SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 3, 1999
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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North Carolina 33-58882 56-1814206
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification
of incorporation) number)
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134 North First Street, Albemarle, North Carolina 28001
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(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (704) 982-4415
Not Applicable
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(Former address of principal executive offices)
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ITEM 5 ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.
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On August 3, 1999 the Registrant entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization and Merger with Anson Bancorp, Inc. ("Anson"), Wadesboro, North
Carolina (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock of Anson will be acquired by the
Registrant for cash in an amount equal to $17.30 per share. Aggregate
acquisition price will equal approximately $10,123,000. The Agreement is subject
to approval of the shareholders of Anson and federal and state banking
regulators. It is anticipated that the transaction will be consummated by
December 31, 1999. The Registrant intends to cause Anson to be merged with and
into it resulting in Anson's wholly-owned subsidiary, Anson Savings Bank, Inc.,
to remain as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. At June 30, 1999 Anson
had total assets of approximately $25 million, total loans of approximately
$12.1 million, total deposits of approximately $15.2 million and $9.5 million in
shareholders' equity. Anson operates one banking office in Wadesboro, North
Carolina.
On the same date, Anson granted an option to the Registrant, exercisable on the
occurrence of certain events, which would permit the Registrant to acquire up to
111,173 shares of the common stock of Anson at a price of $18.50 per share.
Copies of the Agreement, Stock Option Agreement and the Press Release are
attached hereto as Exhibits.
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ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
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Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
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2 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger
dated August 3, 1999
2a Stock Option Agreement dated August 3, 1999
99 Press Release dated August 4, 1999
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
By: /s/ Roger L. Dick
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Roger L. Dick
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: August 3, 1999
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
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2 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger
dated August 3, 1999
2a Stock Option Agreement dated August 3, 1999
99 Press Release dated August 4, 1999
Exhibit 2
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
BY AND BETWEEN
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
AND
ANSON BANCORP, INC.
August 3, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I. AGREEMENT TO MERGE..............................................2
1.01. Names of Merging Corporations..................................2
1.02. Nature of Transaction..........................................2
1.03. Effect of Merger; Surviving Corporation........................2
1.04. Assets and Liabilities ........................................2
a. Anson..........................................................2
b. Anson Heritage.................................................3
1.05. Conversion of Stock........................................... 3
a. Right to Receive Cash...................................... 3
b. Exchange Procedures........................................ 4
c. Surrender of Certificates.................................. 4
d. Antidilutive Adjustments....................................4
e. Dissenters' Rights..........................................4
f. Lost Certificates...........................................5
g. Outstanding Uwharrie Stock..................................5
1.06. Articles, Bylaws and Management................................5
1.07. Closing; Articles of Merger; Effective Time....................5
ARTICLE II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANSON........................6
2.01. Organization; Standing; Power..................................6
2.02. Capital Stock..................................................6
2.03. Principal Shareholders.........................................7
2.04. Subsidiaries...................................................7
2.05. Convertible Securities, Options, Etc...........................7
2.06. Authorization and Validity of Agreement;
Recommendation of Anson's Board
of Directors...............................................7
2.07. Validity of Transactions; Absence of
Required Consents or Waivers...............................8
2.08. Anson Books and Records........................................8
2.09. Anson Reports..................................................8
2.10. Anson Financial Statements.....................................9
2.11. Tax Returns and Other Tax Matters..............................9
2.12. Absence of Material Adverse Changes
or Certain Other Events...................................10
2.13. Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities............................10
2.14. Compliance with Existing Obligations..........................10
2.15. Litigation and Compliance with Law............................11
2.16. Real Properties...............................................12
2.17. Loans, Accounts, Notes and Other Receivables..................12
2.18. Securities Portfolio and Investments..........................13
2.19. Personal Property and Other Assets............................14
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2.20. Patents and Trademarks........................................14
2.21. Environmental Matters.........................................14
2.22. Absence of Brokerage or Finders Commissions...................16
2.23. Material Contracts............................................16
2.24. Employment Matters; Employee Relations........................16
2.25. Employment Agreements; Employee Benefit Plans.................17
2.26. Insurance.....................................................19
2.27. Insurance of Deposits.........................................19
2.28. Obstacles to Regulatory Approval..............................20
2.29. Disclosure....................................................20
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UWHARRIE...................20
3.01. Organization; Standing; Power.................................20
3.02. Authorization and Validity of Agreement.......................20
3.03. Validity of Transactions; Absence of
Required Consents or Waivers...............................21
3.04. Obstacles to Regulatory Approval..............................21
3.05. Disclosure....................................................21
3.06. No Shareholder Approval.......................................22
3.07. Funds Availability............................................22
3.08. Compliance with Capital Adequacy Guidelines...................22
ARTICLE IV. COVENANTS OF ANSON............................................22
4.01. Affirmative Covenants of Anson................................22
