<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998.
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from __________to_________.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27416
[LOGO]
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
MINNESOTA 41-1693295
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
PO BOX 2000
3905 DAKOTA STREET SW
ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA 56308
(320) 762-2000
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES(X) NO( )
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on
April 30, 1998:
CLASS A 7,612,504
CLASS B 1,260,668
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE NUMBER
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<S> <C>
PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-
AS OF MARCH 31, 1998 AND DECEMBER 31, 1997 ......................... 3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS-
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997 ......................... 5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997 ......................... 6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ............... 7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS .................... 9
PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION................................................... 14
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ................................... 14
SIGNATURE PAGE ......................................................... 15
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
-------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash ....................................................... $ 3,304,614 $ 1,994,628
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,210,000
and $1,146,000 ........................................... 8,504,416 9,621,032
Other current assets ....................................... 2,120,742 2,540,161
------------- -------------
Total current assets ...................................... 13,929,772 14,155,821
------------- -------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, less accumulated depreciation
of $27,441,000 and $23,874,000 ............................ 83,236,504 77,920,283
------------- -------------
LICENSES AND OTHER ASSETS:
Licenses and other intangible assets, less accumulated
amortization of $2,042,000 and $1,490,000 ............... 80,797,233 81,348,237
Other assets, less accumulated amortization of $234,000
and $178,000 ............................................. 8,446,176 8,163,727
------------- -------------
Total investments and other assets ........................ 89,243,409 89,511,964
------------- -------------
$186,409,685 $181,588,068
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------------- -------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
--------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable .............................................. 8,082,118 7,959,778
Advance billings and customer deposits ........................ 2,589,276 2,541,015
Other accrued expenses ........................................ 3,402,906 3,141,559
------------- ------------
Total current liabilities ................................... 14,074,300 13,642,352
LONG-TERM DEBT ................................................... 135,000,000 128,000,000
------------- ------------
Total liabilities ............................................. 149,074,300 141,642,352
------------- ------------
MINORITY INTEREST ................................................ 5,477,636 6,215,480
------------- ------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Class A common stock; $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares
authorized; 7,612,504 and 7,592,628 shares issued and
outstanding ................................................. 76,125 75,926
Class B common stock; $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares
authorized; 1,260,668 shares issued and outstanding ........ 12,607 12,607
Additional paid-in capital .................................... 34,639,014 34,445,849
Accumulated deficit ........................................... (2,869,997) (804,146)
------------- ------------
Total shareholders' equity .................................. 31,857,749 33,730,236
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$ 186,409,685 $ 181,588,068
------------- -------------
------------- ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
1998 1997
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<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Service ...................................... $ 12,718,825 $ 6,908,242
Roamer ....................................... 1,757,978 1,317,481
Equipment .................................... 320,373 96,714
------------ ------------
Total revenues ............................. 14,797,176 8,322,437
------------ ------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Network costs ................................ 3,627,733 2,000,215
Cost of equipment sales ...................... 884,042 287,376
Selling, general and administrative .......... 6,589,884 4,426,573
Depreciation and amortization ................ 4,219,140 1,962,781
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses .................. 15,320,799 8,676,945
------------ ------------
OPERATING LOSS ................................. (523,623) (354,508)
------------ ------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense ............................. (2,410,159) (215,209)
Interest and dividend income ................. 278,538 62,347
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated
affiliates ................................. (148,451) 18,809
Minority interest ............................ 737,844 448,554
------------ ------------
Other income (expense), net ............... (1,542,228) 314,501
------------ ------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX ......................... (2,065,851) (40,007)
INCOME TAX PROVISION ........................... - -
------------ ------------
NET LOSS ....................................... $ (2,065,851) $ (40,007)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE .......... $ (0.23) $ (0.00)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING .................................. 8,868,313 8,853,296
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed
consolidated financial statements.
5
<PAGE>
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
Three Months Ended March 31,
-------------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
NET LOSS .......................................... $(2,065,851) $ (40,007)
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ................... 4,219,140 1,962,781
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated
affiliates .................................... 156,790 (18,809)
Change in minority interest ..................... (737,844) (448,554)
Other ........................................... (105,075) (28,177)
Change in other operating elements:
Accounts receivable ........................... 1,116,616 299,237
Other current assets .......................... 419,419 592,270
Accounts payable .............................. 122,340 (5,303,173)
Other current liabilities ..................... 309,608 331,129
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities ................................ 3,435,143 (2,653,303)
----------- -----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net .......... (8,969,735) (3,607,271)
Other ............................................. (298,786) (477,892)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities ....... (9,268,521) (4,085,163)
----------- -----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Stock options exercised ........................... 193,364 -
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt .......... 7,000,000 7,100,000
Repayments of current-term debt ................... - (523,882)
Payments of debt issuance costs ................. (50,000) -
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities ... 7,143,364 6,576,118
----------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH ..................... 1,309,986 (162,348)
CASH, at beginning of period ........................ 1,994,628 237,499
----------- -----------
CASH, at end of period .............................. $ 3,304,614 $ 75,151
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.
6
<PAGE>
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods
ended March 31,1998 and 1997 have been prepared by Rural Cellular Corporation
and subsidiaries (the "Company") without audit. In the opinion of management,
normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows for all periods presented
have been made.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these
condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's
December 31, 1997 Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the
period ended March 31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the operating
results for the full fiscal year or for any other interim periods.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
UNITY CELLULAR SYSTEM, INC.
Effective May 1, 1997, the Company consummated the acquisition of the Maine
wireless telephone operations and related assets of Unity Cellular System,
Inc. ("Unity") and related cellular and microwave licenses from InterCel,
Inc. In addition, the Company acquired Unity's 51% interest in Northern Maine
Cellular Partnership. The Company also acquired the remaining 49% interest
in Northern Maine Cellular Partnership from an unrelated third party. The
acquisitions (the "MRCC Acquisitions") have been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The Company operates its Maine operations
through a wholly owned subsidiary, MRCC, Inc.
The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated
results of operations as if the acquisitions had occurred as of January 1,
1997. This summary is not necessarily indicative of what the results of
operations of the Company and the acquired entities would have been if they
had been a single entity during such period, nor does it purport to represent
results of operations for any future periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, 1997
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Total revenues $11,819,278
Operating loss (405,711)
Net loss $(1,844,751)
Basic and diluted net loss
per share $(0.21)
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
3. INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS:
The Company has entered into three-year interest rate swap agreements with
two commercial banks in order to manage the relationship of its fixed rate
versus floating rate debt. Income and expense associated with swap
transactions are accrued over the periods prescribed by the contracts.
These agreements, which relate to $80 million of debt, effectively increased
the Company's interest rate on the debt by approximately .3% for the three
months ended March 31, 1998. The fair values of the interest rate swap
agreements as of March 31, 1998, were not significant.
4. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
------------------
1998 1997
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash paid during the period for interest $2,371,657 $ 91,468
Cash received during the period for income
taxes - 250,000
</TABLE>
5. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
On May 14, 1998, the Company closed on the placement of $125 million of 9
5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 ("the Senior Subordinated Notes") and
$125 million of 11 3/8% Senior Exchangeable Preferred Stock ("the
Exchangeable Preferred Stock"). The Company used the net proceeds of the
Exchangeable Preferred Stock to repay a portion of the indebtedness under its
$160 million credit facility ("the Existing Credit Facility"). Concurrently,
the Company plans to replace the Existing Credit Facility with a $300 million
Credit Facility ("the New Credit Facility") with an affiliate of TD
Securities (USA), Inc. Under the New Credit Facility, amounts may be borrowed
or repaid at any time through maturity provided that, at no time, the
aggregate outstanding borrowings exceed the total of the New Credit Facility.
The net proceeds from the Senior Subordinated Notes, together with the New
Credit Facility, will be used towards the purchase of substantially all the
assets of Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P. and one of its subsidiaries
("Atlantic") for approximately $256 million and Western Maine Cellular Inc.
("WMC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Utilities, Inc, for approximately $7.5
million ("the Pending Acquisitions").
Closing on the Pending Acquisitions is expected to occur in the summer of
1998 following the receipt of regulatory consents and satisfaction of other
conditions.
8
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As a result of the MRCC Acquisitions, the Company's operating results for the
first quarters of 1998 and 1997 may not be comparable and indicative of
future performance.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain consolidated statement of operations
data as a percentage of total revenues as well as other financial and
operating data for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
------------------
1998 1997
------------------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Service ...................................... 86.0% 83.0%
Roamer ....................................... 11.9 15.8
Equipment .................................... 2.1 1.2
--------------------
Total Revenues ............................... 100.0 100.0
--------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Network costs ................................ 24.5 24.0
Cost of equipment sales ...................... 6.0 3.5
Selling, general and administrative .......... 44.5 53.2
Depreciation and amortization ................ 28.5 23.6
--------------------
Total operating expenses ..................... 103.5 104.3
--------------------
OPERATING LOSS ................................. (3.5) (4.3)
--------------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense ............................. (16.3) (2.6)
Interest and dividend income ................. 1.9 0.8
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates ................................. (1.0) 0.2
Minority interest ............................ 5.0 5.4
---------------------
Other income (expense), net .................. (10.4) 3.8
--------------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES ....................... (13.9) (0.5)
INCOME TAX PROVISION ........................... - -
--------------------
NET LOSS ....................................... (13.9)% (0.5)%
--------------------
EBITDA (1) ..................................... 25.0% 19.3%
ADJUSTED EBITDA (1) ............................ 39.6% 32.6%
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------
1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS):
EBITDA (1) $3,696 $1,608
Adjusted EBITDA (1) $4,773 $2,469
Adjusted EBITDA margin (1) 39.6% 32.9%
Capital expenditures $8,970 $3,607
Adjusted capital expenditures (2) $5,833 $3,093
OPERATING DATA (3):
Customers at period end (4) 86,850 47,730
Penetration (5) 7.6% 8.0%
Average monthly retention rate (6) 98.5% 98.8%
Average monthly revenue per cellular customer (7) $46 $52
Acquisition cost per cellular customer (8) $444 $389
Roamer revenue as a percentage of total revenue (9) 14.5% 17.5%
Cell sites 133 74
</TABLE>
(1) EBITDA is the sum of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization and is utilized as a performance measure within the cellular
industry. EBITDA is not intended to be a performance measure that should be
regarded as an alternative for other performance measures and should not be
considered in isolation. EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance
under generally accepted accounting principles and does not reflect all
expenses of doing business (e.g., interest expense, depreciation).
Accordingly, EBITDA should not be considered as having greater significance
than or as an alternative to net income or operating income as an indicator
of operating performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
Moreover, "EBITDA," as used herein, may differ from "Operating Cash
Flow." Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding Wireless Alliance's
EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues
of the Company (excluding Wireless Alliance revenues).
(2) Adjusted capital expenditures represents capital expenditures excluding
Wireless Alliance capital expenditures.
(3) Represents the Company's Minnesota cellular operations for 1997 and 1998
and MRCC's operations in 1998, except as otherwise noted.
(4) In addition to the 53,981 cellular customers in Minnesota and 32,869
cellular customers in Maine as of March 31, 1998, the Company also served
9,487 paging, 17,863 Wireless Alliance cellular customers and 136 Wireless
Alliance PCS customers at such date. As of March 31, 1997, the Company served
47,730 cellular customers in Minnesota, 6,232 Wireless Alliance cellular
customers, and 7,283 paging customers.
(5) Represents the ratio of cellular customers at the end of the period to
total population served ("POPs").
(6) Determined for each period by dividing total cellular customers
discontinuing service during such period by the average cellular customers
for such period (customers at the beginning of the period plus customers at
the end of the period, divided by two), dividing that result by the number of
months in the period, and subtracting such result from one.
(7) Determined for each period by dividing the sum of access, airtime,
roaming, long distance, features, connection, disconnection, and other
revenues for such period by average cellular customers for such period
(customers at the beginning of the period plus customers at the end of the
period, divided by two), and dividing that result by the number of months in
such period.
(8) Determined for each period by dividing selling and marketing expenses,
cost of equipment sales, and depreciation of rental telephone equipment by
the gross cellular customers added during such period.
(9) Determined for each period by dividing roamer revenues for such period by
total revenues excluding equipment sales and, in the case of the Company,
Wireless Alliance revenues.
10
<PAGE>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND MARCH 31, 1997
REVENUES
Service revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 increased 84.1% to
$12.7 million from $6.9 million in 1997. This growth was primarily due to
the increase in the number of customers, primarily as a result of the MRCC
Acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of 11.9% in the average revenue
per customer. The rate at which new customers were added to existing markets
decreased to 2.9% in 1998 from 10.5% in 1997. There were no markets acquired
during the first quarter of 1998 or 1997. During the first quarter in 1998,
Wireless Alliance generated service revenues of $2.7 million.
Roamer revenues for 1998 increased 33.4% to $1.8 million from $1.3 million in
1997. Roamer revenues have increased due to the activation of additional cell
sites and acquisitions of new service areas. As a result of the inclusion of
MRCC during the first quarter of 1998, roamer revenues as a percentage of
cellular revenues (excluding the impact of Wireless Alliance) declined to
14.5% from 17.5% when compared to 1997. Wireless Alliance had no roamer
revenues in either 1998 or 1997 because it was exclusively engaged in
reselling cellular services. The Company expects Wireless Alliance to
generate roamer revenues in the third and fourth quarter of 1998.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Network costs include switching and transport expenses and the expenses
associated with the maintenance and operation of the Company's wireless
network facilities, as well as charges from other service providers for
resold minutes and services. Network costs for the quarter ended March 31,
1998, increased 81.4% to $3.6 million from $2.0 million in 1997, and
increased as a percentage of total revenues to 24.5% in 1998 from 24.0% in
1997. The increase in network costs resulted primarily from expenses
incurred by Wireless Alliance and MRCC, which more than offset network cost
reductions in the Company's Minnesota operations. Contributing to the
reduction of network costs in the Minnesota service area was the completed
installation of the Company's Mobile Telephone Switching Office ("MTSO") in
the third quarter of 1997, thereby reducing the Company's network costs for
switching services provided by Switch 2000, Inc., an unconsolidated
affiliate. Network costs for Wireless Alliance increased to $2.1 million in
the first quarter of 1998 from $647,000 in 1997. The increase is attributed
to additional network costs associated with increased customers.
Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses include salaries,
benefits, and operating expenses such as marketing, commissions, customer
support, accounting, administration, and billing. SG&A expenses for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998 increased 48.9% to $6.6 million in 1998 from
$4.4 million in 1997. The increase in SG&A over the prior year resulted
primarily from additional costs related to MRCC and a $682,000 increase in
costs of Wireless Alliance. As a percentage of total revenues, SG&A decreased
to 44.5% in 1998 from 53.2% in 1997 reflecting economies gained through the
acquisition of MRCC and the growth of the Wireless Alliance.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the quarter ended March 31, 1998
increased 115.0% to $4.2 million from $2.0 million in 1997. The increase
reflects the Company's continued construction and acquisition efforts and its
investments in network facilities, including the Company's newly installed
MTSO, and rental equipment.
For the first quarter of 1998, the average acquisition cost per cellular
customer, excluding Wireless Alliance customers, was $444 as compared to $389
in 1998. The increase resulted primarily from higher acquisition costs in the
Company's Maine markets and increased depreciation on the Company's rental
telephones.
11
<PAGE>
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 increased to $2.4
million from $215,000 in 1997. The increase in interest expense was a result
of higher average borrowings under the Existing Credit Facility to finance
the MRCC Acquisitions, the construction of 15 cell sites during the second
and third quarter of 1997 and for the Company's cellular network and other
growth initiatives. Other income also includes the minority interest in
losses of Wireless Alliance.
SEASONALITY
The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in revenues and operating
results. The Company, and the wireless communications industry in general,
have historically experienced significant customer growth during the fourth
calendar quarter. Accordingly, during such periods the Company experiences
greater losses on equipment sales and increases in sales and marketing
expenses. In addition, the Company's financial performance during the first
calendar quarter has been negatively affected by reduced minutes of use and
roamer revenues. The Company's average monthly revenue per cellular customer
has historically increased during the second and third calendar quarters.
