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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 30, 1998
(November 18, 1998)
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Tennessee 01-13031 62-1674303
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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111 Westwood Place, Suite 402, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (615) 221-2250
Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
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Item 5. Other Events
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On November 19, 1998, American Retirement Corporation (the "Company")
and Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. ("ALC") announced that they had entered into
a definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which a newly
formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company would merge with and into ALC,
with ALC as the surviving entity (the "Merger"), and each share of ALC's
outstanding common stock ("ALC Common Stock") would be exchanged for 0.85 shares
of common stock of the Company ("Company Common Stock"). The consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement is subject to, among other
things, the approval of the shareholders of each of the Company and ALC, the
parties' ability to account for the Merger as a "pooling of interests," the
receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and the expiration or termination of
antitrust waiting periods. Following the Merger, ALC would be a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company
and ALC entered into a Cross Option Agreement (the "Cross Option Agreement")
whereby (i) the Company granted to ALC an option to purchase 2,549,333 shares of
Company Common Stock at $17.25 per share, exercisable upon the occurrence of
certain events, and (ii) ALC granted to the Company an option to purchase
2,583,465 shares of ALC Common Stock at $13.96 per share, exercisable upon the
occurrence of certain events.
On November 18, 1998, certain affiliates of ALC (each, an "ALC
Shareholder"), who collectively own approximately 4.8% of the outstanding shares
of ALC Common Stock entered into Voting Agreements (each, a "Voting Agreement")
with the Company pursuant to which each ALC Shareholder appointed the Company
such ALC Shareholder's lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact to vote such ALC
Shareholder's ALC Common Stock in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement
and the Merger and against certain transactions involving third parties, and
ALC entered into Voting Agreements with certain affiliates of the Company (each
a "Company Shareholder"), who collectively own approximately 13.8% of the
outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock, pursuant to which each Company
Shareholder appointed ALC such Company Shareholder's lawful proxy and
attorney-in-fact to vote such Company Common Stock in favor of the approval of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger and against certain transactions involving
third parties.
Copies of the Merger Agreement, the Cross Option Agreement, and the
form of the Voting Agreement are filed as exhibits hereto. The foregoing
descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to such exhibits.
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A copy of the press release issued by the Company and ALC on November
19, 1998 with respect to the Merger is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information, and Exhibits
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(c) Exhibits.
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November
18, 1998, among the Company, Merger Sub, and ALC
2.2 Cross Option Agreement, dated November 18, 1998, between the
Company and ALC
2.3 Form of Shareholder Voting Agreement between the Company and
the ALC Shareholders
99.1 Press release, dated November 19, 1998
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION
Date: November 30, 1998 By: /s/ W.E. Sheriff
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W.E. Sheriff
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
No. Exhibit
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2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 18, 1998, among
the Company, Merger Sub, and ALC
2.2 Cross Option Agreement, dated November 18, 1998,
between the Company and ALC
2.3 Form of Shareholders Voting Agreement between the Company and the ALC
Shareholders
99.1 Press release, dated November 19, 1998
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION,
PIONEER MERGER CORPORATION,
AND
ASSISTED LIVING CONCEPTS, INC.
DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I.THE MERGER..............................................................................................2
1.1 The Merger......................................................................................2
1.2 Closing.........................................................................................2
1.3 Effective Time..................................................................................2
1.4 Effect of Merger................................................................................2
1.5 Directors and Officers..........................................................................3
ARTICLE II.CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.....................................................3
2.1 Exchange and Conversion of Merger Sub Shares....................................................3
2.2 Exchange and Conversion of ALC Shares...........................................................3
2.3 Exchange of ALC Common Stock Certificates.......................................................3
2.4 Exchange Agent..................................................................................5
2.5 ALC Stock Options, Convertible Debentures, and Restricted Stock.................................6
2.6 Fractional Shares...............................................................................6
2.7 Transfer of Shares of ALC Common Stock After the Effective Time.................................6
ARTICLE III.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF RETIREMENT AND MERGER SUB...........................................6
3.1 Corporate Organization..........................................................................6
3.2 Capitalization..................................................................................7
3.3 Options or Other Rights.........................................................................8
3.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement............................................................8
3.5 Retirement Common Stock.........................................................................9
3.6 No Violation....................................................................................9
3.7 Compliance with Laws...........................................................................10
3.8 Litigation.....................................................................................11
3.9 Financial Statements and Reports...............................................................12
3.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................................12
3.11 Employee Benefit Plans and Employment Matters..................................................13
3.12 Labor Matters..................................................................................15
3.13 Insurance......................................................................................15
3.14 Environmental Matters. ........................................................................15
3.15 Tax Matters....................................................................................15
3.16 Intellectual Property..........................................................................16
3.17 Related Party Transactions.....................................................................16
3.18 No Undisclosed Material Liabilities............................................................17
3.19 No Default.....................................................................................17
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3.20 Title to Properties; Encumbrances..............................................................17
3.21 Pooling of Interests...........................................................................18
3.22 Brokers........................................................................................18
3.23 Opinion of Financial Advisor...................................................................18
3.25 Vote Required..................................................................................18
3.26 ALC Stock Ownership............................................................................18
3.27 State Takeover Statutes........................................................................19
ARTICLE IV.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ALC.................................................................19
4.1 Corporate Organization.........................................................................19
4.2 Capitalization.................................................................................19
4.3 Options or Other Rights........................................................................20
4.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement...........................................................21
4.5 No Violation...................................................................................21
4.6 Compliance with Laws...........................................................................22
4.7 Litigation.....................................................................................23
4.8 Financial Statements and Reports...............................................................23
4.9 Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................................24
4.10 Employee Benefit Plans and Employment Matters..................................................25
4.11 Labor Matters..................................................................................26
4.12 Insurance......................................................................................26
4.13 Environmental Matters..........................................................................27
4.14 Tax Matters....................................................................................27
4.15 Intellectual Property..........................................................................28
4.16 Related Party Transactions.....................................................................28
4.17 No Undisclosed Material Liabilities............................................................28
4.18 No Default.....................................................................................29
4.19 Title to Properties; Encumbrances..............................................................29
4.20 Pooling of Interests...........................................................................29
4.21 Brokers........................................................................................30
4.22 Opinion of Financial Advisor...................................................................30
4.23 Certain Business Practices.....................................................................30
4.24 Vote Required..................................................................................30
4.25 Retirement Stock Ownership.....................................................................30
4.26 Shareholder Rights Plan........................................................................30
4.27 Repurchases of Company Common Stock............................................................31
4.28 State Takeover Statutes........................................................................31
ARTICLE V.COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS...............................................................................31
5.1 Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement;
Shareholders' Meetings.........................................................................31
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5.2 Conduct of the Business of ALC Prior to the Effective Time.....................................33
5.3 Conduct of the Business of Retirement Prior to the Effective Time..............................35
5.4 Access to Properties and Records...............................................................37
5.5 No Solicitation of Transactions................................................................37
5.6 Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................................39
5.7 Treatment of Options, Restricted Stock, and Debentures.........................................40
5.8 Indemnification................................................................................41
5.9 Confidentiality................................................................................42
5.10 Reasonable Best Efforts........................................................................43
5.11 Certification of Shareholder Vote..............................................................43
5.12 Affiliate Agreements...........................................................................44
5.13 Listing Application............................................................................44
5.14 Supplemental Disclosure Schedules..............................................................44
5.15 No Action......................................................................................44
5.16 Conduct of Business of Merger Sub..............................................................44
5.17 Corporate Governance...........................................................................45
5.18 Cross Option Agreement.........................................................................45
5.19 Plan of Reorganization.........................................................................45
5.20 Compliance by Merger Sub.......................................................................45
ARTICLE VI.CONDITIONS PRECEDENT..................................................................................45
6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to Effect the Merger....................................45
6.2 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of ALC................................................47
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Retirement and Merger Sub..........................48
ARTICLE VII.TERMINATION..........................................................................................49
7.1 Termination....................................................................................49
7.2 Effects of Termination.........................................................................50
ARTICLE VIII.MISCELLANEOUS.......................................................................................52
8.1 Amendment......................................................................................52
8.2 Waiver.........................................................................................52
8.3 Survival.......................................................................................52
8.4 Expenses and Fees..............................................................................52
8.5 Notices........................................................................................52
8.6 Headings.......................................................................................53
8.7 Public Announcements...........................................................................53
8.8 Certain Definitions............................................................................54
8.9 Entire Agreement...............................................................................54
8.10 Assignment; Parties in Interest................................................................54
8.11 Counterparts...................................................................................55
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8.12 Invalidity; Severability.......................................................................55
8.15 Governing Law..................................................................................55
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A-1 Articles of Merger (Tennessee)
Exhibit A-2 Articles of Merger (Nevada)
Exhibit A-3 Plan of Merger
Exhibit B Cross Option Agreement
Exhibit C Form of ALC Affiliate Agreement
Exhibit D Employment Agreement
Exhibit E Shareholder Voting Agreement
SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.6(a) Directors of Surviving Corporation
Schedule 1.6(b) Officers of Surviving Corporation
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as of
November 18, 1998, by and among AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION, a Tennessee
corporation ("Retirement"), PIONEER MERGER CORPORATION, a Tennessee corporation
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Retirement ("Merger Sub"), and ASSISTED LIVING
CONCEPTS, INC., a Nevada corporation ("ALC").
WHEREAS, each of the Boards of Directors of Retirement, Merger Sub, and
ALC have determined that a business combination between Retirement and ALC is in
the best interests of their respective companies and shareholders and presents
an opportunity for their respective companies to achieve long-term strategic and
financial benefits, and accordingly has approved the merger of Merger Sub with
and into ALC (the "Merger") upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein; and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, as a condition of Retirement's and ALC's willingness to enter into
this Agreement, Retirement and ALC are each entering into a Cross Option
Agreement, dated the date hereof and in the form attached as Exhibit B (the
"Cross Option Agreement"), pursuant to which (i) Retirement is granting to ALC
an option to purchase shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
Retirement (the "Retirement Common Stock") and (ii) ALC is granting to
Retirement an option to purchase shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of ALC (the "ALC Common Stock"); and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, as a condition to Retirement's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, certain shareholders of ALC have entered into Shareholder Voting
Agreements with Retirement, dated as of the date hereof and in substantially the
form attached hereto as Exhibit E, pursuant to which such shareholders have
agreed, among other things, to vote all voting securities of ALC beneficially
owned by them in favor of approval and adoption of this Agreement and the
Merger; and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, as a condition to ALC's willingness to enter into this Agreement,
certain shareholders of Retirement have entered into Shareholder Voting
Agreements with ALC dated as of the date hereof and in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit E, pursuant to which such shareholders have agreed, among other
things, to vote all voting securities of Retirement beneficially owned by them
in favor of approval and adoption of this Agreement and the Merger; and
WHEREAS, it is intended that the Merger shall qualify as (i) a
reorganization, for Federal income tax purposes, within the meaning of Section
368(a)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
(ii) a "pooling of interests," for accounting purposes, pursuant to Opinion No.
16 of the Accounting Principles Board.
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements, and conditions contained
herein, and in order to set forth the terms and conditions of the Merger and the
method of carrying the same into effect, the parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
1.1 THE MERGER. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.3), Merger Sub shall be merged
with and into ALC in accordance with this Agreement and the separate corporate
existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease. ALC shall be the surviving
corporation in the Merger (the "Surviving Corporation"). The Merger shall have
the effects specified in Section 48-21-108 of the Tennessee Business Corporation
Act, as amended (the "TBCA"), and Section 92A.250 of the Nevada Revised
Statutes, as amended (the "NRS").
1.2 CLOSING. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, First American Center, Nashville, Tennessee, at 9:00
a.m., local time, on the second business day immediately following the day on
which the last of the conditions set forth in Article VI shall be fulfilled or
waived in accordance herewith or at such other time, date, or place as
Retirement and ALC shall agree in writing. The date on which the Closing occurs
is hereinafter referred to as the "Closing Date."
1.3 EFFECTIVE TIME. If all the conditions to the Merger set forth in
Article VI shall have been fulfilled or waived in accordance herewith and this
Agreement shall not have been terminated as provided in Article VII, the parties
hereto shall cause Articles of Merger, in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit
A-1 and Exhibit A-2, and a Plan of Merger, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A-3, to be properly executed and filed in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the TBCA and the NRS with the Secretary of State of the State of
Tennessee and the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on the Closing Date.
The Merger shall become effective upon the later of (a) filing of the Articles
of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Tennessee and (b) filing
of Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (the
"Effective Time").
1.4 EFFECT OF MERGER. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in
the TBCA and the NRS. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and
subject thereto, at the Effective Time, except as otherwise provided herein, the
separate existence of Merger Sub will cease and the Surviving Corporation shall
succeed, without other transfer, to all the rights, privileges, powers,
franchises, and property of Merger Sub and shall be subject to all the debts,
duties, and liabilities of Merger Sub in the same manner as if the Surviving
Corporation had itself incurred them.
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1.5 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. From and after the Effective Time and
until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance
with applicable law, the persons set forth on Schedule 1.6(a) shall serve as the
directors of the Surviving Corporation and the persons set forth on Schedule
1.6(b) shall serve as the officers of the Surviving Corporation at the pleasure
of the Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation in the office(s) set
forth on said Schedule 1.6(b).
ARTICLE II.
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
2.1 EXCHANGE AND CONVERSION OF MERGER SUB SHARES. At the Effective
Time, each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $.01 per
share, of Merger Sub ("Merger Sub Common Stock") shall be converted into one
share of Common Stock of the Surviving Corporation.
2.2 EXCHANGE AND CONVERSION OF ALC SHARES. (a) At the Effective Time,
by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of any
capital stock of ALC, each share of ALC Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of ALC Common Stock
that are owned by ALC as treasury stock (the "Treasury Shares") and shares of
ALC Common Stock, if any, owned by Retirement) shall be automatically converted
into the right to receive 0.85 shares (the "Exchange Ratio") of Retirement
Common Stock.
(b) If, prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding shares of
Retirement Common Stock or ALC Common Stock shall be changed into a different
number of shares by reason of any stock split, reclassification,
recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares, or readjustment, or
a stock dividend thereon shall be distributed as of a date prior to the
Effective Time or declared with a record date prior to the Effective Time and a
distribution date after the Effective Time, then the Exchange Ratio set forth
above will be appropriately adjusted to reflect such split, combination,
dividend, or other distribution or change. The Exchange Ratio shall be rounded
up, in each case, to the nearest ten-thousandth of a share.
(c) All Treasury Shares and shares of ALC Common Stock owned by
Retirement immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled and retired
at the Effective Time and shall cease to exist, without any conversion thereof
or payment with respect thereto.
(d) At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of the common stock
or other ownership interest in any ALC Subsidiary (as defined herein) shall
remain outstanding.
2.3 EXCHANGE OF ALC COMMON STOCK CERTIFICATES. (a) On or prior to the
Closing Date, Retirement shall deposit with an Exchange Agent appointed by it
and reasonably acceptable
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to ALC (the "Exchange Agent") the certificates representing the shares of
Retirement Common Stock required to effect the exchange referred to in Section
2.3(b) and the cash required to make the cash payments in lieu of fractional
shares referred to in Section 2.6 below (such shares of Retirement Common Stock
and cash are hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Fund"). Shares of
Retirement Common Stock into which shares of ALC Common Stock shall be converted
in the Merger shall be deemed to have been issued at the Effective Time.
(b) From and after the Effective Time, each holder of a certificate
that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares of
ALC Common Stock shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, upon
surrender thereof to the Exchange Agent, a certificate or certificates
representing the number of whole shares of Retirement Common Stock into which
such holder's shares of ALC Common Stock were converted pursuant to Section
2.2(a) and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Retirement Common Stock pursuant
to Section 2.6. From and after the Effective Time, Retirement shall be entitled
to treat certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
shares of ALC Common Stock and that have not been surrendered for exchange as
evidencing the ownership of the number of whole shares of Retirement Common
Stock into which the shares of ALC Common Stock represented by such certificates
shall have been converted pursuant to Section 2.2(a), notwithstanding the
failure to surrender such certificates. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement, until holders or transferees of certificates that immediately
prior to the Effective Time represented shares of ALC Common Stock have
surrendered them for exchange as provided herein, no dividends shall be paid
with respect to any shares represented by such certificates and no payment for
fractional shares shall be made with respect to such shares. Upon surrender of a
certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding
shares of ALC Common Stock, there shall be paid to the holder of such
certificate the amount of any dividends that theretofore became payable, but
which were not paid by reason of the foregoing, with respect to the number of
whole shares of Retirement Common Stock represented by the certificate or
certificates issued upon such surrender. If any certificate for shares of
Retirement Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the
certificate for shares of ALC Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor is
registered, it shall be a condition of such exchange that the person requesting
such exchange shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the
issuance of certificates for such shares of Retirement Common Stock in a name
other than that of the registered holder of any such certificate surrendered.
(c) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time,
Retirement shall cause the Exchange Agent to send to each holder of record of a
certificate or certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented outstanding shares of ALC Common Stock (the "Certificates") (i) a
letter of transmittal that shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon actual delivery
of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form and have
such other provisions as Retirement may reasonably specify and (ii) instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for
certificates evidencing shares of Retirement Common Stock and cash in lieu of
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fractional shares, if any. Upon the surrender for exchange of a Certificate,
together with such letter of transmittal duly completed and properly executed in
accordance with instructions thereto and such other customary documents as may
be reasonably required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor certificates
representing the number of whole shares of Retirement Common Stock to which such
holder is entitled hereunder, cash in lieu of fractional shares of Retirement
Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.6, and any
dividends or other distribution to which such holder is entitled pursuant to
Section 2.3(b). Unless prohibited by law, former shareholders of record of ALC
shall be entitled to vote, after the Effective Time, at any meeting of
Retirement shareholders, the number of whole shares of Retirement Common Stock
into which their respective shares of ALC Common Stock are converted, regardless
of whether such holders have exchanged their Certificates in accordance with
this Section 2.3(c).
(d) In the event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen, or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
such Certificate to be lost, stolen, or destroyed and, if required by
Retirement, the delivery by such person of an indemnification agreement in such
form and with such surety as Retirement may reasonably direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate,
the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen, or destroyed
Certificate the number of shares of Retirement Common Stock and cash in lieu of
fractional shares deliverable (and unpaid dividends and distributions) in
respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.
(e) Certificates surrendered for exchange by any person constituting a
Pooling Affiliate of ALC (as defined in Section 5.12) shall not be exchanged for
certificates representing Retirement Common Stock until Retirement has received
a written agreement from such person as provided in Section 5.12.
2.4 EXCHANGE AGENT. Retirement shall cause the Exchange Agent to
agree, among other things, that (i) the Exchange Agent shall maintain the
Exchange Fund (and any dividends or distribution with respect thereto) as a
separate fund to be held for the benefit of the holders of Certificates, which
shall be promptly applied by the Exchange Agent to making the payments provided
for in Section 2.3(b); (ii) any portion of the Exchange Fund that has not been
paid to holders of Certificates pursuant to Section 2.3(b) prior to the date
that is one year from the Effective Time shall be delivered to Retirement, and
any holders of Certificates who shall not have theretofore complied with Section
2.3(c) shall thereafter look only to Retirement for the shares of Retirement
Common Stock (and any dividends or distributions with respect thereto) and cash
in lieu of fractional shares to which they are entitled; (iii) the Exchange Fund
shall not be used for any purpose that is not provided for herein; and (iv) all
expenses of the Exchange Agent shall be paid directly by Retirement. Promptly
following the date that is one year from the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent
shall return to Retirement all cash, securities, and any other instruments in
its possession relating to the transactions described in this Agreement, and the
Exchange Agent's duties shall
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terminate. Thereafter, each holder of Certificates may surrender such
Certificates to Retirement and (subject to applicable abandoned property,
escheat, and similar laws) receive in exchange therefor the shares of Retirement
Common Stock (and any dividends or distributions with respect thereto) and cash
in lieu of fractional shares, without interest, to which they are entitled, but
shall have no greater rights against Retirement than may be accorded to general
creditors of Retirement under the TBCA. The Exchange Agent shall not be entitled
to vote or exercise any rights of ownership with respect to the Retirement
Common Stock held by it from time to time hereunder. Neither Retirement nor the
Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any holder of Certificates for any
shares of Retirement Common Stock or cash in lieu of fractional shares from the
Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat, or similar law.
2.5 ALC STOCK OPTIONS, CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES, AND RESTRICTED STOCK.
Each outstanding option to purchase ALC Common Stock (each a "ALC Stock
Option"), each outstanding 6.0% Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2002 and
each outstanding 5.625% Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2003 of ALC
(collectively, the "ALC Debentures"), and each grant of ALC Restricted Stock
shall be assumed by Retirement in the manner provided in Section 5.7.
2.6 FRACTIONAL SHARES. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, no certificates or scrip evidencing fractional shares of Retirement
Common Stock shall be issued in the Merger. In lieu of any such fractional
shares, each holder of ALC Common Stock who would otherwise have been entitled
to a fractional share of Retirement Common Stock upon surrender of Certificates
for exchange pursuant to this Article II shall be entitled to receive from the
Exchange Agent a cash payment, rounded to the nearest cent, in lieu of such
fractional share equal to such fraction multiplied by the closing sale of price
of Retirement Common Stock on the business day immediately preceding the Closing
Date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
2.7 TRANSFER OF SHARES OF ALC COMMON STOCK AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
No transfers of shares of ALC Common Stock shall be made on the stock transfer
books of ALC after the Effective Time.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF RETIREMENT AND MERGER SUB
Retirement and Merger Sub, jointly and severally, represent and warrant
to ALC that, except as expressly set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered
to ALC prior to the execution hereof (the "Retirement Disclosure Schedule"),
which shall identify exceptions by specific section references:
3.1 CORPORATE ORGANIZATION. Each of Retirement, Merger Sub, and
Retirement's other subsidiaries (the "Retirement Subsidiaries") has been duly
organized and is validly existing and in
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good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all
requisite power and authority to own, operate, and lease its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is qualified or licensed
to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature
of the business conducted by it or the ownership or leasing of its properties
makes such qualification necessary, other than where the failure to be so
qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Retirement. The term "Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement" as used in this Agreement shall mean any change or effect that would
be materially adverse to the financial condition, results of operations,
properties, or business of Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries taken as a
whole at the time of such change or effect, other than any change or effect
arising out of general economic conditions or conditions in the industry in
which Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries are engaged. True and complete
copies of the charter of Retirement, together with all amendments thereto (the
"Retirement Charter"), and the bylaws of Retirement, together with all
amendments thereto (the "Retirement Bylaws"), have heretofore been delivered to
ALC, and the Retirement Charter and Retirement Bylaws are in full force and
effect. True and complete copies of the charter and bylaws of Merger Sub have
heretofore been delivered to ALC, and such charter and bylaws are in full force
and effect. Section 3.1 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule contains a
complete and accurate list of all of the Retirement Subsidiaries and sets forth
Retirement's percentage ownership in each such entity. Merger Sub was formed
solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. As of the date hereof and the Effective Time, except for obligations
or liabilities incurred in connection with its incorporation or organization and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and except for this Agreement
and any other agreements or arrangements contemplated by this Agreement, Merger
Sub has not and will not have incurred, directly or indirectly, through any
subsidiary or affiliate, any liabilities or obligations or engaged in any
business activities of any type or kind whatsoever or entered into any
agreements or arrangements with any person or legal entity.