a. Meeting of Shareholders...................................22
b. Preparation and Distribution of
Proxy Statement........................................22
c. Recommendation of Anson's
Board of Directors.....................................23
d. Conduct of Business Prior to Effective Time...............23
e. Notice of Certain Changes or Events.......................24
f. Further Action; Instruments of Transfer, etc..............24
g. Termination and Funding of Anson Pension Plan.............24
h. Application for Bank Charter..............................24
4.02. Negative Covenants of Anson...................................24
a. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws..............................................24
b. Change in Capital Stock...................................25
c. Options, Warrants and Rights..............................25
d. Dividends.................................................25
e. Employment, Benefit or Retirement
Agreements or Plans....................................25
f. Increase in Compensation..................................25
g. Accounting Practices......................................26
h. Acquisitions; Additional Branch Offices...................26
i. Changes in Business Practices.............................26
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j. Exclusive Merger Agreement................................26
k. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets......................27
l. Debt; Liabilities.........................................27
m. Liens; Encumbrances.......................................27
n. Waiver of Rights..........................................28
o. Other Contracts...........................................28
ARTICLE V. COVENANTS OF UWHARRIE..........................................28
5.01. Board of Directors............................................28
5.02 Dividends.....................................................28
5.03 Inconsistent Agreements.......................................28
5.04 Reimbursement for Certain Expenses............................29
ARTICLE VI. MUTUAL AGREEMENTS.............................................29
6.01. Regulatory Approvals..........................................29
6.02. Information for Preparation of Applications
and Proxy Statement...........................................29
6.03. Access........................................................30
6.04. Costs.........................................................30
6.05. Announcements.................................................30
6.06. Environmental Studies.........................................30
6.07. Employees; Severance Payments
Employee Benefits..........................................31
a. Employment Agreements.....................................31
b. Employment of Other Anson Employees.......................31
c. Severance Compensation....................................32
d. Employee Benefits.........................................32
e. Employee Bonus............................................33
6.08. Confidentiality...............................................33
6.09. Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance..................33
ARTICLE VII. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO MERGER...............................34
7.01. Conditions to all Parties' Obligations........................34
a. Approval by Governmental or Regulatory
Authorities; No Disadvantageous Conditions...............34
b. Adverse Proceedings, Injunction, Etc.......................34
c. Proxy Materials............................................34
d. Approval by Boards of Directors and
Shareholders.............................................34
e. Fairness Opinion...........................................35
f. No Termination or Abandonment..............................35
g. Articles of Merger.........................................35
7.02. Additional Conditions to Anson's
Obligations...............................................35
a. Compliance with Laws.......................................35
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b. Uwharrie's Representations and Warranties
and Performance of Agreements; Officers'
Certificate ..............................................36
c. Legal Opinion of Uwharrie Counsel..........................36
d. Other Documents and Information from Uwharrie..............36
e. Acceptance by Anson's Counsel..............................36
7.03. Additional Conditions to Uwharrie's Obligations...............36
a. Material Adverse Change....................................36
b. Compliance with Laws.......................................36
c. Anson's Representations and Warranties and
Performance of Agreements; Officers' Certificate.........37
d. Legal Opinion of Anson Counsel.............................37
e. Other Documents and Information from Anson.................37
f. Acceptance by Uwharrie's Counsel...........................37
g. Certain Merger Expenses....................................37
h. Pension Plan Expenses......................................37
ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION; BREACH; REMEDIES...............................38
8.01. Mutual Termination............................................38
8.02. Unilateral Termination........................................38
a. Termination by Uwharrie....................................38
b. Termination by Anson.......................................39
8.03. Breach; Remedies..............................................39
ARTICLE IX. INDEMNIFICATION...............................................40
9.01. Indemnification ..............................................40
ARTICLE X. INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS OF ANSON'S DIRECTORS.....................41
10.01. Actions as a Directors.......................................41
10.02. Actions as an Individual.....................................41
10.03. Definitions..................................................42
a. Compete....................................................42
b. Customer...................................................42
c. Financial Institution......................................42
d. Person.....................................................42
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS......................................43
11.01. "Previously Disclosed" Information...........................43
11.02. Survival of Representations, Warranties,
Indemnification and Other Agreements.....................43
a. Representations, Warranties and Other
Agreements..............................................43
b. Indemnification............................................43
11.03. Waiver.......................................................43
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11.04. Amendment....................................................43
11.05. Notices......................................................44
11.06. Further Assurance............................................44
11.07. Headings and Captions........................................44
11.08. Entire Agreement.............................................44
11.09. Severability of Provisions...................................44
11.10. Assignment...................................................44
11.11. Counterparts.................................................45
11.12. Governing Law................................................45
SIGNATURES.............................................................45 & 46
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
BY AND BETWEEN
ANSON BANCORP, INC.