This increase reflects greater usage by the Company's cellular customers and
roamers who travel in the Company's cellular service area for weekend and
vacation recreation or work in seasonal industries, such as agriculture and
construction. Because the Company's cellular service area includes many
seasonal recreational areas, the Company expects that roamer revenues will
continue to fluctuate seasonally to a greater degree than service revenues.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital
expenditures, debt service, acquisitions, and customer growth. These
requirements have been met through cash flow from operations and borrowings
under the Existing Credit Facility. As of March 31, 1998, the Company had
$135 million outstanding under its $160 million Existing Credit Facility. The
Company intends to use the $120.6 million net proceeds from the issuance of
Exchangeable Preferred Stock towards repaying outstanding borrowings under
the Existing Credit Facility. Following the closing of the Pending
Acquisitions, the Company's primary liquidity requirements are expected to be
for working capital; debt service under the New Credit Facility and the
Senior Subordinated Notes; cash dividends, if any, on the Exchangeable
Preferred Stock, and funding customer growth.
The Company has received a commitment from an affiliate of TD Securities
(USA) Inc. to replace the $160 million Existing Credit Facility with a $300
million New Credit Facility. Under the New Credit Facility, amounts may be
borrowed or repaid at any time through maturity provided that, at no time,
the aggregate outstanding borrowings exceed the total of the New Credit
Facility.
The net proceeds from the Senior Subordinated Notes, together with the New
Credit Facility, will be applied to towards the purchase of substantially all
the assets of Atlantic and one of its subsidiaries for approximately $256
million and WMC for approximately $7.5 million.
Capital expenditures (including Wireless Alliance) are expected to be
approximately $31.0 million in the last three quarters of 1998. If the
Pending Acquisitions are consummated, the Company expects capital
expenditures for the last three quarters of 1998 to be approximately $38.7
million (including approximately $16.7 million for Wireless Alliance).
Capital expenditures and debt service are expected to be funded through
internally generated cash flows and, if necessary, borrowings under the New
Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will have adequate capital
resources to satisfy all its liquidity requirements for at least the next
twelve months.
12
<PAGE>
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Company continues to assess the impact of the Year 2000 issue on its
reporting systems and operations. The Year 2000 issue exists because many
computer systems and applications currently use two-digit fields to designate
a year. As the century date occurs, date sensitive systems may recognize the
year 2000 as 1900 or not at all. This inability to recognize or properly
treat the Year 2000 may cause systems to process critical financial and
operational information incorrectly.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company did not incur any costs to
modify existing computer systems and applications, and estimates that
approximately $600,000 will be incurred in 1998 and 1999. The Company plans
to devote the necessary resources to resolve all significant Year 2000 issues
in a timely manner. If Year 2000 modifications are not properly completed
either by the Company or its vendors, banks or any other entities with whom
the Company conducts business, the Company could be adversely impacted.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Forward-looking statements herein are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although
the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations
will prove to be correct. A number of factors could cause actual results,
performance, achievements of the Company, or industry results to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors
include but are not limited to, the competitive environment in the wireless
and telecommunications industries, changes in economic conditions in general
and in the Company's business, demographic changes, changes in prevailing
interest rates and the availability of and terms of financing to fund the
anticipated growth of the Company's business, the ability to attract and
retain qualified personnel, the significant indebtedness of the Company, and
changes in the Company's acquisition and capital expenditure plans.
Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties.
In addition, such forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent upon
assumptions, estimates and data that may be incorrect or imprecise and
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.
Accordingly, any forward-looking statements included herein do not purport to
be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized. All
subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the
Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. The Company disclaims any
obligation to update any such factors or to announce publicly the results of
any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to
reflect future events or developments.
13
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On May 8, 1998, the Registrant issued a notice pursuant to Rule 135c of the
Securities Act of 1933 of the placement of 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2008 and 125,000 shares of 11 3/8% Exchangeable Preferred Stock. See Press
Release Exhibit 99.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
2 Asset Purchase Agreement among Atlantic Cellular Company,
L.P., Atlantic Cellular/New Hampshire RSA Number One Limited
Partnership and RCC Atlantic Inc., Rural Cellular
Corporation as of February 13, 1998
27 Financial Data Schedule
99 Press Release dated May 8, 1998
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A report on Form 8-K dated February 13, 1998, reporting under Item 5
the signing of an agreement to purchase certain assets of the Atlantic
Cellular Company, L.P. and to acquire the cellular telephone license,
operations and related assets of Western Maine Cellular, Inc.
14
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Dated: May 15, 1998 /S/ Richard P. Ekstrand
--------------------------
Richard P. Ekstrand
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: May 15, 1998 /S/ Wesley E. Schultz
---------------------------
Wesley E. Schultz
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
15
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Exhibit 2
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
among
ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P.,
ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA NUMBER
ONE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
and
RCC ATLANTIC, INC.,
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 13, 1998
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE II DESCRIPTION OF ASSETS; EXCLUDED ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Section 2.01. Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Section 2.02. Excluded Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARTICLE III ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ARTICLE IV INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER AND ASSUMPTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 4.01. Transfer Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 4.02. Assumption Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ARTICLE V PURCHASE PRICE; ALLOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 5.01. Purchase Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 5.02. Payment of Purchase Price. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Section 5.03. Allocation of Purchase Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 5.04. Purchase Price Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ARTICLE VI CLOSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ARTICLE VII SELLERS' REPRESENTATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Section 7.01. Organization, Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 7.02. Consents, Authorization, Execution and Delivery
of Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 7.03. Subsidiaries and Interests in Other Companies. . . . . . 9
Section 7.04. Title to Assets; Condition of Assets . . . . . . . . . . 9
Section 7.05. Real Property - Owned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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Section 7.06. Real and Personal Property - Leased. . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 7.07. Existing Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 7.08. Governmental Licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 7.09. Compliance with Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section 7.10. No Violation of Existing Agreements. . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 7.11. Litigation and Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 7.12. Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 7.13. Employee Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 7.14. Tax Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Section 7.15. Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Section 7.16. Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 7.17. Brokers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 7.18. Proprietary Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 7.19. Environmental Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Section 7.20. Subscribers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ARTICLE VIII PURCHASER'S AND GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 8.01. Organization; Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Section 8.02. Consents; Authorization; Execution and Delivery
of Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 8.03. Litigation and Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 8.04. Brokers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 8.05. Compliance with Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 8.06. FCC Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 8.07. Financial Ability to Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE IX SELLERS', GUARANTOR'S, AND PURCHASER'S COVENANTS. . . . . . . . . 16
Section 9.01. Financial Statements and Cellular System Information . . 16
Section 9.02. Governmental Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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Section 9.03. Third Party Consents; Closing Conditions . . . . . . . . 17
Section 9.04. Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Section 9.05. Conduct of Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Section 9.06. Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 9.07. Restrictions on Certain Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 9.08. Supplemental Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Section 9.09. Disclaimer of Other Representations and Warranties . . . 20
Section 9.10. No Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 9.11. Guaranty of Purchaser's Obligations. . . . . . . . . . . 20
ARTICLE X CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE. . . . . . 21
Section 10.01. Accuracy of Representations and Warranties;
Performance of this Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 10.02. Partner Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 10.03. Incumbency Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Section 10.04. Third Party Consent; FCC; Hart-Scott-Rodino Act . . . . 22
Section 10.05. Opinion of Counsel to Sellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Section 10.06. Opinions of FCC Counsel to Sellers. . . . . . . . . . . 22
Section 10.07. Opinions of State Regulatory Counsel to Sellers . . . . 22
ARTICLE XI CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLERS' OBLIGATION TO CLOSE. . . . . . . 23
Section 11.01. Accuracy of Representations and Warranties;
Performance of this Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 11.02. Directors' Resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 11.03. Incumbency Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 11.04. FCC; Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Section 11.05. Opinion of Counsel to Guarantor and Purchaser . . . . . 23
ARTICLE XII CASUALTY LOSSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE XIII POST CLOSING OBLIGATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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Section 13.01. Indemnification by Sellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 13.02. Non-Recourse to Sellers' Partners . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE XIV CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRESS RELEASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 14.01. Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Section 14.02. Press Releases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 14.03. Disclosures Required By Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ARTICLE XV TERMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Section 15.01. Breaches and Defaults; Opportunity to Cure. . . . . . . 25
Section 15.02. Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ARTICLE XVI BROKERS' FEES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ARTICLE XVII MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Section 17.01. Additional Instruments of Transfer. . . . . . . . . . . 26
Section 17.02. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Section 17.03. Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Section 17.04. Sellers' Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Section 17.05. Transfer Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.06. Collection Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.07. Specific Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.08. Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.09. Assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.10. Successors and Assigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.11. Amendments; Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.12. Entire Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 17.13. Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.14. Severability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.15. Section Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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Section 17.16. Interpretation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.17. Further Assurances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.18. Third Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.19 Certain Defined Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Section 17.20 Second Purchase Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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DEFINED TERMS
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Term Section Cite
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ACC Introduction
ACC Cellular Systems Recitals
ACC Wireless 2.02(b)
ACC Wireless Assets 2.02(b)
ACMC 5.04(c)
Actual Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems 5.04
Adjustments 5.04
Agreement Introduction
Assets 2.01
Assumed Contracts Article III
Assumption Agreement 4.02
Assumed Liabilities Article III
Authorizations 7.08
Balance Sheet 7.15(a)(ii)
Balance Sheet Date 7.15(a)(ii)
Base Price 5.01
Bill of Sale 4.01
Breaching Party 15.01
Break Up Option 5.04(h)
Burlington MSA Recitals
Business Recitals
Cash Flow Adjustment 5.04
Cellular Areas Recitals
Cellular Authorizations 2.01(a)
Cellular System Cash Flow (EBITDA) 5.04(a)
Cellular Systems Recitals
CERCLA 7.19(b)
Claims Article XII
Closing Article VI
Closing Certificate 5.04(f)
Closing Date Article VI
Code 5.03
Communications Act 8.06
Controlled Group Member 7.13
Current Assets 5.04(a)
Current Financial Statements 7.15(a)(ii)
Current Liabilities 5.05(a)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan 7.13
Disclosing Party 14.01
DOJ 9.02(b)
Eleven Month Income Statement 7.15(a)(ii)
Employee Benefit Plans 7.13
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Environmental Laws 7.19(c)
ERISA 7.13
ERISA Affiliate 7.13
Excluded Assets 2.02
Executive Officers 18.18
Existing Contracts 7.07
FCC 2.01(a)
FCC Authorizations 2.01(a)
Final Order 10.04
FTC 9.02(b)
GAAP 5.05(a)
General Partner Interest Recitals
Guarantor Introduction
Guaranty 9.10
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Article VI
Hazardous Substances 7.19(b)
Historical Financial Statements 7.15(a)(i)
Independent Accountants 5.05(f)
Intangible Property 7.18
Interest 9.03
Interim Financial Statements 9.01
Liquidated Damages Amount 5.02
Liens Article I
Losses 13.01
MA RSA #1 Recitals
Material Adverse Effect 10.01
Microwave Authorizations 2.01(a)
Multiemployer Plan 7.13
NH-01 Introduction
NH-01 Cellular System Recitals
NH RSA #1 Recitals
NY RSA #2 Recitals
Nonassumed Liabilities Article III
Non-Breaching Party 15.01
Offering Memorandum 9.09
Operating Budget 9.01
Outside Date 15.02(e)
PCS 2.02
Permitted Liens Article I
Person 7.03(b)
Purchase Orders 7.07
Purchase Price 5.01
Purchaser Introduction
Purchaser Obligations 9.11
Real Party In Interest 8.06
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RCLA 7.19(b)
RCRA 7.19(b)
Recipient Party 14.01
Response Period 5.04(f)
RSA Recitals
Second Purchase Agreement 17.20
Sellers Introduction
Sellers' Estimate 5.04(e)
Sellers' Knowledge 17.19
Seller's Representative 17.04
SMR 2.02
Subscriber Adjustment 5.04(a)
Target Number of Subscribers 5.04(a)
Target Operating Cash Flow of the Cellular Systems 5.04(a)
VT RSA #1 Recitals
VT RSA #2 Recitals
Working Capital Adjustment 5.04(b)
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SCHEDULES
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1 Permitted Liens
2.01(a) Contracts and Licenses
2.01(c) Tangible Asset List
2.01(d) Interests in Real Property
2.01(f) Intangible Personal Property
2.02 Excluded Assets
5.04(A) Target Subscribers etc.
7.03 Subsidiaries
7.04 Encumbrances
7.05 Real Property
7.08 Governmental Licenses
7.09 Compliance with Laws
7.10 Compliance with Existing Agreements
7.11 Litigation
7.12 Employees
7.13 Employee Benefits
7.14 Tax Matters
7.15(a)(i) Historical Financial Statements
7.15(a)(ii) Reconciliation of Cellular System Financial Information to
Historical Financial Statements
7.15(a)(iii) Current Financial Statements
7.15(a)(iv) Reconciliation of Cellular System Financial Information to
Current Financial Statements
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7.15(c) Certain Transactions Since November 30, 1997
7.19 Environmental Compliance
8.06 Purchaser's FCC Matters
10.04 Material Consents
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EXHIBITS
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A. Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement
B. Assumption Agreement
C Opinion of Counsel for Sellers
D. Opinion of FCC Counsel for Sellers
E. Opinion of Counsel for Purchaser
F. Second Purchase Agreement
</TABLE>
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ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of
February 13, 1998 by and among ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership ("ACC"), ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA NUMBER ONE
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership ("NH-01"; and together with
ACC, individually a "Seller" and collectively the "Sellers"), RURAL CELLULAR
CORPORATION, a Minnesota corporation ("Guarantor"), and RCC ATLANTIC, INC., a
Minnesota corporation ("Purchaser").
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, ACC owns and operates the non-wireline cellular telephone systems
(the "ACC Cellular Systems") in (i) rural service area ("RSA") #1 in the State
of Vermont ("VT RSA #1"), (ii) RSA #2 in the State of Vermont ("VT RSA #2"),
(iii) RSA #2 in the State of New York ("NY RSA #2"), (iv) the Burlington,
Vermont metropolitan service area ("Burlington MSA") and (v) RSA #1 in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("MA RSA #1"); and
WHEREAS, NH-01 owns and operates the non-wireline cellular telephone system
(the "NH-01 Cellular System") in RSA #1 in the State of New Hampshire ("NH RSA
#1"; and, together with VT RSA #1, VT RSA #2, NY RSA #2, Burlington MSA and MA
RSA #1, the "Cellular Areas") (the ACC Cellular Systems and the NH-01 Cellular
System may sometimes hereinafter be referred to individually as a "Cellular
System" and collectively as the "Cellular Systems"); and
WHEREAS, Purchaser desires to purchase from Sellers, and Sellers desire to
sell to Purchaser, substantially all of the assets and rights of Sellers
relating to the ownership and operation of the non-wireline cellular radio
telephone businesses in the Cellular Areas (the "Business"), all subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and
agreements herein set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE
Except as otherwise provided and subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, Sellers agree to sell, convey, assign, transfer and
deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Sellers at the
Closing (as defined herein), all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to
the Assets (as defined in Section 2.01 hereof), free and clear of all debts,
liabilities, obligations, taxes, security interests, liens, pledges, charges and
encumbrances of every kind (collectively, "Liens") other than Permitted Liens.
As used herein, the term "Permitted Liens" means (i) any lien or other
encumbrance for taxes and assessments, not yet past due or otherwise being
contested in good faith and for which appropriate reserves have been
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established and reflected as a Current Liability in the Working Capital
Adjustment, (ii) any lien or other encumbrance arising out of deposits made
to secure leases or other obligations of a like nature, (iii) any lien or
other encumbrance provided for in any contract listed on the disclosure
schedules hereto and not related to any indebtedness for borrowed money, (iv)
any lien or other encumbrance, including but not limited to any easements,
rights of way, restrictions, installations or public utilities, title
imperfection and restrictions, reservations in land patents or deeds, zoning
ordinances, and land use regulations and permits, that do not, under current
application of such ordinance, permit or by-law or interpretation of such
easement, deed or restriction, materially interfere with the use by Sellers
of the property subject thereto or affected thereby, (v) any lien or
encumbrance resulting from the failure of a municipality to issue
certificates of occupancy required by duly-adopted by-laws in accordance with
a zoning or land use permit or other approval; and (vi) any lien or other
encumbrance set forth on SCHEDULE 1 attached hereto.
