyco International Ltd.; Tambrands, Inc./The Proctor &
Gamble Company; Armor All Products Corporation/The Clorox Company; Syratech
Corp./Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund; Evenflo & Spalding Holdings
Corporation/Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.; Duracell International Inc./The
Gillette Company; Helene Curtis Industries, Inc./Unilever N.V.; Maybelline
Inc./L'Oreal SA; St. Ives Laboratories Inc./Alberto-Culver Co.; American
Home Products Corporation (Kolynos unit)/Colgate-Palmolive Company; and
Neutrogena Corporation/Johnson & Johnson. Each of the transactions included
in the selected consumer products transactions was selected because the
parties to the transactions operate in the consumer products industry, the
same industry in which Mattel operates.
Merrill Lynch compared enterprise value as a multiple of EBITDA. All
multiples were based on estimated calendar year 1998 financial data for
Mattel (which was based on estimated
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calendar year 1998 earnings per share provided by Mattel management and
extrapolations of such estimate) and latest twelve months financial data
for the selected consumer products transactions listed above. Applying a
range of selected multiples for these transactions of EBITDA of 11.0x to
14.0x to corresponding financial data of Mattel indicated an implied equity
reference range for Mattel of approximately $29.00 to $38.00 per share.
No company or transaction used in the above analyses is identical to
Learning Company or Mattel or the merger. Accordingly, an analysis of the
results of the foregoing is not mathematical; rather, it necessarily
involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in
financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors
that could affect the acquisition value of such companies and Learning
Company.
Relative Valuation Analysis. Merrill Lynch analyzed the relative exchange
ratios obtained by dividing the per share equity reference ranges for
Learning Company and Mattel described above implied by (a) the Analysis of
Selected Publicly Traded Companies and (b) the Analysis of Selected
Acquisition Transactions. This analysis indicated implied exchange ratio
ranges of 0.63 to 1.67, for Case I, and 0.69 to 1.84, for Case II, as
compared with the exchange ratio of 1.0 to 1.2.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Merrill Lynch estimated the present value
of the future streams of annual after-tax free cash flows that Mattel could
produce on a stand-alone basis for the period 1999 through 2003 based on
estimated calendar year 1998 and 1999 earnings per share provided by Mattel
management and extrapolations of such estimates (Case I) and certain
sensitivities to the Case I estimates to reflect, among other things, lower
earnings per share for Mattel (Case II). Ranges of terminal values were
estimated using multiples of 2003 projected EBITDA of 8.0x to 10.0x. The
free cash flow streams and estimated terminal values were then discounted
to present value using discount rates ranging from 10.0% to 12.0%. This
analysis indicated an equity reference range for Mattel of approximately
$26.75 to $35.00 per share, for Case I, and approximately $24.00 to $31.75
per share, for Case II.
Pro Forma Merger Consequences Analysis. Merrill Lynch analyzed the
potential pro forma effect of the Merger on Mattel's earnings per share
during calendar years 1999 and 2000. The analysis was based on estimates of
calendar year 1998 and 1999 EPS provided by Mattel management and
extrapolations of these estimates for Mattel and on Learning Company
management estimates for Learning Company. Based on annual pretax cost
savings, related expenses and the range of synergies expected by management
to result from the merger, this analysis indicated that with an exchange
ratio of 1.0, the merger would be accretive to Mattel's earnings per share
in 1999 and 2000, and that with an exchange ratio of 1.2, the merger would
be dilutive to Mattel's earnings per share in 1999 and 2000. The actual
operating or financial results achieved by the pro forma combined company
may vary from projected results and variations may be material as a result
of business and operational risks, the timing and amount of cost savings,
related expenses and range of synergies expected to result from the merger,
the costs associated with achieving such synergies and other factors.
Relative Contribution Analysis. Using estimated financial data for
Learning Company and Mattel, Merrill Lynch analyzed the relative
contributions of Learning Company and Mattel to the estimated revenue,
EBITDA, EBIT and net income of the combined company for calendar years
1998, 1999 and 2000 (excluding the effect of any cost savings, related
expenses and range of synergies expected to result from the merger or non-
recurring expenses relating to the merger). The analysis was based on
estimates of calendar year 1998 and 1999 earnings per share provided by
Mattel management and extrapolations of such estimates for Mattel and on
Learning Company management estimates for Learning Company. The analysis
indicated that, in calendar
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years 1998, 1999 and 2000, Learning Company would contribute approximately:
(1) 14.8%, 16.3% and 17.5%, respectively, of the combined company's
revenue, (2) 17.4%, 22.3% and 23.7%, respectively, of the combined
company's EBITDA, (3) 20.8%, 25.5% and 26.9%, respectively, of the combined
company's EBIT and (4) 22.7%, 26.5% and 27.8%, respectively, of the
combined company's net income. Based on the exchange ratio implied in the
merger of 1.0 to 1.2, current stockholders of Learning Company would own
approximately 27.2% to 31.0% of the combined company's equity and
approximately 25.0% to 28.7% of the combined company's enterprise value.
Pursuant to the terms of Merrill Lynch's engagement, Learning Company has
agreed to pay Merrill Lynch for its financial advisory services in connection
with the merger a fee, payable upon the closing of the merger, in an amount
equal to 0.50% of the aggregate purchase price, including indebtedness
assumed, paid in the merger. Learning Company also has agreed to reimburse
Merrill Lynch for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Merrill
Lynch in performing its services, including legal fees and expenses, and to
indemnify Merrill Lynch and related persons and entities against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising
out of Merrill Lynch's engagement.
Learning Company retained Merrill Lynch based upon Merrill Lynch's
experience and expertise. Merrill Lynch is an internationally recognized
investment banking and advisory firm. Merrill Lynch, as part of its investment
banking business, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate and other
purposes.
In the ordinary course of business, Merrill Lynch and its affiliates may
actively trade in the securities of Learning Company and Mattel for their own
accounts and for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time
hold a long or short position in these securities.
Interests of Some Persons in the Merger
You should be aware of the interests that executive officers and directors
of Learning Company have in the merger. These interests are different from and
in addition to your and their interests as stockholders. These include:
.acceleration of vesting of stock options;
.employment arrangements and severance agreements; and
.indemnification, directors and officers' liability insurance and split
dollar insurance policies.
In discussing the fairness of the merger to the stockholders of Learning
Company, the Learning Company board took into account these interests. These
interests are summarized below.
Ownership and Voting Stock. As of the record date for the Learning Company
special meeting, directors and executive officers of Learning Company and
their affiliates beneficially owned approximately % of the outstanding
shares of Learning Company common stock, including shares issuable upon
conversion of outstanding shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
and in exchange for outstanding exchangeable shares. The directors and some of
their affiliates have entered into stockholder support agreements dated as of
December 13, 1998 with Mattel. In these agreements, the directors and their
affiliates irrevocably granted Mattel a proxy to vote all shares
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over which they exercise voting control, representing an aggregate of
votes as of the record date, in favor of the proposal to approve the merger
agreement. Some of the stockholders who are parties to the stockholder support
agreements have received rights as part of these agreements to have Mattel
register the resale of their shares under the Securities Act of 1933. For a
further description, see "The Merger Agreement--Stockholder Support
Agreements."
The following table sets forth, as of February 9, 1999, the number of stock
options to purchase Learning Company common stock held by the directors and
executive officers of Learning Company. As of the effective time of the merger,
all stock options (1) will become fully vested and (2) will be converted into
stock options to purchase shares of Mattel common stock at the exchange ratio.
See "The Merger Agreement--Treatment of Learning Company Stock Options."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Stock
Options to
Purchase Learning Company
Name Common Stock(1)
---- -------------------------
<S> <C>
Michael Perik........................................ 2,007,450
Kevin O'Leary........................................ 1,671,449
Lamar Alexander...................................... 96,757
Michael A. Bell...................................... 205,000
Anthony J. DiNovi.................................... --
Robert Gagnon........................................ 50,000
Mark E. Nunnelly..................................... --
Carolynn N. Reid-Wallace............................. 47,500
Robert A. Rubinoff................................... 181,334
Scott M. Sperling.................................... 245,000
Paul J. Zepf......................................... --
R. Scott Murray...................................... 340,100
David E. Patrick..................................... 365,300
Greg Bestick......................................... 331,597
John Moore........................................... 200,000
Neal S. Winneg....................................... 165,500
---------
Total.............................................. 5,906,987
=========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Messrs. Perik and O'Leary each own 323,750 shares of Learning Company
restricted common stock. As of the effective time of the merger, all such
shares will become fully vested and will be converted into shares of Mattel
common stock at the exchange ratio.
Employment Agreements and Bonus Arrangements.
Michael Perik and Kevin O'Leary. On December 13, 1998, Mr. Perik, the Chief
Executive Officer of Learning Company, and Mr. O'Leary, the President of
Learning Company each entered into an amended and restated employment agreement
with Learning Company, which will become effective, and will be assumed by
Mattel, as of the effective time of the merger. These amended agreements will
supersede the employment agreements dated as of April 9, 1997 between each of
Messrs. Perik and O'Leary and Learning Company, which provided, among other
things, that if the executive's employment with Learning Company were
terminated by Learning Company other than for just cause or by the executive
for good reason, Learning Company would make severance payments over a three-
year period in an aggregate amount equal to three times the executive's then
current annual base salary plus three times the amount of all bonuses paid or
accrued with respect to the 12-month period immediately preceding such
termination. Under the amended agreements, Mr. Perik has agreed to serve as
Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. O'Leary has agreed to serve as
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President, of The Learning Company division of Mattel during the three-year
term of the amended agreements, subject to earlier termination as described
below. During the employment period, Messrs. Perik and O'Leary shall each be
paid a base salary at a rate of at least $650,000 per annum. In addition, the
executives will be entitled to participate in the cash, deferred bonus,
incentive plans and programs for executives employed by Mattel at a
participation level reflecting the executive's responsibilities. As of the
effective time of the merger, Mattel shall grant to each of Mr. Perik and Mr.
O'Leary options with respect to 1,000,000 shares of Mattel's common stock. The
options will be granted at a premium price, or an exercise price in excess of
the fair market value of the Mattel common stock on the date of the grant and
will contain provisions that offer the possibility of accelerated vesting. The
maximum aggregate severance payments that would be paid under the amended
agreements to each of Messrs. Perik and O'Leary is approximately $5,250,000.
This amount does not include any gross-up payments that may be paid under the
amended agreements.
The amended agreements provide that to the extent any of the payments or
benefits received by Mr. Perik or Mr. O'Leary as a result of the merger
constitute "parachute payments" and are therefore subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
Mattel shall pay to such executive an additional gross-up payment so that he
will be placed in the same after-tax financial position he would have been in
if he had not incurred any tax liability under Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Under the terms of Learning Company's Long Term Equity Incentive
Plan restated as of December 4, 1997, all options and shares of Learning
Company restricted common stock held by Mr. Perik and Mr. O'Leary will become
fully vested as of the effective time of the merger. The value of such
acceleration will constitute a "parachute payment" subject to the excise tax
under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Mattel may terminate the executive's employment at any time with or without
cause, as defined in the amended agreements, and the executive may terminate
his employment at any time with or without good reason, as defined in the
amended agreements. If the executive's employment is terminated for cause or if
he terminates his employment without good reason, Mattel shall pay the
executive his full base salary through the date of termination, and Mattel
shall owe no further obligations to him under the amended agreement. If Mattel
terminates the executive's employment other than for cause or disability or the
executive terminates his employment for good reason, subject to the executive's
compliance with the non-compete covenants described below, Mattel shall pay to
the executive in a lump sum his base salary through the date of termination and
shall pay to him an aggregate of $5,250,000 in equal bi-monthly installments
over a three-year period. The amended agreements provide that neither Learning
Company's entering into the merger agreement and the various other related
agreements nor the consummation of the merger or any of the other related
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement constitute good reason under
their employment agreements dated as of April 9, 1997.
Each amended agreement provides that if the executive's employment terminates
during the initial three-year term of the amended agreement, for a period of
three years after such termination, the executive shall not (1) engage in
specified activities deemed competitive with the activities of Learning Company
and Mattel anywhere within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe or any
other nation or geographic area in which Mattel, Learning Company and their
affiliates do business, and (2) solicit the employment of or hire any employee
employed or retained by Mattel, Learning Company or their affiliates or any
prior employee of Mattel, Learning Company or their affiliates whose employment
or retention by Mattel, Learning Company or their affiliates has ceased within
six months prior to the date of such solicitation. If the executive's
employment terminates at the end of the initial three-year term or thereafter,
the non-compete period shall be two years.
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R. Scott Murray. In May 1997, Mr. Murray, the Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Learning Company, entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Learning Company. The agreement, as amended effective
October 1, 1998, provides for an annual base salary of $500,000 and eligibility
for a target cash bonus of $625,000. The agreement also provides that if Mr.
Murray's employment with Learning Company is terminated by Learning Company
other than for just cause or by Mr. Murray for good reason, as defined,
Learning Company will make severance payments to Mr. Murray over a three-year
continuation period in an aggregate amount equal to three times the then-
current annual base salary plus three times the amount of all bonuses paid or
accrued under this agreement over the twelve month period immediately preceding
such termination. Under the agreement, Learning Company will provide Mr.
Murray, during the continuation period, with life, disability, accident and
health insurance benefits and a monthly automobile allowance identical or
substantially similar to that which he received immediately prior to such
termination. In addition, during the continuation period, all of Mr. Murray's
then outstanding options for the purchase of Learning Company common stock will
continue to vest and remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of the
applicable stock option agreement as if the employment of the executive were
not terminated until the last day of the continuation period. The agreement
also provides if any of the severance payments provided for by the agreement
becomes subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code, Learning Company will pay to him the gross-up payment so that he
will be placed in the same after-tax position he would have been in if he had
not incurred any tax liability under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.
The gross-up payment will only apply to severance payments if the event that
causes the severance payments to be subject to the excise tax occurs during the
three-year term of the agreement. Learning Company has also agreed to enter
into a security arrangement reasonably acceptable to Mr. Murray to secure the
severance payments under the agreement. The maximum severance payment that
would be paid under this agreement to Mr. Murray is approximately $3,597,000.
This amount does not include any gross-up payments.
Other Executive Officers. Learning Company and its subsidiaries have
employment agreements with some of their executive officers which may provide
for payments to the executive officers if their employment is terminated
without cause or they terminate their employment for good reason. The payments
vary according to the terms of the respective employment agreements. The
maximum aggregate severance payments that would be paid under these agreements
to all executive officers, other than Messrs. Perik, O'Leary and Murray whose
agreements are described above, is approximately $6,003,000. None of these
agreements provides for any gross-up payments.
Retention Bonuses. The Learning Company board has authorized the payment of
up to $5,000,000 in retention bonuses for Learning Company employees, including
members of Learning Company senior management team. These bonuses will be
payable to some employees who remain employed by Learning Company until 90 days
after the effective time of the merger or are terminated prior to the effective
time of the merger without cause.
Indemnification and Insurance. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Mattel has,
for the time periods specified in the merger agreement, agreed to (a) indemnify
each present and former director and officer of Learning Company and its
subsidiaries against liabilities or expenses incurred in connection with claims
arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or prior to
the effective time of the merger to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware
law, and (b) subject to some limitations, maintain in effect directors' and
officers' liability insurance for the benefit of the directors and officers of
Learning Company and its subsidiaries with coverage in amount and scope at
least as favorable to such persons as Learning Company and its subsidiaries'
existing coverage.
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<PAGE>
See "The Merger Agreement--Certain Covenants--Director and Officer Insurance
and Indemnification."
Split Dollar Insurance Policies. The executive officers of Learning Company
have life insurance policies which are maintained under split dollar agreements
and collateral assignments with Learning Company. Under the terms of these
agreements, Learning Company has agreed to pay the annual premium for such
policies and is reimbursed by each executive for the value of the death benefit
protection provided to the executive for such year. The net premiums paid by
Learning Company for each policy will be refunded on a number of events,
including (a) the executive officer's termination of employment, (b) the death
of the executive officer, or (c) the later of (1) 15 years after the date of
the policy and (2) the policy anniversary after such executive reaches age 65.
Under the terms of these agreements, in the event of a change of control of
Learning Company, the surviving corporation (a) agrees to contribute to a rabbi
trust an amount sufficient to prepay the present value of all future premiums
due under all policies and (b) will cease to be entitled to a refund of the net
premiums paid upon a termination of the employment of the executive officer.
Under the terms of these agreements, the merger qualifies as a change of
control of Learning Company.
Treatment of Learning Company Special Voting Stock and Exchangeable Shares
Background. On February 4, 1994, Learning Company completed a business
combination with Softkey Software Products Inc. and Spinnaker Software
Corporation. In this business combination, former stockholders of Softkey
Software Products Inc. were entitled to elect to receive shares of Learning
Company common stock or exchangeable non-voting shares of a subsidiary of
Learning Company known as Softkey Software Products Inc. Since 1994, additional
exchangeable shares have been issued in connection with financings completed by
Softkey. The outstanding exchangeable shares are listed on The Toronto Stock
Exchange.
An exchangeable share is economically equivalent to a share of Learning
Company common stock because it:
. is exchangeable by the holder at any time, without additional payment,
for one share of Learning Company common stock;
. entitles the holder to dividends from Softkey payable at the same time as
and in the Canadian dollar equivalent of each dividend paid by Learning
Company on a share of Learning Company common stock;
. entitles the holder to receive on the liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of Softkey, one share of Learning Company common stock;
. will be automatically exchanged for one share of Learning Company common
stock prior to the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Learning
Company; and
. entitles the holder through the mechanism of the Learning Company special
voting stock, to cast one vote at all meetings of holders of Learning
Company common stock.
When the exchangeable shares were originally issued, Learning Company also
issued one share of Learning Company special voting stock. This share has a
number of votes equal to the number of exchangeable shares outstanding, other
than exchangeable shares held by Learning Company, its subsidiaries or any
entity controlled by or under common control of Learning Company. The holder of
the one share of Learning Company special voting stock is not entitled to
dividends but is entitled
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to vote with the holders of Learning Company common stock as a single class.
Learning Company, Softkey and CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee, have
entered into a voting and exchange trust agreement, under which a holder of
exchangeable shares is entitled to instruct the trustee to exercise one of the
votes attached to the share of Learning Company special voting stock for each
exchangeable share held. These votes may be exercised at all meetings at which
holders of Learning Company common stock are entitled to vote.
When the exchangeable shares were originally issued, Learning Company and
Softkey also entered into a support agreement. Under the support agreement,
Learning Company agreed, among other things, that no dividends would be
declared or paid on the Learning Company common stock unless Softkey
simultaneously declared and paid an equivalent dividend in Canadian dollars on
the exchangeable shares. Learning Company also agreed to do all things
necessary to ensure that Softkey would be able to make all payments on the
exchangeable shares required in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of Softkey, the retraction of exchangeable shares by a holder or the
redemption of the exchangeable shares by Softkey.
Treatment of Learning Company Special Voting Stock. Under the merger
agreement, at the effective time of the merger, the one outstanding share of
Learning Company special voting stock will be changed into and represent the
right to receive the Mattel special voting preferred stock. The Mattel special
voting preferred stock will entitle the holder thereof to a number of votes at
meetings of holders of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the number of
shares of Mattel common stock for which the exchangeable shares outstanding
from time to time are exchangeable. For this purpose, exchangeable shares held
by Mattel or entities controlled by Mattel are excluded.
Treatment of Exchangeable Shares. Following the effective time of the merger,
the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the
exchangeable shares will be substantially equivalent to the rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions attaching to the exchangeable shares immediately
prior to the effective time of the merger except that, in effect:
. each exchangeable share will entitle the holder, upon the voluntary or
mandatory exchange of the exchangeable share, however effected, to
receive the number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the exchange
ratio, plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends on the
exchangeable share; and
. each exchangeable share will entitle the holder to receive a dividend, in
respect of each exchangeable share, equivalent to the dividend paid from
time to time in respect of a share of Mattel common stock multiplied by
the exchange ratio.
Voting and Exchange Trust Supplement. At the effective time of the merger,
Mattel, Learning Company, Softkey and a trustee will enter into the voting and
exchange trust supplement amending the voting and exchange trust agreement.
Under the terms of the voting and exchange trust supplement, Mattel will
deposit the Mattel special voting preferred stock with the trustee in exchange
for the one outstanding share of Learning Company special voting stock. As a
result, a holder of exchangeable shares will be entitled, in respect of the
exchangeable shares held by such holder, to direct the trustee to cast a number
of votes equal to the number of shares of Mattel common stock for which such
shares are exchangeable, rounded down to the nearest whole number, at all
meetings at which the holders of shares of Mattel common stock are entitled to
vote. Furthermore, under the voting and exchange trust supplement, Mattel will
assume all of the obligations and acquire all of the rights of Learning Company
under the voting and exchange trust agreement, provided that the exchange
rights thereunder will entitle a holder to receive, or require a holder to
accept, as the case
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may be, for each exchangeable share exchanged thereunder, the number of shares
of Mattel common stock equal to the exchange ratio, plus the amount of any
accrued and unpaid dividends on the exchangeable share.
Support Agreement Amending Agreement. At the effective time of the merger,
Mattel, Learning Company and Softkey will enter into an amending agreement
amending the support agreement to provide that the provisions applicable to
Learning Company in respect of the shares of Learning Company common stock
shall apply with equal force and effect to Mattel in respect of the shares of
Mattel common stock.
Softkey Rights Agreement. Following the effective time of the merger, each
exchangeable share will include and trade with a right to acquire exchangeable
shares under a rights agreement to be entered into as of the effective time of
the merger among Softkey, Mattel and a trustee. These rights will have an
economically equivalent value to the non-voting preference share purchase
rights that will be issued with and attached to shares of Mattel common stock
issued in the merger. See "Description of Mattel Capital Stock--Description of
Preference Share Purchase Rights."
Pursuant to a rights agreement dated as of February 7, 1992 between Mattel
and BankBoston, N.A., one Mattel non-voting preference share purchase right
will attach to and be issued with each share of Mattel common stock issued upon
exchange of exchangeable shares.
Treatment of Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock
The merger agreement provides that each share of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time
of the merger, other than shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
held by any direct or indirect subsidiary of Mattel or held by stockholders
exercising appraisal rights, will be changed and converted into and represent
the right to receive a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the
product of (a) the exchange ratio, and (b) the number of shares of Learning
Company common stock issuable upon conversion of the Learning Company Series A
preferred stock. Currently 20 shares of Learning Company common stock are
issuable upon conversion of each share of Learning Company Series A preferred
stock. As of the effective time of the merger, all such shares of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall
automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist.
We do not expect that shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
will be outstanding at the effective time of the merger because each holder of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock has agreed that immediately prior to
the effective time of the merger, each share of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock will be converted into shares of Learning Company common stock
in accordance with the Learning Company certificate of incorporation. In the
merger, such shares of Learning Company common stock will be converted into and
represent the right to receive a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal
to the exchange ratio under the merger agreement.
Accounting Treatment of the Merger
The merger is intended to qualify as a pooling of interests for financial
reporting purposes under generally accepted accounting principles. Under this
method of accounting, the recorded assets and liabilities of Mattel and
Learning Company will be carried forward to the combined company at their
recorded amounts, the operating results of the combined company will include
the operating results of the combined company for the entire year in which the
combination occurs and the reported
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operating results of the separate companies for periods prior to the year in
which the combination occurs will be combined and restated as the operating
results of the combined company.
Prior to the execution of the merger agreement, Mattel received a letter from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, its independent accountants, which concurred with
the conclusion of Mattel's management that no conditions exist that would
preclude the merger from being accounted for as a pooling of interests in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, assuming the merger
is completed in accordance with the merger agreement. Prior to the execution of
the merger agreement, Learning Company also received a letter from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, its independent accountants, which concurred with
the conclusion of Learning Company's management that Learning Company would
qualify as a poolable entity. A condition to the merger is that Mattel and
Learning Company each receive similar letters at the closing of the merger from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Mattel and Learning Company have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts
to cause each of their affiliates to execute a written agreement to the effect
that such person will not transfer shares of common stock or preferred stock of
either Mattel or Learning Company, including exchangeable shares exchangeable
for Learning Company common stock or, after the effective time of the merger,
Mattel common stock, during the period beginning 30 days prior to the effective
time of the merger and ending on the date that Mattel publishes financial
statements that reflect 30 days of combined operations of the combined company.
Such agreements relate to the ability of Mattel to account for the merger as a
pooling of interests.
Legal Proceedings
Litigation Related to the Merger. On December 16, 1998 some stockholders of
Learning Company filed four separate purported class action complaints in the
Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County against
Learning Company and the Learning Company board for alleged breaches of
fiduciary duties. On December 21, 1998 and December 23, 1998, two additional
purported class action complaints were also filed in the same court. Each of
the complaints seeks the certification as a class of all Learning Company
stockholders, an injunction against the merger, rescission if the merger is
consummated, damages, costs and disbursements, including attorneys' fees. The
complaints allege that Learning Company's directors breached their fiduciary
duties to Learning Company's stockholders by, among other things, failing to
conduct due diligence sufficient to have discovered material, adverse
information concerning Mattel's anticipated operational and financial results
and agreeing to an exchange ratio that failed to protect Learning Company
stockholders against a decline in the value of Mattel common stock. Four of the
complaints name Mattel as an additional defendant, claiming that Mattel aided
and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Learning Company and Mattel will aggressively defend against the actions and
pursue the merger.
Greenwald Litigation. On October 13, 1995, Michelle Greenwald filed a
complaint against Mattel in Superior Court of the State of California, County
of Los Angeles. The plaintiff is a former Mattel employee who was terminated in
July 1995. The complaint sought $50 million in general and special damages,
plus punitive damages, for breach of oral, written and implied contract,
wrongful termination in violation of public policy and violation of California
Labor Code Section 970. The plaintiff claimed that her termination resulted
from complaints made by her to management concerning general allegations that
Mattel did not account properly for sales and certain costs
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associated with sales and more specific allegations that Mattel failed to
account properly for certain royalty obligations to The Walt Disney Company. On
December 5, 1996, Mattel's motion for summary adjudication of the plaintiff's
public policy claim was granted. On March 7, 1997, Mattel filed a motion for
summary judgment on the remaining causes of action. On December 9, 1997,
Mattel's motion for summary judgment of the plaintiff's remaining claims was
granted. On February 4, 1998, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal.
Plaintiff's opening brief on appeal is due on March 23, 1999.
Mattel believes the allegations of the complaint in the Greenwald litigation
to be without merit and intends to defend the action vigorously, including the
appeal.
In April 1996 the audit committee of the Mattel board commenced an
investigation with the assistance of outside legal counsel and an independent
accounting firm. In July 1996, a report was issued by legal counsel to the
audit committee which stated that they had found no evidence that Mattel
accounted for sales and costs associated with sales in a manner which is
inconsistent with generally accepted accounting principles. With respect to
Disney royalty obligations, the report concluded that Mattel's accounting
treatment for the Disney royalties, which was adopted with the concurrence of
Mattel's independent accountants, represented a reasonable application of
generally accepted accounting principles given the facts and circumstances as
they existed at the time the accounting decisions were made. While Mattel
believes that its accounting treatment was correct, it decided to make a catch-
up adjustment with respect to the Disney royalties, which was recorded in the
fourth quarter of 1996, in the amount of $21.8 million before taxes or $15.1
million after taxes.
Toys "R" Us Litigation. On September 25, 1997, an administrative law judge of
the Federal Trade Commission issued his initial decision in the matter In re
Toys "R" Us, Inc. The administrative law judge made findings of fact and
conclusions of law that the toy retailer Toys "R" Us, Inc. had violated federal
antitrust laws and entered into vertical and horizontal arrangements with
various toy manufacturers, including Mattel, whereby the manufacturers would
refuse to do business with warehouse clubs, or would do business with warehouse
clubs only on terms acceptable to Toys "R" Us. On October 13, 1998, the Federal
Trade Commission issued an opinion and a final order affirming the findings and
conclusions of the administrative law judge. Toys "R" Us has now filed a Notice
of Appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Following announcement of the administrative law judge's decision, Mattel and
certain other toy manufacturers have been named as defendants in a number of
antitrust actions in various states. On October 2, 1997, the Attorney General
of the State of New York filed in the United States District Court, Eastern
District of New York, an action against Toys "'R" Us and other toy
manufacturers, including Mattel, seeking treble damages, expenses and
attorneys' fees, on behalf of all natural persons in the State of New York who
purchased toy products from retailers from 1989 to the present. The complaint
alleges that Toys "R" Us orchestrated an illegal conspiracy with various toy
manufacturers, including Mattel, to cut off supplies of popular toys to
warehouse clubs and low margin retailers that compete with Toys "R" Us. The
attorneys general from forty-three other states, the District of Columbia and
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico joined this action on or about November 17,
1997.
Following the filing of the New York action, a series of private treble
damage class actions under the federal antitrust laws have been filed in
various federal district courts. Mattel is aware of a total of twenty-seven
actions which are currently pending and name Mattel as a defendant: fourteen
actions in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey; five
actions in the United States
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District Court, Northern District of California, one action in the United
States District Court, District of Illinois; one action in the United States
District Court, District of Maryland; one action in the United States District
Court, District of Vermont; and five actions in the United States District
Court, Eastern District of New York. While the allegations and relief sought
are substantially the same as those in the New York action, the defendants
differ from action to action, as does the alleged conspiracy period. On January
23, 1998, at a hearing before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation,
the parties agreed to have these related actions transferred to the Eastern
District of New York before the Honorable Nina Gershon. A transfer order was
issued by the Judicial Panel on February 11, 1998.
Since May, 1998, Mattel has participated in settlement negotiations conducted
with the aid of the Honorable Charles B. Renfrew, a former United States
District Judge. Judge Renfrew was appointed to serve as a mediator in Wilson v.
Toys "R" Us brought in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. His appointment has been
broadened by agreement to include all of the parens patriae state actions
described above, and all of the named class plaintiffs actions, including state
actions in California and Alabama, and each of the defendants. Mattel has
entered into an agreement in principle to settle each of the actions subject to
mediation before Judge Renfrew, and is awaiting the submission of a Final
Settlement Agreement and Release for execution. The Settlement Agreement will
require a preliminary approval by the United States District Court, Eastern
District of New York, as transferee court in what has been designated as MDL
1211; In re Toys R Us Antitrust Litigation and will be subject to final court
approval pending class notice.
Mattel is also aware of four class action complaints filed in state court in
California naming Toys "R" Us as a defendant and Mattel and various other toy
manufacturers as nondefendant co-conspirators. These actions have been
coordinated in Superior Court of the State of California, County of Alameda,
and allege violations of state antitrust laws, seek unspecified damages and are
based on substantially similar allegations to those in the FTC administrative
proceeding. On February 2, 1999, Mattel was added as a party defendant under a
Second Amended and Restated Class Action Complaint filed in the Circuit Court
for Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The allegations are substantially similar to
those contained in the above-described state class action complaints, and those
of the FTC administrative proceeding. It is anticipated that this action will
be disposed of as part of the settlement agreement that will result from the
mediation proceeding before Judge Renfrew.
Pursuant to the mediation proceeding before Judge Renfrew, all proceedings,
including those in state court, have been stayed pursuant to stipulation and
order. It is anticipated that a settlement agreement disposing of all of the
above discussed matters will be executed within 60-90 days, subject to court
approval. Until such time as these matters are concluded by the entry of
appropriate court orders, Mattel intends to vigorously defend the litigation in
which it is named involving the Toys "R" Us matter.
Regulatory Approvals
Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended
(the "HSR Act"), and the regulations thereunder, Mattel and Learning Company
may not merge unless Notification and Report Forms have been filed with the
Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the United
States Federal Trade Commission, and waiting period requirements have expired
or are otherwise earlier terminated by the Antitrust Division and the FTC. On
December 23, 1998, Mattel and Learning Company submitted the required filings
to the Antitrust
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Division and the Learning Company. Early termination of the waiting period with
respect to the merger was granted by the FTC on behalf of itself and the
Antitrust Division on January 7, 1999.
Notwithstanding the receipt of early termination, at any time before or after
the completion of the merger, the Antitrust Division or the FTC could take such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the
public interest, including seeking to enjoin the consummation of the merger or
seeking the divestiture of substantial assets of Mattel or Learning Company. We
expect that the merger will not violate the antitrust laws. There can be no
assurance, however, that a challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds by the
Antitrust Division, the FTC, states attorneys general and, under some
circumstances, private parties, will not be made, or, if such a challenge is
made, what the result will be.
In addition, under the laws of some foreign nations, the merger may not be
consummated unless certain filings are made with these nations' antitrust
regulatory authorities and these authorities approve or clear the merger. In
particular, under the laws of Germany, a pre-merger notification filing has
been made with the Federal Cartel Office. In addition, under the laws of
Ireland, a short form notification was made to and clearance was obtained from
the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. We expect that the merger
will not violate any foreign antitrust laws and that all the foreign antitrust
regulatory authorities, the approval or clearance of which is required, will
approve or clear the merger. There can be no assurance, however, that a
challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made, or, if such a
challenge is made, what the result will be. In addition, a post-merger filing
will be made under the laws of Canada governing the acquisition of control of
Canadian businesses by non-Canadians. Post-merger filings will also be made,
for informational purposes only, in both Germany and Greece.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
Treatment of Learning Company Stockholders. In the opinion of Latham &
Watkins, counsel to Mattel, and in the opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to
Learning Company, the material United States federal income tax considerations
generally applicable to United States holders of Learning Company common stock
or Learning Company Series A preferred stock who, pursuant to the merger,
exchange their Learning Company common stock or Learning Company Series A
preferred stock solely for Mattel common stock, are described below.
Consummation of the merger is conditioned upon Mattel's receipt of an opinion
from Latham & Watkins and Learning Company's receipt of an opinion from Hale
and Dorr LLP to the effect that the merger will qualify for federal income tax
purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code. The discussion below assumes that the merger will be
treated in accordance with the opinions of Latham & Watkins and Hale and Dorr
LLP described in the preceding sentence.
The discussion below is, and the opinions of Latham & Watkins and Hale and
Dorr LLP will be, based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code,
currently applicable U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and
judicial and administrative decisions and rulings. The opinions of Latham &
Watkins and Hale and Dorr LLP will be based on the facts, representations and
assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinions, including
representations contained in certificates executed by officers of Mattel and
Learning Company. The opinions are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service
or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service
or the courts will not take a contrary view. No ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service has been or will be sought. Future legislative, judicial or
administrative changes or interpretations could alter or modify the statements
and conclusions set forth herein, and any such changes or
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interpretations could be retroactive and could affect the tax consequences to
the stockholders of Mattel and Learning Company.
The discussion below summarizes the opinions of Latham & Watkins and Hale and
Dorr LLP included as exhibits 8.1 and 8.2 to the registration statement of
which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part. The discussion below
and such opinions do not purport to deal with all aspects of federal income
taxation that may affect particular stockholders in light of their individual
circumstances, and are not intended for stockholders subject to special
treatment under the federal income tax law. Stockholders subject to special
treatment include insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions, broker-dealers, foreign persons, stockholders who hold their
stock as part of a hedge, appreciated financial position, straddle or
conversion transaction, stockholders who do not hold their stock as capital
assets and stockholders who have acquired their stock upon the exercise of
employee options or otherwise as compensation. In addition, the discussion
below and such opinions do not consider the effect of any applicable state,
local or foreign tax laws.
Each holder of Learning Company common stock or Learning Company Series A
preferred stock is urged to consult his, her or its tax advisor as to the
particular tax consequences to him, her or it of the transaction described
herein, including the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign
tax laws, and of changes in applicable tax laws.
The merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, subject to the limitations
and qualifications referred to herein, the following tax consequences will
result:
. No gain or loss will be recognized by Mattel or Learning Company solely
as a result of the merger.
. No gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of Learning Company
common stock or Learning Company Series A preferred stock upon the
receipt of Mattel common stock solely in exchange for such Learning
Company common stock or Learning Company Series A preferred stock in the
merger, except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional
shares.
. Cash payments received by holders of Learning Company common stock and
Learning Company Series A preferred stock in lieu of a fractional share
will be treated as capital gain (or loss) measured by the difference
between the cash payment received and the portion of the tax basis in the
shares of Learning Company common stock and Learning Company Series A
preferred stock surrendered that is allocable to such fractional share.
Such gain (or loss) will be long-term capital gain (or loss) if such
fractional share of Mattel common stock is considered to have been held
for more than one year at the effective time of the merger.
. The aggregate tax basis of the Mattel common stock so received by
Learning Company stockholders in the merger, including any fractional
share of Mattel common stock not actually received, will be the same as
the aggregate tax basis of the Learning Company common stock and the
Learning Company Series A preferred stock surrendered in exchange
therefor.
. The holding period of the Mattel common stock received by each Learning
Company stockholder in the merger will include the holding period for the
Learning Company common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred
stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that the Learning
Company common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred stock so
surrendered is held as a capital asset at the effective time of the
merger.
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A successful Internal Revenue Service challenge to the "reorganization"
status of the merger would result in a Learning Company stockholder recognizing
gain or loss with respect to each share of Learning Company common stock or
Learning Company Series A preferred stock surrendered in the merger equal to
the difference between the Learning Company stockholder's basis in such share
and the fair market value, as of the effective time of the merger, of the
Mattel common stock received in exchange therefor. In such event, a Learning
Company stockholder's aggregate tax basis in the Mattel common stock so
received would equal its fair market value, and the Learning Company
stockholder's holding period for such stock would begin the day after the
merger.
Treatment of Holders of Mattel Common Stock, Mattel Series C Preferred Stock
and Mattel Series C Depositary Shares. There will be no United States federal
income tax consequences to the holders of Mattel common stock, Mattel Series C
preferred stock or Mattel Series C depositary shares as a result of the
consummation of the merger.
Treatment of United States Holders of Exchangeable Shares. Further, in the
opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to Learning Company, United States
holders of exchangeable shares will not recognize any gain or loss as a result
of the merger.
Material Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations to Holders of Exchangeable
Shares
In the opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck, Canadian counsel to Learning Company
and Softkey Software Products Inc., the following is a summary of the principal
Canadian federal income tax considerations under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
(the "Canadian Tax Act") generally applicable to holders of Softkey
exchangeable shares who, for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, hold their
exchangeable shares and their ancillary rights against and entitlements with
respect to Learning Company under the voting and exchange trust agreement as
capital property and deal at arm's length with Learning Company, Softkey and
Mattel. This summary summarizes the opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck included as
exhibit 8.3 to the registration statement of which this joint proxy
statement/prospectus forms a part.
Exchangeable shares and ancillary rights will generally be considered to be
capital property to a holder of exchangeable shares unless they are held in the
course of carrying on a business, in an adventure in the nature of trade or as
"mark-to-market property" for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act. Holders whose
exchangeable shares might not otherwise qualify as capital property may be
entitled to obtain such qualification by making the irrevocable election
provided by subsection 39(4) of the Canadian Tax Act. This election may not be
made with respect to their ancillary rights. Holders who do not hold their
exchangeable shares or ancillary rights as capital property should consult
their own tax advisers regarding their particular circumstances and, in the
case of certain "financial institutions", as defined in the Canadian Tax Act,
the potential application to them of the "mark-to-market" rules in the Canadian
Tax Act, as the following summary does not apply to them.
This summary is based on the Canadian Tax Act, the regulations thereunder and
counsel's understanding of Revenue Canada's published administrative practices,
all in effect as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This
summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Canadian Tax Act
released by the Minister of Finance (Canada) on or before the date of this
joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary does not otherwise take into
account or anticipate any changes in law or its administration, whether by
judicial, governmental or legislative decision or action, nor does it take into
account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax legislation or
considerations, which may differ from the Canadian federal income tax
considerations described herein.
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This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and
should not be construed to be, legal, business or tax advice to any particular
holder of exchangeable shares. Holders should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the consequences of the described transactions in their particular
circumstances.
Softkey Holders Resident in Canada. The following portion of this summary is
applicable to a holder of exchangeable shares who is a resident of Canada for
purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and any applicable tax treaty.
Holders will not be considered to have disposed of their exchangeable shares
or the Learning Company special voting stock as a result of the merger. If
holders are considered to have disposed of their rights to exchange their
exchangeable shares for Learning Company common stock under the voting and
exchange trust agreement as a result of the merger, the voting and exchange
trust supplement and/or the related transactions and to have acquired new
exchange rights against Mattel, they will be considered to have received
proceeds of disposition equal to the fair market value of the new exchange
rights. In such case, they will realize a capital gain to the extent that such
proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed the
adjusted cost base to the holder of the exchange rights or a capital loss to
the extent that such proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of
disposition, are less than the adjusted cost base to the holder of the exchange
rights. The cost to the holder of the new exchange rights will be equal to the
fair market value of the new exchange rights at the time of the merger.
Learning Company and Softkey management are of the view, and have advised their
Canadian counsel, that the exchange rights and the new exchange rights are of
only nominal value, and accordingly no gain should be considered to arise if a
holder is considered to have disposed of exchange rights for new exchange
rights. Such determinations of value are not binding on Revenue Canada and
counsel can express no opinion on matters of factual determination such as
this.
If holders are considered to have cancelled their obligations to sell to
Learning Company their exchangeable shares under the retraction, redemption and
liquidation call rights held by Learning Company and to have granted new call
rights to Mattel as a result of the merger or the related transactions, on the
grant of the new call rights, holders will be considered to have received
proceeds of disposition equal to the fair market value of the new call rights,
and will realize a gain to the extent of such proceeds of disposition. Learning
Company and Softkey management are of the view, and have advised their Canadian
counsel, that the call rights are of only nominal value, and accordingly no
gain should be considered to arise if a holder of exchangeable shares is
considered to have disposed of the existing call rights. Such determinations of
value are not binding on Revenue Canada and counsel can express no opinion on
matters of factual determination such as this.
Softkey Holders Not Resident in Canada. The following portion of this summary
is applicable to holders of exchangeable shares who, for purposes of the
Canadian Tax Act, have not been and will not be at any relevant time resident
in Canada, to whom the exchangeable shares are not "taxable Canadian property",
as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, and who do not use or hold and are not
deemed to use or hold exchangeable shares in connection with carrying on a
business in Canada.
Generally, the exchangeable shares will not be taxable Canadian property to a
holder at a particular time provided that at that time such shares are listed
on a prescribed stock exchange, which currently includes The Toronto Stock
Exchange, the holder does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold,
such shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada, and the
holder, alone or together with persons with whom such holder does not deal at
arm's length, has not owned,
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or had under option, 25 percent or more of the issued shares of any class or
series of the capital stock of Softkey at any time within the five years
preceding such time.
Holders will not be considered to have disposed of their exchangeable shares
or the Learning Company special voting stock as a result of the merger. Whether
or not holders are considered to have (a) disposed of their exchange rights as
a result of the merger, the voting and exchange trust supplement and/or the
related transactions, (b) acquired in exchange the new exchange rights against
Mattel, or (c) cancelled the existing call rights and been granted new call
rights as a result of the merger and/or the related transactions, a holder who
is not a resident of Canada will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax
Act on any disposition of such rights.
Delisting and Deregistration of Learning Company Common Stock; Listing of
Mattel Common Stock Issued in Connection with the Merger
Learning Company common stock currently is listed for quotation on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TLC." Upon consummation of the merger,
Learning Company common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange
and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Application will be
made for the listing under the symbol "MAT" on the New York Stock Exchange and
the Pacific Exchange, Inc. of the shares of Mattel common stock to be issued in
the merger and upon exchange of the exchangeable shares after the merger. The
listing of such shares on the New York Stock Exchange is a condition to the
consummation of the merger. See "The Merger Agreement--Conditions to
Obligations to Effect the Merger." Following the merger, Learning Company
stockholders will be instructed to exchange their outstanding stock
certificates for stock certificates representing shares of Mattel common stock.
See "The Merger Agreement--Exchange of Stock Certificates."
Resales of Mattel Common Stock Issued in Connection with the Merger; Affiliate
Agreements
Mattel common stock issued in connection with the merger will be freely
transferable, except that shares of Mattel common stock received by persons who
are deemed to be "affiliates", as such term is defined by Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933, of Learning Company at the effective time of the merger
may be resold by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provisions
of Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933 or as otherwise permitted under
the Securities Act of 1933. Learning Company has agreed that it will use its
reasonable best efforts to cause each of its executive officers and directors
and persons who may be affiliates to execute a written affiliate agreement
providing, among other things, that such person will not offer, sell, transfer
or otherwise dispose of any of the shares of Mattel common stock obtained as a
result of the merger except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Each affiliate agreement also will provide that the affiliate covered by such
agreement may not take a number of actions that would jeopardize the accounting
treatment of the merger as a pooling of interests and require such affiliate to
make representations regarding tax matters. Mattel will also use its reasonable
best efforts to cause each of its executive officers and directors and persons
who may be affiliates to execute a written agreement providing that the
affiliate covered by such agreement may not take actions that would jeopardize
the accounting treatment of the merger as a pooling of interests and requiring
such affiliate to make representations regarding tax matters.
Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines regarding qualifying for the
pooling of interests method of accounting also limit sales of shares of Mattel
and Learning Company by their affiliates or
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exchangeable shares by Learning Company affiliates. The pooling of interests
method of accounting will generally not be challenged by the Securities and
Exchange Commission on the basis of sales by affiliates if they do not dispose
of any of the shares of Mattel or Learning Company or exchangeable shares
during the period beginning 30 days before the merger and ending when financial
results covering at least 30 days of post-merger operations of the combined
company have been published. Both Learning Company and Mattel agreed in the
merger agreement to use their reasonable best efforts to cause each person who
is an affiliate to deliver the above described affiliate agreements to ensure
compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and preserve the ability to treat
the merger as a pooling of interests.
Mattel also agreed in the merger agreement to publish, as soon as reasonably
practicable, but in no event later than 45 days after the end of the first
month ending at least 30 days after the effective time of the merger, results
including at least 30 days of combined operations of the combined company.
Appraisal Rights
Under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, any record holder
of Learning Company Series A preferred stock who does not wish to accept the
shares of Mattel common stock for his, her or its shares of Learning Company
Series A preferred stock, or the holder of the share of Learning Company
special voting stock if it does not wish to receive the one share of Mattel
special voting preferred stock, in each case, as provided in the merger
agreement, has the right to seek an appraisal of, and to be paid the fair value
for, his, her or its shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock or the
share of Learning Company special voting stock if the stockholder complies with
the provisions of Section 262. The holders of Learning Company common stock are
not entitled to any appraisal rights under Section 262 in the merger because
shares of Learning Company common stock are, and shares of Mattel common stock
to be issued in the merger will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mattel's obligation to effect the merger is conditioned on the holders of not
more than 12,500 shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock not
exercising appraisal rights and the holder of the Learning Company special
voting stock not exercising appraisal rights.
Record holders of shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock who do
not vote in favor of the merger agreement and who otherwise comply with
Section 262's procedures will be entitled to appraisal rights under Section
262. These procedures are summarized below. A person having a beneficial
interest in shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock held of record
by or in the name of another person, such as a broker or nominee, must act
promptly to cause the record holder to follow the steps summarized below
properly and in a timely manner to perfect appraisal rights.