AND
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (hereinafter
called "Agreement") entered into as of the 3rd day of August 1999, by and among
ANSON BANCORP, INC. ("Anson") and UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP ("Uwharrie").
WHEREAS, Anson is a North Carolina corporation with its principal
office and place of business located in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and is the
sole shareholder and parent company of Anson Savings Bank, Inc., a North
Carolina stock chartered savings bank (the "Bank"); and,
WHEREAS, Uwharrie is a North Carolina corporation with its principal
office and place of business located in Albemarle, North Carolina, and is a
registered bank holding company with direct and indirect banking and non-banking
subsidiaries; and,
WHEREAS, Uwharrie and Anson have agreed that it is in their mutual
best interests and in the best interests of their respective shareholders for
Anson to be merged into Uwharrie with the effect that each of the outstanding
shares of Anson's common stock will be converted into the right to receive an
amount of cash, all in the manner and upon the terms and conditions contained in
this Agreement; and,
WHEREAS, to effectuate the foregoing, Uwharrie and Anson desire to
adopt this Agreement which will provide, among other terms and conditions, that
Uwharrie will form a wholly-owned North Carolina corporation to be named Anson
Heritage, Inc. ("Anson Heritage") which will merge with Anson, causing Anson to
become the wholly-owned subsidiary of Uwharrie, and that Anson Heritage
subsequently will be merged with and into Uwharrie; and,
WHEREAS, to effectuate the foregoing, Uwharrie and Anson desire to
adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization in accordance with the
provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
and,
WHEREAS, while Anson's Board of Directors has approved this
Agreement, Anson has executed this Agreement subject to the approval of its
shareholders and has agreed to present a proposal to approve the Agreement and
the Plan of Anson Heritage Merger appended hereto to its shareholders at its
annual meeting and will recommend to Anson's shareholders that they approve the
Agreement and Plan of Anson Heritage Merger and the transactions described
herein; and,
WHEREAS, on the date hereof Uwharrie and Anson have entered into a Stock
Option Agreement providing for the grant to Uwharrie by Anson of an option to
purchase certain shares of
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the Common Stock of Anson; and
WHEREAS, Uwharrie has executed this Agreement with the approval of
its Board of Directors, including approval of the Plan of Anson Heritage Merger
and the Plan of Uwharrie Merger and the transactions described herein; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual
benefits to be derived from this Agreement, and of the representations,
warranties, conditions, covenants and promises herein contained, and subject to
the terms and conditions hereof, Uwharrie and Anson hereby adopt and make this
Agreement and mutually agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. AGREEMENT TO MERGE
1.01. NAMES OF MERGING CORPORATIONS. The names of the corporations
proposed to be merged are Anson Bancorp, Inc. ("Anson"), Uwharrie Capital
Corp ("Uwharrie") and Anson Heritage, Inc. ("Anson Heritage").
1.02. NATURE OF TRANSACTION. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
at the "Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time" (as defined in Paragraph 1.07
below), Anson shall be merged into and with Anson Heritage pursuant to N.C. GEN.
STAT. SS. 55-11-01 and the Plan of Anson Heritage Merger attached hereto as
Exhibit A (the "Anson Heritage Merger") and immediately thereafter, at the
"Uwharrie Merger Effective Time" (as defined in paragraph 1.07 below), Anson
Heritage as the resulting corporation from the Anson Heritage Merger shall merge
with and into Uwharrie pursuant to N.C. GEN. Stat. SS. 55-11-04 and the Plan of
Uwharrie Merger attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Uwharrie Merger").