3.2 CAPITALIZATION. As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized
capital stock of Retirement consists of (i) 50,000,000 shares of Retirement
Common Stock and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value per
share, none of which are issued and outstanding ("Retirement Preferred Stock").
As of the date of this Agreement, 17,109,621 shares of Retirement Common Stock
are issued and outstanding, all of which were duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable, and not subject to preemptive rights created by
statute, the Retirement Charter or the Retirement Bylaws, or any agreement to
which Retirement is a party or by which Retirement is bound. As of the date of
this Agreement, 1,707,375 shares of Retirement Common Stock are reserved for
future issuance pursuant to employee stock options granted pursuant to
Retirement's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Retirement Incentive Plan"), and an
aggregate of 235,390 shares of Retirement Common Stock are authorized and
available for issuance to employees pursuant to Retirement's Employee Stock
Purchase Plan. In addition to the foregoing, 5,749,168 shares of Retirement
Common Stock are reserved for future issuance upon conversion of Retirement'S
$137,980,000 principal amount of outstanding 5.75% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures Due
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2002 (the "Retirement Debentures"). As of the date of this Agreement, the
authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of Merger Sub
Common Stock, of which 1,000 shares are issued and outstanding and were duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and not subject to
preemptive rights created by statute, the charter or bylaws of Merger Sub, or
any agreement to which Merger Sub is a party or by which Merger Sub is bound.
Except as set forth in this Section 3.2 or in the Retirement Current Reports
(hereinafter defined), there are no outstanding contractual obligations,
contingent or otherwise, of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to (x)
repurchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire any shares of Retirement Common Stock
or any capital stock of, or other equity interests in, any Retirement Subsidiary
or (y) except for guarantees of obligations of, or loans or capital contribution
commitments to, Retirement Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of
business, provide funds to, or make any investment in (in the form of a loan,
capital contribution, or otherwise), or provide any guarantee with respect to
the obligations of, any Retirement Subsidiary or any other person. To
Retirement's knowledge, there are not voting trusts, proxies, or other
agreements or understandings with respect to voting of Retirement Common Stock.
Each outstanding share of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each
Retirement Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and, except as set forth in Section 3.2 of the Retirement
Disclosure Schedule, each such share or other equity interest owned by
Retirement or another Retirement Subsidiary is owned free and clear of all
security interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal,
agreements, limitations on Retirement's or such other Retirement Subsidiary's
voting rights, charges, and other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever.
3.3 OPTIONS OR OTHER RIGHTS. Retirement has heretofore delivered to
ALC a correct and complete copy of the Retirement Incentive Plan and a schedule
identifying all outstanding stock options issued under the Retirement Incentive
Plan. The schedule of outstanding options sets forth for each stock option
holder (i) such holder's name; (ii) the date of grant of stock options to such
holder; (iii) the number of shares of Retirement Common Stock subject to such
grant; (iv) the exercise price per share of Retirement Common Stock with respect
to each such grant; and (v) the periods during which such stock options or
portions thereof are exercisable by such holder. Except as set forth in this
Section 3.3 or in Section 3.3 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, there are
no options, warrants, subscription or preemptive rights, or other rights,
agreements, arrangements, or commitments of any character to which Retirement or
any Retirement Subsidiary is a party relating to the issued or unissued capital
stock of, or other equity interests in, Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary
or obligating Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to grant, issue, or sell
any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, Retirement or any
Retirement Subsidiary, by sale, lease, license, or otherwise. All shares of
Retirement Common Stock subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the
terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are
issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable,
and will not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive
rights created by statute, the Retirement Charter or Retirement Bylaws, or any
agreement to which Retirement is a party or by which Retirement is bound. Except
as set forth in Section 3.3 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, there are no
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<PAGE> 15
agreements or understandings among Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary on
the one hand and any other person on the other hand concerning the registration
of any security of Retirement or a Retirement Subsidiary under the Securities
Act. Except as set forth on Section 3.3 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule,
no options granted under the Retirement Incentive Plan have provisions that
accelerate the vesting or right to exercise such options upon the occurrence of
certain events, including, but not limited to, the consummation of the Merger.
3.4 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. (a) Retirement has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,
the Employment Agreement, and the Cross Option Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder and thereunder, and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated by Retirement. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement, the Employment Agreement, and the Cross Option
Agreement by Retirement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated on
its part hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action and, other than the approval of Retirement's shareholders as provided in
Section 5.1, no other corporate proceedings on the part of Retirement are
necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Employment Agreement, and the Cross Option Agreement by Retirement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated on its part hereby and thereby.
This Agreement, the Employment Agreement, and the Cross Option Agreement have
been duly executed and delivered by Retirement and, assuming the due
authorization, execution, and delivery hereof and thereof by ALC, constitute the
legal, valid, and binding obligations of Retirement, enforceable against
Retirement in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that
such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by general equity principles (whether applied in a proceeding at
law or in equity).
(b) Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder, and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby to be consummated by Merger Sub.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Merger Sub and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated on its part hereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Merger Sub are necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Merger Sub or the consummation of the transactions contemplated on
its part hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Merger
Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution, and delivery hereof by ALC,
constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Merger Sub, enforceable
against Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by general equity principles (whether applied in a proceeding at
law or in equity).
3.5 RETIREMENT COMMON STOCK. The shares of Retirement Common Stock to
be issued in connection with the Merger have been duly authorized and, when
issued as contemplated hereby
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<PAGE> 16
at the Effective Time, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable,
and not subject to any preemptive rights created by statute, the Retirement
Charter or Retirement Bylaws, or any agreement to which Retirement is a party or
by which Retirement is bound and the issuance of such shares will be registered
under the Securities Act and exempt from registration under applicable Blue Sky
Laws and such shares will be authorized for listing on the NYSE.
3.6 NO VIOLATION. Other than as listed on Section 3.6 of the Retirement
Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of
Retirement and Merger Sub and of the Cross Option Agreement by Retirement do
not, the performance by Retirement and Merger Sub of their respective
obligations hereunder and by Retirement of its obligations under the Cross
Option Agreement will not, and the consummation by Retirement and Merger Sub of
the transactions contemplated hereby to be performed by each of them and by
Retirement of the transactions contemplated by the Cross Option Agreement to be
performed by Retirement will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of
any Federal, state, foreign, or local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation,
order, judgment, or decree (collectively, "Laws") in effect on the date of this
Agreement and applicable to Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary or by which
any of their respective properties or assets is bound or subject; (ii) require
Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to obtain any consent, waiver, approval,
license, or authorization or permit of, or make any filing with, or provide
notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority, domestic or foreign
("Governmental Entities"), based on laws, rules, regulations, and other
requirements of Governmental Entities in effect as of the date of this Agreement
(other than (a) the filing of a Pre-Merger Notification Report under The
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "HSR Act") and the expiration of the
applicable waiting period; (b) filings or authorizations required in connection
with or in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Securities Act, the TBCA, the NRS,
the Bylaws of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), or the "takeover" or
"blue sky" laws of various states; and (c) any other filings and approvals
expressly contemplated by this Agreement); (iii) require the consent, waiver,
approval, license, or authorization of any person (other than Governmental
Entities); (iv) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of or the
acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default (or an event that
with notice or the lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give
to others any right of, or result in any, termination, amendment, acceleration,
or cancellation of, or loss of any benefit or creation of a right of first
refusal, or require or increase any payment under, or result in the creation of
a lien or other encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of Retirement or
any Retirement Subsidiary pursuant to or under any provision of any indenture,
mortgage, note, bond, lien, lease, license, agreement, franchise, contract,
order, judgment, ordinance, Retirement Permit (as defined below), or other
instrument or obligation to which Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary is a
party or by which Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary or any of their
respective properties is bound or subject to; or (v) conflict with or violate
the charter, bylaws, or other organizational documents, in each case as amended
or restated, of Retirement or any of the Retirement Subsidiaries, except for any
such conflicts or violations described in clauses (i) through
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<PAGE> 17
(v) as would not, together with all other such conflicts or violations, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Retirement and except where the failure to obtain
such consents, approvals, authorizations, or permits, or to make such filings or
notifications would not, either individually or in the aggregate, (X) prevent
Retirement or Merger Sub from performing any of their respective obligations
under this Agreement, (Y) prevent Retirement from performing any of its
obligations under the Cross Option Agreement, or (Z) have a Material Adverse
Effect on Retirement.
3.7 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, each
of Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries holds all licenses, franchises,
grants, permits, easements, variances, exemptions, consents, certificates,
identification numbers, approvals, orders, and other authorizations
(collectively, "Retirement Permits") necessary to own, lease, and operate its
properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, is
certified as a provider under all applicable Medicare and Medicaid programs to
the extent required to be so certified, and is in compliance with all Retirement
Permits and all Laws governing its respective businesses, including, without
limitation, the requirements, guidelines, rules, and regulations of Medicare,
Medicaid, state approved Medicaid waiver programs, and other third-party
reimbursement programs, except where the failure to hold such Retirement Permits
or to so comply, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Retirement.
(b) To Retirement's knowledge, all health care personnel employed by
Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary are properly licensed to the extent
required to perform the duties of their employment in each jurisdiction where
such duties are performed, except where the failure to be so licensed,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.7 of the Retirement Disclosure
Schedule, no action or proceeding is pending or, to Retirement's knowledge,
threatened that may result in the suspension, revocation, or termination of any
Retirement Permit, the issuance of any cease-and-desist order, or the imposition
of any administrative or judicial sanction, and neither Retirement nor any
Retirement Subsidiary has received any notice from any governmental authority in
respect of the suspension, revocation, or termination of any Retirement Permit,
or any notice of any intention to conduct any investigation or institute any
proceeding, in any such case where such suspension, revocation, termination,
order, sanction, investigation, or proceeding, individually or in the aggregate,
would result in a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
(d) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary has received
notice that Medicare, Medicaid, state approved Medicaid waiver programs, or any
other third-party reimbursement program has any claims for disallowance of costs
against any of them that could result in offsets against future reimbursement or
recovery of prior payments, which offsets or recoveries, individually or in the
aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
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<PAGE> 18
3.8 LITIGATION. As of the date of this Agreement, except as may be
disclosed in the Retirement 10-K (as defined below), reports filed on Forms 10-Q
or 8-K, or proxy statements filed on Schedule 14A for periods subsequent to the
period covered by such Retirement 10-K, in each case filed prior to the date
hereof (such reports and filings, collectively, the "Retirement Current
Reports"), or Section 3.8 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, there is no
claim, litigation, suit, arbitration, mediation, action, proceeding, unfair
labor practice complaint or grievance pending, or, to Retirement's knowledge,
investigation of any kind, at law or in equity (including actions or proceedings
seeking injunctive relief), pending or, to Retirement's knowledge, threatened
against Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary or with respect to any property
or asset of any of them, except for claims, litigations, suits, arbitrations,
mediations, actions, proceedings, complaints, grievances, or investigations
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on Retirement. Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary nor any property
or asset of any of them is subject to any continuing order, judgment, settlement
agreement, injunction, consent decree, or other similar written agreement with
or, to Retirement's knowledge, continuing investigation by, any Governmental
Entity, or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, consent decree, or award of
any Governmental Entity or arbitrator, including, without limitation,
cease-and-desist or other orders, except for such matters that would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
3.9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. Retirement has made available
to ALC true and complete copies of (a) its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997 (the "Retirement 10-K") as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"); (b) all registration
statements filed by Retirement and declared effective under the Securities Act;
and (c) all other reports, statements, and registration statements (including
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, but excluding
preliminary material) filed by it with the Commission. The reports, statements,
and registration statements referred to in the immediately preceding sentence
(including, without limitation, any financial statements, schedules, or other
information included or incorporated by reference therein) are referred to in
this Agreement as the "Retirement SEC Filings." Retirement has timely filed all
required Retirement SEC Filings with the Commission since October 31, 1997, each
of which, as of the respective times such documents were filed or, as
applicable, were declared effective, complied in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, except for such noncompliance
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on Retirement, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. The financial statements of Retirement included in the
Retirement SEC Filings comply as to form in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations
of the Commission with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (as in effect at the time of the filing
thereof) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as
may be indicated therein or in the notes
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<PAGE> 19
thereto or, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, as
permitted by Form 10-Q), and present fairly the consolidated financial position,
consolidated results of operations, and consolidated cash flows of Retirement
and the Retirement Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated,
except (i) in the case of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements,
subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments and any other adjustments
described therein and (ii) any pro forma financial information contained therein
is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated financial position of
Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof
and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods
indicated. No Retirement Subsidiary is required to file any form, report, or
other document with the Commission.
3.10 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Other than as disclosed in
the Retirement Current Reports or otherwise disclosed in this Agreement, since
September 30, 1998 and through the date hereof, the business of Retirement and
of each of the Retirement Subsidiaries has been conducted in the ordinary
course, and there has not been (i) any Material Adverse Effect on Retirement;
(ii) any material indebtedness incurred by Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary for money borrowed, except under credit facilities, if any, disclosed
in the Retirement Current Reports; (iii) any material transaction or commitment,
except in the ordinary course of business or as contemplated by this Agreement,
entered into by Retirement or any of the Retirement Subsidiaries; (iv) any
damage, destruction, or loss, whether covered by insurance or not, that,
individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement; (v) any material change by Retirement in accounting principles or
methods except insofar as may be required by a change in generally accepted
accounting principles; (vi) any declaration, setting aside, or payment of any
dividend (whether in cash, securities, or property) with respect to the
Retirement Common Stock; (vii) any material agreement to acquire any assets or
stock or other interests of any third-party; (viii) any increase in the
compensation payable or to become payable by Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary to any managerial employees, officers, directors, or consultants or
in any bonus, insurance, welfare, pension, or other employee benefit plan,
payment, or arrangement made to, for, or with any such managerial employee,
officer, director, or consultant (other than as provided in employment
agreements, consulting agreements, and welfare and benefit plans set forth on
the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, and except for increases not materially
inconsistent with past practice); (ix) any material revaluation by Retirement or
any Retirement Subsidiary of any asset (including, without limitation, any
writing down of the value of inventory or writing off of notes or accounts
receivable); (x) any mortgage or pledge of any of the assets or properties of
Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary or the subjection of any of the assets
or properties of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to any liens, charges,
encumbrances, imperfections of title, security interests, options, or rights or
claims of others with respect thereto other than: (A) in connection with any
indebtedness outstanding during such period; (B) in the ordinary course
consistent with past practice; or (C) as would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on Retirement; or (xi) any assumption or guarantee by Retirement or a
Retirement Subsidiary of the indebtedness of any person or entity other than in
the ordinary course consistent with past practice.
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<PAGE> 20
3.11 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS. (a) Section
3.11(a) of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule lists all employee benefit plans,
collective bargaining agreements, labor contracts, and employment agreements not
otherwise disclosed in the Retirement Current Reports in which Retirement or any
Retirement Subsidiary participates, or by which any of them are bound,
including, without limitation, (i) any profit sharing, deferred compensation,
bonus, stock option, stock purchase, pension, welfare, and incentive plan or
agreement; (ii) any plan providing for "fringe benefits" to their employees,
including, but not limited to, vacation, sick leave, medical, hospitalization,
and life insurance; (iii) any written employment agreement and any other
employment agreement not terminable at will; and (iv) any other "employee
benefit plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employment Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA")). Except as would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Retirement, Retirement and the Retirement
Subsidiaries are in compliance with the requirements prescribed by all laws
currently in effect applicable to employee benefit plans and to any employment
agreements, including, but not limited to, ERISA and the Code. Except as would
not have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement, Retirement and the Retirement
Subsidiaries have each performed all of its obligations under all such employee
benefit plans and employment agreements. There is no pending or, to the
knowledge of Retirement, threatened legal action, proceeding, or investigation
against or involving any Retirement or Retirement Subsidiary employee benefit
plan that could result in a material amount of liability to such employee
benefit plan or to Retirement.
(b) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement, neither Retirement nor the Retirement Subsidiaries sponsor or
participate in, and have not sponsored or participated in, any employee benefit
pension plan to which Section 4021 of ERISA applies that would create liability
to Retirement under Title IV of ERISA.
(c) Neither Retirement nor the Retirement Subsidiaries sponsor or
participate in, and have not sponsored or participated in, any employee benefit
pension plan that is a "multi-employer plan" (within the meaning of Section
3(37) of ERISA).
(d) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement, all group health plans of Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries
have been operated in compliance with the group health plan continuation
coverage requirements of Section 4980B of the Code to the extent such
requirements are applicable.
(e) There have been no acts or omissions by Retirement or the
Retirement Subsidiaries or by any fiduciary, disqualified person, or party in
interest with respect to any employee benefit plan of Retirement or any
Retirement Subsidiaries that have given rise to or may give rise to a material
amount of fines, penalties, taxes, or related charges under Sections 502(c),
502(i), or 4071 of ERISA or under Chapter 43 of the Code.
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<PAGE> 21
(f) No "reportable event," as defined in ERISA Section 4043, other
than those events with respect to which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
has waived the notice requirement, has occurred with respect to any of the
employee benefit plans of Retirement.
(g) Section 3.11(g) of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule sets forth
the name of each director, officer, or employee of Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary entitled to receive any benefit or payment under any existing
employment agreement, severance plan, or other benefit plan solely as a result
of the consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement, and with
respect to each such person, the nature of such benefit or the amount of such
payment, the event triggering the benefit or payment, and the date of, and
parties to, such employment agreement, severance plan, or other benefit plan.
(h) Retirement has furnished ALC with true and complete copies of
all plan documents and employment agreements referred to on the Retirement
Disclosure Schedule, including all amendments thereto, and all related summary
plan descriptions to the extent that one is required by law.
(i) For purposes of this Section 3.11, any reference to "Retirement"
shall be deemed to include a reference to any entity that is aggregated with
Retirement under the provisions of Section 414 of the Code, to the extent that
those aggregation rules apply.
3.12 LABOR MATTERS. Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary
is a party to any collective bargaining agreement with respect to any of their
employees. None of the employees of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary is
represented by any labor union. To the knowledge of Retirement, there is no
activity involving any employees of Retirement or the Retirement Subsidiaries
seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in any similar
organizational activity.
3.13 INSURANCE. Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries maintain
insurance against such risks and in such amounts as Retirement reasonably
believes is necessary to conduct Retirement's and the Retirement Subsidiaries'
businesses. Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries are not in default with
respect to any provisions or requirements of any such policy, nor have any of
them failed to give notice or present any claim thereunder in a due and timely
fashion, except for defaults or failures that, individually or in the aggregate,
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement. Neither Retirement nor
any Retirement Subsidiary has received any notice of cancellation or termination
in respect of any of its insurance policies.
3.14 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed in Section 3.14 of
the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries
are in compliance with all environmental laws, and have obtained all necessary
licenses and permits required to be issued pursuant to any environmental law,
except where the failure to so comply or to obtain such licenses
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<PAGE> 22
or permits, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on Retirement. Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary has
received notice or communication from any governmental agency with respect to
(i) any hazardous substance relative to its operations, property, or assets or
(ii) any investigation, demand, or request pursuant to enforcing any
environmental law relating to it or its operations, and no such investigation is
pending or, to the knowledge of Retirement, threatened, in any case, that would
lead to a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
3.15 TAX MATTERS. Neither Retirement nor, to the knowledge of
Retirement, any of its affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action that
would, nor does Retirement have any knowledge of any fact or circumstance that
is reasonably likely to, prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization
under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code. Retirement and each of the
Retirement Subsidiaries have timely filed all income tax, excise tax, sales tax,
use tax, gross receipts tax, franchise tax, employment and payroll related tax,
property tax, and all other tax returns that Retirement and/or such Retirement
Subsidiary (as the case may be) are required to file ("Retirement Tax Returns"),
and have paid or provided for all the amounts shown to be due thereon, except
when such failure to make such timely filings, individually or in the aggregate,
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement, and except for the
nonpayment of such amounts that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement. Retirement has paid, or made
adequate provision for on its balance sheet at December 31, 1997 included in the
Retirement 10-K, all Federal, state, local, foreign, or other governmental
income, franchise, payroll, F.I.C.A., unemployment, withholding, real property,
personal property, sales, payroll, disability, and all other taxes imposed on
Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary or with respect to any of their
respective properties, or otherwise payable by them, including interest and
penalties, if any, in respect thereof (collectively, "Retirement Taxes"), for
the Retirement taxable period ended December 31, 1997 and all taxable periods of
Retirement prior thereto, except such nonpayment, or failure to make adequate
provision, that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Retirement. Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary
(i) has filed or entered into, or is otherwise bound by, any election, consent,
or extension agreement that extends any applicable statute of limitations with
respect to taxable periods of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary; (ii) is a
party to any contractual obligation requiring the indemnification or
reimbursement of any person with respect to the payment of any Retirement Taxes,
other than among Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries; or (iii) has
received any claim by an authority in a jurisdiction where neither Retirement
nor any Retirement Subsidiary files Retirement Tax Returns that they are or may
be subject to Retirement Taxes by that jurisdiction, except for any such claims
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on Retirement. No action or proceeding is pending or, to Retirement's knowledge,
threatened by any governmental authority for any audit, examination, deficiency,
assessment, or collection from Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary of any
Retirement Taxes, no claim for any deficiency, assessment, or collection of any
Retirement Taxes has been asserted against Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary that remains unresolved, and all resolved assessments of Retirement
Taxes have been paid or are reflected on the Retirement
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balance sheet at December 31, 1997 included in the Retirement 10-K, except for
any of the foregoing that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
3.16 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Except as disclosed in Section 3.16 of
the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries
own, possess, or have the right to use all franchises, patents, trademarks,
service marks, tradenames, licenses, and authorizations that are necessary to
the conduct of their respective businesses. To the knowledge of Retirement,
neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary is infringing or otherwise
violating the intellectual property rights of any person which infringement or
violation would subject Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to liabilities
that would have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement or which would prevent
Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary from conducting their respective
businesses substantially in the manner in which they are now being conducted. No
claim has been made or, to Retirement's knowledge, threatened against Retirement
or any Retirement Subsidiary alleging any such violation.
3.17 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Except as disclosed in the
Retirement SEC Filings or in Section 3.17 of the Retirement Disclosure Schedule,
there have been no material transactions between Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary on the one hand and any (i) officer or director of Retirement or any
Retirement Subsidiary; (ii) record or beneficial owner of five percent or more
of the voting securities of Retirement; or (iii) affiliate (as such term is
defined in Regulation 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of any such
officer, director, or beneficial owner, on the other hand, other than payment of
compensation for services rendered as a director of Retirement or the Retirement
Subsidiaries or the grant of stock options to purchase shares of Retirement
Common Stock.
3.18 NO UNDISCLOSED MATERIAL LIABILITIES. Except as disclosed in the
Retirement Current Reports, neither Retirement nor any of the Retirement
Subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether
accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable, or otherwise, that,
individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement other than (i) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice since September 30, 1998; (ii)
liabilities that have been repaid, discharged, or otherwise extinguished; and
(iii) liabilities under or contemplated by or otherwise disclosed pursuant to
this Agreement.