With respect to the one share of Learning Company special voting stock,
Learning Company believes, based on the advice of its Delaware counsel, Morris,
Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, that if CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee under
the voting and exchange trust agreement, exercises any of the votes attached to
the Learning Company special voting stock to vote in favor of the approval of
the merger agreement, then the trustee will not be entitled under Section 262
to an appraisal of the Learning Company special voting stock or any interest
therein. As discussed above, some holders of exchangeable shares who are also
directors of Learning Company and their affiliates have given irrevocable
proxies to Mattel. Mattel intends to instruct the trustee to exercise the votes
attached to the Learning Company special voting stock associated with those
exchangeable shares in
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favor of the approval of the merger agreement. Accordingly, Learning Company
believes that, when the trustee carries out these instructions and votes at the
Learning Company special meeting in favor of the approval of the merger
agreement, the trustee will not be entitled to an appraisal of the one share of
Learning Company special voting stock or any interest therein under Section
262.
The following discussion is not a complete statement of the law of appraisal
rights and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of Section 262, which
is reprinted in its entirety as annex D. All references in Section 262 and in
this summary to a "stockholder" or "holder" are to the record holder of the
shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock or Learning Company special
voting stock as to which appraisal rights are asserted.
Under Section 262, a holder of shares of Learning Company Series A preferred
stock, or the holder of the Learning Company special voting stock (such shares
of Learning Company Series A preferred stock and the share of Learning Company
special voting stock, the "Appraisal Shares"), that follows the procedures set
forth in Section 262 will be entitled to have its Appraisal Shares appraised by
the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive payment in cash of the "fair
value" of such Appraisal Shares together with a fair rate of interest, if any,
as determined by the Court.
Under Section 262, if a merger agreement is to be submitted for approval at a
meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the
meeting, must notify each of its stockholders who was a holder on the record
date for the meeting of shares for which appraisal rights are available, of the
availability of appraisal rights, and must include in this notice a copy of
Section 262. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is the notice to the holders
of Appraisal Shares required by Section 262 and the text of Section 262 is
attached as annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Any stockholder
who wishes to exercise appraisal rights or who wishes to preserve his, her or
its right to do so should review the following description and annex D
carefully. The failure to timely, properly and strictly comply with the
required procedures will result in the loss of appraisal rights.
A holder of Appraisal Shares wishing to exercise appraisal rights must not
vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and must deliver to
Learning Company prior to the vote on the merger agreement at the Learning
Company special meeting, a written demand for appraisal of such holder's
Appraisal Shares. This written demand for appraisal is in addition to and
separate from any proxy or vote abstaining from or against the merger. This
demand must reasonably inform Learning Company of the identity of the
stockholder and of the stockholder's intent thereby to demand appraisal of his,
her or its shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock or Learning
Company special voting stock. A holder of Appraisal Shares wishing to exercise
appraisal rights must be the record holder of the Appraisal Shares on the date
the written demand for appraisal is made and must continue to hold the
Appraisal Shares until the consummation of the merger. Accordingly, a record
holder of Appraisal Shares on the date the written demand for appraisal is made
who thereafter transfers any Appraisal Shares prior to consummation of the
merger, will lose appraisal rights for those Appraisal Shares.
Only a record holder of Appraisal Shares is entitled to an appraisal of the
Appraisal Shares registered in that holder's name. A demand for appraisal
should be executed by or on behalf of the record holder as the holder's name
appears on the holder's stock certificates. If the Appraisal Shares are owned
of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian,
the demand should be executed in that capacity, and if the Appraisal Shares are
owned of record by more than one owner, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in
common, the demand should be executed by or on behalf of all joint owners. An
authorized agent, including one or more joint owners, may execute a
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demand for appraisal on behalf of a record holder. However, in the demand the
agent must identify the record owner or owners and expressly disclose that, in
executing the demand, the agent is agent for such owner or owners. A record
holder such as a broker who holds Appraisal Shares as nominee for several
beneficial owners may exercise appraisal rights for the Appraisal Shares held
for one or more beneficial owners and not exercise rights for the Appraisal
Shares held for other beneficial owners. In this case, the written demand
should state the number of Appraisal Shares for which appraisal is sought. When
no number of Appraisal Shares is stated, the demand will be presumed to cover
all Appraisal Shares in brokerage accounts or other nominee forms. Those who
wish to exercise appraisal rights under Section 262 are urged to consult with
their brokers to determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a
demand for appraisal by a nominee.
All written demands for appraisal should be delivered to The Learning
Company, Inc., One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, Attention:
Secretary.
Within 10 days after the effective time of the merger, Mattel, as the
surviving corporation in the merger, will notify each stockholder who has
properly demanded appraisal rights under Section 262 and has not voted in favor
of the merger agreement of the effective time of the merger.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, but not thereafter,
Mattel, as the surviving corporation in the merger, or any stockholder who has
complied with the requirements of Section 262, and is otherwise entitled to
appraisal rights, may file a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery
demanding a determination of the fair value of the Appraisal Shares. Mattel is
under no obligation to and has no present intention to file an appraisal
petition. Accordingly, it is the obligation of stockholders wishing to exercise
appraisal rights to file the petition within the time prescribed in Section
262.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, any stockholder who
has complied with the requirements for exercise of appraisal rights will be
entitled to receive from Mattel a statement setting forth the aggregate number
of Appraisal Shares not voted in favor of adoption of the merger agreement and
with respect to which demands for appraisal have been received and the
aggregate number of holders of such Appraisal Shares. A stockholder must make a
written request for this information. Mattel must mail this statement within 10
days after the written request has been received by it.
If a petition for an appraisal is filed timely, after a hearing on the
petition, the Delaware Court of Chancery will determine the stockholders
entitled to appraisal rights and will appraise the "fair value" of their
Appraisal Shares. Under Section 262, fair value does not include any element of
value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger. The Court
will also determine a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount
determined to be the fair value. Stockholders considering seeking appraisal
should be aware that the fair value of their Appraisal Shares as determined
under Section 262 could be more than, the same as or less than the value of the
consideration they would receive under the merger agreement if they did not
seek appraisal of their Appraisal Shares and that an investment banking opinion
as to fairness from a financial point of view is not necessarily an opinion as
to fair value under Section 262. The Delaware Supreme Court has stated that
"proof of value by any techniques or methods that are generally considered
acceptable in the financial community and otherwise admissible in court" should
be considered in the appraisal proceedings.
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The costs of the action may be determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery
and taxed upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances.
Upon application of a stockholder, the Court may order that all or a portion of
the expenses incurred by any stockholder in an appraisal proceeding, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and the fees and expenses of
experts utilized in the appraisal proceeding, be charged pro rata against the
value of all of the Appraisal Shares entitled to appraisal.
Any holder of Appraisal Shares who has duly demanded an appraisal in
compliance with Section 262 will not, after the effective time of the merger,
be entitled to vote the Appraisal Shares subject to such demand for any purpose
or to the payment of dividends or other distributions on those Appraisal
Shares, except, for dividends or other distributions payable to holders of
record of Appraisal Shares as of a record date prior to the effective time of
the merger.
If any stockholder who properly demands appraisal of his, her or its
Appraisal Shares under Section 262 fails to perfect, or effectively withdraws
or loses, his, her or its right to appraisal, as provided in Section 262, the
Appraisal Shares of such stockholder will be converted into the right to
receive the consideration receivable for those Appraisal Shares under the
merger agreement, without interest. A stockholder will fail to perfect, or
effectively lose or withdraw, his, her or its right to appraisal if, among
other things, no petition for appraisal is filed within 120 days after the
effective time of the merger, or if the stockholder delivers to Learning
Company prior to the effective time of the merger or Mattel after the effective
time of the merger a written withdrawal of his, her or its demand for
appraisal. An attempt to withdraw an appraisal demand made more than 60 days
after the effective time of the merger will require the written approval of
Mattel and, once a petition for appraisal is filed, the appraisal proceeding
may not be dismissed as to any holder without court approval.
Failure to follow the steps required by Section 262 for perfecting and
pursuing appraisal rights may result in the loss of such rights. If such rights
are lost a stockholder will be entitled to receive the consideration receivable
with respect to his, her or its appraisal shares in accordance with the merger
agreement.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document and the documents incorporated by reference herein may contain
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management of
Mattel and Learning Company, based on information currently available to each
company's management. When we use words such as "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "should" or similar
expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements include the information concerning possible or assumed future
results of operations of Mattel and Learning Company set forth:
. under "Summary," "Selected Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Financial Data," "The Merger--Background of the Merger," "--
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Mattel; Mattel's Reasons for
the Merger," "--Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Learning
Company; Learning Company's Reasons for the Merger," "--Opinion of
Financial Advisor to Mattel," "--Opinion of Financial Advisor to Learning
Company," and "Mattel Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial
Statements"; and
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. under "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in each company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q incorporated by reference
into this document.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve
risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future results and stockholder values
of Mattel and Learning Company may differ materially from those expressed in
these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine these
results and values are beyond our ability to control or predict. Stockholders
are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. For
those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-
looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.
You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to
those discussed elsewhere in the documents which are incorporated by reference
into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, could affect the future results of
the combined company and could cause results to differ materially from those
expressed in such forward-looking statements:
. the combined company may be unable to achieve the expected cost savings
or operating synergies from the merger;
. the combined company may encounter greater than expected costs or
difficulties related to the integration of the businesses of Mattel and
Learning Company;
. the combined company may be unable to retain key personnel of Learning
Company after the merger;
. the combined company may be unable to timely develop, introduce and gain
customer acceptance of new products;
. the combined company may be adversely affected by the possible weakness
of international markets;
. the combined company may be unable to adapt to changes in the competitive
environment in the toy, software or internet industry;
. currency fluctuations may have negative effects on the combined company's
reportable income;
. changes in laws or regulations, third party relations and approvals,
decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies may adversely
affect the combined company's business or ability to compete; and
. other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in the
combined company's public announcements and Securities and Exchange
Commission filings.
Effect of Merger on Outstanding 5 1/2% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2000 of
Learning Company
The merger will not constitute a "change of control" under Learning Company's
outstanding 5 1/2% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2000. In connection with the
merger, Mattel will assume Learning Company's obligations under the notes and
the indenture under which the notes were issued. After the merger, each note
will be convertible into a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the
product of (a) the exchange ratio and (b) the number of shares of Learning
Company common stock into which such note was convertible immediately prior to
the merger.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a brief summary of the material provisions of the merger
agreement, a copy of which is attached as annex A and is incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The summary is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the merger agreement. We urge all stockholders of
Mattel and Learning Company to read the merger agreement in its entirety for a
more complete description of the terms and conditions of the merger.
The Merger
The merger agreement provides that Learning Company will be merged with and
into Mattel. At the effective time of the merger, Mattel will continue as the
surviving corporation in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law.
At the effective time of the merger, all the property, rights, privileges,
immunities, powers and franchises of Learning Company before the merger will
vest in Mattel, and all debts, liabilities and duties of Learning Company
before the merger will become the debts, liabilities and duties of Mattel. The
merger will become effective and the effective time of the merger will occur
after all conditions in the merger agreement are met, including receipt of
stockholder approval, and after Mattel and Learning Company file a certificate
of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Unless Mattel
and Learning Company agree otherwise, it is presently expected that the merger
will be effective within two business days after receipt of stockholder
approval.
Conversion of Securities
Treatment of Learning Company Common Stock and Determination of Exchange
Ratio. At the effective time of the merger, each issued and outstanding share
of Learning Company common stock will be converted into the right to receive a
number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the exchange ratio. The
exchange ratio will equal the number determined by dividing $33.00 by the
Average Mattel Price, as defined below; provided, however, that (a) if the
number determined by dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price is less than
or equal to 1.0, the exchange ratio will be 1.0, and (b) if the number
determined by dividing $33.00 by the Average Mattel Price is 1.2 or higher, the
exchange ratio will be 1.2. As used in this joint proxy statement/prospectus,
"Average Mattel Price" means the average closing price of Mattel common stock
on the New York Stock Exchange as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Transaction Tape on 10 randomly selected days out of the 20 days
ending five days before the effective time of the merger. Mattel and Learning
Company believe that using randomly selected days to determine the Average
Mattel Price may reduce the effect on Mattel's stock price of trading activity
that may exist because of the merger. As of the effective time of the merger,
each share of Learning Company common stock will be canceled and cease to
exist.
Treatment of Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock. At the effective time
of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock, other than shares held by stockholders exercising appraisal
rights, will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of
Mattel common stock equal to the exchange ratio multiplied by the number of
shares of Learning Company common stock issuable upon conversion of one share
of Learning Company Series A preferred stock. Each share of Learning Company
Series A preferred stock is currently convertible into 20 shares of Learning
Company common stock. As of the effective time of the merger, each share of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock will be canceled and cease to exist.
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We do not expect that shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
will be outstanding at the effective time of the merger because each holder of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock has agreed that immediately prior to
the effective time of the merger, each share of Learning Company Series A
preferred stock will be converted into shares of Learning Company common stock
in accordance with the Learning Company certificate of incorporation. In the
merger, such shares of Learning Company common stock will be converted into and
represent the right to receive a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal
to the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement.
Illustration of Average Mattel Price and Exchange Ratio. The following table
indicates at various Average Mattel Prices, (a) the corresponding exchange
ratio, (b) the value per share of Mattel common stock assuming the applicable
Average Mattel Price, and (c) the percentage of outstanding shares of Mattel
voting stock that will be held by current Learning Company stockholders upon
completion of the merger. The percentages in the following table were
calculated based on 284,154,619 shares of Mattel common stock, 771,920 shares
of Mattel Series C preferred stock, 87,394,955 shares of Learning Company
common stock, 750,000 shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock, and
5,153,259 exchangeable shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Mattel
voting stock
Value Per Share to be held by
of Mattel Learning Company
Average Mattel Price Exchange Ratio Common Stock Stockholders(a)
- -------------------- -------------- --------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$24.00........................ 1.20 $28.80 29.8%
$27.50........................ 1.20 $33.00 29.8%
$31.00........................ 1.06 $33.00 27.3%
$33.00........................ 1.00 $33.00 26.2%
$37.00........................ 1.00 $37.00 26.2%
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) The percentages include the exchangeable shares, which will vote with the
Mattel common stock after the merger.
Treatment of Learning Company Special Voting Stock. Pursuant to the merger,
at the effective time of the merger, the one outstanding share of Learning
Company special voting stock will be changed and converted into and represent
the right to receive one share of Mattel special voting preferred stock. The
share of Mattel special voting preferred stock will entitle the holder to a
number of votes at meetings of holders of shares of Mattel common stock equal
to the number of shares of Mattel common stock into which the exchangeable
shares outstanding from time to time, and not held by Mattel or entities
controlled by it, are exchangeable.
Under the terms of the rights agreement dated February 7, 1992 between Mattel
and BankBoston, N.A., as rights agent, one preference share purchase right will
attach to and be issued with each share of Mattel common stock issued in the
merger and upon exchange of the exchangeable shares.
Treatment of Exchangeable Shares
The Learning Company board, the Mattel board and the board of directors of
Learning Company's Canadian subsidiary, Softkey, will take all action required
by the terms of the exchangeable shares, the support agreement and the voting
and exchange trust agreement in connection with the merger, including:
. entering into the support agreement amending agreement and the voting and
exchange trust supplement;
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. Mattel authorizing and delivering to the trustee for the holders of the
exchangeable shares a certificate evidencing the share of Mattel special
voting preferred stock;
. both Mattel and Learning Company taking all reasonably required actions
to permit the continued unrestricted tradeability in Canada of the
exchangeable shares and the issuance and first resale in Canada and the
United States of the shares of Mattel common stock issued upon exchange
of the exchangeable shares; and
. Mattel authorizing and reserving such number of shares of Mattel common
stock as is sufficient for issuance upon the exchange of all the
outstanding exchangeable shares.
The merger agreement provides that Mattel will issue to the holder of each
exchangeable share a number of Mattel's preference share purchase rights,
issuable under the Rights Agreement dated February 7, 1992 between Mattel and
BankBoston, N.A, as Rights Agent, equal to the number of shares of Mattel
common stock issuable upon exchange of such exchangeable share, or similar
rights having economically equivalent value to the preference share purchase
rights. Mattel intends to cause Softkey to issue the Softkey rights to the
holders of exchangeable shares, which will have an economically equivalent
value to the Mattel preference share purchase rights that will be issued with
and attached to the shares of Mattel common stock issued in the merger.
Treatment of Learning Company Stock Options
At the effective time of the merger, each outstanding option to purchase
shares of Learning Company common stock will be assumed by Mattel and converted
into an option to purchase shares of Mattel common stock. The number of shares
of Mattel common stock subject to the assumed Learning Company stock options
will be adjusted pursuant to the exchange ratio. Any fractional shares of
Mattel common stock resulting from such adjustment will be rounded down to the
nearest share. The exercise price per share of Mattel common stock under the
assumed Learning Company stock options will equal the exercise price per share
of the Learning Company common stock under the original stock options divided
by the exchange ratio. The exercise prices will be rounded up to the nearest
tenth of a cent. Other than options issued under some plans assumed by Learning
Company in connection with recent acquisitions, all Learning Company stock
options will vest and become fully exercisable as of the effective time of the
merger.
Learning Company will shorten the offering period under its 1997 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan so that its offering period terminates on the day prior to
the effective time of the merger, and will also terminate the plan as of the
effective time of the merger. Learning Company will use its best efforts so
that, as of the effective time of the merger, no options or other rights will
entitle any person, other than Mattel, to own any stock of any of its
subsidiaries or to receive any payment for such stock.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Mattel common stock will be issued
in the merger. Each holder of Learning Company shares who would otherwise have
been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Mattel common stock will
receive an amount of cash equal to the product of such fraction multiplied by
the Average Mattel Price.
Surrender of Shares of Learning Company Common Stock; Stock Transfer
Books. Mattel has designated BankBoston, N.A. to serve as exchange agent for
the exchange of certificates representing
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Learning Company common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred stock for
certificates representing Mattel common stock and for the payment of cash in
lieu of fractional shares. Promptly after the effective time of the merger, the
exchange agent will mail to each record holder of certificates representing
shares of Learning Company common stock or Learning Company Series A preferred
stock, a letter of transmittal and instructions for surrendering the
certificates for exchange and payment. Holders of certificates who surrender
their certificates to the exchange agent together with a duly executed letter
of transmittal, will receive certificates representing the number of whole
shares of Mattel common stock, cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Mattel
common stock, and any dividends or distributions to which they are entitled.
The surrendered certificates will be canceled.
Failure to Exchange. One year after the effective time of the merger, Mattel
can require the exchange agent to deliver to Mattel all unclaimed cash and
shares of Mattel common stock. Thereafter, Learning Company stockholders must
look only to Mattel for payment of their consideration on their Learning
Company shares.
No Liability. Neither Mattel nor the exchange agent will be liable to any
holder of a certificate for shares of Mattel common stock and any cash payable
in lieu of any fractional shares delivered to a public official under any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
No Further Registration or Transfer of Learning Company Common Stock and
Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock. At the effective time of the merger,
there will be no further registration of transfers of shares of Learning
Company common stock or Learning Company Series A preferred stock on the stock
transfer books of Learning Company.
Dividends and Distributions. No dividends or other distributions declared or
made after the effective time of the merger on shares of Mattel common stock
will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate for the shares of
Mattel common stock that the holder is entitled to receive, and no cash payment
in lieu of fractional shares will be paid to any such holder until the holder
surrenders such certificate as provided above. Upon surrender of the
certificate, Mattel will pay to the holder, without interest, any dividends or
distributions with respect to such shares of Mattel common stock that have
become payable between the effective time of the merger and the time of such
surrender.
Lost Certificates. A stockholder must provide an appropriate affidavit to
Mattel if any certificates are lost, stolen or destroyed, in order to receive
consideration for such certificates. Mattel may require the owner of such lost,
stolen or destroyed certificates to deliver a bond as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against Mattel or the exchange agent with respect to any
such certificates.
Withholding Rights. Either Mattel or the exchange agent is entitled to deduct
and withhold from the consideration payable to any holder of certificates the
amounts Mattel or the exchange agent is required to deduct and withhold from
such consideration under the Internal Revenue Code or any provision of state,
local or foreign tax law. Any amounts withheld will be treated as having been
paid to the holder of the shares of Learning Company common stock or Learning
Company Series A preferred stock.
Holders of Learning Company common stock, Learning Company special voting
stock, and Learning Company Series A preferred stock should not send in their
certificates until they receive a transmittal form from the exchange agent,
BankBoston, N.A.
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Representations and Warranties
Mattel and Learning Company have made representations and warranties in the
merger agreement relating to, among other things:
. their organization and the organization of their subsidiaries;
. authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the merger
agreement and related matters;
. their capital structures;
. their subsidiaries and their investments in other companies;
. the absence of conflicts under charters or bylaws;
. required consents and approvals;
. compliance with laws;
. documents and financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the accuracy of information contained therein;
. the absence of undisclosed liabilities;
. the absence of certain changes or events;
. litigation;
. taxes and tax returns;
. employee benefit plans;
. title to assets;
. contracts;
. labor relations;
. intellectual property;
. environmental matters;
. the accuracy of information contained in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus;
. the opinions received from financial advisors regarding the merger;
. brokers and finders' fees;
. the votes of shareholders required to approve the merger; and
. accounting matters.
The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties made by
Learning Company relating to:
. transactions with affiliates;
. the absence of existing discussions or agreements regarding the sale of
Learning Company or its assets;
. insurance;
. the inapplicability of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law;
. accounts receivable;
. inventory;
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. product liability claims; and
. standstill agreements.
The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties made by
Mattel relating to:
. ownership of shares of Learning Company and Softkey and
. the issuance of non-voting preference share purchase rights with the
Mattel common stock.
Certain Covenants
Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger. Mattel and Learning Company have
agreed that, until the earlier of the termination of the merger agreement or
the effective time of the merger, each of Mattel and Learning Company and their
subsidiaries will:
. carry on its business in the ordinary course;
. pay its debts and taxes when due, subject to good faith disputes;
. pay or perform other obligations when due;
. maintain insurance coverage and its books, accounts and records in the
usual manner;
. comply with applicable laws;
. maintain and keep its properties and equipment in good repair, working
order and condition; and
. preserve intact its present business organization, keep available the
services of its present officers and key employees and preserve its
relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors and others with
which it has business dealings.
During the same period, Learning Company has agreed that each of Learning
Company and its subsidiaries will not:
. amend its charter or organizational documents;
. issue or authorize the issuance of additional shares of its capital stock
or securities convertible into capital stock, or any subscriptions,
rights, warrants or options to acquire any convertible securities or
capital stock, or any other securities in substitution for outstanding
shares of Learning Company common stock, other than upon exercise of
outstanding stock options or any exchange of exchangeable shares;
. amend or waive any terms of any option, warrant or stock option plan of
Learning Company or any of its subsidiaries or authorize cash payments
for any options granted under any of such plans;
. adopt or implement any stockholder rights plan;
. declare or pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of any of
its capital stock other than between:
(a) any wholly-owned subsidiary of Learning Company or Softkey and
(b) Learning Company or any other wholly-owned subsidiary of Learning
Company or Softkey;
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. purchase or acquire, any shares of its capital stock, other than the
exchangeable shares pursuant to the exchange rights thereof;
. split, combine, reclassify or redeem any shares of its capital stock, or
any of its other securities, other than the exchangeable shares according
to their exchange rights;
. increase the compensation of directors, officers or employees or
otherwise increase employee benefits other than:
(a) as required by law;
(b) under any existing collective bargaining agreement or Learning
Company employee benefit plan;
(c) for salary and benefit increases to employees other than executive
officers; or
(d) the grant of options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Learning
Company common stock to new or promoted employees, other than
executive officers;
. sell or encumber any properties or assets of Learning Company or any of
its subsidiaries, except for sales of assets in the ordinary course of
business, sales of assets totalling less than $5,000,000, sales of
accounts receivable under existing agreements, sales of securities
totalling less than $20,000,000, and sales of assets under existing
sale/leaseback agreements;
. acquire any entities, businesses or assets, except for acquisitions of
assets in the ordinary course of business and except for acquisitions
involving a purchase price of $10,000,000 or less;
. incur, assume or prepay any debt other than under existing agreements or
guarantee the obligations of any other person, make any loans or
investments in any other person, other than between or with any wholly-
owned subsidiaries, or enter into any "keep well" or other agreement to
maintain the financial condition of another entity, other than Learning
Company or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries;
. liquidate or dissolve Learning Company or any of its subsidiaries,
subject to some exceptions;
. make or rescind any material tax elections;
. pay, discharge or satisfy any claim, liability or obligation other than
in the ordinary course of business;
. other than in the ordinary course of business, waive any rights of
substantial value or make any payment of any material liability before it
comes due;
. fail to maintain its existing insurance coverages;
. enter into any collective bargaining agreement;
. change its methods of accounting as in effect on October 3, 1998, unless
required by generally accepted accounting principles or the Securities
and Exchange Commission;
. modify, terminate or assign any rights under any of Learning Company's
material contracts except in the ordinary course of business;
. take any action that would cause its representations or warranties set
forth in the merger agreement not to be true and correct in all material
respects;
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. close any facility or office containing more than 20,000 square feet;
. make any capital expenditures that exceed $10,000,000 or, subject to
certain exceptions, make any cash disbursement not in the ordinary course
of business exceeding $5,000,000 for any single item or related series of
items;
. initiate, compromise or settle any material litigation or arbitration
proceeding except in connection with the merger agreement;
. agree to take any of the foregoing actions; or
. modify or terminate the amended employment agreement between Learning
Company and Mr. Perik or between Learning Company and Mr. O'Leary, or
waive, release or assign any rights thereunder.
During the same period, Mattel has agreed that each of Mattel and its
subsidiaries will not:
. amend its charter or organizational documents;
. split, reclassify or redeem any shares of its capital stock, or any of
its other securities; or
. agree to take any of the foregoing actions.
No Solicitation. The Learning Company has agreed to terminate any existing
solicitation, discussion or negotiation with any third party regarding an
acquisition transaction. The Learning Company has also agreed that, without
Mattel's consent, it will not:
. solicit, encourage or facilitate an acquisition proposal, as described
below;
. engage in negotiation or discussions with, or provide any non-public
information to, any third party regarding an acquisition proposal; or
. enter into any agreement with respect to an acquisition proposal.
However, Learning Company and the Learning Company board may furnish non-
public information to, and/or participate in discussions or negotiations with,
any third party that has made an unsolicited written acquisition proposal if
the Learning Company board:
. determines in good faith, after consulting with its financial advisor,
that the acquisition proposal is reasonably capable of being completed on
the terms proposed and would, if consummated result in a transaction that
would provide greater value to Learning Company stockholders than the
merger;
. determines in good faith, after consulting with its outside legal
counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with
the Learning Company board's fiduciary duties under applicable law; and
. receives from the third party prior to taking such action a
confidentiality and standstill agreement with terms no less favorable to
Learning Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement,
dated November 10, 1998, between Mattel and Learning Company.
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When used in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the term "acquisition
proposal" means, with respect to Learning Company, any proposal or offer from
any entity, other than Mattel or any of its subsidiaries, relating to any:
. acquisition of a business of Learning Company or any of its subsidiaries
that constitutes 20% or more of Learning Company's consolidated net
revenues, net income or assets;
. acquisition of 20% or more of any class of equity securities of Learning
Company or any of its subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more
of Learning Company's consolidated net revenues, net income or assets;
. tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any
entity beneficially owning 20% or more of the capital stock of Learning
Company; or
. merger, consolidation, business combination, or similar transaction
involving Learning Company or any of its subsidiaries whose business
constitutes 20% or more of Learning Company's consolidated net revenues,
net income or assets.
Learning Company has agreed to notify Mattel promptly of any acquisition
proposal or any request for non-public information in connection with an
acquisition proposal and to furnish to Mattel the significant terms and
conditions of any acquisition proposal.
The Learning Company board may not withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to
Mattel, its approval or recommendation of the merger agreement or the merger.
However, if Learning Company receives an acquisition proposal, the Learning
Company board may withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation of the
merger agreement or the merger only if the Learning Company board:
(a) determines in good faith, after consulting its financial advisor, that such
acquisition proposal is reasonably capable of being completed on substantially
the terms proposed and would, if consummated, result in a transaction that
would provide greater value to Learning Company's stockholders than the merger,
and (b) determines in good faith, after consulting its outside legal counsel,
that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties under applicable law. Nevertheless, the Learning Company board has
agreed to submit the merger agreement to Learning Company's stockholders for
approval, whether or not the Learning Company board at any time subsequently
determines that the merger agreement is no longer advisable or recommends that
the stockholders of Learning Company reject it or otherwise modifies or
withdraws its recommendation. Unless the Learning Company board has withdrawn
its recommendation of the merger agreement in compliance with the foregoing,
Learning Company has agreed to use its best efforts to secure the required vote
of its stockholders in favor of the of the merger agreement.
Governmental Approvals and Defense of Litigation. Mattel and Learning Company
have agreed to promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation to obtain
as promptly as practicable all approvals and authorizations of all third
parties and governmental entities which are necessary or advisable to
consummate the merger including all filings required under the HSR Act or any
applicable foreign anti-trust law or regulation.
Mattel and Learning Company have agreed to vigorously defend any litigation
or administrative proceeding adversely affecting the merger.
Director and Officer Insurance and Indemnification. After the effective time
of the merger, Mattel will indemnify and hold harmless each present and former
director and officer of Learning Company and its subsidiaries against any costs
or expenses pertaining to any matter existing or
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occurring at or prior to the effective time of the merger to the fullest extent
permitted under Delaware law. For five years after the effective time of the
merger, Mattel will maintain in effect the policies of directors' and officers'
liability insurance previously maintained by Learning Company or will enter
into new policies with similar terms with respect to claims arising from facts
that occurred on or prior to the effective time of the merger, including all
claims arising out of the merger agreement. Mattel is not obligated to spend
more than $727,500 per year to maintain such insurance coverage.
Employee Benefits. From the effective time of the merger until December 31,
1999, Mattel will provide the employees of Mattel and its subsidiaries who
were, prior to the merger, employees of Learning Company or its subsidiaries,
compensation and employee benefits which, in the aggregate are no less
favorable to such employees than the employee benefits provided to the
employees of Learning Company and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger. Mattel and Learning Company will pay promptly all
compensation and benefits required to be paid under the terms of any agreement
with any present or former employee or director in effect as of the date of the
merger agreement. Immediately at the effective time of the merger, Mattel will
assume those employment agreements, Learning Company employee plans and
employee benefits arrangements that are disclosed in the schedules to the
merger agreement.
Conditions to Obligations to Effect the Merger
The respective obligations of Mattel and Learning Company to effect the
merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of several conditions,
including:
. the stockholders of Mattel and Learning Company shall have approved and
adopted the merger agreement;
. no order, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction or
statute, rule or regulation shall be in effect that prohibits the
consummation of the merger;
. any waiting period applicable to the merger under the HSR Act shall have
terminated or expired;
. the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of which this joint proxy
statement/prospectus is a part shall have become effective and not the
subject of any stop order, and any material blue sky laws will have been
complied with;
. the shares of Mattel common stock to be issued in connection with the
merger and upon exchange of the exchangeable shares will have been
approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange; and
. Mattel and Learning Company shall have each received letters from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect that the merger qualifies for
pooling of interests accounting treatment under generally accepted
accounting principles.
Except as may be waived in writing by Learning Company, the obligation of
Learning Company to effect the merger is also subject to the satisfaction of
the following conditions:
. the representations and warranties of Mattel in the merger agreement
shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the
effective time of the merger except for:
(a) changes contemplated by the merger agreement;
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(b) those representations and warranties that address matters only
as of a particular date, other than the date of the merger
agreement, which shall remain true and correct as of such
particular date; and
(c) where the failure to be true and correct would not have a
material adverse effect on the business, results of operations
or financial condition of Mattel;
. Mattel shall have performed in all material respects all obligations
required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at or prior to
the effective time of the merger;
. Learning Company shall have received a certificate executed on behalf of
Mattel by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of
Mattel making representations as required by the merger agreement; and
. Learning Company shall have received an opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP, to
the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Except as may be waived in writing by Mattel, the obligation of Mattel to
effect the merger is also subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:
. the representations and warranties of Learning Company in the merger
agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date of the effective time of the merger except for:
(a) changes contemplated by the merger agreement;
(b) those representations and warranties which address matters only
as of a particular date, other than the date of the merger
agreement, which shall remain true and correct as of such
particular date; and
(c) where the failure to be true and correct would not have or be
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the
business, results of operations or financial condition of
Learning Company;
. Learning Company shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement at
or prior to the effective time of the merger;
. Mattel shall have received a certificate executed on behalf of Learning
Company by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of
Learning Company making representations as required by the merger
agreement;
. Mattel shall have received an opinion of Latham & Watkins, to the effect
that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;
. receipt of all third-party consents and approvals, including from
governmental agencies of foreign jurisdictions, required to be obtained;
. Mattel shall have received an opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck, to the
effect that no approval of the holders of the exchangeable shares is
required in order for Learning Company to effect the merger or to enter
into any of the agreements contemplated by the merger agreement; and
. no holder of Learning Company special voting stock shall have exercised
and not withdrawn any appraisal rights under the Delaware General
Corporation Law and the holders of no more than 12,500 shares of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock shall have exercised and not withdrawn
any appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
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Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses
Termination. The merger agreement provides that prior to the consummation of
the merger, the merger agreement may be terminated:
. by mutual written consent of Mattel and Learning Company;
. by either Mattel or Learning Company if:
(a) the merger is not consummated by September 30, 1999, so long as
the terminating party did not prevent consummation by failing to
fulfill any of its obligations under the merger agreement;
(b) any court or other governmental entity has issued an order,
decree or ruling which cannot be appealed and which makes the
merger illegal or prohibits the consummation of the merger;
(c) there has been a material breach of the representations or
warranties, covenants or agreements by the other party which is
not curable, or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days after
written notice of the breach to the breaching party; or
(d) the stockholders of Learning Company or Mattel do not vote to
approve the merger agreement; or
. by Mattel if:
(a) the Learning Company board fails to recommend approval of the
merger agreement by the Learning Company stockholders or
withdraws or modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to
Mattel;
(b) the Learning Company board makes any public recommendation with
respect to any acquisition proposal other than to reject such
proposal, or as required by Rule 14e-2 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934;
(c) Learning Company solicits an acquisition proposal prohibited by
the merger agreement; or
(d) the Learning Company board resolves to take any of the above
actions.
Termination Fees. Learning Company has agreed to pay Mattel an initial
termination fee of $35 million if either of the following events occur:
. Mattel terminates the merger agreement because:
(a) the Learning Company board fails to recommend approval of the
merger agreement by Learning Company stockholders or withdraws
or modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to Mattel;
(b) the Learning Company board makes a public recommendation with
respect to an acquisition proposal other than to reject the
proposal, or as required by Rule 14e-2 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934;
(c) Learning Company solicits an acquisition proposal prohibited by
the merger agreement; or
(d) the Learning Company board resolves to take any of the above
actions; or
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. Prior to the Learning Company special meeting, a third party makes an
acquisition proposal that becomes known publicly or a third party
publicly announces an intention to make an acquisition proposal, and:
(a) the merger agreement is terminated because Learning Company
stockholders fail to approve the merger agreement or
(b) Mattel terminates the merger agreement as a result of Learning
Company's breach of an agreement or covenant in the merger
agreement.
In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated under circumstances which
cause Learning Company to pay Mattel the $35 million initial termination fee,
and within the following 12 months, Learning Company enters into an agreement
regarding an acquisition proposal or an acquisition proposal is consummated,
Learning Company must pay Mattel an additional $75 million termination fee.
The Learning Company believes that termination fees are not an unusual
feature of transactions such as the merger. The amount of the termination fee
was determined by arms length negotiation between Mattel and Learning Company.
In determining the fairness of the merger to the stockholders of Learning
Company, the Learning Company board took into account the relatively small
amount of the termination fee in relation to the size of the transaction and
the limited circumstances in which it would be paid.
Expenses. Except as described below, Mattel and Learning Company will bear
their own expenses in connection with the merger. If Mattel terminates the
merger agreement because the Learning Company stockholders fail to approve the
merger agreement or because of events that would entitle Mattel to the
$35 million initial termination fee, Learning Company has agreed to reimburse
Mattel, up to a maximum of $3 million, for its fees and expenses paid in
connection with the merger. If Learning Company terminates the merger
agreement because the Mattel stockholders fail to approve the merger agreement
or because Mattel has breached a representation, warrant or covenant in the
merger agreement, Mattel has agreed to reimburse Learning Company, up to a
maximum of $3 million, for its fees and expenses paid in connection with the
merger.
Amendment and Waiver
Mattel and Learning Company may amend the merger agreement at any time, but,
after approval of the merger agreement by the Learning Company stockholders,
no amendment may be made that by law requires further approval by the
stockholders without such further approval.
At any time prior to the agreed upon time for the closing of the merger, or
any other date agreed to by Mattel and Learning Company, Mattel and Learning
Company may:
. extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts required by the merger agreement;
. waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained in the merger agreement or in any document delivered in
connection with the merger agreement; and
. waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained
in the merger agreement. Extensions or waivers must be in writing
and signed by the party granting the extension or waiver.
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Stock Option Agreement
In connection with the merger agreement, Mattel and Learning Company entered
into a stock option agreement, dated as of December 13, 1998, under which
Learning Company granted Mattel an irrevocable option to purchase up to
15,673,160 shares of Learning Company common stock at a per share exercise
price equal to the lesser of (1) $28.3125 and (2) the product of (A) the
closing price of a share of Mattel common stock on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Transaction Tape on the day before Mattel gives notice of its intent
to exercise the option multiplied by (B) the exchange ratio on such day.
The stock option agreement is intended to increase the likelihood that the
merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger
agreement. The stock option agreement may have the effect of making an
acquisition or other business combination of Learning Company with a third
party more costly because of the increase in the number of outstanding shares
of Learning Company common stock that would result upon exercise of the stock
option. In addition, if the option becomes exercisable, it is likely for a
period of time to prohibit any other acquiror of Learning Company from
accounting for any such acquisition by using the pooling of interests
accounting method. Accordingly, the stock option agreement may discourage a
third party from proposing a competing transaction, including one that might be
more favorable to stockholders than the merger.
The following is a summary of the stock option agreement, a copy of which is
attached as annex E to and is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this
joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the full text of the stock option agreement.
Exercise. Upon proper notice to Learning Company, Mattel may exercise the
option in whole or in part from time to time following the occurrence of any of
the events which cause the additional termination fee of $75 million to become
payable to Mattel under the merger agreement.
Termination. The right to exercise the option will terminate at the earliest
of:
. the effective time of the merger;
. the date on which Mattel realizes a total profit by the termination
fees provided in the merger agreement and under the stock option
agreement equal to $125 million;
. the date on which the merger agreement is terminated if no
termination fees could be payable to Mattel;
. if the additional $75 million termination fee has not become
payable, the date that is twelve months after the termination of the
merger agreement; and
. 180 days following the date when the additional $75 million
termination fee becomes payable, if any.
Registration Statement. Mattel has the right to require Learning Company to
file up to two registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 for any
shares that Mattel acquires by exercising the option.
Sale of Shares by Mattel. The stock option gives Learning Company, in some
circumstances, a right of first refusal to purchase shares of Learning Company
common stock acquired by Mattel upon exercise of the option at the price that
Mattel would receive if it sold all shares to a third party.
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Repurchase Right. In some circumstances, Learning Company will have the right
to purchase all of the shares of Learning Company common stock acquired by
Mattel by exercising the option at the greater of (a) the price at which Mattel
may exercise the option or (b) the average closing price of the Learning
Company common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the five trading days
ending five days prior to the date Learning Company gives written notice of its
intention to exercise its repurchase right.
Limitation on Total Profit. The total profit derived from the initial
termination fee of $35 million, the additional termination fee of $75 million
and the amount received from shares acquired by exercising the option may not
exceed $125 million.
Stockholder Support Agreements
As an inducement and condition to the willingness of Mattel to enter into the
merger agreement, stockholders who collectively held, at the record date, %
of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock of Learning
Company entered into the stockholder support agreements for the benefit of
Mattel.
In each stockholder support agreement, each stockholder has agreed to vote
all of such stockholder's shares of Learning Company common stock and Learning
Company Series A preferred stock in favor of approval of the merger agreement
and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. In addition,
each such stockholder agreed that it will, upon request by Mattel, furnish
written confirmation of such stockholder's vote in favor of the merger
agreement. Each stockholder also has agreed that (a) it will not, nor will it
permit any of its employees, agents and representatives to initiate or solicit
any inquiries or the making of any acquisition proposal, and (b) it will notify
Mattel as soon as possible if any inquiries or proposals are received by, any
information or document is requested from, or any negotiations or discussions
are sought with, it or any of its affiliates.
Each stockholder also agreed in the stockholder support agreement that,
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, each share of Learning
Company Series A preferred stock beneficially owned by such stockholder will be
converted into shares of Learning Company common stock which will then, in
accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, be converted in the merger
into the right to receive shares of Mattel common stock.
Each stockholder support agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur
of the effective time of the merger or any termination of the merger agreement.
Mattel has agreed to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a
registration statement on Form S-3 covering the resale to the public by the
Thomas H. Lee Company, Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, L.P., Thomas H. Lee
Foreign Fund III, L.P., Bain Capital Fund V, L.P., Bain Capital V-B, L.P., BCIP
Associates, L.P. and BCIP Trust Associates, L.P. of the Mattel common stock
issued or issuable pursuant to the merger, including shares issuable upon
exercise of stock options. Mattel will keep such registration statement
effective until either all of the Mattel common stock covered by the
registration statement has been sold, or for a period of one year from the
filing of the registration statement.
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MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements
We have provided unaudited condensed combined financial statements of Mattel
after giving effect to the merger, which are referred to as "pro forma"
information. In presenting these unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements, we treated our companies as if they had always been
combined for accounting and financial reporting purposes. This method is known
as the "pooling of interests" method of accounting. You should be aware that
these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented
for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the operating
results or financial position that would have occurred or that will occur after
the consummation of the merger.
We have provided an unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as
of September 30, 1998 that includes the impact of transaction costs related to
the merger and tax benefits relating to Learning Company's net operating loss
carryforwards and deductible temporary differences.
We have also provided unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of
operations for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1998, and
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996, and 1997 assuming the merger had
occurred as of January 1, 1995.
On March 5, 1998, Learning Company purchased Mindscape, Inc. Since the
acquisition of Mindscape, Inc. is material to Learning Company's results of
operations, we have included the preacquisition results of Mindscape, Inc. in
the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 and the year ended
December 31, 1997 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 1997.
The condensed historical statements of operations of Mattel are derived from
its audited consolidated financial statements previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in Mattel's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The condensed historical statements of operations of Learning Company are
derived from its audited consolidated financial statements previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Learning Company's 1997 Annual
Report on Forms 10-K and 10-K/A. Learning Company filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on Form 8-K/A on November 4, 1998 supplemental audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1997 to
reflect its merger with Broderbund Software, Inc., which was accounted for as a
pooling of interests.
The historical financial statements as of and for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1997 and 1998 are derived from Mattel's and Learning
Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-Q. These financial statements
were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applied to interim financial information. In the opinion of Mattel's and
Learning Company's management, all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of financial information for such interim periods have been
included.