1.03. EFFECT OF MERGER; SURVIVING CORPORATION. Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and pursuant to the applicable provisions of North
Carolina Law (a) at the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time and as provided in
the Plan of Anson Heritage Merger and N.C. GEN. STAT. SS. 55-11-06, the separate
corporate existence of Anson shall cease and Anson Heritage shall continue as
the surviving corporation with all of its purposes, objects, rights, privileges,
power and franchises. At the Uwharrie Merger Effective Time and as provided in
N.C. GEN. STAT. SS. 55-11-06, by reason of the Uwharrie Merger the separate
corporate existence of Anson Heritage shall cease while the corporate existence
of Uwharrie as the surviving corporation in the Uwharrie Merger shall continue
with all of its purposes, objects, rights, privileges, powers and franchises,
all of which shall be unaffected and unimpaired by the Uwharrie Merger.
Following the Uwharrie Merger, the Bank shall continue to operate as the
wholly-owned savings bank subsidiary of Uwharrie and, as a North Carolina
savings bank, will continue to conduct its business and the business of the Bank
at the then legally established office of the Bank. The duration of the
corporate existence of Uwharrie, as the surviving corporation, shall be
perpetual and unlimited.
1.04. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.
a. ANSON. At the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time and by reason of the Anson Heritage Merger, and in accordance with N.C.
GEN. STAT. SS. 55-11-06, all of Anson's property, assets and rights of every
kind and character (including without limitation all real,
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personal or mixed property, all debts due on whatever account, all other choses
in action and all and every other interest of or belonging to or due to Anson,
whether tangible or intangible) shall be transferred to and vest in Anson
Heritage, and Anson Heritage shall succeed to all the rights, privileges,
immunities, powers, purposes and franchises of a public or private nature of
Anson, all without any conveyance, assignment or further act or deed; and, Anson
Heritage shall become responsible for all of the liabilities, duties and
obligations of every kind, nature and description of Anson as of the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time.
b. ANSON HERITAGE. At the Uwharrie Merger Effective Time and by
reason of the Uwharrie Merger, and in accordance with N.C. GEN. STAT. SS.
55-11-06, all of Anson Heritage's property, assets and rights of every kind and
character (including without limitation all real, personal or mixed property,
all debts due on whatever account, all other choses in action and all and every
other interest of or belonging to or due to Anson Heritage, whether tangible or
intangible) shall be transferred to and vest in Uwharrie, and Uwharrie shall
succeed to all the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes and
franchises of a public or private nature of Anson Heritage, all without any
conveyance, assignment or further act or deed; and Uwharrie shall become
responsible for all of the liabilities, duties and obligations of every kind,
nature and description of Anson Heritage as of the Uwharrie Merger Effective
Time.
1.05. CONVERSION OF STOCK.
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a. Right to Receive Cash. At the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time, all rights of Anson's shareholders with respect to all then outstanding
shares of Anson's no par value common stock ("Anson Stock") shall cease to exist
and, as consideration for and to effectuate the Anson Heritage Merger (and
except as otherwise provided below) each such outstanding share of Anson Stock
(other than any shares held by shareholders who properly exercise "dissenters'
rights" pursuant to Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act as
provided below) shall be converted, without any action on the part of the holder
of such share, Uwharrie, Anson or Anson Heritage, into the right to receive
$17.30 in cash.
At the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, and without any action
by Anson, Uwharrie or any holder of Anson stock, Anson's stock transfer books
shall be closed as to shareholders of Anson Stock immediately prior to the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time and, thereafter, no transfer of Anson Stock by
any such holder may be made or registered; and the holders of shares of Anson
Stock shall cease to be, and shall have no further rights as, shareholders of
Anson other than as provided herein. Following the Anson Heritage Merger
Effective Time, certificates representing shares of Anson Stock outstanding at
the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time (herein sometimes referred to as "Old
Certificates") shall evidence only the right of the registered holder thereof to
receive, and may be exchanged for, (i) a check for the amount of cash to which
such holders shall have become entitled on the basis of the per share price set
forth above, or, (ii) in the case of shares of Anson Stock held by shareholders
who properly exercise "dissenters' rights" pursuant to Article 13 of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act as provided below, cash as provided in Article
13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act.
b. EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. At the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time,
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Uwharrie shall issue and deliver to Bank of Stanly (or such other bank as
Uwharrie shall designate), in its capacity as Uwharrie's agent for purposes of
the exchange of Anson Stock for cash (the "Exchange Agent"), one check
representing the aggregate amount of cash to which all holders of Anson Stock
shall have become entitled as provided above. As promptly as practicable
following the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, Uwharrie shall send or cause
to be sent to each former shareholder of Anson of record immediately prior to
the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time written instructions and transmittal
materials in a form mutually agreed upon by Uwharrie and Anson (a "Transmittal
Letter") for use in surrendering Old Certificates to the Exchange Agent. Upon
the proper delivery to the Exchange Agent (in accordance with the above
instructions) of a properly completed Transmittal Letter by a former shareholder
of Anson, the Exchange Agent shall issue a check in the name of such shareholder
for the amount of cash to which such shareholder shall have become entitled and
shall deliver the same to such shareholder entitled thereto upon and in exchange
for the surrender and delivery to the Exchange Agent by said individual
shareholder of his or her Old Certificates.
c. SURRENDER OF CERTIFICATES. Subject to Paragraph 1.05.f. below, no
check shall be delivered to any former shareholder of Anson unless and until
such shareholder shall have properly surrendered to the Exchange Agent the Old
Certificate(s) formerly representing his or her shares of Anson Stock, together
with a properly completed Transmittal Letter. No dividend or other distribution
shall be payable with respect to any shares of Anson Stock subsequent to the
Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time. The Exchange Agent shall continue to hold
the amount payable to each former shareholder of Anson until such amount is
claimed by that shareholder in accordance with the above procedures or until
such amount is required to be paid or delivered to a public official pursuant to
an applicable abandoned property, escheat, or similar law. Neither Uwharrie,
Anson, nor the Exchange Agent, shall have any obligation to pay any interest on
any amount of cash payable to a former shareholder of Anson for any period prior
to such payment. Further, and notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, neither Uwharrie, Anson, nor the Exchange Agent shall be liable to a
former holder of Anson Stock for any amount paid or delivered in good faith to a
public official pursuant to any such applicable abandoned property, escheat, or
similar law.
d. ANTIDILUTIVE ADJUSTMENTS. If, following the date of this
Agreement, Anson shall change the number of outstanding shares of Anson Stock as
a result of a dividend payable in shares of Anson Stock, a stock split, a
reclassification or other subdivision or combination of outstanding shares, or
issue any additional shares of Anson Stock then an appropriate and proportionate
adjustment will be made to decrease the amount of cash to be paid for each of
the outstanding shares of Anson Stock.
e. DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. Any shareholder of Anson who has and properly
exercises the right of dissent and appraisal with respect to the Merger as
provided in Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act
("Dissenters' Rights") shall be entitled to receive payment of the fair value of
his or her shares of Anson Stock in the manner and pursuant to the procedures
provided therein. Shares of Anson Stock held by persons who exercise Dissenters'
Rights shall not be converted into the right to receive cash as provided in
Paragraph 1.05.a. above. However, if any shareholder of Anson who exercises
Dissenters' Rights shall fail to perfect his or
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her Dissenters' Rights, or effectively shall waive or lose such right, then each
of his or her shares of Anson Stock, at Uwharrie's sole option, shall be deemed
to have been converted into the right to receive cash as of the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time as provided in Paragraph 1.05.a. above.
f. LOST CERTIFICATES. Any shareholder of Anson whose certificate
evidencing shares of Anson Stock has been lost, destroyed, stolen or otherwise
is missing shall be entitled to receive a check representing the amount of cash
to which he or she is entitled in accordance with and upon compliance with
conditions imposed by the Exchange Agent or Uwharrie pursuant to the provisions
of N.C. GEN. STAT. SS. 25-8-405 and N.C. Gen. STAT. SS. 25-8-104 (including
without limitation a requirement that the shareholder provide a lost instruments
indemnity or surety bond in form, substance and amount satisfactory to the
Exchange Agent and Uwharrie).
g. OUTSTANDING UWHARRIE STOCK. The status of the shares of the
capital stock of Uwharrie which are outstanding immediately prior to the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time shall not be affected by the Merger.