3.19 NO DEFAULT. Except as set forth in Section 3.19 of the
Retirement Disclosure Schedule, neither Retirement nor any of the Retirement
Subsidiaries is in default or violation (and no event has occurred that with
notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a default or violation) of
any term, condition, or provision of (a) its charter, bylaws, or other
organizational documents; (b) any indenture, mortgage, note, bond, lien, lease,
license, agreement, franchise, contract, order, judgment, ordinance, Retirement
Permit, or other instrument or obligation to which Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary is a party or by which Retirement or any Retirement
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Subsidiary or any of their respective properties is bound or subject; or (c) any
order, writ, injunction, decree, or Law applicable to Retirement or any of the
Retirement Subsidiaries, except in the case of clauses (b) and (c) above for
defaults or violations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Retirement.
3.20 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ENCUMBRANCES. Section 3.20 of the
Retirement Disclosure Schedule sets forth all real property owned or leased by
Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries (the "Retirement Real Property"),
indicating which facilities are owned and which are leased. Except as disclosed
in the Retirement Current Reports and as described in clause (ii) below: (i)
each of Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries has good, valid, and
marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, as applicable, all of its
properties and assets (real, personal, and mixed, tangible and intangible),
including, without limitation, all Retirement Real Property and all other
properties and assets reflected in the consolidated balance sheet of Retirement
and the Retirement Subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 included in the Retirement
10-K (except for properties and assets disposed of in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practices since December 31, 1997) and (ii)
none of such properties or assets are subject to any liability, obligation,
claim, lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest, conditional sale agreement,
charge, or encumbrance of any kind (whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or
otherwise), except for liens securing repayment of indebtedness incurred in the
ordinary course consistent with past practices subsequent to September 30, 1998
and liens for taxes not yet due and payable, easements and restrictions of
record, and minor imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, that are not
substantial in amount, do not materially detract from the value of the property
or assets subject thereto and do not materially impair the operations of
Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries. Each of the leases relating to the
Retirement Real Property is in full force and effect and there is no default by
landlord or tenant existing thereunder (and no event has occurred that, with
notice and the passage of time or both, would constitute a default under such
lease) that, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse
Effect on Retirement. Except as would not cause a Material Adverse Effect on
Retirement, all of the properties and assets of Retirement and the Retirement
Subsidiaries are, in all material respects, in good operating condition and
repair, and maintenance thereon has not been deferred beyond industry standards,
and are suitable for the purposes for which they are presently being used.
3.21 POOLING OF INTERESTS. To the knowledge of Retirement, after
consultation with its independent auditors, neither Retirement nor any of the
Retirement Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Retirement, any of their
respective directors, officers, or shareholders has taken any action that would
prevent ALC from accounting for the Merger as a "pooling of interests" in
accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16, the interpretive
releases issued pursuant thereto, and the pronouncements of the Commission.
Retirement has received a letter from KPMG Peat Marwick, dated as of November
18, 1998, advising it that, subject to the limitations set forth in its letter,
Retirement qualifies as a "combining company" in accordance with the criteria
set forth in paragraph 46 of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16 and has
not violated the
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criteria set forth in Nos. 47c, 47d and 48c of Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16 during the period extending from two years preceding the date of
initiation of the plan of combination to the date of its letter.
3.22 BROKERS. Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary has
paid or is obligated to pay any brokerage, finder's, or other fee or commission
to any broker, finder, investment banker, or other intermediary in connection
with this Agreement or the Cross Option Agreement, except that Retirement has
retained J. P. Morgan Securities, Inc. ("J.P. Morgan") as its financial advisor
for the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.23 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. Retirement has received an opinion
of J. P. Morgan to the effect that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Retirement.
3.24 CERTAIN BUSINESS PRACTICES. None of Retirement, any of the
Retirement Subsidiaries, or any directors, officers, agents, or employees of
Retirement or any of the Retirement Subsidiaries has (i) used any funds for
unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, or other unlawful expenses
relating to political activity; (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or
domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political
parties or campaigns or violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act of 1977, as amended (the "FCPA"); or (iii) made any other unlawful payment.
3.25 VOTE REQUIRED. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of Retirement Common Stock is the only vote
of the holders of any class or series of Retirement's capital stock necessary to
approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger.
3.26 ALC STOCK OWNERSHIP. Except as contemplated pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement and the transactions to be consummated hereby or by the
Cross Option Agreement, neither Retirement nor any of the Retirement
Subsidiaries own any shares of ALC Common Stock or rights to acquire or dispose
of ALC Common Stock.
3.27 STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES. Retirement, the Merger, this Agreement,
and the Cross Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby are exempt or qualify for an exception from the requirements,
restrictions, prohibitions, and effects of any state takeover law (including
without limitation TBCA Sections 48-103-201 et seq., 48-103-301 et seq., and
48-103-501 et seq.) affecting Retirement ("Retirement State Takeover Laws"), and
the Retirement State Takeover Laws shall not affect ALC, the Merger, this
Agreement, or the Cross Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby.
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ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ALC
ALC represents and warrants to Retirement and Merger Sub that, except
as expressly set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered to Retirement prior
to the execution hereof (the "ALC Disclosure Schedule"), which shall identify
exceptions by specific section references:
4.1 CORPORATE ORGANIZATION. ALC and each of its subsidiaries (the "ALC
Subsidiaries") has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all
requisite power and authority to own, operate, and lease its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is qualified or licensed
to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature
of the business conducted by it or the ownership or leasing of its properties
makes such qualification necessary, other than where failure to be so qualified
or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC. The term "Material Adverse Effect on ALC" as used in this
Agreement shall mean any change or effect that would be materially adverse to
the financial condition, results of operations, properties, or business of ALC
and the ALC Subsidiaries taken as a whole at the time of such change or effect,
other than any change or effect arising out of general economic conditions or
conditions in the industry in which ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries are engaged.
True and complete copies of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other
organizational documents, together with all amendments thereto, of ALC and each
of the ALC Subsidiaries have been heretofore delivered to Retirement. Such
articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents are in full
force and effect. Section 4.1 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule contains a complete
and accurate list of all of the ALC Subsidiaries and sets forth ALC's percentage
ownership in each such entity.
4.2 CAPITALIZATION. As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized
capital stock of ALC consists of (i) 40,000,000 shares of ALC Common Stock and
(ii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, none of
which are issued and outstanding. As of the date of the Agreement, (i)
17,338,695 shares of ALC Common Stock were issued and outstanding; (ii) options
to acquire 1,864,447 shares of ALC Common Stock were outstanding under the ALC
Option Plans (as hereinafter defined); (iii) 3,821,444 shares of ALC Common
Stock were reserved for issuance upon conversion of ALC's $86,250,000 principal
amount of outstanding 6.0% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2002; and
(iv) 2,864,345 shares of ALC Common Stock were reserved for issuance upon
conversion of ALC's $75,000,000 principal amount of outstanding 5.625%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2003. As used herein, "ALC Option Plans"
shall mean ALC's Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Option Plan and ALC's
Non-Officer Stock Option Plan. Except as set forth on Section 4.2 of the ALC
Disclosure Schedule, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of
the ALC Subsidiaries is owned beneficially and of record by ALC or a ALC
Subsidiary free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances, options, rights
of first refusal, or limitations or agreements regarding voting rights of any
nature. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of ALC and each of the
ALC Subsidiaries have been duly authorized, validly issued, and are fully paid
and nonassessable and are not subject to preemptive rights created by statute,
their
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respective articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other organizational documents,
or any agreement to which any such entity is a party or by which any such entity
is bound. Except as set forth in this Section 4.2 or in the ALC Current Reports
(hereinafter defined), there are no outstanding contractual obligations,
contingent or otherwise, of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to (x) repurchase, redeem,
or otherwise acquire any shares of ALC Common Stock or any capital stock, or
other equity interests in, any ALC Subsidiary or (y) except for guarantees of
obligations of, or loans or capital contribution commitments to, ALC
Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business, provide funds to,
make any investment in (in the form of a loan, capital contribution, or
otherwise) or provide any guarantee with respect to the obligations of, any ALC
Subsidiary or any other person. To ALC's knowledge, there are no voting trusts,
proxies, or other agreements or understandings with respect to voting of ALC
Common Stock. Each outstanding share of capital stock, or other equity interests
in, each ALC Subsidiary is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and, except as set forth in Section 4.2 of the ALC Disclosure
Schedule, each such share or other equity interest owned by ALC or another ALC
Subsidiary is owned free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims,
pledges, options, rights of first refusal, agreements, limitations on ALC's or
such other ALC Subsidiary's voting rights, charges, and other encumbrances of
any nature whatsoever.
4.3 OPTIONS OR OTHER RIGHTS. ALC has heretofore delivered to
Retirement correct and complete copies of the ALC Option Plans, a schedule
identifying all outstanding options issued under the ALC Option Plans, and
copies of each form of option agreement entered into with respect to such
options. The schedule of outstanding options sets forth for each stock option
holder (i) such holder's name; (ii) the date of grant of stock options to such
holder; (iii) the number of shares of ALC Common Stock subject to such grant;
(iv) the exercise price per share of ALC Common Stock with respect to each such
grant; and (v) the periods during which such stock options or portions thereof
are exercisable by such holder. Except as set forth in this Section 4.3 or in
Section 4.3 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule, there are no options, warrants,
subscription or preemptive rights, or other rights, agreements, arrangements, or
commitments of any character to which ALC or any ALC Subsidiary is a party
relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of, or other equity interests
in, ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or obligating ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to grant,
issue, or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, ALC
or any ALC Subsidiary, by sale, lease, license, or otherwise. All shares of ALC
Common Stock subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and
conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable,
will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will
not have been issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights created
by statute, the articles of incorporation or bylaws of ALC, or any agreement to
which ALC is a party or to which ALC is bound. Except as set forth in Section
4.3 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule, there are no agreements or understandings
among ALC or any ALC Subsidiary on the one hand and any other person on the
other hand concerning the registration of any security of ALC or a ALC
Subsidiary under the Securities Act. Except as set forth on Section 4.3 of the
ALC Disclosure Schedule, no options granted under the ALC Option Plans have
provisions that accelerate the vesting or right to exercise such options upon
the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to, the
consummation of the Merger.
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4.4 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. ALC has all requisite
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the
Cross Option Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby to be consummated
by ALC. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Cross Option
Agreement by ALC and the consummation of the transactions contemplated on its
part hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, and, other than the approval of ALC's shareholders as provided in
Section 5.1, no other corporate proceedings on the part of ALC are necessary to
authorize the execution, and delivery of this Agreement and the Cross Option
Agreement by ALC or the consummation of the transactions contemplated on its
part hereby and thereby. This Agreement and the Cross Option Agreement have been
duly executed and delivered by ALC and, assuming the due authorization,
execution, and delivery hereof and thereof by Retirement and Merger Sub,
constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of ALC, enforceable against
ALC in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that such
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or by general equity principles (whether applied in a proceeding at
law or in equity).
4.5 NO VIOLATION. Other than as listed on Section 4.5 of the ALC
Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and of the
Cross Option Agreement by ALC do not, the performance by ALC of its obligations
hereunder and thereunder will not, and the consummation by ALC of the
transactions contemplated to be performed by it hereby and thereby will not (i)
violate or conflict with any provision of any Laws in effect on the date of this
Agreement and applicable to ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or by which any of their
respective properties or assets is bound or subject; (ii) require ALC or any ALC
Subsidiary to obtain any consent, waiver, approval, license, or authorization or
permit of, or make any filing with, or provide notification to, any Governmental
Entities, based on laws, rules, regulations, and other requirements of
Governmental Entities in effect as of the date of this Agreement (other than (a)
the filing of a Pre-Merger Notification Report under the HSR Act and the
expiration of the applicable waiting period; (b) filings or authorizations
required in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act,
the Securities Act, the TBCA, the NRS, the Bylaws of the American Stock Exchange
("AMEX"), or the "takeover" or "blue sky" laws of various states; and (c) any
other filings and approvals expressly contemplated by this Agreement); (iii)
require the consent, waiver, approval, license, or authorization of any person
(other than Governmental Entities); (iv) violate, conflict with, or result in a
breach of or the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default
(or an event which with notice or the lapse of time or both would become a
default) under, or give to others any right of, or result in any, termination,
amendment, acceleration, or cancellation of, or loss of any benefit or creation
of a right of first refusal, or require or increase any payment under, or result
in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any of the properties or
assets of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary pursuant to or under any provision of any
indenture, mortgage, note, bond, lien, lease, license, agreement, franchise,
contract, order, judgment, ordinance, ALC Permit (as defined below), or other
instrument or
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obligation to which ALC or any ALC Subsidiary is a party or by which ALC or any
ALC Subsidiary or any of their respective properties is bound or subject; or (v)
conflict with or violate the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or the other
organizational documents, in each case as amended or restated, of ALC or any of
the ALC Subsidiaries, except for any such conflicts or violations described in
clauses (i) through (v) as would not, together with all such conflicts or
violations have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC and except where the failure to
obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations, or permits, or to make such
filings or notifications would not, either individually or in the aggregate, (X)
prevent ALC from performing any of its obligations under this Agreement or the
Cross Option Agreement or (Y) have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. (a) As of the date of this Agreement, each
of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries holds all licenses, franchises, grants, permits,
easements, variances, exemptions, consents, certificates, identification
numbers, approvals, orders, and other authorizations (collectively, "ALC
Permits") necessary to own, lease, and operate its properties and to carry on
its business as it is now being conducted, is certified as a provider under all
applicable Medicare and Medicaid programs to the extent required to be so
certified, and is in compliance with all ALC Permits and all Laws governing its
respective businesses, including, without limitation, the requirements,
guidelines, rules, and regulations of Medicare, Medicaid, state approved
Medicaid waiver programs, and other third-party reimbursement programs, except
where the failure to hold such ALC Permits or to so comply, individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
(b) To ALC's knowledge, all health care personnel employed by ALC or
any ALC Subsidiary are properly licensed to the extent required to perform the
duties of their employment in each jurisdiction where such duties are performed,
except where the failure to be so licensed, individually or in the aggregate,
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.6 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule,
no action or proceeding is pending or, to ALC's knowledge, threatened that may
result in the suspension, revocation, or termination of any ALC Permit, the
issuance of any cease-and-desist order, or the imposition of any administrative
or judicial sanction, and neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary has received any
notice from any governmental authority in respect of the suspension, revocation,
or termination of any ALC Permit, or any notice of any intention to conduct any
investigation or institute any proceeding, in any such case where such
suspension, revocation, termination, order, sanction, investigation, or
proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC.
(d) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary has received notice that
Medicare, Medicaid, state approved Medicaid waiver programs, or any other
third-party reimbursement program has any claims for disallowance of costs
against any of them that could result in offsets against future
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reimbursement or recovery of prior payments, which offsets or recoveries,
individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
4.7 LITIGATION. As of the date of this Agreement, except as may be
disclosed in the ALC 10-K (as defined below), reports filed on Forms 10-Q or
8-K, or proxy statements filed on Schedule 14A for periods subsequent to the
period covered by such ALC 10-K, in each case filed prior to the date hereof
(such reports and filings, collectively, the "ALC Current Reports"), or Section
4.7 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule, there is no claim, litigation, suit,
arbitration, mediation, action, proceeding, unfair labor practice complaint or
grievance pending, or, to ALC's knowledge, investigation of any kind, at law or
in equity (including actions or proceedings seeking injunctive relief), pending
or, to ALC's knowledge, threatened against ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or with
respect to any property or asset of any of them, except for claims, litigations,
suits, arbitrations, mediations, actions, proceedings, complaints, grievances,
or investigations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on ALC. Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary nor any
property or asset of any of them is subject to any continuing order, judgment,
settlement agreement, injunction, consent decree, or other similar written
agreement with or, to ALC's knowledge, continuing investigation by, any
Governmental Entity, or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, consent decree,
or award of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator, including, without
limitation, cease-and-desist or other orders, except for such matters that would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
4.8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS. ALC has made available to
Retirement true and complete copies of (a) its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997 (the "ALC 10-K"), as filed with the Commission;
(b) all registration statements filed by ALC and declared effective under the
Securities Act; and (c) all other reports, statements, and registration
statements (including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form
8-K, but excluding preliminary material) filed by it with the Commission. The
reports, statements, and registration statements referred to in the immediately
preceding sentence (including, without limitation, any financial statements,
schedules, or other information included or incorporated by reference therein)
are referred to in this Agreement as the "ALC SEC Filings." ALC has timely filed
all required ALC SEC Filings with the Commission since October 31, 1997, each of
which, as of the respective times such documents were filed or, as applicable,
were declared effective, complied in all material respects with the requirements
of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, except for such noncompliance that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
ALC, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. The financial statements of ALC included in the ALC SEC Filings
comply as to form in all material respect with applicable accounting
requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the Commission with
respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (as in effect at the time of the filing thereof) applied
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on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto or, in the case of the unaudited interim
financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q), and present fairly the
consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations, and
consolidated cash flows of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries as of the dates and for
the periods indicated, except (i) in the case of unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements, subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments and any
other adjustments described therein and (ii) any pro forma financial information
contained therein is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated financial
position of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and
the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated.
No ALC Subsidiary is required to file any form, report, or other document with
the Commission.
4.9 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Other than as disclosed in
the ALC Current Reports or otherwise disclosed in this Agreement, since
September 30, 1998 and through the date hereof, the business of ALC and of each
of the ALC Subsidiaries has been conducted in the ordinary course, and there has
not been (i) any Material Adverse Effect on ALC; (ii) any material indebtedness
incurred by ALC or any ALC Subsidiary for money borrowed, except under credit
facilities, if any, disclosed in the ALC Current Reports; (iii) any material
transaction or commitment, except in the ordinary course of business or as
contemplated by this Agreement, entered into by ALC or any of the ALC
Subsidiaries; (iv) any damage, destruction, or loss, whether covered by
insurance or not that, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material
Adverse Effect on ALC; (v) any material change by ALC in accounting principles
or methods except insofar as may be required by a change in generally accepted
accounting principles; (vi) any declaration, setting aside, or payment of any
dividend (whether in cash, securities, or property) with respect to the ALC
Common Stock; (vii) any material agreement to acquire any assets or stock or
other interests of any third-party; (viii) any increase in the compensation
payable or to become payable by ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to any managerial
employees, officers, directors, or consultants or in any bonus, insurance,
welfare, pension, or other employee benefit plan, payment, or arrangement made
to, for, or with any such managerial employee, officer, director, or consultant
(other than as provided in employment agreements, consulting agreements, and
welfare and benefit plans set forth on the ALC Disclosure Schedule, and except
for increases not materially inconsistent with past practice); (ix) any material
revaluation by ALC or any ALC Subsidiary of any asset (including, without
limitation, any writing down of the value of inventory or writing off of notes
or accounts receivable); (x) any mortgage or pledge of any of the assets or
properties of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or the subjection of any of the assets
or properties of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to any liens, charges, encumbrances,
imperfections of title, security interests, options, or rights or claims of
others with respect thereto other than: (A) in connection with any indebtedness
outstanding during such period; (B) in the ordinary course consistent with past
practice; or (C) as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC; or (xi) any
assumption or guarantee by ALC or a ALC Subsidiary of the indebtedness of any
person or entity other than in the ordinary course consistent with past
practice.
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4.10 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS. (a) Section
4.10(a) of the ALC Disclosure Schedule lists all employee benefit plans,
collective bargaining agreements, labor contracts, and employment agreements not
otherwise disclosed in the ALC Current Reports in which ALC or any ALC
Subsidiary participates, or by which any of them are bound, including, without
limitation, (i) any profit sharing, deferred compensation, bonus, stock option,
stock purchase, pension, welfare, and incentive plan or agreement; (ii) any plan
providing for "fringe benefits" to their employees, including, but not limited
to, vacation, sick leave, medical, hospitalization, and life insurance; (iii)
any written employment agreement and any other employment agreement not
terminable at will; and (iv) any other "employee benefit plan" (within the
meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA). Except as would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC, ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries are in compliance with the
requirement prescribed by all laws currently in effect applicable to employee
benefit plans and to any employment agreements, including, but not limited to,
ERISA and the Code. Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC,
ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries have each performed all of its obligations under
all such employee benefit plans and employment agreements. There is no pending
or, to the knowledge of ALC, threatened legal action, proceeding, or
investigation against or involving any ALC or ALC Subsidiary employee benefit
plan that could result in a material amount of liability to such employee
benefit plan or to ALC.
(b) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC,
neither ALC nor the ALC Subsidiaries sponsor or participate in, and have not
sponsored or participated in, any employee benefit pension plan to which Section
4021 of ERISA applies that would create liability to ALC under Title IV of
ERISA.
(c) Neither ALC nor the ALC Subsidiaries sponsor or participate in,
and have not sponsored or participated in, any employee benefit pension plan
that is a "multiemployer plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA).
(d) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC, all
group health plans of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries have been operated in
compliance with the group health plan continuation coverage requirements of
Section 4980B of the Code, to the extent such requirements are applicable.
(e) There have been no acts or omissions by ALC or any ALC Subsidiary
or by any fiduciary, disqualified person, or party in interest with respect to
any employee benefit plan of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary that have given rise to
or may give rise to a material amount of fines, penalties, taxes, or related
charges under Sections 502(c), 502(i), or 4071 of ERISA or under Chapter 43 of
the Code.
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(f) No "reportable event," as defined in ERISA Section 4043, other
than those events with respect to which the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
has waived the notice requirement, has occurred with respect to any of the
employee benefit plans of ALC.
(g) Section 4.10(g) of the ALC Disclosure Schedule sets forth the
name of each director, officer, or employee of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary
entitled to receive any benefit or payment under any existing employment
agreement, severance plan, or other benefit plan solely as a result of the
consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement, and with respect
to each such person, the nature of such benefit or the amount of such payment,
the event triggering the benefit or payment, and the date of, and parties to,
such employment agreement, severance plan, or other benefit plan.
(h) ALC has furnished Retirement with true and complete copies of all
plan documents and employment agreements referred to on the ALC Disclosure
Schedule, including all amendments thereto, and all related summary plan
descriptions to the extent that one is required by law.
(i) For purposes of this Section 4.10, any reference to "ALC" shall
be deemed to include a reference to any entity that is aggregated with ALC under
the provisions of Section 414 of the Code, to the extent that those aggregation
rules apply.
4.11 LABOR MATTERS. Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary is a party to
any collective bargaining agreement with respect to any of their employees. None
of the employees of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary is represented by any labor union.
To the knowledge of ALC, there is no activity involving any employees of ALC or
the ALC Subsidiaries seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging
in any similar organizational activity.
4.12 INSURANCE. ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries maintain insurance
against such risks and in such amounts as ALC reasonably believes is necessary
to conduct ALC's and the ALC Subsidiaries' businesses. ALC and the ALC
Subsidiaries are not in default with respect to any provisions or requirements
of any such policy, nor have any of them failed to give notice or present any
claim thereunder in a due and timely fashion, except for defaults or failures
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect
on ALC. Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary has received any notice of
cancellation or termination in respect of any of its insurance policies.