ARTICLE II
DESCRIPTION OF ASSETS; EXCLUDED ASSETS
SECTION 2.01. ASSETS. The assets to be conveyed to Purchaser shall
include all real and personal tangible and intangible assets, properties, rights
and business owned by Sellers of whatever description which relate in any way to
the ownership, use or operation of the Business, except assets excluded pursuant
to Section 2.02 hereof, but including all property and rights acquired or
obtained by Sellers from the date hereof through the date of Closing, to the end
that, except as set forth herein, all of the Sellers' assets, properties, rights
and business owned at the Closing and related in any way to the ownership, use
or operation of the Business, other than the assets excluded pursuant to
Section 2.02 hereof, shall pass to Purchaser (collectively, the "Assets"). Such
Assets shall include, without limitation:
(a) Sellers' licenses, including the Federal Communications
Commission (the "FCC") authorizations to operate cellular radio telephone
systems in the Cellular Areas (the "Cellular Authorizations") and microwave
paths used in connection with such cellular operations (the "Microwave
Authorizations" and together with the Cellular Authorizations, the "FCC
Authorizations"), leases for personal property, agreements, permits, consents,
revenue sharing agreements, agreements for the reception or transmission of
signals by microwave, easements, appurtenances and rights-of-way, all right,
title and interest, if any, in and to all streets, roads and public places, all
agreements between a Seller and any suppliers, cellular telephone service
companies and subscribers (including subscriber deposits), and all other similar
rights and agreements (including so-called roaming agreements), including all
applications therefor, which in any way relate to or concern the operation by
Sellers of the Business, as more particularly described and categorized on
SCHEDULE 2.01(a) attached hereto.
(b) Originals of all of Sellers' files of correspondence, lists,
records and reports concerning (i) customers and prospective customers of the
Business and (ii) all dealings with Federal, state and local regulatory agencies
with respect to the Business, including, but not limited to, all reports filed
by or on behalf of any Seller with the FCC;
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(c) All of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to towers, tower
equipment, antennas, switching and cell site equipment and buildings,
construction in progress, microwave equipment, testing equipment, motor
vehicles, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, supplies, inventory and
other physical assets, if any, used in or relating to the Business, and all
modifications, additions, restorations or replacements of the whole or any part
thereof, substantially all of which tangible assets as of the date hereof are
categorized on SCHEDULE 2.01(c) attached hereto;
(d) All interests (including leasehold interests, but excluding
easements and other interests listed on SCHEDULE 2.01(a)) in real property of
Sellers used in or relating to the Business, as described and categorized on
SCHEDULE 2.01(d) attached hereto;
(e) All of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to engineering
records, files, data, drawings, blueprints, schematics, maps, reports, lists and
plans and processes intended for use in connection with the Business provided
that Sellers may retain copies thereof;
(f) All of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to intangible
personal property used in or relating to the Business, including without
limitation, all accounts receivable, prepaid assets, contract rights, rights,
trademarks, trade names, patents and copyrights used by Sellers, and all of the
rights of Sellers associated therewith (including any and all applications,
registrations, extensions and renewals thereof), as such rights, trademarks,
trade names, patents and copyrights as of the date hereof are described and
categorized on SCHEDULE 2.01(f) attached hereto; and
(g) Any assets of the type described above which are acquired after
the date hereof but prior to the Closing.
SECTION 2.02. EXCLUDED ASSETS. (a) The properties and assets
described in SCHEDULE 2.02 attached hereto and in Section 2.02(b) of this
Agreement which relate to the Business shall be retained by Sellers and shall
not be sold, assigned or transferred to Purchaser (the "Excluded Assets");
(b) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Assets sold to the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement shall not include, and the Excluded Assets shall include, the
Sellers' partnership records, books of account, cash, bank accounts,
including lockbox, bank deposits and cash equivalents at the time of the
Closing and in addition the Excluded Assets shall include ACC's partnership
interests in Mountain Cellular, L.P., NH-01, ACC Wireless, L.P. ("ACC
Wireless") and all of the assets of ACC Wireless (the "ACC Wireless Assets")
which include various partnership interests in partnerships which hold or
have rights to acquire specialized mobile radio ("SMR") licenses and systems
and personal communications systems ("PCS") licenses.
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ARTICLE III
ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
Purchaser shall assume and agree to perform and discharge as of the Closing
the following to the extent not previously performed or discharged: (i) all
obligations of Sellers which accrue and are to be performed from and after the
Closing under those permits, authorizations, licenses, leases, rights of way,
easements and other agreements either set forth on SCHEDULES 2.01(a) AND (d)
attached hereto or those agreements of a non-material nature which are not
required to be disclosed on SCHEDULES 2.01(a) AND (d); (ii) all other
obligations of Sellers entered into during the period from the date hereof to
the Closing by any Seller in the ordinary course of its business in accordance
with the provisions of Section 9.05 below or that were identified to and
consented to by Purchaser (all of such permits, authorizations, licenses,
leases, rights of way, easements and other agreements referred to in items (i)
and (ii) being referred to hereinafter as the "Assumed Contracts"); and (iii)
all "Current Liabilities" (as defined in Section 5.04(a) hereof) (such items (i)
through (iii) are collectively referred to herein as the "Assumed Liabilities").
Purchaser shall not be liable for any liabilities, debts, contracts, agreements,
(including without limitation any contracts or agreements relating to the
Excluded Assets set forth on SCHEDULE 2.02) or other obligations of Sellers of
any nature whatsoever other than the Assumed Liabilities (such other
liabilities, debts, contracts, agreements or obligations of Sellers other than
the Assumed Liabilities being referred to as the "Nonassumed Liabilities").
ARTICLE IV
INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER
AND ASSUMPTION
SECTION 4.01. TRANSFER DOCUMENTS. At the Closing, Sellers will deliver to
Purchaser (a) one or more Bills of Sale in substantially the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT A (a "Bill of Sale"), and (b) all such other good and
sufficient instruments of sale, transfer and conveyance, including assignments
of leases, as shall be effective to vest in Purchaser all of Sellers' right and
title to, and interest in, the Assets.
SECTION 4.02. ASSUMPTION DOCUMENTS. At the Closing, Purchaser and Sellers
will execute and deliver an Assumption Agreement in substantially the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT B (the "Assumption Agreement") in order to effect the
assumption of the Assumed Liabilities by Purchaser.
ARTICLE V
PURCHASE PRICE; ALLOCATION
SECTION 5.01. PURCHASE PRICE. The total purchase price for the Assets
shall be TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX MILLION DOLLARS ($256,000,000) (the "Base
Price"), as adjusted in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.04 hereof
(as adjusted, the "Purchase Price").
SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE. The Purchase Price shall be
payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to "Seller's
Representative" (as defined in Section 17.04
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hereof) at Closing, except for the Seller's Estimate of the "Adjustments" (as
defined below), which shall be paid into escrow pending resolution of such
matters pursuant to Section 5.04 hereof.
SECTION 5.03. ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE. At least thirty (30) days
prior to the Closing, Purchaser and Sellers' Representative in good faith shall
agree on an allocation of the Purchase Price in accordance with the respective
fair market value of the Assets being purchased and as provided for under
Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Purchaser and Sellers each further agree to file their income tax returns and
their other tax returns and IRS Form 8594 reflecting the allocation as
determined in this Section 5.03. If no agreement on an allocation of the
Purchase Price with respect to the Assets is reached prior to thirty (30) days
before the Closing, such allocation of the Purchase Price to the Assets shall be
determined by a nationally recognized appraisal firm mutually agreeable to
Sellers' Representative and Purchaser and the costs of such appraisal shall be
borne equally by Sellers and Purchaser. Any determinations made by such
appraisal firm shall be final and binding on the parties hereto.
SECTION 5.04. PURCHASE PRICE ADJUSTMENT.
(a) As used in this Section 5.04, the following terms shall have the
meaning set forth below:
"CURRENT ASSETS" means the Cellular Systems' (i) customer accounts
receivable not more than 90 days past due as of the Closing Date, (less a 1.6
percent reserve for doubtful accounts) (ii) inventory of cellular telephone
handsets and ancillary equipment held for sale to subscribers and (iii) prepaid
items which Purchaser will receive the benefit of after the Closing such as
prepaid rent, insurance, property taxes, utility charges, fees and deposits
paid, all determined as of 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date in accordance with
GAAP.
"CURRENT LIABILITIES" means the Cellular Systems' (i) subscriber deposits
received, (ii) deferred revenue, (iii) employee vacation expense (whether or not
to be paid or vacation time to be taken by the employee after the Closing), (iv)
salaries, bonuses, fringe benefits and other remuneration payable to employees
to be hired by Purchaser, (v) expenses for goods and services received in the
normal course of business including, but not limited to, taxes, utility charges,
special assessments, commissions, fees and (vi) other trade payables and accrued
expenses (including adequate reserves for all taxes accrued prior to Closing and
for any unresolved tax audits or investigations) incurred in the normal course
of business, all determined as of 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date in accordance
with GAAP.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
"TARGET NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS" for each month means the number of ending
subscribers for such month set forth on Schedule 5.04(A) hereto. Actual ending
subscribers shall include all customers for the retail services of the Cellular
Systems whose accounts are current within 90
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days and who have subscribed under subscriber rate plans established in the
ordinary course of business prior to the Closing Date.
"TARGET OPERATING CASH FLOW FOR THE CELLULAR SYSTEMS" for each month means
the "Cellular System Cash Flow (EBITDA)" for such month set forth on Schedule
5.04(A) hereto. "Actual Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems" means (i)
the total operating revenue of the Cellular Systems less (ii) all expenses
related to the operation of the Cellular Systems for the applicable period
determined in accordance with GAAP and consistent with Seller's past practices.
Actual Cellular System operating expenses specifically exclude corporate
overhead, long distance operations, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation
and amortization.
(b) The Base Price shall be increased (or decreased) by the amount by
which Current Assets exceeds (or is less than) Current Liabilities as of the
Closing Date (the "Working Capital Adjustment").
(c) The Base Price shall be decreased to the extent that the aggregate
number of ending subscribers in the Cellular Systems for the month preceding the
Closing Date is less than the Target Number of Subscribers for such month in an
amount equal to such deficiency multiplied by (a) $500 to the extent such
deficiency is less than or equal to 5% of the Target Number of Subscribers or
(b) $3500 to the extent such deficiency is greater than 5% of the Target Number
of Subscribers (the "Subscriber Adjustment").
(d) The Base Price shall be decreased to the extent that the Actual
Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems from January 1, 1998 to the last
day of the month preceding the Closing Date is less than 95 percent of Target
Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems as of such date (the "Cash Flow
Adjustment"). The Cash Flow Adjustment shall be an amount equal to the
deficiency determined pursuant to the preceding sentence multiplied by 13.5.
(e) Sellers shall prepare and submit to Purchaser, not later than 5
business days prior to the Closing Date, a written good faith estimate of the
amount of the Working Capital Adjustment, the Subscriber Adjustment and the Cash
Flow Adjustment (each such Adjustment to be stated separately and collectively
referred to herein as the "Adjustments") in accordance with this Section 5.04
and Seller's estimate of the Purchase Price resulting from the Adjustments
("Sellers' Estimate"). Sellers' Estimate shall be accompanied by supporting
documents, work papers, and other data containing reasonable detail and
supporting the Adjustments and Sellers' Estimate. The Sellers' Estimate shall
be based upon the books and records of the Cellular Systems. The Sellers'
Estimate shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a senior officer of
Atlantic Cellular Management Company, a Delaware company, ("ACMC") (which is the
managing general partner of ACC and the managing general partner of the general
partner of NH-01) certifying that the Sellers' Estimate was calculated in good
faith and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5.04. After the
delivery of Sellers' Estimate, Purchaser and Sellers shall attempt to resolve
any disputes between Sellers and Purchaser with respect to Sellers' proposed
Adjustments. In connection therewith, Purchaser shall have full access to all
Sellers'
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records related to Sellers' proposed Adjustments. Purchaser and Sellers
hereby agree that the Closing will take place based on the Seller's Estimates.
(f) Within 60 days after the Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver to
Sellers a certificate (the "Closing Certificate") signed by a senior officer of
Purchaser providing a compilation of the Adjustments to be made pursuant to this
Section 5.04 including any changes in the Adjustments used to determine the
Purchase Price at Closing, together with a copy of any supporting documents,
work papers, and other data relating to such Closing Certificate and such other
supporting evidence as Sellers may reasonably request either prior to or after
delivery thereof. If Sellers shall conclude that the Closing Certificate does
not accurately reflect the Adjustments to be made to the Base Price in
accordance with this Section 5.04, Sellers shall, within 20 days after their
receipt of the Closing Certificate (such 20 day period being referred to as the
"Response Period"), deliver to Purchaser a written statement of any
discrepancies believed to exist. If Sellers fail to so notify Purchaser of any
discrepancies, then the calculation of the Purchase Price set forth in the
Purchaser's Closing Certificate shall be controlling for all purposes hereof and
Purchaser or Sellers, as the case may be, shall on or before the fifth day
following the expiration of the Response Period pay to the other (whether by
release of funds from escrow, or otherwise) the amount which it is obligated to
pay in accordance with the Closing Certificate. On or before the fifth day
following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the Response Period or the
date Purchaser receives Sellers' statement of discrepancies, Purchaser or
Sellers, as the case may be, shall pay the other the amount, if any, as to which
there is no discrepancy (whether by release of funds from escrow, or otherwise).
Purchaser and Sellers shall use good faith efforts to jointly resolve their
discrepancies within 15 days of Purchaser's receipt of Sellers' written
statement of discrepancies, which resolution, if achieved, shall be binding upon
all parties to this Agreement and not subject to further dispute or review. If
Purchaser and Sellers cannot resolve the discrepancies to their mutual
satisfaction within such 15 day period, then the matter shall be submitted to a
mutually acceptable accounting firm of national reputation with experience in
the cellular telephone industry (the "Independent Accountants"). In submitting
a dispute to the Independent Accountants, each of the parties shall furnish, at
its own expense, the Independent Accountants and the other party with such
documents and information as the Independent Accountants may reasonably request.
Each party may also furnish to the Independent Accountants such other
information and documents as it deems relevant with the appropriate copies and
notification being given to the other party. The Independent Accountants may
conduct a conference concerning the disagreements between Sellers and Purchaser
at which conference each party shall have the right to present additional
documents, materials and other evidence and to have present its or their
advisors, accountants or counsel. The Independent Accountants shall promptly
render a decision on the issues presented, and such decision shall be final and
binding on the parties. Within 5 days of receipt of the Independent
Accountants' decision with respect to such dispute, if Purchaser is determined
to owe an amount to Sellers, Purchaser shall pay such amount thereof to Sellers,
and if Sellers are determined to owe an amount to Purchaser, Sellers shall pay
such amount thereof to Purchaser and any amounts held in escrow shall be
disbursed in accordance with the decision of the Independent Accountants. All
amounts owed by Purchaser or Sellers to the other in accordance with this
Section 5.04(d) shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds
and shall not bear any interest (except
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that any interest earned on the amounts held in escrow shall be disbursed in
proportion to the disbursements of the principal amount held in said escrow).
(g) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, under all
circumstances, (a) the Base Price will be decreased by only the greater of the
Subscriber Adjustment or the Cash Flow Adjustment and (b) the Subscriber
Adjustment and the Cash Flow Adjustment shall be limited in the aggregate to the
greater of the amount of either (a) the Subscriber Adjustment or (b) the Cash
Flow Adjustment calculated based on achieving 85 percent of the relevant
targets.
(h) In the event either (a) the Actual Operating Cash Flow for the
Cellular Systems from January 1, 1998 to the last day of the month preceding the
Closing Date or (b) the aggregate number of ending subscribers in the Cellular
Systems for the month preceding the Closing Date is less than 85 percent of
either (a) Target Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems as of such date
or (b) the Target Number of Subscribers as of such date, as applicable, assuming
all conditions to closing set forth in this Agreement are satisfied or waived as
provided herein, the Purchaser shall have the option (the "Break Up Option") to
terminate the transactions contemplated hereby and in addition the Sellers will
be obligated to pay the Purchaser $1 million to reimburse the Purchaser for
certain of the expenses it has incurred in connection herewith.