1.06. Articles, Bylaws and Management. The Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws of Anson Heritage in effect at the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time,
shall be the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of Anson Heritage as the
surviving corporation. The officers and directors of Anson Heritage in office at
the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time shall continue to hold such offices
until removed as provided by law or until the election or appointment of their
respective successors. The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of Uwharrie in
effect at the Uwharrie Merger Effective Time shall be the Articles of
Incorporation and bylaws of Uwharrie as the surviving corporation. The officers
and directors of Uwharrie in office at the Uwharrie Merger Effective Time shall
continue to hold such offices until removed as provided by law or until the
election or appointment of their respective successors.
1.07. CLOSING; ARTICLES OF MERGER; EFFECTIVE TIME. The closing of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at
the offices of Uwharrie in Albemarle, North Carolina, or at such other place as
Uwharrie shall designate, on a date mutually agreed to by Uwharrie and Anson
(the "Closing Date") after the expiration of any and all required waiting
periods following the effective date of required approvals of the Anson Heritage
Merger by governmental or regulatory authorities, the shareholders of Anson and
the satisfaction of all other conditions precedent thereto specified in Article
VII hereof (but in no event more than thirty (30) days following the expiration
of all such required waiting periods). At the Closing, Uwharrie, Anson and Anson
Heritage shall take such actions (including without limitation the delivery of
certain closing documents) as are required herein and as shall otherwise be
required by law to consummate the Anson Heritage Merger and cause it to become
effective, and shall execute Articles of Anson Heritage Merger under North
Carolina law which shall contain a "Plan of Merger" substantially in the form
attached as Exhibit A hereto.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein (including
without limitation the receipt of all required approvals of government and
regulatory authorities), the Anson Heritage
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Merger shall be effective on the date and at the time (the "Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time") designated in the Articles of Anson Heritage Merger
executed at the Closing and filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State in
accordance with law; immediately following the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time, Uwharrie and Anson Heritage shall take such actions (including without
limitation the delivery of certain closing documents, as are required herein and
shall otherwise be required by law) to consummate the Uwharrie Merger and cause
it to become effective. The Uwharrie Merger shall become effective on the same
date as the Anson Heritage Merger, at such time following the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time as Uwharrie specifies in its Articles of Merger (which
shall contain a "Plan of Merger" substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto),
filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State; provided, however, that the
date and time so specified as the Effective Time for either the Anson Heritage
Merger or the Uwharrie Merger shall in no event be more than ten days following
the Closing Date. If either the Articles of Merger for the Anson Heritage Merger
or the Uwharrie Merger do not designate a date or specify a time as the
Effective Time, then the respective Effective Times shall be that date and time
when the Anson Heritage Merger Articles of Merger or Uwharrie Merger Articles of
Merger are properly filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
ARTICLE II. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANSON
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or as "Previously
Disclosed" (as defined in Paragraph 11.01. below) to Uwharrie, Anson hereby
makes the following representations and warranties to Uwharrie.
2.01. ORGANIZATION; STANDING; POWER. Anson and the Bank each (i) is duly
organized and incorporated, validly existing and in good standing (as a business
corporation and a savings bank, respectively) under the laws of North Carolina;
(ii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate
its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted; (iii) is
duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction
in which the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it therein
or in which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary,
except where failure so to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on
Anson and the Bank considered as one enterprise; and, (iv) is not transacting
business or operating any properties owned or leased by it in violation of any
provision of federal or state law or any rule or regulation promulgated
thereunder, which violation would have a material adverse effect.
2.02. CAPITAL STOCK. Anson's authorized capital stock consists of
20,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share and 5,000,000 shares
of preferred stock, no par value per share. As of the date of this Agreement,
585,124 shares of Anson Stock are issued and outstanding. No shares of Anson's
preferred stock are issued and outstanding.
The Bank's authorized capital stock consists of 100,000 shares of
common stock, no par value per share ("Bank Stock"), of which 1,000 shares are
issued and outstanding and constitutes the Bank's only outstanding security. The
outstanding shares of Bank Stock are owned of record and beneficially by Anson.
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Each outstanding share of Anson Stock and Bank Stock, respectively,
(i) has been duly authorized and is validly issued and outstanding, and is fully
paid and nonassessable, (ii) has not been issued in violation of the preemptive
rights of any shareholder, and (iii) has been issued pursuant to and in
compliance with the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or of an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
2.03. PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS. No person or entity is known to Anson to
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of Anson Stock.