4.13 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed in Section 4.13 of the
ALC Disclosure Schedule, ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries are in compliance with all
environmental laws, and have obtained all necessary licenses and permits
required to be issued pursuant to any environmental law, except where the
failure to so comply or to obtain such licenses or permits, individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC. Neither ALC nor
any ALC Subsidiary has received notice or communication from any governmental
agency with respect to (i) any
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hazardous substance relative to its operations, property, or assets or (ii) any
investigation, demand, or request pursuant to enforcing any environmental law
relating to it or its operations, and no such investigation is pending or, to
the knowledge of ALC, threatened, in any case, that would lead to a Material
Adverse Effect on ALC.
4.14 TAX MATTERS. Neither ALC nor, to the knowledge of ALC, any
of its affiliates has taken or agreed to take any action that would, nor does
ALC have any knowledge of any fact or circumstance that is reasonably likely to,
prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under the provisions of
Section 368(a) of the Code. ALC and each of the ALC Subsidiaries have timely
filed all income tax, excise tax, sales tax, use tax, gross receipts tax,
franchise tax, employment and payroll related tax, property tax, and all other
tax returns that ALC and/or such ALC Subsidiary (as the case may be) are
required to file ("ALC Tax Returns"), and have paid or provided for all the
amounts shown to be due thereon, except when such failure to make such timely
filings, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC, and except for the nonpayment of such amounts that, individually
or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC. ALC has
paid, or made adequate provision for on its December 31, 1997 balance sheet
included in the ALC 10-K, all Federal, state, local, foreign, or other
governmental income, franchise, payroll, F.I.C.A., unemployment, withholding,
real property, personal property, sales, payroll, disability, and all other
taxes imposed on ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or with respect to any of their
respective properties, or otherwise payable by them, including interest and
penalties, if any, in respect thereof (collectively, "ALC Taxes"), for the ALC
taxable period ended December 31, 1997 and all taxable periods of ALC prior
thereto, except such nonpayment, or failure to make adequate provision, that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
ALC. Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary (i) has filed or entered into, or is
otherwise bound by, any election, consent, or extension agreement that extends
any applicable statute of limitations with respect to taxable periods of ALC or
any ALC Subsidiary; (ii) is a party to any contractual obligation requiring the
indemnification or reimbursement of any person with respect to the payment of
any ALC Taxes, other than among ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries; or (iii) has
received any claim by an authority in a jurisdiction where neither ALC nor any
ALC Subsidiary files ALC Tax Returns that they are or may be subject to ALC
Taxes by that jurisdiction, except for any such claims that, individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC. No action or
proceeding is pending or, to ALC's knowledge, threatened by any governmental
authority for any audit, examination, deficiency, assessment, or collection from
ALC or any ALC Subsidiary of any ALC Taxes, no claim for any deficiency,
assessment, or collection of any ALC Taxes has been asserted against ALC or any
ALC Subsidiary that remains unresolved, and all resolved assessments of ALC
Taxes have been paid or are reflected on the ALC balance sheet at December 31,
1997 included in the ALC 10-K, except for any of the foregoing that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
ALC.
4.15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Except as disclosed in Section 4.15 of the
ALC Disclosure Schedule, ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries own, possess, or have the
right to use all franchises,
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patents, trademarks, service marks, tradenames, licenses, and authorizations
that are necessary to the conduct of their respective businesses. To the
knowledge of ALC, neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary is infringing or otherwise
violating the intellectual property rights of any person which infringement or
violation would subject ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to liabilities that would have
a Material Adverse Effect on ALC or which would prevent ALC or any ALC
Subsidiary from conducting their respective businesses substantially in the
manner in which they are now being conducted. No claim has been made or, to
ALC's knowledge, threatened against ALC or any ALC Subsidiary alleging any such
violation.
4.16 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Except as disclosed in the ALC SEC
Filings or in Section 4.16 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule, there have been no
material transactions between ALC or any ALC Subsidiary on the one hand and any
(i) officer or director of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary; (ii) record or beneficial
owner of five percent or more of the voting securities of ALC; or (iii)
affiliate (as such term is defined in Regulation 12b-2 promulgated under the
Exchange Act) of any such officer, director, or beneficial owner, on the other
hand, other than payment of compensation for services rendered as a director of
ALC or the ALC Subsidiaries or the grant of stock options to purchase shares of
ALC Common Stock.
4.17 NO UNDISCLOSED MATERIAL LIABILITIES. Except as disclosed in the
ALC Current Reports, neither ALC nor any of the ALC Subsidiaries has incurred
any liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute,
determined, determinable, or otherwise, that, individually or in the aggregate,
would have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC other than (i) liabilities incurred
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since September
30, 1998; (ii) liabilities that have been repaid, discharged, or otherwise
extinguished; and (iii) liabilities under or contemplated by or otherwise
disclosed pursuant to this Agreement.
4.18 NO DEFAULT. Except as set forth in Section 4.18 of the ALC
Disclosure Schedule, neither ALC nor any of the ALC Subsidiaries is in default
or violation (and no event has occurred that with notice or the lapse of time or
both would constitute a default or violation) of any term, condition, or
provision of (a) its articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other organizational
documents; (b) any indenture, mortgage, note, bond, lien, lease, license,
agreement, franchise, contract, order, judgment, ordinance, ALC Permit, or other
instrument or obligation to which ALC or any ALC Subsidiary is a party or by
which ALC or any ALC Subsidiary or any of their respective properties is bound
or subject; or (c) any order, writ, injunction, decree, or Law applicable to ALC
or any of the ALC Subsidiaries, except in the case of clauses (b) and (c) above
for defaults or violations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC.
4.19 TITLE TO PROPERTIES; ENCUMBRANCES. Section 4.19 of the ALC
Disclosure Schedule sets forth all real property owned or leased by ALC and the
ALC Subsidiaries (the "ALC Real Property"), indicating which facilities are
owned and which are leased. Except as disclosed in the ALC Current Reports and
as described in clause (ii) below: (i) each of ALC and the ALC
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Subsidiaries has good, valid, and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold
interest in, as applicable, all of its properties and assets (real, personal,
and mixed, tangible and intangible), including, without limitation, all ALC Real
Property and all other properties and assets reflected in the consolidated
balance sheet of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 included in
the ALC 10-K (except for properties and assets disposed of in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practices since December 31, 1997)
and (ii) none of such properties or assets are subject to any liability,
obligation, claim, lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest, conditional sale
agreement, charge, or encumbrance of any kind (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent, or otherwise), except for liens securing repayment of indebtedness
incurred in the ordinary course consistent with past practices subsequent to
June 30, 1998 and liens for taxes not yet due and payable, easements and
restrictions of record, and minor imperfections of title and encumbrances, if
any, that are not substantial in amount, do not materially detract from the
value of the property or assets subject thereto and do not materially impair the
operations of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries. Each of the leases relating to the
ALC Real Property is in full force and effect and there is no default by
landlord or tenant existing thereunder (and no event has occurred that, with
notice and the passage of time or both, would constitute a default under such
lease) that, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC. Except as would not cause a Material Adverse Effect on ALC, all
of the properties and assets of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries are, in all
material respects, in good operating condition and repair, and maintenance
thereon has not been deferred beyond industry standards, and are suitable for
the purposes for which they are presently being used.
4.20 POOLING OF INTERESTS. To the knowledge of ALC, after consultation
with its independent auditors, neither ALC nor any of the ALC Subsidiaries nor,
to the knowledge of ALC, any of their respective directors, officers, or
shareholders has taken any action that would prevent Retirement from accounting
for the Merger as a "pooling of interests" in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16, the interpretive releases issued pursuant
thereto, and the pronouncements of the Commission. ALC has received a letter
from KPMG Peat Marwick, dated as of November 6, 1998, advising it that, subject
to the limitations set forth in its letter, ALC qualifies as a "combining
company" in accordance with the criteria set forth in paragraph 46 of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16 and has not violated the criteria set forth in
Nos. 47c, 47d and 48c of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16 during the
period extending from two years preceding the date of initiation of the plan of
combination to the date of its letter.
4.21 BROKERS. Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary has paid or is
obligated to pay any brokerage, finder's, or other fee or commission to any
broker, finder, investment banker, or other intermediary in connection with this
Agreement or the Cross Option Agreement, except that ALC has retained Schroder &
Co. Inc. ("Schroder") as its financial advisor for the transactions contemplated
hereby.
4.22 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. ALC has received an opinion of
Schroder to the effect that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio is fair,
from a financial point of view, to the holders of ALC Common Stock.
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4.23 CERTAIN BUSINESS PRACTICES. None of ALC, any of the ALC
Subsidiaries, or any directors, officers, agents, or employees of ALC or any of
the ALC Subsidiaries has (i) used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts,
entertainment, or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity; (ii)
made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or
employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or violated
any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the
"FCPA"); or (iii) made any other unlawful payment.
4.24 VOTE REQUIRED. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of ALC Common Stock is the only vote of the
holders of any class or series of ALC's capital stock necessary to approve and
adopt this Agreement and the Merger.
4.25 RETIREMENT STOCK OWNERSHIP. Except as contemplated pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement and the transactions to be consummated hereby or by
the Cross Option Agreement, neither ALC nor any of the ALC Subsidiaries own any
shares of Retirement Common Stock or rights to acquire or dispose of Retirement
Common Stock.
4.26 SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. Neither the execution and delivery of
this Agreement, the Cross Option Agreement, or any other agreement contemplated
hereby, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby
will result in Retirement being deemed an "Acquiring Person" pursuant to the
terms of that certain Rights Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1997, by and
between ALC and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company (the "Rights
Agreement") or otherwise create, give rise to, or trigger any right or privilege
in favor of any person under or pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement.
At the Effective Time, the Rights Agreement and the rights issued thereunder
shall terminate without further action by any person.
4.27 REPURCHASES OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK. Except as set forth in
Section 4.28 of the ALC Disclosure Schedule, since December 31, 1997, ALC has
not repurchased any shares of ALC Common Stock.
4.28 STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES. ALC, the Merger, this Agreement, and the
Cross Option Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are
exempt or qualify for an exception from the requirements, restrictions,
prohibitions, and effects of any state takeover law (including without
limitation NRS Sections 78.378 et seq. and 78.411 et seq.) affecting ALC ("ALC
State Takeover Laws"), and the ALC State Takeover Laws shall not affect
Retirement, the Merger, this Agreement, and the Cross Option Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
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ARTICLE V.
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
5.1 JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS; REGISTRATION STATEMENT;
SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS. (a) Each of Retirement and ALC agree that this Agreement
shall be submitted to their respective shareholders for approval at meetings
(the "Meetings") duly called and held pursuant to applicable Federal and state
law. As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, each of ALC and
Retirement shall take all action, to the extent necessary in accordance with
applicable law and their respective charter or articles of incorporation and
bylaws, to convene each Meeting promptly to consider and vote upon the approval
of the Merger and such other matters as may be necessary or desirable to
consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby. As soon as
practicable after the date of this Agreement, ALC and Retirement shall jointly
prepare and file with the Commission, subject to the prior approval of the other
party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or
delayed, preliminary joint proxy materials relating to each Meeting as required
by the Exchange Act, and a registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended or
supplemented, the "Registration Statement") relating to the registration under
the Securities Act of the issuance of the shares of Retirement Common Stock
issuable to the holders of ALC Common Stock. ALC, Merger Sub, and Retirement
will use all reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be
declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable. Promptly
after the Registration Statement has become effective, ALC and Retirement shall
mail the joint proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement
to their respective shareholders. Such joint proxy statement/prospectus at the
time it initially is mailed to the shareholders of ALC and the shareholders of
Retirement and all duly filed amendments or revisions made thereto, if any,
similarly mailed are hereinafter referred to as the "Proxy Statement." Notice of
the ALC Meeting shall be mailed to the shareholders of ALC and notice of the
Retirement Meeting shall be mailed to the shareholders of Retirement, in each
case along with the Proxy Statement.
(b) ALC covenants that: (i) the information supplied by ALC for
inclusion in the Registration Statement shall not, at the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective, 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 not misleading; and (ii) the information
supplied by ALC for inclusion in the Proxy Statement to be sent to the
shareholders of ALC in connection with the Meeting of ALC's shareholders to
consider the Merger shall not, at the date the Proxy Statement (or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to shareholders, at the time of
such Meeting, or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
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or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading. Retirement covenants
that: (i) the information supplied by Retirement for inclusion in the
Registration Statement shall not, at the time the Registration Statement is
declared effective, 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 not misleading; and (ii) the information supplied by
Retirement for inclusion in the Proxy Statement to be sent to the shareholders
of Retirement in connection with the Meeting of Retirement's shareholders shall
not, at the date the Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto) is first mailed to shareholders, at the time of such Meeting, or 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 the light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading.
(c) Each party covenants and agrees that (i) if, at any time prior to
the Effective Time, any event relating to it or any of its affiliates, officers,
or directors is discovered that should be set forth in an amendment to the
Registration Statement or a supplement to the Proxy Statement, such party will
promptly inform the other parties, and such amendment or supplement will be
promptly filed with the Commission and disseminated to the shareholders of ALC
and Retirement, to the extent required by applicable Federal laws and (ii)
documents that either party files or is responsible for filing with the
Commission and any regulatory agency in connection with the Merger (including,
without limitation, the Proxy Statement) will comply as to form and content in
all material respects with the provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no party makes any representations or warranties with respect to any
information that has been supplied by the other party or by its auditors,
attorneys, financial advisors, or other consultants or advisors specifically for
use in the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement, or any other documents
to be filed with the Commission or any regulatory agency in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(d) ALC hereby represents that its Board of Directors has (i)
determined that the Merger is fair to and in the best interests of ALC's
shareholders; (ii) approved the Merger; and (iii) resolved to and will recommend
in the Proxy Statement adoption of this Agreement and authorization of the
Merger by the shareholders of ALC; provided, however, that such determination,
approval, or recommendation may be amended, modified, or withdrawn to the extent
required by the fiduciary obligations of ALC's Board of Directors under
applicable law, as advised as to legal matters by outside counsel. Retirement
hereby represents that its Board of Directors has (i) determined that the Merger
is fair to and in the best interests of Retirement's shareholders; (ii) approved
the Merger; and (iii) resolved to and will recommend in the Proxy Statement
adoption of this Agreement and authorization of the Merger by the shareholders
of Retirement; provided, however, that such determination, approval, or
recommendation may be amended, modified, or withdrawn to the extent required by
the fiduciary obligations of Retirement's Board of Directors under applicable
law, as advised as to legal matters by outside counsel.
(e) ALC shall, and shall cause KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and its other
representatives to, fully cooperate with Retirement and its representatives in
seeking to respond to any comments of the Commission. Retirement shall, and
shall cause KPMG Peat Marwick LLP and its other representatives to, fully
cooperate with ALC and its representatives in seeking to respond to any comments
of the Commission.
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5.2 CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF ALC PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME. Prior
to the Effective Time, except as set forth in Section 5.2 of the ALC Disclosure
Schedule or otherwise consented to or approved in writing by Retirement, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, or
expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Cross Option Agreement:
(a) ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries shall conduct their respective
businesses to the extent commercially reasonable only in the ordinary course and
consistent in all material respects with past practice and shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact their
respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their
present officers, employees, and consultants, and to maintain their present
relationships with customers, suppliers, payors, and other persons with whom
they have a significant business relationship; provided, however, that the loss
of any officer, employee, consultant, customer, payor, or supplier prior to the
Effective Time shall not constitute a breach of this covenant unless such loss
would have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC; provided, however, that ALC and
Retirement agree that the loss of Keren Brown Wilson as an officer or employee
of ALC would have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC;
(b) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary shall (i) amend its articles of
incorporation, bylaws, or other organizational document; (ii) declare, set
aside, or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, securities,
or property, in respect of outstanding shares of capital stock, except for
dividends by a ALC Subsidiary to ALC or another ALC Subsidiary; (iii) make any
direct or indirect redemption, retirement, purchase, or other acquisition of any
of its capital stock or any securities or obligations convertible into or
exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock (other than any such
acquisition directly from any wholly-owned ALC Subsidiary in exchange for
capital contributions or loans to such ALC Subsidiary) or any options, warrants,
or conversion or other rights to acquire any shares of ALC's or any ALC
Subsidiary's capital stock or any such securities or obligations (except (A) in
connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options referred to in Section
4.2 in accordance with their terms; (B) in connection with the conversion of the
ALC Debentures in accordance with their terms; and (C) if required by written
agreement existing as of the date hereof); or (iv) reclassify, combine, split,
or subdivide any of its outstanding shares of capital stock;
(c) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly,
(i) other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices, issue, grant, sell, or pledge or agree or propose to issue, grant,
sell, or pledge any shares of, or rights or securities of any kind to acquire
any shares of, the capital stock of ALC or such ALC Subsidiary, except that ALC
may issue shares of ALC Common Stock upon the exercise of stock options or
conversion of convertible securities outstanding on the date hereof pursuant to
the terms thereof existing as of the date hereof or issued hereafter in
accordance herewith; (ii) other than in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practices, incur any material indebtedness for borrowed
money, except under
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credit facilities existing as of the date hereof and as they may be amended from
time to time or pursuant to a substitute credit facility on terms comparable to
such existing credit facilities; (iii) waive, release, grant, or transfer any
rights of material value, except in the ordinary course of business; (iv) except
as provided in clause (v) below, merge or consolidate with any person or adopt a
plan of liquidation or dissolution; (v) acquire (or enter into an agreement to
acquire) any assets, stock, or other interests of a third-party except for cash
transactions involving total cash consideration in any individual transaction
not in excess of $25.0 million or, taking all such acquisitions in the
aggregate, involving consideration not in excess of $25.0 million and that are
of a nature so as not to require a merger or consolidation with ALC or to cause
the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement to need to be amended by
Retirement or would otherwise materially delay or prevent the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby (other than purchases of assets from
suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices); (vi) transfer, lease, license, sell, or dispose of a material
portion of assets or any material assets, other than in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practices; (vii) change any accounting
principles or methods except insofar as may be required by changes in generally
accepted accounting principles; (viii) other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices, mortgage or pledge any of their assets
or properties or subject any of their assets or properties to any material
liens, charges, encumbrances, imperfections of title, security interests,
options, or rights or claims of others with respect thereto (and shall maintain
such assets in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted); or (ix)
except as otherwise would be permitted by Section 5.2(c)(v) above, enter into
any joint venture, affiliation, partnership, or similar agreement, or amend,
modify, or alter any such transaction to which ALC or any ALC Subsidiary is
presently a party;
(d) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary will, directly or indirectly,
(i) increase the compensation payable or to become payable by it to any of its
managerial employees, officers, consultants, or directors (except in accordance
with employment or consulting agreements, and welfare and benefit plans set
forth on the ALC Disclosure Schedule, and except for increases consistent with
past practice and that are otherwise reasonably necessary for the operation of
the business of ALC and the ALC Subsidiaries); (ii) establish, enter into,
adopt, or amend any stock option, stock purchase, profit sharing, pension,
retirement, deferred compensation, restricted stock or severance plan,
agreement, or arrangement for the benefit of managerial employees, officers,
directors, or consultants of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary; (iii) enter into or
amend any employment or consulting agreement, except in the ordinary course of
business; or (iv) make any loan or advance to, or enter into any written
contract, lease, or commitment with, any officer, employee, consultant, or
director of ALC or any ALC Subsidiary, except in the ordinary course of
business, except, in any such case, as may be required by applicable Law;
(e) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly,
assume, guarantee, endorse, or otherwise become responsible for the obligations
of any other individual, corporation,
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or other entity, or make any loans or advances to any individual, corporation,
or other entity, except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practices;
(f) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary shall take any action with
knowledge that such action would prevent the parties from accounting for the
merger as a "pooling of interests;" and
(g) Neither ALC nor any ALC Subsidiary shall authorize or enter into
any agreement to do any of the things described in clauses (a) through (f) of
this Section 5.2.
5.3 CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF RETIREMENT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
Prior to the Effective Time, except as set forth in Section 5.3(c) of the
Retirement Disclosure Schedule or otherwise consented to or approved in writing
by ALC, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or
delayed, or expressly permitted by this Agreement or the Cross Option Agreement:
(a) Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries shall conduct their
respective businesses to the extent commercially reasonable only in the ordinary
course and consistent in all material respects with past practice and shall use
all commercially reasonable efforts to preserve substantially intact their
respective business organizations, to keep available the services of their
present officers, employees, and consultants, and to maintain their present
relationships with customers, suppliers, payors, and other persons with whom
they have a significant business relationship; provided, however, that the loss
of any officer, employee, consultant, customer, payor, or supplier prior to the
Effective Time shall not constitute a breach of this covenant unless such loss
would have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement;
(b) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary shall (i) amend
its charter, bylaws, or other organizational documents; (ii) declare, set aside,
or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, securities, or
property, in respect of outstanding shares of capital stock, except for
dividends by a Retirement Subsidiary to Retirement or another Retirement
Subsidiary; (iii) make any direct or indirect redemption, retirement, purchase,
or other acquisition of any of its capital stock or any securities or
obligations convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of its capital stock
(other than any such acquisition directly from any wholly-owned Retirement
Subsidiary in exchange for capital contributions or loans to such Retirement
Subsidiary) or any options, warrants, or conversion or other rights to acquire
any shares of Retirement' or any Retirement Subsidiary's capital stock or any
such securities or obligations (except (A) in connection with the exercise of
outstanding stock options referred to in Section 3.2 in accordance with their
terms; (B) in connection with the conversion of the Retirement Debentures in
accordance with their terms; and (C) if required by written agreement existing
as of the date hereof); or (iv) reclassify, combine, split, or subdivide any of
its outstanding shares of capital stock;
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(c) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary shall, directly or
indirectly, (i) other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practices, issue, grant, sell, or pledge or agree or propose to issue,
grant, sell, or pledge any shares of, or rights or securities of any kind to
acquire any shares of, the capital stock of Retirement or such Retirement
Subsidiary, except that Retirement may issue shares of Retirement Common Stock
upon the exercise of stock options or conversion of convertible securities
outstanding on the date hereof pursuant to the terms thereof existing as of the
date hereof or issued hereafter in accordance herewith; (ii) other than in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices incur any
material indebtedness for borrowed money, except under credit facilities
existing as of the date hereof and as they may be amended from time to time or
pursuant to a substitute credit facility on terms comparable to such existing
credit facilities; (iii) waive, release, grant. or transfer any rights of
material value, except in the ordinary course of business; (iv) except as
provided in clause (v) below, merge or consolidate with any person or adopt a
plan of liquidation or dissolution; (v) acquire (or enter into an agreement to
acquire) any assets, stock, or other interests of a third-party except for cash
transactions involving total cash consideration in any individual transaction
not in excess of $25.0 million or, taking all such acquisitions in the
aggregate, involving consideration not in excess of $25.0 million and that are
of a nature so as not to require a merger or consolidation with Retirement or to
cause the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement to need to be amended by
Retirement or would otherwise materially delay or prevent the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby (other than purchases of assets from
suppliers or vendors in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices); (vi) transfer, lease, license, sell, or dispose of a material
portion of assets or any material assets, other than in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practices; (vii) change any accounting
principles or methods except insofar as may be required by changes in generally
accepted accounting principles; (viii) other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices, mortgage or pledge any of their assets
or properties or subject any of their assets or properties to any material
liens, charges, encumbrances, imperfections of title, security interests,
options, or rights or claims of others with respect thereto (and shall maintain
such assets in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted); or (ix)
except as otherwise would be permitted by Section 5.3(c)(v) above, enter into
any joint venture, affiliation, partnership, or similar agreement, or amend,
modify, or alter any such transaction to which Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary is presently a party;
(d) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary will, directly or
indirectly, (i) increase the compensation payable or to become payable by it to
any of its managerial employees, officers, consultants, or directors (except in
accordance with employment or consulting agreements, and welfare and benefit
plans set forth on the Retirement Disclosure Schedule, and except for increases
consistent with past practice and that are otherwise reasonably necessary for
the operation of the business of Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries);
(ii) establish, enter into, adopt, or amend any stock option, stock purchase,
profit sharing, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, restricted stock, or
severance plan, agreement, or arrangement for the benefit of managerial
employees, officers, directors, or consultants of Retirement or any Retirement
Subsidiary; (iii) enter
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into or amend any employment or consulting agreement, except in the ordinary
course of business; or (iv) make any loan or advance to, or enter into any
written contract, lease, or commitment with, any officer, employee, consultant,
or director of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary, except in the ordinary
course of business, except, in any such case, as may be required by applicable
law;
(e) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary shall, directly or
indirectly, assume, guarantee, endorse ,or otherwise become responsible for the
obligations of any other individual, corporation, or other entity, or make any
loans or advances to any individual, corporation, or other entity, except in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
(f) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary shall take any
action with knowledge that such action would prevent the parties from accounting
for the merger as a "pooling of interests;" and
(g) Neither Retirement nor any Retirement Subsidiary shall authorize or
enter into any agreement to do any of the things described in clauses (a)
through (f) of this Section 5.3.