ARTICLE VI
CLOSING
Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Closing (the "Closing")
shall take place at the offices of Edwards & Angell, 2800 Hospital Trust Tower,
Providence, Rhode Island 02903, on the date (the "Closing Date") which is the
latest of (a) the tenth (10th) day after the date that the FCC granted its
consent to the assignment of the Cellular Authorizations, from Sellers to the
Purchaser by a Final Order (as defined in Section 10.04) or (b) the fifth (5th)
day after the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (the "Hart-Scott-Rodino Act") (if
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) or (c) the date
on which all conditions to Closing set forth in Articles X and XI hereof have
been satisfied; provided if such latest date is not a business day, the Closing
Date shall be the next following business day. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, the parties hereto agree that the Closing shall take place on
the first business day of the month following the date for closing determined by
the preceding sentence.
ARTICLE VII
SELLERS' REPRESENTATIONS
Sellers hereby represent, warrant, covenant and agree, which
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, together with all other
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of Sellers in this
Agreement, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
payment of the Purchase Price hereunder until the Closing Date, that:
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SECTION 7.01. ORGANIZATION, QUALIFICATION. (a) Each Seller is a limited
partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the state of its organization and has all necessary power and authority to
own and operate its properties and to carry on its Business as it is now being
conducted and to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Each Seller has the power and authority to execute and deliver and, subject to
obtaining the FCC's approval to assign the FCC Authorizations and the other
governmental and third-party consents referred to in Section 10.04, perform its
obligations under this Agreement and to undertake the transactions contemplated
hereby;
(b) ACMC is the managing general partner of ACC. ACC is the general
partner of NH-01.
SECTION 7.02. CONSENTS, AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF
AGREEMENT. All necessary consents and approvals have been obtained by
Sellers for the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by Sellers and the transfer of the
Assets to Purchaser have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all
necessary partnership action of each Seller. This Agreement is a valid and
binding obligation of each Seller, enforceable against it in accordance with
its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
similar laws now or hereafter in effect affecting creditors' rights generally.
SECTION 7.03. SUBSIDIARIES AND INTERESTS IN OTHER COMPANIES. Except as
set forth in SCHEDULE 7.03, none of the Sellers nor any of their Subsidiaries
owns or has any other proprietary interest in, any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture, business association, person or entity
(a "Person").
SECTION 7.04. TITLE TO ASSETS; CONDITION OF ASSETS. Except as set forth
on SCHEDULE 7.04, Sellers have full power, right and authority to sell and
convey to Purchaser good and marketable title to the Assets, free and clear of
all Liens other than Permitted Liens. The tangible property included among the
Assets as of the date hereof is in good working order and repair, reasonable
wear and tear excepted. Except for factors typically affecting propagation and
reception in the cellular telephone industry generally, the Assets are
technically sufficient and capable of providing cellular telephone service in
the Cellular Areas in accordance with applicable FCC regulations.
SECTION 7.05. REAL PROPERTY - OWNED. SCHEDULE 7.05 lists all real
property that each Seller owns. With respect to each such parcel of owned real
property:
(a) the identified owner has good and marketable title to the parcel
of real property, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens;
(b) there are no leases, subleases, licenses, concessions, or other
agreements granting to any party or parties the right of use or occupancy of any
portion of the parcel of real property; and
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(c) there are no outstanding options or rights of first refusal to
purchase the parcel of real property, or any portion thereof or interest
therein.
SECTION 7.06. REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY - LEASED. Set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.01(d) (in the case of real property) and SCHEDULE 2.01(a) (in the
case of personal property), are true and accurate listings of all real and
personal property leases (other than leases, together with the other contracts
and agreements which in the aggregate have annual payments of less than $100,000
or which are terminable on six months or less notice) of Sellers used in the
ownership or operation of the Assets and the Business. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 2.01(d) (in the case of leased real property) and SCHEDULE 2.01(a) (in
the case of leased personal property), with respect to such leases, the Sellers
hold valid leasehold interests therein, such leases are in full force and
effect, and will be free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens at
the Closing.
SECTION 7.07. EXISTING CONTRACTS. SCHEDULES 2.01(a) AND (d) hereto set
forth, among other interests or authorizations, all agreements (other than
standard subscriber agreements for cellular service) in effect on the date
hereof with each Seller's subscribers, all leases (other than leases, together
with the contracts and agreements not required to be disclosed, which in the
aggregate have annual payments of less than $100,000 or which are terminable on
six months or less notice) to which each Seller is a party and which relate to
the ownership of the Assets or the operation of the Business, and all other
agreements (other than agreements, contracts and leases with aggregate annual
payments of less than $100,000 or which are terminable on six months or less
notice) or commitments (written or oral) to which each Seller is a party which
relate to the ownership of the Assets or the operation of the Business (the
"Existing Contracts"), except for outstanding purchase orders (the "Purchase
Orders"). Sellers have heretofore delivered to Purchaser true and correct
copies of the Existing Contracts. Except as disclosed on SCHEDULES 2.01(a) AND
(d), Sellers have no knowledge of any breach or anticipated breach by the other
parties to any Existing Contracts. The Existing Contracts are in full force and
effect, and Sellers are in compliance with the terms of such Existing Contracts.
SECTION 7.08. GOVERNMENTAL LICENSES. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 7.08, Sellers hold all material licenses, consents, permits, approvals
and authorizations of public or governmental bodies including the FCC
Authorizations and the state, counties and municipalities served by the
Business, which are required in connection with the ownership and transfer of
the Assets and the Business (collectively referred to as the "Authorizations").
All Authorizations are in full force and effect, and each Seller has complied
with the terms of the Authorizations which it holds and there are no pending
modifications, amendments or revocations of the Authorizations which would
adversely affect the ownership of the Assets and the operation of the Business.
True and correct copies of the Authorizations, and all amendments thereto to the
date hereof, have been delivered by Sellers to Purchaser and are identified on
SCHEDULE 2.01(a) hereto.
SECTION 7.09. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 7.09,
Sellers are in compliance with and are not in default under or in violation of,
any statute, law (including zoning, environmental or employment laws),
ordinance, decree, order, rule, regulation of any governmental body applicable
to the Assets or the Business.
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SECTION 7.10. NO VIOLATION OF EXISTING AGREEMENTS. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 7.10, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Sellers will not violate or conflict with or result in any breach of any of the
terms or conditions of, or constitute a default under any Existing Contracts.
SECTION 7.11. LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 7.11, there is no outstanding judgment against Sellers affecting the
Business or the Assets, and there is no litigation, proceeding or investigation
pending, or, to either Seller's knowledge, threatened, against any Seller
affecting the Business or the Assets.
SECTION 7.12. EMPLOYEES. SCHEDULE 7.12 sets forth a true and complete list
of the names and base salaries of all employees of the Sellers involved in the
operation of the Business. There are no collective bargaining agreements
covering any of the employees of any Seller. The Sellers have not breached or
otherwise failed to comply with any provision of any collective bargaining
agreement or other labor union contract applicable to any of its employees. No
consent of any union (or similar group or organization) is required in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. There
are no pending, or, to Sellers' knowledge threatened or anticipated (a) union
representation petitions respecting the employees of any Seller, (b) efforts
being made to organize any of the employees of any Seller, or (c) strikes, slow
downs, work stoppages, or lockouts or threats affecting any Seller.
SECTION 7.13. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 7.13
attached hereto, neither Seller has any Employee Benefit Plans in which any one
or more partners or employees of any Seller, with respect to the Business,
participate or are eligible to participate as of the date hereof. The term
"Employee Benefit Plans" means all employee benefit plans as that term is
defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended ("ERISA"). No partner or employee of any Seller participates or is
eligible to participate in a "defined benefit pension plan" as defined in
Section 3(35) of ERISA, maintained or made available by any Seller. Neither
Seller nor any Controlled Group Member maintains or contributes to a plan under
which any employee of any Seller participates or is eligible to participate
subject to Section 412 of the Code. The term "Controlled Group Member" means
any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is, or was at any
relevant time, aggregated with the Seller pursuant to Section 414(b), (c), (m)
or (o) of the Code. Neither Seller nor any ERISA Affiliate has participated in
or made contributions to any "multiemployer plan" as defined in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA. The term "ERISA Affiliate" means each trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) which is, or was at any relevant time,
treated as a single employer any Seller pursuant to Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA.
SECTION 7.14. TAX MATTERS. Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 7.14 attached
hereto, each Seller, has timely filed all tax returns and statements which it is
required to file, and each Seller has paid all taxes due prior to the date
hereof and will pay when due (or contest in good faith by appropriate
proceedings) all taxes which may become due on or before the Closing Date.
Neither Seller has waived any statute of limitations in respect of taxes or
agreed to an extension of time with respect to a tax assessment or deficiency.
To Sellers' knowledge, there are no unresolved claims raised by any tax
authority concerning the tax liability of any Seller. All taxes which each
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Seller is required by law to withhold or to collect for payment have been duly
withheld and collected, and have been paid. Each Seller has paid all taxes due
prior to the date hereof and will pay when due (or contest in good faith by
appropriate proceedings) all taxes which may become due on or before the Closing
Date.
SECTION 7.15. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) The Purchaser has heretofore been furnished with the following:
(i) true and complete copies of the audited balance sheets of
ACC as of December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996 and the related
audited statements of income for the years then ended, each of such
balance sheets and income statements being attached hereto as SCHEDULE
7.15(a)(i) (collectively, the "Historical Financial Statements");
(ii) a true and complete copy of the unaudited reconciliation of
Cellular System financial information to Historical Financial
Statements;
(iii) true and complete copies of the unaudited balance sheet
(the "Balance Sheet") of ACC at November 30, 1997 (the "Balance Sheet
Date") and the related unaudited statement of income for the eleven-
month period then ended (the "Eleven Month Income Statement; and
together with the Balance Sheet, the "Current Financial Statements"),
such balance sheet and income statements being attached hereto as
SCHEDULE 7.15(a)(iii); and
(iv) a true and complete copy of the unaudited reconciliation of
Cellular System financial information to Current Financial Statements.
(b) Each of the financial statements delivered under Section 7.15(a)
hereof was prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with
prior periods and past practices except as otherwise stated therein and, with
respect to the financial statements delivered under Section 7.15(a)(ii), (iii)
and (iv), subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments and except for the
omission of certain footnotes and other presentation items required by GAAP with
respect to audited financial statements; each of the balance sheets included in
such Historical and Current Financial Statements fairly presents in all material
respects the financial condition of ACC, as of the close of business on the date
thereof; and each of the statements of income included in such financial
statements fairly presents in all material respects the results of operations of
ACC, as applicable, for the fiscal period then ended.
(c) Except as set forth on SCHEDULE 7.15(c) attached hereto, since the
Balance Sheet Date, neither Seller has:
(i) sold, assigned or transferred any of its material
tangible assets (except for the Excluded Assets and except
pursuant to existing contracts or commitments disclosed on any
Schedule to this Agreement or inventory in
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the ordinary course of business); or canceled any material debts
or material claims;
(ii) waived any material rights, except in the ordinary
course of business;
(iii) suffered any material damage, destruction or casualty
loss with respect to the Assets, which was not covered by
insurance; or
(iv) made any distribution of any of the Assets to any
partner of any Seller or any affiliate of such partner.
SECTION 7.16. INSURANCE. Sellers have delivered to Purchaser evidence of
all policies of liability, fire, worker's compensation and other forms of
insurance (including bonds) which insure against risks and liabilities to an
extent and in a manner customary in the cellular industry and which are adequate
to provide coverage against risks of a material nature to which the Sellers
would normally be exposed in the operation of the Business. All such insurance
policies and binders are in full force and effect. There are no outstanding
unpaid claims under any of such insurance policies or binders and Sellers have
not received any notice of cancellation or non-renewal of any such policy or
binder. No insurance carrier has canceled or reduced any insurance coverage for
Sellers or has given any notice or other indication of its intention to cancel
or reduce any such coverage. Sellers have complied in all material respects
with each of such insurance policies and binders, and have not failed to give
any notice or present any claim thereunder in a due and timely manner.
SECTION 7.17. BROKERS. Except for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation and SBC Warburg Dillon Read Inc., neither Seller has engaged any
agent, broker or other person acting pursuant to the express or implied
authority of any Seller which is or may be entitled to a commission or broker or
finder's fee in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or otherwise with respect to the sale of the Assets or the Business.
SECTION 7.18. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. Sellers own or have the legal right to
use, and the Assets will include, all patents, trademarks, tradenames, service
marks, logos, copyrights, including applications therefor, inventions, formulas,
methods and processes (all such items being hereinafter referred to as
"Intangible Property") presently used in the operation of the Business.
SECTION 7.19. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE. (a) Except as set forth on
SCHEDULE 7.19 hereto, (i) neither Seller has generated, used, transported,
treated, stored, released or disposed of, or has not suffered or permitted
anyone else to generate, use, transport, treat, store, release or dispose of any
"Hazardous Substance" (as hereinafter defined) with respect to the Assets or the
Business in violation of any "Environmental Laws" (as hereinafter defined); (ii)
there has not been any generation, use, transportation, treatment, storage,
release or disposal of any Hazardous Substance in connection with their
ownership of the Assets, the conduct of the Business or the use of any property
or facility which relates to their ownership of the Assets, the Business, or,
any adjacent properties or facilities, which has created or might reasonably be
expected to create
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any liability under any Environmental Laws or which would require reporting
to or notification of any governmental entity; (iii) no friable asbestos or
polychlorinated biphenyl, and no underground storage tank, is contained in
any facility of a Seller relating to the Business in violation of any
Environmental Laws; (iv) any Hazardous Substance handled or dealt with in any
way with respect to the Assets or the Business by either Seller, or during
either Seller's ownership of the Assets or the Business has been and is being
handled or dealt with in compliance with any Environmental Laws; and (v) no
Hazardous Substance is located in, on, under or about any land or buildings
owned or leased by the Sellers except in compliance with applicable law.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Hazardous Substance"
shall mean any substance which, as of the date of this Agreement, is listed as
hazardous or toxic in the regulations implementing the Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended
("CERCLA"), the Response Compensation and Liability Act ("RCLA"), the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended ("RCRA"), or listed as a
hazardous substance under any applicable state environmental laws, or any
substance which has been determined by regulation, ruling or otherwise by any
agency or court to be a hazardous or toxic substance regulated under federal or
state law.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Environmental Laws"
shall mean CERCLA, RCRA, RCLA and any applicable statutes, regulations, rules,
ordinances, codes, licenses, permits, orders, approvals, plans, authorizations,
concessions, franchises and similar items of all governmental authorities and
all applicable judicial, administrative and regulatory decrees, judgments and
orders, any of which relate to the protection of human health or the environment
from the effects of Hazardous Substances, including but not limited to those
pertaining to reporting, licensing, permitting, investigating and remediating
emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances
into the air, surface water, groundwater or land, or relating to the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling of Hazardous Substances.
SECTION 7.20. SUBSCRIBERS. The number of subscribers in service for the
Cellular Systems as of December 31, 1997 was not less than 68,000.
ARTICLE VIII
PURCHASER'S AND GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS
Purchaser and Guarantor hereby jointly and severally represent, warrant,
covenant and agree, which representations, warranties, covenants and agreements,
together with all other representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of
Purchaser and Guarantor in this Agreement, shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the payment of the Purchase Price hereunder until
the Closing Date, that:
SECTION 8.01. ORGANIZATION; QUALIFICATION. Each of Purchaser and
Guarantor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the state of its incorporation. Purchaser has all necessary
power and authority to (i) own and operate its
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properties, (ii) carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and
(iii) carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and to own
and operate the Assets and the Business, subject to obtaining all necessary
consents required for the transfer by Sellers of the Assets.