2.04. SUBSIDIARIES. Anson is the record and beneficial owner of all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Bank. Otherwise, neither
Anson nor the Bank has any subsidiary (direct or indirect), nor owns any stock
or other equity interest in any corporation, service corporation, joint venture,
partnership or other entity.
2.05. CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES, OPTIONS, ETC. Neither Anson nor the Bank has
any outstanding (i) securities or other obligations (including debentures or
other debt instruments) which are convertible into shares of Anson Stock or Bank
Stock or any other securities of Anson or the Bank, (ii) options, warrants,
rights, calls or other commitments of any nature which entitle any person to
receive or acquire any shares of Anson Stock or Bank Stock or any other
securities of Anson or the Bank, or (iii) plan, agreement or other arrangement
pursuant to which shares of Anson Stock or Bank Stock or any other securities of
Anson or the Bank, or options, warrants, rights, calls or other commitments of
any nature pertaining thereto, have been or may be issued.
2.06. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY OF AGREEMENT; RECOMMENDATION OF ANSON'S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS. This Agreement has been duly and validly approved by Anson's
Board of Directors and executed and delivered on Anson's behalf. Subject only to
approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Anson in the manner required
by law (as contemplated by Paragraph 4.01.a. below) and required approvals of
regulatory authorities (as contemplated by Paragraph 7.01.a. below), (i) Anson
has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and
to perform its obligations and agreements and carry out the transactions
described herein, (ii) all corporate proceedings and approvals required to
authorize Anson to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations and
agreements and carry out the transactions described herein have been duly and
properly completed or obtained, and (iii) this Agreement has been executed on
behalf of Anson and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Anson
enforceable in accordance with its terms (except to the extent enforceability
may be limited by (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws from time to time in effect which affect creditors'
rights generally (B) by legal and equitable limitations on the availability of
injunctive relief, specific performance and other equitable remedies, and (C)
general principles of equity and applicable laws or court decisions limiting the
enforceability of indemnification provisions).
Anson's Board of Directors has adopted resolutions to the effect
that it considers the Anson Heritage Merger to be advisable and in the best
interests of Anson and its shareholders, and that it recommends that Anson's
shareholders vote their shares of Anson Stock at the Shareholder Meeting (as
defined below) in favor of ratification and approval of this Agreement and the
Plan of
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Anson Heritage Merger contained herein.
2.07. VALIDITY OF TRANSACTIONS; ABSENCE OF REQUIRED CONSENTS OR WAIVERS.
Except where the same would not have a material adverse effect on Anson and the
Bank considered as one enterprise, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions described herein, nor
compliance by Anson with any of its obligations or agreements contained herein,
will: (i) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms and conditions of, or
constitute a default or violation under any provision of, Anson's Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws, any contract, agreement, lease, mortgage, note, bond,
indenture, license, or obligation or understanding (oral or written) to which
Anson or the Bank is bound or by which it, its business, capital stock or any of
its properties or assets may be affected; (ii) result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, claim, interest, charge, restriction or encumbrance upon
any of Anson's or the Bank's properties or assets; (iii) violate any applicable
federal or state statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order, writ,
injunction or decree of any court, administrative or regulatory agency or
governmental body; (iv) result in the acceleration of any obligation or
indebtedness of Anson or the Bank; or, (v) interfere with or otherwise adversely
affect Anson's or the Bank's ability to carry on its business as presently
conducted, or interfere with or otherwise adversely affect the ability of
Uwharrie to carry on such business after the Effective Time.
No consents, approvals or waivers are required to be obtained from
any person or entity in connection with Anson's execution and delivery of this
Agreement, or the performance of its obligations or agreements or the
consummation of the transactions described herein, except for required approvals
of governmental or regulatory authorities as described in Paragraph 7.01.a.
below and of Anson's shareholders as described in Paragraph 7.01.d. below.
2.08. ANSON BOOKS AND RECORDS. Anson's and the Bank's books of account and
business records have been maintained in substantial compliance with all
applicable legal and accounting requirements and in accordance with good
business practices, and such books and records are complete and reflect
accurately in all material respects Anson's and the Bank's respective items of
income and expense and all of their respective assets, liabilities and
shareholders' equity. The respective minute books of Anson and the Bank
accurately reflect in all material respects the corporate actions which their
respective shareholders and board of directors, and all committees thereof, have
taken during the time periods covered by such minute books. All such minute
books have been or will be made available to Uwharrie and its representatives.