5.4 ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND RECORDS. Each party shall afford to the
other and their respective accountants, counsel, and representatives reasonable
access during normal business hours upon reasonable prior notice throughout the
period prior to the Effective Time to all of their respective properties
(including, without limitation, books, contracts, commitments, and written
records) and shall make reasonably available during normal business hours upon
reasonable prior notice their respective officers and employees to answer fully
and promptly questions put to them thereby; provided, however, that no
investigation pursuant to this Section 5.4 shall alter any representation or
warranty of any party hereto or the conditions to the obligations of the parties
hereto.
5.5 NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS. (a) None of ALC or any ALC
Subsidiary shall, or shall authorize or permit any of its officers, directors,
or employees or any investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant,
or other representative or agent retained by ALC or any ALC Subsidiary to,
initiate or solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing
non-public information), or take any other action to facilitate knowingly, any
inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be
expected to lead to, any Third Party Transaction (as such term is defined below
in this Section 5.5), or enter into or maintain or continue discussions or
negotiate with any person or entity in furtherance of such inquiries or to
obtain a Third Party Transaction. ALC shall promptly notify Retirement orally
and in writing of all relevant details relating to all proposals that it or any
ALC Subsidiary or any such officer, director, employee, investment banker,
financial advisor, attorney, accountant, or other representative may receive
relating to any of such matters and, if such inquiry or proposal is in writing,
ALC shall forthwith deliver to Retirement a copy of such inquiry or proposal;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 5.5(a) shall prohibit
the Board of Directors of ALC from (i) furnishing information to, or entering
into discussions or negotiations or an agreement with, any person or entity that
makes
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an unsolicited offer of a Third Party Transaction (a "Proposed ALC Transaction")
if, and only to the extent that, (A) the Board of Directors of ALC determines in
its good faith judgment, after consultation with independent legal counsel
(which may include its regularly engaged independent legal counsel), that such
action is required for the Board of Directors of ALC to comply with its
fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law; (B) in making the
determination referenced in clause (A) above, the Board of Directors of ALC
shall have determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial
advisors, that the Proposed ALC Transaction would result in a transaction more
favorable to ALC's shareholders than the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement (any such Proposed ALC Transaction, as contemplated by clauses (A) and
(B) of this paragraph, referred to herein as a "Superior ALC Proposal"); and (C)
prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into discussions or
negotiations with, such person or entity, ALC (x) provides written notice to
Retirement to the effect that it is furnishing information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, such person or entity and (y) receives from
such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement in reasonably
customary form on terms not more favorable to such person or entity than the
terms contained in the Confidentiality Agreement, dated October 19, 1998,
between Retirement and ALC (the "Confidentiality Agreement"); (ii) complying
with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to a tender or
exchange offer not made in violation of this Section 5.5(a); or (iii) failing to
make or withdrawing or modifying its recommendation referred to in Section
5.1(d) if there exists a Third Party Transaction that the Board of Directors of
ALC determines, in its good faith judgment, is a Superior ALC Proposal.
(b) None of Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary shall, or shall
authorize or permit any of its officers, directors, or employees or any
investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant, or other
representative or agent retained by Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary to,
initiate or solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing
non-public information), or take any other action to facilitate knowingly, any
inquiries or the making of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be
expected to lead to, any Third Party Transaction, or enter into or maintain or
continue discussions or negotiate with any person or entity in furtherance of
such inquiries or to obtain a Third Party Transaction. Retirement shall promptly
notify ALC orally and in writing of all relevant details relating to all
proposals that it or any Retirement Subsidiary or any such officer, director,
employee, investment banker, financial advisor, attorney, accountant, or other
representative may receive relating to any of such matters and, if such inquiry
or proposal is in writing, Retirement shall forthwith deliver to ALC a copy of
such inquiry or proposal; provided, however, that nothing contained in this
Section 5.5(b) shall prohibit the Board of Directors of Retirement from (i)
furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations or an
agreement with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited offer of a Third
Party Transaction (a "Proposed Retirement Transaction") if, and only to the
extent that, (A) the Board of Directors of Retirement determines in its good
faith judgment, after consultation with independent legal counsel (which may
include its regularly engaged independent legal counsel), that such action is
required for the Board of Directors of Retirement to comply with its fiduciary
duties to shareholders under applicable law; (B) in making the determination
referenced in clause (A) above, the Board of
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Directors of Retirement shall have determined in good faith, after consultation
with its financial advisors, that the Proposed Retirement Transaction would
result in a transaction more favorable to Retirement's shareholders than the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement (any such Proposed Retirement
Transaction, as contemplated by clauses (A) and (B) of this paragraph referred
to herein as a "Superior Retirement Proposal"); and (C) prior to furnishing such
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such person
or entity, Retirement (x) provides written notice to ALC to the effect that it
is furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with,
such person or entity and (y) receives from such person or entity an executed
confidentiality agreement in reasonably customary form on terms not more
favorable to such person or entity than the terms contained in the
Confidentiality Agreement; (ii) complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the
Exchange Act with regard to a tender or exchange offer not made in violation of
this Section 5.5(b); or (iii) failing to make or withdrawing or modifying its
recommendation referred to in Section 5.1(d) if there exists a Third Party
Transaction that the Board of Directors of Retirement determines, in its good
faith judgment, is a Superior Retirement Proposal.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, "Third Party Transaction" shall
mean with respect to a party hereto any of the following (other than the
transactions between Retirement, Merger Sub, and ALC contemplated hereby or
other transactions expressly permitted under Section 5.3 hereof): (i) any
merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, or other similar
transaction involving such party in which (A) such party is acquired by another
entity for cash, securities, or other property or is not the surviving entity,
or (B) the holders of such party's voting securities immediately prior to the
transaction have, directly or indirectly, at least 80% of the voting securities
of the continuing or surviving entity immediately after such transaction; (ii)
any sale, exchange, transfer, or other disposition of 20% or more of the assets
of such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or
series of transactions; (iii) any sale of or tender offer or exchange offer for
20% or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of such party or the
filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act in connection
therewith; (iv) any person acquiring beneficial ownership or the right to
acquire beneficial ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined under
Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder) having been formed for the purpose of effecting a Third Party
Transaction referred to in Sections 5.5(c)(i), (ii), or (iii) that beneficially
owns or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of, 10% or more of the
then outstanding shares of capital stock of such party; or (v) any public
announcement by such party of a proposal, plan, or intention to do any of the
foregoing or any agreement to engage in any of the foregoing with respect to
such party.
5.6 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the ALC employee benefit plans listed on the ALC Disclosure Schedule
that are in effect at the date of this Agreement shall remain in effect for at
least one year following the Effective Time. Retirement and ALC shall cooperate
in coordinating their respective benefit plans, and any ALC employee benefit
plan may be terminated after the Effective Time, but solely to the extent that
benefits are provided to the employees of ALC under one or more employee
benefits plans of Retirement or any
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Retirement Subsidiary ("Retirement Plans") that are least comparable to those
provided under the employee benefit plans or arrangements then provided under
the Retirement Plans and are not less beneficial than the benefits provided to
the employees of ALC under the employee benefit plans or arrangements of ALC as
of the Closing Date. For all purposes of determining eligibility and any and all
entitlements under any Retirement Plan, service performed by employees of ALC
prior to the Closing Date shall be credited.
5.7 TREATMENT OF OPTIONS, RESTRICTED STOCK, AND DEBENTURES. (a) At the
Effective Time, each option to purchase ALC Common Stock issued pursuant to the
ALC Option Plans as set forth in the ALC Disclosure Schedule (each, a "ALC
Option"), whether or not vested or exercisable, shall be assumed by Retirement
and shall constitute an option to acquire, on the same terms and conditions
(including vesting and exercisability conditions) as were applicable under such
assumed ALC Option, a number of shares of Retirement Common Stock equal to the
product of the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of ALC Common Stock
subject to such ALC Option, at a price per share equal to the aggregate exercise
price for the shares of ALC Common Stock subject to such ALC Option divided by
the number of full shares of Retirement Common Stock deemed to be purchasable
pursuant to such ALC Option; provided, however, that (i) subject to the
provisions of clause (ii) below, the shares of Retirement Common Stock that may
be purchased upon exercise of such ALC Option shall not include any fractional
shares and, upon the last such exercise of such ALC Option, a cash payment shall
be made for any fractional shares based upon the closing sale price of
Retirement Common Stock as reported on the NYSE on the date of such exercise,
and (ii) in the case of any ALC Option to which Section 421 of the Code applies
by reason of its qualification under Section 422 or Section 423 of the Code
("Qualified Stock Options"), the option price, the number of shares purchasable
pursuant to such ALC Option and the terms and conditions of exercise of such ALC
Option shall be determined in order to comply with Section 424 of the Code. As
soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Retirement shall deliver to
holders of ALC Options appropriate option agreements representing the right to
acquire shares of Retirement Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as
contained in the outstanding ALC Options (subject to any adjustments required by
the preceding sentence), upon surrender of the outstanding ALC Options.
Retirement shall comply with the terms of the ALC Option Plans as they apply to
the ALC Options assumed as set forth above.
(b) At the Effective Time, each grant of restricted ALC Common Stock
(each, a "Stock Grant") pursuant to the ALC Option Plans as set forth in the ALC
Disclosure Schedule shall be assumed by Retirement and shall constitute a grant,
on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such assumed Stock
Grant, of the number of shares of Retirement Common Stock equal to the product
of the Exchange Ratio and the number of shares of ALC Common Stock subject to
such Stock Grant; provided, however, that the shares of Retirement Common Stock
to be issued pursuant to such Stock Grant shall not include any fractional
shares and, upon the lapsing of the last restrictions with respect to the shares
of Retirement Common Stock subject to such Stock Grant, a cash payment shall be
made for any fractional shares based upon the closing sale price of Retirement
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Common Stock as reported on the NYSE on such date. As soon as practicable after
the Effective Time, Retirement shall deliver to holders of Stock Grants
appropriate agreements representing the grant of shares of Retirement Common
Stock on the same terms and conditions as the Stock Grants (subject to any
adjustments required by the preceding sentence), upon surrender of the shares of
ALC Common Stock or agreements representing the outstanding Stock Grants.
(c) Retirement shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of shares of Retirement Common Stock for delivery
upon exercise of the ALC Options and the Stock Grants issued in accordance with
this Section 5.7. Retirement shall file a registration statement on Form S-8 (or
any successor form) or another appropriate form, effective as soon as
practicable after the Effective Time, with respect to shares of Retirement
Common Stock subject to such ALC Options and Stock Grants and shall use all
reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement
or registration statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or
prospectuses contained therein) for so long as such ALC Options remain
outstanding.
(d) The ALC Debentures issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of
October 2, 1997, and the Indenture, dated as of April 13, 1998 (each
individually, a "ALC Indenture," and, collectively, the "ALC Indentures"), shall
be assumed by Retirement at the Effective Time by Retirement's execution and
delivery of a supplemental indenture as contemplated by each ALC Indenture (the
"Supplemental Indentures"). To the extent required by the ALC Indentures, such
Supplemental Indentures shall provide that holders of the ALC Debentures have
the right to convert, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable
immediately prior to the Merger, the principal amount of any ALC Debentures into
Retirement Common Stock at a conversion price (the "New Conversion Price") equal
to the quotient of the conversion price in effect for the ALC Debentures
immediately prior to the Effective Time and the Exchange Ratio. Promptly
following the Closing, Retirement shall prepare and file a registration
statement on Form S-3 or another appropriate form with the Commission to permit
the sale under the Securities Act of ALC's 5.625% Subordinated Convertible
Debentures due 2003 (the "April Debentures") and the shares of Retirement Common
Stock issuable upon conversion thereof, and Retirement shall assume and satisfy
the obligations of ALC arising out of that certain Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of April 7, 1998, by and between ALC and the purchasers of
the April Debentures.
(e) Upon the execution of the Supplemental Indentures, Retirement shall
take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number
of shares of Retirement Common Stock for issuance and delivery upon conversion
of the ALC Debentures assumed in accordance with this Section 5.7.
5.8 INDEMNIFICATION. (a) From and after the Effective Time, Retirement
shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted under
applicable law each person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date
hereof, an officer or director of ALC (individually, an "Indemnified Party," and
collectively, the "Indemnified Parties"), against all losses, claims,
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damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines, penalties, and amounts paid in settlement of or otherwise in connection
with any claim, action, suit, proceeding, or investigation (a "Claim") arising
out of or pertaining to acts or omissions, or alleged acts or omissions, by them
in their capacities as such occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
(including, without limitation, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Option Agreement). In the event of any such Claim, Retirement shall pay
expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such action or proceeding to
each Indemnified Party to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.
(b) Retirement shall cause the Surviving Corporation to keep in effect
provisions in its articles of incorporation and bylaws with respect to
indemnification and director and officer exculpation from liability identical to
such provisions contained in the articles of incorporation and bylaws of ALC on
the date hereof, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed, or otherwise
modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any manner that
would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who at any time
prior to the Effective Time were directors or officers of ALC in respect of
actions or omissions at or prior to the Effective Time (including, without
limitation, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Cross Option
Agreement), except as required by applicable law or except to make changes
permitted by law that would not materially diminish the Indemnified Parties'
right of indemnification.
(c) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, Retirement
shall cause to be maintained in effect the current officers' and directors'
liability insurance maintained by ALC (provided that Retirement may substitute
therefor policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and
conditions that are no less advantageous than such existing insurance) with
respect to Claims arising from facts or events that occurred prior to the
Effective Time; provided, however, that Retirement shall not be required in
order to maintain or procure such coverage to pay an annual premium in excess of
two and one-half times the current annual premium paid by ALC for its existing
coverage (the "Cap"); and provided, further, that if existing coverage cannot be
maintained or equivalent coverage cannot be obtained, or can be obtained only by
paying an annual premium in excess of the Cap, Retirement shall only be required
to obtain as much coverage as can be obtained by paying an annual premium equal
to the Cap.
(d) This Section 5.8 shall survive the closing of all of the
transactions contemplated hereby, is intended to benefit the officers and
employees of ALC and of the ALC Subsidiaries at the Effective Time and each of
the Indemnified Parties and their respective heirs and personal representatives
(each of which shall be entitled to enforce this Section 5.8 against Retirement
and the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, as a third-party beneficiary
of this Agreement), and shall be binding on all successors and assigns of
Retirement and the Surviving Corporation.
5.9 CONFIDENTIALITY. The Confidentiality Agreement, dated October 19,
1998 (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), between Retirement and
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ALC is hereby affirmed by Retirement and ALC and the terms thereof are
incorporated herein by reference and shall continue in full force and effect
until the Effective Time shall not have occurred, and if this Agreement is
terminated or if the Effective Time shall have occurred for any reason
whatsoever, the Confidentiality Agreement shall thereafter remain in full force
and effect in accordance with its terms; provided, however, to the extent there
are any provisions in the Confidentiality Agreement inconsistent with the terms
of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall control.
5.10 REASONABLE BEST EFFORTS. Subject to the terms and conditions
herein provided, the parties hereto shall: (i) promptly make their respective
filings, and thereafter make any other required submissions, with respect to
this Agreement and the Merger required under (A) the Securities Act (in the case
of Retirement) and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder,
and any other applicable Federal or state securities laws; (B) the HSR Act; and
(C) any other applicable Laws; (ii) use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with
one another in (A) determining which filings are required to be made prior to
the Effective Time with, and which consents, approvals, permits, or
authorizations ("Third Party Consents") are required to be obtained prior to the
Effective Time from, Governmental Entities or other third parties in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and (B) timely making all such filings and
timely seeking all such Third Party Consents; and (iii) use all reasonable
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other action and do, or cause to be
done, all other things necessary, proper, or appropriate to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If, at any time after
the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out
the purpose of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of the parties
hereto shall take all such necessary action. Each of the parties hereto shall
promptly give (or cause their respective subsidiaries to give) any notices
regarding the Merger, this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby to third parties required under applicable Law or by any contract,
license, lease, or other agreement to which it or any of its subsidiaries is
bound, and use, and cause its subsidiaries to use, all reasonable efforts to
obtain any Third Party Consents required under any such contract, license,
lease, or other agreement in connection with the consummation of the Merger or
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No party hereto shall (i)
take any action for the purpose of delaying, impairing, or impeding the receipt
of any Third Party Consent, or the making of any required filing or
registration; (ii) take any action that could reasonably have the effect of
preventing Retirement and ALC from accounting for the Merger as a "pooling of
interests;" or (iii) subject to compliance with mandatory disclosure
requirements under applicable securities laws, take any action (or fail to take
any action) that could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the
price of the Retirement Common Stock. Each party hereto shall use all reasonable
efforts to overturn or vacate any Law or Order (hereinafter defined) (whether
temporary, preliminary, or permanent) enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced, or
entered by any Governmental Entity or Federal or state court of comnt
jurisdiction that is in effect and has the effect of making the Merger illegal
or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
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5.11 CERTIFICATION OF SHAREHOLDER VOTE. At or prior to the Closing of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, ALC and Retirement shall
deliver to each other a certificate of their respective Secretary or Assistant
Secretary setting forth the number of shares of ALC Common Stock or Retirement
Common Stock, as the case may be, voted in favor of adoption of this Agreement
and consummation of the Merger and the number of shares of ALC Common Stock or
Retirement Common Stock voted against adoption of this Agreement and
consummation of the Merger.
5.12 AFFILIATE AGREEMENTS. Not fewer than 45 days prior to the
Effective Time, ALC shall deliver to Retirement a list of names and addresses of
each person who was, in ALC's reasonable judgment, at the record date for the
ALC Meeting, an "affiliate" of ALC within the meaning of Rule 145 promulgated
under the Securities Act or applicable Commission accounting releases with
respect to "pooling of interests" accounting treatment (each a "Pooling
Affiliate"). ALC shall provide Retirement such information and documents as
Retirement shall reasonably request for purposes of reviewing such list. ALC
shall use all reasonable efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered to
Retirement, prior to the Effective Time, an affiliate agreement substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (each, a "ALC Affiliate Agreement"),
executed by each of the Pooling Affiliates of ALC identified in the
above-referenced list.
5.13 LISTING APPLICATION. Retirement shall promptly prepare and submit
to the NYSE a listing application covering the shares of Retirement Common Stock
issuable in the Merger, and shall use its best efforts to obtain, prior to the
Effective Time, approval for the listing of such Retirement Common Stock,
subject to official notice of issuance.
5.14 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES. Each of Retirement and ALC
shall supplement their respective Disclosure Schedules delivered in connection
with this Agreement as of the Effective Time to the extent necessary to reflect
matters permitted by, or consented to by, the other party under this Agreement.
In addition, from time to time prior to the Effective Time, each of Retirement
and ALC will promptly deliver to the other party such amended or supplemental
Disclosure Schedules as may be necessary to make the Schedules accurate and
complete in all material respects as of the Effective Time; provided, however,
that no such disclosure shall, if not permitted or consented to, have any effect
for the purpose of determining the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Article VI of this Agreement.
5.15 NO ACTION. Except as contemplated by this Agreement, no party
hereto will, nor will either such party permit any of its subsidiaries to, take
or agree or commit to take any action that is reasonably likely to make any of
its representations or warranties hereunder inaccurate in any material respect
at the date made (to the extent so limited) or as of the Effective Time.
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5.16 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF MERGER SUB. Merger Sub shall not conduct
any business from the date of this Agreement, other than to consummate the
Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.17 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. (a) Prior to the Effective Time, the Board
of Directors of Retirement shall take all action necessary to cause William
McBride III, Keren Brown Wilson, and Richard C. Ladd to be elected to the Board
of Directors of Retirement, to be effective as of the Effective Time.
(b) It is the intent of Retirement and ALC that the Surviving
Corporation shall continue to operate as a separate and distinct business unit
and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Retirement with its principal executive
offices located in Portland, Oregon; provided, however, that such manner of
operation shall be at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of Retirement.
5.18 CROSS OPTION AGREEMENT. Simultaneously with the execution of this
Agreement, Retirement and ALC shall have executed and delivered the Cross Option
Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
5.19 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION. This Agreement is intended to constitute a
"plan of reorganization" within the meaning of Section 1.368-2(g) of the income
tax regulations promulgated under the Code. From and after the date of this
Agreement, each party hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to cause the
Merger to qualify, and shall not, without the prior written consent of the other
parties hereto, knowingly take any actions or cause any actions to be taken that
could reasonably be expected to prevent the Merger from qualifying as a
reorganization under the provisions of Section 368 of the Code. In the event
that the Merger shall fail to qualify as a reorganization under the provisions
of Section 368 of the Code, then the parties hereto agree to negotiate in good
faith to restructure the Merger in order that it shall qualify as a tax-free
transaction under the Code. Following the Effective Time, and consistent with
any such consent, neither the Surviving Corporation nor Retirement nor any of
their respective affiliates knowingly and voluntarily shall take any action or
cause any action to be taken that could reasonably be expected to cause the
Merger to fail to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code.
5.20 COMPLIANCE BY MERGER SUB. Retirement shall take all action
necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations hereunder (including,
but not limited to, consummation of the Merger) and to otherwise comply with the
terms hereof.