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MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
as of September 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
----------------- ---------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ----------- --------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
Current Assets:
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable
securities........................... $ 142.6 $234.8 $ -- $ 377.4
Accounts receivable, net.............. 1,781.7 117.2 -- 1,898.9
Inventories........................... 764.1 44.5 -- 808.6
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets............................... 283.9 52.0 -- 335.9
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total current assets................ 2,972.3 448.5 -- 3,420.8
-------- ------ ------ --------
Property, plant and equipment, net...... 714.3 28.4 -- 742.7
Other noncurrent assets................. 1,471.3 214.7 100.4(a) 1,786.4
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total Assets........................ $5,157.9 $691.6 $100.4 $5,949.9
======== ====== ====== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings and current
portion of long-term liabilities..... $ 855.7 $ 50.3 $ -- $ 906.0
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities
and income taxes payable............. 1,278.3 202.7 50.0(b) 1,531.0
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total current liabilities........... 2,134.0 253.0 50.0 2,437.0
-------- ------ ------ --------
Long-term debt.......................... 963.7 191.0 -- 1,154.7
Other long-term liabilities............. 139.2 74.7 -- 213.9
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total long-term liabilities......... 1,102.9 265.7 -- 1,368.6
-------- ------ ------ --------
Stockholders' equity.................... 1,921.0 172.9 50.4(c) 2,144.3
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
Equity............................. $5,157.9 $691.6 $100.4 $5,949.9
======== ====== ====== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
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MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
----------------------------------- ----------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Mindscape Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ---------------- ----------- --------
(Preacquisition)
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales............... $3,238.8 $ 564.0 $ 9.1 $ -- $3,811.9
Cost of sales......... 1,657.9 199.1 9.8 -- 1,866.8
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Gross Profit............ 1,580.9 364.9 (0.7) -- 1,945.1
Advertising and
promotion expenses... 461.4 74.5 12.5 -- 548.4
Other selling and
administrative
expenses............. 593.0 191.1 11.8 -- 795.9
Amortization of
intangibles.......... 28.2 67.8 2.6 1.7 (d) 100.3
Charge for incomplete
technology........... -- 119.8 -- -- 119.8
Restructuring and
other charges........ -- 95.3 16.6 -- 111.9
Special charge........ 38.0 -- -- -- 38.0
Interest expense...... 69.7 13.5 -- -- 83.2
Other expense
(income), net........ 8.7 (9.5) -- -- (0.8)
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes.... 381.9 (187.6) (44.2) (1.7) 148.4
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes..... 109.2 12.4 1.1 (15.1)(e) 107.6
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations.. 272.7 (200.0) (45.3) 13.4 40.8
Preferred stock
dividend
requirements......... 6.0 -- -- -- 6.0
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Applicable to Common
Shares................. $ 266.7 $(200.0) $(45.3) $ 13.4 $ 34.8
======== ======= ====== ====== ========
Basic Income (Loss) Per
Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share
from Continuing
Operations............. $ 0.91 $ (2.55) $ 0.09
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common
Shares................. 292.8 78.5 389.5
======== ======= ========
Diluted Income (Loss)
Per Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share
from Continuing
Operations............. $ 0.89 $ (2.55) $ 0.08
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common
and Common Equivalent
Shares................. 305.0 78.5 422.4
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
77
<PAGE>
MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
---------------------------- ----------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Mindscape Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- --------- ----------- --------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales................... $3,221.5 $ 401.5 $ 71.6 $ -- $3,694.6
Cost of sales............. 1,639.6 126.7 33.6 -- 1,799.9
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Gross Profit................ 1,581.9 274.8 38.0 -- 1,894.7
Advertising and promotion
expenses................. 478.6 47.2 14.7 -- 540.5
Other selling and
administrative expenses.. 576.8 148.6 36.7 -- 762.1
Amortization of
intangibles.............. 24.2 366.5 2.8 7.9 (d) 401.4
Charge for incomplete
technology............... -- 19.3 -- -- 19.3
Restructuring and other
charges.................. 275.0 17.3 11.9 -- 304.2
Interest expense.......... 62.8 17.4 0.4 -- 80.6
Other expense (income),
net...................... 6.5 (5.0) -- -- 1.5
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item
and Income Taxes........... 158.0 (336.5) (28.5) (7.9) (214.9)
Provision (benefit) for
income taxes............. 63.4 (8.6) (6.7) (16.3)(e) 31.8
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) From
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. 94.6 (327.9) (21.8) 8.4 (246.7)
Preferred stock dividend
requirements............. 8.5 -- -- -- 8.5
-------- ------- ------ ------ --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item
Applicable to Common
Shares..................... $ 86.1 $(327.9) $(21.8) $ 8.4 $ (255.2)
======== ======= ====== ====== ========
Basic Income (Loss) Per
Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. $ 0.30 $ (5.00) $ (0.67)
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common
Shares..................... 290.3 65.6 379.9
======== ======= ========
Diluted Income (Loss) Per
Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. $ 0.30 $ (5.00) $ (0.67)
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common and
Common Equivalent Shares... 294.4 65.6 379.9
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
78
<PAGE>
MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Year Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
---------------------------- ---------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Mindscape Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- --------- ----------- --------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales................... $4,834.6 $ 620.9 $138.5 $ -- $5,594.0
Cost of sales............. 2,434.6 201.3 54.5 -- 2,690.4
-------- ------- ------ ----- --------
Gross Profit................ 2,400.0 419.6 84.0 -- 2,903.6
Advertising and promotion
expenses................. 779.1 67.3 25.6 -- 872.0
Other selling and
administrative expenses.. 797.0 216.1 49.1 -- 1,062.2
Amortization of
intangibles.............. 32.2 455.0 3.7 10.5 (d) 501.4
Charge for incomplete
technology............... -- 20.3 -- -- 20.3
Restructuring and other
charges.................. 275.0 68.6 11.9 -- 355.5
Interest expense.......... 90.1 22.5 0.5 -- 113.1
Other expense (income),
net...................... 1.5 (6.3) -- -- (4.8)
-------- ------- ------ ----- --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item
and Income Taxes........... 425.1 (423.9) (6.8) (10.5) (16.1)
Provision (benefit) for
income taxes............. 135.3 71.0 -- (24.7)(e) 181.6
-------- ------- ------ ----- --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. 289.8 (494.9) (6.8) 14.2 (197.7)
Preferred stock dividend
requirements............. 10.5 -- -- -- 10.5
-------- ------- ------ ----- --------
Income (Loss) from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item
Applicable to Common
Shares..................... $ 279.3 $(494.9) $ (6.8) $14.2 $ (208.2)
======== ======= ====== ===== ========
Basic Income (Loss) Per
Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. $ 0.96 $ (7.48) $ (0.55)
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common
Shares..................... 290.5 66.2 380.8
======== ======= ========
Diluted Income (Loss) Per
Common Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations
Before Extraordinary Item.. $ 0.94 $ (7.48) $ (0.55)
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common and
Common Equivalent Shares... 295.7 66.2 380.8
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
79
<PAGE>
MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Year Ended December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
------------------ ---------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ----------- --------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales.......................... $4,535.3 $ 529.5 $ -- $5,064.8
Cost of sales.................... 2,315.5 159.2 -- 2,474.7
-------- ------- ----- --------
Gross Profit....................... 2,219.8 370.3 -- 2,590.1
Advertising and promotion
expenses........................ 778.9 35.1 -- 814.0
Other selling and administrative
expenses........................ 772.3 162.2 -- 934.5
Amortization of intangibles...... 32.5 434.5 -- 467.0
Charge for incomplete
technology...................... -- 56.7 -- 56.7
Restructuring and other charges.. -- 12.3 -- 12.3
Interest expense................. 100.2 26.7 -- 126.9
Other (income), net.............. (0.9) (9.3) -- (10.2)
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income (Loss) from Continuing
Operations Before Income Taxes.... 536.8 (347.9) -- 188.9
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes........................... 164.6 28.6 (40.8)(e) 152.4
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income (Loss) from Continuing
Operations........................ 372.2 (376.5) 40.8 36.5
Preferred stock dividend
requirements.................... 7.4 -- -- 7.4
-------- ------- ----- --------
Income (Loss) from Continuing
Operations Applicable to Common
Shares............................ $ 364.8 $(376.5) $40.8 $ 29.1
======== ======= ===== ========
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common
Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations............. $ 1.26 $ (6.56) $ 0.08
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common Shares.... 290.4 57.4 359.2
======== ======= ========
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common
Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations............. $ 1.23 $ (6.56) $ 0.08
======== ======= ========
Average Number of Common and Common
Equivalent Shares................. 303.1 57.4 368.2
======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
80
<PAGE>
MATTEL
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations
for the Year Ended December 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
------------------ ---------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Adjustments Combined
-------- -------- ----------- --------
(In millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales........................... $4,369.8 $338.6 $ -- $4,708.4
Cost of sales..................... 2,302.1 116.4 -- 2,418.5
-------- ------ ----- --------
Gross Profit........................ 2,067.7 222.2 -- 2,289.9
Advertising and promotion
expenses......................... 731.7 21.7 -- 753.4
Other selling and administrative
expenses......................... 721.3 106.6 -- 827.9
Amortization of intangibles....... 32.1 32.1 -- 64.2
Charge for incomplete technology.. -- 60.5 -- 60.5
Restructuring and other charges... 8.9 10.7 -- 19.6
Interest expense.................. 103.0 5.3 -- 108.3
Other (income), net............... (34.0) (16.3) -- (50.3)
-------- ------ ----- --------
Income from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes................ 504.7 1.6 -- 506.3
Provision (benefit) for income
taxes............................ 166.8 36.7 (5.2)(e) 198.3
-------- ------ ----- --------
Income (Loss) from Continuing
Operations......................... 337.9 (35.1) 5.2 308.0
Preferred and preference stock
dividend requirements............ 6.6 -- -- 6.6
-------- ------ ----- --------
Income (Loss) from Continuing
Operations Applicable to Common
Shares............................. $ 331.3 $(35.1) $ 5.2 $ 301.4
======== ====== ===== ========
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common
Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations.............. $ 1.13 $(0.86) $ 0.88
======== ====== ========
Average Number of Common Shares..... 293.3 40.9 342.4
======== ====== ========
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common
Share(f):
Income (Loss) Per Share from
Continuing Operations.............. $ 1.11 $(0.86) $ 0.86
======== ====== ========
Average Number of Common and Common
Equivalent Shares.................. 298.8 40.9 349.8
======== ====== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements.
81
<PAGE>
MATTEL
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements assume a
business combination between Mattel and Learning Company accounted for using
the pooling of interests method and are based upon the respective historical
financial statements and the accompanying notes of Mattel and Learning Company,
as well as the historical financial statements of Mindscape, Inc.
According to the merger agreement, each share of Learning Company common
stock will be exchanged for not less than 1.0 or more than 1.2 shares of Mattel
common stock. Subject to the minimum and maximum, the exact exchange ratio of
shares of Mattel common stock received for shares of Learning Company common
stock will be determined by dividing $33.00 by the average of the closing
prices of Mattel common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the random
trading days. Learning Company Series A preferred stock will be converted into
the right to receive a number of shares of Mattel common stock equal to the
exchange ratio multiplied by 20 (the rate at which Learning Company Series A
preferred stock is convertible into Learning Company common stock).
Because the transaction has not been completed, the costs of the merger can
only be estimated at this time. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of operations for all periods presented excludes: (a) the positive
effects of potential cost savings and operating synergies which may be achieved
upon combining the resources of the companies and (b) transaction costs of
approximately $75 to $85 million, including investment banking, legal and
accounting fees, and contractual incentive benefits.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30,
1998 includes the impact of all transactions, whether of a recurring or
nonrecurring nature, that can be reasonably estimated and should be reflected
as of that date.
Certain historical Learning Company and Mindscape, Inc. results have been
reclassified to conform with Mattel's basis of presentation.
2. Pro Forma Adjustments
Intercompany Transactions--There were no material intercompany transactions
that required elimination from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of operations or balance sheet.
Balance Sheet
(a) Other Noncurrent Assets--The unaudited pro forma condensed combined
balance sheet has been adjusted to reflect the recognition of the estimated tax
benefits related to Learning Company's net operating loss carryforwards and
deductible temporary differences under the combined company's income tax
position.
82
<PAGE>
(b) Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Income Taxes Payable--The pro
forma adjustment in the amount of $50 million, net of taxes, reflects accruals
in connection with the estimated transaction costs of $75 million related to
the merger. These costs are not considered in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statements of operations. These estimated transaction costs will be
charged against the results of operations during the quarter in which the
merger becomes effective.
(c) Stockholders' Equity--Stockholders' equity has been adjusted to reflect
the following:
--Common stock accounts are adjusted for the assumed issuance of
approximately 116.4 million shares of Mattel common stock in exchange for
approximately 81.3 million shares of Learning Company common stock,
0.8 million shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock, which is
convertible into 15.0 million shares of Learning Company common stock, and
approximately 0.7 million shares of unvested Learning Company restricted
common stock outstanding as of September 30, 1998, assuming an exchange
ratio of 1.2. The number of shares of Mattel common stock to be issued at
the effective time of the merger will be based upon the actual number of
shares of Learning Company common stock, Learning Company Series A
preferred stock, and unvested shares of Learning Company restricted common
stock outstanding at that time and the actual exchange ratio.
--Additional paid-in capital is adjusted for the effects of issuance of
shares of Mattel common stock having a $1.00 par value per share in
exchange for Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning Company
common stock, each having a $0.01 par value per share, the issuance of
Mattel common stock for unvested shares of Learning Company restricted
common stock, and the recognition of the tax benefits related to the
exercise of Learning Company non-qualified stock options due to utilization
of Learning Company's net operating losses in the unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statements of operations.
--Retained earnings is adjusted for the effects of: (a) accrual for the
minimum of the estimated range for transaction costs related to the merger,
(b) compensation expense related to the Learning Company restricted common
stock, and (c) recognition of estimated tax benefits from the assessment of
income tax valuation allowances under the combined company's expected
income tax position.
Statement of Operations
(d) Amortization of Intangibles--In connection with its acquisition of
Mindscape, Inc., Learning Company recorded goodwill and other intangible
assets, which reflected the allocation of the purchase price paid to brand and
trade names. The pro forma adjustment reflects the amortization of the
identifiable intangible assets acquired and goodwill over their estimated
useful lives on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives of brand and
trade names, completed technology and products, and goodwill are 10, two and 10
years, respectively.
(e) Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes--The unaudited pro forma adjustment
reflects the reduction of valuation allowances established in Learning
Company's historical financial statements resulting in the recognition of
estimated benefits of net operating losses incurred by Learning Company in the
unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements due to the combined
company's expected income tax position.
83
<PAGE>
(f) Income (Loss) per Common Share--Historical and unaudited pro forma per
share data of Mattel and Learning Company include the retroactive effects of
the March 1997 merger of Tyco Toys, Inc. into Mattel, and the August 1998
merger of Broderbund Software, Inc. into Learning Company, each accounted for
as a pooling of interests. Unaudited pro forma weighted average common shares
outstanding for all periods presented are based upon Mattel's and Learning
Company's combined historical weighted average shares, adjusted for diluted
common stock equivalents, as appropriate, and after adjustment of Learning
Company's historical number of shares assuming an exchange ratio of 1.2.
84
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION OF MATTEL AND LEARNING COMPANY
The following unaudited table sets forth the capitalization of Mattel and
Learning Company as of September 30, 1998, and as adjusted to give effect to
the merger and related transactions. See "The Merger Agreement."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of September 30, 1998
-----------------------------------------
Historical Pro Forma(a)
------------------- --------------------
Learning
Mattel Company Adjustments Combined
-------- --------- ----------- --------
(In millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Short-term debt, including current
maturities......................... $ 855.7 $ 50.3 $ -- $ 906.0
-------- --------- ----- --------
Long-term debt, net of current
maturities:
6 3/4% senior notes, due 2000..... 100.0 -- -- 100.0
5 1/2% senior convertible notes,
due 2000......................... -- 191.0 -- 191.0
6% senior notes, due 2003......... 150.0 -- -- 150.0
6 1/8% senior notes, due 2005..... 150.0 -- -- 150.0
Medium-Term notes................. 520.5 -- -- 520.5
Mortgage note..................... 43.2 -- -- 43.2
-------- --------- ----- --------
Total long-term debt............ 963.7 191.0 -- 1,154.7
-------- --------- ----- --------
Stockholders' equity:
Mattel Series C preferred stock... 0.8 -- -- 0.8
Mattel special voting preferred
stock(b)......................... -- -- -- --
Learning Company Series A
preferred stock(c)(d)............ -- -- -- --
Mattel common stock(d)............ 300.4 -- 116.4 416.8
Learning Company common stock(d).. -- 0.8 (0.8) --
Learning Company special voting
stock(b)......................... -- -- -- --
Additional paid-in capital(e)..... 482.6 1,391.0 (88.5) 1,785.1
Treasury stock.................... (351.5) -- -- (351.5)
Retained earnings (accumulated
deficit)(f)...................... 1,690.1 (1,205.3) 23.3 508.1
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss............................. (201.4) (13.6) -- (215.0)
-------- --------- ----- --------
Total stockholders' equity...... 1,921.0 172.9 50.4 2,144.3
-------- --------- ----- --------
Total capitalization................ $3,740.4 $ 414.2 $50.4 $4,205.0
======== ========= ===== ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) The pro forma adjustments and resulting combined amounts reflect the
actions to be taken at the effective time of the merger to (1) convert all
issued and outstanding shares of Learning Company common stock into shares
of Mattel common stock; (2) convert all issued and outstanding shares of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock into shares of Mattel common
stock; and (3) issue Mattel common stock for all unvested Learning Company
restricted common stock.
(b) One share of Mattel special voting preferred stock, $1.00 par value, will
be issued in exchange for one share of Learning Company special voting
stock, $1.00 par value, at the effective time of the merger. The share of
Learning Company special voting stock has a number of votes equal to the
number of outstanding exchangeable shares. The exchangeable shares are
exchangeable at the option of the holders on a one-for-one basis for
approximately 5.3 million shares of Learning Company common stock, as of
September 30, 1998, without additional payment. As a result of the merger,
the number of shares of Mattel common stock to be obtained upon exchange
will be approximately 6.4 million shares, assuming an exchange ratio of
1.2.
85
<PAGE>
(c) The aggregate par value of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
outstanding is immaterial in terms of data rounded to tenths of millions of
dollars.
(d) The approximate number of shares of Mattel common stock assumed exchanged
in the merger was based upon 81.3 million shares of Learning Company common
stock and 0.8 million shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock,
which is convertible into approximately 15.0 million shares of Learning
Company common stock, that were issued and outstanding as of September 30,
1998. The number of shares of unvested Learning Company restricted common
stock outstanding as of September 30, 1998 was approximately 0.7 million.
(e) Additional paid-in capital is adjusted for the effects of issuance of
Mattel common stock having a $1.00 par value per share in exchange for
Learning Company common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred
stock, each having a $0.01 par value per share, the issuance of Mattel
common stock for all unvested Learning Company restricted common stock and
the recognition of income tax benefits related to the exercise of Learning
Company non-qualified stock options due to the utilization of Learning
Company's net operating losses in the unaudited pro forma condensed
combined statements of operations.
(f) The net increase in retained earnings principally relates to recognition of
income tax benefits of losses incurred by Learning Company that have been
adjusted subject to the combined company's expected income tax position,
partially offset by the pro forma accrual for estimated costs and expenses
directly related to the transaction (see Note 1--Basis of Presentation to
the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements).
86
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT OF MATTEL
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership
of Mattel common stock as of February 5, 1999 by (a) each director and nominee
for director, (b) the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and each of the four
other most highly compensated executive officers of Mattel and (c) all
directors and executive officers of Mattel as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature
Name of Beneficial Owner Position with Mattel of Beneficial Ownership(1)
------------------------ -------------------- --------------------------
<C> <S> <C>
Jill E. Barad Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer.... 2,144,505(2)
Gary S. Baughman President, Fisher-Price.... 163,434(2)
Dr. Harold Brown Director................... 61,445(2)
Tully M. Friedman Director................... 18,750(2)
Joseph C. Gandolfo President, Worldwide
Manufacturing
Operations and a Director.. 592,413(2)
Ronald M. Loeb Director................... 86,295(2)
Ned Mansour President, Corporate
Operations, General
Counsel and a Director.... 466,589(2)
Harry J. Pearce Chief Financial Officer.... 161,621(2)
Andrea Rich Director................... 15,000(2)
William D. Rollnick Director................... 177,570(2)
Vice Chairman of the
Pleasant Rowland Board...................... 271,500(2)
Christopher A. Sinclair Director................... 18,450(2)
Bruce L. Stein President, Mattel
Worldwide, Chief Operating
Officer and a Director.... 350,000(2)
John L. Vogelstein Director................... 539,275(2)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (19 persons).......... 5,510,102(3)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Except as set forth below, the directors and officers named above have sole
voting power and investment power with respect to all shares of Mattel
common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community
property laws where applicable, and no director or executive officer named
above owns or controls or may be deemed to beneficially own or control 1%
or more of any class of capital stock of Mattel.
(2) Includes shares of Mattel common stock that the following officers and
directors have the right to acquire by exercise of options within 60 days
following February 5, 1999: Barad, 1,826,563; Baughman, 100,000; Brown,
17,500; Friedman, 17,500; Gandolfo, 557,188; Loeb, 2,500; Mansour, 443,750;
Pearce, 100,000; Rich, 15,000; Rollnick, 17,500; Rowland, 0; Sinclair,
16,250; Stein, 350,000; and Vogelstein, 17,500.
(3) The amount stated includes an aggregate of 3,907,126 shares of Mattel
common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of options within 60
days following February 5, 1999 and represents approximately 1.9% of the
outstanding shares of Mattel common stock.
87
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
As of February 19, 1999, the only persons known by Mattel to own beneficially
or that may be deemed to own beneficially more than 5% of Mattel's common stock
or Mattel Series C depositary shares, each representing 1/25th of a share of
Mattel Series C preferred stock, were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Amount and Nature of Percent
Title of Class of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class
-------------- ------------------- -------------------- --------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
Mattel common stock Oppenheimer Capital........ 22,653,593(1) 7.7%
Oppenheimer Tower
World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281
Mattel common stock Harris Associates L.P...... 15,922,072(2) 5.5%
Two North LaSalle Street,
Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60602
Mattel Series C depositary shares Angelo Gordon & Co. LLP.... 3,089,800(3) 16.0%
245 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10167
Mattel Series C depositary shares D.E. Shaw Investments, L.P... 1,896,800(4) 9.8%
120 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
Mattel Series C depositary shares Paloma Partners L.L.C...... 2,824,400(5) 14.6%
2 American Lane
Greenwich, CT 06836
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) As reported on a Schedule 13G dated February 9, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by Oppenheimer Capital. The Schedule 13G
states that Oppenheimer Capital and some of its clients or discretionary
accounts may be deemed to share the voting and dispositive powers with
respect to such shares of Mattel common stock.
(2) As reported in a Schedule 13G dated February 8, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by Harris Associates L.P. and Harris
Associates, Inc. The Schedule 13G states that by reason of advisory and
other relationships with the person who owns the shares, Harris Associates
L.P. may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares of Mattel
common stock. The Schedule 13G states that Harris Associates L.P. has
shared power to vote all of such shares, shared dispositive power with
respect to 13,453,400 of such shares and sole dispositive power with
respect to 2,468,672 of such shares.
(3) As reported in a Schedule 13G dated February 11, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by Angelo Gordon & Co. LLP, John M.
Angelo and Michael L. Gordon. The Schedule 13G states that Messrs. Angelo
and Gordon may be deemed to share the voting and dispositive powers with
respect to Mattel Series C depositary shares owned by Angelo Gordon & Co.
LLP.
88
<PAGE>
(4) As reported in a Schedule 13G dated February 9, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by D.E. Shaw Investments, L.P., D.E.
Shaw Securities, L.P. and David E. Shaw, the amount shown includes 436,300
Mattel Series C depositary shares owned by D.E. Shaw Investments, L.P. and
1,460,500 Mattel Series C depositary shares owned by D.E. Shaw Securities,
L.P. The Schedule 13G states that David E. Shaw may be deemed to share the
voting and dispositive powers with respect to Mattel Series C depositary
shares owned by D.E. Shaw Investments, L.P. and D.E. Shaw Securities, L.P.
Mr. Shaw expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(5) As reported in a Schedule 13G dated February 16, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by Silverton International Fund Limited,
Paloma Partners L.L.C., Paloma Securities L.L.C. and S. Donald Sussman. The
Schedule 13G states that each of Paloma Partners L.L.C., Paloma Securities
L.L.C. and Mr. Sussman has the sole power to direct the vote and
disposition of 2,824,400 Mattel Series C depositary shares.
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DESCRIPTION OF MATTEL CAPITAL STOCK
The following is a summary of the material terms of Mattel's capital stock.
Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all information that may be
important to you. Therefore, you should read carefully the more detailed
provisions of Mattel's certificate of incorporation, Mattel's bylaws, as
amended, the Mattel rights agreement and the Deposit Agreement dated June 24,
1996 among Tyco Toys, Inc., Midatlantic Bank, N.A., as Depositary, and all
holders from time to time of depositary receipts issued thereunder, as amended
on March 27, 1997.
General
As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Mattel's authorized
capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 shares of Mattel common stock, par
value $1.00 per share, 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of which 772,800 shares have been designated as Mattel Series C
preferred stock, and 20,000,000 shares of preference stock, par value $.01 per
share, of which 2,000,000 shares have been designated Series E junior
participating preference stock. No other classes of capital stock are
authorized under the Mattel certificate of incorporation. The issued and
outstanding shares of Mattel common stock and Mattel preferred stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Mattel Common Stock
Holders of Mattel common stock have no preemptive, redemption or conversion
rights. The holders of Mattel common stock are entitled to receive dividends
when and as declared by the Mattel board out of funds legally available
therefor. Upon Mattel's liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of
Mattel common stock may share ratably in Mattel's net assets after payment of
liquidating distributions to holders of Mattel preferred stock or Mattel
preference stock, if any. Each holder of Mattel common stock is entitled to one
vote per share of Mattel common stock held of record by such holder and may
cumulate its votes in the election of directors. Each outstanding share of
Mattel common stock is accompanied by a right to purchase one one-hundredth,
128/37,500ths as adjusted to reflect a series of stock splits, of a Series E
preference share. The Mattel board has reserved 1,500,000 Series E preference
shares for issuance. There are currently no Series E preference shares
outstanding. See "--Description of Preference Share Purchase Rights."
The registrar and transfer agent for the Mattel common stock is BankBoston,
N.A.
Description of Preference Share Purchase Rights
On February 7, 1992, the Mattel board declared a dividend of one preference
share purchase right for each outstanding share of Mattel common stock. The
description and terms of the Mattel Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement
dated as of February 7, 1992 between Mattel and BankBoston, N.A., formerly The
First National Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent. The purchase rights have some
anti-takeover effects that are intended to discourage coercive or unfair
takeover tactics and to encourage any potential acquirer to negotiate a price
fair to all Mattel stockholders. The purchase rights may cause substantial
dilution to an acquiring party that attempts to acquire Mattel on terms not
approved by the Mattel board, but the purchase rights will not interfere with
any negotiated merger or other business combination. See "Where You Can Find
More Information."
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If any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the
outstanding shares of Mattel common stock, each holder of a purchase right,
other than a purchase right beneficially owned by the acquiring person, will
thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of
Mattel common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of
the purchase right. In addition, if at any time following such acquisition of
20% or more of the outstanding shares of Mattel common stock, Mattel is
acquired in a merger or other business combination or transaction or 50% or
more of its consolidated assets or earning power are sold, other than resulting
from a qualifying offer, each holder of a purchase right will receive, upon
exercise of that purchase right at the prevailing exercise price of the
purchase right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company
which, at the time of such transaction, will have a market value of two times
the exercise price of the purchase right. Because after the merger the holders
of the exchangeable shares will vote, through the mechanism of the Mattel
special voting preferred stock, together with the holders of the Mattel common
stock and the Mattel Series C preferred stock, Mattel intends to amend its
rights agreement to include the acquisition of exchangeable shares for purposes
of calculating the 20% threshold.
Preferred Stock
The Mattel board has the power, without further vote of stockholders, to
authorize the issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares of Mattel preferred stock and
20,000,000 shares of Mattel preference stock and to fix and determine the
terms, limitations and relative rights and preferences of any shares of Mattel
preferred stock or preference stock. This power includes the authority to
establish voting, dividend, redemption, conversion, liquidation and other
rights of any such shares. Other than as set forth herein, there are no shares
of Mattel preferred stock or Mattel preference stock currently outstanding.
Series C Mandatorily Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock; Series C
Depositary Shares
Mattel has issued and outstanding 771,920 shares of Mattel Series C preferred
stock. In addition, there are 19,298,000 Mattel Series C depositary shares
outstanding. The shares of Mattel Series C preferred stock are represented by
Mattel Series C depositary shares, each such share representing one twenty-
fifth of a share of Mattel Series C preferred stock. Subject to the terms of a
deposit agreement, each owner of a Mattel Series C depositary share is entitled
to all the rights and preferences of the Mattel Series C preferred stock
represented thereby, and subject, proportionately, to all of the limitations of
the Mattel Series C preferred stock represented thereby, contained in the
certificate of designation relating to the Mattel Series C preferred stock
summarized below.
The holders of Mattel Series C preferred stock have the right with the
holders of Mattel common stock to vote in the election of directors and upon
each other matter coming before any meeting of the holders of Mattel common
stock. Each share of Mattel Series C preferred stock is entitled to 12.219
votes. The holders of Mattel Series C preferred stock and Mattel common stock
vote together as one class on such matters except as otherwise provided by law
or by the Mattel certificate of incorporation.
Mattel Special Voting Preferred Stock
In connection with the merger, one share of Mattel special voting preferred
stock will be issued for the one outstanding share of Learning Company special
voting stock. The Mattel special voting preferred stock is similar to the
Learning Company special voting stock. The Mattel special voting
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preferred stock will be held of record by the trustee under the voting and
exchange trust supplement under which each holder of exchangeable shares, other
than Mattel or any entity controlled by Mattel, will be entitled to instruct
the trustee to cast a number of the votes attached to the Mattel special voting
preferred stock equal to the number of shares of Mattel common stock for which
the exchangeable shares held by such holder are exchangeable. Except as
otherwise required by law or the Mattel certificate of incorporation, the
holder of record of the Mattel special voting preferred stock will have a
number of votes equal to the number of exchangeable shares outstanding from
time to time which are not owned by Mattel, its subsidiaries or any entity
controlled by or under common control of Mattel, multiplied by the exchange
ratio. The holder of the Mattel special voting preferred stock will vote
together with the holders of Mattel common stock and the Mattel Series C
preferred stock as a single class on all matters, except as may be required by
applicable law or the Mattel certificate of incorporation. The holder of the
Mattel special voting preferred stock will be entitled to receive $10.00 per
share upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Mattel out of any assets
of Mattel available for distribution to its stockholders. The Mattel special
voting preferred stock is senior to Mattel common stock upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of Mattel. The holder of the Mattel special voting
preferred stock will not be entitled to receive dividends. Under the amended
Combination Agreement dated as of August 17, 1993, by and among WordStar
International Incorporated (a former Learning Company corporate name), Softkey,
Spinnaker Software Corporation and SSC Acquisition Corporation, the Learning
Company special voting stock was first issued to the trustee appointed under
the voting and exchange trust agreement. At such time as the Mattel special
voting preferred stock has no votes attached to it because there are no
exchangeable shares outstanding not owned by Mattel or any entity controlled by
Mattel, and there are no shares of stock, debt, options or other agreements of
Softkey that could give rise to the issuance of any exchangeable shares to any
person, other than to Mattel or any entity controlled by Mattel, the Mattel
special voting preferred stock will be redeemed by Mattel for $10.00.
In accordance with the voting and exchange trust agreement, as amended by the
voting and exchange trust supplement, each exchangeable share not exchanged for
shares of Mattel common stock by February 4, 2005 will be redeemed by Softkey
for a price per share equal to the then current market price of a share of
Mattel common stock multiplied by the exchange ratio. The redemption price will
be paid in Mattel common stock, plus a cash amount equivalent to the full
amount of all unpaid dividends on Mattel common stock, and the Mattel special
voting preferred stock will then be redeemed for $10.00. The board of directors
of Softkey may extend the date of redemption of the exchangeable shares or, if
at any time there are less than 500,000 outstanding exchangeable shares, other
than exchangeable shares held by Mattel or any entity controlled by Mattel,
subject to adjustment to reflect permitted changes to the exchangeable shares,
accelerate the redemption date.
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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF MATTEL COMMON STOCK AND
LEARNING COMPANY COMMON STOCK AND LEARNING COMPANY SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER
The following is a summary of the material differences between the rights of
holders of Mattel common stock and the rights of holders of Learning Company
common stock and Learning Company Series A preferred stock. Since both Mattel
and Learning Company are organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, the
differences arise from differences between various provisions of the respective
certificates of incorporation and bylaws of Mattel and Learning Company and
from Mattel's rights agreement.
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, the Delaware General
Corporation Law and the respective certificates of incorporation and bylaws of
Learning Company and Mattel and Mattel's rights agreement. See "Description of
Mattel Capital Stock" for a summary of a number of other rights relating to
Mattel common stock and the Mattel rights agreement.
Capital Stock
The total number of authorized shares of Mattel capital stock is
1,023,000,000, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share,
of Mattel common stock, 3,000,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share, of
preferred stock and 20,000,000 shares, par value $.01 per share, of preference
stock. The total number of authorized shares of capital stock of Learning
Company is 205,000,001 shares, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of Learning
Company common stock, par value $.01 per share, 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share, and one share of Learning Company special
voting stock.
Number and Election of Directors
The Mattel bylaws provide that the Mattel board shall consist of one or more
members as the Mattel board shall designate, with each director serving a one-
year term. The number of directors of Mattel currently designated is 13. The
Mattel bylaws provide that whenever the number of directors of Mattel is
increased between annual meetings of Mattel stockholders, a majority of the
directors then in office have the power to elect the new directors for the
balance of the term and until their successors are elected and qualified. Any
decrease in the authorized number of directors shall not become effective until
the expiration of the term of the directors then in office unless at the time
of the decrease there shall be vacancies on the Mattel board which are being
eliminated by the decrease. Learning Company's bylaws, as amended, provide that
the number of members of the Learning Company board shall consist of not less
than six nor more than 15 directors, as the Learning Company board shall
designate, with each director serving a one-year term. The number of directors
of Learning Company is currently 11. Whenever the number of directors of
Learning Company is increased between annual meetings of Learning Company
stockholders, under the Learning Company bylaws, a majority of the directors
then in office have the power to elect the new directors for the balance of the
term and until their successors are elected and qualified. Any decrease in the
authorized number of directors shall not become effective until the expiration
of the term of the directors then in office unless at the time of the decrease
there shall be vacancies on the Learning Company board which shall be
eliminated by the decrease.
Voting
The Mattel bylaws provide that, except with respect to elections of
directors, at any meeting of stockholders each stockholder shall have one vote
for every share of stock entitled to vote which is registered in the name of
the stockholder. At all elections of Mattel directors, each stockholder who
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is entitled to vote upon such election shall be entitled to as many votes as
shall be equal to the number of votes which he would be entitled to cast for
the election of directors with respect to his shares of stock multiplied by the
number of directors to be elected, and he may cast all of such votes for a
single director or may distribute them among the number to be voted for or for
any two or more of them, as he sees fit. Neither Learning Company's restated
certificate of incorporation, as amended, nor the Learning Company bylaws
provides for cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors.
Special Meeting of Stockholders
The Mattel bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders of Mattel
for any purposes prescribed in the notice of meeting may be called by the
Mattel board or the Chief Executive Officer of Mattel. The Learning Company
bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders of Learning Company
for any purposes prescribed in the notice of meeting may be called by the
Learning Company board, the Chairman of the Board, the President or the holders
of shares of Learning Company stock entitled to cast not less than 15% of the
votes at the meeting.
Written Consent of Stockholders
The Mattel certificate of incorporation does not restrict the ability of the
stockholders to take action without a meeting, without prior notice and without
a vote if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be
signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum
number of votes that would be necessary to authorize the taking of such action
at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and
voted. The Learning Company bylaws provide that any action required or which
may be taken at an annual or special meeting of Learning Company stockholders
may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a
consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by the
holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize the taking of such action at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice
of the taking of the action without a meeting by less than unanimous written
consent shall be given to those Learning Company stockholders who have not
consented in writing. The record date for determining Learning Company
stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without
a meeting, when no prior action by the Learning Company board is necessary, is
the date on which the first written consent is expressed.
Proposals and Nominations
The Mattel bylaws provide that no proposals or nominations for director of
Mattel by any person other than the Mattel board may be presented to any
meeting of stockholders unless the person making the proposal or nomination is
a record stockholder and has delivered a written notice to the Secretary of
Mattel no later than (a) the close of business 90 days in advance of the
stockholder meeting, but not more than 120 days prior to the meeting, or (b) 10
days after the date on which notice of the meeting is first given to the
stockholders, if less than forty (40) days notice is given to stockholders,
whichever is later. The Learning Company bylaws contain no comparable
provisions.
Rights Agreement
On February 7, 1992, the Mattel board adopted and approved the Mattel rights
agreement and declared a dividend of one purchase right for each share of
Mattel common stock outstanding on February 7, 1992. The purchase rights have
some anti-takeover effects and are intended to discourage coercive or unfair
takeover tactics and to encourage any potential acquirer to negotiate a price
fair to
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all Mattel stockholders. The purchase rights may cause substantial dilution to
an acquiring party that attempts to acquire Mattel on terms not approved by the
Mattel board, but they will not interfere with any negotiated merger or other
business combination. See "Description of Mattel Capital Stock--Description of
Preference Share Purchase Rights."
Learning Company has not adopted a rights agreement similar to the Mattel
rights agreement.
Rights of Holders of Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock
The following is a summary of the material voting and other rights of the
Learning Company Series A preferred stock.
Voting Rights. Each holder of Learning Company Series A preferred stock is
entitled to vote on all matters voted on by holders of Learning Company common
stock. The holders of Learning Company Series A preferred stock and Learning
Company common stock vote together as a single class with all other shares
entitled to vote at all meetings of stockholders.
Learning Company is prohibited from taking the following actions without the
approval of 66 2/3% of the holders of Learning Company Series A preferred
stock:
. authorizing, increasing the authorized number of shares of or issuing any
shares of any class or series of capital stock of Learning Company, other
than Learning Company common stock, ranking prior to or on parity with
Learning Company Series A preferred stock;
. increasing the authorized number of shares of, or issuing any shares of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock;
. authorizing, adopting or approving an amendment to Learning Company's
restated certificate of incorporation which would decrease the total
number of authorized shares of Learning Company Series A preferred stock,
change the par value of such shares or change the powers, or alter
adversely the preferences or special rights of such shares; or
. reclassifying any shares of Learning Company common stock or any other
shares into shares ranking prior to or on parity with Learning Company
Series A preferred stock.
Liquidation Rights. The holders of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
are entitled to an amount equal to the liquidation amount in the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Learning Company. The liquidation
amount for a share of Learning Company Series A preferred stock is the greater
of:
. $200, plus, if the liquidation, dissolution or winding up occurs after
December 5, 1999, an amount equal to a 9% annual cumulative return on the
$200, compounded quarterly, from December 5, 1999; and
. the amount that would be distributed with respect to the shares of
Learning Company common stock issuable upon conversion of such share of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock if all outstanding shares of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock were converted into shares of
Learning Company common stock immediately prior to such liquidation,
dissolution or winding up.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Learning
Company, no payment will be made to the holders of Learning Company common
stock until the holders of Learning Company Series A preferred stock receive
the liquidation amount. If Learning Company is unable to pay in full the
liquidation amount, then it will divide that amount which it is able to pay
ratably among the holders of Learning Company Series A preferred stock in
accordance with their respective
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percentage ownership of Learning Company Series A preferred stock. Upon receipt
of the liquidation amount, holders of Learning Company Series A preferred stock
are not entitled to any further payments following a liquidation, dissolution
or winding up of Learning Company.
Rights in a Purchase Event. If any person, other than a current holder of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock, becomes the beneficial owner of
securities of Learning Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting
power of Learning Company's then outstanding securities, other than in an
acquisition event as described below, then each holder of Learning Company
Series A preferred stock shall have the right to require that Learning Company
purchase, to the extent possible, such holder's shares of Learning Company
Series A preferred stock at a purchase price in cash equal to $200 plus, if the
purchase event occurs after December 5, 1999, a 9% annual cumulative return,
compounded quarterly.
Rights in an Acquisition Event. If either of the following events occur:
. a merger, consolidation or other corporate combination of Learning
Company with any other person, other than (a) a merger, consolidation or
other corporate combination which would result in the voting securities
of Learning Company outstanding immediately prior to such event
continuing to represent at least 51% of the combined voting power of the
voting securities of Learning Company or the surviving corporation
outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or other
corporate consolidation or (b) a merger, consolidation or other corporate
combination effected to implement some recapitalizations or
. the sale or disposition by Learning Company of all or substantially all
of its property and assets,
then each share of Learning Company Series A preferred stock outstanding will
be convertible into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities
or property or assets paid in such acquisition event for the number of shares
of Learning Company common stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of
Learning Company Series A preferred stock if the conversion had occurred
immediately prior to the acquisition event. However, if such acquisition event
occurs after December 5, 1999 and the fair market value of the consideration
paid for the number of shares of Learning Company common stock issuable upon
conversion of such share of Learning Company common stock issuable upon
conversion of such share of Learning Company Series A preferred stock is less
than an amount equal to the sum of
.$200 and
. an amount equal to 9% annual cumulative return on $200, compounded
quarterly, from December 5, 1999 through the date of such acquisition
event,
then each share of Learning Company Series A preferred stock shall be
convertible into the consideration into which it becomes convertible as stated
above, plus (1) additional consideration having a fair market value equal to
the difference or (2) at the option of Learning Company, cash equal to the
difference.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals for inclusion in proxy material for Mattel's 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders would have to have been submitted to the
Secretary of Mattel in writing and received at the executive offices of Mattel
by November 30, 1998. Such proposals must also have met the other requirements
of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to stockholder
proposals and must have satisfied the notice procedures for stockholder
proposals set forth in the Mattel bylaws.
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The Mattel bylaws require that for business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely written
notice thereof, containing the information required by the Mattel bylaws, to
the Secretary of Mattel. To be timely, a stockholder's notice containing the
information required by the Mattel bylaws must be delivered or mailed to and
received at the principal executive offices of Mattel not less than thirty days
prior to the meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than forty
days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is
given or made to stockholders, notice by a stockholder, to be timely, must be
received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the
day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such
public disclosure was made.
Due to the contemplated consummation of the merger, Learning Company does not
currently expect to hold a 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as Learning
Company common stock will not be publicly traded after the merger. If the
merger is not consummated and such a meeting is held, stockholder proposals for
inclusion in proxy materials for such meeting would have to have been submitted
to the Secretary of Learning Company in writing and received at the executive
offices of Learning Company by December 3, 1998. Such proposals must also meet
the other requirements of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to stockholders' proposals.
TRADEMARK MATTERS
The trademarks Barbie, Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels and Matchbox are all United
States registered trademarks owned by Mattel. The trademark American Girl is a
United States registered trademark owned by a subsidiary of Mattel.
The trademarks Reader Rabbit, Carmen Sandiego and Oregon Trail are trademarks
of Learning Company.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of Mattel common stock to be issued in connection
with the merger will be passed upon for Mattel by Lee B. Essner, Esquire,
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Mattel.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Mattel incorporated into this joint
proxy statement/prospectus by reference to Mattel's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the 1997 fiscal year have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent certified public accountants, in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing
and, with respect to the historical financial statements of Tyco Toys, Inc. for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, in reliance on the report of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, in reliance upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The consolidated financial
statements of Learning Company incorporated into this joint proxy
statement/prospectus by reference to Learning Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the 1997 fiscal year and the audited, historical financial statements
included in Learning Company's Form 8-K/A filed on November 4, 1998 have been
so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent certified public accountants, in reliance upon the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at
the Mattel special meeting and the Learning Company special meeting with an
opportunity to make statements if they desire to do so, and such
representatives are expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Mattel and Learning Company file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at
the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference rooms in Washington,
D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Securities and
Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public
reference rooms. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also
available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the
web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at
"http://www.sec.gov." You may also access additional information about Learning
Company at the web site that it maintains at "http://www.learningco.com."
Mattel filed a registration statement on Form S-4 to register with the
Securities and Exchange Commission the Mattel common stock to be issued to
Learning Company stockholders in the merger. This joint proxy
statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement and constitutes a
prospectus of Mattel in addition to being a proxy statement of Mattel and
Learning Company for the special meetings. As allowed by Securities and
Exchange Commission rules, this joint proxy statement/prospectus does not
contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the
exhibits to the registration statement.
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to "incorporate by
reference" information into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which means
that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another
document filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this joint proxy
statement/prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in
this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This joint proxy statement/prospectus
incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents contain
important information about our companies and their finances.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Mattel SEC Filings (File No. 001-05647) Period
--------------------------------------- ------
<C> <S>
Annual Report on Form 10-K Year ended December 31, 1997
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10- Quarters ended March 31, 1998,
Q/A June 30, 1998 and September 30,
1998
Current Reports on Form 8-K Reports dated January 23, 1998,
February 5, 1998, April 17, 1998,
June 16, 1998, July 16, 1998,
July 21, 1998, August 21, 1998,
September 30, 1998, October 29,
1998, November 16, 1998,
December 15, 1998 and February 3,
1999
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A Annual Meeting of Stockholders
held on May 6, 1998
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (only Dated February 14, 1997
with respect to the description of Mattel
Series C preferred stock and Series C
depositary shares contained therein)
Registration Statement on Form 8-A and Dated February 12, 1992 and March
Form 8-A/A 9, 1992
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Learning Company SEC Filings (File No. 001-
12375) Period
------------------------------------------- ------
<C> <S>
Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A Year ended January 3, 1998
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q Quarters ended April 4, 1998,
July 4, 1998 and October 3, 1998
Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A Reports dated March 12, 1998,
March 27, 1998, June 21, 1998,
July 24, 1998, August 31, 1998,
December 13, 1998 and January 11,
1999
Definitive Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A Annual meeting of Stockholders
held on May 21, 1998, Special
meeting of Stockholders held on
August 31, 1998
Registration Statement on Form 8-A Dated October 29, 1996
</TABLE>
We are also incorporating by reference additional documents that we may file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission between the date of this joint
proxy statement/prospectus and the dates of the Mattel special meeting and the
Learning Company special meeting.
Mattel has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in
this joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to Mattel, and Learning Company
has supplied all such information relating to Learning Company.
If you are a stockholder, we may have sent you some of the documents
incorporated by reference, but you can obtain any of them through us or the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Documents incorporated by reference are
available from us without charge, excluding all exhibits unless we have
specifically incorporated by reference an exhibit in this joint proxy
statement/prospectus. Stockholders may obtain documents incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in
writing or by telephone from the appropriate party at the following addresses:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Mattel, Inc. The Learning Company, Inc.
Attention: Robert Normile, Secretary Attention: Neal S. Winneg, Secretary
333 Continental Boulevard One Athenaeum Street
El Segundo, CA 90245 Cambridge, MA 02142
Telephone: (310) 252-2703 Telephone: (617) 494-1200
</TABLE>
If you would like to request documents from us, please do so by ,
1999 to receive them before the Mattel special meeting or the Learning Company
special meeting.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to vote on the merger. We
have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different
from what is contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This joint
proxy statement/prospectus is dated , 1999. You should not assume
that the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is
accurate as of any date other than , 1999, and neither the mailing of
the joint proxy statement/prospectus to stockholders nor the issuance of Mattel
common stock in the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.