SECTION 8.02. CONSENTS; AUTHORIZATION; EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF AGREEMENT. All necessary consents and approvals have been obtained
by Guarantor and Purchaser for the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of Purchaser
and Guarantor has been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary
corporate action. This Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each of
the Purchaser and Guarantor, enforceable against it in accordance with its
terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar
laws now or hereafter in effect affecting creditors' rights generally.
SECTION 8.03. LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. There is no outstanding
judgment against Purchaser or Guarantor, and there is no litigation, proceeding
or investigation pending, or, to Purchaser's or Guarantor's knowledge,
threatened, against Purchaser or Guarantor or their assets which individually or
in the aggregate would, if adversely determined, result in a material adverse
change in the business condition (financial or otherwise), properties, prospects
or assets of Purchaser or Guarantor or which questions the validity of any
action taken or to be taken pursuant to or in connection with the provisions of
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by
the Purchaser or Guarantor.
SECTION 8.04. BROKERS. Except for TD Securities (USA) Inc., neither
Purchaser nor Guarantor has engaged any agent, broker or other person acting
pursuant to the express or implied authority of Purchaser or Guarantor which is
or may be entitled to a commission or broker or finder's fee in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise with respect to the
sale of the Assets or the Business.
SECTION 8.05. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Each of Purchaser and Guarantor is in
compliance with and is not in default under or in violation of, any statute, law
(including environmental or employment laws), ordinance, decree, order, rule,
regulation of any governmental body applicable to its assets or its business.
SECTION 8.06. FCC MATTERS. Each of Purchaser and Guarantor is fully
qualified under the Federal Communications Commission Authorization Act of 1990
(the "Communications Act") to be an FCC licensee, and to be approved as the
assignee of the FCC Authorizations. Each of Purchaser and Guarantor knows of no
reason why the FCC will not grant its consent to the assignment of the FCC
Authorizations from Sellers to Purchaser. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.06
hereto, neither Purchaser, Guarantor, nor any "real party in interest" (as
defined by Section 22.13 of the FCC's rules) (i) has had the FCC deny an
application for an authorization, (ii) has had the FCC revoke an authorization
granted to it, or (iii) has been the subject of an investigation by the FCC.
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SECTION 8.07. FINANCIAL ABILITY TO CLOSE. Each of Purchaser and Guarantor
specifically represents and warrants to Sellers that Guarantor and Purchaser at
Closing will have the financial ability to perform their respective obligations
under this Agreement. Furthermore, each of Purchaser and Guarantor specifically
agrees with Sellers that the obligation of Purchaser and Guarantor to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby is not subject to any financing
contingency.
ARTICLE IX
SELLERS', GUARANTOR'S, AND PURCHASER'S COVENANTS
SECTION 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND CELLULAR SYSTEM INFORMATION.
Sellers covenant and agree that from the date of execution of this Agreement
until the Closing, Sellers shall provide Purchaser, within 45 days of the end of
each calendar month, the financial information described in Sections
7.15(a)(iii) and (iv), as well as subscriber count information, for such month
as it relates to the Business ("Interim Financial Statements").
SECTION 9.02. GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. (a) Each of Guarantor and Purchaser
covenants and agrees that it will fully cooperate with Sellers, and do all
things reasonably necessary to assist Sellers to obtain all consents and
approvals necessary for assignment to Purchaser of the FCC Authorizations and
necessary authorizations of the Vermont Public Service Board and New Hampshire
Public Utility Commission, including the furnishing of financial and other
information specifically with respect to Guarantor or Purchaser reasonably
required by the Person whose consent or approval is being sought. Sellers shall
use all reasonable efforts to provide adequate prior written notice to Purchaser
of any meeting with governmental authorities the purpose of which is to seek a
consent or approval to the transactions contemplated hereby, and Purchaser shall
use all reasonable efforts to furnish a representative to attend meetings with
appropriate government authorities for the purpose of obtaining such consents or
approvals. Each of Purchaser and Sellers hereby agrees to file the necessary
Form(s) 490 and 702 or 704, as applicable, with the FCC transferring or
assigning control of the FCC Authorization for the Business to Purchaser and
diligently pursue the processing of the assignment of the FCC Authorization and
necessary authorization of the Vermont Public Service Board and New Hampshire
Public Utility Commission to Purchaser and to file for all other necessary
regulatory approvals for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement within ten business days of the date of execution of this
Agreement to the extent any such filings have not been made prior to the date of
execution of this Agreement. Purchaser shall bear the expense of all filing fees
in connection with any filings pursuant to this Section 9.02(a).
(b) Sellers and Purchaser shall each cooperate and use their
reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the Federal Trade Commission
("FTC") and the United States Department of Justice ("DOJ") and other regulatory
authorities as promptly as possible, but in any event within fifteen business
days of the date of execution of this Agreement, all requisite applications and
amendments thereto together with related information, data and exhibits
necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (if
applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). Purchaser shall
bear all the expense of all filing fees in connection with any filings pursuant
to this Section 9.02(b).
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SECTION 9.03. THIRD PARTY CONSENTS; CLOSING CONDITIONS. (a) Purchaser,
Guarantor and Sellers covenant and agree that each of them will reasonably
cooperate with each other, and Purchaser and Guarantor will do all things
reasonably necessary to assist Sellers, to obtain all consents and approvals
necessary for the transfer or assignment to Purchaser of the Assumed Contracts,
including the furnishing of financial and other information specifically with
respect to Guarantor, Purchaser, their affiliates, or Sellers, as the case may
be, reasonably required by the Person whose consent or approval is being sought.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Assumed Contracts listed
on SCHEDULE 2.01(a) to be sold, assigned, transferred or conveyed to Purchaser,
or any claim, right or benefit arising thereunder or resulting therefrom
(individually, an "Interest" and collectively, the "Interests"), is not capable
of being sold, assigned, transferred or conveyed without the approval, consent
or waiver of the issuer thereof, the other party thereto, or any third Person
(including a government or governmental unit), and such approval, consent or
waiver has not been obtained, or if such sale, assignment, transfer or
conveyance, or attempted assignment, transfer or conveyance, of any Assumed
Contract would constitute a breach thereof, and such approval, consent or waiver
has not been obtained, this Agreement shall not constitute a sale, assignment,
transfer or conveyance of such Assumed Contract, or an attempted assignment,
transfer or conveyance thereof; provided Sellers shall use their reasonable best
efforts to provide Purchaser the benefits of any such Interest as provided in
Section 17.01(b). Purchaser and Sellers shall use all reasonable efforts to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Purchaser and Sellers hereby covenant and agree to use all
reasonable efforts to satisfy, or assist the other party in satisfying, the
closing conditions applicable to the Purchaser in Article X hereof and the
Sellers in Article XI hereof prior to the Closing Date.
SECTION 9.04. ACCESS. Purchaser shall have the right, itself or through
its representatives, during normal business hours, after reasonable notice
(which may be oral) to ACMC, and without undue disruption to Sellers' normal
business activities, to inspect the Assets and properties of Sellers (including,
but not limited to, engineering inspections and environmental assessments) and
to inspect and make abstracts and reproductions of all books and records of
Sellers relating to the Business including, without limitation, applications and
reports to the FCC, employee records, and engineering and environmental reports,
and Sellers shall furnish Purchaser with such information respecting the Assets
and Business and financial records as Purchaser may, from time to time,
reasonably request. Purchaser agrees to provide the Sellers with prompt written
notice if Purchaser determines that, based upon information provided to
Purchaser or through its own investigation, any of the Sellers is in breach of
any representation, warranty or covenant of Sellers set forth in this Agreement.
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SECTION 9.05. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. (a) From and after the date hereof,
each Seller shall not engage in any practice, take any action or enter into any
transaction outside the ordinary course of business with respect to the Business
or the Assets without the prior approval of Purchaser, which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed. From and after the date hereof, each Seller
shall:
(i) operate the Cellular Systems in accordance with the FCC
Authorizations, and comply in all material respect with all laws, rules and
regulations applicable to them, including the regulations of the FCC;
(ii) except for inventory sold in the ordinary course of business,
refrain from making any material sale, lease, transfer or other disposition
of any of the Assets other than in connection with replacements with assets
of like use and value, or with the prior written approval of Purchaser,
which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
(iii) refrain from modifying, amending or altering in any material
respect, or terminating any of the Assumed Contracts, except so as to
maintain them, and from waiving or canceling any default or breach or
modifying, altering or terminating any right or asset relating to or
included in the Assets without Purchaser's prior written approval, which
approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed;
(iv) maintain insurance on the Assets comparable to that maintained
prior to the date hereof, and use the proceeds of any claims for loss under
such policies, together with such other funds as may be required, to
repair, replace, or restore to their former condition any Assets which may
be damaged by fire or other casualty, all as soon as reasonably possible;
(v) maintain its books and records in accordance with prior practice;
maintain all of its property and assets in their present condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted; maintain supplies of inventory and spare
parts consistent with past practice; and otherwise operate its business in
the ordinary course in accordance with past practices, except as to changes
required by law;
(vi) use all reasonable efforts to (x) keep its business organization
intact, (y) retain the services of the key employees of the Cellular
Systems, and (z) maintain good relationships with its employees, suppliers,
advertisers, subscribers, agents and others having business relations with
it, in each case in accordance with past practices;
(vii) refrain from subjecting any of the Assets to any new Lien other
than Permitted Liens;
(viii) provide to the Purchaser, concurrently with filing thereof,
copies of all reports to and other filings with the FCC;
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(ix) not permit any of the FCC Authorizations to expire or to be
surrendered or voluntarily modified in a manner adverse to the Business, or
take any action which would reasonably be expected to cause the FCC or any
other governmental authority to institute proceedings for the suspension,
revocation or limitation of rights under any of the FCC Authorizations; or
fail to prosecute with due diligence any pending applications to any
governmental authority;
(x) notify Purchaser in writing promptly after learning of the
institution or threat of any material action against such Seller in any
court, or any action against such Seller before the FCC or any other
governmental agency, and notify Purchaser in writing promptly upon receipt
of any administrative or court order relating to the Assets or the
Business; and
(xi) pay or cause to be paid or provide for all Taxes of or relating
to such Seller, the Assets and the employees required to be paid to city,
county, state, Federal and other governmental units up to the Closing Date.
(b) The Purchaser hereby acknowledges and agrees that from and after the
date hereof, the Sellers may take any actions determined by the Sellers to be
appropriate with respect to the Excluded Assets including without limitation
selling the Excluded Assets and distributing the proceeds of any such sale(s) to
the partners of the Sellers. In addition, the Sellers may take any actions with
respect to the Assumed Contracts which are necessary to amend such Assumed
Contracts to terminate the application of such Assumed Contracts to Hawaiian
Wireless, Inc. or the business of Hawaiian Wireless, Inc.
SECTION 9.06. EMPLOYEES. At least thirty (30) days prior to the Closing
Date, Purchaser shall provide written notice to Sellers identifying any
employees of Sellers listed on SCHEDULE 7.12 to whom Purchaser does not intend
to extend offers of employment.
SECTION 9.07. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN ACTIONS. From the date hereof until
the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement,
each of Purchaser and Guarantor will not, and each of Purchaser and Guarantor
will use its best efforts to ensure that all persons whose actions or ownership
interests would be attributable to Purchaser or Guarantor under the
Communications Act will not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicit,
initiate, encourage or participate in applications, bids, purchases or
negotiations with respect to the acquisition of any interest in an FCC license,
permit, approval or authorization that, if consummated, would have the effect
under the Communications Act of preventing or delaying Purchaser or Guarantor
from consummating the acquisition of the Assets as contemplated by this
Agreement.
SECTION 9.08. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE. Sellers shall have the right from
time to time prior to the Closing Date to supplement in writing the Schedules
hereto with respect to any matter hereafter arising that, if existing or known
as of the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or
described in the Schedules hereto; provided, however, that no such supplemental
disclosure shall be deemed to cure any breach of any representation or warranty
of
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Sellers made in this Agreement unless Purchaser fails to object in writing to
Sellers to any such supplemental disclosure within five business days after
Purchaser's receipt thereof.
SECTION 9.09. DISCLAIMER OF OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of
Purchaser and Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that Sellers do not make, and
have not made, any representations or warranties relating to Sellers, the
Business or the Assets other than the representations and warranties of Sellers
expressly set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
disclaimer set forth in the preceding sentence, Sellers do not make, and
Sellers, their partners, their partners' officers, employees and agents have not
made, and shall not be deemed to have made any representations or warranties in
the Confidential Descriptive Memorandum, dated October, 1997, and any
supplements or addenda thereto (collectively, the "Offering Memorandum"), any
presentation relating to Sellers, the Business or the Assets given in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in any filing made by or
on behalf of Sellers with any governmental agency or in any other information
provided to or made available to Purchaser or Guarantor, and no statement
contained in the Offering Memorandum, made in any such presentation, made in any
such filing or contained in any such other information shall be deemed to be a
representation or warranty of Sellers hereunder or otherwise. No person has
been authorized by Sellers to make any representation or warranty in respect of
Sellers, the Business or the Assets in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement that is inconsistent with or in addition to the
representations and warranties of Sellers expressly set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 9.10. NO SHOPPING. Prior to the date on which this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Article XV hereof, none of Sellers nor any of their
affiliates, advisors or representatives shall, directly or indirectly, solicit,
encourage or initiate any contact with, negotiate with, or provide any
information to, endorse or enter into any agreement with respect to, or take any
other action to facilitate any person or group, other than Purchaser and its
representatives, concerning any inquiries or the making of any proposals
concerning any merger, sale of all or substantially all of the Assets,
acquisition of a substantial equity interest in either Seller or any similar
transaction involving either Seller.
SECTION 9.11. GUARANTY OF PURCHASER'S OBLIGATIONS. Guarantor hereby
agrees to take all action necessary or appropriate to cause and enable Purchaser
to perform all of its covenants, obligations and agreements under this
Agreement. In addition, Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely and
unconditionally guarantees as surety the prompt and full discharge by Purchaser
of all of Purchaser's covenants, obligations and agreements under this
Agreement, including the due and punctual payment of all amounts that are or may
become due and payable by Purchaser hereunder when and as the same become due
and payable (collectively, "Purchaser Obligations"), in accordance with the
terms hereof. Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that, with respect to all
Purchaser Obligations to pay money, such guaranty shall be a guaranty of payment
and performance and not of collection and shall not be conditioned or contingent
upon the pursuit of any remedies against Purchaser.
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ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO PURCHASER'S OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
The obligation of Purchaser under this Agreement with respect to the
purchase and sale of the Assets shall be subject to the fulfillment on or prior
to the Closing of each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived
in writing by Purchaser (provided that if any condition shall not have been
satisfied due primarily to the actions or inaction of Purchaser or Guarantor or
any of their affiliates that constitutes a breach of this Agreement, such
condition shall be deemed to have been satisfied or waived by Purchaser):
SECTION 10.01. ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; PERFORMANCE OF
THIS AGREEMENT. All of the representations and warranties made by Sellers in
this Agreement shall be true and correct at and as of the Closing and Sellers
shall have complied with and performed all of the agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior
to the Closing except for such breaches and noncompliances which, in the
aggregate, have not and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. Purchaser shall have been furnished with a certificate or
certificates of ACMC, dated as of the Closing, certifying to the fulfillment of
the foregoing conditions. As used in this Agreement, the term "Material Adverse
Effect" means a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the
Sellers' Business taken as a whole; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither (i) the
effects of any events, circumstances or conditions resulting solely from
changes, developments or circumstances in worldwide or national conditions
(political, economic, or regulatory) that adversely affect generally the markets
where the Cellular Systems are operated or affect generally industries engaged
in the telecommunications business (including proposed legislation or regulation
by any governmental or regulatory body or the introduction of any technological
changes in the telecommunications industry), or adversely affect a broad group
of industries generally, nor, (ii) except as set forth in the following
sentence, any effects of competition resulting from the offering of personal
communication services or other wireless telecommunications services will
constitute a Material Adverse Effect. For the purposes of this Agreement, the
term "Material Adverse Effect" shall be deemed to include (but not be limited
to) the failure of the Cellular Systems to achieve at least 90% of (a) the
Target Number of Subscribers as of the end of the month preceding the Closing
Date or (b) the Target Operating Cash Flow for the Cellular Systems from January
1, 1998 to the end of the month preceding the Closing Date.