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ARTICLE VI.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated herein shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior
to the Effective Time of the following conditions, any or all of which may be
waived, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(a) The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by
the Commission under the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued by the
Commission and shall be continuing to be in effect, and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission.
(b) This Agreement and the Merger contemplated hereby and any other
action necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby shall have
been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of (i) the holders of the
outstanding shares of the ALC Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at the ALC
Meeting and (ii) the holders of the outstanding shares of Retirement Common
Stock entitled to vote thereon at the Retirement Meeting.
(c) The amendment to the Retirement Charter increasing the number of
authorized shares of Retirement Common Stock from 50,000,000 to 200,000,000
shares shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the holders
of the outstanding shares of Retirement Common Stock entitled to vote thereon at
the Retirement Meeting.
(d) No Governmental Entity or court of competent jurisdiction shall
have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced, or entered any Law or Order
(whether temporary, preliminary, or permanent) that is in effect and has the
effect of making the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor shall any proceeding by any
Governmental Entity seeking any of the foregoing be pending.
(e) The applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired
or been terminated without action by the Justice Department or the Federal Trade
Commission to prevent consummation of the Merger.
(f) The shares of Retirement Common Stock issuable to ALC's
shareholders in the Merger and the shares of Retirement Common Stock to be
issuable upon conversion of the ALC Debentures shall have been authorized for
listing on the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance.
(g) There shall not have been instituted or pending any action or
proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity or Federal or state court that
would require either party to take any action or do anything in connection with
the foregoing that would compel Retirement or ALC, as the case
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may be, to dispose of all or a material portion of the business or assets of
Retirement and the Retirement Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or of ALC and the
ALC Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(h) Retirement and ALC shall each have received a letter from KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, dated as of the Effective Time, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to them, to the effect that the Merger qualifies for
"pooling of interests" treatment for financial reporting purposes and that such
accounting treatment is in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(i) ALC shall have received an opinion of Latham & Watkins, dated as
of the Effective Time, to the effect that (i) the Merger will be treated for
Federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code and (ii) that no gain or loss will be recognized by a
shareholder of ALC as a result of the Merger with respect to the shares of ALC
Common Stock converted solely into shares of the Retirement Common Stock.
(j) Retirement shall have received an opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims
PLC, dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that (i) the Merger will be
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by
ALC, Retirement, or Merger Sub as a result of the Merger.
6.2 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ALC. The obligation of
ALC to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in this
Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time
of the following additional conditions, any or all of which may be waived, to
the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(a) Each of Retirement and Merger Sub shall have performed in all
material respects its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed
by it on or prior to the Effective Time pursuant to the terms hereof.
(b) (i) All of the representations and warranties of Retirement and
Merger Sub in this Agreement that are qualified with respect to a Material
Adverse Effect on Retirement or materiality shall be true and correct as of the
Effective Time and any misrepresentations or breaches of any such representation
or warranty shall not, considered collectively, constitute a Material Adverse
Effect on Retirement, and (ii) any misrepresentation or breach of any
representations or warranties that are not so qualified shall, considered
individually or collectively with all other breaches or misrepresentations under
this Agreement, shall not constitute a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement or
ALC or be materially adverse to the financial condition, results of operations,
properties, business, or prospects of the combined company following the Merger;
in either case (i) or (ii) above as if such representation or warranty was made
as of the Effective Time, except to the extent that any such representation or
warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case such representation or
warranty shall have been true and correct as of such specified date.
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(c) Each of Retirement and Merger Sub shall have delivered a
certificate of its Chief Executive Officer or President and its Chief Financial
Officer certifying the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in clauses (a),
(b), and (d) of this Section 6.2 and, as to Retirement and Merger Sub, the
conditions set forth in Section 6.1.
(d) Retirement and Merger Sub shall have obtained all Third Party
Consents (applicable to Retirement or any Retirement Subsidiary) contemplated by
subsection (ii) of Section 5.10, except for (i) such Third Party Consents that,
if not obtained, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
anticipated to have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement and (ii) such Third
Party Consents that, in accordance with applicable Law, cannot be obtained prior
to the Effective Time.
6.3 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF RETIREMENT AND MERGER
SUB. The obligations of Retirement and Merger Sub to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
additional conditions, any or all of which may be waived, to the extent
permitted by applicable law:
(a) ALC shall have performed in all material respects each of its
obligations under this Agreement required to be performed by it on or prior to
the Effective Time pursuant to the terms hereof.
(b) (i) All of the representations and warranties of ALC in this
Agreement that are qualified with respect to a Material Adverse Effect on ALC or
materiality shall be true and correct as of the Effective Time and any
misrepresentation or breach of warranty relating thereto shall not, considered
collectively, constitute a Material Adverse Effect on ALC, and (ii) any
misrepresentation or breach of any representations or warranties that are not so
qualified shall, considered individually or collectively with all other breaches
or misrepresentations under this Agreement, shall not constitute a Material
Adverse Effect on Retirement or ALC or be materially adverse to the financial
condition, results of operations, properties, business, or prospects of the
combined company following the Merger; in either case (i) or (ii) as if such
representation or warranty was made as of the Effective Time, except to the
extent that any such representation or warranty is made as of a specified date,
in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct
as of such specified date.
(c) ALC shall have delivered a certificate of its Chief Executive
Officer or President and its Chief Financial Officer certifying the fulfillment
of the conditions set forth in clauses (a), (b), and (d) of this Section 6.3
and, as to ALC, of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1.
(d) ALC shall have obtained all Third Party Consents (applicable to
ALC or any ALC Subsidiary) contemplated by subsection (ii) of Section 5.10,
except for (i) such Third Party Consents that, if not obtained, would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be anticipated to have
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a Material Adverse Effect on ALC and (ii) such Third Party Consents that, in
accordance with applicable Law, cannot be obtained prior to the Effective Time.
(e) Merger Sub shall have received letters of resignation addressed
to ALC from the members of ALC's board of directors, which resignations shall be
effective as of the Effective Time.
(f) The Employment Agreement entered into by Retirement and Keren
Brown Wilson, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, shall become effective
at the Effective Time and, at and prior to the Effective Time, Ms. Wilson shall
not have repudiated or breached the Employment Agreement;
(g) Retirement shall have received a ALC Affiliate Agreement from
each of the Pooling Affiliates of ALC, as provided in Section 5.13.
ARTICLE VII.
TERMINATION
7.1 TERMINATION. (a) Termination by Mutual Consent. This Agreement
may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, before or after the approval of this Agreement by the
shareholders of Retirement or ALC, by the mutual consent of Retirement and ALC.
(b) Termination by Either ALC or Retirement. This Agreement may be
terminated and the Merger may be abandoned by action of the Board of Directors
of either ALC or Retirement at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after the approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Retirement
or ALC, if (i) the Merger shall not have been consummated by May 1, 1999
(provided, however, that this date may be extended to a date not later than June
1, 1999 by written notice of either Retirement or ALC if the Merger shall not
have been consummated as a result of an order, writ, judgment, injunction,
consent decree, stipulation, determination, or award entered by or with any
Governmental Entity); or (ii) the approval of Retirement's shareholders required
by Section 6.1(b) shall not have been obtained at the Retirement Meeting or at
any adjournment thereof; or (iii) the approval of ALC's shareholders required by
Section 6.1(b) shall not have been obtained at the ALC Meeting or at any
adjournment thereof; or (iv) a court of competent jurisdiction or Governmental
Entity shall have issued an order, decree, or ruling or taken any other action
permanently restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (an "Order") and such Order shall have become
final and non-appealable; or (v) the average of the closing sale price of
Retirement Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE, for ten consecutive trading
days shall be $12.08 or less (subject to adjustment as set forth in Section
2.2(b) hereof); provided, however, that the party seeking to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to clause (iv) above must have used all reasonable efforts to
remove such Order;
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provided further, in the case of a termination pursuant to clause (i) above,
that the terminating party shall not have breached in any material respect its
obligations under this Agreement in any manner that proximately caused the
occurrence of the failure referred to in said clause.
(c) Termination by Retirement. This Agreement may be terminated and
the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, before or
after the adoption and approval by the shareholders of Retirement referred to in
Section 6.1(b), by action of the Board of Directors of Retirement if (i) a
Superior Retirement Proposal for a Third Party Transaction involving Retirement
has been made or received and such Board determines, in the exercise of its good
faith judgment (based on the advice of independent legal counsel), that such
termination is required for such Board to comply with its fiduciary duties to
the Retirement shareholders; (ii) there has been a breach (provided that such
breach would have or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect on ALC) of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement on the
part of ALC set forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of
ALC shall have become untrue (provided that such untruth would have or would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on ALC), in either case such
that the conditions in Section 6.3(a) or Section 6.3(b) would not be satisfied
(a "Terminating ALC Breach"); provided, however, that if such Terminating ALC
Breach is curable by ALC through the exercise of its reasonable efforts and for
so long as ALC continues to exercise such reasonable efforts, Retirement may not
terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(c)(ii); (iii) following the
receipt of a proposal of a Third Party Transaction by ALC (including a Superior
ALC Proposal), the Board of Directors of ALC shall have altered its
determination to recommend that the shareholders of ALC approve this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby; or (iv) following the receipt of a
proposal for a Third Party Transaction by ALC (including a Superior ALC
Proposal), ALC shall have failed to proceed to hold the ALC Meeting of its
shareholders prior to May 1, 1999 as contemplated by Section 5.1, provided
Retirement gives ALC 24 hours' prior written notice of its election to terminate
under this clause (iv).
(d) Termination by ALC. This Agreement may be terminated and the
Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, before or after
the adoption and approval by the shareholders of ALC referred to in Section
6.1(b), by action of the Board of Directors of ALC if (i) a Superior ALC
Proposal for a Third Party Transaction involving ALC has been made or received
and such Board determines, in the exercise of its good faith judgment (based on
the advice of independent legal counsel), that such termination is required for
such Board to comply with its fiduciary duties to the ALC shareholders; (ii)
there has been a breach (provided that such breach would have or would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement) of any
representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement on the part of Retirement set
forth in this Agreement, or if any representation or warranty of Retirement
shall have become untrue (provided that such untruth would have or would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Retirement), in either
case such that the conditions in Section 6.2(a) or Section 6.2(b) would not be
satisfied (a "Terminating Retirement Breach"); provided, however, that if such
Terminating Retirement Breach is curable by Retirement through the exercise of
its reasonable efforts and for so
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long as Retirement continues to exercise such reasonable efforts, ALC may not
terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(d)(ii); (iii) following the
receipt of a proposal of a Third Party Transaction by Retirement (including a
Superior Retirement Proposal), the Board of Directors of Retirement shall have
altered its determination to recommend that the shareholders of Retirement
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; or (iv)
following the receipt of a proposal for a Third Party Transaction by Retirement
(including a Superior Retirement Proposal), Retirement shall have failed to
proceed to hold the Retirement Meeting of its shareholders prior to May 1, 1999
as contemplated by Section 5.1, provided ALC gives Retirement 24 hours' prior
written notice of its election to terminate under this clause (iv).
7.2 EFFECTS OF TERMINATION. (a) If (A) Retirement terminates
this Agreement pursuant to clause (i) of Section 7.1(c); (B) ALC terminates this
Agreement pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of Section 7.1(d) following receipt
by Retirement of a proposal for a Third Party Transaction (including a Superior
Retirement Proposal); or (C) either ALC or Retirement terminates this Agreement
pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of Section 7.1(b) and prior to any such
termination a proposal for a Third Party Transaction (including a Superior
Retirement Proposal) was received by Retirement and such Third Party Transaction
(or any revised transaction based upon such proposal for a Third Party
Transaction) is consummated (including, in the case of a tender offer,
acceptance of shares upon the expiration of the tender offer) within one year
after such termination, then, within two business days of such termination in
the case of clauses (A) and (B) or within two business days of such consummation
in the case of clause (C), Retirement (or the successor thereto) shall pay ALC
by wire transfer in immediately available funds a fee of $10.0 million;
provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 7.2(a), Third Party
Transaction shall refer only to those transactions described in Section
5.5(c)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this Agreement.
(b) If (A) ALC terminates this Agreement pursuant to clause (i)
of Section 7.1(d); (B) Retirement terminates this Agreement pursuant to clause
(iii) or (iv) of Section 7.1(c) following receipt by ALC of a proposal for a
Third Party Transaction (including a Superior ALC Proposal); or (C) either
Retirement or ALC terminates this Agreement pursuant to clause (i) or (iii) of
Section 7.1(b) provided that prior to any such termination a proposal for a
Third Party Transaction (including a Superior ALC Proposal) was received by ALC
and such Third Party Transaction (or any revised transaction based upon such
proposal for a Third Party Transaction) is consummated (including, in the case
of a tender offer, acceptance of shares upon the expiration of the tender offer)
within one year after such termination, then, within two business days of such
termination in the case of clauses (A) and (B) or within two business days of
such consummation in the case of clause (C), ALC (or the successor thereto)
shall pay Retirement by wire transfer in immediately available funds a fee of
$10.0 million; provided, however, that for purposes of this Section 7.2(b),
Third Party Transaction shall refer only to those transactions described in
Section 5.5(c)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this Agreement.
(c) Except as provided in this Section 7.2 or Section 8.3 or
Section 8.4, in the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1, this Agreement shall be void, there shall
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be no liability on the part of the parties or any of their respective officers
or directors to the other, and all rights and obligations of any party hereto
shall cease; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve any party from
liability for the wilful breach of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants, or agreements set forth in this Agreement, or from any obligation
under the Confidentiality Agreement; provided, however, if either party has
received the $10.0 million fee contemplated by Section 7.2(a) or (b), the party
receiving such fee shall not assert or pursue in any manner, directly or
indirectly, any claim or cause of action (other than pursuant to the Cross
Option Agreement) against the party paying such fee or any of its officers or
directors based in whole or in part upon its or their receipt, consideration,
recommendation, or approval of a proposal for a Third Party Transaction or the
exercise of the right of the party paying such fee to terminate this Agreement
under clause (i) of Section 7.1(c) or clause (i) of Section 7.1(d), as the case
may be.
ARTICLE VIII.
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 AMENDMENT. Subject to the applicable provisions of state law,
this Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto solely by action taken by
their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that after the approval of the Merger by a party's
shareholders, no amendment may be made that would reduce the amount or change
the type of consideration into which each ALC Share shall be converted pursuant
hereto. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
8.2 WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties
hereto, by action taken by their respective Boards of Directors, may (i) extend
the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the
other parties hereto; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties of the other party contained herein or in any documents delivered
pursuant hereto; and (iii) waive compliance by the other party with any of the
agreements or conditions herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to
any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of such party. No waiver by either party of any
default with respect to any provision, condition, or requirement hereof shall be
deemed to be a waiver of any other provision, condition, or requirement hereof;
nor shall any delay or omission of either party to exercise any right hereunder
in any manner impair the exercise of any such right accruing to it thereunder.
8.3 SURVIVAL. All representations, warranties, and agreements
contained in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall terminate and be extinguished at the Effective Time or the
earlier date of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1, as the
case may be, except that the agreements set forth in Article I and Article II
and in Sections 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.17, 8.3, and 8.4 will survive the Effective
Time indefinitely and those set
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forth in Sections 5.9, 7.2, and this Article VIII will survive the termination
of this Agreement indefinitely.
8.4 EXPENSES AND FEES. Subject to Section 7.2, whether or not the
Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred by the parties hereto in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
paid by the party incurring such expenses except as expressly provided herein
and except that (i) the filing fee in connection with the HSR Act filing; (ii)
the filing fee in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement or
Proxy Statement with the Commission; and (iii) the expenses incurred in
connection with printing and mailing the Registration Statement and the Proxy
Statement, shall be shared equally by Retirement and ALC.
8.5 NOTICES. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to
have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by telecopy or
facsimile, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt
requested), or by a nationally recognized courier service to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like changes of address) or, if sent by telecopy or facsimile, to the parties
at the telecopier numbers specified below:
If to Merger Sub or Retirement: American Retirement Corporation
111 Westwood Place, Suite 402
Brentwood, TN 37027
Attention: W.E. Sheriff
Telecopier: (615) 221-2272
With copies to: Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
2700 First American Center
Nashville, TN 37203-2700
Attention: T. Andrew Smith
Telecopier: (615) 742-2766
If to ALC: Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.
9955 SE Washington, Suite 201
Portland, OR 97216
Attention: William McBride III
Telecopier: (503) 255-8002
With copies to: Latham & Watkins
633 W. Fifth Street, Suite 400
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Gary Olson
Telecopier: (213) 891-8763
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8.6 HEADINGS. The headings contained in this Agreement are inserted
for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement, and shall not
affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
8.7 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. ALC and Retirement shall consult with each
other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements
with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby (other
than statements in response to inquiries received with respect to this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby) and shall not issue any such press
release or make any such public statement (other than statements in response to
inquiries received with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby) without the prior consent of the other party, which shall
not be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that a party may, without the
prior consent of the other party, issue such press release or make such public
statement as may be required by Law or any listing agreement with a national
securities exchange to which ALC or Retirement is a party if it has used
reasonable efforts to consult with the other party and to obtain such party's
consent but has been unable to do so in a timely manner.
8.8 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement, the term:
(a) "affiliate" means a person that directly or indirectly, through one
or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, the first mentioned person;
(b) "business day" means any day other than a day on which banks in the
State of New York are authorized or obligated to be closed;
(c) "control" (including the terms "controlled," "controlled by," and
"under common control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as
trustee or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of stock, or
as trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement, or otherwise;
(d) "knowledge" or "known" shall mean, with respect to any matter in
question, if an executive officer of Retirement or ALC, as the case may be, has
actual knowledge of such matter or, after reasonable diligence, should know of
such matter;
(e) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership,
association, trust, unincorporated organization, or other entity or group (as
defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act); and
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(f) "subsidiary" or "subsidiaries" of Retirement, ALC, or any other
person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, or other legal entity
of which Retirement, ALC, or such other person, as the case may be (either alone
or through or together with any other subsidiary), owns, directly or indirectly,
50% or more of the stock or other equity interests the holders of which are
generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other
governing body of such corporation or other legal entity.
8.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (together with the
Confidentiality Agreement and the Exhibits) and the Cross Option Agreement
constitute the entire agreement among the parties and supersede all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, or any
of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
8.10 ASSIGNMENT; PARTIES IN INTEREST. This Agreement and all of the
provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither
this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests, or obligations shall be
assigned by any of the parties hereto by operation of law or otherwise. Except
as set forth in Section 5.8, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is
intended to confer upon any other person any rights, benefits, or remedies of
any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
8.11 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
each of which shall be deemed an original.
8.12 INVALIDITY; SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of
this Agreement shall be deemed contrary to law or public policy or invalid or
unenforceable in any respect by a court of comnt jurisdiction, the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that such
provisions can still reasonably be given effect in accordance with the
intentions of the parties, and the invalid and unenforceable provisions shall be
deemed, without further action on the part of the parties, modified, amended,
and limited solely to the extent necessary to render the same valid and
enforceable. 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 transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.
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8.13 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree
that the failure of any party to perform its agreements and covenants hereunder,
including its failure to take all actions as are necessary on its part to the
consummation of the Merger, will cause irreparable injury to the other parties
for which damages, even if available, will not be an adequate remedy.
Accordingly, each party hereby consents to the issuance of injunctive relief by
any court of competent jurisdiction to compel performance of such party's
obligations and to the granting by any court of the remedy of specific
performance of its obligations hereunder.
8.14 CONSTRUCTION. The parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of the Transaction Documents. In the event an ambiguity
or question of intent or interpretation arises, the Transaction Documents shall
be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden
of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of the Transaction Documents. The parties
intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein shall
have independent significance. If any party has breached any representation,
warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there
exists another representation, warranty, or covenant relating to the same
subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) that the party
has not breached shall not detract from or mitigate the fact that the party is
in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant.
8.15 GOVERNING LAW. The validity and interpretation of this
Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts to be made and to be performed
wholly within such state without reference to the conflict of laws principles
thereof, provided, that the laws of the respective states of incorporation of
the parties shall govern the respective internal rights and obligations of the
parties and the effects of the Merger contemplated hereby.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Retirement, Merger Sub, and ALC have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the date first written above.
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION
By: /s/ W. E. Sheriff
Title: Chief Executive Officer
PIONEER MERGER CORPORATION
By: /s/ W. E. Sheriff
Title: Chief Executive Officer
ASSISTED LIVING CONCEPTS, INC.
By: /s/ William McBride III
Title: Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 2.2
CROSS OPTION AGREEMENT
NEITHER THIS CROSS OPTION AGREEMENT NOR THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE
HEREOF HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
"SECURITIES ACT"), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. THIS CROSS OPTION
AGREEMENT AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE HEREOF, IF ANY, MAY NOT BE
SOLD OR TRANSFERRED EXCEPT UPON SUCH REGISTRATION OR UPON DELIVERY TO PIONEER OR
TRAILBLAZER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL OR OTHER EVIDENCE
SATISFACTORY TO PIONEER OR TRAILBLAZER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, THAT REGISTRATION IS
NOT REQUIRED FOR SUCH SALE OR TRANSFER.
This CROSS OPTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into November
18, 1998 by and among American Retirement Corporation, a Tennessee corporation
("Pioneer"), and Assisted Living Concepts, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("Trailblazer").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Pioneer,
Pioneer Merger Corporation, a Tennessee corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pioneer ("Merger Sub"), and Trailblazer are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement";
capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning
assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Pioneer
proposes to combine with Trailblazer by means of a merger (the "Merger") of
Merger Sub with and into Trailblazer in which (a) each issued and outstanding
share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Merger Sub shall be
converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the
Surviving Corporation; (b) each issued and outstanding share of common stock,
par value $.01 per share, of Trailblazer (the "Trailblazer Common Stock"), other
than shares of Trailblazer Common Stock that are owned by Trailblazer as
treasury stock and shares of Trailblazer Common Stock, if any, that are owned by
Pioneer, shall automatically be converted into the right to receive 0.85 shares
(the "Exchange Ratio") of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Pioneer
("Pioneer Common Stock"); and (c) each option to purchase Trailblazer Common
Stock, each 6.0% Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2002 and each 5.625%
Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2003 of Trailblazer (collectively, the
"Trailblazer Debentures"), and each grant of Trailblazer Restricted Stock
outstanding as of the Effective Time shall be assumed by Pioneer as provided in
Section 5.7 of the Merger Agreement; and
WHEREAS, as a condition to the willingness of the parties to enter into
the Merger Agreement and incur expenses and expend time and effort in connection
with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, Pioneer has
required that Trailblazer agree, and Trailblazer has agreed, among other things,
to grant to Pioneer the Trailblazer Option (as hereinafter defined), and
Trailblazer has required that Pioneer agree, and Pioneer has agreed, among other
things, to grant to Trailblazer the Pioneer Option (as hereinafter defined), in
each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
<PAGE> 2
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein and in the Merger Agreement and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
THE TRAILBLAZER STOCK OPTION
1.1 GRANT OF TRAILBLAZER STOCK OPTION. Trailblazer hereby grants to
Pioneer an irrevocable option (the "Trailblazer Stock Option") to purchase,
subject to the terms hereof, 2,583,465 fully paid and nonassessable shares (the
"Trailblazer Option Shares") of Trailblazer Common Stock at a purchase price of
$13.96 per Trailblazer Option Share (the "Trailblazer Stock Purchase Price") in
the manner set forth in Sections 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4; provided, however, that in
no event shall the number of shares of Trailblazer Common Stock for which the
Trailblazer Stock Option is exercisable exceed 14.9% of the number of shares of
Trailblazer Common Stock outstanding immediately before the exercise of the
Trailblazer Stock Option. The number of shares of Trailblazer Common Stock that
may be received upon the exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option and the
Trailblazer Stock Purchase Price are subject to adjustment as set forth herein.