----------------
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ANNEX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Between
MATTEL, INC.
and
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
Dated as of December 13, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS.................................................. A-1
ARTICLE II. THE MERGER.................................................. A-9
SECTION 2.1. THE MERGER.......................................... A-9
SECTION 2.2. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE............................ A-9
SECTION 2.3. EFFECTIVE TIME...................................... A-10
SECTION 2.4. EFFECTS OF THE MERGER............................... A-10
SECTION 2.5. CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION; BYLAWS................ A-10
SECTION 2.6. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.............................. A-10
SECTION 2.7. CONVERSION OF SECURITIES............................ A-10
SECTION 2.8. TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEE OPTIONS AND OTHER COMPANY
STOCK RIGHTS........................................ A-12
SECTION 2.9. TREATMENT OF EXCHANGEABLE SHARES.................... A-13
SECTION 2.10. FRACTIONAL INTERESTS................................ A-14
SECTION 2.11. SURRENDER OF SHARES OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK; STOCK
TRANSFER BOOKS...................................... A-14
SECTION 2.12. LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED CERTIFICATES.............. A-16
SECTION 2.13. TAX CONSEQUENCES.................................... A-16
SECTION 2.14. WITHHOLDING RIGHTS.................................. A-16
SECTION 2.15. AFFILIATES.......................................... A-16
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.............. A-17
SECTION 3.1. ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION...................... A-17
SECTION 3.2. AUTHORIZATION; VALIDITY AND EFFECT OF AGREEMENT..... A-17
SECTION 3.3. CAPITALIZATION...................................... A-17
SECTION 3.4. SUBSIDIARIES........................................ A-19
SECTION 3.5. OTHER INTERESTS..................................... A-19
SECTION 3.6. NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS.......... A-19
SECTION 3.7. COMPLIANCE.......................................... A-20
SECTION 3.8. SEC DOCUMENTS....................................... A-20
SECTION 3.9. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.......................... A-21
SECTION 3.10. LITIGATION.......................................... A-21
SECTION 3.11. TAXES............................................... A-21
SECTION 3.12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.............................. A-22
SECTION 3.13. ASSETS.............................................. A-23
SECTION 3.14. CONTRACTS........................................... A-24
SECTION 3.15. LABOR RELATIONS..................................... A-25
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TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued)
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SECTION 3.16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY............................... A-26
SECTION 3.17. AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.............................. A-27
SECTION 3.18. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS............................... A-27
SECTION 3.19. JOINT PROXY STATEMENT PROSPECTUS; REGISTRATION
STATEMENT........................................... A-27
SECTION 3.20. OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR........................ A-28
SECTION 3.21. BROKERS............................................. A-28
SECTION 3.22. VOTE REQUIRED....................................... A-28
SECTION 3.23. ACCOUNTING AND TAX MATTERS.......................... A-29
SECTION 3.24. NO OTHER AGREEMENTS TO SELL THE COMPANY OR ITS
ASSETS; NO EXISTING DISCUSSIONS..................... A-29
SECTION 3.25. INSURANCE........................................... A-29
SECTION 3.26. TAKEOVER PROVISIONS INAPPLICABLE.................... A-29
SECTION 3.27. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE................................. A-30
SECTION 3.28. INVENTORY........................................... A-30
SECTION 3.29. PRODUCT LIABILITY................................... A-30
SECTION 3.30. STANDSTILL AGREEMENT................................ A-30
ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR.................. A-30
SECTION 4.1. ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION...................... A-31
SECTION 4.2. AUTHORIZATION; VALIDITY AND EFFECT OF AGREEMENT..... A-31
SECTION 4.3. CAPITALIZATION...................................... A-31
SECTION 4.4. SUBSIDIARIES........................................ A-32
SECTION 4.5. OTHER INTERESTS..................................... A-32
SECTION 4.6. NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS.......... A-32
SECTION 4.7. COMPLIANCE.......................................... A-33
SECTION 4.8. SEC DOCUMENTS....................................... A-33
SECTION 4.9. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES.......................... A-34
SECTION 4.10. LITIGATION.......................................... A-34
SECTION 4.11. TAXES............................................... A-35
SECTION 4.12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.............................. A-36
SECTION 4.13. TITLE TO ASSETS..................................... A-37
SECTION 4.14. CONTRACTS........................................... A-37
SECTION 4.15. LABOR RELATIONS..................................... A-37
SECTION 4.16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY............................... A-37
SECTION 4.17. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS............................... A-38
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TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued)
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SECTION 4.18. JOINT PROXY STATEMENT PROSPECTUS; REGISTRATION
STATEMENT........................................... A-38
SECTION 4.19. OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR........................ A-39
SECTION 4.20. OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK................... A-39
SECTION 4.21. BROKERS............................................. A-39
SECTION 4.22. VOTE REQUIRED....................................... A-39
SECTION 4.23. TAX AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS.......................... A-39
SECTION 4.24. RIGHTS PLAN......................................... A-39
ARTICLE V. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER....................... A-40
SECTION 5.1. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY PENDING THE
MERGER.............................................. A-40
SECTION 5.2. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF ACQUIROR PENDING THE MERGER.. A-43
ARTICLE VI.ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS........................................ A-43
SECTION 6.1. PREPARATION OF FORM S-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT;
STOCKHOLDER MEETING................................. A-43
SECTION 6.2. COOPERATION; NOTICE; CURE........................... A-45
SECTION 6.3. NO SOLICITATION..................................... A-45
SECTION 6.4. ACCESS TO INFORMATION............................... A-47
SECTION 6.5. GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS.............................. A-47
SECTION 6.6. PUBLICITY........................................... A-48
SECTION 6.7. INDEMNIFICATION..................................... A-48
SECTION 6.8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS MATTERS........................... A-49
SECTION 6.9. AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS................................ A-49
SECTION 6.10. POOLING ACCOUNTING.................................. A-50
SECTION 6.11. TAX TREATMENT OF REORGANIZATION..................... A-50
SECTION 6.12. FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ACTIONS...................... A-50
SECTION 6.13. STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING.............................. A-51
SECTION 6.14. LETTER OF THE COMPANY'S ACCOUNTANTS................. A-51
SECTION 6.15. LETTER OF ACQUIROR'S ACCOUNTANTS.................... A-51
ARTICLE VII. CONDITIONS OF MERGER....................................... A-51
SECTION 7.1. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF EACH PARTY TO EFFECT THE
MERGER.............................................. A-51
SECTION 7.2. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY TO EFFECT
THE MERGER.......................................... A-52
SECTION 7.3. CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF ACQUIROR TO EFFECT THE
MERGER.............................................. A-52
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TABLE OF CONTENTS--(Continued)
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ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER......................... A-53
SECTION 8.1. TERMINATION......................................... A-53
SECTION 8.2. EFFECT OF TERMINATION............................... A-54
SECTION 8.3. EXPENSES............................................ A-55
SECTION 8.4. AMENDMENT........................................... A-55
SECTION 8.5. WAIVER.............................................. A-56
ARTICLE IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................... A-56
SECTION 9.1. NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND
AGREEMENTS.......................................... A-56
SECTION 9.2. NOTICES............................................. A-56
SECTION 9.3. SEVERABILITY........................................ A-57
SECTION 9.4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENT........................ A-57
SECTION 9.5. PARTIES IN INTEREST................................. A-57
SECTION 9.6. GOVERNING LAW....................................... A-57
SECTION 9.7. HEADINGS............................................ A-57
SECTION 9.8. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE................................ A-57
SECTION 9.9. ALTERNATIVE TRANSACTION STRUCTURE................... A-57
SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS........................................ A-58
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of December 13, 1998 (the
"Agreement"), between MATTEL, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Acquiror"), and
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Acquiror and the Company have each
approved the merger of the Company with and into Acquiror (the "Merger") in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
as a condition and inducement to Acquiror's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, Acquiror and the Company have entered into Stock Option Agreement,
dated as of the date of this Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A (the "Stock Option Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company has granted to
Acquiror an option to purchase shares of common stock of the Company under
certain circumstances;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
as a condition and inducement to Acquiror's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, certain stockholders of the Company have entered into Stockholder
Support Agreements with Acquiror, dated as of the date of this Agreement, in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Stockholder Support Agreements"),
pursuant to which such stockholders have agreed, among other things, to vote
all voting securities of the Company beneficially owned by them in favor of
approval and adoption of the Agreement and the Merger;
WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and
WHEREAS, it is intended that, for accounting purposes, the Merger will be
accounted for as a "pooling of interests" under GAAP and applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby,
Acquiror and the Company hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement, the term:
"Acquiror" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Acquiror Board" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a).
"Acquiror Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, par value $1.00 per
share, of Acquiror.
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"Acquiror Contract" shall mean any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
guarantee, other evidence of indebtedness, lease, license, contract, agreement
or other instrument or obligation to which Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries
is a party or by which any of them or any of their properties or assets may be
bound and which involves the payment or receipt of money in excess of
$5,000,000 in any year.
"Acquiror Employee Plans" shall mean all Employee Plans with respect to which
Acquiror, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliates of Acquiror or any
Subsidiary of Acquiror has or may have any liability (accrued, contingent or
otherwise).
"Acquiror Disclosure Schedule" shall have the meaning set forth in Article
IV.
"Acquiror Intellectual Property Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.16(a).
"Acquiror Option Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
"Acquiror Options" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
"Acquiror Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.3(a).
"Acquiror Right" shall mean a Right (as defined in the Acquiror Rights
Agreement).
"Acquiror Rights Agreement" shall mean the Rights Agreement, dated as of
February 7, 1992, between Acquiror and The First National Bank of Boston, as
Rights Agent.
"Acquiror SEC Reports" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(a).
"Acquiror Series E Preference Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.3(a).
"Acquiror Special Voting Share" shall mean the one share of a class or series
of capital stock of Acquiror, to be issued by Acquiror to, and deposited with,
the trustee under the Old Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, and to entitle
the holder of record thereof to a number of votes at meetings of holders of
shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Acquiror
Common Stock into which the Exchangeable Shares outstanding from time to time
after the Effective Time (other than Exchangeable Shares held by Acquiror, its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates) are exchangeable, and to have substantially the
rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions to be described in the Old
Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement.
"Acquiror Stockholder Approval" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.22.
"Acquiror Stockholder Meeting" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.19.
"Acquisition Proposal" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
"Acquisition Transaction" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
"Action" shall mean any action, order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree
outstanding or claim, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration or
investigation by or before any court, governmental or other regulatory or
administrative agency or commission or any other Person.
"Additional Termination Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.2(b).
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"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly, or through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by
or is under common control with such Person.
"Affiliate Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.15.
"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Assets" shall mean, with respect to any Person, all land, buildings,
improvements, leasehold improvements, Fixtures and Equipment and other assets,
real or personal, tangible or intangible, owned, leased or licensed by such
Person or any of its Subsidiaries.
"Average Acquiror Price" shall mean the average of the closing prices of the
Acquiror Common Stock on the NYSE as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction
Tape for the Random Trading Days. "Random Trading Days" means the ten trading
days selected by lot out of the twenty trading days ending on and including the
fifth trading day preceding the Effective Time. The Random Trading Days shall
be selected by lot by designated representatives of Acquiror and the Company at
5:00 p.m. New York City time on the second trading day preceding the Effective
Time.
"Benefit Arrangement" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any employment,
consulting, severance, change in control or other similar contract, arrangement
or policy and each plan, arrangement (written or oral), program, agreement or
commitment providing for insurance coverage (including without limitation any
self-insured arrangements), workers' compensation, disability benefits, life,
health, disability or accident benefits (including without limitation any
"voluntary employees' beneficiary association" as defined in Section 501(c) (9)
of the Code providing for the same or other benefits) or for deferred
compensation, profit-sharing bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation rights,
stock purchases or other forms of incentive compensation other than Welfare
Plan, Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, in each case with respect to
which such Person or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have any liability
(accrued, contingent or otherwise).
"Blue Sky Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b).
"Business Day" shall mean each day other than Saturdays, Sundays and days
when commercial banks are authorized to be closed for business in New York, New
York.
"Bylaws" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b).
"Canadian Sub" shall mean SoftKey Software Products Inc., a corporation
governed by the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), all of the issued and
outstanding shares of which, other than 5,205,191 Exchangeable Shares, are, as
of the date hereof, owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
"Canadian Sub Board" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a).
"Certificate of Incorporation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.5(a).
"Certificate of Merger" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
"Certificates" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(b).
"Claims" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.12(d).
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"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Code" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Common Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(a).
"Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Company Affiliate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.9.
"Company Board" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a).
"Company Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
"Company Contract" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a).
"Company Disclosure Schedule" shall have the meaning set forth in Article
III.
"Company Employee Plans" shall mean all Employee Plans with respect to which
the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliates of the Company or
any Subsidiary of the Company has or may have any liability (accrued,
contingent or otherwise).
"Company Financial Advisor" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.20.
"Company Insurance Policies" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.25.
"Company Intellectual Property Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.16(a).
"Company Leased Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.13(a).
"Company Options" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).
"Company Owned Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
"Company Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(b).
"Company Real Property" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
"Company SEC Reports" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(a).
"Company Special Voting Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(c).
"Company Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a).
"Company Stock Plans" shall mean the LTIP, the Non-Employee Director Plans,
the Stock Option Plan, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and any other stock
option, performance unit or similar plan of the Company and its Subsidiaries
provided, however, that "Company Stock Plans" shall not include the Stock
Option Agreement.
"Company Stock Rights" shall mean all stock options, restricted stock awards,
performance awards, dividend equivalents, deferred stock, stock payments, stock
appreciation rights and shares of capital stock granted, awarded, earned or
purchased pursuant to any Company Stock Plan.
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"Company Stockholder Approval" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.22.
"Company Stockholder Meeting" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.19.
"Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
"Consents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(e).
"Contracts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a).
"Current Premium" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
"DGCL" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
"Employee Benefits" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.8.
"Employee Plans" shall mean all Benefit Arrangements, Multiemployer Plans,
Pension Plans and Welfare Plans.
"Employee Stock Purchase Plan" shall mean the Company's 1997 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan.
"Encumbrances" shall mean any claim, lien, pledge, option, charge, easement,
security interest, deed of trust, mortgage, right-of-way, covenant, condition,
restriction, encumbrance or other rights of third parties, including, without
limitation, Encumbrances that arise pursuant to Environmental Laws.
"Environmental Laws" shall mean any foreign, federal, state or local law,
statute, ordinance, order, decree, rule or regulation relating to releases,
discharges, emissions or disposals to air, water, land or groundwater of
Hazardous Materials; to the use, handling, transport, release or disposal of
polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos or urea formaldehyde or any other Hazardous
Material; to the treatment, storage, disposal or management of Hazardous
Materials; to exposure to toxic, hazardous or other controlled, prohibited or
regulated substances; to health or safety in the workplace; and to the
protection of the public's health and safety and the environment, including the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.
9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42
U.S.C. 6901, et seq. ("RCRA"), the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C.
2601, et seq. ("TSCA"), the Occupational, Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. 651,
et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7401, et seq., the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq., the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42
U.S.C. 300f, et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C.
1802 et seq. ("HMTA") and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know
Act, 42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq. ("EPCRA"), and other comparable foreign, state and
local laws and all rules, regulations and guidance documents promulgated
pursuant thereto or published thereunder.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
"ERISA Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any entity which is
(or at any relevant time was) a member of a "controlled group of corporations"
with, under "common control" with, or a member of as "affiliated service group"
with, such Person as defined in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
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"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Exchange Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a).
"Exchange Ratio" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
"Exchangeable Shares" shall mean the Exchangeable Non-Voting Shares in the
capital of Canadian Sub.
"Fees and Expenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c).
"Fixtures and Equipment" shall mean, with respect to any Person, all of the
furniture, fixtures, furnishings, machinery and equipment owned, leased or
licensed by such Person and located in, at or upon the facilities of such
Person.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America, as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.
"Governmental Approvals" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
"Governmental Entities" shall mean all courts, administrative agencies,
commissions or other governmental authorities, bodies or instrumentalities,
federal, state, local, domestic or foreign.
"Hazardous Materials" shall mean each and every element, compound, chemical
mixture, contaminant, pollutant, material, waste or other substance which is
defined, determined or identified as or has the potential to be hazardous or
toxic under Environmental Laws or the release of which is regulated under
Environmental Laws. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term
includes: "hazardous substances" as defined in CERCLA; "extremely hazardous
substances" as defined in EPCRA; "hazardous waste" as defined in RCRA;
"hazardous materials" as defined in HMTA; "chemical substance or mixture" as
defined in TSCA; crude oil, petroleum products or any fraction thereof;
radioactive materials including source, byproduct or special nuclear materials;
asbestos or asbestos-containing materials; chlorinated fluorocarbons ("CFCs");
and radon.
"HSR Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b).
"Indemnified Parties" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(a).
"Initial Termination Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(b).
"Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.19.
"Lease and Operational Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.13(c).
"LTIP" shall mean the Company's Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, restated as
of August 31, 1998.
"Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to either of the Company
or Acquiror, as the context requires, a material adverse change in, or effect
on, the business, results of operations or financial condition of such Person
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or any change which materially impairs or
materially delays the ability of such Person to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, that none of the following
shall be deemed by
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itself or by themselves, either alone or in combination, to constitute a
Material Adverse Effect: (i) with respect to the Company, a failure by the
Company to meet the revenue or earnings predictions of equity analysts as
reflected in the First Call consensus estimate, or any other revenue or
earnings predictions or expectations, for any period ending on or after the
date of this Agreement, or, in the case of the Acquiror, a failure by the
Acquiror to meet the revenue or earnings predictions of equity analysts as
reflected in the First Call consensus estimate, or any other revenue or
earnings predictions or expectations, for any period ending on or after the
date of this Agreement, (ii) in the case of the Company, conditions affecting
the educational and/or productivity software industries as a whole, or, in the
case of the Acquiror, conditions affecting the toy and edutainment industries
as whole, (iii) any effect arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from
actions contemplated by the parties in connections with, or which is
attributable to, the announcement of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
"Material Intellectual Property Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.16(c).
"Material Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(b).
"Merger" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a).
"Multiemployer Plan" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any
"multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 4001(a) (3) of ERISA, under which
such Person or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have any liability (accrued,
contingent or otherwise).
"New Stock Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.8(a).
"Non-Employee Director Plans" shall mean the Company's 1994 Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated effective February 5, 1996
and the Company's 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.
"Notifying Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
"NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
"Old Support Agreement" shall mean that certain support agreement made as of
February 4, 1994 between the Company (under its previous name, "SoftKey
International, Inc.") and Canadian Sub.
"Old Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement" shall mean that certain voting and
exchange trust agreement made as of February 4, 1994 between the Company (under
its previous corporate name, "SoftKey International, Inc."), Canadian Sub and
CIBC Mellon Trust Company (under its previous corporate name, "The R-M Trust
Company").
"Pension Plan" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any "employee pension
benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer
Plan) which such Person contributed to or was required to contribute to, or
under which such Person or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have any liability
(accrued, contingent or otherwise).
"Permitted Encumbrances" shall mean any Encumbrances resulting from (i) all
statutory or other liens for Taxes or assessments which are not yet due or
delinquent or the validity of which are
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being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate
reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP; (ii) all cashiers',
landlords', workers' and repairers' liens, and other similar liens imposed by
law, incurred in the ordinary course of business; (iii) all laws and
governmental rules, regulations, ordinances and restrictions; (iv) all leases,
subleases, licenses, concessions or service contracts to which any Person or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party; (v) Encumbrances identified on title
policies or preliminary title reports or other documents or writing delivered
or made available for inspection to any Person prior to the date hereof or
included in the Public Records; and (vi) all other liens and mortgages,
covenants, imperfections in title, charges, easements, restrictions and other
Encumbrances which, in the case of any such Encumbrances pursuant to clause (i)
through (vi), do not materially detract from or materially interfere with the
present use of the asset subject thereto or affected thereby.
"Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, governmental agency or instrumentality, or
any other entity.
"Preferred Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.7(b).
"Proceeding" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(a).
"Registration Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.19.
"Representative" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
"Rule 145" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.9.
"SEC" shall mean the Securities Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Special Voting Stock Merger Consideration" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.7(c).
"Stock Option Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Stock Option Plan" shall mean the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan, restated
as of March 5, 1998.
"Stockholder Support Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Recitals.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, entity
or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which (i)
such Person directly or indirectly owns or controls at least a majority of the
securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to
elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar
functions; or (ii) such Person is a general partner, manager or managing
member.
"Superior Proposal" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
"Support Agreement Amendment" shall mean an agreement to be made as of the
Effective Time between Acquiror, the Company and Canadian Sub, as required by
Section 2.9 thereof, for the purpose of amending the Old Support Agreement, and
providing for, among other things, the Merger.
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"Surviving Corporation" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
"Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean all federal, state, local, foreign and other
taxes, levies, imposts, assessments, impositions or other similar government
charges, including, without limitation, income, estimated income, business,
occupation, franchise, real property, payroll, personal property, sales,
transfer, stamp, use, employment, commercial rent or withholding, occupancy,
premium, gross receipts, profits, windfall profits, deemed profits, license,
lease, severance, capital, production, corporation, ad valorem, excise, duty or
other taxes, including interest, penalties and additions (to the extent
applicable) thereto whether disputed or not.
"Tax Return" shall mean any report, return, document, declaration or other
information or filing required to be supplied to any taxing authority or
jurisdiction (foreign or domestic) with respect to Taxes, including, without
limitation, information returns, any documents with respect to or accompanying
payments of estimated Taxes, or with respect to or accompanying requests for
the extension of time in which to file any such report, return, document,
declaration or other information.
"Termination Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b).
"Third Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(b).
"Voting and Exchange Trust Supplement" shall mean an agreement to be made as
of the Effective Time between Acquiror, the Company, Canadian Sub and a trustee
for the holders of the Exchangeable Shares, to the extent required by Section
11.1 and Section 12.4 of the Old Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, providing
for the assumption by Acquiror of the obligations of the Company under the Old
Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement and the other matters specified therein.
"Voting Debt" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
"Welfare Plan" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any "employee welfare
benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA under which such Person has
or may have any liability (accrued, contingent or otherwise).
ARTICLE II.
THE MERGER
SECTION 2.1. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
Agreement and in accordance with the DGCL, at the Effective Time, the Company
shall be merged with and into Acquiror. As a result of the Merger, the separate
corporate existence of the Company shall cease and Acquiror shall continue as
the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") and shall succeed to
and assume all of the rights and obligations of the Company in accordance with
the DGCL. The name of Acquiror, as the Surviving Corporation, shall remain
"Mattel, Inc."
SECTION 2.2. Closing and Closing Date. Unless this Agreement shall have been
terminated and the transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned
pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.1, the closing (the "Closing") of the
Merger shall take place (a) at 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second
Business Day after all of the conditions to the respective obligations of the
parties set forth in Article VII hereof shall have been satisfied or waived or
(b) at such other time and date as Acquiror and the Company shall agree (such
date and time on and at which the Closing
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occurs being referred to herein as the "Closing Date"). The Closing shall take
place at the offices of Latham & Watkins located at 633 West Fifth Street,
Sixth Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071. At the Closing the documents,
certificates, opinions and instruments referred to in Article VII shall be
executed and delivered.
SECTION 2.3. Effective Time. The parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be
consummated by filing a certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") on
the Closing Date with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, in such
form as required by and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of
the DGCL (the date and time of the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time or date after
such filing as may be specified in the Certificate of Merger being the
"Effective Time").
SECTION 2.4. Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects set
forth in the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the property,
rights, privileges, immunities, powers and franchises of the Company and
Acquiror shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities
and duties of the Company and Acquiror shall become the debts, liabilities and
duties of the Surviving Corporation.
SECTION 2.5. Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws.
(a) At the Effective Time and without any further action on the part of
the Company and Acquiror, the Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Certificate of Incorporation") of Acquiror shall be the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation.
(b) At the Effective Time and without any further action on the part of
the Company and Acquiror, the bylaws (the "Bylaws") of Acquiror as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation until duly amended as provided for therein and under
the DGCL.
SECTION 2.6. Directors and Officers. The directors of Acquiror immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall continue as the directors of the Surviving
Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of
Acquiror immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue as the officers
of the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors
are duly elected or appointed (as the case may be) and qualified.
SECTION 2.7. Conversion of Securities. At the Effective Time, by virtue of
the Merger and without any action on the part of Acquiror, the Company or the
holders of any of the following securities:
(a) Subject to Section 2.10, each share of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Company (the "Company Common Stock"), issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of
Company Common Stock to be canceled in accordance with Section 2.7(d)
hereof) shall be changed and converted into and represent the right to
receive a number (rounded to the nearest hundred thousandth of a share)
(adjusted as set forth in subsection (f), the "Exchange Ratio") of fully
paid and nonassessable shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the number
determined by dividing $33.00 by the Average Acquiror Price; provided,
however, that (i) if the number determined by dividing $33.00 by the
Average Acquiror Price is less than or equal to 1.0, the Exchange Ratio
shall be 1.0, and (ii) if the number determined by dividing $33.00 by the
Average Acquiror Price is 1.2 or higher, the
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Exchange Ratio shall be 1.2 (the "Common Merger Consideration"). As of the
Effective Time, all such shares of Company Common Stock shall no longer be
outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease
to exist, and each holder of a certificate which, prior to the Effective
Time, represented any such shares of Company Common Stock shall cease to
have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive (i) the
Common Merger Consideration, (ii) any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Acquiror Common Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon
surrender of such certificate in accordance with Section 2.10 and (iii) any
dividends and distributions in accordance with Section 2.11(e), in each
case without interest.
(b) Subject to Section 2.10, each share of Series A Convertible
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
(the "Company Preferred Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time (other than shares of Company Preferred Stock to be
canceled in accordance with Section 2.7(d) hereof) shall be changed and
converted into and represent the right to receive a number of fully paid
and nonassessable shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the product of
(i) the Exchange Ratio and (ii) the number of shares of Company Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of such share of Company Preferred Stock
immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Preferred Merger
Consideration"). As of the Effective Time, all such shares of Company
Preferred Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a
certificate which, prior to the Effective Time, represented any such shares
of Company Preferred Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect
thereto, except the right to receive (i) the Preferred Merger
Consideration, (ii) any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Acquiror
Common Stock to be issued or paid in consideration therefor upon surrender
of such certificate in accordance with Section 2.10 and (iii) any dividends
and distributions in accordance with Section 2.11(e), in each case without
interest.
(c) As of the Effective Time, each outstanding share of special voting
stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("Company Special Voting
Stock") shall be changed and converted into and represent the right to
receive one Acquiror Special Voting Share (the "Special Voting Stock Merger
Consideration"). As of the Effective Time, all such shares of Company
Special Voting Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically
be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a
certificate which, prior to the Effective Time, represented any such shares
of Company Special Voting Stock shall cease to have any rights with respect
thereto, except the right to receive the Special Voting Stock Merger
Consideration.
(d) Each share of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock that
is (i) held in the treasury of the Company or (ii) owned by Acquiror or any
direct or indirect Subsidiary of Acquiror or the Company, in each case
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be canceled and retired
without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution shall be made
with respect thereto.
(e) Each share of common, preferred or other capital stock of Acquiror
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain
outstanding and shall be unchanged after the Merger.
(f) The Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted to reflect fully the effect of
any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend (including any dividend or
distribution of securities convertible into Acquiror Common Stock),
reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification or other like change
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with respect to Acquiror Common Stock occurring after the date hereof and
prior to the Effective Time.
SECTION 2.8. Treatment of Employee Options and Other Company Stock Rights.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Company Board") (or, if appropriate, any Committee thereof) and the
Board of Directors of Acquiror (the "Acquiror Board") shall adopt
appropriate resolutions and take all other actions necessary to provide
that effective at the Effective Time, all outstanding Company Stock Rights
heretofore granted under the Company Stock Plans, whether vested or
unvested, shall be assumed by Acquiror and converted automatically into
options to purchase shares of Acquiror Common Stock (collectively, "New
Stock Rights") in an amount and, if applicable, at an exercise price
determined as provided below:
(i) The number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be subject to
the New Stock Rights shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of
shares of Company Common Stock remaining subject (as of immediately
prior to the Effective Time) to the original Company Stock Right
multiplied by (y) the Exchange Ratio, provided that any fractional
shares of Acquiror Common Stock resulting from such multiplication
shall be rounded down to the nearest share.
(ii) The exercise price per share of Acquiror Common Stock under the
New Stock Right shall be equal to the exercise price per share of the
Company Common Stock under the original Company Stock Right divided by
the Exchange Ratio, provided that such exercise price shall be rounded
up to the nearest tenth of a cent.
The adjustment provided herein with respect to any options which are
"incentive stock options" (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) shall be,
and is intended to be, effected in a manner which is consistent with
Section 424(a) of the Code. Subject to Sections 2.8(b) and 2.8(c), after
the Effective Time, each New Stock Right shall be exercisable and shall
vest upon the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the related
Company Stock Right immediately prior to the Effective Time (except that
with regard to such New Stock Right, any references to the Company shall be
deemed, as appropriate, to include Acquiror), it being understood that the
vesting of the Company Stock Rights shall accelerate in accordance with
their respective terms, or the terms of separate agreements between the
Company and the holders thereof, as a result of the Merger. Acquiror agrees
that it shall take all action necessary, on or prior to the Effective Time,
to authorize and reserve a number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock
sufficient for issuance upon exercise of New Stock Rights as contemplated
by this Section 2.8. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time,
Acquiror shall file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor
or other appropriate form) with respect to the shares of Acquiror Common
Stock subject to the Company Stock Rights assumed pursuant to this Section
2.8 and shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness
of such registration statement or statements (and maintain the current
status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein) for as long as
the New Stock Rights remain outstanding.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, the Company will take all actions
necessary (i) to shorten the offering period under the Company's Employee
Stock Purchase Plan in which the Effective Time occurs so that such
offering period terminates on the day prior to the Effective Time and (ii)
to terminate the Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective as of the Effective
Time.
(c) The Company will use its best efforts so that, as of the Effective
Time, none of its Subsidiaries is or will be bound by any Company Stock
Rights, other options, warrants, rights or
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agreements which would entitle any person, other than Acquiror or its
affiliates, to own any capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries or to
receive any payment in respect thereof.
SECTION 2.9. Treatment of Exchangeable Shares.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Company Board, the Acquiror Board
and the Board of Directors of Canadian Sub (the "Canadian Sub Board"), or
any of their respective appropriate committees, shall adopt appropriate
resolutions and, along with the Company, Acquiror and Canadian Sub, shall
take all other actions required under the Old Support Agreement and the Old
Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement to provide that at and after the
Effective Time each outstanding Exchangeable Share shall thereafter be
exchangeable for that number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to
the Exchange Ratio.
(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 2.9(a), the parties agree
as follows:
(i) at or before the Effective Time, the Company and Canadian Sub
(including its Board of Directors) shall comply with their respective
obligations under the provisions attaching to the Exchangeable Shares,
the Old Support Agreement and the Old Voting and Exchange Trust
Agreement;
(ii) at or before the Effective Time, Acquiror, the Company and
Canadian Sub shall execute and deliver the Support Agreement Amendment
and Acquiror, Canadian Sub, the Company and a trustee for the holders
of the Exchangeable Shares shall execute and deliver the Voting and
Exchange Trust Supplement;
(iii) at or before the Effective Time, Acquiror shall have authorized
the Acquiror Special Voting Share and at the Effective Time, Acquiror
shall deliver to the trustee for the holders of the Exchangeable Shares
a new certificate evidencing the Acquiror Special Voting Share, to the
extent required by the Voting and Exchange Trust Supplement;
(iv) at or before the Effective Time, Acquiror, Company and Canadian
Sub shall take all such actions as may reasonably be required to permit
the continued unrestricted tradeability in Canada of the Exchangeable
Shares and the issuance and first resale in Canada and the United
States of America of the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued upon
exchange of the Exchangeable Shares from time to time (but only to the
extent that such unrestricted tradeability is available to holders of
Exchangeable Shares in a particular jurisdiction on the date hereof),
in each case without requiring the holder of the relevant share, in
connection with any such trade or resale, to qualify with, file any
document or take any proceeding with, or obtain any further order,
ruling or consent from, any Governmental Entity or regulatory authority
under any Canadian or United States federal, provincial, state or
territorial securities or other laws or pursuant to the rules and
regulations of any regulatory authority administering such laws, or the
fulfillment of any other legal requirement in any such jurisdiction
(other than, with respect to such first resales, any restrictions on
transfer by reason of, among other things, a holder being a "control
person" of Acquiror for purposes of Canadian federal, provincial or
territorial securities laws). Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, such actions shall include the confirmation of the continued
effectiveness, following the Merger, of all existing Canadian
securities regulatory orders and rulings, or the granting of new such
orders and rulings, respecting such unrestricted tradeability of the
Exchangeable Shares and such unrestricted issuance and first resale of
the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable upon exchange of the
Exchangeable Shares from time to time, and respecting the satisfaction
of Canadian Sub's Canadian securities law continuous and timely
disclosure obligations through the filing and provision of information
relating to Acquiror; and
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(v) at or before the Effective Time, Acquiror shall take all action
necessary to authorize and reserve that number of shares of Acquiror
Common Stock sufficient for issuance upon all exchanges of the
outstanding Exchangeable Shares (other than Exchangeable Shares held by
Acquiror, its Subsidiaries and Affiliates) from time to time after the
Effective Time.
(c) Acquiror agrees that at the Effective Time, the holder(s) of each
Exchangeable Share shall receive a number of Acquiror Rights equal to the
number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable upon exchange of such
Exchangeable Share, or similar rights having economically equivalent value
to such Acquiror Rights.
SECTION 2.10. Fractional Interests. No certificates or scrip representing
fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock shall be issued in connection with
the Merger or any exchange of an Exchangeable Share at any time after the
Effective Time, and such fractional interests will not entitle the owner
thereof to any rights of a stockholder of Acquiror. In lieu of any such
fractional interests, each holder of shares of Company Common Stock exchanged
pursuant to Section 2.7(a), Company Preferred Stock exchanged pursuant to
Section 2.7(b) or Exchangeable Shares exchanged pursuant to the provisions
thereof who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share
of Acquiror Common Stock (after taking into account all shares of Acquiror
Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Sections 2.7(a) and
2.7(b) and the provisions of the Exchangeable Shares) shall be entitled to
receive cash (without interest) in an amount equal to the product of such
fractional part of Acquiror Common Stock multiplied by the Average Acquiror
Price.
SECTION 2.11. Surrender of Shares of Company Common Stock; Stock Transfer
Books.
(a) Prior to the Closing Date, Acquiror shall designate a bank or trust
company reasonably acceptable to the Company to act as agent for the
holders of shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock
(collectively, "Company Stock") in connection with the Merger (the
"Exchange Agent") to receive the Common Merger Consideration and the
Preferred Merger Consideration (collectively, the "Merger Consideration")
to which holders of shares of Company Stock shall become entitled to
receive pursuant to Sections 2.7(a) and (b) and Section 2.10. Prior to the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, Acquiror will make available to the Exchange Agent
sufficient shares of Acquiror Common Stock to make all exchanges pursuant
to Section 2.11(b). The Exchange Agent shall cause the shares of Acquiror
Common Stock deposited by Acquiror to be (i) held for the benefit of the
holders of the Company Stock and (ii) promptly applied to making the
exchanges and payments provided for in Section 2.11(b). Such shares of
Acquiror Common Stock shall not be used for any purpose that is not
provided for herein.
(b) Promptly after the Effective Time, Acquiror shall cause to be mailed
to each record holder, as of the Effective Time, of an outstanding
certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented shares of Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock
(collectively, the "Certificates"), a form of letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title
to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the
Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting
the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration.
Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate, together with such
letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in accordance
with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may be
reasonably required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, (i) a
certificate representing that
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number of whole shares of Acquiror Common Stock which such holder has the
right to receive pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2.7(a) and (b),
(ii) cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.10, after giving effect
to any required tax withholdings, and (iii) any dividends or distributions
to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.11(e), and the
Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. Until so
surrendered and exchanged, each Certificate, subject to Section 2.7(d),
shall represent solely the right to receive the consideration payable in
respect thereto pursuant to Sections 2.7(a) and (b) and Section 2.10. If
the exchange of certificates representing shares of Acquiror Common Stock
is to be made to a person other than the person in whose name the
surrendered Certificate is registered, it shall be a condition of exchange
that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or shall be
otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
exchange shall have paid any transfer and other taxes required by reason of
the exchange of certificates representing shares of Acquiror Common Stock
to a person other than the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered
or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation
that such tax either has been paid or is not applicable.
(c) At any time after the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time,
Acquiror shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to deliver to
Acquiror all cash and any other instruments (including shares of Acquiror
Common Stock) in its possession relating to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement which had been made available to the Exchange Agent and
which have not been distributed to holders of Certificates. Thereafter,
each holder of a Certificate, subject to Section 2.7(d), may surrender such
Certificate to the Surviving Corporation and (subject to applicable
abandoned property, escheat or other similar laws) receive in exchange
therefor the consideration payable in respect thereof pursuant to
Sections 2.7(a) and (b) and Section 2.10, without interest, but shall have
no greater rights against the Surviving Corporation than may be accorded to
general creditors of the Surviving Corporation under the DGCL.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Acquiror, the Surviving Corporation
or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Certificate for
shares of Acquiror Common Stock (and any cash payable in lieu of any
fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock) delivered to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(d) At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall
be closed and thereafter there shall be no further registration of
transfers of shares of Company Stock on the records of the Company. From
and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates evidencing
ownership of shares of Company Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such shares
of Company Stock except as otherwise provided for herein or by applicable
law.
(e) No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the
Effective Time with respect to shares of Acquiror Common Stock shall be
paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the
shares of Acquiror Common Stock it is entitled to receive and no cash
payment in lieu of fractional interests shall be paid pursuant to Section
2.10 until the holder of such Certificate shall surrender such Certificate
in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Upon such surrender,
Acquiror shall cause to be paid to the person in whose name the
certificates representing such shares of Acquiror Common Stock shall be
issued, any dividends or distributions with respect to such shares of
Acquiror Common Stock which have a record date after the Effective Time and
shall have become payable between the Effective Time and the time of such
surrender. In no event shall the person entitled to receive such dividends,
distributions or cash in lieu of fractional interests be entitled to
receive interest thereon.
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(f) If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments,
assurances or any other actions or things are necessary or desirable to
vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving
Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of the Company acquired or to be acquired by the
Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers of the Surviving
Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on
behalf of the Company or otherwise, all such deeds, bills of sale,
assignments and assurances and to take and do, in such names and on such
behalves or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title
and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in the
Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement.
SECTION 2.12. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any
Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent
shall issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon
the making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, such shares of
Acquiror Common Stock (and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Acquiror
Common Stock and dividends or distributions, if any, in respect thereof) as may
be required pursuant to Sections 2.7(a) and (b); provided, however, that
Acquiror may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance
thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates to
deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against Acquiror or the Exchange Agent with respect to
the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
SECTION 2.13. Tax Consequences. It is intended by the parties hereto that the
Merger shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code. The parties hereto hereby adopt this Agreement as a "plan of
reorganization" within the meaning of Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) of the
United States Treasury Regulations.
SECTION 2.14. Withholding Rights. Acquiror or the Exchange Agent shall be
entitled to deduct and withhold from the Merger Consideration otherwise payable
pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Certificates which prior to the
Effective Time represented shares of Company Stock such amounts as Acquiror or
the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local, or
foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Acquiror or the
Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Company Stock in
respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Company or the
Exchange Agent.
SECTION 2.15. Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
Certificates surrendered for exchange by any Company Affiliate (as defined in
Section 6.9) shall not be exchanged until the later of (i) the date Acquiror
has received a signed agreement (an "Affiliate Agreement") from such Company
Affiliate (the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C) as provided in
Section 6.9 or (ii) the date such shares of Acquiror Common Stock are
transferable pursuant to the Affiliate Agreement regardless of whether such
agreement was executed by the Company Affiliate.
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ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and warrants to Acquiror that the statements contained
in this Article III are true and correct except as set forth in the disclosure
schedule delivered by the Company to Acquiror on or before the date of this
Agreement (the "Company Disclosure Schedule"). The Company Disclosure Schedule
shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the numbered and lettered
paragraphs contained in this Article III and the disclosure in any paragraph
shall qualify other paragraphs in this Article III only to the extent that it
is readily apparent from a reading of such disclosure that it also qualifies or
applies to such other paragraphs.
SECTION 3.1. Organization and Qualification. The Company and each of its
Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with the corporate power and
authority to own and operate its business as presently conducted, except for
any failure of any Subsidiaries to be in good standing that would not have a
Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation or other entity to do business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned
or held under lease or the nature of its activities makes such qualification
necessary, except for such failures of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries
to be so qualified as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect. The Company has previously made available to Acquiror
true and correct copies of (i) its certificate of incorporation and bylaws,
(ii) the charter and bylaws of SoftKey Holdings Corporation, SoftKey Software
Products Inc. and SoftKey Products International Inc., and (iii) the charter
documents and bylaws or other organizational documents of each of its non-
corporate Subsidiaries and each of its non-wholly owned Subsidiaries, as
currently in effect.
SECTION 3.2. Authorization; Validity and Effect of Agreement. The Company has
the requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its
obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized
by the Company Board and all other necessary corporate action on the part of
the Company, other than the adoption and approval of this Agreement by the
holders of the Company Common Stock, the Company Preferred Stock and the
Company Special Voting Stock and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization,
moratorium and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors' rights
generally, general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
SECTION 3.3. Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i)
200,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, (ii) 5,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 750,000 shares have
been designated as Company Preferred Stock, and (iii) one share of Company
Special Voting Stock. The Special Voting Stock entitles the holder thereof
to vote, together with the holders of Company Common Stock, on all matters
submitted for the vote of
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the holders of Company Common Stock. The number of votes represented by the
Special Voting Stock is equal to the number of outstanding Exchangeable
Shares (other than Exchangeable Shares held by the Company, its
Subsidiaries and its Affiliates). As of December 7, 1998, there were issued
and outstanding (i) 87,073,106 shares of Company Common Stock, (ii) 750,000
shares of Company Preferred Stock, currently convertible into 15,000,000
shares of Company Common Stock, and (iii) 12,580,133 Exchangeable Shares
(of which 7,374,942 are held directly or indirectly by the Company).
Section 3.3(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the number of
shares of capital stock of the Company (including Exchangeable Shares) held
in treasury and the number of shares of Company Common Stock reserved for
future issuance upon (i) exercise of any unexpired and unexercised
outstanding option, whether or not vested or exercisable in accordance with
its terms, to purchase shares of Company Common Stock ("Company Options")
granted and outstanding as of the date hereof under any Company Stock Plans
and (ii) exchange of the outstanding Exchangeable Shares. As of the date of
this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not granted any stock
appreciation rights or any other contractual rights the value of which is
derived from the financial performance of the Company or any Subsidiary or
the value of shares of Company Common Stock. Except as disclosed in Section
3.3(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no obligations,
contingent or otherwise, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Company Common Stock
or the capital stock or ownership interests of any Subsidiary or to provide
funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital
contribution or otherwise) in any such Subsidiary or any other entity other
than guarantees of bank obligations or indebtedness for borrowed money of
Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business. All of the
outstanding shares of capital stock (including shares which may be issued
upon exercise of outstanding options) or other ownership interests of each
of the Company's Subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and, except as disclosed in Section 3.3(a) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, all such shares (other than directors'
qualifying shares) are owned by the Company or another Subsidiary of the
Company free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges,
agreements, limitations on the Company's voting rights, charges or other
encumbrances or restrictions on transfer of any nature (other than
restrictions imposed by law).
(b) There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness having
voting rights (or convertible into securities having such rights) ("Voting
Debt") of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries issued and outstanding.
Except as set forth in Section 3.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule or
as reserved for future grants of options under the Company Stock Plans as
of the date hereof and for future exchanges of Exchangeable Shares, (i)
there are no shares of capital stock of any class of, or any security
exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities, issued,
reserved for issuance or outstanding; (ii) there are no options, warrants,
equity securities, calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any
character to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which it is bound obligating the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold,
additional shares of capital stock or other ownership interests (including
Voting Debt) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or obligating the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting
of or enter into any such option, warrant, equity security, call, right,
commitment or agreement; and (iii) there are no voting trusts, proxies or
other voting agreements or understandings with respect to the shares of
capital stock of the Company to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party. All shares of Company Common Stock subject to
issuance as specified in this Section 3.3(b) are duly authorized and, upon
issuance on the terms and
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conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are
issuable, shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
SECTION 3.4. Subsidiaries. The only Subsidiaries of the Company are those set
forth in Section 3.4 of the Company Disclosure Schedule. There are no existing
options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, convertible securities or other
securities, agreements, commitments or obligations of any character relating to
the outstanding capital stock or other securities of any Subsidiary of the
Company or which would require any Subsidiary of the Company to issue or sell
any shares of its capital stock, ownership interests or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of its capital stock or ownership interests.
SECTION 3.5. Other Interests. Except as set forth in Section 3.5 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of the Company's
Subsidiaries owns, directly or indirectly, any interest or investment in
(whether equity or debt) any corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, business, trust or other Person (other than the
Company's Subsidiaries).
SECTION 3.6. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.6 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will: (i) conflict
with the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the comparable
charter or organizational documents of any of its material Subsidiaries;
(ii) assuming satisfaction of the requirements set forth in Section 3.6(b)
below, violate any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation, applicable
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their properties or
assets; or (iii) violate, breach, be in conflict with or constitute a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute a default) under, or permit the termination of any provision of,
or result in the termination of, the acceleration of the maturity of, or
the acceleration of the performance of any obligation of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries under, or result in the creation or imposition of any
lien upon any properties, assets or business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries under, any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust,
lease, franchise, permit, authorization, license, contract (including,
without limitation, Company Contracts), instrument or other agreement or
commitment or any order, judgment or decree to which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties is bound or
encumbered, or give any Person the right to require the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries to purchase or repurchase any notes, bonds or instruments
of any kind except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for such
violations, breaches, conflicts, defaults or other occurrences which,
individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act,
the Securities Act, and state securities or "blue sky" laws ("Blue Sky
Laws"), (ii) for the pre-merger notification requirements of the Hart-
Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules
and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act"), (iii) for the filing of the
Certificate of Merger pursuant to the DGCL, (iv) for other governmental
approvals and filings required under the applicable laws of any foreign
jurisdiction, and (v) with respect to matters set forth in Sections 3.6(a)
or 3.6(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no consent, approval or
authorization of, permit from, or declaration, filing or registration with,
any governmental or regulatory authority, or any other Person is required
to be made or obtained by the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
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and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except where
the failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization, permit or
declaration or to make such filing or registration would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.7. Compliance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with all foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations
applicable to its operations or with respect to which compliance is a condition
of engaging in the business thereof, except to the extent that failure to
comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice asserting a failure, or possible failure,
to comply with any such law or regulation, the subject of which notice has not
been resolved as required thereby or otherwise to the satisfaction of the party
sending the notice, except for such failure as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries
hold all permits, licenses and franchises from Governmental Entities required
to conduct their respective businesses as they are now being conducted, except
for such failures to have such permits, licenses and franchises that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.8. SEC Documents.
(a) The Company has filed and made available to Acquiror true and
complete copies of each registration statement, proxy or information
statement, form, report and other document required to be filed by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries with the SEC or any securities
regulatory authority in Canada since January 1, 1995 (collectively, the
"Company SEC Reports"). As of their respective dates, the Company SEC
Reports (i) complied, or, with respect to those not yet filed, will comply,
in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities
Act and the Exchange Act or any applicable Canadian law, rule or
regulation, and (ii) did not, or, with respect to those not yet filed, 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 the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. The Company has filed each registration
statement, proxy or information statement, form, report and other documents
required to be filed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries with any
foreign governmental agency equivalent to, or of like purpose as, the SEC,
except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Each of the consolidated balance sheets of the Company included in or
incorporated by reference into the Company SEC Reports (including the
related notes and schedules) presents fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as of its date, and each of the consolidated statements of
income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Company included in or
incorporated by reference into the Company SEC Reports (including any
related notes and schedules) presents fairly, in all material respects, the
results of operations, retained earnings or 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 normal year-end audit
adjustments), in each case in accordance with GAAP consistently applied
during the periods involved, except as may be noted therein.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.8(c) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule and except as set forth in the Company SEC Reports, neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations of
any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) that would
be required to be reflected on, or reserved against in, a balance sheet of
the Company or in the notes thereto, prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied, except for
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(i) liabilities or obligations that were so reserved on, or reflected in
(including the notes to), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as
of October 3, 1998, (ii) liabilities or obligations arising in the ordinary
course of business (including trade indebtedness) since October 3, 1998 and
(iii) liabilities or obligations which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.9. Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Section 3.9
of the Company Disclosure Schedule or the Company SEC Reports, and except for
the transactions expressly contemplated hereby, since October 3, 1998, the
Company and its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only in
the ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices and there has not
been any change in the Company's business, operations, condition (financial or
otherwise), results of operations, assets or liabilities, except for changes
contemplated hereby or changes which have not, individually or in the
aggregate, had or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth in Section 3.9 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, from
October 3, 1998 through the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries has taken any of the actions prohibited by Section 5.1
hereof.