SECTION 10.02. PARTNER RESOLUTIONS. Each Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser copies of the resolutions of the Management Committee of NH-01 and
ACC, as applicable, and the board of directors of ACMC authorizing the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Seller and all
instruments and documents to be delivered in connection herewith and the
transactions contemplated hereby, duly certified by an officer of ACMC.
SECTION 10.03. INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE. Purchaser shall have received a
certificate or certificates of an officer of ACMC, certifying as to the
genuineness of the signatures of officers of ACMC authorized to take certain
actions or execute any certificate, document, instrument or agreement to be
delivered pursuant to this Agreement, which incumbency certificate shall include
the true signatures of such officers.
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SECTION 10.04. THIRD PARTY CONSENT; FCC; HART-SCOTT-RODINO ACT. Sellers
shall have delivered to Purchaser such material consents and approvals of third
parties as are necessary to assign to Purchaser, as of the Closing, the Assets
and the Assumed Contracts (including consents for the assignment of all real
estate and tower leases, which require the landlord's consent to assignment and
including, but not limited to, the consents set forth on SCHEDULE 10.04) and
Purchaser shall have obtained all FCC Authorizations and necessary
authorizations of the Vermont Public Service Board and the New Hampshire Public
Utility Commission necessary for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. Prior to assignment, the FCC shall have issued
a consent, which consent has become a Final Order, granting the FCC's consent to
the assignment of the Cellular Authorizations to Purchaser. In addition, all
applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (if applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement) shall have expired or been
terminated and no objection shall have been made by the FTC or the DOJ. For the
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Final Order" shall mean action by the FCC
as to which (i) no request for stay by the FCC, as applicable, of the action is
pending, no such stay is in effect, and, if any deadline for filing any such
request is designated by statute or regulation, such deadline has passed; (ii)
no petition for rehearing or reconsideration of the action is pending before the
FCC, and the time for filing any such petition has passed; (iii) the FCC does
not have the action under reconsideration on its own motion and the time for
such reconsideration has passed; and (iv) no appeal to a court, or request for
stay by a court, of the FCC's action, as applicable, is pending or in effect,
and, if any deadline for filing any such appeal or request is designated by
statute or rule, it has passed.
SECTION 10.05. OPINION OF COUNSEL TO SELLERS. Purchaser shall have been
furnished with an opinion of Edwards & Angell, counsel to Sellers, dated as of
the Closing and addressed to Purchaser, and to any institution designated by
Purchaser which has provided financing in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, in substantially the form of EXHIBIT C hereto.
SECTION 10.06. OPINIONS OF FCC COUNSEL TO SELLERS. Purchaser shall have
been furnished with an opinion of Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez and Sachs, Chartered,
FCC counsel for Sellers, dated as of the Closing and addressed to Purchaser, and
to any financial institution designated by Purchaser which has provided the
financing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT D attached hereto.
SECTION 10.07. OPINIONS OF STATE REGULATORY COUNSEL TO SELLERS. As to
each state in which Sellers hold FCC Authorizations which are transferred to
Purchaser hereunder, Purchaser shall have been furnished with an opinion of
counsel, dated as of the Closing and addressed to Purchaser, and to any
financial institution which has provided financing in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, addressing state regulatory issues
relating to the Licenses and having a scope similar to the form opinion set
forth in Exhibit D attached hereto.
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ARTICLE XI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO
SELLERS' OBLIGATION TO CLOSE
The obligations of Sellers under this Agreement with respect to the sale of
the Assets shall be subject to the fulfillment on or prior to the Closing of
each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived in writing by
Sellers (provided that if any condition shall not have been satisfied due
primarily to the actions or inaction of either Seller or any of their affiliates
that constitutes a breach of this Agreement, such condition shall be deemed to
have been satisfied or waived by Sellers):
SECTION 11.01. ACCURACY OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; PERFORMANCE OF
THIS AGREEMENT. All of the representations and warranties by Guarantor and
Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material
respects at and as of the Closing. Guarantor and Purchaser shall have complied
with and performed in all material respects all of the agreements and covenants
required by this Agreement to be performed and complied with by it on or prior
to the Closing. Sellers' Representative shall have been furnished with a
certificate of an officer of each of Guarantor and Purchaser, dated as of the
Closing, certifying to the fulfillment of the foregoing conditions.
SECTION 11.02. DIRECTORS' RESOLUTIONS. Guarantor and Purchaser shall
deliver to Sellers' Representative copies of the resolutions of its Board of
Directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and all instruments and documents to be delivered in connection herewith and the
transactions contemplated hereby, duly certified by an authorized officer of
Guarantor and Purchaser.
SECTION 11.03. INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE. Sellers' Representative shall have
received a certificate of a secretary or assistant secretary of Guarantor and
Purchaser, certifying as to the genuineness of the signatures of representatives
of Guarantor and Purchaser authorized to take certain actions or execute any
certificate, document, instrument or agreement to be delivered pursuant to this
Agreement, which incumbency certificate shall include the true signatures of
such representatives.
SECTION 11.04. FCC; HART-SCOTT-RODINO ACT. Sellers shall have obtained
all FCC Authorizations and necessary authorizations of the Vermont Public
Service Board and the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission necessary for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The FCC shall
have issued a Final Order granting the FCC's consent to the assignment of the
Cellular Authorizations to Purchaser. In addition, all applicable waiting
periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (if applicable to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement) shall have expired or been terminated and no
objection shall have been made by the FTC or DOJ.
SECTION 11.05. OPINION OF COUNSEL TO GUARANTOR AND PURCHASER. Sellers'
Representative shall have been furnished with an opinion of Moss and Barnett, a
Professional Association,
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counsel to Guarantor and Purchaser, dated as of the Closing and addressed to
Sellers in substantially the form of EXHIBIT E hereto.
ARTICLE XII
CASUALTY LOSSES
In the event that there shall have been suffered between the date hereof
and the Closing any casualty loss relating to the Assets or the Business,
Sellers will promptly notify Purchaser of such event. Sellers shall, at their
option, (i) repair, rebuild or replace the portion of the Assets damaged,
destroyed or lost prior to the Closing Date, or (ii) assign to Purchaser at
Closing all claims to insurance proceeds or other rights of Sellers against
third parties arising from such casualty loss (the "Claims"). To the extent any
Claim is not assignable, such claim may be pursued by Purchaser, for its own
account and benefit, in the name of Sellers.
ARTICLE XIII
POST CLOSING OBLIGATIONS
SECTION 13.01. INDEMNIFICATION BY SELLERS. Notwithstanding the Closing,
and regardless of any investigation made at any time by or on behalf of
Purchaser or any information Purchaser may have, but subject to the terms of
this Article XIII, Sellers agree to indemnify and to hold Purchaser, its
shareholders, officers, directors, and employees harmless from and against and
in respect of any losses (including lost revenues), damages, costs, expenses
(including costs of investigations and reasonable attorney fees), suits,
demands, judgments and diminutions in value suffered or incurred by Purchaser,
but excluding any consequential, exemplary, punitive or other special damages or
losses, (collectively, "Losses") arising from or related to any Nonassumed
Liability.
SECTION 13.02. NON-RECOURSE TO SELLERS' PARTNERS. The obligations of
Sellers to Purchaser under this Agreement and any related agreements,
instruments, documents or certificates are non-recourse to Sellers' partners and
if Sellers are in default hereof or under such other agreements, instruments,
documents or certificates, Purchaser shall not have any recourse to the personal
assets of any partner of Sellers. Purchaser's recourse shall be limited solely
as provided in Section 17.07.
ARTICLE XIV
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRESS RELEASES
SECTION 14.01. CONFIDENTIALITY. Each party (in such capacity, a
"Recipient Party") shall hold in strict confidence all documents and information
concerning the other (in such capacity, a "Disclosing Party") and its business
and properties and, if the transactions contemplated hereby should not be
consummated, such confidence shall be maintained, and all such documents and
information (in written form) shall immediately thereafter be returned to the
Disclosing Party. In furtherance of the foregoing, without the express prior
written consent of the Disclosing Party, the Recipient Party shall not, directly
or indirectly, disclose, disseminate, publish, reproduce,
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retain, use (for its benefit or for the benefit of others) or otherwise make
available in any manner whatsoever, any such documents or information to
anyone except as provided in Section 14.03. If the Recipient Party breaches,
or threatens to commit a breach of, any of the provisions of this Article
XIV, the Disclosing Party shall have the right (in addition to any other
rights and remedies available at law or in equity) to equitable relief
(including injunctions) against such breach or threatened breach, it being
acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach will cause
irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party and that money damages would not be
an adequate remedy.
SECTION 14.02. PRESS RELEASES. No press release or public disclosure,
either written or oral, of the existence or terms of this Agreement shall be
made by either Purchaser or Sellers without the consent of the other subject to
the provisions of Section 14.03, and Purchaser and Sellers shall each furnish to
the other advance copies of any release which it proposes to make public
concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and the date
upon which Purchaser or Sellers, as the case may be, proposes to make such press
release.
SECTION 14.03. DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY LAW. This Article XIV shall not,
however, be construed to prohibit any party from making any disclosures to any
governmental authority that it is required to make by law or from filing this
Agreement with, or disclosing the terms of this Agreement to, any institutional
lender to such party, or prohibit Sellers, Purchaser or any of their affiliates
from disclosing to its investors, partners, accountants, auditors, attorneys,
parent company and broker/dealers such terms of this transaction as are
customarily disclosed to them in connection with the sale or acquisition of a
cellular telephone system; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any such party shall be
informed of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree to keep
such information confidential in accordance with the terms of Section 14.01
hereof; and PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each party shall provide to the other
reasonable advance copies of any public release except where the provision of
such advance notice is not permissible.
ARTICLE XV
TERMINATION
SECTION 15.01. BREACHES AND DEFAULTS; OPPORTUNITY TO CURE. Prior to the
exercise by a party of any termination rights afforded under this Agreement, if
either party (the "Non-Breaching Party") believes the other (the "Breaching
Party") to be in breach hereunder, the Non-Breaching Party shall provide the
Breaching Party with written notice specifying in reasonable detail the nature
of such breach, whereupon the Breaching Party shall have thirty (30) days from
the receipt of such notice to cure such breach to the reasonable satisfaction of
the Non-Breaching Party; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such breach is curable but
is not capable of being cured within such period and if the Breaching Party
shall have commenced action to cure such breach within such period and is
diligently attempting to cure such breach, then the Breaching Party shall be
afforded an additional sixty (60) days to cure such breach, PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
Purchaser shall have no opportunity to cure the breach of its obligations to
deliver any required portion of the Purchase Price to be delivered to Sellers at
Closing; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, that the cure period for a breach shall
in no event extend beyond the Outside Date (as defined in Section 15.02(e)). If
the breach is not cured within such time period, then the Breaching Party shall
be in
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default hereunder and the Non-Breaching Party shall be entitled to
terminate this Agreement (as provided in Section 15.02). This right of
termination shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any legal or equitable
remedies available to the Non-Breaching Party.
SECTION 15.02. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the
transactions contemplated herein may be abandoned, by written notice given to
the other party hereto, at any time prior to the Closing:
(a) by mutual written consent of Sellers and Purchaser;
(b) by either Purchaser or Sellers, if any court of competent
jurisdiction in the United States or other United States governmental body shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise permanently prohibiting the sale of the
Assets to Purchaser (which Sellers and Purchaser shall have used all reasonable
efforts to have lifted or reversed) and such order, decree, ruling or other
action shall have become final and nonappealable;
(c) subject to Section 15.01, by Purchaser, if Sellers shall
have breached any of their representations herein or if Sellers shall have
breached any of their covenants herein and such breaches, in the aggregate,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(d) subject to Section 15.01, by Sellers, if Purchaser or
Guarantor shall have materially breached any of their representations or
covenants herein; or
(e) by either Sellers or Purchaser if the Closing shall not have
occurred on or before December 31, 1998 (the "Outside Date"), unless the failure
to have the Closing shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to
terminate this Agreement to perform in any material respect its obligations
under this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing.
ARTICLE XVI
BROKERS' FEES
Each party represents and warrants to the other that it shall be solely
responsible for the payment of any fee or commission due to any broker or finder
it has engaged with respect to this transaction and the other party hereto shall
be indemnified for any liability with respect thereto.
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 17.01. ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER. (a) From time to time
after the Closing, each party shall, if requested by another party, make,
execute and deliver such additional assignments, bills of sale, deeds and other
instruments, as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out the specific
provisions of this Agreement, including transfer to
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<PAGE>
Purchaser all of Sellers' right, title and interest in and to the Assets.
Such efforts and assistance shall be at the cost of the requesting party.
(b) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
Sellers are not obligated to sell, assign, transfer or convey to Purchaser any
of their rights and obligations in and to any Interest without first obtaining
all necessary approvals, consents or waivers. To the extent any of the
approvals, consents or waivers listed on SCHEDULE 10.04 have not been obtained
by Sellers as of the Closing and Purchaser elects to proceed with the Closing,
Sellers shall, for a period equal to the shorter of twelve months after the
Closing, or the remaining term of such Interest, use all reasonable efforts to
(i) obtain the consent of any such third party; (ii) cooperate with Purchaser in
any reasonable and lawful arrangements designed to provide the benefits
(including, without limitation, the payment to Purchaser of any monies received
by Sellers in connection therewith) of such Interest to Purchaser so long as
Purchaser performs all obligations with respect to the Interest (and the payment
of all expenses in connection therewith); and (iii) enforce, at the request of
Purchaser and at the expense and for the account of Purchaser, any rights of
Sellers arising from such Interest against such issuer thereof or the other
party or parties thereto (including the right to elect to terminate any such
Interest in accordance with the terms thereof upon the request of Purchaser);
provided, however, that none of Purchaser or Sellers shall be obligated to pay
any consideration or other sums therefor (except for filing fees and other
ordinary administrative charges and except as set forth above) to the third
party from whom such approval, consent or waiver is requested.
SECTION 17.02. NOTICES. All notices and other communications required or
permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given if delivered, sent by telecopier, recognized overnight delivery
service or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, to the following addresses:
(i) If to Purchaser or Guarantor:
Rural Cellular Corporation
P.O. Box 2000
Alexandria, MN 56308-2000
Attention: Richard P. Ekstrand
President and Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile No.: (320) 808-2102
with a required copy to:
Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association
4800 Norwest Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4129
Attention: Ann K. Newhall, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (612) 339-6686
(ii) If to Sellers:
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<PAGE>
Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.
15 Westminster Street, Suite 830
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Attention: Charles C. Townsend
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile No.: (401) 421-9260
with a required copy to:
Edwards & Angell
2700 Hospital Trust Tower
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Attention: Walter G. D. Reed, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (401) 276-6611
Notices delivered personally shall be effective upon delivery against
receipt. Notices transmitted by telecopy shall be effective when received,
provided that the burden of proving notice when notice is transmitted by
telecopy shall be the responsibility of the party providing such notice.
Notices delivered by overnight mail shall be effective when received. Notices
delivered by registered or certified mail shall be effective on the date set
forth on the receipt of registered or certified mail, or 72 hours after mailing,
whichever is earlier.
SECTION 17.03. EXPENSES. Each party shall bear its own expenses and
costs, including the fees of any corporate and FCC attorney retained by it,
incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that Purchaser
shall bear the expense of all FCC, Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (if applicable) and
other governmental filing fees.