1.2 EXERCISE OF TRAILBLAZER STOCK OPTION. (a) The Trailblazer Stock
Option may be exercised by Pioneer, in whole or in part, at any time or from
time to time after (i) the occurrence of a Third Party Transaction with respect
to Trailblazer or (ii) the Merger Agreement becomes terminable or is terminated
by Pioneer or Trailblazer under circumstances that could entitle Pioneer to
termination fees under Section 7.2(b) of the Merger Agreement, regardless of
whether the Merger Agreement is actually terminated or whether there occurs a
closing of any Third Party Transaction (any such event by which the Trailblazer
Stock Option becomes exercisable being referred to herein as a "Pioneer
Triggering Event"). In the event Pioneer wishes to exercise all or any part of
the Trailblazer Stock Option, Pioneer shall deliver to Trailblazer a written
notice (a "Pioneer Exercise Notice," with the date of the Pioneer Exercise
Notice being hereafter called the "Pioneer Notice Date"), notifying Trailblazer
of its exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option and specifying the number of
Trailblazer Option Shares to be purchased. The closing of such exercise of the
Trailblazer Stock Option (a "Trailblazer Option Closing") shall occur at a
place, on a date (not earlier than three nor later than 30 business days from
the Pioneer Notice Date), and at a time designated by Pioneer in the Pioneer
Exercise Notice. The Trailblazer Stock Option shall terminate upon the earlier
of: (i) the Effective Time; (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with its terms (other than following the occurrence of a Pioneer
Triggering Event); or (iii) 365 days following any termination of the Merger
Agreement following the occurrence of a Pioneer Triggering Event (or, if, at the
expiration of such 365 day period the Trailblazer Stock Option cannot be
exercised by reason of any applicable judgment, decree, order, law, or
regulation, ten business days after such impediment to exercise shall have been
removed or shall have become final and not subject to appeal, but in no event
under this clause (iii) later than March 31, 2000). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Trailblazer Stock Option may not be exercised if Pioneer is in
(i) breach of any of its representations or warranties in this Agreement
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or in the Merger Agreement that are qualified with respect to a Material Adverse
Effect on Pioneer or materiality; (ii) material breach of any of its
representations or warranties in this Agreement or the Merger Agreement that are
not so qualified; or (iii) material breach of any of its covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement.
(b) Upon receipt of a Pioneer Exercise Notice, Trailblazer
shall be obligated to deliver to Pioneer a certificate or certificates
evidencing the Trailblazer Option Shares, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, on the later of (i) the date specified in the Pioneer Exercise Notice
or (ii) the first business day on which the conditions specified in Section 1.3
shall be satisfied.
1.3 CONDITIONS TO DELIVERY OF THE TRAILBLAZER OPTION SHARES. The right
of Pioneer to exercise the Trailblazer Stock Option and the obligation of
Trailblazer to deliver the Trailblazer Option Shares upon any exercise of the
Trailblazer Stock Option is subject to the following conditions:
(a) Such delivery would not in any material respect violate,
or otherwise cause the material violation of, any material law, including,
without limitation, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act") applicable to
such exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option and the delivery of the
Trailblazer Option Shares; and
(b) There shall be no preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order by any court of competent jurisdiction preventing or prohibiting
such exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option or the delivery of the Trailblazer
Option Shares in respect of such exercise (and no action or proceeding shall
have been commenced or threatened for purposes of obtaining the same).
1.4 CLOSINGS. At any Trailblazer Option Closing, (i) Trailblazer will
deliver to Pioneer a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of
Trailblazer Option Shares being purchased in the denominations specified in the
Pioneer Exercise Notice and, if the Trailblazer Stock Option has been exercised
in part, a new Trailblazer Stock Option evidencing the right of Pioneer to
purchase the balance of the Trailblazer Option Shares, and (ii) Pioneer will pay
to Trailblazer the aggregate purchase price for the Trailblazer Option Shares to
be purchased by Pioneer. All payments made by Pioneer to Trailblazer pursuant to
this Section 1.4 shall be made, at the option of Pioneer, either by wire
transfer of immediately available funds or by delivery to Trailblazer of a
certified or bank cashier's check or checks payable to or to the order of
Trailblazer, in either case in the amount of the Trailblazer Stock Purchase
Price multiplied by the number of shares to be purchased.
1.5 ADJUSTMENTS UPON SHARE ISSUANCES, CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, ETC.
In the event of any change in Trailblazer Common Stock or in the number of
outstanding shares of Trailblazer Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend,
split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares, or similar
transaction or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of
3
<PAGE> 4
Trailblazer (including, without limitation, the declaration or payment of an
extraordinary dividend of cash, securities, or other property), the type and
number of shares or securities to be issued by Trailblazer upon exercise of the
Trailblazer Stock Option shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision
shall be made in the agreements governing such transaction, so that Pioneer
shall receive upon exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option the number, and
class of shares and voting power represented thereby or other securities or
property that Pioneer would have received in respect of Trailblazer Common Stock
if the Trailblazer Stock Option had been exercised immediately prior to such
event, or the record date therefor, as applicable, and elected to the fullest
extent it would have been permitted to elect, to receive such securities, cash,
or other property.
1.6 LEGENDS. The certificate or certificates evidencing the Trailblazer
Option Shares acquired upon exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option shall bear
a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL
REGISTERED UNDER SUCH ACT OR UNLESS THE ISSUER HAS RECEIVED AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL OR OTHER EVIDENCE, SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER AND
ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
It is understood and agreed that the above legend will be removed by
delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such legend if the holder shall
have delivered to Trailblazer a copy of a letter from the staff of the
Commission, or an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Trailblazer and its counsel, to the effect that such legend is
not required for purposes of the Securities Act.
ARTICLE II
THE PIONEER STOCK OPTION
2.1 GRANT OF PIONEER STOCK OPTION. Pioneer hereby grants to Trailblazer
an irrevocable option (the "Pioneer Stock Option") to purchase, subject to the
terms hereof, 2,549,333 fully paid and nonassessable shares (the "Pioneer Option
Shares") of Pioneer Common Stock at a purchase price of $17.25 per Pioneer
Option Share (the "Pioneer Stock Purchase Price") in the manner set forth in
Sections 2.2, 2.3, and 2.4; provided, however, that in no event shall the number
of shares of Pioneer Common Stock for which the Pioneer Stock Option is
exercisable exceed 14.9% of the number of shares of Pioneer Common Stock
outstanding immediately before the exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option. The
number of shares of Pioneer Common Stock that may be received upon the exercise
of the Pioneer Stock Option and the Pioneer Stock Purchase Price are subject to
adjustment as set forth herein.
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<PAGE> 5
2.2 EXERCISE OF PIONEER STOCK OPTION. (a) The Pioneer Stock Option may
be exercised by Trailblazer, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to
time after (i) the occurrence of a Third Party Transaction with respect to
Pioneer or (ii) the Merger Agreement becomes terminable or is terminated by
Trailblazer or Pioneer under circumstances that could entitle Trailblazer to
termination fees under Section 7.2(a) of the Merger Agreement, regardless of
whether the Merger Agreement is actually terminated or whether there occurs a
closing of any Third Party Transaction (any such event by which the Pioneer
Stock Option becomes exercisable being referred to herein as a "Trailblazer
Triggering Event"). In the event Trailblazer wishes to exercise all or any part
of the Pioneer Stock Option, Trailblazer shall deliver to Pioneer a written
notice (a "Trailblazer Exercise Notice," with the date of the Trailblazer
Exercise notice being hereafter called the "Trailblazer Notice Date") notifying
Pioneer of its exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option and specifying the number of
Pioneer Option Shares to be purchased. The closing of such exercise of the
Pioneer Stock Option (a "Pioneer Option Closing") shall occur at a place, on a
date (not earlier than three nor later than 30 business days from the
Trailblazer Notice Date), and at a time designated by Trailblazer in the
Trailblazer Exercise Notice. The Pioneer Stock Option shall terminate upon the
earlier of: (i) the Effective Time; (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement
in accordance with its terms (other than following the occurrence of a
Trailblazer Triggering Event); or (iii) 365 days following any termination of
the Merger Agreement following the occurrence of a Trailblazer Triggering Event
(or, if, at the expiration of such 365 day period the Pioneer Stock Option
cannot be exercised by reason of any applicable judgment, decree, order, law, or
regulation, ten business days after such impediment to exercise shall have been
removed or shall have become final and not subject to appeal, but in no event
under this clause (iii) later than March 31, 2000). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Pioneer Stock Option may not be exercised if Trailblazer is in
(i) breach of any of its representations or warranties in this Agreement or in
the Merger Agreement that are qualified with respect to a Material Adverse
Effect on Trailblazer or materiality; (ii) material breach of any of its
representations or warranties in this Agreement or the Merger Agreement that are
not so qualified; or (iii) material breach of any of its covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement.
(b) Upon receipt of a Trailblazer Exercise Notice, Pioneer
shall be obligated to deliver to Trailblazer a certificate or certificates
evidencing the Pioneer Option Shares, in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, on the later of (i) the date specified in the Trailblazer Exercise
Notice or (ii) the first business day on which the conditions specified in
Section 2.3 shall be satisfied.
2.3 CONDITIONS TO DELIVERY OF THE PIONEER OPTION SHARES. The right of
Trailblazer to exercise the Pioneer Stock Option and the obligation of Pioneer
to deliver the Pioneer Option Shares upon any exercise of the Pioneer Stock
Option is subject to the following conditions:
(a) Such delivery would not in any material respect violate,
or otherwise cause the material violation of, any material law, including,
without limitation, the HSR Act applicable to such exercise of the Pioneer Stock
Option and the delivery of the Pioneer Option Shares; and
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(b) There shall be no preliminary or permanent injunction or
other order by any court of competent jurisdiction preventing or prohibiting
such exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option or the delivery of the Pioneer Option
Shares in respect of such exercise (and no action or proceeding shall have been
commenced or threatened for purposes of obtaining the same).
2.4 CLOSINGS. At any Pioneer Option Closing, (i) Pioneer will deliver
to Trailblazer a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of Pioneer
Option Shares being purchased in the denominations specified in the Trailblazer
Exercise Notice and, if the Pioneer Stock Option has been exercised in part, a
new Pioneer Stock Option evidencing the right of Trailblazer to purchase the
balance of the Pioneer Option Shares, and (ii) Trailblazer will pay to Pioneer
the aggregate purchase price for the Pioneer Option Shares to be purchased by
Trailblazer. All payments made by Trailblazer to Pioneer pursuant to this
Section 2.4 shall be made, at the option of Trailblazer, either by wire transfer
of immediately available funds, or by delivery to Pioneer of a certified or bank
cashier's check or checks payable to or to the order of Pioneer, in either case
in the amount of the Pioneer Stock Purchase Price multiplied by the number of
shares to be purchased.
2.5 ADJUSTMENTS UPON SHARE ISSUANCES, CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, ETC.
In the event of any change in Pioneer Common Stock or in the number of
outstanding shares of Pioneer Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend,
split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares, or similar
transaction or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of Pioneer
(including, without limitation, the declaration or payment of an extraordinary
dividend of cash, securities, or other property), the type and number of shares
or securities to be issued by Pioneer upon exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option
shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision shall be made in the
agreements governing such transaction, so that Trailblazer shall receive upon
exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option the number, and class of shares and voting
power represented thereby or other securities or property that Trailblazer would
have received in respect of Pioneer Common Stock if the Pioneer Stock Option had
been exercised immediately prior to such event, or the record date therefor, as
applicable, and elected to the fullest extent it would have been permitted to
elect, to receive such securities, cash, or other property.
2.6 LEGENDS. The certificate or certificates evidencing the Pioneer
Option Shares acquired upon exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option shall bear a
legend in substantially the following form:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL
REGISTERED UNDER SUCH ACT OR UNLESS THE ISSUER HAS RECEIVED AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL OR OTHER EVIDENCE, SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER AND
ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
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It is understood and agreed that the above legend will be removed by
delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such legend if the holder shall
have delivered to Pioneer a copy of a letter from the staff of the Commission,
or an opinion of counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Pioneer and its counsel, to the effect that such legend is not required for
purposes of the Securities Act.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TRAILBLAZER
Trailblazer hereby represents and warrants to Pioneer as follows:
3.1 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. Trailblazer has all necessary
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Trailblazer and the consummation
by Trailblazer of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and
validly authorized by the Board of Directors of Trailblazer, and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of Trailblazer are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to consummate such transactions. This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Trailblazer and, assuming the due
authorization, execution, and delivery by Pioneer, constitutes a legal, valid,
and binding obligation of Trailblazer, enforceable against Trailblazer in
accordance with its terms.
3.2 AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SHARES. Trailblazer has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize and reserve and permit it to issue, and at all
times from the date hereof until the Trailblazer Stock Option shall no longer be
exercisable, shall have reserved, all the Trailblazer Option Shares issuable
pursuant to this Agreement, and Trailblazer will take all necessary corporate
action to authorize and reserve and permit it to issue all additional shares of
Trailblazer Common Stock or other securities that may be issued pursuant to
Section 1.5, all of which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable, shall be delivered free and clear of all security
interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal, agreements,
limitations on Pioneer's voting rights, charges, and other encumbrances of any
nature whatsoever (other than this Agreement) and shall not be subject to any
preemptive rights.
3.3 NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Trailblazer do not, and the performance of this Agreement by Trailblazer will
not, (i) violate or conflict with any provision of any Laws in effect on the
date of this Agreement and applicable to Trailblazer or any Trailblazer
Subsidiary or by which any of their respective properties or assets is bound or
subject; (ii) require Trailblazer or any Trailblazer Subsidiary to obtain any
consent, waiver, approval, license, or authorization or permit of, or make any
filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Entities, based on laws,
rules, regulations, and other requirements of Governmental Entities in effect on
the date of this Agreement (other than (a) the filing of a Pre-Merger
Notification Report under the HSR Act and the expiration of the applicable
waiting period; (b) filings or authorizations required in connection or in
compliance with the provisions of the
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Exchange Act, the Securities Act, the NRS, the Bylaws of the AMEX, or the
"takeover" or "blue sky" laws of various states; or (c) any other filings and
approvals expressly contemplated by this Agreement); (iii) require the consent,
waiver, approval, license, or authorization of any person (other than
Governmental Entities); (iv) violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of or
the acceleration of any obligation under, or constitute a default (or an event
that with notice or the lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or
give to others any right of, or result in any, termination, amendment,
acceleration, or cancellation of, or loss of any benefit or creation of a right
of first refusal, or require or increase any payment under, or result in the
creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of
Trailblazer or any Trailblazer Subsidiary pursuant to or under any provision of
any indenture, mortgage, note, bond, lien, lease, license, agreement, contract,
order, judgment, ordinance, Trailblazer Permit (as defined below), or other
instrument or obligation to which Trailblazer or any Trailblazer Subsidiary is a
party or by which Trailblazer or any Trailblazer Subsidiary or any of their
respective properties is bound or subject; or (v) conflict with or violate the
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or the equivalent organizational documents,
in each case as amended or restated, of Trailblazer or any of the Trailblazer
Subsidiaries, except for any such conflicts or violations described in clauses
(i) through (v) as would not, together with all other such conflicts or
violations, have a Material Adverse Effect on Trailblazer and except when the
failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations, or permits, or to
make such filings or notifications would not, either individually or in the
aggregate, (y) prevent Trailblazer from performing any of its obligations under
this Agreement or (z) have a Material Adverse Effect on Trailblazer.
3.4 INVESTMENT INTENT. Trailblazer is acquiring the Pioneer Stock
Option, and the Pioneer Option Shares issuable upon any exercise of the Pioneer
Stock Option, for investment for its own account and not with a view to, or for
resale in connection with, any distribution within the meaning of the Securities
Act.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF TRAILBLAZER
Trailblazer hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
4.1 LISTING; OTHER ACTION. (a) If Trailblazer Common Stock or any other
securities to be acquired upon exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option are then
listed on the AMEX or on any other exchange or trading system, Trailblazer, upon
the request of Pioneer, shall, at its expense, promptly file an application to
list such shares or other securities on AMEX or such other exchange or trading
system and will use reasonable best efforts to obtain approval of such listing
on the AMEX or such other exchange or trading system, subject to notice of
issuance, as promptly as practicable.
(b) Trailblazer shall 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
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contemplated hereunder, including, without limitation, using its reasonable best
efforts to obtain all licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations,
qualifications, and orders of Governmental Entities. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Trailblazer shall, when required in order to effect
the transactions contemplated hereunder, make all filings and submissions under
the HSR Act as promptly as practicable.
4.2 REGISTRATION. Upon the request of Pioneer at any time and from time
to time within two (2) years of the first Trailblazer Option Closing,
Trailblazer agrees (i) to effect, as promptly as practicable, up to two
registrations under the Securities Act covering any part or all (as may be
requested by Pioneer) of the securities that have been acquired by or are
issuable to Pioneer upon exercise of the Trailblazer Stock Option, and to use
its best efforts to qualify or exempt such Trailblazer Option Shares or other
securities under any applicable state securities laws and (ii) to include any
part or all of the Trailblazer Option Shares or such other securities in any
registration statement for common stock filed by Trailblazer under the
Securities Act in which such inclusion is permitted under applicable rules and
regulations and to use its reasonable best efforts to keep each such
registration described in clause (i) effective for a period of not in excess of
six (6) months, unless, in the written opinion of counsel to Trailblazer,
addressed to Pioneer and reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
Pioneer, such registration is not required for the sale and distribution of such
securities in the manner contemplated by Pioneer. If the managing underwriter of
a proposed offering of securities by Trailblazer shall advise Trailblazer in
writing that, in the reasonable opinion of the managing underwriter, the
distribution of the Trailblazer Option Shares requested by Pioneer to be
included in a registration statement concurrently with securities being
registered for sale by Trailblazer would adversely affect the distribution of
such securities by Trailblazer, then Trailblazer shall, at its option, either
(i) include such Trailblazer Option Shares in the registration statement, but
Pioneer shall agree to delay the offering and sale for such period of time as
the managing underwriter may reasonably request (provided that Pioneer may at
any time withdraw its request to include the Trailblazer Option Shares in such
offering) or (ii) include such portion of the Trailblazer Option Shares in the
registration statement as the managing underwriter advises may be included for
sale simultaneously with sales by Trailblazer. The registrations effected under
this Section 4.2 shall be effected at Trailblazer's expense except for
underwriting commissions and discounts and the fees and disbursements of
Pioneer's counsel. With respect to a registration statement that has become
effective pursuant to this Agreement, if the Board of Directors of Trailblazer
shall determine, in its good faith reasonable judgment, that it is necessary to
suspend the availability of such registration statement in light of the
existence of any undisclosed acquisition or financing activity or other
undisclosed material event, circumstance, or condition involving Trailblazer or
Trailblazer Subsidiary, the disclosure of which in any such case could
reasonably be expected to materially disadvantage Trailblazer, and the existence
of which, absent disclosure, would render such registration statement inadequate
as failing to include material information, then Trailblazer may cause the right
of Pioneer to make dispositions of Trailblazer Option Shares pursuant to such
registration statement to be suspended for one or more periods of time not
exceeding 90 days in the aggregate as the Board of Directors of Trailblazer
determines in its good faith reasonable judgment to be necessary. If Trailblazer
determines to suspend the right of the holders pursuant to the
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immediately preceding sentence, Trailblazer shall deliver a notice to Pioneer
that indicates that such registration statement is no longer usable. Upon the
receipt of any such notice, Pioneer shall forthwith discontinue any sale of
Trailblazer Option Shares pursuant to such registration statement and any use of
the prospectus contained therein. As soon as the circumstances that resulted in
the delivery of any such notice cease to exist, Trailblazer shall promptly
notify Pioneer of such cessation, whereupon Pioneer may resume making
dispositions of Trailblazer Option Shares pursuant to such registration
statement. Pioneer shall provide all information reasonably requested by
Trailblazer for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder.
In connection with any registration pursuant to this Section 4.2, Trailblazer
and Pioneer shall provide each other and any underwriter of the offering with
customary representations, warranties, covenants, indemnification, and
contribution.
4.3 DISTRIBUTION. Trailblazer shall acquire the Pioneer Option Shares
for investment purposes only and not with a view to any distribution thereof in
violation of the Securities Act, and shall not sell any Pioneer Option Shares
purchased pursuant to this Agreement except in compliance with the Securities
Act.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PIONEER
Pioneer hereby represents and warrants to Trailblazer as follows:
5.1 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT. Pioneer has all necessary
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Pioneer and the consummation by
Pioneer of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
authorized by the Board of Directors of Pioneer, and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Pioneer are necessary to authorize this Agreement or
to consummate such transactions. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Pioneer and, assuming the due authorization,
execution, and delivery by Trailblazer, constitutes a legal, valid, and binding
obligation of Pioneer, enforceable against Pioneer in accordance with its terms.
5.2 AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SHARES. Pioneer has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize and reserve and permit it to issue, and at all
times from the date hereof until the Pioneer Stock Option shall no longer be
exercisable, shall have reserved, all the Pioneer Option Shares issuable
pursuant to this Agreement, and Pioneer will take all necessary corporate action
to authorize and reserve and permit it to issue all additional shares of Pioneer
Common Stock or other securities that may be issued pursuant to Section 2.5, all
of which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and
nonassessable, shall be delivered free and clear of all security interests,
liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal, agreements,
limitations on Trailblazer's voting rights, charges, and other encumbrances of
any nature whatsoever (other than this Agreement) and shall not be subject to
any preemptive rights.