SECTION 3.10. Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.10 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule and except as set forth in the Company SEC Reports, there
is no Action instituted, pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened, in each case against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which,
individually or in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor is there any outstanding
judgment, decree or injunction, in each case against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any statute, rule or order of any domestic or foreign court,
governmental department, commission or agency applicable to the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries which has or could reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, any Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.11. Taxes. Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule:
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries have (A) duly filed (or there have
been filed on their behalf) with the appropriate governmental authorities
all Tax Returns required to be filed by them and such Tax Returns are true,
correct and complete in all respects, except for any such filings which are
not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect, and (B) duly paid in full all Taxes, whether or not shown
to be due on such Tax Returns, except for which the failure to pay would
not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
(b) No claim has ever been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where
any of the Company and its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that it
is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction which is reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all
Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts
paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
stockholder, or other third party, except for amounts which are not
reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect;
(d) No federal income Tax Returns of the Company have ever been audited,
and no federal or state, local or foreign audits or other administrative
proceedings or court proceedings are presently being conducted with regard
to any Taxes or Tax Returns of the Company or its Subsidiaries and neither
the Company nor its Subsidiaries has received a written notice of any
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pending audits with respect to Taxes or Tax Returns of the Company, and
neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any statute of
limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with
respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, except with respect to Taxes
which are not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have
a Material Adverse Effect;
(e) Neither the Internal Revenue Service nor any other taxing authority
(whether domestic or foreign) has asserted against the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries any material deficiency or material claim for Taxes not
reserved under the Company's most recent balance sheet as set forth in its
most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;
(f) There are no liens for Taxes upon any Assets of the Company or any
Subsidiary thereof, except for liens for Taxes not yet due and payable and
liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, except for liens which would not be reasonably likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, and no
written power of attorney that has been granted by the Company or its
Subsidiaries (other than to the Company or a Subsidiary) currently is in
force with respect to any matter relating to Taxes except with respect to
Taxes which are not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to
have a Material Adverse Effect;
(g) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has, with regard to
any assets or property held by any of them, agreed to have Section 341(f)
(2) of the Code apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset (as such
term is defined in Section 341(f) (4) of the Code) owned by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries;
(h) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries has made any payments, is
obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any agreement that under
certain circumstances could obligate it to make any payments that will not
be deductible under Section 280G of the Code;
(i) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been a United States
real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2)
of the Code during the applicable period specified in Section
897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code;
(j) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax
allocation or sharing agreement; and
(k) None of the Company and its Subsidiaries (A) has been a member of an
affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other
than a group the common Parent of which was the Company) or (B) has any
Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than any of the Company and
its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any
similar provision of state, local, or foreign law), as a transferee or
successor, by contract, or otherwise, other than such Taxes which are not
reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.12. Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a complete
list of all Company Pension Plans, Welfare Plans and material Benefit
Arrangements (other than those maintained outside the United States) as of
the date hereof. To the extent in the Company's or its Subsidiaries'
possession, true and complete copies or descriptions of the Pension Plans,
Welfare Plans and material Benefit Arrangements (other than those
maintained outside the United States), including, without limitation, trust
instruments, if any, that form a part thereof, and all amendments thereto
have been furnished or made available to Acquiror and its counsel.
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(b) Except as described in Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, each of the Company Employee Plans (other than any Multiemployer
Plan) has been administered and is in material compliance with the terms of
such Company Employee Plan and all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
(c) No material "reportable event" (as such term is used in Section 4043
of ERISA) for which the notice requirements to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation have not been waived, "prohibited transaction" (as such term is
used in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) for which no
exemption exists, or material "accumulated funding deficiency" (as such
term is used in Section 412 or 4971 of the Code) has heretofore occurred
with respect to any Pension Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) of the
Company or its Subsidiaries.
(d) There is no material action, order, writ, injunction, judgment or
decree outstanding or claim, suit litigation, proceeding, arbitral action,
governmental audit or investigation relating to or seeking benefits under
any Company Employee Plan that is pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened against the Company, any of its ERISA Affiliates, or any Company
Employee Plan, other than routine claims for benefits or which are not
reasonably likely to result in a material liability.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, none of the Company, its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates have
incurred any withdrawal liability with respect to any Multiemployer Plan
under Title IV of ERISA which remains unsatisfied.
(f) Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, any termination of, or withdrawal from, any Pension Plans or
Multiemployer Plan of the Company any Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate,
on or prior to the Closing Date, will not subject the Company to any
liability under Title IV of ERISA.
(g) Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will result in the
acceleration or creation of any rights of any current or former employee of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to benefits under any Company
Employee Plan (including, without limitation, the acceleration of the
vesting or exercisability of any stock options, the acceleration of the
vesting of any restricted stock, the acceleration of the accrual or vesting
of any benefits under any Pension Plan or the acceleration or creation of
any rights under any severance, parachute or change in control agreement).
(h) With respect to the Company Employee Plans, individually and in the
aggregate, there are no funded benefit material obligations for which
material contributions have not been made or properly accrued and there are
no unfunded material benefit obligations which have not been accounted for
by reserves, or otherwise properly footnoted in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, on the financial statements of the Company.
SECTION 3.13. Assets.
(a) Section 3.13(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule identifies all
real property owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries (the "Company Owned
Property") and all real property leased or operated by the Company and its
Subsidiaries and providing for occupancy of more than 20,000 square feet
(the "Company Leased Property" and, together with the Company Owned
Property, the "Company Real Property").
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have good and marketable fee simple
title to the Company Owned Property, and a valid leasehold interest in the
Company Leased Property,
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sufficient to allow each of the Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct,
and to continue to conduct, its business as and where currently conducted,
except for such matters that, individually or in the aggregate, are not
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect. Such title and
leasehold interest is free and clear of any and all Encumbrances, except
for the exceptions described in the Company SEC Reports filed prior to the
date of this Agreement or in Section 3.13(b) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule and such other Encumbrances that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. Prior to the date hereof,
the Company has delivered to Acquiror true and correct copies of all title
reports and surveys for each parcel of Company Real Property.
(c) True and correct copies of all of the principal documents under which
the Company Owned Property and the Company Leased Property is leased or
operated (the "Lease and Operational Documents") have been delivered or
made available for review to Acquiror. The Lease and Operational Documents
are unmodified and in full force and effect. None of the Company, its
Subsidiaries or any other party is in material default under the Lease and
Operational Documents, and, to the best knowledge of the Company, no
defaults (whether or not subsequently cured) by the Company, its
Subsidiaries or any other party have been alleged thereunder, except for
such defaults that, individually, or in the aggregate, are not reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) To the best knowledge of the Company, the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has sufficiently good and valid title to, or an adequate
leasehold interest in, its material tangible personal properties and assets
in order to allow it to conduct, and continue to conduct, its business as
and where currently conducted. Such material tangible personal assets and
properties are sufficiently free of Encumbrances to allow each of the
Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct, and continue to conduct, its
business as currently conducted and, to the best knowledge of the Company,
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will
not alter or impair such ability in any respect which, individually or in
the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no defects in the physical condition or operability of
such material tangible personal assets and properties which would impair
the use of such assets and properties as such assets and properties are
currently used, except for such defects which, individually or in the
aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 3.14. Contracts.
(a) Section 3.14(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a
complete and accurate list of all contracts (written or oral), plans,
undertakings, commitments or agreements ("Contracts") of the following
categories to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which any of them is bound as of the date of this Agreement:
(i) (A) with respect to officers with annual base compensation equal
to or in excess of $100,000: all employment contracts, severance,
change in control or similar arrangements that will result in any
obligation (absolute or contingent) of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to make any payment to the foregoing following either the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, termination of
employment, or both and (B) all other contracts (that are not available
to officers, directors, employees or agents generally) with any
officer, director, employee or agent that provides for compensation
based on operating results or other financial performance of the
Company;
(ii) contracts with labor unions;
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(iii) material exclusive distribution agreements not terminable by
the Company without penalty upon 90 days or less notice;
(iv) promissory notes, loans, agreements, indentures, evidences of
indebtedness or other instruments relating to the lending of money,
whether as borrower, lender or guarantor, in excess of $5,000,000;
(v) Contracts containing covenants limiting the freedom of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business or
compete with any Person or operate at any location which are not
terminable by the Company without penalty upon 90 days or less notice;
(vi) any material Contract with any federal, state or local
government other than such Contracts relating to the sales of goods in
the ordinary course of business;
(vii) other than license agreements and distribution agreements,
Contracts involving annual expenditures or liabilities in excess of
$10,000,000 which are not terminable by the Company without penalty
upon 90 days or less notice;
(viii) the principal documents (excluding escrow agreements,
affiliate agreements and other ancillary documents) relating to any
merger, consolidation, business combination, share exchange, business
acquisition, or for the purchase, acquisition, sale or disposition of
any material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries outside
the ordinary course of business which (A) (1) involves consideration to
any party in excess of $20,000,000, and (2) were entered into after
January 1, 1995, or (B) under which the Company remains obligated to
make "earnout" payments or other conditional payments of cash or stock
based on the operating results or other financial performance of the
Company or a portion of its business; and
(ix) other than as set forth in Section 3.12 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, any other Contract to be performed after the date
hereof which would be a material contract (as defined in Item 601(b)
(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC).
True copies of the written Contracts identified in Section 3.14(a) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively with the Material Licenses, the
"Company Contracts") have been delivered or made available to Acquiror.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.14(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement, (i) each of the Company
Contracts is valid and binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(and, to the Company's best knowledge, on all other parties thereto) in
accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, (ii) there is no
material breach or violation of or default by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries under any of the Company Contracts, whether or not such
breach, violation or default has been waived, and (iii) no event has
occurred with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a material breach,
violation or default, or give rise to a right of termination, modification,
cancellation, foreclosure, imposition of a lien, prepayment or acceleration
under any of the Company Contracts, which breach, violation or default
referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii), alone or in the aggregate with other
such breaches, violations or defaults referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii),
would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.15. Labor Relations. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.15 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule or as would not be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect, (i) to
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the knowledge of the Company, there are no activities or proceedings of any
labor union to organize any non-unionized employees; (ii) neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has breached or otherwise failed to comply with any
provision of any collective bargaining agreement or contract and there are no
grievances outstanding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any
such agreement or contract; (iii) there are no unfair labor practice charges
and/or complaints pending against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries before
the National Labor Relations Board, or any similar foreign labor relations
governmental bodies, or any current union representation questions involving
employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (iv) there is no
strike, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout, or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threat thereof, by or with respect to any employees of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not parties to
any collective bargaining agreements, except for collective bargaining
agreements disclosed in Schedule 3.15 of the Company Disclosure Schedule. To
the knowledge of the Company, there are no controversies pending or threatened
between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and any of their
respective employees, except for such controversies that would not be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.16. Intellectual Property.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or otherwise
possess, legally enforceable rights to use, all patents, trademarks, trade
names, service marks and copyrights, any applications for and registrations
of such patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights, and
all processes, formulae, methods, schematics, technology, know-how,
computer software programs or applications, tangible or intangible
proprietary information or material, waivers or licenses of publicity or
privacy rights or any other third party licenses that are necessary to
conduct the business of Company and its Subsidiaries as currently
conducted, the absence of which would be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect (the "Company Intellectual Property Rights").
(b) (i) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and consummation of
the Merger will not result in the breach of, or create on behalf of any
third party the right to terminate or modify, any license, sublicense or
other agreement relating to the Company Intellectual Property Rights, or
any material licenses, sublicenses and other agreements as to which Company
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is authorized to use any third party patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, likeness or other proprietary
rights, including software that is used in the manufacture of, incorporated
in, or forms a part of any product sold by or expected to be sold by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, "Licenses"), the
termination, modification (including without limitation any modification to
the scope of any license from the scope as currently granted to and enjoyed
by the Company even if such modification is contemplated by the agreement)
or breach of which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 3.16(b) (i) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
consummation of the Merger will not result in the breach of, or create
on behalf of any third party the right to terminate or modify, any
License the termination, modification (including without limitation any
modification to the scope of any license from the scope as currently
granted to and enjoyed by the Company even if such modification is
contemplated by the agreement) or breach of which would be reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on any Company Material
Product. "Company Material Product" means any product of the Company
which accounted for
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more than $3,000,000 of revenues in the United States during the nine
month fiscal period ending September 30, 1998.
(iii) Schedule 3.16(b) (iii) sets forth each License relating to
Company Material Products.
(c) All patents, registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights
which are held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries the loss or
invalidity of which would cause a Material Adverse Effect or would have a
material adverse effect on any Company Material Product ("Material
Intellectual Property Rights"), are valid and subsisting. Section 3.16(c)
of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and accurate list
of all registered copyrights, registered tradenames, patents, patent
applications and the unregistered tradenames for the twenty-five highest
revenue producing products included in the Material Intellectual Property
Rights. Except as would not be reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, the Company (i) has not been sued in any suit, action or
proceeding, or received in writing any claim or notice, which involves a
claim of (w) infringement or violation of any patents, trademarks, service
marks, copyrights, trade secrets, right of privacy or publicity or any
other proprietary right of any third party or (x) libel or defamation; and
(ii) has no knowledge that the manufacturing, marketing, licensing or sale
of its products infringes or violates any patent, trademark, service mark,
copyright, trade secret, right of privacy or publicity, or other
proprietary right of any third party.
SECTION 3.17. Affiliate Transactions. Except as set forth in the Company SEC
Reports and as set forth in Section 3.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
from January 1, 1998 through the date of this Agreement there have been no
transactions, agreements, arrangements or understandings between the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Affiliates (other than wholly
owned Subsidiaries) of the Company or other Persons, on the other hand, that
would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the
Securities Act.
SECTION 3.18. Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule or the Company SEC Reports and except for such
matters that, individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect: the Company and each of its Subsidiaries (i)
have obtained all applicable permits, licenses and other authorizations which
are required to be obtained under all applicable Environmental Laws by the
Company or its Subsidiaries; (ii) are in material compliance with all terms and
conditions of such required permits, licenses and authorization, and also are
in material compliance with all other limitations, restrictions, conditions,
standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations, schedules and timetables
contained in or arising from applicable Environmental Laws; (iii) have not
received notice of any past or present violations of Environmental Laws, or of
any spill, release, event, incident, condition or action or failure to act
which is reasonably likely to prevent continued compliance with such
Environmental Laws, or which would give rise to any common law environmental
liability or liability under Environmental Laws, or which would otherwise form
the basis of any claim, action, suit or proceeding against the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries based on or resulting from the manufacture, processing,
use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling, or the emission,
discharge or release into the environment, of any Hazardous Material by any
Person; and (iv) have taken all actions required under applicable Environmental
Laws to register any products or materials required to be registered by the
Company or its Subsidiaries thereunder.
SECTION 3.19. Joint Proxy Statement Prospectus; Registration Statement. None
of the information supplied by the Company or its Subsidiaries to be included
or incorporated by reference
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in the joint proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to the stockholders of
Acquiror and the Company in connection with the meeting of the Company's
stockholders (the "Company Stockholder Meeting") and the meeting of Acquiror's
stockholders (the "Acquiror Stockholder Meeting") to consider the Agreement and
the Merger (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus") or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto, will, on the date it becomes effective with the SEC, at the
time of the mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement, at the time of the Company Stockholder Meeting and the Acquiror
Stockholder Meeting and at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. The Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus will comply as to form in all material respects with the
provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder; provided, however, that the Company makes no
representations with respect to any information supplied or to be supplied by
the Acquiror for inclusion or incorporation by reference from Acquiror SEC
Filings in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto. None of the information supplied by the Company or its
Subsidiaries to be included or incorporated by reference from Company SEC
filings in the registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to which shares of
Acquiror Common Stock issued in the Merger will be registered under the
Securities Act (the "Registration Statement"), of which the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus will form a part, will, at the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
SECTION 3.20. Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
written opinion of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (the "Company Financial Advisor"),
dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as of such date and based
upon and subject to certain matters stated in such opinion, the Exchange Ratio
is fair to the holders of Company's Common Stock (including shares of Common
Stock issued upon conversion of the Company's Preferred Stock) from a financial
point of view. The Company has been authorized by the Company Financial Advisor
to permit, subject to prior review and consent by such Company Financial
Adviser, the inclusion of such opinion (or a reference thereto) in the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
SECTION 3.21. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than the
Company Financial Adviser) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee
or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. The
Company has heretofore furnished to Acquiror a complete and correct copy of all
agreements between the Company and the Company Financial Adviser pursuant to
which such firm would be entitled to any payment relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby.
SECTION 3.22. Vote Required. The approval by a majority of the voting power
represented by the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, Company
Preferred Stock and Company Special Voting Stock entitled to vote thereon, and
voting together as a single class, is the only vote of the holders of any class
or series of the Company's capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement,
the Merger and, if necessary for the consummation of the Merger, an amendment
to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation; provided, however, that if an
amendment to the certificate of designations relating to the Company Preferred
Stock is required to consummate the Merger as contemplated in this Agreement,
the approval (i) by the holders of 66 2/3% of the shares of Company Preferred
Stock, voting as a single class, and (ii) the approval by a majority of the
voting power represented by the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock,
Company Preferred Stock and
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Company Special Voting Stock entitled to vote thereon, and voting as a single
class, are the only votes of the holders of any class or series of the
Company's capital stock necessary to approve such amendment to such certificate
of designations ("Company Stockholder Approval"). No separate approval by the
holders of the Exchangeable Shares is necessary to approve the Merger, this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company Board, at
a meeting duly called and held, by unanimous vote of the directors present
(i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are fair to, and in the best
interests of, the stockholders of the Company, (ii) approved this Agreement,
the Merger, the Stock Option Agreement, the Stockholder Support Agreement and
the Employment Agreements, (iii) declared advisable and resolved to recommend
that the holders of the shares of the Company Stock approve this Agreement and
the Merger, and (iv) adopted any necessary resolution having the effect of
causing the Company not to be subject, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, to any state takeover law that may purport to be applicable to the Merger
and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company hereby agrees
to the inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of the recommendations
of the Company Board described in this Section 3.22 (subject to the right of
the Company Board to withdraw, amend or modify such recommendation in
accordance with Section 6.3(d) ). The Board of Directors of Canadian Sub has
determined, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.7(b) of the Old
Support Agreement, that the changes to the rights of the holders of
Exchangeable Shares resulting from the Merger are economically equivalent to
the changes to the rights of the holders of Company Common Stock resulting from
the Merger.
SECTION 3.23. Accounting and Tax Matters. To the Company's knowledge, neither
the Company nor any of its Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action,
or knows of any circumstances, that (without regard to any action taken or
agreed to be taken by Acquiror or any of its Affiliates) would (i) prevent
Acquiror from accounting for the business combination to be effected by the
Merger as a "pooling of interests" under GAAP and the applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC, or (ii) prevent the Merger from qualifying as a
reorganization within the meaning of Sections 368(a) of the Code.
SECTION 3.24. No Other Agreements to Sell the Company or Its Assets; No
Existing Discussions. The Company has no legal obligation, absolute or
contingent, to any other Person to sell any material portion of the assets of
the Company, to sell any material portion of the capital stock or other
ownership interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or to effect any
merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or to enter into any agreement with respect thereto. As of the
date hereof, the Company is not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any
discussions or negotiations with any other party with respect to an Acquisition
Proposal or Acquisition Transaction.
SECTION 3.25. Insurance. The Company has made available to Acquiror accurate
and complete copies of all material fire and casualty, general liability,
business interruption, product liability, and sprinkler and water damage
insurance policies maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(collectively, "Company Insurance Policies"). All Company Insurance policies
are with reputable insurance carries, provide full and adequate coverage for
all normal risks incident to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries
and their respective properties and assets, and are in character and amount at
least equivalent to that carried by Persons engaged in similar businesses and
substantially equivalent to that carried by Persons engaged in similar
businesses and subject to the same or similar perils or hazards.
SECTION 3.26. Takeover Provisions Inapplicable. As of the date hereof and at
all times on or prior to the Effective Time, the restrictions of Section 203 of
the DGCL are, and shall be,
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inapplicable to the Merger, this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement, the
Stockholder Support Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
SECTION 3.27. Accounts Receivable. To the Company's knowledge, as of the date
hereof, the accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
reflected in the most recent financial statements contained in the Company SEC
Reports, to the extent uncollected on the date hereof, and the accounts
receivable reflected the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the
date hereof are valid and existing and represent monies due, and the Company as
of the date hereof, has made reserves reasonably considered adequate for
receivables not collectible in the ordinary course of business, and (subject to
the aforesaid reserves) are subject to no refunds or other adjustments and to
no defenses, rights or setoff, assignments, restrictions, encumbrances or
conditions enforceable by third parties on or affecting any thereof, except for
such refunds, adjustments, defenses, rights of setoff, assignments,
restrictions, encumbrances or conditions as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
SECTION 3.28. Inventory. To the Company's knowledge, as of the date hereof,
the inventories of the Company and its Subsidiaries as reflected in the most
recent financial statements contained in the Company SEC Reports, except for
normal year-end adjustments made in accordance with GAAP applied consistently
with prior periods, (i) are carried as provided in the Company SEC Reports not
in excess of the lower of cost or net realizable value and (ii) do not include
any inventory which is obsolete, surplus or not usable or saleable in the
lawful and ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
heretofore conducted, in each case net of reserves provided therefor, except in
the cases of clauses (i) and (ii) as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.29. Product Liability. The Company is not aware of any claim
against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for injury to person or property
of employees or any third parties suffered as a result of the sale of any
product or performance of any service by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including claims arising out of the defective or unsafe nature of
its products or services, which could, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company and its Subsidiaries have,
and at the Effective Time will have, full and adequate insurance coverage for
potential product liability claims against it.
SECTION 3.30. Standstill Agreement. Except as set forth in Section 3.30 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any material standstill agreement.
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR
Acquiror represents and warrants to the Company that the statements contained
in this Article IV are true and correct except as set forth herein and in the
disclosure schedule delivered by the Acquiror to the Company on or before the
date of this Agreement (the "Acquiror Disclosure Schedule"). The Acquiror
Disclosure Schedule shall be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the
numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article IV and the
disclosure in any paragraph shall qualify other paragraphs in this Article IV
only to the extent that it is readily apparent from a reading of such
disclosure that it also qualifies or applies to such other paragraphs.
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SECTION 4.1. Organization and Qualification. Acquiror is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization, with the corporate power and authority to own and operate its
businesses as presently conducted, except for any failure of any Subsidiaries
to be in good standing that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Acquiror
is duly qualified as a foreign corporation or other entity to do business and
is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned or held under lease or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except for such failures of Acquiror to be so
qualified as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect. Acquiror has previously made available to the Company true and
correct copies of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Acquiror, as
currently in effect.
SECTION 4.2. Authorization; Validity and Effect of Agreement. Acquiror has
the requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its
obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror
and the performance by Acquiror of its obligations hereunder and the
consummation by them of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by the Acquiror Board and, other than the adoption and approval of
this Agreement by the holders of the Acquiror Common Stock and Acquiror
Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Acquiror are necessary to authorize this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Acquiror and constitutes a legal, valid and
binding obligation of Acquiror, enforceable against Acquiror in accordance with
its terms, subject to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws relating to or
affecting creditors' rights generally, general equitable principles (whether
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and an implied covenant of good
faith and fair dealing.
SECTION 4.3. Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of Acquiror consists of (i)
1,000,000,000 shares of Acquiror Common Stock, (ii) 3,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which 772,800 shares have
been designated as Series C Mandatorily Convertible Redeemable Preferred
Stock ("Acquiror Preferred Stock") and (iii) 20,000,000 shares of
Preference Stock, par value $.01 per share, of which 2,000,000 shares have
been designated as Series E Junior Participating Preference Stock
("Acquiror Series E Preference Stock"). As of December 8, 1998, (i)
286,283,375 shares of Acquiror Common Stock, (ii) 771,920 shares of
Acquiror Preferred Stock (which are represented by 19,298,000 Series C
Depositary Shares, each representing one twenty-fifth of a share of
Acquiror Preferred Stock) and (iii) no shares of Acquiror Series E
Preference Stock, were issued and outstanding. As of the date hereof,
14,098,106 shares of Acquiror Common Stock are held in the Acquiror
treasury. Schedule 4.3(a) of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule sets forth
the number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock reserved for future issuance
upon exercise of any unexpired and unexercised outstanding option, whether
or not vested or exercisable in accordance with its terms, to purchase
shares of Acquiror Common Stock ("Acquiror Options") granted and
outstanding as of the date hereof under any Acquiror stock option plan (the
"Acquiror Option Plans"). As of the date of this Agreement, Acquiror has
not granted any stock appreciation rights or any other contractual rights
the value of which is derived from the financial performance of Acquiror or
the value of shares of Acquiror Common Stock. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 4.3(a) of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, there are no
obligations, contingent or otherwise, of Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
Acquiror Common Stock or the capital
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stock or ownership interests of any Subsidiary or to provide funds to or
make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution
or otherwise) in any such Subsidiary or any other entity other than
guarantees of bank obligations or indebtedness for borrowed money of
Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business. All of the
outstanding shares of capital stock (including shares which may be issued
upon exercise of outstanding options) or other ownership interests of each
of the Acquiror's domestic Subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and, except as disclosed in Schedule
4.3(a) of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, all such shares (other than
director's qualify shares and similar shares in the case of foreign
Subsidiaries) are owned by the Acquiror or another Subsidiary of Acquiror
free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges,
agreements, limitations on the Acquiror's voting rights, charges or other
encumbrances or restrictions on transfer of any nature (other than
restrictions imposed by law).
(b) There is no Voting Debt of Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries issued
and outstanding. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.3(b) of the Acquiror
Disclosure Schedule or as reserved for future grants of options under the
Acquiror Stock Plans as of the date hereof, (i) there are no shares of
capital stock of any class of, or any security exchangeable into or
exercisable for such capital stock, issued, reserved for issuance or
outstanding; (ii) there are no options, warrants, equity securities, calls,
rights, commitments or agreements of any character to which Acquiror or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party (or by which it is bound) obligating
Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to
be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other
ownership interests (including Voting Debt) of Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries or obligating Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries to grant,
extend, accelerate the vesting of or enter into any such option, warrant,
equity security, call, right, commitment or agreement; and (iii) there are
no voting trusts, proxies or other voting agreements or understandings with
respect to the shares of capital stock of Acquiror to which Acquiror or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party. All shares of Acquiror Common Stock subject
to issuance as specified in this Section 4.3(b) are duly authorized and,
upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments
pursuant to which they are issuable, shall be validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
SECTION 4.4. Subsidiaries. The only Subsidiaries of Acquiror are those set
forth in Section 4.4 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule. There are no existing
options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, convertible securities or other
securities, agreements, commitments or obligations of any character relating to
the outstanding capital stock or other securities of any domestic Subsidiary of
Acquiror or which would require any domestic Subsidiary of Acquiror to issue or
sell any shares of its capital stock, ownership interests or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of its capital stock or ownership
interests.
SECTION 4.5. Other Interests. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.5 of the
Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, neither Acquiror nor any of Acquiror's
Subsidiaries owns, directly or indirectly, any material interest or investment
in the equity or debt for borrowed money of any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, business, trust or other Person
(other than Acquiror's Subsidiaries).
SECTION 4.6. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.6 of the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedule, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
performance by Acquiror of Acquiror's obligations hereunder, nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
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will: (i) conflict with Acquiror's certificate of incorporation or bylaws
or the comparable charter or organizational documents of any of its
material Subsidiaries; (ii) assuming satisfaction of the requirements set
forth in Section 4.6(b) below, violate any statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation, applicable to Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their properties or assets; or (iii) violate, breach, be in conflict with
or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default) under, or permit the termination of any
provision of, or result in the termination of, the acceleration of the
maturity of, or the acceleration of the performance of any obligation of
Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries under, or result in the creation of
imposition of any lien upon any properties, assets or business of Acquiror
or any of its Subsidiaries under, any note, bond, indenture, mortgage, deed
of trust, lease, franchise, permit, authorization, license, contract
(including, without limitation, Parent Contracts), instrument or other
agreement or commitment or any order, judgment or decree to which Acquiror
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties is bound or
encumbered, or give any Person the right to require Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries to purchase or repurchase any notes, bonds or instruments of
any kind except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for such
violations, breaches, conflicts, defaults or other occurrences which,
individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act,
the Securities Act and Blue Sky Laws, (ii) for the pre-merger notification
requirements of the HSR Act, (iii) for the filing of the Certificate of
Merger pursuant to the DGCL, (iv) for other governmental approvals and
filings required under the applicable laws of any foreign jurisdiction, and
(v) with respect to matters set forth in Section 4.6(a) or 4.6(b) of the
Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, no consent, approval or authorization of,
permit from, or declaration, filing or registration with, any governmental
or regulatory authority, or any other Person or entity is required to be
made or obtained by Acquiror in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except where the failure to obtain such consent,
approval, authorization, permit or declaration or to make such filing or
registration would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.7. Compliance. Acquiror and each of its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with all foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations
applicable to its operations or with respect to which compliance is a condition
of engaging in the business thereof, except to the extent that failure to
comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect. To the knowledge of Acquiror, neither Acquiror nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice asserting a failure, or possible failure,
to comply with any such law or regulation, the subject of which notice has not
been resolved as required thereby or otherwise to the satisfaction of the party
sending the notice, except for such failure as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Acquiror and its Subsidiaries
hold all permits, licenses and franchises from governmental agencies required
to conduct their respective businesses as they are now being conducted, except
for such failures to have such permits, licenses and franchises that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.8. SEC Documents.
(a) Acquiror has filed and made available to the Company true and
complete copies of each registration statement, proxy or information
statement, form, report and other documents required to be filed by it with
the SEC since January 1, 1995 (collectively, the "Acquiror SEC
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Reports"). As of their respective dates, the Acquiror SEC Reports (i)
complied, or, with respect to those not yet filed, will comply, in all
material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act
and the Exchange Act and (ii) did not, or, with respect to those not yet
filed, 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 the light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading.
(b) Each of the consolidated balance sheets included in or incorporated
by reference into Acquiror SEC Reports (including the related notes and
schedules) presents fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Acquiror and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of its
date, and each of the consolidated statements of income, retained earnings
and cash flows of Acquiror included in or incorporated by reference into
Acquiror SEC Reports (including the related notes and schedules) presents
fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations, retained
earnings or cash flows, as the case may be, of Acquiror and its
Subsidiaries for the periods set forth therein (subject, in the case of
unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments), in each case
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied during the periods involved,
except as may be noted therein.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.8(c) of the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedule and except as set forth in the Acquiror SEC Reports, neither
Acquiror nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations of
any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) that would
be required to be reflected on, or reserved against in, a balance sheet of
Acquiror or in the notes thereto, prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied, except for (i) liabilities or obligations that were
so reserved on, or reflected in (including the notes to), the consolidated
balance sheet of Acquiror as of September 30, 1998, (ii) liabilities or
obligations arising in the ordinary course of business (including trade
indebtedness) since September 30, 1998, and (iii) liabilities or
obligations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.9. Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Section 4.9
of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule or the Acquiror SEC Reports, and except for
the transactions expressly contemplated hereby, since September 30, 1998,
Acquiror and its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective businesses only
in the ordinary and usual course consistent with past practices and there has
not been any change in Acquiror's business, operations, condition (financial or
otherwise), results of operations, assets or liabilities, except for changes
contemplated hereby or changes which have not, individually or in the
aggregate, had or are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth in Section 4.9 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, from
September 30, 1998 through the date of this Agreement, neither Acquiror nor any
of its Subsidiaries has taken any of the actions prohibited by Section 5.2
hereof.
SECTION 4.10. Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 4.10 of the Acquiror
Disclosure Schedule or in the Acquiror SEC Reports there is no Action
instituted, pending or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, threatened, in each case
against Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries, which, individually or in the
aggregate, directly or indirectly, could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, nor is there any outstanding judgment, decree or
injunction, in each case against Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries, or any
statute, rule or order of any domestic or foreign court, governmental
department, commission or agency applicable to Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries which has or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or
in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 4.11. Taxes. Except as set forth in Section 4.11 of the Acquiror
Disclosure Schedule:
(a) Acquiror and its Subsidiaries have (A) duly filed (or there have been
filed on their behalf) with the appropriate governmental authorities all
Tax Returns required to be filed by them and such Tax Returns are true,
correct and complete in all respects, except for any such filings which are
not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect, and (B) duly paid in full all Taxes, whether or not shown
to be due on such Tax Returns, except for which the failure to pay would
not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
(b) No claim has ever been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where
any of Acquiror and its non-foreign Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns
that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction which is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) Each of Acquiror and its non-foreign Subsidiaries has withheld and
paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with
amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor,
stockholder, or other third party, except for amounts which are not
reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect;
(d) All federal income Tax Returns of Acquiror and its non-foreign
Subsidiaries for periods through the taxable year ended in 1991 have been
audited, and no federal or state, local or foreign audits or other
administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently being
conducted with regard to any Taxes or Tax Returns of Acquiror or its
Subsidiaries and neither Acquiror nor its Subsidiaries has received a
written notice of any pending audits with respect to Taxes or Tax Returns
of Acquiror, and neither Acquiror nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived
any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to any extension
of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, except with respect
to Taxes which are not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(e) Neither the Internal Revenue Service nor any other taxing authority
(whether domestic or foreign) has asserted against Acquiror or any of its
Subsidiaries any material deficiency or material claim for Taxes not
reserved for on the most recent balance sheet of the Acquiror as set forth
in its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;
(f) There are no liens for Taxes upon any Assets of Acquiror or any
Subsidiary thereof, except for liens for Taxes not yet due and payable and
liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, except for liens which would not be reasonably likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, and no
written power of attorney that has been granted by Acquiror or its
Subsidiaries (other than to Acquiror or a Subsidiary) currently is in force
with respect to any material matter relating to Taxes except with respect
to Taxes which are not reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(g) Neither Acquiror nor any of its Subsidiaries has, with regard to any
assets or property held by any of them, agreed to have Section 341(f) (2)
of the Code apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset (as such
term is defined in Section 341(f) (4) of the Code) owned by Acquiror or any
of its Subsidiaries;
(h) None of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries has made any payments, is
obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any agreement that under
certain circumstances could obligate it to make any payments that will not
be deductible under Section 280G of the Code;
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(i) None of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries has been a United States real
property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c) (2) of
the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c) (1) (A)
(ii) of the Code;
(j) None of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries is a party to any Tax
allocation or sharing agreement; and
(k) None of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries (A) has been a member of an
affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other
than a group the common parent of which was Acquiror) or (B) has any
Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than any of Acquiror and its
Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar
provision of state, local, or foreign law), as a transferee or successor,
by contract, or otherwise, other than such Taxes which are not reasonably
likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.12. Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 4.12 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule contains a complete
list of all Acquiror Pension Plans, Welfare Plans and material Benefit
Arrangements (other than those maintained outside the United States) as of
the date hereof. To the extent in the Acquiror's or its Subsidiaries'
possession, true and complete copies or descriptions of the Acquiror
Pension Plans, Welfare Plans and material Benefit Arrangements (other than
those maintained outside the United States), including, without limitation,
trust instruments, if any, that form a part thereof, and all amendments
thereto have been furnished or made available to the Company and its
counsel.
(b) Except as described in Section 4.12 of the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedule, each of the Acquiror Employee Plans (other than any Multiemployer
Plan) has been administered and is in compliance with the terms of such
Acquiror Employee Plan and all applicable laws, rules and regulations
except for noncompliance which, individually or in the aggregate, are not
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) No "reportable event" (as such term is used in section 4043 of ERISA)
for which the notice requirements to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation have not been waived, "prohibited transaction" (as such term is
used in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the Code) for which no
exemption exists, or "accumulated funding deficiency" (as such term is used
in section 412 or 4971 of the Code) has heretofore occurred with respect to
any Pension Plan (other than any Multiemployer Plan) of Acquiror or any of
its Subsidiaries except for such events which, individually or in the
aggregate, are not reasonably like to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) There is no material action, order, writ, injunction, judgment or
decree outstanding or claim, suit litigation, proceeding, arbitral action,
governmental audit or investigation relating to or seeking benefits under
any Acquiror Employee Plan that is pending or, to Acquiror's knowledge,
threatened against Acquiror, any of its ERISA Affiliates, or any Acquiror
Employee Plans (collectively, "Claims"), other than routine claims for
benefits or Claims which, individually or in the aggregate, are not
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Except as set forth in Section 4.12 of the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedule, Acquiror has not incurred any withdrawal liability with respect
to any Multiemployer Plan under Title IV of ERISA which remains
unsatisfied, except for such liabilities as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(f) With respect to the Acquiror Employee Plans, individually and in the
aggregate, there are no funded benefit obligations for which contributions
have not been made or properly accrued and there are no unfunded benefit
obligations which have not been accounted for by reserves, or otherwise
properly footnoted in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, on the financial statements of Acquiror, except for obligations
which, individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Acquiror.
SECTION 4.13. Title to Assets. The Assets of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, are sufficient to permit Acquiror and its Subsidiaries to
conduct their business as currently being conducted with only such exceptions
as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All of the material Assets owned
by Acquiror are owned free and clear of all Encumbrances, except as described
in Section 4.13 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule or Permitted Encumbrances
or when the failure to have such ownership would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 4.14. Contracts. Each Acquiror Contract is valid, binding and
enforceable and in full force and effect, except where failure to be valid,
binding and enforceable and in full force and effect would not have a Material
Adverse Effect, and there are no material defaults thereunder by Acquiror or
its Subsidiaries or, to the best knowledge of Acquiror, by any other party
thereto which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.15. Labor Relations. Except as set forth on Section 4.15 of the
Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, there is no labor strike, slowdown or work
stoppage or lockout against Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries, there is no
unfair labor practice charge or complaint against or pending before the
National Labor Relations Board which if decided adversely could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Acquiror and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, and there is no representation claim or petition pending
before the National Labor Relations Board and no question concerning
representation exists with respect to the employees of Acquiror or its
Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.16. Intellectual Property.
(a) Acquiror and its Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or otherwise
possess legally enforceable rights to use, all patents, trademarks, trade
names, service marks and copyrights, any applications for and registrations
of such patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks and copyrights, and
all processes, formulae, methods, schematics, technology, know-how,
computer software programs or applications, tangible or intangible
proprietary information or material, waivers or licenses of publicity or
privacy rights or any other third party licenses that are necessary to
conduct the business of Acquiror and its Subsidiaries as currently
conducted, the absence of which would be reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect (the "Acquiror Intellectual Property Rights").
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and consummation of the
Merger will not result in the breach of, or create on behalf of any third
party the right to terminate or modify, any license, sublicense or other
agreement relating to the Acquiror Intellectual Property Rights, or any
material licenses, sublicenses and other agreements as to which Acquiror or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which Acquiror or any of
its Subsidiaries is authorized to use any third party patents, trademarks,
copyrights, trade secrets, likeness or other proprietary rights, including
software that is used in the manufacture of, incorporated in, or forms a
part of any product sold by or expected to be sold by Acquiror or any of
its Subsidiaries, the termination, modification (including without
limitation any modification to the scope of any
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license from the scope as currently granted by Acquiror even if such
modification is contemplated by the agreement) or breach of which would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) All patents, registered trademarks, service marks and copyrights
which are held by Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries the loss or
invalidity of which would cause a Material Adverse Effect, are valid and
subsisting. Except as would not be reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, Acquiror (i) has not been sued in any suit, action or
proceeding, or received in writing any claim or notice, which involves a
claim of (w) infringement or violation of any patents, trademarks, service
marks, copyrights, trade secrets, right of privacy or publicity or any
other proprietary right of any third party or (x) libel or defamation; and
(ii) has no knowledge that the manufacturing, marketing, licensing or sale
of its products infringes or violates any patent, trademark, service mark,
copyright, trade secret, right of privacy or publicity, or other
proprietary right of any third party.
SECTION 4.17. Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 4.17 of
the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule or the Acquiror SEC Reports and except for
such matters that, individually or in the aggregate, are not reasonably likely
to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except as has not had, and would not
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, Acquiror and each of
its Subsidiaries (i) have obtained all applicable permits, licenses and other
authorizations which are required to be obtained under all applicable
Environmental Laws by Acquiror or its Subsidiaries; (ii) are in material
compliance with all terms and conditions of such required permits, licenses and
authorization, and also are in material compliance with all other limitations,
restrictions, conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements, obligations,
schedules and timetables contained in or arising from applicable Environmental
Laws; (iii) have not received notice of any past or present violations of
Environmental Laws, or of any spill, release, event, incident, condition,
action or failure to act which is reasonably likely to prevent continued
compliance with such Environmental Laws, or which would give rise to any common
law environmental liability or liability under Environmental Laws, or which
would otherwise form the basis of any claims, action, suit or proceeding
against Acquiror or any of its Subsidiaries based on or resulting from the
manufacture, processing, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or
handling, or the emission, discharge or release into the environment, of any
Hazardous Material by any Person; and (iv) have taken all actions required
under applicable Environmental Laws to register any products or materials
required to be registered by Acquiror or its Subsidiaries thereunder.
SECTION 4.18. Joint Proxy Statement Prospectus; Registration Statement. None
of the information supplied by Acquiror to be included or incorporated by
reference in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment thereof or
supplement thereto, will, on the date it became effective with the SEC, at the
time of the mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto to the stockholders of Acquiror or the Company, at the time
of the Acquiror Stockholder Meeting and the Company Stockholder Meeting and at
the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading. The Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will comply as to
form in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; provided, however, that
Acquiror makes no representation with respect to any information supplied or to
be supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporated by reference from
Company SEC filings in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto. None of the information supplied by Acquiror to
be included or
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incorporated by reference from Acquiror SEC filings in the Registration
Statement will, at the time the Registration Statement is declared effective by
the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not misleading.
SECTION 4.19. Opinion of Financial Advisor. Acquiror has received the written
opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co., dated the date of this Agreement, to the
effect that the consideration to be paid by Acquiror in connection with the
Merger is fair to Acquiror from a financial point of view.
SECTION 4.20. Ownership of Company Common Stock. To the best knowledge of
Acquiror, neither Acquiror, nor any of its affiliates, beneficially or of
record, owns any shares of Company Stock or Exchangeable Shares, other than
such securities, if any, held by or for the account of employees or former
employees of Acquiror, or any of its respective affiliates pursuant to any
Acquiror Employee Plan.
SECTION 4.21. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, the fees and
expenses of which shall be paid by Acquiror) is entitled to any brokerage,
finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
Acquiror.
SECTION 4.22. Vote Required. The approval by a majority of the voting power
represented by the outstanding shares of Acquiror Common Stock and Acquiror
Preferred Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, is
the only vote of the holders of any class or series of Acquiror's capital stock
necessary to approve this Agreement, the Merger and, if necessary for the
consummation of the Merger, an amendment to Acquiror's Certificate of
Incorporation, ("Acquiror Stockholder Approval"). The Acquiror Board, at a
meeting duly called and held, by unanimous vote of the directors present (i)
determined that this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement, the Stockholder
Support Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Merger, are fair to, and in the best interests of, the stockholders of
Acquiror, (ii) approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger, and (iii) declared advisable and resolved to
recommend that the holders of the shares of the Acquiror Common Stock approve
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger.
SECTION 4.23. Tax and Accounting Matters. To Acquiror's knowledge, neither
Acquiror nor any of its Affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action, or
knows of any circumstances, that (without regard to any action taken or agreed
to be taken by the Company or any of its Affiliates) would (i) prevent Acquiror
from accounting for the business combination to be effected by the Merger as a
"pooling of interests" under GAAP and the applicable rules and regulations of
the SEC or (ii) prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within
the meaning of Sections 368(a) of the Code.
SECTION 4.24. Rights Plan. As of the Effective Time, each share of Acquiror
Common Stock received by holders of Company Common Stock pursuant to Section
2.7(a), or holders of Company Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 2.7(b), shall
evidence and entitle the holder thereof to Acquiror Rights under the Acquiror
Rights Agreement.
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ARTICLE V.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
SECTION 5.1. Conduct of Business of the Company Pending the Merger. During
the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of
the termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, the Company agrees as
to itself and each of its Subsidiaries (except to the extent that Acquiror
shall otherwise consent in writing) to carry on its business in the ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as previously conducted, to pay its
debts and taxes when due, subject to good faith disputes over such debts or
taxes, in the ordinary course in substantially the same manner as previously
paid, to pay or perform its other obligations when due in the ordinary course
in substantially the same manner as previously paid or performed, to maintain
insurance coverages and its books, accounts and records in the usual manner
consistent with past practices, to comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances and regulations of Governmental Entities, to
maintain and keep its properties and equipment in good repair, working order
and condition (except ordinary wear and tear), and, to the extent consistent
with such business, use all reasonable efforts consistent with past practices
and policies to preserve intact its present business organization, keep
available the services of its present officers and key employees and preserve
its relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, and others having
business dealings with it. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and
except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, or as specifically
disclosed in Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, during the period
from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, without the written
consent of Acquiror (which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), the
Company shall not and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:
(a) adopt or propose any amendment to its certificate of incorporation or
bylaws or comparable charter or organizational documents except as
contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) (i) issue, pledge or sell, or propose or authorize the issuance,
pledge or sale of, additional shares of capital stock of any class (other
than upon exercise of Company Stock Rights outstanding on the date of this
Agreement upon payment of the exercise price thereof or upon any exchange
of Exchangeable Shares), or securities convertible into capital stock of
any class, or any subscriptions, rights, warrants or options to acquire any
convertible securities or capital stock, or any other securities in respect
of, in lieu of, or in substitution for, shares of Company Stock outstanding
on the date hereof, (ii) amend, waive or otherwise modify any of the terms
of any option, warrant or stock option plan of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including without limitation, the Company Stock Rights and
the Company Stock Plans, or authorize cash payments in exchange for any
options granted under any of such plans, or (iii) adopt or implement any
stockholder rights plan;
(c) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether
in cash, securities or property or any combination thereof) in respect of
any class or series of its capital stock other than between any wholly-
owned Subsidiary of the Company (or the Canadian Sub) and the Company or
any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (or the Canadian Sub), or
purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its
capital stock (other than the Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the exchange
rights thereof);
(d) split, combine, subdivide, reclassify or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, or propose to redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire,
any shares of its capital stock, or any of its other securities (other than
the Exchangeable Shares pursuant to the exchange rights thereof);
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(e) increase the compensation or fringe benefits payable or to become
payable to its directors, officers or employees (whether from the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries), or pay any benefit not required by any
existing plan or arrangement (including, without limitation, the granting
of stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock or
performance units) or grant any severance or termination pay to (except
pursuant to existing agreements or policies previously disclosed in writing
to Acquiror, which shall be interpreted and implemented in a manner
consistent with past practice), or enter into any employment or severance
agreement with, any director, officer or employee of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or establish, adopt, enter into, or amend any collective
bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock option,
restricted stock, pension, retirement, savings, welfare, deferred
compensation, employment, termination, severance or other employee benefit
plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit or
welfare of any directors, officers or current or former employees,
including any Benefit Arrangement, Pension Plan or Welfare Plan, except (i)
to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, (ii) pursuant to
any collective bargaining agreements or Company Employee Plan as in effect
on the date of this Agreement consistent with past practices, (iii) for
salary and benefit increases in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice to employees other than executive officers of the
Company, (iv) pursuant to Section 2.8 or (v) the grant of options
consistent with past practice to new or promoted employees other than
executive officers, which options represent in the aggregate the right to
acquire no more than 500,000 shares (net cancellations) of Company Common
Stock;
(f) (i) sell, pledge, lease, dispose of, grant, encumber, or otherwise
authorize the sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of any of the
properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including
stock of Subsidiaries), except for (A) sales of assets in the ordinary
course of business, (B) sales of assets aggregating less than $5,000,000,
(C) sales of accounts receivable under agreements with Fleet Bank and Sanwa
Bank in effect as of the date hereof consistent with past practice, (D)
sales of marketable securities aggregating less than $20,000,000, and (E)
sales of assets under sale/leaseback arrangements with Fleet Bank in effect
as of the date hereof consistent with past practice, or (ii) acquire
(including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, lease or
acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership, other
business organization or any division thereof (or a substantial portion of
the assets thereof) or any other assets, except for acquisitions of assets
in the ordinary course of business and except for acquisitions involving an
aggregate purchase price not in excess of $10,000,000;
(g) (i) incur, assume or pre-pay any debt for borrowed money, other than
pursuant to credit agreements, accounts receivable facilities, factoring
arrangements and sale/leaseback arrangements in effect as of the date
hereof consistent with past practice, (ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or
otherwise become liable or responsible (whether directly, contingently or
otherwise) for the obligations of any other person (other than wholly-owned
subsidiaries), (iii) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to,
or investments in, any other person (including advances to employees),
except for loans, advances, capital contributions or investments between
any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company and the Company or another
wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company or which are reasonable, necessary,
in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice, or (iv) enter
into any "keep well" or other agreement to maintain the financial condition
of another entity (other than the Company or any of its wholly-owned
Subsidiaries);
(h) authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to adopt a
plan of complete or partial liquidation or dissolution of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, other than in connection with the dissolution,
merger or liquidation of inactive Subsidiaries;
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(i) make or rescind any material express or deemed election relating to
Taxes, settle or compromise any material claim, action, suit, litigation,
proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit or controversy relating to
Taxes, amend any material Tax Return except in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, or except as may be required by
applicable law, make any change to any of its material methods of reporting
income or deductions (including, without limitation, any change to its
methods or basis or write-offs of accounts receivable) for federal income
tax purposes from those employed in the preparation of its federal income
tax return for the taxable year ending January 3, 1998;
(j) pay, discharge or satisfy any material claims, liabilities or
obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted, unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice of
liabilities reflected or reserved against in the consolidated financial
statements of the Company;
(k) other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practice, waive any rights of substantial value or make any payment,
direct or indirect, of any material liability of the Company or of any of
its Subsidiaries before the same comes due in accordance with its terms;
(l) fail to maintain its existing insurance coverage of all types in
effect or, in the event any such coverage shall be terminated or lapse, to
the extent available at reasonable cost, procure substantially similar
substitute insurance policies which in all material respects are in at
least such amounts and against such risks as are currently covered by such
policies;
(m) enter into any collective bargaining agreement (other than as
required by law or extensions of existing agreements in the ordinary course
of business);
(n) change its methods of accounting as in effect on October 3, 1998
except as required by GAAP, or take any action, other than reasonable and
usual actions in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice, with respect to accounting policies or procedures, unless
required by GAAP or the SEC;
(o) modify, amend or terminate any of the Company Contracts or waive,
release or assign any material rights or claims, except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(p) take, or agree to commit to take, any action that would cause the
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein,
individually or in the aggregate, not to be true and correct in all
material respects;
(q) close, shut down, or otherwise eliminate any facility or office
containing more than 20,000 square feet;
(r) make or commit to make any capital expenditures that exceed
$10,000,000 in the aggregate or, except as required pursuant to commitments
existing on the date hereof or made without violation of this Section 5.1,
make any cash disbursement not in the ordinary course of business exceeding
$5,000,000 for any single item or related series of items;
(s) initiate, compromise, or settle any material litigation or
arbitration proceeding except in connection with the Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby;
(t) enter into an agreement, contract, commitment or arrangement to do
any of the foregoing; and
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(u) modify, amend, restate or terminate the Amended and Restated
Employment Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and
Michael J. Perik or the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as
of the date hereof, between the Company and Kevin O'Leary, or waive,
release or assign any material rights or claims thereunder.