SECTION 17.04. SELLERS' REPRESENTATIVE. Each of the Sellers hereby
designates ACC to be the initial Sellers' Representative. The Sellers'
Representative may be removed, and a new Sellers' Representative designated, at
any time and from time to time, by a written notice to Purchaser from the
Sellers. In furtherance of the foregoing designation of Sellers'
Representative, each of the Sellers, by its execution hereof, hereby makes,
constitutes and appoints ACC (or any successor Sellers' Representative
designated in accordance with the terms hereof), to be its true, sufficient and
lawful attorney for it and in its name, place and stead, for the purpose of
acting as Sellers' Representative under this Agreement, and to do and perform
all necessary acts contemplated under this Agreement both prior to, at and
subsequent to the Closing Date (including the performance and prosecution of
this Agreement both prior to, at and subsequent to the Closing Date), in as full
and ample a manner as such Seller might do if such Seller were personally
present. The Purchaser shall not be responsible or liable in any manner for any
actions taken or admitted to be taken by the Sellers' Representative, including
but not limited to, any actions with respect to any amounts paid to the Sellers'
Representative pursuant hereto, and the Purchaser shall be indemnified and held
harmless against any loss, expense or damage arising therefrom.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 17.05. TRANSFER TAXES. Sellers shall bear the expense of all use,
sales and transfer taxes, if any, imposed in connection with the sale and
delivery of the Assets acquired by Purchaser under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary set forth in this Section 17.05,
Purchaser shall in no event be responsible in any manner for the payment of any
taxes on any income or gain which Sellers may realize as a result of the sale of
the Assets or otherwise related to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
SECTION 17.06. COLLECTION PROCEDURES. From and after the Closing,
Purchaser shall have the right and authority, at its expense, to collect for its
account all items to which it is entitled as provided in this Agreement and to
endorse with the name of the Sellers any checks or drafts received on account of
any such items.
SECTION 17.07. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties recognize and
acknowledge that in the event that any party hereto shall fail to perform its
obligations under the terms of this Agreement, money damages alone will not be
adequate to compensate the other parties to this Agreement. The parties
therefore agree and acknowledge that in the event either the Purchaser or the
Sellers fail to perform their obligations under this Agreement prior to Closing,
the other party shall be entitled, in addition to any other rights and remedies
on account of such failure, to specific performance of the terms of this
Agreement and of the covenants and obligations hereunder.
SECTION 17.08. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without
application of principles of conflicts of law).
SECTION 17.09. ASSIGNMENT. 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, which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
SECTION 17.10. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All agreements made and entered
into in connection with this transaction shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns.
SECTION 17.11. AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS. No alteration, modification or change
of this Agreement shall be valid except by an agreement in writing executed by
the parties hereto. No failure or delay by any party hereto in exercising any
right, power or privilege hereunder (and no course of dealing between or among
any of the parties) shall operate as a waiver of any such right, power or
privilege. No waiver of any default on any one occasion shall constitute a
waiver of any subsequent or other default. No single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or privilege shall preclude the further or full exercise
thereof.
SECTION 17.12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement merges all previous
negotiations and agreements between the parties hereto, either verbal or
written, and constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the
parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 17.13. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be an original, but all
of which together shall constitute one agreement. Facsimile signatures shall be
deemed original signatures.
SECTION 17.14. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be invalid or
unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application
of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected
thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law, but only
as long as the continued validity, legality and enforceability of such provision
or application does not materially (a) alter the terms of this Agreement, (b)
diminish the benefits of this Agreement or (c) increase the burdens of this
Agreement, for any person.
SECTION 17.15. SECTION HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this
Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement
of the parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.
SECTION 17.16. INTERPRETATION. As both parties have participated in the
drafting of this Agreement, any ambiguity shall not be construed against either
party as the drafter.
SECTION 17.17. FURTHER ASSURANCES. For a period of six (6) months after
Closing, Sellers agree to provide to Purchaser from time to time any information
that Sellers possess with respect to the operation of the Business and Assets
prior to the Closing which the Purchaser reasonably requests in the future in
connection with the Purchaser's financing efforts now or in the future or in
connection with any FCC or other regulatory filing.
SECTION 17.18. THIRD PARTIES. Nothing herein, expressed or implied, is
intended to or shall confer on any person other than the parties hereto any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement.
SECTION 17.19 CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS. As used in this Agreement the term
(a) "to Sellers' knowledge" or any similar phrase means the actual knowledge of
one of the Executive Officers and (b) "Executive Officers" shall mean Messrs.
Charles C. Townsend, John P. Kelly and Todd C. DeSisto, the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, the President and Chief Operating Officer and the Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of ACMC.
SECTION 17.20 SECOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Attached hereto as EXHIBIT F is
a form of Purchase Agreement (the "Second Purchase Agreement") among the Sellers
Identified Therein and the Purchaser. The parties hereto hereby acknowledge and
agree that the form of the Second Purchase Agreement including all the terms and
conditions set forth therein are acceptable to each of the parties hereto. ACC
will use its reasonable efforts to obtain the signatures of each of the Sellers
identified in the Second Purchase Agreement prior to Monday, March 30, 1998. In
the event ACC is able to obtain signatures prior to such date, (a) the Purchaser
will execute the Second Purchase Agreement, (b) this Agreement shall be deemed
null and void, and (c) the transactions contemplated by the Second Purchase
Agreement will proceed to closing, subject to
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<PAGE>
the terms and conditions of the Second Purchase Agreement. In the event ACC
is unable to obtain such signatures prior to such date, no party shall be
under any further obligations with respect to this Section 17.20 or the
Second Purchase Agreement.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the day and year first
above written.
SELLERS:
ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P.
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By: /s/ Charles C. Townsend
----------------------------------------------
Charles C. Townsend
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA NUMBER ONE
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By: /s/ Charles C. Townsend
----------------------------------------------
Charles C. Townsend
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
PURCHASER:
RCC ATLANTIC, INC.
By: /s/ Richard P. Ekstrand
----------------------------------------------
Richard P. Ekstrand
President and Chief Executive Officer
GUARANTOR:
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
By: /s/ Richard P. Ekstrand
----------------------------------------------
Richard P. Ekstrand
President and Chief Executive Officer
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
BILL OF SALE AND ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase
Agreement dated as of February 13, 1998 (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") by and
among ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("ACC")
and ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA NUMBER ONE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a
Delaware limited partnership ("NH-01"; and together with ACC, individually a
"Seller" and collectively the "Sellers"), RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
("Guarantor") and RCC ATLANTIC, INC., a Minnesota corporation ("Purchaser"),
that the undersigned Sellers, for and in consideration of the payment of the
Purchase Price and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant, sell, convey,
transfer, assign and deliver to Purchaser as of the date hereof all of the
Assets, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
The Assets shall include all real and personal tangible and intangible
assets, properties, rights and business owned by each Seller of whatever
description, which relate in any way to the ownership, use or operation of the
Business. Such Assets shall include, without limitation, the assets set forth
in Section 2.01 of the Asset Purchase Agreement.
EXCEPTING, EXCLUDING AND RESERVING, however, as set forth in Section 2.02
of the Asset Purchase Agreement, from the assets and properties of Sellers
conveyed to Purchaser by means of this Bill of Sale, the Excluded Assets as more
particularly described in Section 2.02 of and Schedule 2.02 to the Asset
Purchase Agreement.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, all and singular, the Assets hereby sold, assigned,
transferred and conveyed to Purchaser and its successors and assigns, to and for
their own use and benefit forever.
Except as otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Bill of
Sale and Assignment Agreement shall have the same meaning herein as defined in
the Asset Purchase Agreement.
This Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement is subject to all the terms and
conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement. No provision of this Bill of Sale
and Assignment Agreement shall be deemed to enlarge, alter or amend the terms or
provisions of the Asset Purchase Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary set forth herein, if there is any conflict between the terms and
conditions of this Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement and the terms and
conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the terms and conditions of the
Asset Purchase Agreement shall control.
Specifically excluded from this Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement is
any right, title or interest which is by law or contract non-assignable without
the consent of the other party or parties thereto, unless and until such consent
has been given, whereupon the assignment of such
<PAGE>
right, title or interest shall be automatically effective. Pending receipt
of such consents, the benefit of such rights, title and interests shall be
afforded to Purchaser in accordance with the terms and provisions of the
Asset Purchase Agreement.
This instrument shall be binding upon each Seller and its successors and
assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Purchaser and its successors and
assigns.
This Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement shall be governed by, construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Sellers have caused this Bill of Sale and Assignment
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers as of the date first
written above.
ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P.
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By:
----------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE
RSA NUMBER ONE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By:
----------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of _______________, 1998 by and among ATLANTIC CELLULAR
COMPANY, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("ACC") and ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW
HAMPSHIRE RSA NUMBER ONE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership
("NH-01"; and together with ACC, individually a "Seller" and collectively the
"Sellers") and RCC ATLANTIC, INC., a Minnesota corporation ("Purchaser") (the
"Assumption Agreement").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Sellers, Rural Cellular Corporation and Purchaser have entered
into an Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of February 13, 1998 (the "Asset
Purchase Agreement") and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
the Asset Purchase Agreement is occurring on the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Purchaser agreed
to assume certain liabilities and obligations of Sellers; and
WHEREAS, except as otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this
Assumption Agreement shall have the same meaning herein as defined in the Asset
Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained in the
Asset Purchase Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
For value received, from and after the date and time hereof, Purchaser
hereby assumes and agrees to perform and discharge in a timely manner the
Assumed Liabilities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, as to any lease, contract or other
agreement included in the Assets which cannot be sold, tranferred, assigned,
conveyed or delivered effectively without the consent of a third party, which
consent has not been obtained, this Assumption Agreement shall be of no force of
effect until such requisite consent is obtained, whereupon this Assumption
Agreement shall become of full force and effect with respect thereto.
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or in the Asset Purchase
Agreement or as otherwise agreed to in writing by Sellers and Purchaser,
Purchaser does not, and shall not, assume or be deemed to assume, under the
Asset Purchase Agreement or otherwise by reason of the transactions contemplated
thereby, any Nonassumed Liabilities.
<PAGE>
Each party hereto agrees, upon the reasonable request of the other party
hereto (and at such other party's expense), to make, execute and deliver any or
all documents or instruments of any kind or character, and to perform all such
other actions, that may be necessary or proper and reasonable to effectuate,
confirm, perform or carry out the terms and provisions of this Assumption
Agreement.
The Assumed Liabilities being assumed pursuant to this Assumption Agreement
are subject to the terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if there is any
conflict between the terms and conditions of this Assumption Agreement and the
terms and conditions of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the terms and conditions
of the Asset Purchase Agreement shall control.
This Assumption Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns; PROVIDED, that
this Assumption Agreement and all rights, privileges, duties and obligations of
the parties hereto or hereunder, may not be assigned or delegated by any of the
parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties to this
Assumption Agreement.
This Assumption Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[The rest of this page is left blank intentionally.]
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assumption
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers as of the date first
written above.
ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P.
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By:
----------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE
RSA NUMBER ONE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: Atlantic Cellular Management Company,
its Managing General Partner
By:
----------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
RCC ATLANTIC, INC.
By:
----------------------------------------------
Richard P. Ekstrand
President and Chief Executive
Officer
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
OPINION OF SELLERS' COUNSEL
[], 1998
Rural Cellular Corporation
RCC Atlantic, Inc.
c/o Rural Cellular Corporation
P.O. Box 2000
Alexandria, MN 56308-2000
Re: OPINION OF COUNSEL TO SELLERS
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership ("ACC") and Atlantic Cellular/New Hampshire RSA
Number One Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ("NH-01"; and
together with ACC, individually a "Seller" and collectively the "Sellers") in
connection with the execution and delivery of that certain Asset Purchase
Agreement dated February 13, 1998 (the "Purchase Agreement") by and among
Sellers, Rural Cellular Corporation, a Minnesota corporation ("Guarantor") and
RCC Atlantic, Inc., a Minnesota corporation ("Purchaser"). This opinion letter
is delivered to you pursuant to Section 10.05 of the Purchase Agreement.
Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning given to
such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
In connection with the delivery of this opinion, we have examined the
Purchase Agreement, including the Schedules thereto, the Bill of Sale and the
Assumption Agreement (collectively, the "Related Agreements"), and the
partnership records of the Sellers. We have also examined such other
agreements, instruments and documents and matters of law as we deemed relevant
or necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed herein. As to questions of
fact material to such opinions, we have relied, without independent
verification, on the certificates of the partners of the Sellers, certificates
of public officials and upon the accuracy and completeness of the
representations set forth in the Purchase Agreement. However, except to the
extent expressly set forth herein, we have not undertaken any independent
investigation to determine the existence or absence of such facts.
Whenever our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is
indicated to be based upon our knowledge, we are referring solely to the
conscious awareness of the particular Edwards & Angell attorneys who have
devoted substantive attention to the matters
<PAGE>
contemplated by the Purchase Agreement without there being any investigation
other than inquiry of the partners or officers of such partners of the
Sellers. No inference as to our actual or imputed knowledge concerning any
fact should be drawn from the fact of our past or current representation of
the Sellers.
In our examination we have assumed (a) the genuineness of all signatures,
(b) the completeness and authenticity of all documents and records submitted to
us as originals, (c) the conformity to original documents and records of all
documents and records submitted to us as certified, photostatic or conformed
copies, (d) the due execution and delivery of the Related Agreements by the
Purchaser and Guarantor, (e) the validity of all applicable statutes,
ordinances, rules and regulations and (f) the legal capacity of all natural
persons executing documents.
We do not opine with respect to any law, regulation, rule or policy enacted
or adopted after the date hereof, nor assume any responsibility to update our
opinions hereinafter set forth. We have investigated such questions of law we
have deemed necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion. Our opinions
expressed herein are limited to the Delaware Limited Partnership Act and the
laws of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States and we do
not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion
as to the effect of or any matter related to (a) the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended or the rules, regulations, orders, policies and decisions of the FCC
or (b) any state pubic utilities law or the rules, regulations, orders, policies
and divisions of any state.
The opinions expressed below are subject to the following qualifications:
a. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements may be
subject to and affected by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
arrangement, moratorium, avoidance or other laws relating to or affecting the
rights of creditors generally.
b. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements and
particular provisions thereof are subject to or may be affected by limitations
imposed by general principles of equity and the availability of equitable
remedies (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in proceedings at law
or in equity).
c. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements may be
subject to or affected by statutory or decisional law limiting or rendering
ineffective obligations to indemnify or the waiver or release of rights or
defenses.
d. Certain rights, remedies, forfeitures, penalties, waivers or elections
contained in the Related Agreements may be rendered ineffective or limited by
applicable laws or judicial decisions governing such provisions, but such laws
and judicial decisions do not, in
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<PAGE>
our opinion, make the Related Agreements inadequate for the substantive
realization of the benefit intended to be provided thereby.
Based upon, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. Sellers are limited partnerships duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and have the power and
authority to own and operate the Assets and to carry on the Business as now
being conducted.
2. Sellers have all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver
the Related Agreements to which they are a party, to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby and to perform their obligations thereunder. The
execution, delivery and performance by Sellers of the Related Agreements and the
consummation by Sellers of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary action and no approval of the Sellers' partners is
required in connection therewith. The Related Agreements to which Sellers are a
party have been duly executed and delivered by them and constitute legal, valid
and binding obligations of Sellers and are enforceable against such Sellers in
accordance with their terms.
3. The execution and delivery by Sellers of the Related Agreements, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and compliance by Sellers
with the provisions thereof do not and will not, with notice or passage of time
or both, (A) conflict with, or constitute a default under, or result in a breach
or violation of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) the Sellers'
certificates of limited partnership or limited partnership agreements; (ii) any
law applicable to the Sellers; or (iii) the express terms of any material loan
agreement or mortgage to which Sellers are a party or by which they are bound
(subject to the receipt of any required consents, which consents, assuming
execution where required by Sellers and the compliance by Sellers of any terms
required by such consent, have been obtained), or (B) require the consent or
approval of, or filing or registration with, any governmental or regulatory
authority that has not already been obtained or made, excluding in any such case
consents, approvals, filings or registrations, the failure to obtain or make, as
the case may be, would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on Sellers.
4. To our knowledge, (A) there is no outstanding judgment against Sellers
which questions the validity of any action to be taken pursuant to or in
connection with the Purchase Agreement, and (B) there is no litigation,
proceeding or investigation pending or threatened against Sellers that questions
the validity of any action to be taken pursuant to or in connection with the
Purchase Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE>
This opinion is solely for your benefit in connection with the transaction
contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and without our express written consent
this opinion may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person. This
opinion is not to be referred to or quoted in any document, report or financial
statement, or filed with, or delivered to, any governmental agency or other
person or entity, without our prior written consent in each instance.