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<PAGE> 11
5.3 NO VIOLATION. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Pioneer do not, the performance of this Agreement by Pioneer will not, (i)
violate or conflict with any provision of any Laws in effect on the date of this
Agreement and applicable to Pioneer or any Pioneer Subsidiary or by which any of
their respective properties or assets is bound or subject; (ii) require Pioneer
or any Pioneer Subsidiary to obtain any consent, waiver, approval, license, or
authorization or permit of, or make any filing with, or notification to, any
Governmental Entities, based on laws, rules, regulations, and other requirements
of Governmental Entities in effect on the date of this Agreement (other than (a)
the filing of a Pre-Merger Notification Report under the HSR Act and the
expiration of the applicable waiting period; (b) filings or authorizations
required in connection or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange Act,
the Securities Act, the TBCA, the Bylaws of the NYSE, or the "takeover" or "blue
sky" laws of various states; or (c) any other filings and approvals expressly
contemplated by this Agreement); (iii) require the consent, waiver, approval,
license, or authorization of any person (other than Governmental Entities); (iv)
violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of or the acceleration of any
obligation under, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or the
lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right
of, or result in any, termination, amendment, acceleration, or cancellation of,
or loss of any benefit or creation of a right of first refusal, or require or
increase any payment under, or result in the creation of a lien or other
encumbrance on any of the properties or assets of Pioneer or any Pioneer
Subsidiary pursuant to or under any provision of any indenture, mortgage, note,
bond, lien, lease, license, agreement, contract, order, judgment, ordinance,
Pioneer Permit (as defined below), or other instrument or obligation to which
Pioneer or any Pioneer Subsidiary is a party or by which Pioneer or any Pioneer
Subsidiary or any of their respective properties is bound or subject; or (v)
conflict with or violate the Charter or Bylaws, or the equivalent organizational
documents, in each case as amended or restated, of Pioneer or any of the Pioneer
Subsidiaries, except for any such conflicts or violations described in clauses
(i) through (v) as would not, together with all other such conflicts or
violations, have a Material Adverse Effect on Pioneer and except when the
failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations, or permits, or to
make such filings or notifications would not, either individually or in the
aggregate, (y) prevent Pioneer from performing any of its obligations under this
Agreement or (z) have a Material Adverse Effect on Pioneer.
5.4 INVESTMENT INTENT. Pioneer is acquiring the Trailblazer Stock
Option, and the Trailblazer Option Shares upon any exercise of the Trailblazer
Stock Option, for investment for its own account and not with a view to, or for
resale in connection with, any distribution within the meaning of the Securities
Act.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF PIONEER
Pioneer hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
6.1 LISTING; OTHER ACTION. (a) If Pioneer Common Stock or any other
securities to be acquired upon exercise of the Pioneer Option are then listed on
the NYSE or any other exchange
11
<PAGE> 12
or trading system, Pioneer, upon the request of Trailblazer, shall, at its
expense, promptly file an application to list such shares or other securities on
the NYSE or such other exchange or trading system and will use reasonable best
efforts to obtain approval of such listing on the NYSE or such other exchange or
trading system, subject to notice of issuance, as promptly as practicable.
(b) Pioneer shall 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 hereunder,
including, without limitation, using its reasonable best efforts to obtain all
licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications, and
orders of Governmental Entities. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Pioneer shall, when required in order to effect the transactions
contemplated hereunder, make all filings and submissions under the HSR Act as
promptly as practicable.
6.2 REGISTRATION. Upon the request of Trailblazer at any time and from
time to time within two (2) years of the first Pioneer Option Closing, Pioneer
agrees (i) to effect, as promptly as practicable, up to two registrations under
the Securities Act covering any part or all (as may be requested by Trailblazer)
of the securities that have been acquired by or are issuable to Trailblazer upon
exercise of the Pioneer Stock Option, and to use its best efforts to qualify or
exempt such Pioneer Option Shares or other securities under any applicable state
securities laws and (ii) to include any part or all of the Pioneer Option Shares
or such other securities in any registration statement for common stock filed by
Pioneer under the Securities Act in which such inclusion is permitted under
applicable rules and regulations and to use its reasonable best efforts to keep
each such registration described in clause (i) effective for a period of not in
excess of six (6) months, unless, in the written opinion of counsel to Pioneer,
addressed to Trailblazer and reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to
Trailblazer, such registration is not required for the sale and distribution of
such securities in the manner contemplated by Trailblazer. If the managing
underwriter of a proposed offering of securities by Pioneer shall advise Pioneer
in writing that, in the reasonable opinion of the managing underwriter, the
distribution of the Pioneer Option Shares requested by Trailblazer to be
included in a registration statement concurrently with securities being
registered for sale by Pioneer would adversely affect the distribution of such
securities by Pioneer, then Pioneer shall, at its option, either (i) include
such Pioneer Option Shares in the registration statement, but Trailblazer shall
agree to delay the offering and sale for such period of time as the managing
underwriter may reasonably request (provided that Trailblazer may at any time
withdraw its request to include the Pioneer Option Shares in such offering) or
(ii) include such portion of the Pioneer Option Shares in the registration
statement as the managing underwriter advises may be included for sale
simultaneously with sales by Pioneer. The registrations effected under this
Section 6.2 shall be effected at Pioneer's expense except for underwriting
commissions and discounts and the fees and disbursements of Trailblazer's
counsel. With respect to a registration statement that has become effective
pursuant to this Agreement, if the Board of Directors of Pioneer shall
determine, in its good faith reasonable judgment, that it is necessary to
suspend the availability of such registration statement in light of the
existence of any undisclosed acquisition or financing activity or other
undisclosed material event, circumstance,
12
<PAGE> 13
or condition involving Pioneer or any Pioneer Subsidiary, the disclosure of
which in any such case could reasonably be expected to materially disadvantage
Pioneer, and the existence of which, absent disclosure, would render such
registration statement inadequate as failing to include material information,
then Pioneer may cause the right of Trailblazer to make dispositions of Pioneer
Option Shares pursuant to such registration statement to be suspended for one or
more periods of time not exceeding 90 days in the aggregate as the Board of
Directors of Pioneer determines in its good faith reasonable judgment to be
necessary. If Pioneer determines to suspend the right of the holders pursuant to
the immediately preceding sentence, Pioneer shall deliver a notice to
Trailblazer that indicates that such registration statement is no longer usable.
Upon the receipt of any such notice, Trailblazer shall forthwith discontinue any
sale of Pioneer Option Shares pursuant to such registration statement and any
use of the prospectus contained therein. As soon as the circumstances that
resulted in the delivery of any such notice cease to exist, Pioneer shall
promptly notify Trailblazer of such cessation, whereupon Trailblazer may resume
making dispositions of Pioneer Option Shares pursuant to such registration
statement. Trailblazer shall provide all information reasonably requested by
Pioneer for inclusion in any registration statement to be filed hereunder. In
connection with any registration pursuant to this Section 6.2, Pioneer and
Trailblazer shall provide each other and any underwriter of the offering with
customary representations, warranties, covenants, indemnification, and
contribution.
6.3 DISTRIBUTION. Pioneer shall acquire the Trailblazer Option Shares
for investment purposes only and not with a view to any distribution thereof in
violation of the Securities Act, and shall not sell any Trailblazer Option
Shares purchased pursuant to this Agreement except in compliance with the
Securities Act.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 EXPENSES. Except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, each
party hereto will pay all of its expenses in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the fees and
expenses of its counsel and other advisors.
7.2 NOTICES. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to
have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by telecopy or
facsimile, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt
requested), or by a nationally recognized courier service to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like changes of address) or, if sent by telecopy or facsimile, to the parties
at the telecopier numbers specified below:
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<PAGE> 14
If to Pioneer: American Retirement Corporation
111 Westwood Place, Suite 402
Brentwood, TN 37027
Attention: W.E. Sheriff
Telecopier: (615) 221-2272
With copies to: Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
2700 First American Center
Nashville, TN 37238
Attention: T. Andrew Smith
Telecopier: (615) 742-2766
If to Trailblazer: Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.
9955 SE Washington, Suite 201
Portland, OR 97216
Attention: William McBride III
Telecopier: (615) 255-8002
With copies to: Latham & Watkins
633 W. Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Gary Olson
Telecopier: (213) 891-8763
7.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the parties, or any of them, with respect to the
subject matter hereof.
7.4 ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall not be assigned by operation of
law or otherwise.
7.5 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement, and all matters relating hereto,
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Tennessee applicable to contracts to be made and performed wholly within such
state without reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof, except to
the extent the laws of the State of Nevada govern the terms, rights, and
conditions of the Trailblazer Stock Option.
7.6 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The parties agree that in the event of a breach
of any provision of this Agreement irreparable damage would occur, the aggrieved
party would be without an adequate remedy at law, and damages would be difficult
to determine. The parties therefore agree that in the event of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement, the aggrieved party may elect to institute and
prosecute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific
performance or to enjoin the continuing breach of such provision. By seeking or
obtaining such
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<PAGE> 15
relief, the aggrieved party will not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any
other relief to which it may be entitled at law or in equity.
7.7 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same document.
7.8 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be
interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
7.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party hereto will execute and deliver all
such further documents and instruments and take all such further action as may
be necessary in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
7.10 THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or
implied, shall be construed to give any person other than the parties hereto any
legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or by reason of this Agreement
or any provision contained herein.
7.11 AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be amended,
modified, and supplemented only by a written document executed by Pioneer and
Trailblazer.
[Signature Page Follows]
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<PAGE> 16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pioneer and Trailblazer have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers
thereunto duly authorized.
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION
/s/ W.E. Sheriff
-----------------------------------------
By: W.E. Sheriff
-------------------------------------
Title: Chief Executive Officer
----------------------------------
ASSISTED LIVING CONCEPTS, INC.
/s/ William McBride III
-----------------------------------------
By: William McBride III
-------------------------------------
Title: Chief Executive Officer
-----------------------------------
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 2.3
SHAREHOLDER VOTING AGREEMENT
This SHAREHOLDER VOTING AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into on
November 18, 1998, by and among the undersigned shareholder ("Shareholder") of
Assisted Living Concepts, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("Trailblazer"), and
American Retirement Corporation, a Tennessee corporation ("Pioneer").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Pioneer,
Pioneer Merger Corporation, a Tennessee corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pioneer ("Merger Sub"), and Trailblazer are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement")
(capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning
assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Pioneer
proposes to combine with Trailblazer by means of a merger (the "Merger") of
Merger Sub with and into Trailblazer in which (a) each issued and outstanding
share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Merger Sub shall be
converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the
Surviving Corporation; (b) each issued and outstanding share of common stock,
par value $.01 per share, of Trailblazer (the "Trailblazer Common Stock"), other
than shares of Trailblazer Common Stock that are owned by Trailblazer as
treasury stock and shares of Trailblazer Common Stock, if any, that are owned by
Pioneer, shall automatically be converted into the right to receive 0.85 shares
(the "Exchange Ratio") of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Pioneer
(the "Pioneer Common Stock"); and (c) each 6.0% Convertible Subordinated
Debenture due 2002 and each 5.625% Convertible Subordinated Debenture due 2003
of Trailblazer (collectively, the "Trailblazer Debentures"), each option to
purchase Trailblazer Common Stock, and each grant of Trailblazer Restricted
Stock outstanding as of the Effective Time shall be assumed by Pioneer as
provided in Section 5.7 of the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, Shareholder owns, as of the date hereof, the shares of
Trailblazer Common Stock as set forth on Schedule A attached hereto
(collectively, the "Existing Shares," together with any shares of Trailblazer
Common Stock acquired after the date hereof and prior to the termination hereof,
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Shares"); and
WHEREAS, Pioneer has entered into the Merger Agreement in reliance on
Shareholder's representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements hereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PROXY
1.1 PROXY. (a) With respect to the Merger Agreement or any Third Party
Transaction for which approval of the shareholders of Trailblazer is sought, and
any transactions contemplated
<PAGE> 2
thereby, Shareholder hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes, and appoints Pioneer
to act as Shareholder's true and lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact in the name
and on behalf of Shareholder, with full power to appoint a substitute or
substitutes, to vote the Shares in the name of and as proxy for the undersigned.
Shareholder further directs Pioneer, and Pioneer hereby agrees, to vote all of
the Shares that are entitled to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of
Trailblazer (whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned meeting),
or by written consent, in the place and stead of Shareholder in favor of the
Merger as set forth in the Merger Agreement and against any Third Party
Transaction. By giving this proxy, Shareholder hereby revokes any other proxy
relating to the Merger Agreement or any Third Party Proposal granted by the
Shareholder at any time with respect to the Shares and no subsequent proxies
will be given with respect thereto by Shareholder relating to the Merger
Agreement or any Third Party Transaction.
(b) All power and authority hereby conferred is coupled with an
interest and is irrevocable, shall not be terminated by any act of Shareholder
or by operation of law, by lack of appropriate power of authority, or by the
occurrence of any other event or events, and shall be binding upon all
beneficiaries, heirs at law, legatees, distributees, successors, assigns, and
legal representatives of Shareholder. If after the execution of this Agreement
Shareholder shall cease to have appropriate power or authority, or if any other
such event or events shall occur, Pioneer is nevertheless authorized and
directed to vote the Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as if
such lack of appropriate power or authority or other event or events had not
occurred and regardless of any notice thereof.
(c) Shareholder shall perform such further acts and execute such
further documents as may be required to vest in Pioneer the sole power to vote
the Shares in accordance herewith during the term of the proxy granted herein.
(d) The proxy granted herein shall expire on the date of termination of
this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDER
2.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDER. Shareholder
represents and warrants to Pioneer as follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. On the date of this Agreement, the Existing
Shares are all of the Shares currently beneficially owned by Shareholder.
Shareholder does not have any rights to acquire any additional shares of
Trailblazer Common Stock other than as set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.
Other than as set forth on Schedule B attached hereto, Shareholder currently has
good, valid, and marketable title to the Shares, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, restrictions, options, warrants, rights to purchase, and claims of
every kind (other than the encumbrances created by this Agreement and other than
restrictions on transfer under applicable federal and state securities laws).
2
<PAGE> 3
(b) Power; Binding Agreement. Shareholder has the full legal right,
power, and authority to enter into and perform all of Shareholder's obligations
under this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Shareholder will not violate any other agreement to which Shareholder is a
party, including, without limitation, any voting agreement, shareholders
agreement, or voting trust. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by Shareholder and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding agreement of
Shareholder, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
and similar laws, now or hereafter in effect affecting creditors' rights and
remedies generally or general principles of equity. Neither the execution or
delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation by Shareholder of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (i) require any consent or approval of or
filing with any person or entity or (ii) constitute a violation of, or conflict
with or constitute a default under, any contract, commitment, agreement,
understanding, arrangement, or other restriction of any kind to which
Shareholder is a party or by which Shareholder is bound.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PIONEER
3.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PIONEER. Pioneer represents and
warrants to Shareholder as follows:
(a) Power; Binding Agreement. Pioneer has full legal right, power, and
authority to enter into and perform all of its obligations under this Agreement.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Pioneer will not violate any
other agreement to which Pioneer is a party. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Pioneer and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding
agreement of Pioneer, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the
enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium, and similar laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors'
rights and remedies generally or general principles of equity. Neither the
execution of this Agreement nor the consummation by Pioneer of the transactions
contemplated hereby will (i) require any consent or approval of or filing with
any person or entity or (ii) constitute a violation of, or conflict with or
constitute a default under, any contract, commitment, agreement, understanding,
arrangement, or other restriction of any kind to which Pioneer is a party or by
which it is bound.
ARTICLE IV
TERMINATION
4.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement (other than the provisions of Section
6.8) shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the date on which Pioneer and
Shareholder mutually consent in writing to terminate this Agreement; (ii) the
date of the Closing (as defined in the Merger Agreement); or (iii) the
termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof.
3
<PAGE> 4
ARTICLE V
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SHAREHOLDER
5.1 CERTAIN COVENANTS OF SHAREHOLDER.
(a) Except in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement,
Shareholder agrees, while this Agreement is in effect, not to, directly or
indirectly:
(i) Sell, transfer, pledge, encumber, assign, or otherwise dispose
of, or enter into any contract, option, or other arrangement or
understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, pledge, encumbrance,
assignment, or other disposition of, any of the Shares unless the
party to whom such Shares are (or are to be) sold, pledged, assigned,
or otherwise transferred shall have executed an acknowledgment and
ratification of the grant of proxy effected by this Agreement, in such
form and substance as are reasonably acceptable to Pioneer; or
(ii) Grant any proxy, deposit any Shares into a voting trust, or
enter into a voting agreement with respect to any of the Shares.
(b) Shareholder agrees, while this Agreement is in effect, to notify
Pioneer promptly of the number of any shares of Trailblazer Common Stock
acquired by such Shareholder after the date hereof.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 NOTICES. All notices or other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing (except as otherwise provided herein) and shall be
deemed duly given when received by delivery in person, by telecopy, telex, or
telegram or by certified mail, postage prepaid, or by an overnight courier
service, addressed to Shareholder at the address(es) set forth on the signature
page hereof and to Pioneer at:
American Retirement Corporation
111 Westwood Place, Suite 402
Brentwood, TN 37027
Attention: W.E. Sheriff
Telecopier (615) 221-2272
4
<PAGE> 5
With copies to:
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
2700 First American Center
Nashville, TN 37238-2700
Attention: T. Andrew Smith
Telecopier: (615) 742-2766
6.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the documents
expressly referred to herein, constitute the entire agreement among the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersede all
prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect to such
subject matter.
6.3 ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, assigns, and
personal representatives, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests, or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties
hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties.
6.4 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement, and all matters relating hereto,
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Tennessee applicable to contracts to be made and performed wholly within such
state without reference to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
6.5 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same document.
6.6 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this
Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be
interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
6.7 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party hereto shall execute and deliver
such additional documents as may be necessary or desirable to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.8 LEGAL EXPENSES. In the event any legal proceeding is commenced by
any party to this Agreement to enforce or recover damages for any breach of the
provisions hereof, the prevailing party in such legal proceeding shall be
entitled to recover in such legal proceeding from the losing party such
prevailing party's costs and expenses incurred in connection with such legal
proceedings, including reasonable attorney's fees.
5
<PAGE> 6
6.9 AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement may be amended,
modified, and supplemented only by a written document executed by Pioneer and
Shareholder.
6.10 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties agree that in the event of a
breach of any provision of this Agreement, irreparable damage would occur, the
aggrieved party would be without an adequate remedy at law, and damages would be
difficult to determine. The parties therefore agree that in the event of a
breach of any provision of this Agreement, the aggrieved party may elect to
institute and prosecute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction to
enforce specific performance or to enjoin the continuing breach of such
provision. By seeking or obtaining such relief, the aggrieved party will not be
precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which it may be entitled
at law or in equity.
[Signature Page Follows]
6
<PAGE> 7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pioneer has caused this Agreement to be executed by
its duly authorized officers and Shareholder has executed this Agreement, each
as of the date set forth above.
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION
By:
--------------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER
-----------------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------------
7
<PAGE> 8
SCHEDULE A
1. Shares Owned Beneficially by Shareholder:
Name:
Record Holder: No. of Shares:
--------------------- --------------
Beneficial Holder:
(if different) ----------------
2. Shareholder's Options to Purchase Shares:
Name of Option Holder: No. of Shares:
------------- --------------
8
<PAGE> 9
SCHEDULE B
Please list below any liens, encumbrances, restrictions, options,
warrants, rights to purchase, and/or claims of any kind (other than the
encumbrances created by this Agreement and/or other restrictions on transfer
upon applicable federal and state securities laws (if there are none, please so
state).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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9
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AMERICAN RETIREMENT CORPORATION AND ASSISTED LIVING CONCEPTS, INC. ANNOUNCE
MERGER FORMING ONE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST SENIOR LIVING AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES
COMPANIES
NASHVILLE, TN AND PORTLAND, OR -- NOVEMBER 19, 1998 American Retirement
Corporation (NYSE: ACR) and Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. (AMEX: ALF) announced
today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that will create
one of the largest senior living companies in the nation. Under the terms of the
agreement, each share of Assisted Living Concepts common stock will be exchanged
for 0.85 of a share of American Retirement common stock. The announcement was
made jointly by W.E. Sheriff, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of American Retirement, and William McBride III, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Assisted Living Concepts. Following the completion of this
"merger of equals," the shareholders of American Retirement and Assisted Living
Concepts will own approximately 54% and 46%, respectively, of the shares of
common stock outstanding of the combined company.
The transaction is valued at $500 million based upon the current market price of
American Retirement's common stock and the assumption by American Retirement of
$228 million of indebtedness. The parties expect that the transaction will be
accretive to 1999 earnings without giving effect to anticipated cost savings or
synergies.
The combined company will have the capacity to accommodate over 18,300 residents
in 24 states, as well as capacity under construction or development for an
additional 6,300 residents, representing an aggregate resident capacity of
approximately 24,600. Furthermore, based upon the latest quarter's results
annualized, the combined entity will have in excess of $260 million of annual
revenues and $85 million of annual earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, amortization and rents.
Bill Sheriff commented, "The combination of the two companies is a natural
extension of our growth strategy. Together, we will provide a broad array of
services across the full continuum of care, reaching into a diversity of
markets, both small and large. As a result, our senior living networks will more
effectively address a wider range of demand for services."
Keren Brown Wilson, President of Assisted Living Concepts, and William McBride
further added, "We identified American Retirement as the ideal partner to
diversify and continue our growth strategy given their similar vision, passion
and commitment to providing high quality healthcare services to the nation's
elderly. We also look forward to leveraging the extensive management and
corporate resources that American Retirement brings to the combined entity."
Bill Sheriff continued, "The merger of American Retirement and Assisted Living
Concepts brings together two companies with similar cultures and operating
philosophies. Consistent with our goal of preserving the operating success and
entrepreneurial spirit of Assisted Living Concepts, it will be operated as a
distinct, wholly-owned subsidiary of American Retirement and will be headed by
Keren Brown Wilson as President and Chief Executive Officer. We look forward to
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the opportunity to complement the extensive talents of the Assisted Living
Concepts team with that of the American Retirement team. Together we believe
that the combined company will be the industry's premier provider of senior and
assisted living services, as well as the employer of choice in our industry."
The boards of directors of American Retirement and Assisted Living Concepts have
each approved the merger agreement. W. E. Sheriff will continue to serve as
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of American Retirement,
Christopher J. Coates will continue to serve as President and Chief Operating
Officer of American Retirement, and Keren Brown Wilson will join as Vice
Chairman and Senior Executive Vice President of American Retirement. Three
current Assisted Living Concepts board members, Ms. Wilson, Mr. McBride, and
Richard C. Ladd, will join American Retirement's board. As part of the
transaction, American Retirement and Assisted Living Concepts have each granted
to the other an option to purchase up to 14.9% of the outstanding common stock
of the other under certain circumstances.
This business combination is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization
and will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The parties contemplate
closing the merger in the first quarter of 1999. The closing of the merger is
subject to the satisfaction of usual and customary conditions, including the
receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals. J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. is
acting as financial advisor to American Retirement and Schroder & Co. Inc. is
acting as financial advisor to Assisted Living Concepts.
This press release and statements made by or on behalf of American Retirement
and Assisted Living Concepts relating hereto may be deemed to constitute
forward-looking information made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements may be affected by certain risks and uncertainties, including the
ability to integrate the operations of the two companies successfully, the
assumption or incurrence of unanticipated transaction costs or other
liabilities, the diversion of management attention from operations, and those
described in American Retirement's and Assisted Living Concept's respective
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the significant
uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein.
American Retirement's and Assisted Living Concept's respective actual results
could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Neither American
Retirement or Assisted Living Concepts undertakes any obligation to publicly
release any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to
reflect events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For American Retirement Corporation: For Assisted Living Concepts:
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Bill Sheriff, CEO, at (615) 221-2259 William McBride, CEO
George Hicks, CFO, at (615) 221-2260 Keren Brown Wilson, COO
(503) 252-6233
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