SECTION 5.2. Conduct of Business of Acquiror Pending the Merger. During the
period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, Acquiror agrees as to
itself and each of its Subsidiaries (except to the extent that the Company
shall otherwise consent in writing) to carry on its business in the ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as previously conducted, to pay its
debts and taxes when due, subject to good faith disputes over such debts or
taxes, in the ordinary course in substantially the same manner as previously
paid, to pay or perform its other obligations when due in the ordinary course
in substantially the same manner as previously paid or performed, to maintain
insurance coverages and its books, accounts and records in the usual manner
consistent with past practices, to comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances and regulations of Governmental Entities, to
maintain and keep its properties and equipment in good repair, working order
and condition (except ordinary wear and tear), and, to the extent consistent
with such business, use all reasonable efforts consistent with past practices
and policies to preserve intact its present business organization, keep
available the services of its present officers and key employees and preserve
its relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, and others having
business dealings with it. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and
except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, or as specifically
disclosed in Section 5.2 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule, during the period
from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the earlier of the
termination of this Agreement or the Effective Time, without the written
consent of the Company, Acquiror shall not and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to:
(a) adopt or propose any amendment to its certificate of incorporation or
bylaws or comparable charter or organizational documents, except as
contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) split, combine, subdivide, reclassify or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, or propose to redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire,
any shares of its capital stock, or any of its other securities; and
(c) enter into an agreement, contract, commitment or arrangement to do
any of the foregoing.
ARTICLE VI.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
SECTION 6.1. Preparation of Form S-4 and the Proxy Statement; Stockholder
Meeting.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, the
Company and Acquiror shall cooperate, prepare and file with the SEC, the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement in which
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be included as a prospectus,
provided that Acquiror may delay the filing of the Registration Statement
until approval of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by the SEC. The
Company and Acquiror will cause the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
the Registration Statement to comply as to form in all material respects
with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act
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and the rules and regulations thereunder. Each of Acquiror and the Company
shall use reasonable best efforts to have or cause the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to be cleared by the SEC and to cause the Registration
Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, each of the Company and Acquiror shall,
and shall cause its respective Representatives to, fully cooperate with the
other party and its respective Representatives in the preparation of the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement, and shall,
upon request, furnish the other party with all information concerning it
and its affiliates, directors, officers and stockholders as the other may
reasonably request in connection with the preparation of the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement. The Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus with respect to the Merger shall include the
determination and recommendation of the Company Board (subject to Section
6.3(d)) and the Acquiror Board that their respective stockholders vote in
favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger. The
Company and Acquiror shall use reasonable best efforts to take all actions
required under any applicable foreign, federal or state securities or Blue
Sky Laws in connection with the issuance of shares of Acquiror Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger. As promptly as practicable after the Registration
Statement with respect to the Merger shall have become effective, the
Company and Acquiror shall cause the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus with
respect to the Merger to be mailed to their respective stockholders.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) the Company and
Acquiror shall notify each other as promptly as practicable upon becoming
aware of any event or circumstance which should be described in an
amendment of, or supplement to, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the
Registration Statement, and (ii) the Company and Acquiror shall each notify
the other as promptly as practicable after the receipt by it of any written
or oral comments of the SEC on, or of any written or oral request by the
SEC for amendments or supplements to, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
or the Registration Statement, and shall promptly supply the other with
copies of all correspondence between it or any of its representatives and
the SEC with respect to any of the foregoing filings.
(c) The Company shall take all action necessary to convene and hold a
meeting of its stockholders as promptly as practical for the purpose of
obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval. Subject to Section 6.3, the
Company shall, through the Company Board, recommend to its stockholders the
adoption of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and
shall use its best efforts to solicit from its stockholders proxies in
favor of adoption of this Agreement and to take all other lawful action
necessary to secure the Company Stockholder Approval. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Company agrees that its obligations
pursuant to this Section 6.1(c) shall not be affected by the commencement,
public proposal or communication to the Company of any Acquisition
Proposal, subject to Section 6.3 below.
(d) Acquiror shall take all action necessary in accordance with
applicable law and its certificate of incorporation and bylaws to convene
and hold a meeting of its stockholders as promptly as practical for the
purpose of obtaining the Acquiror Stockholder Approval. Acquiror shall,
through the Acquiror Board, recommend to its stockholders the adoption of
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and shall use its
best efforts to solicit from its stockholders proxies in favor of adoption
of this Agreement and to take all other lawful action necessary to secure
the Acquiror Stockholder Approval. Neither the Acquiror Board nor any
committee thereof shall withdraw or modify, or propose publicly to withdraw
or modify, in a manner adverse to the Company, the approval or
recommendation by the Acquiror Board of this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby.
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(e) The Company and Acquiror shall coordinate and cooperate with each
other with respect to the timing of the Company Stockholder Meeting and the
Acquiror Stockholder Meeting and shall use their best efforts to hold such
meeting on the same day and as soon as practicable after the date hereof.
SECTION 6.2. Cooperation; Notice; Cure. Subject to compliance with applicable
law, from the date hereof until the Effective Time, each of Acquiror and the
Company shall confer on a regular and frequent basis with one or more
representatives of the other party to report on the general status of ongoing
operations. Each of Acquiror and the Company shall promptly notify the other in
writing of, and will use reasonable best efforts to cure before the Closing
Date, any event, transaction or circumstance, as soon as practical after it
becomes known to such party, that causes or will cause any covenant or
agreement of Acquiror or the Company, as the case may be, under this Agreement
to be breached in any material respect or that renders or will render untrue in
any material respect any representation or warranty of Acquiror or the Company
contained in this Agreement. No notice given pursuant to this paragraph shall
have any effect on the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement for purposes of determining satisfaction of any
condition contained herein.
SECTION 6.3. No Solicitation.
(a) The Company shall immediately cease and terminate any existing
solicitation, initiation, encouragement, activity, discussion or
negotiation with any Persons conducted heretofore by the Company, its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives with respect to any
proposed, potential or contemplated Acquisition Transaction.
(b) From and after the date hereof, without the prior written consent of
Acquiror, the Company will not authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any and all of its
or their respective officers, directors, employees, financial advisors,
agents or representatives (each a "Representative") not to, directly or
indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, or encourage any inquiries or proposals
that constitute, or could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition
Proposal, or (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions with any person (or
group of persons) other than Acquiror or its respective affiliates (a
"Third Party") concerning, provide any non-public information to any person
or entity relating to, an Acquisition Proposal, or (iii) enter into any
letter of intent, agreement in principle or any acquisition agreement or
other similar agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal; provided,
however, that nothing contained in this Section 6.3(b) shall prevent the
Company or the Company Board from furnishing non-public information to, or
entering into discussions or negotiations with, any Third Party in
connection with an unsolicited, bona fide written proposal for an
Acquisition Proposal by such Third Party, if and only to the extent that
(1) such Third Party has made a written proposal to the Company Board to
consummate an Acquisition Proposal, (2) the Company Board determines in
good faith, after consultation with a financial advisor of nationally
recognized reputation, that such Acquisition Proposal is reasonably capable
of being completed on substantially the terms proposed, and would, if
consummated, result in a transaction that would provide greater value to
the holders of Company Common Stock than the transaction contemplated by
this Agreement (a "Superior Proposal"), (3) the failure to take such action
would, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Company Board, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, be inconsistent with its fiduciary
duties to the Company's stockholders under applicable law, and (4) prior to
furnishing such non-public information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, such person or entity, the Company Board receives from
such person or entity an executed confidentiality and standstill
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agreement with material terms no less favorable to the Company than those
contained in the Confidentiality Agreement. The Company agrees not to
release any Third Party from, or waive any provision of, any standstill
agreement to which it is a party or any confidentiality agreement between
it and another person who has made, or who may reasonably be considered
likely to make, an Acquisition Proposal, unless the failure to take such
action would, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Company Board,
after consultation with outside legal counsel, be inconsistent with its
fiduciary duties to the Company's stockholders under applicable law. For
purposes of this Agreement, "Acquisition Proposal" shall mean, with respect
to the Company, any proposal or offer from any Person (other than Acquiror
or any of its Subsidiaries) relating to any (i) direct or indirect
acquisition or purchase of a business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, that constitutes 20% or more of the consolidated net
revenues, net income or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii)
direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of 20% or more of any class of
equity securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries whose business
constitutes 20% or more of the consolidated net revenues, net income or
assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iii) tender offer or exchange
offer that if consummated would result in any Person beneficially owning
20% or more of the capital stock of the Company, or (iv) merger,
consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation,
dissolution or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more of the consolidated net
revenues, net income or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Each of
the transactions referred to in clauses (i)-(iv) of the definition of
Acquisition Proposal, other than any such transaction to which Acquiror or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party, is referred to as an "Acquisition
Transaction."
(c) The Company shall notify Acquiror promptly after receipt by the
Company or the Company's knowledge of the receipt by any of its advisors of
any Acquisition Proposal or any request for non-public information in
connection with an Acquisition Proposal or for access to the properties,
books or records of the Company by any person or entity that informs such
party that it is considering making or has made an Acquisition Proposal.
Such notice shall be made orally and in writing and shall indicate the
identity of the offeror and the terms and conditions of such proposal,
inquiry or contact. The Company shall keep Acquiror informed of the status
(including any change to the material terms) of any such Acquisition
Proposal or request for non-public information.
(d) The Board of Directors of the Company may not withdraw or modify, or
propose to withdraw or modify, in a manner adverse to Acquiror the approval
or recommendation by the Company Board of this Agreement or the Merger
unless, following the receipt of a Superior Proposal, in the reasonable
good faith judgment of the Company Board, after consultation with outside
legal counsel, the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its
fiduciary duties to the Company's stockholders under applicable law;
provided however, that, the Board of Directors of the Company shall submit
this Agreement to the Company's stockholders for approval, whether or not
the Board of Directors of the Company at any time subsequent to the date
hereof determines that this Agreement is no longer advisable or recommends
that the stockholders of the Company reject it or otherwise modifies or
withdraws its recommendation. Unless the Board of Directors of the Company
has withdrawn its recommendation of this Agreement in compliance herewith,
the Company shall use its best efforts to solicit from stockholders of the
Company proxies in favor of the approval and adoption of this Agreement and
the Merger and to secure the vote or consent of stockholders required by
the DGCL and its certificate of incorporation and bylaws to approve and
adopt this Agreement and the Merger.
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(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit the Company from
complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to
a tender or exchange offer or from making any other disclosures to its
stockholders to the extent required by law.
SECTION 6.4. Access to Information. Upon reasonable notice, each of Acquiror
and the Company (and each of their respective Subsidiaries) shall afford to the
other party and its Representatives reasonable access, during normal business
hours during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all its personnel,
properties, books, contracts, commitments and records and, during such period,
each of Acquiror and the Company shall, and shall cause each of its respective
Subsidiaries to, furnish promptly to the other (a) a copy of each report,
schedule, registration statement and other documents filed or received by it
during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal or state securities
laws and (b) all other information concerning its business, properties and
personnel as the other party may reasonably request. Each party making such
requests will hold any such information furnished to it by the other party
which is nonpublic in confidence in accordance with the Confidentiality
Agreement dated as of November 10, 1998, between Acquiror and the Company (the
"Confidentiality Agreement"). No information or knowledge obtained in any
investigation pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall affect or be deemed to modify
any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement or the conditions to
the obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger.
SECTION 6.5. Governmental Approvals.
(a) The parties hereto shall cooperate with each other and use their
reasonable best efforts to promptly prepare and file all necessary
documentation, to effect all applications, notices, petitions and filings,
to obtain as promptly as practicable all permits, registrations, licenses,
consents, variances, exemptions, orders, approvals and authorizations of
all third parties and Governmental Entities which are necessary to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including,
without limitation, all filings required under the HSR Act or any
applicable foreign anti-trust law or regulation ("Governmental Approvals"),
and to comply with the terms and conditions of all such Governmental
Approvals. Each of the parties hereto shall use their reasonable best
efforts to, and shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause their
respective officers, directors and affiliates to, file within 30 days after
the date hereof, and in all events shall file within 60 days after the date
hereof, all required initial applications and documents in connection with
obtaining the Governmental Approvals and shall act reasonably and promptly
thereafter in responding to additional requests in connection therewith.
Acquiror and the Company shall have the right to review in advance, and to
the extent practicable, each will consult the other on, in each case
subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, all the
information relating to Acquiror and the Company, as the case may be, and
any of their respective Subsidiaries, directors, officers and stockholders
which appear in any filing made with, or written materials submitted to,
any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the
foregoing, each of Acquiror and the Company (the "Notifying Party") will
notify the other promptly of the receipt of comments or requests from
Governmental Entities relating to Governmental Approvals, and will supply
the other party with copies of all correspondence between the Notifying
Party or any of its representatives and Governmental Entities with respect
to Governmental Approvals.
(b) Acquiror and the Company shall promptly advise each other upon
receiving any communication from any Governmental Entity whose consent or
approval is required for consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement which causes such party to
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believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that any approval needed from
a Governmental Entity will not be obtained or that the receipt of any such
approval will be materially delayed. Acquiror and the Company shall take
any and all actions reasonably necessary to vigorously defend, lift,
mitigate and rescind the effect of any litigation or administrative
proceeding adversely affecting this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, including, without limitation, promptly
appealing any adverse court or administrative order or injunction to the
extent reasonably necessary for the foregoing purposes.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this
Agreement, Acquiror shall have no obligation or affirmative duty under this
Section 6.5 to cease or refrain from the ownership of any assets or
properties, or the association with any person or entity which association
is material to the operations of Acquiror, whether on the date hereof or at
any time in the future.
SECTION 6.6. Publicity. Acquiror and the Company shall agree on the form and
content of the initial press release regarding the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereafter shall consult with each other before issuing, and use all
reasonable efforts to agree upon, any press release or other written public
statement with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby and shall
not issue any such press release or make any such written public statement or
filings prior to such consultation, except as may be required by law.
SECTION 6.7. Indemnification.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Acquiror agrees that it will
indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of
the Company and its Subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties"), against any
costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines,
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts paid in settlement incurred
in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation
(whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding")
), arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or
prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or
after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware
law. The obligations of Acquiror under this Section 6.7(a) shall include
the obligation to advance expenses as incurred prior to the final
disposition of the Proceeding.
(b) Acquiror shall, until the fifth anniversary of the Effective Time (or
such earlier date as may be mutually agreed upon by Acquiror, and the
applicable Indemnified Party) cause to be maintained in effect, to the
extent available, the policies of directors' and officers' liability
insurance maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof (or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing
terms that are not less advantageous to the insured parties) with respect
to claims arising from facts that occurred on or prior to the Effective
Time, including without limitation all claims based upon, arising out of,
directly or indirectly resulting from, in consequence of, or in any way
involving the Merger and any and all related events. In lieu of the
purchase of such insurance by the Acquiror, Acquiror may purchase a five
year extended reporting period endorsement ("Reporting Tail Coverage")
under the Company's existing directors' and officers' liability insurance
coverage, providing that such Reporting Tail Coverage shall extend the
directors' and officers' liability coverage in force as of the date hereof
for a period of at least five (5) years from the Effective Time for any
claim based upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly resulting from, in
consequence of, or any way involving wrongful acts or omissions occurring
or prior to the Effective Time, including without limitation all claims
based upon, arising out of, directly or indirectly resulting from, in
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consequence of, or any way involving the Merger or any and all related
events. In no event shall the Acquiror be obligated to expend in order to
maintain or procure insurance coverage pursuant to this Section 6.7(b) an
amount per year in excess of $727,500 per annum. The Company represents and
warrants that the current premium on its directors' and officers' liability
insurance for the three year period commencing June, 1997 is $1,091,850.
(c) The provisions of this Section 6.7 are intended to be an addition to
the rights otherwise available to the current officers and directors of the
Company by law, charter, statute, bylaw or agreement, and shall operate for
the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Indemnified
Parties, their heirs and their representatives.
SECTION 6.8. Employee Benefits Matters. From the Effective Time until
December 31, 1999, the Surviving Corporation shall provide the employees of the
Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries (who were, prior to the Merger,
employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries) Employee Benefits which, in the
aggregate, are no less favorable to such employees, than the Employee Benefits
provided to the employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior
to the Effective Time. Acquiror and the Company agree that the Company and the
Surviving Corporation shall pay promptly or provide when due all compensation
and benefits required to be paid pursuant to the terms of any individual
agreement with any employee, former employee, director or former director in
effect and disclosed to Acquiror as of the date hereof. For all Employee
Benefits (including, without limitation, Employee Plans and other programs of
Acquiror and its affiliates after the Effective Time), all service with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time of employees
(excluding employees covered by collective bargaining agreements) shall be
treated as service with Acquiror and its affiliates for purposes of
eligibility, vesting, benefits accrued (other than for the purposes of any
pension plan) and determination of benefit levels to the same extent that such
service is taken into account by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the
date hereof, except to the extent such treatment will result in duplication of
benefits. Acquiror will, or will cause the Surviving Corporation to, (i) waive
all limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions and waiting periods
with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to the
Company's employees under any Employee Plans that such employees may be
eligible to participate in after the Effective Time, other than limitations,
exclusions or waiting periods that are already in effect with respect to such
employees and that have not been satisfied as of the Effective Time under any
Employee Plan maintained for such employees immediately prior to the Effective
Time and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to provide such employees credit
for any co-payments and deductibles paid prior to the Effective Time in
satisfying any applicable deductible or out of pocket requirements under any
Welfare Plans that such employees are eligible to participate in after the
Effective Time. "Employee Benefits" shall mean the following benefits: any
medical, health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, severance,
pension, retirement or savings plan, policy or arrangement, including those
such plans for which coverage is generally limited to officers or a select
group of highly compensated employees of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries. Nothing herein shall require the continued employment of any
person or prevent the Company and/or the Surviving Corporation from taking any
action or refraining from taking any action which the Company could take or
refrain from taking prior to or after the Effective Time, including, without
limitation, any action the Company or the Surviving Corporation could take to
terminate any plan under its terms as in effect as of the date hereof.
Immediately at the Effective Time, Acquiror shall and hereby does, assume those
employment agreements, Company Employee Plans and Employee Benefits
arrangements as are set forth in Section 6.8 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule.
SECTION 6.9. Affiliate Agreements. Upon the execution of this Agreement, the
Company and Acquiror shall provide each other a list identifying, to the
Company's or Acquiror's respective
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best knowledge, those persons who are "affiliates" of the Company or Acquiror,
respectively, within the meaning of Rule 145 (each such person who is an
"affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 145 is referred to as a
"Company Affiliate" and each such person who is an "affiliate" of the Acquiror
is referred to as an "Acquiror Affiliate") promulgated under the Securities Act
("Rule 145"). The Company and Acquiror shall provide each other such
information and documents as each shall reasonably request for purposes of
reviewing such list and shall notify the other party in writing regarding any
change in the identity of its Affiliates prior to the Closing Date. The Company
and Acquiror shall each use their respective reasonable best efforts to deliver
or cause to be delivered to each other prior to the Effective Time an executed
Affiliate Agreement from each of its Affiliates substantially in the Form
attached hereto as Exhibit C (in the case of the Company Affiliates) and
Exhibit D (in the case of the Acquiror Affiliates).
SECTION 6.10. Pooling Accounting. The parties shall use their reasonable best
efforts to cause the Merger to be accounted for as a pooling of interests under
GAAP and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, from and after the date hereof and
until the Effective Time, neither the Company nor Acquiror, nor any of their
respective Subsidiaries or other Affiliates, shall knowingly take any action,
or knowingly fail to take any action, that is reasonably likely to jeopardize
the treatment of the Merger as a pooling of interests for accounting purposes
under GAAP and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. Acquiror and
the Company shall each provide reasonable cooperation to PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP to enable it to issue the pooling letters referenced in Sections 6.14 and
6.15. As soon as is reasonably practicable but in no event later than 45 days
after the end of the first month ending at least 30 days after the Effective
Time, Acquiror will publish results including at least 30 days of combined
operations of Acquiror and the Company as referred to in the written agreements
provided for by Section 6.9.
SECTION 6.11. Tax Treatment of Reorganization.
(a) The parties intend the Merger to qualify as a reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Code and shall use their best efforts (and shall
cause their respective Subsidiaries to use their best efforts) to cause the
Merger to so qualify. Neither the Company nor Acquiror, nor any of their
respective Subsidiaries or other affiliates, shall take any action, or fail
to take any action, that is not specifically provided for by this Agreement
that would or would be reasonably likely to adversely affect the treatment
of the Merger as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code.
Acquiror and the Company shall, and shall cause their respective
Subsidiaries to, take the position for all purposes that the Merger
qualifies as a reorganization under that Section of the Code.
(b) Acquiror and the Company shall cooperate and use their best efforts
in obtaining the opinions of Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to the Company, and
Latham & Watkins, counsel to Acquiror, dated as of the Closing Date, to the
effect that the Merger will qualify for federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
SECTION 6.12. Further Assurances and Actions.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein, each of the parties
hereto agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including, without limitation, (i) using their respective
reasonable best efforts to obtain all licenses, permits,
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consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of
Governmental Entities and parties to contracts with each party hereto as
are necessary for consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and (ii) to fulfill all conditions precedent applicable to such
party pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) In case at any time after the Effective Date any further action is
necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or to vest the
Surviving Corporation with full title to all properties, assets, rights,
approvals, immunities, franchises of any of the parties to the Merger, the
proper officers and/or directors of Acquiror and the Company shall take all
such necessary action.
SECTION 6.13. Stock Exchange Listing. Acquiror shall use its best efforts to
list on the NYSE prior to the Effective Time, subject to official notice
issuance, the shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be issued as Merger
Consideration and to be issued from time to time upon exchange of the
Exchangeable Shares.
SECTION 6.14. Letter of the Company's Accountants. The Company shall use all
reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Acquiror a letter of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company's independent auditors, dated a date
within two business days before the date on which the Registration Statement
shall become effective and addressed to Acquiror, in form reasonably
satisfactory to Acquiror and customary in scope and substance for letters
delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration
statements similar to the Registration Statement.
SECTION 6.15. Letter of Acquiror's Accountants. Acquiror shall use all
reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the Company a letter of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Acquiror's independent auditors, dated a date
within two business days before the date on which the Registration Statement
shall become effective and addressed to the Company, in form reasonably
satisfactory to the Company and customary in scope and substance for letters
delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration
statements similar to the Registration Statement.
ARTICLE VII.
CONDITIONS OF MERGER
SECTION 7.1. Conditions to Obligation of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a) this Agreement and the Merger shall have been approved by the
stockholders of the Company and the stockholders of Acquiror in the manner
required under the DGCL and the certificate of incorporation of the Company
and Acquiror, respectively;
(b) no statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling,
injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent)
shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any court or
governmental authority of competent jurisdiction which prohibits,
restrains, enjoins or restricts the consummation of the Merger; provided,
however, that the parties shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause
any such decree, ruling, injunction or other order to be vacated or lifted;
(c) any waiting period applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall
have terminated or expired;
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(d) the Registration Statement and any required post-effective amendment
thereto shall have become effective under the Securities Act and shall not
be the subject of any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order, and
any material Blue Sky Laws applicable to the registration of the Acquiror
Common Stock to be exchanged for Company Stock shall have been
complied with;
(e) the shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable to the holders of
Company Stock pursuant to this Agreement, and upon exchange of the
Exchangeable Shares from time to time, shall have been approved for listing
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance; and
(f) Acquiror and the Company shall have each received letters from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the effect that the Merger qualifies for
"pooling of interests," accounting treatment if consummated in accordance
with this Agreement.
SECTION 7.2. Conditions to Obligations of the Company to Effect the
Merger. The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional
conditions:
(a) each of the representations and warranties of Acquiror contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of
the Effective Time as though made on and as of the Effective Time, except
(i) for changes specifically permitted or required by this Agreement, and
(ii) that those representations and warranties which address matters only
as of a particular date (other than the date of this Agreement) shall
remain true and correct as of such particular date, and (iii) where the
failure to be so true and correct would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect
on Acquiror;
(b) Acquiror shall have performed or complied in all material respects
with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by them at or prior to the Effective Time;
(c) the Company shall have received a certificate executed on behalf of
the Acquiror by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of
the Acquiror to the effect set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section
7.2; and
(d) the Company shall have received an opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP,
dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Company, substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion that are
consistent with the state of facts existing as of such time, for federal
income tax purposes, the Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; in rendering such opinion, Hale
and Dorr LLP may receive and rely upon representations including those
contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the parties
hereto and others.
SECTION 7.3. Conditions to Obligations of Acquiror to Effect the Merger. The
obligations of Acquiror to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional
conditions:
(a) each of the representations and warranties of the Company contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the Effective Time as
though made on and as of the Effective, Time, except (i) for changes
specifically permitted or required by this Agreement, (ii) that those
representations and warranties which address matters only as of a
particular date (other than the date of this Agreement) shall remain true
and correct as of such particular date, and (iii) where
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the failure to be so true and correct would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) the Company shall have performed or complied in all material respects
with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time;
(c) Acquiror shall have received a certificate executed on behalf of the
Company by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the
Company to the effect set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 7.3;
(d) Acquiror shall have received an opinion of Latham & Watkins, dated as
of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Acquiror, substantially to the effect that, on the basis of facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion that are
consistent with the state of facts existing as of such time, for federal
income tax purposes, the Merger will constitute a "reorganization" within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering such opinion,
Latham & Watkins may receive and rely upon representations including those
contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the parties
or others;
(e) all consents, appeals, releases or authorizations from, and all
filings and registrations ("Consents") to or with, any Person, including
but not limited to any Governmental Entity set forth in Section 7.3(e) of
the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule shall have been made or obtained;
(f) Acquiror shall have received an opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror, substantially to
the effect that, on the basis of facts, representations and assumptions set
forth in such opinion that are consistent with the state of facts existing
as of such time, no approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares is
required by the Old Support Agreement, the Old Voting and Exchange Trust
Agreement or the provisions attaching to the Exchangeable Shares or the
Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (being the statute by which Canadian
Sub is governed) in order for the Company to effect the Merger or for
Acquiror to enter into the Support Agreement Amendment or the Voting and
Exchange Trust Supplement or for either to them to perform their other
obligations hereunder and that, on and after the Effective Time, the
Exchangeable Shares will be, by their terms, exchangeable for Acquiror
Common Shares rather than Company Common Shares without any approval of the
holders of the Exchangeable Shares; and
(g) No holder of Company Special Voting Stock shall have exercised and
not withdrawn any appraisal rights under the DGCL. The holders of no more
than 12,500 shares of Company Preferred Stock shall have exercised and not
withdrawn any appraisal rights under the DGCL.
ARTICLE VIII.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 8.1. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time before
the Effective Time (except as otherwise provided) as follows:
(a) by mutual written consent of each of Acquiror and the Company;
(b) by either the Company or Acquiror, if the Effective Time shall not
have occurred on or before September 30, 1999 (the "Termination Time");
provided however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this
Section 8.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose
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failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause
of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before
the Termination Date;
(c) by either the Company or Acquiror, if a Governmental Entity shall
have issued an order, decree or injunction having the effect of making the
Merger illegal or permanently prohibiting the consummation of the Merger,
and such order, decree or injunction shall have become final and
nonappealable (but only if the terminating party shall have used its
reasonable best efforts to cause such order, decree or injunction to be
lifted or vacated);
(d) by either the Company or Acquiror, if there shall have been a
material breach by the other of any of its (x) representations or
warranties contained in this Agreement, which breach would result in the
failure to satisfy one or more of the conditions set forth in Section
7.2(a) (in the case of a breach by Acquiror) or Section 7.3(a) (in the case
of a breach by the Company), or (y) covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement, which breach would result in the failure to satisfy one or
more of the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(b) (in the case of a breach
by Acquiror) or Section 7.3(b) (in the case of a breach by the Company),
and in any such case such breach shall be incapable of being cured or, if
capable of being cured, shall not have been cured within 30 days after
written notice thereof shall have been received by the party alleged to be
in breach;
(e) by either the Company or Acquiror, if the required approvals of the
stockholders of the Company or Acquiror shall not have been obtained at a
duly held stockholders' meeting, including any adjournments or
postponements; or
(f) by Acquiror (i) if the Board of Directors of the Company fails to
recommend approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the
stockholders of the Company or withdraws or modifies (or publicly announces
an intention to withdraw or modify) in any adverse manner its approval or
recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger; (ii) if the Board of
Directors of the Company makes any public recommendation with respect to
any Acquisition Proposal other than a recommendation to reject such
Acquisition Proposal or as may be required to comply with Rule 14e-2 under
the Exchange Act; (iii) if the Company engages in a solicitation of an
Acquisition Proposal prohibited by Section 6.3; or (iv) if the Board of
Directors of the Company resolves to take any of the actions specified
above.
SECTION 8.2. Effect of Termination.
(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this
Article VIII, this Agreement (other than as set forth in Section 9.1) shall
become void and of no effect with no liability on the part of any party
hereto (or of any of its Representatives); provided, however, no such
termination shall relieve any party hereto from (x) any liability for
damages resulting from any willful or intentional breach of this Agreement
(whether or not any fees contemplated by this Section 8.2 are payable) or
(y) any obligation to pay the termination fees provided for below or Fees
and Expenses (as defined) pursuant to this Section 8.2.
(b) In the event that (i) this Agreement is terminated by Acquiror
pursuant to Section 8.1(f) or (ii) prior to the meeting of the Company's
stockholders duly convened and held to vote in respect of this Agreement
and the Merger, a bona fide Acquisition Proposal shall have been made to
the Company and made known to its stockholders generally or shall have been
made directly to its stockholders generally, or any Person shall have
publicly announced an intention (whether or not conditional) to make a bona
fide Acquisition Proposal (whether or not such proposal shall have been
rejected or shall have been withdrawn), and thereafter (x) this Agreement
is terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(e) by reason of the failure of the
stockholders
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of the Company to approve this Agreement or the Merger at such meeting or
(y) this Agreement is terminated by Acquiror pursuant to 8.1(d) (y) by
reason of a breach by the Company of its covenants or agreements hereunder,
then, in the case of either clause (i) or clause (ii), the Company shall,
simultaneously with such termination, pay to Acquiror a fee equal to
$35,000,000 (the "Initial Termination Fee"). In addition, in the event that
this Agreement is terminated under circumstances in which the Initial
Termination Fee becomes payable, and within twelve months of such
termination, the Company enters into an agreement with any Person with
respect to an Acquisition Proposal or an Acquisition Proposal is
consummated, then, upon the signing of such agreement, or if no agreement
is signed, then at the closing (and as a condition to the closing, which
condition may not be waived without the express written consent of
Acquiror) of such Acquisition Proposal, the Company shall pay to Acquiror
an additional termination fee equal to $75,000,000 (the "Additional
Termination Fee").
(c) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by Acquiror pursuant
to Section 8.1(f) or pursuant to Section 8.1(e) by reason of the failure of
the Company's stockholders to approve this Agreement or the Merger at the
Company Stockholder Meeting, or pursuant to Section 8.1(d), the Company
shall promptly upon such termination (following receipt of a statement
therefor) reimburse Acquiror for all fees and expenses (including, without
limitation, fees and expenses of counsel, financial advisors, accountants,
consultants and other advisors and Representatives) ("Fees and Expenses"),
up to a maximum of $3,000,000, incurred and paid by Acquiror in connection
with this Agreement and the Merger. In the event that this Agreement is
terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(e) by reason of the
failure of Acquiror's stockholders to approve this Agreement or the Merger
at the Acquiror Stockholder Meeting, or pursuant to Section 8.1(d),
Acquiror shall promptly upon such termination (following receipt of a
statement therefor) reimburse the Company for all Fees and Expenses, up to
a maximum of $3,000,000, incurred by the Company in connection with this
Agreement and the Merger.
(d) Reimbursements of Fees and Expenses hereunder and any Initial
Termination Fee or Additional Termination Fee payable hereunder shall be
payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds.
(e) The parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section
8.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and that, without these agreements, the parties would not enter
into this Section 8.2, and, if in order to obtain such payment, Acquiror
commences a suit which results in a judgment against the Company for such
amount (or any portion thereof), the Company shall pay the costs and
expenses (including attorneys' fees) of Acquiror in connection with such
suit, together with interest on such amount in respect of the period from
the date such amount became due until the date such amount is paid at the
prime rate of The Chase Manhattan Bank in effect from time to time during
such period.
SECTION 8.3. Expenses. The Surviving Corporation shall pay all charges and
expenses, including those of the Exchange Agent, in connection with the
transactions contemplated in Article II. Except as otherwise specifically
provided herein, each party shall bear its own expenses in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 8.4. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto
by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any
time before or after any required approval of matters presented in connection
with the Merger by the stockholders of the Company; provided, however, that
after any such approval, there shall be made no amendment that by law
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requires further approval by such stockholders without the further approval of
such stockholders. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed by the parties hereto.
SECTION 8.5. Waiver. At any time prior to the Closing Date, any party hereto
may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other
acts of the other parties hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered
pursuant hereto and (c) waive compliance with any of the agreements or
conditions contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set
forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound
thereby. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights
under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights.
ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 9.1. Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The
representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement shall terminate at
the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1, as the case may be, except that (a) the agreements set forth in
Sections 2.10, 2.11(b), 2.11(c), 2.11(e), 2.11(f), 2.13, 2.14, 6.7, 6.8, 6.12
and 9.6 shall survive the Effective Time and (b) the agreements set forth in
the Confidentiality Agreement and in Sections 8.2 and 9.6 shall survive
termination indefinitely.
SECTION 9.2. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by cable,
telecopy, telegram or telex, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested), or by overnight courier, to the respective parties
at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice) :
if to Acquiror:
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012
Attention: Ned Mansour, Esq.
Fax: (310) 252-3671
with an additional copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas C. Sadler, Esq.
Fax: (213) 891-8763
if to the Company:
One Athenaeum
Cambridge, MA 02142
Attention: Neal Winneg, Esq.
Fax: (617) 494-5660
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with a copy to:
Hale and Dorr LLP
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Attention: Mark G. Borden, Esq.
Fax: (617) 526-5000
SECTION 9.3. Severability. If any term or other provision of this agreement
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public
policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner
adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end
that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the fullest extent
possible.
SECTION 9.4. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement (including the
Company Disclosure Schedule and the Acquiror Disclosure Schedule), together
with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Stock Option Agreement, constitutes
the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and
oral, among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party by operation of law
or otherwise without the express written consent of each of the other parties.
SECTION 9.5. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and, except for Section 6.7,
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any other person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever
under or by reason of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.6. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without
reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
SECTION 9.7. Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement
are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.8. Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges
and agrees that the other parties hereto would be irreparably damaged in the
event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance
with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each of the
parties hereto agrees that they each shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and conditions hereof in any
action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having
competent jurisdiction, in addition to any other remedy to which such party may
be entitled, at law or in equity.
SECTION 9.9. Alternative Transaction Structure. At the request of Acquiror,
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be restructured in the form
of a "butterfly" reorganization or similar structure, or such other form as
Acquiror may determine to be appropriate,
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provided that any such alternative transaction structure does not (i) delay the
consummation of the Merger in any material respect, or (ii) result in any
adverse consequences (tax or otherwise) to the Company or its shareholders.
SECTION 9.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts,
each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Acquiror and the Company have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers
thereunto duly authorized.
MATTEL, INC.
/s/ Ned Mansour
By: _________________________________
Name: Ned Mansour
President, Corporate Operations
Title:
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
/s/ Michael J. Perik
By: _________________________________
Name: Michael J. Perik
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Kevin O'Leary
By: _________________________________
Name: Kevin O'Leary
Title: President
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ANNEX B
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
December 13, 1998
Board of Directors
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to Mattel, Inc. (the "Company") of the Exchange Ratio (as defined below)
of shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the
"Company Common Stock") to be exchanged for shares of Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share (the "Shares"), of The Learning Company, Inc. ("TLC") pursuant
to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 13, 1998, between the
Company and TLC (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, TLC will merge
with and into Mattel (the "Merger"), and each of the outstanding Shares will
be exchanged for the number of shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of Company Common
Stock determined by dividing $33.00 by the average closing price of the
Company Common Stock for ten randomly selected trading days out of the twenty
trading days ending on and including the fifth trading day prior to the
Effective Time (as defined in the Agreement) of the Merger; provided that in
no event shall the Exchange Ratio be less than 1.000 or greater than 1.200.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., as part of its investment banking business, is
continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes. We are familiar with the Company having acted as its financial
advisor in connection with, and having participated in certain of the
negotiations leading to, the Agreement. We also have provided certain
investment banking services to TLC from time to time, including having acted
as its financial advisor in connection with the issuance of 750,000 shares of
its Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share, in December 1997 and having acted as an agent on its bank revolver and
liquidity facility since that time. Goldman, Sachs & Co. provides a full range
of financial advisory and securities services and, in the course of its normal
trading activities, may from time to time effect transactions and hold
securities, including derivative securities, of the Company or TLC for its own
account and for the accounts of customers.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Agreement; Annual Reports to Stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of
the Company and TLC for the five years ended December 31, 1997; certain
interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the
Company and TLC; certain other communications from the Company and TLC to
their respective stockholders; and certain internal financial analyses and
forecasts for the Company and TLC prepared by their respective managements,
including certain cost savings and operating synergies (the "Synergies")
projected by the managements of the Company and TLC to result from the Merger.
We have also held discussions with members of the senior management of the
Company and TLC regarding the strategic rationale for, and the potential
benefits of, the Merger and the past
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and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of
their respective companies. In addition, we have reviewed the reported price
and trading activity for the Company Common Stock and the Shares, compared
certain financial and stock market information for the Company and TLC with
similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are
publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business
combinations in the interactive software industry specifically and in other
industries generally and performed such other studies and analyses as we
considered appropriate.
We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and
other information reviewed by us and have assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion. In that regard, we have
assumed with your consent that the financial forecasts prepared by the
managements of the Company and TLC, including the Synergies, have been
reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best available estimates and
judgements of the Company and TLC, and that such forecasts and Synergies will
be realized in the amounts and time periods contemplated thereby. We have also
assumed, with your consent, that the Merger will be accounted for as a "pooling
of interests" under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, we
have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and
liabilities of the Company or TLC or any of their respective subsidiaries and
we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. Our advisory
services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and
assistance of the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its
consideration of the transaction contemplated by the Agreement and such opinion
does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of Company Common
Stock should vote with respect to such transaction.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters as
we consider relevant, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof the Exchange
Ratio pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the
Company.
Very truly yours,
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ANNEX C
December 13, 1998
Board of Directors
The Learning Company
1 Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Members of the Board of Directors:
The Learning Company ("TLC") and Mattel, Inc. ("Mattel") propose to enter
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") pursuant to which TLC
will be merged with and into Mattel (the "Merger") and (i) each outstanding
share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of TLC (the "TLC Common
Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive that number of shares
(the "Exchange Ratio") of the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of
Mattel (the "Mattel Common Stock") equal to the number determined by dividing
$33.00 by the average of the closing share prices of the Mattel Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. for the ten trading days selected by lot,
by TLC and Mattel, out of the twenty trading days ending on and including the
fifth trading day preceding the closing date, provided, however, that the
Exchange Ratio shall in no event be less than 1.0 and greater than 1.2; (ii)
each outstanding share of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of TLC (the "TLC Preferred Stock") will be
converted into the right to receive that number of shares of Mattel Common
Stock equal to the product of (x) the Exchange Ratio and (y) the number of
shares of Mattel Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares of TLC
Preferred Stock immediately prior to the closing date and (iii) each
outstanding share of TLC Special Voting Stock will be converted into the right
to receive one share of Mattel Special Voting Stock.
You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the Exchange Ratio is fair from a
financial point of view to the holders of TLC Common Stock.
In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:
(1) Reviewed certain publicly available business and financial
information relating to TLC and Mattel that we deemed to be relevant;
(2) Reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts, relating
to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets, liabilities and prospects of
TLC and Mattel, as well as the amount and timing of the cost savings and
related expenses and synergies expected to result from the Merger (the
"Expected Synergies") furnished to us by TLC and Mattel;
(3) Conducted discussions with members of senior management and
representatives of TLC and Mattel concerning the matters described in
clauses 1 and 2 above, as well as their respective businesses and prospects
before and after giving effect to the Merger and the Expected Synergies;
(4) Reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for the TLC Common
Stock and the Mattel Common Stock and compared them with those of certain
publicly traded companies that we deemed to be relevant;
(5) Reviewed the results of operations of TLC and Mattel and compared
them with those of certain publicly traded companies that we deemed to be
relevant;
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(6) Compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the
financial terms of certain other transactions that we deemed to be
relevant;
(7) Participated in certain discussions and negotiations among
representatives of TLC and Mattel and their respective financial and legal
advisors;
(8) Reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the Merger;
(9) Reviewed the December 12, 1998 draft of the Agreement; and
(10) Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and took into
account such other matters as we deemed necessary, including our assessment
of general economic, market and monetary conditions.
In preparing our opinion, we have assumed and relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to us,
discussed with or reviewed by or for us, or publicly available, and we have not
assumed any responsibility for independently verifying such information or
undertaken an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities of TLC or Mattel. In addition, we have not assumed any obligation
to conduct, nor have we conducted, any physical inspection of the properties or
facilities of TLC or Mattel. With respect to the financial forecast information
and the Expected Synergies furnished to or discussed with us by TLC or Mattel,
we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best
currently available estimates and judgments of the respective managements of
TLC or Mattel as to the expected future financial performance of TLC or Mattel,
as the case may be, and the Expected Synergies. We have further assumed that
the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under generally
accepted accounting principles and that it will qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have also assumed that
the final form of the Agreement will be substantially similar to the last draft
reviewed by us.
Our opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated on, and on the information made available to
us as of, the date hereof. We have assumed that in the course of obtaining the
necessary regulatory or other consents or approvals (contractual or otherwise)
for the Merger, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements or
amendments or modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse
effect on the contemplated benefits of the Merger.
In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have not been
authorized by TLC or the Board of Directors to solicit, nor have we solicited,
third-party indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any part of
TLC.
We are acting as financial advisor to TLC in connection with the Merger and
will receive a fee from TLC for our services, a significant portion of which is
contingent upon the consummation of the Merger. In addition, TLC has agreed to
indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. We have, in
the past, provided financial advisory and financing services to TLC and Mattel
and may continue to do so and have received, and may receive, compensation for
the rendering of such services. In addition, in the ordinary course of our
business, we may actively trade TLC Common Stock, as well as Mattel Common
Stock and other securities of Mattel, for our own account and for the accounts
of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in
such securities.
This opinion is for the use and benefit of the Board of Directors of TLC in
its evaluation of the Merger and may not be used for any other purpose. Our
opinion does not address the merits of the
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underlying decision by TLC to engage in the Merger and does not constitute a
recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote on the
proposed Merger.
We are not expressing any opinion herein as to the prices at which Mattel
Common Stock will trade following the announcement or consummation of the
Merger.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as
of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair from a financial point of view
to the holders of TLC Common Stock (including shares of TLC Common Stock issued
upon conversion of TLC Preferred Stock).
Very truly yours,
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ANNEX D
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
SEC. 262 APPRAISAL RIGHTS.
(a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of stock
on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d) of this
section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares
through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise
complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in
favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant
to sec.228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of
Chancery of the fair value of the stockholder's shares of stock under the
circumstances described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in
this section, the word "stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a
stock corporation and also a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the
words "stock" and "share" mean and include what is ordinarily meant by those
words and also membership or membership interest of a member of a nonstock
corporation; and the words "depository receipt" mean a receipt or other
instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in one or more
shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a corporation, which stock is
deposited with the depository.