Very truly yours,
EDWARDS & ANGELL
-4-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF FCC COUNSEL OPINION
[LUKAS, NACE, GUTIERREZ AND SACHS LETTERHEAD]
DATE
Rural Cellular Corporation
RCC Atlantic, Inc.
c/o Rural Cellular Corporation
P.O. Box 2000
Alexandria, MN 56308-2000
RE: ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 13, 1998, BY AND AMONG
ATLANTIC CELLULAR COMPANY, L.P., ATLANTIC CELLULAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE RSA
NUMBER ONE, L.P., RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION ("GUARANTOR") AND RCC
ATLANTIC, INC. ("PURCHASER")
Gentlemen and Ladies:
We have been requested to provide you with this opinion pursuant to Section
10.06 of the Asset Purchase Agreement ("Agreement"), dated as of February 13,
1998, by and among Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("ACC") and Atlantic Cellular/New Hampshire RSA Number One, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership ("NH-01"), and together with ACC (individually a
"Seller" and collectively the "Sellers"), Rural Cellular Corporation
("Guarantor") and RCC Atlantic, Inc. ("Purchaser"). Capitalized terms used in
this opinion and not defined otherwise herein shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to them in the Agreement.
We have acted as special communications counsel to the Sellers in
connection with certain matters arising before the Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC"). In that capacity we have devoted substantial attention to
certain matters upon the request of the Sellers. The Sellers may have employed
in house or separate counsel to devote substantial attention in connection with
certain other FCC related matters and for other purposes. Our opinion as
special communications counsel should not be read to encompass any matters as to
which we have not been retained to devote substantial attention.
As special communications counsel we address only matters within the
jurisdiction of the FCC. The following opinions are based upon and concern only
the effect of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, ("Act") and the rules,
regulations and published copies of the FCC (collectively "Communications
Laws"). We express no opinion with respect to any other law, statute, rule,
regulation, ordinance, decision, judgment, decree, legal requirement, or legal
authority, whatsoever. This opinion should not be construed to render an
opinion on any matter of state law with respect to the Sellers or their
operations, nor on any
<PAGE>
matter concerning the validity of the issuance of securities or the procedure
for the perfection of security interests.
In rendering this opinion we have examined the Agreement, and (i) the
Communications Laws; (ii) the publicly available records of the FCC related to
the FCC Licenses ("Public File"); and (iii) our files based upon our
representation of the Sellers before the FCC. Collectively, our investigation
referred to in this paragraph is "Our Inquiry."
In making Our Inquiry, we have assumed, without independent verification:
(i) the genuineness of all signatures (whether original or photostatic) and the
authenticity and completeness of all documents submitted to us as originals and
the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us
as certified or photostatic copies; (ii) that where any such signature purports
to have been made in a corporate, governmental, fiduciary or other capacity, the
person who affixed such signature to such documents had authority to do so; and
(iii) the correctness of public files, records/certificates and information of,
or furnished by, governmental or regulatory agencies or authorities, except
where we have specific knowledge to the contrary.
As to all questions of fact material to this opinion, in making Our
Inquiry, we have relied solely upon: (i) an examination of the Public File;
(ii) the representations and warranties of the Sellers contained in the
Agreement and the other documents referred to above; and (iii) facts contained
in our files maintained in connection with our representation of the Sellers.
We have assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy of the relevant
facts stated therein.
When used in this opinion, the term "Our Knowledge" refers to the actual
current knowledge of the attorneys currently in this firm who have been actively
involved in the representation of the Sellers. No inference as to our knowledge
of the existence or nonexistence of facts, other than facts of which we have
obtained actual knowledge as a result of our representation of the Sellers
should be drawn from our representation of the Sellers as special communications
counsel.
Whenever our opinion with respect to the existence or nonexistence of facts
is qualified by the phrase "To Our Knowledge," or some similar phrase, it is
intended to indicate that no information has come to the attention of those
attorneys in the course of our representation that would give them actual
knowledge that our opinion with respect to the existence or nonexistence of such
facts is inaccurate. We have not, however, undertaken any independent
investigation of the Sellers or their facilities or operations to determine the
existence or nonexistence of such facts -- including on-site field inspections,
including, but not limited to inspection of the physical condition of the
Sellers' facilities, or whether the actual operation of these facilities is in
compliance with legal, regulatory or technical standards which may be applicable
- -- other than Our Inquiry as specifically identified above. Moreover you should
be aware that such inspections are not within our professional responsibility as
attorneys, and we do not make such inspections. Our opinion, therefore, does
not encompass any matter which would be apparent, inter alia, only as a result
of such independent investigations.
-2-
<PAGE>
Whenever our opinion is qualified by the phrase "after Our Inquiry" or some
similar phrase, it is intended to indicate that we undertook Our Inquiry as
described herein, but did not undertake any independent investigation or
evaluation to confirm the accuracy or completeness of the responses obtained
from Our Inquiry.
This opinion is governed by, and shall be interpreted in accordance with,
the Legal Opinion Accord of the ABA Section of Business Law (1991) ("Accord").
As a consequence, it is therefore subject to a number of other qualifications,
exceptions, definitions, limitations on coverage and other limitations, all as
more particularly described in the Accord, and this opinion should be read in
conjunction therewith.
Subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations set forth
herein, based on Our Inquiry, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Sellers hold the FCC licenses, permits and authorizations listed
on Exhibit A hereto ("FCC Licenses").
2. Except as may be disclosed on Exhibit B hereto, to Our Knowledge, the
FCC Licenses are in full force and effect, have not been suspended, revoked,
canceled, or modified in any materially adverse way, and are not subject to any
condition outside the ordinary course.
3. Except as may be disclosed on Exhibit B hereto, to Our Knowledge, all
applicable, administrative and judicial appeal, review and reconsideration
periods relating to the grant of the FCC Licenses have expired without our being
served with any timely filing of any such appeal, review request or
reconsideration petition, and without the FCC having instituted review or
reconsideration of the grant of any of the FCC Licenses on its own motion.
4. To Our Knowledge, no notice of violation, order to show cause,
material complaint or investigation by or before the FCC is pending or
threatened in writing regarding any of the FCC Licenses, which threatens or
might materially adversely affect any of the FCC Licenses or result in any
material adverse effect on the ownership or operation of the facilities held by
the Sellers.
5. We have no knowledge of any pending action, event, or matter which has
occurred, or which has been threatened in writing, that would lead us to
believe, subject to the Sellers' continued regulatory compliance, that any FCC
License would not be renewed in the ordinary course.
6. The FCC has granted its consent to the assignment of the FCC Licenses
identified on Exhibit A hereto, from Sellers to [Purchaser] on the dates
specified and such consent is a Final Order. Such consent constitutes all
necessary consent, approval and authorization required under the Communications
Laws to convey the Assets of the Cellular Systems to [Purchaser] as contemplated
by the Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE>
7. To Our Knowledge, neither the execution and delivery of the Agreement
by the Sellers nor the conveyance of the Assets of the Cellular Systems to
[Purchaser] as contemplated by the Agreement, will violate the Communications
Laws.
This opinion is being provided to you solely for your use in connection
with the Agreement. It may not be quoted, copied, delivered to, or relied upon
by anyone other than you in connection with the Agreement, and may be used for
no other purpose, without our express, written consent. This opinion is
effective only as of the date hereof and is based on statutory laws and judicial
decisions that are effective on the date hereof. We do not opine with respect
to any law, regulation, rule or governmental policy which may be enacted,
adopted, or become effective after the date hereof, nor do we undertake any
professional responsibility to advise you as to any subsequent event either in
the nature of a change of fact or law, as to which we may become aware.
Moreover, this opinion should not be assumed to state general principles of law
applicable to transactions of this kind. Where any portion of this opinion may
be construed or understood to opine concerning the effect or possible effect on
the operations, financial or otherwise of the Sellers, you are advised that we
have no particular expertise or qualification with respect to such matters, and
you rely upon such an opinion solely at your own risk.
LUKAS, NACE, GUTIERREZ AND SACHS CHARTERED
-4-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E
OPINION OF PURCHASER'S AND GUARANTOR'S COUNSEL
[], 1998
Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.
15 Westminster Street, Suite 830
Providence, RI 02903
Atlantic Cellular/New Hampshire
RSA Number One Limited Partnership
15 Westminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Re: OPINION OF COUNSEL TO PURCHASER
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to RCC Atlantic, Inc., a Minnesota
corporation ("Purchaser") and Rural Cellular Corporation, a Minnesota
corporation ("Guarantor") in connection with the execution and delivery of that
certain Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 13, 1998 (the "Purchase
Agreement") by and among Purchaser, Guarantor, Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership ("ACC") and Atlantic Cellular/New Hampshire RSA
Number One Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ("NH-01"; and
together with ACC, individually a "Seller" and collectively the "Sellers").
Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meaning given to
such terms in the Purchase Agreement.
In connection with the delivery of this opinion, we have examined the
Purchase Agreement, including the Schedules thereto and the Assumption Agreement
(collectively, the "Related Agreements"), and the corporate records of the
Purchaser and Guarantor. We have also examined such other agreements,
instruments and documents and matters of law as we deemed relevant or necessary
as a basis for the opinions expressed herein. As to questions of fact material
to such opinions, we have relied, without independent verification, on the
certificates of officers of the Purchaser and Guarantor, certificates of public
officials and upon the accuracy and completeness of the representations set
forth in the Purchase Agreement. However, except to the extent expressly set
forth herein, we have not undertaken any independent investigation to determine
the existence or absence of such facts.
<PAGE>
Whenever our opinion with respect to the existence or absence of facts is
indicated to be based upon our knowledge, we are referring solely to the
conscious awareness of the particular ______________ attorneys who have devoted
substantive attention to the matters contemplated by the Purchase Agreement
without there being any investigation other than inquiry of the senior officers
of the Purchaser and Guarantor. No inference as to our actual or imputed
knowledge concerning any fact should be drawn from the fact of our past or
current representation of the Purchaser and Guarantor.
In our examination we have assumed (a) the genuineness of all signatures,
(b) the completeness and authenticity of all documents and records submitted to
us as originals, (c) the conformity to original documents and records of all
documents and records submitted to us as certified, photostatic or conformed
copies, (d) the due execution and delivery of the Related Agreements by Sellers,
(e) the validity of all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations
and (f) the legal capacity of all natural persons executing documents.
We do not opine with respect to any law, regulation, rule or policy enacted
or adopted after the date hereof, nor assume any responsibility to update our
opinions hereinafter set forth. We have investigated such questions of laws we
have deemed necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion. Our opinions
expressed herein are limited to the laws of the State of Minnesota and the
Federal law of the United States and we do not express any opinion herein
concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to the effect of or any
matter related to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended or the rules,
regulations, orders, policies and decisions of the FCC. To the extent any of
the Related Agreements are governed by the laws of a jurisdiction other than
Minnesota, we have assumed the laws of such jurisdiction are identical to the
laws of the State of Minnesota.
The opinions expressed below are subject to the following qualifications:
a. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements may be
subject to and affected by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
arrangement, moratorium, avoidance or other laws relating to or affecting the
rights of creditors generally.
b. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements and
particular provisions thereof are subject to or may be affected by limitations
imposed by general principles of equity and the availability of equitable
remedies (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in proceedings at law
or in equity).
c. The validity and enforceability of the Related Agreements may be
subject to or affected by statutory or decisional law limiting or rendering
ineffective obligations to indemnify or the waiver or release of rights or
defenses.
-2-
<PAGE>
d. Certain rights, remedies, forfeitures, penalties, waivers or elections
contained in the Related Agreements may be rendered ineffective or limited by
applicable laws or judicial decisions governing such provisions, but such laws
and judicial decisions do not, in our opinion, make the Related Agreements
inadequate for the substantive realization of the benefit intended to be
provided thereby.
Based upon, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota and is qualified as a foreign
corporation to do business and is in good standing under the laws of the States
of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
2. Guarantor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
3. Each of the Purchaser and Guarantor has all requisite corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver the Related Agreements to which it is a
party, to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby and to perform its
obligations thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance by Purchaser
and Guarantor of the Related Agreements and the consummation by Purchaser and
Guarantor of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action and no approval of either the Purchaser's or
Guarantor's shareholders is required in connection therewith. The Related
Agreements to which each of the Purchaser and Guarantor is a party have been
duly executed and delivered by each of them and constitute legal, valid and
binding obligations of Purchaser and Guarantor and are enforceable against each
of them in accordance with their terms.
3. The execution and delivery by each of the Purchaser and Guarantor of
the Related Agreements, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby, and compliance by each of the Purchaser and Guarantor with the
provisions thereof do not and will not, with notice or passage of time or both,
(A) conflict with, or constitute a default under, or result in a breach or
violation of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) either the Purchaser's
or Guarantor's certificate of incorporation or by-laws; (ii) any law applicable
to either the Purchaser or Guarantor; or (iii) the express terms of any material
loan agreement or mortgage to which either Purchaser or Guarantor is a party or
by which either is bound (subject to the receipt of any required consents, which
consents, assuming the execution required by Purchaser or Guarantor and the
compliance by Purchaser or Guarantor of any terms required by such consent, have
been obtained), or (B) require the consent or approval of, or filing or
registration with, any governmental or regulatory authority that has not already
been obtained or made, excluding in any such case consents, approvals, filings
or registrations, the failure to obtain or make, as the case may be, would not
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Purchaser or
Guarantor.
-3-
<PAGE>
4. To our knowledge, (A) there is no outstanding judgment against either
the Purchaser or Guarantor which questions the validity of any action to be
taken pursuant to or in connection with the Purchase Agreement, and (B) there is
no litigation, proceeding or investigation pending or threatened against either
the Purchaser or Guarantor that questions the validity of any action to be taken
pursuant to or in connection with the Purchase Agreement.
This opinion is solely for your benefit in connection with the transaction
contemplated by the Purchase Agreement and without our express written consent
this opinion may not be relied upon in any manner by any other person. This
opinion is not to be referred to or quoted in any document, report or financial
statement, or filed with, or delivered to, any governmental agency or other
person or entity, without our prior written consent in each instance.
Very truly yours,
-4-
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Company's financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998
<CASH> 3,304,614
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 9,714,873
<ALLOWANCES> (1,210,457)
<INVENTORY> 1,503,733
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 617,009
<PP&E> 110,677,650
<DEPRECIATION> (27,441,146)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 186,409,685
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 149,074,300
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 88,732
<OTHER-SE> 31,769,017
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 186,409,685
<SALES> 320,373
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 14,797,176
<CGS> 884,042
<TOTAL-COSTS> 4,511,775
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 10,809,024
<LOSS-PROVISION> 418,311
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,410,159
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,065,851)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (2,065,851)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,065,851)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.23)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.23)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99
Rural Cellular Corporation Announces
Placement of
Subordinated Notes and Preferred Stock
Alexandria, Minnesota--May 8, 1998--Rural Cellular Corporation
[Nasdaq NMS: RCCC] today announced the signing of an agreement on May 7, 1998
for the placement of $125 million of 9 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due May
15, 2008, and $125 million of 11 3/8% Exchangeable Preferred Stock. The net
proceeds from the sale of the notes will be used to finance the acquisition
of Atlantic Cellular Company, L.P. and Western Maine Cellular, Inc. The net
proceeds from the sale of the preferred stock will be used to pay down
existing debt. The Company said that closing of the debt and preferred stock
placement is to occur on May 14, 1998, subject to normal and customary
closing conditions.
The Company provides wireless communication services through its ownership,
operation and management of cellular, paging and Personal Communications
Service systems. These systems are concentrated in the Upper Midwest and New
England regions of the United States.
The securities have been placed pursuant to exemptions from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933. This communication shall not constitute an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities.
Forward-looking statements in this news release, if any, are made under the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Certain important factors could cause the Company not to issue the
above-mentioned securities, including the impact of changing economic or
business conditions, unfavorable interest rates and other risk factors
discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
For further information, contact:
Ann Elliott
Manager, Corporate Communications
Rural Cellular Corporation
(320) 808.2104