(b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to
be effected pursuant to (S) 251 (other than a merger effected pursuant to (S)
251(g) of this title), (S) 252, (S) 254, (S) 257, (S) 258, (S) 263 or (S) 264
of this title:
(1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section shall
be available for the shares of any class or series of stock, which stock,
or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed to
determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the
meeting of stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or
consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or
designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held
of record by more than 2,000 holders; and further provided that no
appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the
constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require
for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation
as provided in subsection (f) of (S) 251 of this title.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal rights
under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series
of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders thereof are required
by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation pursuant to (S)(S)
251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for such stock
anything except:
a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from
such merger or consolidation, or depository receipts in respect
thereof;
b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts
in respect thereof, which shares of stock (or depository receipts in
respect thereof) or depository receipts at the effective date of the
merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national securities
exchange or designated as a national market system security on an
interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. or held of record by more than 2,000 holders;
c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository
receipts described in the foregoing subparagraphs a. and b. of this
paragraph; or
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d. Any combination of the shares of stock, depository receipts and
cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts
described in the foregoing subparagraphs a., b. and c. of this
paragraph.
(3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
party to a merger effected under (S) 253 of this title is not owned by the
parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall
be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.
(c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a
provision, the procedures of this section, including those set forth in
subsections (d) and (e) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is
practicable.
(d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
(1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights are
provided under this section is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of
stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting,
shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the record date for
such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal rights are
available pursuant to subsections (b) or (c) hereof that appraisal rights
are available for any or all of the shares of the constituent corporations,
and shall include in such notice a copy of this section. Each stockholder
electing to demand the appraisal of such stockholder's shares shall deliver
to the corporation, before the taking of the vote on the merger or
consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of such stockholder's shares.
Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of
the identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to
demand the appraisal of such stockholder's shares. A proxy or vote against
the merger or consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A
stockholder electing to take such action must do so by a separate written
demand as herein provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such
merger or consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall
notify each stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied
with this subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the
merger or consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has
become effective; or
(2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to (S) 228 or
(S) 253 of this title, each constituent corporation, either before the
effective date of the merger or consolidation or within ten days
thereafter, shall notify each of the holders of any class or series of
stock of such constituent corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights
of the approval of the merger or consolidation and that appraisal rights
are available for any or all shares of such class or series of stock of
such constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of
this section; provided that, if the notice is given on or after the
effective date of the merger or consolidation, such notice shall be given
by the surviving or resulting corporation to all such holders of any class
or series of stock of a constituent corporation that are entitled to
appraisal rights. Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, shall, also notify such stockholders
of the effective date of the merger or consolidation. Any stockholder
entitled to appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing
of such notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting
corporation the appraisal of such holder's shares. Such demand will be
sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the
appraisal of such holder's shares. If such notice did not notify
stockholders of the effective date of the merger or
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consolidation, either (i) each such constituent corporation shall send a
second notice before the effective date of the merger or consolidation
notifying each of the holders of any class or series of stock of such
constituent corporation that are entitled to appraisal rights of the
effective date of the merger or consolidation or (ii) the surviving or
resulting corporation shall send such a second notice to all such holders
on or within 10 days after such effective date; provided, however, that if
such second notice is sent more than 20 days following the sending of the
first notice, such second notice need only be sent to each stockholder who
is entitled to appraisal rights and who has demanded appraisal of such
holder's shares in accordance with this subsection. An affidavit of the
secretary or assistant secretary or of the transfer agent of the
corporation that is required to give either notice that such notice has
been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the
facts stated therein. For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled
to receive either notice, each constituent corporation may fix, in advance,
a record date that shall be not more than 10 days prior to the date the
notice is given, provided, that if the notice is given on or after the
effective date of the merger or consolidation, the record date shall be
such effective date. If no record date is fixed and the notice is given
prior to the effective date, the record date shall be the close of business
on the day next preceding the day on which the notice is given.
(e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation,
the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has complied with
subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to appraisal
rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a determination
of the value of the stock of all such stockholders. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to withdraw such
stockholder's demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the
merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger
or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of
subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to
receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which demands
for appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such
shares. Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10
days after such stockholder's written request for such a statement is received
by the surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of
the period for delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof,
whichever is later.
(f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a copy
thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which shall
within 20 days after such service file in the office of the Register in
Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their
shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been
reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be
accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so
ordered by the Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the
hearing of such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the
addresses therein stated. Such notice shall also be given by 1 or more
publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a newspaper of
general circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware or such
publication as the Court deems advisable. The forms of the notices by mail and
by publication shall be approved by the Court, and the costs thereof shall be
borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.
(g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled
to appraisal rights. The Court may require
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the stockholders who have demanded an appraisal for their shares and who hold
stock represented by certificates to submit their certificates of stock to the
Register in Chancery for notation thereon of the pendency of the appraisal
proceedings; and if any stockholder fails to comply with such direction, the
Court may dismiss the proceedings as to such stockholder.
(h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger
or consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid
upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair
value, the Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining
the fair rate of interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors,
including the rate of interest which the surviving or resulting corporation
would have had to pay to borrow money during the pendency of the proceeding.
Upon application by the surviving or resulting corporation or by any
stockholder entitled to participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may,
in its discretion, permit discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may
proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of the
stockholder entitled to an appraisal. Any stockholder whose name appears on the
list filed by the surviving or resulting corporation pursuant to subsection (f)
of this section and who has submitted such stockholder's certificates of stock
to the Register in Chancery, if such is required, may participate fully in all
proceedings until it is finally determined that such stockholder not entitled
to appraisal rights under this section.
(i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to
the stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the
Court may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the
case of holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of
shares represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the
certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced as
other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such surviving
or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any state.
(j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed upon
the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon application
of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the expenses incurred
by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the fees and expenses of
experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all the shares entitled to
an appraisal.
(k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded appraisal rights as provided in subsection (d) of
this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to receive
payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except dividends or
other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date which is prior
to the effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided, however, that
if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time provided in
subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver to the
surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of such stockholder's
demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or consolidation,
either within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation
as provided in subsection (e) of this section or thereafter with the written
approval of the corporation, then the right of such stockholder to an appraisal
shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the
Court of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval
of the Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court
deems just.
(l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the shares
of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they assented to
the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and unissued
shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.
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ANNEX E
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of December 13, 1998 (the "Agreement"),
between MATTEL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Grantee"), and THE LEARNING
COMPANY, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Grantor").
WHEREAS, Grantor and Grantee are entering into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to
which, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Grantor is to
merge (the "Merger") with and into Grantee, with Grantor continuing as the
surviving corporation after the Merger;
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Grantee's willingness to enter
into the Merger Agreement, Grantor is granting to the Grantee an option to
purchase 15,673,160 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Grantor (the "Common Stock"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereof;
WHEREAS, in order to induce the Grantee to enter into the Merger Agreement
the Grantor is willing to grant the Grantee the requested option; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Grantor has approved the grant by
Grantor of the Option (defined below) pursuant to this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Option; Exercise; Adjustments.
(a) Contemporaneously herewith, the Grantee and the Grantor are entering
into the Merger Agreement. Subject to the other terms and conditions set
forth herein, the Grantor hereby grants to the Grantee an irrevocable
option (the "Option") to purchase up to 15,673,160 (as adjusted as provided
herein) shares of Common Stock (the shares issuable upon exercise of this
Option being referred to as the "Shares") at a per Share cash purchase
price (the "Purchase Price") equal to the lesser of (i) $28.3125 and (ii)
the product of (A) the closing price of a share of the Grantee's common
stock, par value $1.00, per share, on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Tape (the "NYSE Composite Tape") on the trading day (the "Prior Trading
Day") immediately prior to the day on which the Grantee delivers a Stock
Exercise Notice, multiplied by (B) the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) in effect on the Prior Trading Day. The Option may be
exercised by the Grantee, in whole or in part, at any time, or from time to
time, following the occurrence of a Triggering Event (as defined below) and
prior to the termination of the Option in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) In the event the Grantee wishes to exercise the Option, the Grantee
shall send a written notice to the Grantor (the "Stock Exercise Notice")
specifying a date (subject to the HSR Act (as defined below)) not later
than 10 business days and not earlier than the next business day following
the date such notice is given for the closing of such purchase. In the
event of any change in the number of issued and outstanding shares of
Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, split-up,
reclassification, recapitalization, merger or other change in the corporate
or capital structure of the Grantor, the number of Shares subject to this
Option and the purchase price per Share shall be appropriately adjusted to
restore the Grantee to its rights
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hereunder, including its right to purchase Shares representing 18% of the
capital stock of the Grantor entitled to vote generally for the election of
the directors of the Grantor which is issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the exercise of the Option at an aggregate purchase price equal to
the Purchase Price multiplied by 15,673,160. In the event that any
additional shares of Common Stock are issued after the date of this
Agreement upon (i) the conversion of any currently issued Series A
Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Grantor, (ii) the exchange of any Exchangeable Non-Voting Shares of SoftKey
Software Products Inc., (iii) the conversion of any amount of the 5 1/2%
Senior Convertible Notes due 2000 of the Grantor, or (iv) the issuance of
828,054 shares of Common Stock in connection with the Grantor's acquisition
of Palladium Interactive, Inc., the number of Shares subject to this Option
shall be increased by 18% of the number of the additional shares of Common
Stock so issued (and such additional Shares shall have a purchase price
equal to the Purchase Price); provided, however, that in no event will the
number of shares issued upon exercise of the Option exceed the maximum
amount permitted to be issued without shareholder approval under the rules
of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
2. Conditions to Delivery of Shares. The Grantor's obligation to deliver
Shares upon exercise of the Option is subject only to the conditions that:
(a) No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the United States
prohibiting the delivery of the Shares shall be in effect; and
(b) Any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act") shall have expired or been
terminated and all other consents, approvals, orders, notifications or
authorizations, the failure of which to obtain or make would have the
effect of making the issuance of the Shares illegal (collectively, the
"Regulatory Approvals") shall have been obtained or made; and
(c) A Triggering Event has occurred. A "Triggering Event" shall have
occurred at such time at which Grantee becomes entitled to receive the
Additional Termination Fee from Grantor pursuant to Section 8.2(b) of the
Merger Agreement.
3. The Closing.
(a) Any closing hereunder shall take place on the date specified by the
Grantee in its Stock Exercise Notice, at 8:00 A.M., local time, at the
offices of Latham & Watkins, 633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000, Los
Angeles, CA 90071, or, if the conditions set forth in Section 2(a) or 2(b)
have not then been satisfied, on the second business day following the
satisfaction of such conditions, or at such other time and place as the
parties hereto may agree (the "Closing Date"). On the Closing Date, the
Grantor will deliver to the Grantee a certificate or certificates, duly
endorsed (or accompanied by duly executed stock powers), representing the
Shares in the denominations designated by the Grantee in its Stock Exercise
Notice and the Grantee will purchase such Shares from the Grantor at the
price per Share equal to the Purchase Price. Any payment made by the
Grantee to the Grantor, or by the Grantor to the Grantee, pursuant to this
Agreement shall be made by certified or official bank check or by wire
transfer of federal funds to a bank designated by the party receiving such
funds.
(b) The certificates representing the Shares may bear an appropriate
legend relating to the fact that such Shares have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
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4. Representations And Warranties of the Grantor. The Grantor represents and
warrants to the Grantee that (a) the Grantor is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform
this Agreement; (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Grantor
and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Grantor and this Agreement has
been duly executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Grantor
and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Grantor, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles;
(c) the Grantor has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option and the Shares, when
issued and delivered by the Grantor upon exercise of the Option, will be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of
preemptive rights; (d) except as otherwise required by the HSR Act and other
than any filings required under the blue sky laws of any states or by the NYSE,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Grantor and the issuance of
Shares upon exercise of the Option 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 or any
indenture, mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, contract, instrument, order, law,
rule, regulation, judgment, ordinance, or decree, or restriction by which the
Grantor or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or
assets is bound; and (e) none of the restrictions of any "fair price",
"moratorium", "control share acquisition" or other form of antitakeover statute
or regulation (including, without limitation, the restrictions on "business
combinations" set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law)
is or shall be applicable to the acquisition of Shares pursuant to this
Agreement (and the Board of Directors of Grantor has taken all action to
approve the acquisition of the Shares to the extent necessary to avoid such
application). Additionally, Grantor will not avoid or seek to avoid (whether by
charter amendment or through reorganization, consolidation, merger, issuance of
rights, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any other voluntary act) the
observance or performance of any of the covenants, agreements or conditions to
be observed or performed hereunder by Grantor and Grantor will not take any
action which would cause any of its representations or warranties not to be
true in any material respect.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Grantee. The Grantee represents and
warrants to the Grantor that (a) the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by the Grantee and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated
hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part
of the Grantee and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by a
duly authorized officer of the Grantee and will constitute a valid and binding
obligation of the Grantee; and (b) the Grantee is acquiring the Option after
the Grantee has been afforded the opportunity to obtain, and has obtained,
sufficient information regarding the Grantor to make an informed investment
decision with respect to the Grantee's purchase of the Shares issuable upon the
exercise thereof, and, if and when the Grantee exercises the Option, it will be
acquiring the Shares issuable upon the exercise thereof for its own account and
not with a view to distribution or resale in any manner which would be in
violation of the Securities Act.
(a) 6. Listing of Shares; HSR Act Filings; Regulatory Approvals. Subject to
applicable law and the rules and regulations of the NYSE, the Grantor will
promptly file an application to list the Shares on the NYSE and will use its
best efforts to obtain approval of such listing and to file all necessary
filings by the Grantor under the HSR Act; provided, however, that if the
Grantor is unable to effect such listing on the NYSE by the Closing Date, the
Grantor will nevertheless be obligated to
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deliver the Shares upon the Closing Date. Grantor will use its best efforts to
obtain consents of all third parties and all Regulatory Approvals, if any,
necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated.
7. Registration Rights.
(a) In the event that the Grantee shall desire to sell any of the Shares
within two years after the purchase of such Shares pursuant hereto, and
such sale requires, based on advice of counsel to Grantee, registration of
such Shares under the Securities Act, the Grantor will cooperate with the
Grantee and any underwriters in registering such Shares for resale,
including, without limitation, promptly filing a registration statement
which complies with the requirements of applicable federal and state
securities laws, entering into an underwriting agreement with such
underwriters upon such terms and conditions as are customarily contained in
underwriting agreements with respect to secondary distributions; provided
that the Grantor shall not be required to have declared effective more than
two registration statements hereunder and shall be entitled to delay the
filing or effectiveness of any registration statement for up to 120 days in
any twelve month period if the offering would, in the judgment of the Board
of Directors of the Grantor, require premature disclosure of any material
corporate development or otherwise materially interfere with or adversely
affect any pending or proposed offering of securities of the Grantor or any
other material transaction involving the Grantor.
(b) If the Common Stock is registered pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 7, the Grantor agrees (i) to furnish copies of the registration
statement and the prospectus relating to the Shares covered thereby in such
numbers as the Grantee may from time to time reasonably request and (ii) if
any event shall occur as a result of which it becomes necessary to amend or
supplement any registration statement or prospectus, to prepare and file
under the applicable securities laws such amendments and supplements as may
be necessary to keep effective for at least 90 days a prospectus covering
the Common Stock meeting the requirements of such securities laws, and to
furnish the Grantee such numbers of copies of the registration statement
and prospectus as amended or supplemented as may reasonably be requested.
The Grantor shall bear the cost of the registration, including, but not
limited to, all registration and filing fees, printing expenses, and fees
and disbursements of counsel and accountants for the Grantor, except that
the Grantee shall pay the fees and disbursements of its counsel, the
underwriting fees and selling commissions applicable to the shares of
Common Stock sold by the Grantee. The Grantor shall indemnify and hold
harmless Grantee, its affiliates and its officers, directors and
controlling persons from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and expenses arising out of or based upon any statements
contained or incorporated by reference in, and omissions or alleged
omissions from, each registration statement filed pursuant to this
paragraph; provided, however, that this provision does not apply to any
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent it arises out of
any untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Grantor by the Grantee, its
affiliates and its officers expressly for use in any registration statement
(or any amendment thereto) or any preliminary prospectus filed pursuant to
this paragraph. The Grantor shall also indemnify and hold harmless each
underwriter and each person who controls any underwriter within the meaning
of either the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and
expenses arising out of or based upon any statements contained or
incorporated by reference in, and omissions or alleged omissions from, each
registration statement filed pursuant to this paragraph; provided, however,
that this provision does not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or
expense to the extent it arises out of any untrue statement
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<PAGE>
or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Grantor by the underwriters expressly for use
in any registration statement (or any amendment thereto) or any preliminary
prospectus filed pursuant to this paragraph.
8. Right of First Refusal. If the Grantee, at any time prior to the earlier
of (a) the occurrence of a Change in Control Event (as defined below) or (b)
the second anniversary of the termination of the Merger Agreement, seeks to
sell all or any part of the Shares (i) in a transaction registered under the
Securities Act (other than in a registered public offering in which the
underwriters are instructed to make a broad public distribution) or (ii) in a
transaction not required to be registered under the Securities Act (other than
in a transfer (a) by operation of law upon consummation of a merger or (b) as a
result of which the proposed transferee would own beneficially not more than 2%
of the outstanding voting power of the Grantor), it shall give the Grantor (or
a designee of the Grantor) the opportunity, in the following manner, to
purchase such Shares:
(a) The Grantee shall give notice to the Grantor in writing of its intent
to sell Shares (a "Disposition Notice"), specifying the maximum number of
Shares to be sold, the price and, if applicable, the material terms of any
agreement relating thereto. For purposes of this Section 8, if the
Disposition Notice is given with respect to the sale of the Shares pursuant
to a tender or exchange offer, it shall be assumed that all Shares tendered
will be accepted for payment. The Disposition Notice may be given at any
time, including prior to the giving of any Stock Exercise Notice.
(b) The Grantor or its designee shall have the right, exercisable by
written notice given to the Grantee within five business days after receipt
of a Disposition Notice (or, if applicable, in the case of a proposed sale
pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for shares of Common Stock, by
written notice given to the Grantee at least two business days prior to the
then announced expiration date of such tender or exchange offer (the
"Expiration Date") if such Disposition Notice was given at least four
business days prior to such Expiration Date), to purchase all, but not less
than all, of the Shares specified in the Disposition Notice at the price
set forth in the Disposition Notice. If the purchase price specified in the
Disposition Notice includes any property other than cash, the purchase
price to be paid by the Grantor shall be an amount of cash equal to the sum
of (i) the cash included in the purchase price plus (ii) the fair market
value of such other property at the date of the Disposition Notice. If such
other property consists of securities with an existing public trading
market, the average closing price (or the average closing bid and asked
price if closing prices are unavailable) for such securities on their
principal public trading market for the five trading days ending five days
prior to the date of the Disposition Notice shall be deemed to equal the
fair market value of such property. If such other property consists of
something other than cash or securities with an existing public trading
market and at the time of the closing referred to in paragraph (c) below,
agreement on the value of such other property has not been reached, the
higher of (i) the cash included in the purchase price and (ii) the average
closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE for the five trading days
ending five days prior to the date of the Disposition Notice shall be used
as the per share purchase price; provided, however, that promptly after the
closing, the Grantee and the Grantor or its designee, as the case may be,
shall settle any additional amounts to be paid or returned as a result of
the determination of fair market value of such other property made by a
nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Grantor and
approved by the Grantee within thirty (30) days of the closing. Such
determination shall be final and binding on all parties hereto. If, at the
time of the purchase of any Shares by the Grantor (or its designee)
pursuant to this Section 9, a tender or exchange offer is outstanding, then
the Grantor (or its designee) shall agree at the time of such purchase to
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promptly pay to Grantee from time to time such additional amounts, if any,
so that the consideration received by Grantee with respect to each Share
shall be equal to the highest price paid for a share of Common Stock
pursuant to such tender or exchange, or pursuant to any other tender or
exchange offer outstanding at any time such tender or exchange offer is
outstanding.
(c) If the Grantor exercises its right of first refusal hereunder, the
closing of the purchase of the Shares with respect to which such right has
been exercised shall take place within five business days after the notice
of such exercise (or, if applicable, in the case of a tender or exchange
offer, no later than one business day prior to the expiration date of the
offer if written notice was given within the time set forth in the
parenthetical in the first sentence of paragraph (b) above); provided,
however, that at any time prior to the closing of the purchase of Shares
hereunder, the Grantee may determine not to sell the Shares and revoke the
Disposition Notice and, by so doing, cancel the Grantor's right of first
refusal with respect to the disposition in question. The Grantor (or its
designee) shall pay for the Shares in immediately available funds.
(d) If the Grantor does not exercise its right of first refusal hereunder
within the time specified for such exercise, the Grantee shall be free for
ninety (90) days following the expiration of such time for exercise to sell
up to the maximum number of Shares specified in the Disposition Notice, at
the price specified in the Disposition Notice or any price in excess
thereof and otherwise on substantially the same terms set forth in the
Disposition Notice; provided, that if such sale is not consummated within
such 90-day period, then the provisions of this Section 9 will again apply
to the sale of such shares.
(e) For purposes of the Agreement, a "Change in Control Event" shall be
deemed to have occurred if (i) any person has acquired beneficial ownership
of more than 50% (excluding the Shares) of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock or (ii) the Grantor shall have entered into an agreement, including
without limitation an agreement in principle, providing for a merger or
other business combination involving the Grantor or the acquisition of 30%
or more of the assets of the Grantor and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
9. Repurchase of Shares. If a Change in Control Event has not occurred prior
to the first anniversary of the date on which the Option terminates pursuant to
Section 20 hereof, then beginning on such anniversary date, and continuing for
a period of 30 days thereafter, the Grantor shall have the right to purchase
(the "Repurchase Right") all, but not less than all, of the Shares at the
greater of (i) the Purchase Price, or (ii) the average closing price of the
Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape for the five trading days ending five
days prior to the date the Grantor gives written notice of its intention to
exercise the Repurchase Right. If the Grantor does not exercise the Repurchase
Right within the thirty (30) day period following the first anniversary of the
date on which the Option terminates, the Repurchase Right shall terminate. In
the event the Grantor wishes to exercise the Repurchase Right, the Grantor
shall send a written notice to the Grantee specifying a date (not later than
ten (10) business days and not earlier than two business days following the
date such notice is given) for the closing of such purchase.
10. Profit Limitation.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event
shall the Grantee's Total Profit (as hereinafter defined) exceed
$125,000,000 (the "Profit Limit") and, if it otherwise would exceed such
amount, the Grantee, at its sole election, shall, within five business
days, either (i) deliver to the Grantor for cancellation Shares (valued,
for the purposes of this Section 10(a), at the average closing sales price
of the Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape for the twenty consecutive
trading days preceding the day on which the Grantee's Total
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<PAGE>
Profit exceeds $125,000,000) previously purchased by the Grantee, (ii) pay
cash or other consideration to the Grantor or refund in cash Liquidation
Amounts previously paid or reduce or waive the amount of any Liquidation
Amount payable pursuant to Section 8.2(b) of the Merger Agreement, or (iii)
undertake any combination thereof, so that Grantee's Total Profit shall not
exceed the Profit Limit after taking into account the foregoing actions.
The term "Liquidation Amounts" means the aggregate amount of any Initial
Termination Fee and Additional Termination Fee (each as defined in the
Merger Agreement) payable or paid to Grantee pursuant to Section 8.2 of the
Merger Agreement and not repaid or refunded to the Grantor pursuant to this
Section 10 or otherwise.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Option may
not be exercised for a number of Shares that would, as of the date of the
Exercise Notice, result in a Notional Total Profit (as defined below) of
more than the Profit Limit and, if exercise of the Option otherwise would
exceed the Profit Limit, the Grantee, at its discretion, may increase the
Purchase Price for that number of Shares set forth in the Exercise Notice
so that the Notional Total Profit shall not exceed the Profit Limit;
provided, that nothing in this sentence shall restrict any exercise of the
Option permitted hereby on any subsequent date at the Purchase Price set
forth in Section 1(a) hereof.
(c) As used herein, the term "Total Profit" shall mean the aggregate
amount (before taxes) of the following: (i) the amount of cash Liquidation
Amounts received by Grantee pursuant to Section 8.2(b) of the Merger
Agreement, (ii) (x) the net cash amounts received by Grantee pursuant to
the sale of Shares (or any other securities into which such Shares are
converted or exchanged) to any unaffiliated party, less (y) the Grantee's
purchase price for such Shares.
(d) As used herein, the term "Notional Total Profit" with respect to any
number of Shares as to which Grantee may propose to exercise the Option
shall be the Total Profit determined as of the date of the Exercise Notice
assuming that the Option were exercised on such date for such number of
Shares and assuming that such Shares, together with all other Shares held
by the Grantee and its subsidiaries as of such date, were sold for cash at
the closing market price for the Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape of
the close of business on the preceding trading day (less customary
brokerage commissions).
11. Expenses. Each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement, except as otherwise specifically provided
herein.
12. Specific Performance. The Grantor acknowledges that if the Grantor fails
to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, immediate and
irreparable harm or injury would be caused to the Grantee for which money
damages would not be an adequate remedy. In such event, the Grantor agrees that
the Grantee shall have the right, in addition to any other rights it may have,
to specific performance of this Agreement. Accordingly, if the Grantee should
institute an action or proceeding seeking specific enforcement of the
provisions hereof, the Grantor hereby waives the claim or defense that the
Grantee has an adequate remedy at law and hereby agrees not to assert in any
such action or proceeding the claim or defense that such a remedy at law
exists. The Grantor further agrees to waive any requirements for the securing
or posting of any bond in connection with obtaining any such equitable relief.
13. Notice. All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder
shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if in writing and if served by
personal delivery upon the party for whom it is intended or delivered by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or
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<PAGE>
if sent by facsimile transmission, upon receipt of oral confirmation that such
transmission has been received, to the person at the address set forth below,
or such other address as may be designated in writing hereafter, in the same
manner, by such person:
If to the Grantor:
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Attn: Neal Winneg, Esq.
Telecopy: (617) 494-5660
With a copy to:
Hale and Dorr LLP
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Attn: Mark G. Borden, Esq.
Telecopy: (617) 526-5000
If to the Grantee:
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012
Attn: Ned Mansour, Esq.
Telecopy: (310) 252-3671
With a copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071-2007
Attn: Thomas C. Sadler, Esq.
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
14. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties named herein and their respective permitted successors
and assigns; provided, however, that such successor in interest or assigns
shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. Except as set
forth in Section 7, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended
to confer upon any person other than the Grantor or the Grantee, or their
successors or assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement.
15. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement, together with the Merger
Agreement and the other documents referred to therein, contains the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings,
oral or written, with respect to such transactions. This Agreement may not be
changed, amended or modified orally, but may be changed only by an agreement in
writing signed by the party against whom any waiver, change, amendment,
modification or discharge may be sought.
16. Assignment. No party to this Agreement may assign any of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
party hereto, except that the Grantee
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<PAGE>
may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any of its direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, but no such transfer shall relieve the
Grantee of its obligations hereunder if such transferee does not perform such
obligations. Any assignment made in violation of this Section 16 shall be void.
17. Headings. The section headings herein are for convenience only and shall
not affect the construction of this Agreement.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which, when executed, shall be deemed to be an original
and all of which together shall constitute one and the same document.
19. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (regardless of the laws that
might otherwise govern under applicable Delaware principles of conflicts of
law).
20. Termination. The right to exercise the Option granted pursuant to this
Agreement shall terminate at the earliest of (i) the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement), (ii) the date on which the Grantee realizes a Total
Profit equal to the Profit Limit, (iii) the date on which the Merger Agreement
is terminated if no Initial Termination Fee or Additional Termination Fee (each
as defined in the Merger Agreement) could be payable to Grantee pursuant to the
terms of the Merger Agreement upon the occurrence of certain events or the
passage of time, and (iv) if no Triggering Event shall have occurred, the date
that is twelve months after the termination of the Merger Agreement, and (v)
180 days following the occurrence of a Triggering Event (the date referred to
in this clause (v) being referred to as the "Option Expiration Date");
provided, however, that if the Option cannot be exercised or the Shares cannot
be delivered to the Grantee upon such exercise because the conditions set forth
in Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof have not yet been satisfied, the Option
Expiration Date shall be extended for a period of up to an additional sixty
(60) days; and provided, further, that, if at any time the Grantee seeks to
exercise the Option by delivery of a Stock Exercise Notice but is unable to do
so with respect to all of the Shares subject to the Option at the Purchase
Price because of the limitation on profit contained in Section 10(b) hereof,
the Option Termination Date shall be extended for an additional 30 days from
the date of such Stock Exercise Notice (but in no event shall the Option
Termination Date be more than 240 days after the occurrence of a Triggering
Event). "Notice Date" shall mean the date, if any, upon which the Grantee
delivers a Stock Exercise Notice to the Grantor.
All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive
delivery of and payment for the Shares.
21. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
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<PAGE>
SIGNATURE PAGE FOR STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee and the Grantor have caused this Agreement to
be signed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
written above.
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
/s/ Michael J. Perik
-------------------------------------
By: Michael J. Perik
Its: Chief Executive Officer
MATTEL, INC.
/s/ Ned Mansour
-------------------------------------
By: Ned Mansour
Its: President, Corporate Operations
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a Delaware
corporation to indemnify, subject to the standards set forth therein, any
person who was or is a party in any action in connection with any action, suit
or proceeding brought or threatened by reason of the fact that the person is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is or was
serving as such with respect to another entity at the request of such
corporation. The Delaware General Corporation Law also provides that a Delaware
corporation may purchase insurance on behalf of any such director, officer,
employee or agent.
Mattel, Inc. (the "Registrant") has adopted provisions in Article Seventh of
its Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the "Certificate of
Incorporation"), which require the Registrant to indemnify any and all persons
whom it has the power to indemnify pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation
Law against any and all expenses, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement,
and any other liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware
General Corporation Law.
Article Seventh of the Certificate of Incorporation also empowers the
Registrant by action of its Board of Directors to purchase and maintain
insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and such persons against any such
expense, judgment, fine, amount paid in settlement or other liability, whether
or not the Registrant would have the power to indemnify any such individual
under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
In addition, Section 1 of Article VI of the Registrant's Bylaws requires that
each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to
or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she, or a
person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Registrant or is or was serving at the
request of the Registrant as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
including service with respect to employee benefits plans, whether the basis of
such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director,
officer, employee or agent, or in any other capacity while serving as a
director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by
the Registrant to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the
case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the
Registrant to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted
the Registrant to provide prior to such amendment) against all expense,
liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise
taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably
incurred or suffered by such person in connection therewith and such
indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,
officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs,
executors and administrators; provided, however, that except for claims by such
persons for non-payment of entitled indemnification claims against the
Registrant, the Registrant shall indemnify such person seeking indemnification
in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only
if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Registrant's Board
of Directors. Article VI of the Bylaws specifies that the right to
indemnification so provided is a contract right, sets forth certain procedural
and evidentiary standards applicable to the enforcement of a claim under
Article VI of the Bylaws,
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entitles the persons to be indemnified to be reimbursed for the expenses of
prosecuting any such claim against the Registrant and entitles them to have all
expenses incurred in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding paid by
the Registrant. Such provisions, however, are intended to be in furtherance and
not in limitation of the general right to indemnification provided in the
Certificate of Incorporation.
The Registrant has entered into indemnity agreements (the "Indemnity
Agreements") with certain directors of the Registrant, including directors who
are also officers and employees of the Registrant, and certain senior officers
of the Registrant. The Indemnity Agreements provide that the Registrant will
pay any costs which an indemnitee actually and reasonably incurs because of
claims made against him or her by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
director or officer of the Registrant. The payments to be made under the
Indemnity Agreements include, but are not limited to, expenses of
investigation, judicial or administrative proceedings or appeals, damages,
judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement, and attorneys' fees and
disbursements, except the Registrant is not obligated to make any payment under
the Indemnity Agreements which the Registrant is prohibited by law from paying
as indemnity, or where (a) indemnification is provided to an indemnitee under
an insurance policy, except for amounts in excess of insurance coverage, (b)
the claim is one for which an indemnitee is otherwise indemnified by the
Registrant, (c) final determination is rendered in a claim based upon the
indemnitee obtaining a personal profit or advantage to which he or she is not
legally entitled, (d) final determination is rendered on a claim for an
accounting of profits made in connection with a violation of Section 16(b) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), or
similar state or common law provisions, or (e) the indemnitee was adjudged to
be deliberately dishonest.
Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law enables a Delaware
corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation for the elimination
or limitation of the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
Any such provision cannot eliminate or limit a director's liability (1) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) under Section 174 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law (which imposes liability on directors for
unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchase or redemption); or (4)
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. Article Seventh of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation
eliminates the liability of a director of the Registrant to the Registrant or
its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director to the full extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
The directors and officers of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are insured
under certain insurance policies against claims made during the period of the
policies against liabilities arising out of claims for certain acts in their
capacities as directors and officers of the Registrant and its subsidiaries.
Under Section 6.7 of the merger agreement, from and after the effective time
of the merger the Registrant is required to indemnify and hold harmless each
present and former director and officer of The Learning Company, Inc. (the
"Learning Company") and its subsidiaries against any costs or expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or amounts paid in settlement incurred in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or pertaining
to any matter existing or occurring at or prior to the effective time of the
merger, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the effective time of
the merger, to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. For a period of
five years after the effective time of the
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merger, the Registrant is required to maintain in effect the policies of
directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by Learning Company and
its subsidiaries as of the date of the merger agreement (or policies of at
least the same coverage and amounts containing terms that are not less
advantageous to the insured parties) with respect to claims arising from facts
that occurred on or prior to the effective time of the merger, including
without limitation all claims arising out of the merger agreement. In the
alternative, the Registrant may purchase a five year extended reporting period
endorsement under Learning Company's existing directors' and officers'
liability insurance coverage. See "The Merger Agreement--Additional
Agreements--Indemnification."
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 1998, between Mattel, Inc.
and The Learning Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of
Mattel, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 1998).
2.2 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1998, between Mattel, Inc. and
The Learning Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Mattel,
Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 15, 1998).
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.0 to Mattel, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1993).
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Mattel, Inc.'s Proxy Statement dated
March 23, 1996).
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Mattel, Inc.'s Proxy Statement dated
March 30, 1998).
3.4 By-laws of Mattel, Inc., as amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 to Mattel, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated September 26,
1997).
+3.5 Form of Certificate of Designations, Preferences, Rights and Limitations of
Special Voting Preferred Stock of Mattel, Inc.
4.1 Rights Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1992, between Mattel, Inc. and The
First National Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1 to Mattel, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated February
12, 1992).
4.2 Specimen Stock Certificate with respect to Mattel, Inc. Common Stock
(incorporated by reference to Mattel, Inc.'s Report on Form 8-A, dated February
28, 1996).
(Mattel, Inc. has not filed certain long-term debt instruments under which the
principal amount of securities authorized to be issued does not exceed 10% of the
total assets of Mattel, Inc. Copies of such agreements will be provided to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.)
*5.1 Form of Opinion of Lee B. Essner as to the validity of the securities being
registered.
*8.1 Form of Opinion of Latham & Watkins as to tax matters.
*8.2 Form of Opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP as to tax matters.
*8.3 Form of Opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck as to tax matters.
**12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to
Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
**23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.2 Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
**23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.4 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
+23.5 Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 8.1 above).
+23.6 Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2 above).
+23.7 Consent of Davies, Ward & Beck (included in Exhibit 8.3 above).
*23.8 Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell.
24.1 Power of Attorney with respect to Mattel, Inc. (contained in signature page
hereto).
*99.1 Form of Proxy Card of Mattel, Inc.
*99.2 Forms of Proxy Cards of The Learning Company, Inc.
99.3 Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, dated as of February 4, 1994 among The
Learning Company, Inc., Softkey Software Products Inc. and R-M Trust Company, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to The Learning Company, Inc.'s
Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 3, 1997).
*99.4 Support Agreement, dated as of February 4, 1994 between The Learning Company,
Inc. and Softkey Software Products Inc.
+99.5 Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Supplement to be entered into by Mattel, Inc.,
The Learning Company, Inc., Softkey Software Products Inc. and , as
Trustee.
+99.6 Form of Support Agreement Amending Agreement to be entered into by Mattel, Inc.,
The Learning Company, Inc. and Softkey Software Products Inc.
+99.7 Form of Rights Agreement to be entered into by Softkey Software Products Inc.,
Mattel, Inc. and , as Trustee.
+99.8 Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
+99.9 Consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
</TABLE>
- --------
*Filed herewith.
**Previously filed.
+To be filed by amendment.
Item 22. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement;
(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;
II-4
<PAGE>
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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 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.
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 of 1933, each such post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 20 of this
registration statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the 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.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class
II-5
<PAGE>
mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in
documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement
through the date of responding to the request.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-
effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company
being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in
the registration statement when it became effective.
II-6
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of El Segundo, State of California, on February 22, 1999.
MATTEL, INC.
Harry J. Pearce*
By: _________________________________
Name: Harry J. Pearce
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons, in the capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Jill E. Barad* Chairman of the Board, February 22, 1999
____________________________________ President and Chief
Jill E. Barad Executive Officer
Harry J. Pearce* Chief Financial Officer February 22, 1999
____________________________________ (Principal Financial
Harry J. Pearce Officer)
Kevin M. Farr* Senior Vice President and February 22, 1999
____________________________________ Corporate Controller
Kevin M. Farr (Principal Accounting
Officer)
Dr. Harold Brown* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
Dr. Harold Brown
Tully M. Friedman* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
Tully M. Friedman
Joseph C. Gandolfo* Director and President, February 22, 1999
____________________________________ Worldwide Manufacturing
Joseph C. Gandolfo Operations
Ronald M. Loeb* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
Ronald M. Loeb
Ned Mansour* Director and President, February 22, 1999
____________________________________ Corporate Operations and
Ned Mansour General Counsel
Dr. Andrea L. Rich* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
Dr. Andrea L. Rich
William D. Rollnick* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
William D. Rollnick
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Pleasant T. Rowland* Vice Chairman of the Board February 22, 1999
____________________________________ and President, Pleasant
Pleasant T. Rowland Company
Christopher A. Sinclair* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
Christopher A. Sinclair
Bruce L. Stein* Director, President, Mattel February 22, 1999
____________________________________ Worldwide and Chief
Bruce L. Stein Operating Officer
John L. Vogelstein* Director February 22, 1999
____________________________________
John L. Vogelstein
</TABLE>
/s/ Lee B. Essner
*By: _____________________
Lee B. Essner
Attorney-in-Fact
February 22, 1999
II-8
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------- ----------------------
<C> <S>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 1998, between
Mattel, Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.1 of Mattel, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
December 15, 1998).
2.2 Stock Option Agreement, dated as of December 13, 1998, between Mattel,
Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.1 of Mattel, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
December 15, 1998).
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.0 to Mattel, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1993).
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Mattel, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Mattel, Inc.'s
Proxy Statement dated March 23, 1996).
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Mattel, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Mattel, Inc.'s
Proxy Statement dated March 30, 1998).
3.4 By-laws of Mattel, Inc., as amended to date (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.3 to Mattel, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-3
dated September 26, 1997).
+3.5 Form of Certificate of Designations, Preferences, Rights and
Limitations of Special Voting Preferred Stock of Mattel, Inc.
4.1 Rights Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1992, between Mattel, Inc.
and The First National Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 1 to Mattel, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
Form 8-A, dated February 12, 1992).
4.2 Specimen Stock Certificate with respect to Mattel, Inc. Common Stock
(incorporated by reference to Mattel, Inc.'s Report on Form 8-A, dated
February 28, 1996).
(Mattel, Inc. has not filed certain long-term debt instruments under
which the principal amount of securities authorized to be issued does
not exceed 10% of the total assets of Mattel, Inc. Copies of such
agreements will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission
upon request.)
*5.1 Form of opinion of Lee B. Essner as to the validity of the securities
being registered.
*8.1 Form of opinion of Latham & Watkins as to tax matters.
*8.2 Form of opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP as to tax matters.
*8.3 Form of opinion of Davies, Ward & Beck as to tax matters.
**12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of
Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.
**23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.2 Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP.
**23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.4 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
+23.5 Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 8.1 above).
+23.6 Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP (included in Exhibit 8.2 above).
+23.7 Consent of Davies, Ward & Beck (included in Exhibit 8.3 above).
*23.8 Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell.
24.1 Power of Attorney with respect to Mattel, Inc. (contained in signature
page hereto).
*99.1 Form of Proxy Card of Mattel, Inc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------- ----------------------
<C> <S>
*99.2 Forms of Proxy Cards of The Learning Company, Inc.
99.3 Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, dated as of February 4, 1994
among The Learning Company, Inc., Softkey Software Products Inc. and
R-M Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.3 to The Learning Company, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-3
dated December 3, 1997).
*99.4 Support Agreement, dated as of February 4, 1994 between The Learning
Company, Inc. and Softkey Software Products Inc.
+99.5 Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Supplement to be entered into by
Mattel, Inc., The Learning Company, Inc., Softkey Software Products
Inc. and , as Trustee.
+99.6 Form of Support Agreement Amending Agreement to be entered into by
Mattel, Inc., The Learning Company, Inc. and Softkey Software Products
Inc.
+99.7 Form of Rights Agreement to be entered into by Softkey Software
Products Inc., Mattel, Inc. and , as Trustee.
+99.8 Consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
+99.9 Consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
</TABLE>
- --------
*Filed herewith.
**Previously filed.
+To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5.1
[LETTERHEAD OF LEE B. ESSNER]
, 1999
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245-5012
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the registration statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") being filed by Mattel, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of
registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), securities of the Company to be issued or reserved for issuance in
connection with the merger (the "Merger") of The Learning Company, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, with and into the Company and as described in the
Registration Statement. The securities covered by the Registration Statement
are (i) up to 152,963,658 shares of the common stock, $1.00 par value per
share, of the Company ("Common Stock"), issuable in connection with the Merger
and (ii) the preference share purchase rights of the Company (the "Rights")
issuable together with the shares of Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.
The shares of Common Stock covered by the Registration Statement are sometimes
referred to herein as the "Shares."
I have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my
satisfaction, of such corporate records, certificates of public officials, and
other documents as I have deemed necessary or relevant as a basis for my
opinion set forth herein.
Based on and subject to the foregoing and subject further to the assumptions
set forth below, I am of the opinion that (i) when the Shares to be issued in
the Merger have been so issued in the manner contemplated by the Registration
Statement such Shares will be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable
and (ii) when the Rights issuable together with the shares of Common Stock to
be issued in the Merger have been issued in accordance with the Rights
Agreement dated February 7, 1992 between the Company and The First National
Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agreement"), such Rights will be
validly issued and will be binding obligations of the Company entitled to the
benefits of the Rights Agreement.
I express no opinion other than on the laws of the State of California and
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to me under the caption "Legal Matters" in the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement.
In giving this consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
Lee B. Essner
Assistant General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.1
[LATHAM & WATKINS LETTERHEAD]
, 1999
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245
Re: Agreement and Plan of Merger Dated as of December 13, 1998,
By and Between Mattel, Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel for Mattel, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Mattel"), in connection with the proposed merger (the "Merger") of The
Learning Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Learning Company"), with and
into Mattel, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December
13, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") by and between Mattel and Learning Company.
In connection with the filing of a registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") on Form S-4, which includes the joint proxy statement/prospectus
relating to the Merger Agreement, you have requested our opinion regarding
certain United States federal income tax consequences of the Merger. In
providing our opinion, we have examined and are relying upon (without any
independent investigation or review thereof) the truth and accuracy, at all
relevant times, of the statements, covenants, representations and warranties
contained in (i) the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Registration Statement to be
filed by Mattel with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), to
which this opinion appears as an exhibit, (iii) the representations made to us
by Mattel and Learning Company in their respective letters to us each dated the
date hereof (the "Representation Letters"), and (iv) such other documents and
corporate records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of
our opinion.
In addition, we have assumed that:
1. Original documents (including signatures) are authentic, documents
submitted to us as copies conform to the original documents, and there has
been (or will be by the effective time of the Merger) due execution and
delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are
prerequisites to the effectiveness thereof;
2. The Merger will be consummated in the manner contemplated by the
Registration Statement and in accordance with the provisions of the Merger
Agreement, and will be effective under the laws of the State of Delaware;
3. All statements, descriptions and representations contained in any of
the documents referred to herein or otherwise made to us are true and
correct in all material respects, and no actions have been taken or will be
taken which are inconsistent with such statements, descriptions or
representations or which make any such statements, descriptions or
representations untrue, incorrect or incomplete in any material respect;
4. Any statements made in any of the documents referred to herein "to the
knowledge of" or similarly qualified are correct and will continue to be
true, correct and complete at all times
<PAGE>
up to and including the Closing Date, as defined in the Merger Agreement,
in each case without such qualification; and
5. The representations made to us in the Representation Letters will
again be made to us as of the Closing Date.
If any of the above-described assumptions are untrue for any reason or if the
Merger is consummated in a manner that is inconsistent with the manner in which
it is described in the Merger Agreement and Registration Statement, our opinion
as expressed below may be adversely affected and may not be relied upon.
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations
stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Merger will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the following federal
income tax consequences will result (subject to the limitations and
qualifications set forth herein):
1. No gain or loss will be recognized by Mattel or Learning Company
solely as a result of the Merger;
2. No gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of Learning
Company upon the exchange of Learning Company common stock and Learning
Company Series A preferred stock (collectively, the "Learning Company
Stock") solely for shares of Mattel common stock in the Merger;
3. Cash payments received by a holder of Learning Company Stock in lieu
of a fractional share of Mattel common stock will be treated as capital
gain (or loss) measured by the difference between the amount of the cash
payment received and the portion of the holder's adjusted tax basis in the
shares of Learning Company Stock surrendered that is allocable to such
fractional share. Such gain (or loss) will be long-term capital gain (or
loss) if such fractional share of Mattel common stock is considered to have
been held for more than one year at the effective time of the Merger;
4. The adjusted tax basis of the shares of Mattel common stock received
by a Learning Company shareholder in the Merger will be equal to the
adjusted tax basis of such shareholder's shares of Learning Company Stock
exchanged therefor in the Merger, reduced by any portion of such basis
allocable to a fractional share of Mattel common stock treated as sold or
exchanged as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph; and
5. The holding period for the shares of Mattel common stock received by a
Learning Company shareholder will include the holding period for the shares
of Learning Company Stock exchanged therefor by such shareholder in the
Merger, provided that such shares of Learning Company Stock are held as
capital assets at the effective time of the Merger.
This opinion represents and is based upon our best judgment regarding the
application of United States federal income tax laws arising under the Code,
existing judicial decisions, administrative regulations and published rulings
and procedures. Our opinion is not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or
the courts, and there is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will
not assert a contrary position. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that
future legislative, judicial or administrative changes, on either a prospective
or retroactive basis, would not adversely affect the accuracy of the
conclusions stated herein. Nevertheless, we undertake no responsibility to
advise you
<PAGE>
or your shareholders of any new developments in the application or
interpretation of the United States federal income tax laws.
This opinion is rendered to you solely for use in connection with the filing
of the Registration Statement with the SEC and is not to be used, circulated,
quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose without our express
written permission. We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement and to the references to our firm name therein. In
giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules or regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.2
[HALE AND DORR LLP LETTERHEAD]
, 1999
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Re: Merger pursuant to Agreement and Plan of Merger
between Mattel, Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is being delivered to you in connection with the filing of a
registration statement (the "Registration Statement") on Form S-4, which
includes the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of December 13, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and
between Mattel, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Mattel"), and The Learning
Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Learning Company"). Pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, Learning Company will merge with and into Mattel (the
"Merger"). All section references, unless otherwise indicated, are to the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
In our capacity as counsel to Learning Company in the Merger, and for
purposes of rendering this opinion, we have examined and relied upon the
Registration Statement, the Merger Agreement and the exhibits thereto, the
letters delivered to Hale and Dorr LLP by Mattel and Learning Company
containing certain representations of Mattel and Learning Company relevant to
this opinion (the "Representation Letters") and such other documents as we
considered relevant to our analysis. In our examination of documents, we have
assumed the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies, the
genuineness of signatures, and the legal capacity of signatories.
We have assumed that all parties to the Merger Agreement and to any other
documents examined by us have acted, and will act, in accordance with the terms
of such Merger Agreement and documents and that the Merger will be consummated
at the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) pursuant to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement without the waiver or
modification of any such terms and conditions. Furthermore, we have assumed
that all representations contained in the Merger Agreement, as well as those
representations contained in the Representation Letters, are, and at the
Effective Time will be, true and complete in all material respects, and that
any representation made in any of the documents referred to herein "to the best
of the knowledge and belief" (or similar qualification) of any person or party
is correct without such qualification. We have also assumed that as to all
matters for which a person or entity has represented that such person or entity
is not a party to, does not have, or is not aware of, any plan, intention,
underwriting, or agreement, there is no such plan, intention, understanding, or
agreement. We have not attempted to verify independently such representations,
but in the course of our representation, nothing has come to our attention that
would cause us to question the accuracy thereof.
<PAGE>
The Learning Company
, 1999
Page 2
The conclusions expressed herein represent our judgment as to the proper
treatment of certain aspects of the Merger under the income tax laws of the
United States based upon the Code, Treasury Regulations, case law, and rulings
and other pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as in
effect on the date of this opinion. No assurances can be given that such laws
will not be amended or otherwise changed prior to the Effective Time, or at any
other time, or that such changes will not affect the conclusions expressed
herein. Nevertheless, we undertake no responsibility to advise you of any
developments after the Effective Time in the application or interpretation of
the income tax laws of the United States.
Our opinion represents our best judgment of how a court would decide if
presented with the issues addressed herein and is not binding upon either the
IRS or any court. Thus, no assurances can be given that a position taken in
reliance on our opinion will not be challenged by the IRS or rejected by a
court.
The opinion addresses only the specific United States federal income tax
consequences of the Merger set forth below, and does not address any other
federal, state, local, or foreign tax consequences that may result from the
Merger or any other transaction (including any transaction undertaken in
connection with the Merger). We express no opinion regarding the tax
consequences of the Merger to shareholders of Learning Company that are subject
to special tax rules (including insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations,
financial institutions, broker-dealers, foreign persons, stockholders who own
their stock as part of a hedge, appreciated financial position, straddle or
conversion transaction, stockholders who do not own their stock as a capital
asset and stockholders who have acquired their stock upon the exercise of
employee options or otherwise as compensation), and we express no opinion
regarding the tax consequences of the Merger arising in connection with the
ownership of options or warrants for Learning Company stock.
On the basis of, and subject to, the foregoing, and in reliance upon the
representations and assumptions described above, we are of the opinion that the
Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a).
Accordingly, the following tax consequences will result (subject to the
limitations and qualifications set forth herein):
1. No gain or loss will be recognized by Mattel or Learning Company
solely as a result of the Merger;
2. No gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of Learning Company
common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Learning Company Common Stock"),
or Learning Company Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share ("Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock"), upon
the receipt of Mattel common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Mattel
Common Stock") solely in exchange for such Learning Company Common Stock or
Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock in the Merger (except to the
extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares);
3. Cash payments received by holders of Learning Company Common Stock and
Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock in lieu of a fractional share
will be treated as capital gain (or loss) measured by the difference
between the cash payment received and the portion of the tax basis in the
shares of Learning Company Common Stock and Learning Company Series A
<PAGE>
The Learning Company
, 1999
Page 3
Preferred Stock surrendered that is allocable to such fractional share.
Such gain (or loss) will be long-term capital gain (or loss) if such
fractional share of Mattel Common Stock is considered to have been held for
more than one year at the Effective Time;
4. The aggregate tax basis of the Mattel Common Stock so received by
Learning Company stockholders in the Merger (including any fractional share
of Mattel Common Stock not actually received) will be the same as the
aggregate tax basis of Learning Company Common Stock and Learning Company
Series A Preferred Stock surrendered in exchange therefor; and
5. The holding period of the Mattel Common Stock received by each
Learning Company stockholder in the Merger will include the holding period
for Learning Company Common Stock and Learning Company Series A Preferred
Stock surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that Learning Company
Common Stock and Learning Company Series A Preferred Stock so surrendered
is held as a capital asset at the Effective Time.
No opinion is expressed as to any federal income tax consequence of the
Merger except as specifically set forth herein, and this opinion may not be
relied upon except with respect to the consequences specifically discussed
herein.
This opinion is intended solely for the purpose of inclusion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement. It may not be relied upon for any other purpose or
by any other person or entity, and may not be made available to any other
person or entity without our prior written consent. We hereby consent to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further
consent to the use of our name in the Registration Statement in connection with
references to this opinion and the tax consequences of the Merger. In giving
this consent, however, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 8.3
[LETTERHEAD OF DAVIES, WARD & BECK]
, 1999
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Agreement and Plan of Merger as of December 13, 1998 By and
Between Mattel, Inc. and The Learning Company, Inc.
We have acted as Canadian counsel to The Learning Company, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Learning Company"), and its subsidiary, SoftKey Software
Products, Inc., an Ontario corporation ("SoftKey"), in connection with the
proposed merger of Learning Company with and into Mattel, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Mattel"), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
December 13, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") by and between Mattel and Learning
Company.
In connection with the filing of a registration statement on Form S-4, which
includes the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Merger Agreement,
you have requested our opinion regarding certain Canadian federal income tax
consequences of the proposed merger. Except as otherwise provided, capitalized
terms not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.
In providing our opinion, we have examined and relied upon the registration
statement, the Merger Agreement and the exhibits thereto, a letter delivered to
us on behalf of Learning Company and SoftKey containing certain representations
relevant to this opinion, and such other documents as we considered relevant to
our analysis. In our examination of documents, we have assumed the authenticity
of original documents, the accuracy of copies, the genuineness of signatures,
and the legal capacity of signatories.
We have assumed that all parties to the Merger Agreement and to any other
documents examined by us have acted, and will act, in accordance with the terms
of such Merger Agreement and documents, and that the merger will be consummated
at the Effective Time pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Merger Agreement without the waiver or modification of any such terms and
conditions. Furthermore, we have assumed that all representations contained in
the Merger Agreement, as well as those representations contained in the
representation letter on behalf of Learning Company and Softkey are, and at the
Effective Time will be, true and complete in all material respects, and that
any representation made in any of the documents referred to herein "to the best
of the knowledge and belief" (or similar qualification) of any person or party
is correct without such qualification. We have not attempted to verify
independently such representations, but in the course of our representation,
nothing has come to our attention that would cause us to question the accuracy
thereof.
The conclusions expressed herein represent our judgment as to the proper
treatment of certain aspects of the proposed merger under the income tax laws
of Canada based upon the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Canadian Tax Act"), the
regulations thereunder, case law and administrative practices of Revenue Canada
as in effect on the date of this opinion. No assurances can be given that
<PAGE>
such laws will not be amended or otherwise changed prior to the Effective Time,
or at any other time, or that such changes will not affect the conclusions
expressed herein. Nevertheless, we undertake no responsibility to advise you of
any developments after the Effective Time in the application or interpretation
of the income tax laws of Canada.
Our opinion represents our best judgment of how a court would decide if
presented with the issues addressed herein and is not binding upon Revenue
Canada or any court. Thus, no assurances can be given that a position taken in
reliance on our opinion will not be challenged by Revenue Canada or rejected by
a court.
This opinion addresses only the specific Canadian federal income tax
consequences of the proposed merger set forth below, and does not address any
other federal, provincial, territorial or foreign tax consequences that may
result from such merger or any other transaction, including any transaction
undertaken in connection with the merger. We express no opinion regarding the
tax consequences of the proposed merger to shareholders of Learning Company, or
to shareholders of SoftKey other than holders of exchangeable shares referred
to below who, for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act, hold their exchangeable
shares and their ancillary rights against and entitlements with respect to
Learning Company under the voting and exchange trust agreement as capital
property and deal at arm's length with Learning Company, SoftKey and Mattel.
Furthermore, we express no opinion on the Canadian federal income tax
consequences to holders of exchangeable shares that are specified financial
institutions for purposes of the Canadian Tax Act.
On the basis of, and subject to, the foregoing, and in reliance upon the
representations and assumptions described above, we are of the following
opinion:
SoftKey Holders Resident in Canada. The following portion of our opinion is
applicable to a holder of exchangeable shares who is a resident of Canada for
purposes of the Canadian Tax Act and any applicable tax treaty.
Holders will not be considered to have disposed of their exchangeable shares
or the Learning Company special voting stock as a result of the merger. If
holders are considered to have disposed of their rights to exchange their
exchangeable shares for Learning Company common stock under the voting and
exchange trust agreement as a result of the merger, the voting and exchange
trust supplement and/or the related transactions and to have acquired new
exchange rights against Mattel, they will be considered to have received
proceeds of disposition equal to the fair market value of the new exchange
rights. In such case, they will realize a capital gain to the extent that such
proceeds of disposition, net of any reasonable costs of disposition, exceed the
adjusted cost base to the holder of the exchange rights. The cost to the holder
of the new exchange rights will be equal to the fair market value of the new
exchange rights at the time of the merger. Learning Company and SoftKey
management have advised in their representation letter that the exchange rights
and the new exchange rights are of only nominal value, and accordingly no gain
should be considered to arise if a holder is considered to have disposed of
exchange rights for new exchange rights. Such determinations of value are not
binding on Revenue Canada and we express no opinion on matters of factual
determination such as this.
If holders are considered to have cancelled their obligations to sell to
Learning Company their exchangeable shares under the retraction, redemption and
liquidation call rights held by Learning Company and to have granted new call
rights to Mattel as a result of the merger or the related transactions, on the
grant of the new call rights, holders will be considered to have received
proceeds
<PAGE>
of disposition equal to the fair market value of the new call rights, and will
realize a gain to the extent of such proceeds of disposition. Learning Company
and SoftKey management have advised in their representation letter that the
call rights are of only nominal value, and accordingly no gain should be
considered to arise if a holder is considered to have disposed of the existing
call rights. Such determinations of value are not binding on Revenue Canada and
we express no opinion on matters of factual determination such as this.
SoftKey Holders Not Resident in Canada. The following portion of our opinion
is applicable to holders of exchangeable shares who, for purposes of the
Canadian Tax Act, have not been and will not be at any relevant time resident
in Canada, to whom the exchangeable shares are not "taxable Canadian property"
(as defined in the Canadian Tax Act) and who do not use or hold and are not
deemed to use or hold exchangeable shares in connection with carrying on a
business in Canada.
Generally, the exchangeable shares will not be taxable Canadian property to a
holder at a particular time provided that at that time such shares are listed
on a prescribed stock exchange (which currently includes The Toronto Stock
Exchange), the holder does not use or hold, and is not deemed to use or hold,
such shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada and the holder,
alone or together with persons with whom such holder does not deal at arm's
length, has not owned (or had under option) 25 percent or more of the issued
shares of any class or series of the capital stock of SoftKey at any time
within the five years preceding such time.
Holders will not be considered to have disposed of their exchangeable shares
or the Learning Company special voting stock as a result of the merger. Whether
or not holders are considered to have (a) disposed of their exchange rights as
a result of the merger, the voting and exchange trust supplement and/or the
related transactions, (b) acquired in exchange the new exchange rights against
Mattel, or (c) cancelled the existing call rights and been granted new call
rights as a result of the merger and/or the related transactions, a holder who
is not a resident of Canada will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax
Act on any disposition of such rights.
----------------
This opinion is intended solely for the purpose of inclusion as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement. It may not be relied upon for any other purpose or
by any other person or entity, and may not be made available to any other
person or entity without our prior written consent. We hereby consent to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and further
consent to the use of our name in the Registration Statement in connection with
references to this opinion and the tax consequences of the merger. In giving
this consent, however, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.8
CONSENT OF MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL
We hereby consent to the reference to our firm in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constituting a part of the registration statement on Form
S-4 of Mattel, Inc. ("Mattel")/The Learning Company ("TLC") relating to the
business combination of Mattel and TLC. In giving this consent, we do not admit
that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder,
nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such
registration statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used
therein.
Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
/s/ Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
February 19, 1999
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, California 90245
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON , 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF MATTEL, INC.
The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Jill E. Barad,
Ned Mansour and John L. Vogelstein, and each of them, with full power of
substitution, as proxies to represent and vote, as designated herein, all
shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Mattel, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Mattel"), and Series C Mandatorily Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Mattel that the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders of Mattel to be held at on
, 1999 at , local time, and at any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR
POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by
the undersigned stockholder(s). IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1. Attendance of the undersigned at the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy
unless the undersigned shall revoke this proxy in writing before it is
exercised or affirmatively indicate his intent to vote in person.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MATTEL RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 1.
1. To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December
13, 1998, between Mattel and The Learning Company, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
Mark here for address change and note below [_]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON THIS PROXY. WHEN SHARES
ARE HELD BY JOINT OWNERS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION
OR A PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN BY AUTHORIZING PERSON.
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.2
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON , 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Michael J.
Perik, R. Scott Murray and Neal S. Winneg, and each of them, with full power of
substitution, as proxies to represent and vote, as designated herein, all
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of The Learning Company,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Learning Company"), that the undersigned would
be entitled to vote if personally present at the Special Meeting of
Stockholders of Learning Company to be held at on , 1999 at
.m., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR
POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by
the undersigned stockholder(s). IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1. Attendance of the undersigned at the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy
unless the undersigned shall revoke this proxy in writing before it is
exercised or affirmatively indicate his intent to vote in person.
1. To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December
13, 1998, between Learning Company and Mattel, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
Mark here for address change and note below [_]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON THIS PROXY. WHEN SHARES
ARE HELD BY JOINT OWNERS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION
OR A PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN BY AUTHORIZING PERSON.
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
<PAGE>
The Learning Company, Inc.
One Athenaeum Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
PROXY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON , 1999
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
The undersigned, revoking all prior proxies, hereby appoint(s) Michael J.
Perik, R. Scott Murray and Neal S. Winneg, and each of them, with full power of
substitution, as proxies to represent and vote, as designated herein, all
shares of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, $.01par value per
share, of The Learning Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Learning
Company"), that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present
at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Learning Company to be held at
on , 1999 at .m., local time, and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR
POSTPONEMENT THEREOF.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by
the undersigned stockholder(s). IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1. Attendance of the undersigned at the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof will not be deemed to revoke this proxy
unless the undersigned shall revoke this proxy in writing before it is
exercised or affirmatively indicate his intent to vote in person.
1. To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December
13, 1998, between Learning Company and Mattel, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
Mark here for address change and note below [_]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) ON THIS PROXY. WHEN SHARES
ARE HELD BY JOINT OWNERS, BOTH SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE TITLE AS SUCH. IF A CORPORATION
OR A PARTNERSHIP, PLEASE SIGN BY AUTHORIZING PERSON.
Stockholder Name: ____
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
Date: ________________
----------------------
(Signature)
----------------------
(Print Name)
<PAGE>
THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
----------------
DIRECTION TO BE GIVEN BY HOLDERS OF EXCHANGEABLE
NON-VOTING SHARES OF SOFTKEY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC.
----------------
DIRECTION FOR THE , 1999 SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF THE LEARNING COMPANY, INC.
The undersigned, having read the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
(the "Special Meeting") of The Learning Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Learning Company"), to be held at on , 1999, at .m. local
time, the Proxy Statement and the Information Statement dated ,
1999, receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, DOES HEREBY INSTRUCT AND
DIRECT CIBC MELLON TRUST COMPANY (THE "TRUSTEE"), pursuant to the provisions
of the Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement dated February 4, 1994 (the
"Agreement") among Learning Company, Softkey Software Products Inc. and the
Trustee, as follows:
(PLEASE SELECT ONE OF A, B OR C.)
A. [_] Exercise or cause to be exercised, whether by proxy given by the
Trustee to a representative of Learning Company or otherwise, the Beneficiary
Votes (as defined in the Agreement) to which the undersigned is entitled at
the Special Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof as follows:
(PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ONLY IF YOU HAVE SELECTED ALTERNATIVE A.)
1. To approve and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
December 13, 1998, between Learning Company and Mattel, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Special Meeting.
[_] FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN
(PLEASE NOTE: THE TRUSTEE WILL VOTE AS DIRECTED BUT IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY SUCH
DIRECTION, THE TRUSTEE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO VOTE FOR ITEM 1
ABOVE AND AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE SPECIAL
MEETING TO VOTE IN ITS DISCRETION.)
(PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE SIGNATURE LINE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.)
B. [_] Deliver a proxy card to the undersigned at the Special Meeting, with
respect to all Exchangeable Non-Voting Shares of Softkey Software Products
Inc. held of record by the undersigned on the record date for the Special
Meeting (and not subsequently disposed of) (the "Exchangeable Shares") so that
the undersigned may exercise personally the Beneficiary Votes (as defined in
the Agreement) to which the undersigned is entitled at the Special Meeting, or
any adjournment or postponement thereof.
(IF YOU HAVE SELECTED ALTERNATIVE B, GO DIRECTLY TO THE SIGNATURE LINE AT THE
BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.)
C. [_] Deliver a proxy card to as the designee of the undersigned
to attend and act for and on behalf of the undersigned at the Special Meeting,
with respect to the Exchangeable Shares, with all the powers that the
undersigned would possess if personally present and acting thereat including
the power to exercise the Beneficiary Votes (as defined in the Agreement) to
which the undersigned is entitled at the Special Meeting, or any adjournment
or postponement thereof.
(IF YOU HAVE SELECTED ALTERNATIVE C, GO DIRECTLY TO THE SIGNATURE LINE AT THE
BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Holder of Exchangeable Shares)
Date: , 1999
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ABOVE. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR,
TRUSTEE, GUARDIAN, ETC., GIVE TITLE AS SUCH. IF JOINT ACCOUNT, EACH JOINT
OWNER SHOULD SIGN.
<PAGE>
, 1999
INFORMATION STATEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGEABLE
NON-VOTING SHARES OF SOFTKEY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC.
TO: HOLDERS OF EXCHANGEABLE NON-VOTING SHARES OF SOFTKEY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC.
Enclosed with this Notice are proxy materials relating to The Learning
Company, Inc. ("Learning Company"), the parent company of Softkey Software
Products Inc. ("SSPI"), in connection with Learning Company's upcoming special
meeting of stockholders (the "Meeting") to be held at
on , 1999, at .m., local time. Proxy materials
relating to Learning Company are being provided to you because, as a holder of
SSPI's exchangeable non-voting shares ("Exchangeable Shares"), you have voting
rights at stockholders' meetings of Learning Company. Pursuant to certain
orders or rulings issued by certain Canadian provincial securities commissions,
Learning Company is required to provide holders of Exchangeable Shares with all
disclosure material furnished to holders of Learning Company's common stock
("Learning Company Common Stock") residing in the United States.
ECONOMIC EQUIVALENCY OF EXCHANGEABLE SHARES AND LEARNING COMPANY COMMON STOCK
The Exchangeable Shares provide holders thereof with a security of SSPI
having economic and voting rights that are, as nearly as practicable,
equivalent to those of a share of Learning Company Common Stock. In particular,
Exchangeable Shares are: (a) entitled to dividends from SSPI payable at the
same time as, and in the Canadian dollar equivalent of, dividends paid by
Learning Company on Learning Company Common Stock; (b) retractable at the
option of the holder at any time for Learning Company Common Stock; (c)
entitled on the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of SSPI to be exchanged
for Learning Company Common Stock; (d) entitled on the dissolution of Learning
Company to be automatically exchanged for Learning Company Common Stock; and
(e) entitled to direct voting rights at stockholders' meetings of Learning
Company.
As a result of the economic equivalency of the Exchangeable Shares and the
Learning Company Common Stock, holders of Exchangeable Shares effectively have
a participating interest in Learning Company, rather than SSPI. Accordingly,
information respecting the financial condition and results of operations of
SSPI would not be relevant to holders of Exchangeable Shares because the value
of the Exchangeable Shares is dependent on the consolidated financial condition
and results of operations of Learning Company. To ensure that you receive
meaningful disclosure respecting the nature of your investment, you are being
provided with the same disclosure material that Learning Company provides to
holders of Learning Company Common Stock.
RIGHT TO DIRECT VOTING AT MEETINGS OF LEARNING COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS
As you are aware, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, which was formerly known as The
R-M Trust Company (the "Trustee"), is entitled at the Meeting to cast a number
of votes attaching to the single
<PAGE>
outstanding share of Special Voting Stock of Learning Company equal to the
number of outstanding Exchangeable Shares on the record date of the Meeting
(other than Exchangeable Shares held by Learning Company and by entities
controlled by Learning Company). These votes to be cast by the Trustee may only
be exercised in accordance with the instructions of the holders of the
Exchangeable Shares of SSPI. This information statement outlines the nature and
extent of your right as a holder to instruct the Trustee and describes the
process by which your instructions will be carried out.
A form of direction (the "Direction") is enclosed with this information
statement that will serve as your instructions to the Trustee. The Direction
should be completed as soon as possible and returned to CIBC Mellon Trust
Company either in the enclosed envelope or by mail to CIBC Mellon Trust
Company, 200 Queens Quay East, Unit 6, Toronto, Ontario M5A 4K9. Please note
that unless the Direction has been received by 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on
, 1999 (the "Filing Time"), your instructions will not be binding
upon the Trustee and your voting rights will not be exercised.
Each of you is entitled to attend the Meeting and to vote in person, or to
designate a person who will attend the Meeting and vote on your behalf. These
alternatives appear as items (B) and (C), respectively, on the Direction. If
you choose one of these alternatives, you can instruct the Trustee to provide
you (or the person designated by you) with a proxy card which will be delivered
to you (or the person designated by you) at the Meeting by the Trustee's
representatives upon the presentation of satisfactory identification. At the
Meeting, you (or the person designated by you) will be entitled to cast one
vote for each Exchangeable Share of SSPI held by you on the record date for the
Meeting (and not subsequently disposed of) (the "Beneficiary Votes") in respect
of each matter to be voted on at the Meeting.
Alternatively, you are entitled to instruct the Trustee to give a proxy card
to a representative of Learning Company who will exercise the Beneficiary Votes
at the Meeting in accordance with your instructions. This alternative appears
as item (A) on the Direction. If you decide to proceed in this manner, you
should complete item 1 on the Direction which represents the item of business
to be considered and voted on at the Meeting.
In addition to revocation in any manner permitted by law, you may revoke or
amend your instructions by filing an instrument in writing executed by you, or
by your attorney authorized in writing, and delivered to the office of the
Trustee shown above at any time up to and including the Filing Time. Your
instructions may also be revoked in person at the Meeting prior to on
, 1999 by submitting written revocation of your instructions and
satisfactory identification to the Trustee's representatives. In the event that
the Meeting is adjourned, your instructions may be revoked or amended at any
time up to and including 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the second business day
prior to the day of any adjournment of the Meeting by delivering an instrument
in writing to the office of the Trustee (in the manner described above), or
your instructions may be revoked in person at any adjournment of the Meeting
not less than one hour prior to the time of such adjourned meeting.
Failure to comply with the foregoing will not affect your right to attend the
Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, and to vote in person so long as
satisfactory identification is presented to the Trustee's representatives.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.4
SUPPORT AGREEMENT
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT made as of the 4th day of February, 1994.
B E T W E E N:
SOFTKEY INTERNATIONAL INC.,
a corporation subsisting under the laws
of the State of Delaware,
(hereinafter referred to as the "Parent"),
OF THE FIRST PART,
- and -
SOFTKEY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC.,
a corporation substituting under the laws
of the Province of Ontario,
(hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation"),
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS pursuant to a combination agreement dated as of August 17, 1993, as
amended and restated, by and among Wordstar International Incorporated (the
former corporate name of the Parent), SoftKey Software Products Inc. (a
predecessor to the Corporation), Spinnaker Software Corporation and SSC
Acquisition Corporation (such agreement as so amended and restated is
hereinafter referred to as the "Combination Agreement"), the parties agreed
that as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or waiver, if permissible,
of all of the conditions set forth in the Combination Agreement to the
Spinnaker-WordStar-SoftKey Transaction, the SoftKey-WordStar Transaction or the
SoftKey-Spinnaker Transaction (as each such term is defined in the Combination
Agreement), as the case may be, but in no event later than the second business
day after the latest to occur of such conditions, the Parent and the
Corporation would execute and deliver a Support Agreement containing the terms
and conditions set forth in Exhibit A to the Combination Agreement together
with such other terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the parties to the
Combination Agreement acting reasonably;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to an arrangement (the "Arrangement") effected by
articles of arrangement dated February 4, 1994 filed pursuant to the Business
Corporations Act (Ontario), SoftKey Software Products Inc. (a predecessor to
the Corporation) and 1056920 Ontario Inc. amalgamated to continue as the
Corporation;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Arrangement and immediately following the above-
mentioned amalgamation each issued and outstanding Class A voting common share
of the Corporation, other than those held by the Parent, was exchanged by the
holder thereof with the Parent for 3.6 issued and outstanding shares of Common
Stock of the Parent ("Parent Common Shares") and each issued and outstanding
Class B non-voting common share of the Corporation was converted into 3.6
issued and outstanding Exchangeable Non-Voting Shares of the Corporation (the
"Exchangeable Shares");
<PAGE>
AND WHEREAS subsequent to the exchange of Class A voting common shares of the
Corporation for Parent Common Shares, the Parent Common Shares were
consolidated on a 1-for-10 basis;
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Arrangement, the issued and outstanding
Exchangeable Shares were consolidated on a 1-for-10 basis;
AND WHEREAS the above-mentioned articles of arrangement set forth the rights,
privileges, restrictions and conditions (collectively the "Share Provisions")
attaching to the Exchangeable Shares;
AND WHEREAS the Parent is the registered and beneficial owner of all of the
issued and outstanding Class A voting common shares of the Corporation;
AND WHEREAS the parties hereto desire to make appropriate provision and to
establish a procedure whereby the Parent will take certain actions and make
certain payments and deliveries necessary to ensure that the Corporation will
be able to make certain payments and to deliver or cause to be delivered Parent
Common Shares in satisfaction of the obligations of the Corporation under the
Share Provisions with respect to the payment and satisfaction of dividends,
Liquidation Amounts, Retraction Prices and Redemption Prices, all in accordance
with the Share Provisions;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements
provided in this agreement and for other good and valuable consideration (the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties agree as
follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Defined Terms. Each term denoted herein by initial capital letters and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Share
Provisions, unless the context requires otherwise.
1.2 Interpretation not Affected by Headings, etc. The division of this
agreement into articles, sections and paragraphs and the insertion of headings
are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or
interpretation of this agreement.
1.3 Number, Gender, etc. Words importing the singular number only shall include
the plural and vice versa. Words importing the use of any gender shall include
all genders.
1.4 Date for any Action. If any date on which any action is required to be
taken under this agreement is not a Business Day, such action shall be required
to be taken on the next succeeding Business Day. For the purposes of this
agreement, a "Business Day" means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a
statutory holiday in the City of Toronto, Ontario or the City of Boston,
Massachusetts.
2
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
COVENANTS OF THE PARENT AND THE CORPORATION
2.1 Funding of the Corporation. So long as any Exchangeable Shares are
outstanding, the Parent will:
(a) not declare or pay any dividend on the Parent Common Shares unless the
Corporation shall simultaneously declare or pay, as the case may be, an
equivalent dividend on the Exchangeable Shares;
(b) cause the Corporation to declare simultaneously with the declaration of
any dividend on the Parent Common Shares an equivalent dividend on the
Exchangeable Shares and, when such dividend is paid on the Parent
Common Shares, cause the Corporation to pay simultaneously therewith
such equivalent dividend on the Exchangeable Shares, in each case in
accordance with the Share Provisions;
(c) advise the Corporation sufficiently in advance of the declaration by
the Parent of any dividend on the Parent Common Shares and take all
such other actions as are necessary, in cooperation with the
Corporation, to ensure that the respective declaration date, record
date and payment date for a dividend on the Exchangeable Shares shall
be the same as the record date, declaration date and payment date for
the corresponding dividend on the Parent Common Shares;
(d) ensure that the record date for any dividend declared on the Parent
Common Shares is not less than 10 Business Days after the declaration
date for such dividend;
(e) provide or cause to be provided to the Corporation, by any means which
the Parent deems appropriate from time to time, such assets, funds and
other property as may be necessary in order that the Corporation will
have sufficient assets, funds and other property available to enable
the due declaration and the due and punctual payment, in accordance
with applicable law, of all dividends on the Exchangeable Shares in
accordance with the Share Provisions;
(f) take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or
desirable to enable and permit the Corporation, in accordance with
applicable law, to pay and otherwise perform its obligations with
respect to the satisfaction of the Liquidation Amount in respect of
each issued and outstanding Exchangeable Share upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, including without
limitation all such actions and all such things as are necessary or
desirable to enable and permit the Corporation to cause to be delivered
Parent Common Shares to the holders of Exchangeable Shares in
accordance with the provisions of Article 5 of the Share Provisions;
and
(g) take all such actions and do all such things as are necessary or
desirable to enable and permit the Corporation, in accordance with
applicable law, to pay and otherwise perform its obligations with
respect to the satisfaction of the Retraction Price and the Redemption
Price, including without limitation all such actions and all such
things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit the
Corporation to cause to be delivered Parent Common Shares to the
holders of Exchangeable Shares, upon the redemption of the Exchangeable
Shares in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 or Article 7 of
the Share Provisions, as the case may be.
2.2 Segregation of Funds. Upon the Parent providing or causing to be provided
to the Corporation any funds, assets or other property in accordance with
section 2.1, the Corporation will deposit a
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sufficient amount of such funds in a separate account and segregate a
sufficient amount of such assets and other property as is necessary to enable
the Corporation to pay or otherwise satisfy the applicable dividends,
Liquidation Amount, Retraction Price or Redemption Price, in each case for the
benefit of holders from time to time of the Exchangeable Shares, and will use
such funds, assets and other property so segregated exclusively for the payment
of dividends and the payment or other satisfaction of the Liquidation Amount,
the Retraction Price or the Redemption Price, as applicable.
2.3 Reservation of Parent Common Shares. The Parent hereby represents, warrants
and covenants that it has irrevocably reserved for issuance and will at all
times keep available, free from pre-emptive and other rights, out of its
authorized and unissued capital stock such number of Parent Common Shares (or
other shares or securities into which the Parent Common Shares may be
reclassified or changed as contemplated by section 2.7 hereof) (a) as is equal
to the sum of (i) the number of Exchangeable Shares issued and outstanding from
time to time and (ii) the number of Exchangeable Shares issuable upon the
exercise of all rights to acquire Exchangeable Shares outstanding from time to
time and (b) as are now and may hereafter be required to enable and permit the
Corporation to meet its obligations hereunder, under the Voting and Exchange
Trust Agreement, under the Share Provisions and under any other security or
commitment pursuant to which the Parent may now or hereafter be required to
issue Parent Common Shares.
2.4 Notification of Certain Events. In order to assist the Parent to comply
with its obligations hereunder, the Corporation will give the Parent notice of
each of the following events at the time set forth below:
(a) in the event of any determination by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation to institute voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up proceedings with respect to the Corporation or to effect any other
distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders
for the purpose of winding up its affairs, at least 60 days prior to
the proposed effective date of such liquidation, dissolution, winding
up or other distribution;
(b) immediately, upon the earlier of receipt by the Corporation of notice
of and the Corporation otherwise becoming aware of any threatened or
instituted claim, suit, petition or other proceedings with respect to
the involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation or to effect any other distribution of the assets of the
Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its
affairs;
(c) immediately, upon receipt by the Corporation of a Retraction Request
(as defined in the Share Provisions);
(d) at least 130 days prior to any accelerated Automatic Redemption Date
determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance
with the Share Provisions; and
(e) as soon as practicable upon the issuance by the Corporation of any
Exchangeable Shares or rights to acquire Exchangeable Shares (other
than the issuance of Exchangeable Shares upon the conversion of
outstanding Class B non-voting common shares pursuant to the
Arrangement).
2.5 Delivery of Parent Common Shares. In furtherance of its obligations under
sections 2.1(f) and 2.1(g) hereof, upon notice from the Corporation of any
event which requires the Corporation to cause to be delivered Parent Common
Shares to any holder of Exchangeable Shares, the Parent shall forthwith issue
and deliver the requisite Parent Common Shares to or to the order of the former
holder of the surrendered Exchangeable Shares, as the Corporation shall direct.
All such Parent
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Common Shares shall be duly issued as fully paid and non-assessable and shall
be free and clear of any lien, claim or encumbrance. In consideration of the
issuance of each such Parent Common Share by the Parent, the Corporation shall
issue to the Parent, or as the Parent shall direct, such number of Class A
Common Shares of the Corporation as is equal to the fair value of such Parent
Common Share.
2.6 Qualification of Parent Common Shares. If any Parent Common Shares (or
other shares or securities into which the Parent Common Shares may be
reclassified or changed as contemplated by section 2.7 hereof) to be issued and
delivered hereunder require registration or qualification with or approval of
or the filing of any document including any prospectus or similar document or
the taking of any proceeding with or the obtaining of any order, ruling or
consent from any governmental or regulatory authority under any Canadian or
United States federal, provincial or state law or regulation or pursuant to the
rules and regulations of any regulatory authority or the fulfilment of any
other legal requirement before such shares (or such other shares or securities)
may be issued and delivered by the Parent at the direction of the Corporation
to the initial holder thereof or in order that such shares (or such other
shares or securities) may be freely traded thereafter (other than any
restrictions on transfer by reason of a holder being a "control person" of the
Parent for purposes of Canadian federal or provincial securities law or an
"affiliate" of the Parent for purposes of United States federal or state
securities law), the Parent will in good faith expeditiously take all such
actions and do all such things as are necessary or desirable to cause such
Parent Common Shares (or such other shares or securities) to be and remain duly
registered, qualified or approved. The Parent will in good faith expeditiously
take all such sections and do all such things as are necessary or desirable to
cause all Parent Common Shares (or such other shares or securities) to be
delivered hereunder to be listed, quoted or posted for trading on all stock
exchanges and quotation systems on which outstanding Parent Common Shares (or
such other shares or securities) are listed, quoted or posted for trading at
such time.
2.7 Economic Equivalence.
(a) The Parent will not without the prior approval of the Corporation and
the prior approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in
accordance with Section 10.2 of the Share Provisions:
(i) issue or distribute Parent Common Shares (or securities
exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights to acquire
Parent Common Shares) to the holders of all or substantially all of
the then outstanding Parent Common Shares by way of stock dividend
or other distribution, other than an issue of Parent Common Shares
(or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying
rights to acquire Parent Common Shares) to holders of Parent Common
Shares who exercise an option to receive dividends in Parent Common
Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into or
carrying rights to acquire Parent Common Shares) in lieu of
receiving cash dividends; or
(ii) issue or distribute rights, options or warrants to the holders of
all or substantially all of the then outstanding Parent Common
Shares entitling them to subscribe for or to purchase Parent
Common Shares (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into
or carrying rights to acquire Parent Common Shares); or
(iii) issue or distribute to the holders of all or substantially all of
the then outstanding Parent Common Shares (A) shares or
securities of the Parent of any class other than Parent
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Common Shares (other than shares convertible into or exchangeable
for or carrying rights to acquire Parent Common Shares), (B) rights,
options or warrants other than those referred to in section
2.7(a)(ii) above, (C) evidences of indebtedness of the Parent or
(D) assets of the Parent;
unless the economic equivalent on a per share basis of such rights,
options, securities, shares, evidences of indebtedness or other assets
is issued or distributed simultaneously to holders of the Exchangeable
Shares; provided that, for greater certainty, the above restrictions
shall not apply to any securities issued or distributed by the Parent
in order to give effect to and to consummate the Spinnaker-WordStar-
SoftKey Transaction in the manner contemplated by, and in accordance
with, the Combination Agreement.
(b) The Parent will not without the prior approval of the Corporation and
the prior approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares given in
accordance with Section 10.2 of the Share Provisions:
(i) subdivide, redivide or change the then outstanding Parent Common
Shares into a greater number of Parent Common Shares; or
(ii) reduce, combine or consolidate or change the then outstanding
Parent Common Shares into a lesser number of Parent Common Shares;
or
(iii) reclassify or otherwise change the Parent Common Shares or effect
an amalgamation, merger, reorganization or other transaction
affecting the Parent Common Shares;
unless the same or an economically equivalent change shall
simultaneously be made to, or is in the rights of the holders of, the
Exchangeable Shares; provided that, for greater certainty, the above
restrictions shall not apply to any action taken by the Parent in order
to give effect to and to consummate the Spinnaker-WordStar-SoftKey
Transaction in the manner contemplated by, and in accordance with, the
Combination Agreement.
(c) The Parent will ensure that the record date for any event referred to
in section 2.7(a) or 2.7(b) above, or (if no record date is applicable
for such event) the effective date for any such event, is not less than
20 Business Days after the date on which such event is declared or
announced by the Parent (with simultaneous notice thereof to be given
by the Parent to the Corporation).
(d) The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine, in good
faith and in its sole discretion (with the assistance of such reputable
and qualified independent financial advisors and/or other experts as
the board may require), economic equivalence for the purposes of any
event referred to in section 2.7(a) or 2.7(b) above and each such
determination shall be conclusive and binding on the Parent. In making
each such determination, the following factors shall, without excluding
other factors determined by the board to be relevant, be considered by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation:
(i) in the case of any stock dividend or other distribution payable in
Parent Common Shares, the number of such shares issued in
proportion to the number of Parent Common Shares previously
outstanding;
(ii) in the case of the issuance or distribution of any rights, options
or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Parent Common Shares (or
securities exchangeable for or convertible into or carrying rights
to acquire Parent Common Shares), the relationship between the
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exercise price of each such right, option or warrant and the current
market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation in the manner above contemplated) of a Parent Common
Share;
(iii) in the case of the issuance or distribution of any other form of
property (including without limitation any shares or securities
of the Parent of any class other than Parent Common Shares, any
rights, options or warrants other than those referred to in
section 2.7(d)(ii) above, any evidences of indebtedness of the
Parent or any assets of the Parent), the relationship between the
fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation in the manner above contemplated) of such property to
be issued or distributed with respect to each outstanding Parent
Common Share and the current market value (as determined by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation in the manner above
contemplated) of a Parent Common Share;
(iv) in the case of any subdivison, redivision or change of the then
outstanding Parent Common Shares into a greater number of Parent
Common Shares or the reduction, combination or consolidation or
change of the then outstanding Parent Common Shares into a lesser
number of Parent Common Shares or any amalgamation, merger,
reorganization or other transaction affecting the Parent Common
Shares, the effect thereof upon the then outstanding Parent Common
Shares; and
(v) in all such cases, the general taxation consequences of the
relevant event to holders of Exchangeable Shares to the extent that
such consequences may differ from the taxation consequences to
holders of Parent Common Shares as a result of differences between
taxation laws of Canada and the United States (except for any
differing consequences arising as a result of differing marginal
taxation rates and without regard to the individual circumstances
of holders of Exchangeable Shares).
For purposes of the foregoing determinations, the current market value
of any security listed and traded or quoted on a securities exchange
shall be the weighted average of the daily trading prices of such
security during a period of not less than 20 consecutive trading days
ending not more than five trading days before the date of determination
on the principal securities exchange on which such securities are
listed and traded or quoted; provided, however, that if in the opinion
of the Board of Directors of the Corporation the public distribution or
trading activity of such securities during such period does not create
a market which reflects the fair market value of such securities, then
the current market value thereof shall be determined by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation, in good faith and in its sole discretion
(with the assistance of such reputable and qualified independent
financial advisors and/or other experts as the board may require), and
provided further that any such determination by the board shall be
conclusive and binding on the Parent.
2.8 Tender Offers, Etc. In the event that a tender offer, share exchange
offer, issuer bid, take-over bid or similar transaction with respect to Parent
Common Shares (an "Offer") is proposed by the Parent or is proposed to the
Parent or its shareholders and is recommended by the Board of Directors of the
Parent, or is otherwise effected or to be effected with the consent or
approval of the Board of Directors of the Parent, the Parent will use its best
efforts expeditiously and in good faith to take all such actions and do all
such things as are necessary or desirable to enable and permit holders of
Exchangeable Shares to participate in such Offer to the same extent and on an
economically equivalent basis as the holders of Parent Common Shares, without
discrimination. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Parent
will use its best efforts expeditiously and in good faith to
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ensure that holders of Exchangeable Shares may participate in all such Offers
without being required to retract Exchangeable Shares as against the
Corporation (or, if so required, to ensure that any such retraction shall be
effective only upon, and shall be conditional upon, the closing of the Offer
and only to the extent necessary to tender or deposit to the Offer).
2.9 Ownership of Outstanding Shares. Without the prior approval of the
Corporation and the prior approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares
given in accordance with Section 10.2 of the Share Provisions, the Parent
covenants and agrees in favour of the Corporation that, as long as any
outstanding Exchangeable Shares are owned by any person or entity other than
the Parent or any of its Affiliates, the Parent will be and remain the direct
or indirect beneficial owner of all issued and outstanding shares in the
capital of the Corporation and all outstanding securities of the Corporation
carrying or otherwise entitled to voting rights in any circumstances, in each
case other than the Exchangeable Shares.
2.10 Parent Not To Vote Exchangeable Shares. The Parent covenants and agrees
that it will appoint and cause to be appointed proxyholders with respect to all
Exchangeable Shares held by the Parent and its subsidiaries and Affiliates for
the sole purpose of attending each meeting of holders of Exchangeable Shares in
order to be counted as part of the quorum for each such meeting. The Parent
further covenants and agrees that it will not, and will cause its subsidiaries
and Affiliates not to, exercise any voting rights which may be exercisable by
holders of Exchangeable Shares from time to time pursuant to the Share
Provisions or pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act
(Ontario) (or any successor or other corporate statute by which the Corporation
may in the future be governed) with respect to any Exchangeable Shares held by
it or by its subsidiaries or Affiliates in respect of any matter considered at
any meeting of holders of Exchangeable Shares.
ARTICLE 3
GENERAL
3.1 Term. This agreement shall come into force and be effective as of the date
hereof and shall terminate and be of no further force and effect at such time
as no Exchangeable Shares (or securities or rights convertible into or
exchangeable for or carrying rights to acquire Exchangeable Shares) are held by
any party other than the Parent and any of its Affiliates.
3.2 Changes in Capital of Parent and the Corporation. At all times after the
occurrence of any event effected pursuant to section 2.7 or 2.8 hereof, as a
result of which either the Parent Common Shares or the Exchangeable Shares or
both are in any way changed, this agreement shall forthwith be amended and
modified as necessary in order that it shall apply with full force and effect,
mutatis mutandis, to all new securities into which the Parent Common Shares or
the Exchangeable Shares or both are so changed and the parties hereto shall
execute and deliver an agreement in writing giving effect to and evidencing
such necessary amendments and modifications.
3.3 Severability. If any provision of this agreement is held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the
remainder of this agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby and this agreement shall be carried out as nearly as possible in
accordance with its original terms and conditions.
3.4 Amendments, Modifications, etc. This agreement may not be amended or
modified except by an agreement in writing executed by the Corporation and the
Parent and approved by the holders of the Exchangeable Shares in accordance
with Section 10.2 of the Share Provisions.
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3.5 Ministerial Amendments. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3.4, the
parties to this agreement may in writing, at any time and from time to time,
without the approval of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares, amend or modify
this agreement for the purposes of:
(a) adding to the covenants of either or both parties for the protection of
the holders of the Exchangeable Shares;
(b) making such amendments or modifications not inconsistent with this
agreement as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or
questions which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of each of
the Corporation and the Parent, it may be expedient to make, provided
that each such board of directors shall be of the opinion that such
amendments or modifications will not be prejudicial to the interests of
the holders of the Exchangeable Shares; or
(c) making such changes or corrections which, on the advice of counsel to
the Corporation and the Parent, are required for the purpose of curing
or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or
clerical omission or mistake or manifest error, provided that the
boards of directors of each of the Corporation and the Parent shall be
of the opinion that such changes or corrections will not be prejudicial
to the interests of the holders of the Exchangeable Shares.
3.6 Meeting to Consider Amendments. The Corporation, at the request of the
Parent, shall call a meeting or meetings of the holders of the Exchangeable
Shares for the purpose of considering any proposed amendment or modification
requiring approval pursuant to section 3.4 hereof. Any such meeting or meetings
shall be called and held in accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation, the
Share Provisions and all applicable laws.
3.7 Amendments only in Writing. No amendment to or modification or waiver of
any of the provisions of this agreement otherwise permitted hereunder shall be
effective unless made in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.
3.8 Enurement. This agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
3.9 Notices to Parties. All notices and other communications between the
parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if delivered
personally or by confirmed telecopy to the parties at the following addresses
(or at such other address for either such party as shall be specified in like
notice):
(a) if to the Parent at:
201 Broadway
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
U.S.A.
Attention: President
Telecopy: (617) 225-0318
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(b) if to the Corporation at:
2700 Matheson Blvd. East
8th Floor, West Tower
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4V9
Attention: President
Telecopy: (905) 602-0239
Any notice or other communication given personally shall be deemed to have been
given and received upon delivery thereof and if given by telecopy shall be
deemed to have been given and received on the date of confirmed receipt thereof
unless such day is not a Business Day in which case it shall be deemed to have
been given and received upon the immediately following Business Day.
3.10 Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, and all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
3.11 Jurisdiction. This agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable
therein.
3.12 Attornment. The Parent agrees that any action or proceeding arising out of
or relating to this agreement may be instituted in the courts of Ontario,
waives any objection which it may have now or hereafter to the venue of any
such action or proceeding, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the said
courts in any such action or proceeding, agrees to be bound by any judgment of
the said courts and not to seek, and hereby waives, any review of the merits of
any such judgment by the courts of any other jurisdiction and hereby appoints
the Corporation at its registered office in the Province of Ontario as the
Parent's attorney for service of process.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.
SOFTKEY INTERNATIONAL INC.
By /s/ Michael Perik
___________________________________
/s/ Kevin O'Leary
___________________________________
SOFTKEY SOFTWARE PRODUCTS INC.
By /s/ David Lewis
___________________________________
___________________________________
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