2.09. ANSON REPORTS. Since June 19, 1998, and where the failure to file
has had or could have a material adverse effect on Anson and the Bank considered
as one enterprise, management, Anson and the Bank each has filed all reports,
registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made
with respect thereto, that were required to be filed with (i) the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), (ii) the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "FRB"), (iii) the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"), (iv) the Administrator of the North Carolina Savings Institutions
Division (the "Administrator"), or (v) any other governmental or regulatory
authorities having jurisdiction over Anson or the Bank. All such reports,
registrations and statements filed by Anson or the Bank with the FDIC, the FRB,
the SEC, the Administrator or other such regulatory authority are collectively
referred to herein as the "Anson
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Reports." As of their respective dates, to the best knowledge and belief of
Anson's management, each Anson Report complied in all material respects with all
the statutes, rules and regulations enforced or promulgated by the regulatory
authority with which it was filed (as the same were in effect at the time of
such filing) and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading; and, neither Anson nor the Bank has been notified that any such
Anson Report was deficient in any material respect as to form or content. Anson
shall deliver to Uwharrie, simultaneous with the filing thereof, a copy of each
report, registration, statement or other regulatory filing made by it or the
Bank with the FDIC, the SEC, the FRB, the Administrator or any other such
regulatory authority following the date of this Agreement.
2.10. ANSON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Anson has delivered to Uwharrie a copy
of (i) Anson's or the Bank's, as the case may be, condensed statements of
financial condition as of June 30, 1998 and March 31, 1999 and its condensed
statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999,
condensed statements of income for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 and 1999
and condensed statements of cash flows for the nine months ended March 31, 1999,
all unaudited (the "Anson Financial Statements"); and, following the date of
this Agreement, Anson promptly will deliver to Uwharrie all other annual or
interim financial statements hereafter prepared by or for Anson. The Anson
Financial Statements and (including any related notes and schedules thereto) (i)
are in accordance with Anson's books and records, and (ii) were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a
consistent basis throughout the periods indicated and present fairly Anson's
consolidated financial condition, assets and liabilities, results of operations,
and changes in cash flows as of the dates indicated and for the periods
specified therein. The Anson Financial Statements (except for the interim
periods) have been audited by Anson's independent certified public accountants,
Faulkner and Thompson, P.A.
2.11. TAX RETURNS AND OTHER TAX MATTERS. (i) Anson and the Bank each has
timely filed or caused to be filed all federal, state and local tax returns and
reports which are required by law to have been filed, and, to the best knowledge
and belief of management of Anson, all such returns and reports were true,
correct and complete and contained all material information required to be
contained therein; (ii) all federal, state and local income, profits, franchise,
sales, use, occupation, property, excise and other taxes (including interest and
penalties), charges and assessments which have become due from or been assessed
or levied against Anson or the Bank or their property have been fully paid
(other than taxes or charges which are not yet delinquent, are being contested
in good faith, have not been finally determined or for which there are adequate
reserves that were established on or before June 30, 1998), and, with respect to
any such taxes to become due from Anson or the Bank for any period or periods
through and including June 30, 1998, adequate provision has been made for the
payment of all such taxes and such provision is reflected in the Anson Financial
Statements; (iii) the income, profits, franchise, sales, use, excise,
withholding, employment and other tax returns of Anson and the Bank have not
been subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or the Department
of Revenue of the State of North Carolina in the last ten years and neither
Anson nor the Bank has received any indication of the pendency of any audit or
examination in connection with any tax return or report and has no knowledge
that any such return or report is subject to adjustment; and (iv) neither Anson
nor the
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Bank has executed any waiver or extended the statute of limitations (or been
asked to execute a waiver or extend a statute of limitation) with respect to any
tax year, the audit of any tax return or report or the assessment or collection
of any tax. Any deferred taxes of Anson or the Bank have been provided for in
the Anson Financial Statements in all material respects.
2.12. ABSENCE OF MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGES OR CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS.
------------------------------------------------------------
a. Except for changes in laws or regulations or interest rates that
affect financial institutions generally and for required changes in accounting
methods, since June 30, 1998, Anson and the Bank have conducted their respective
businesses only in the ordinary course, and there has been no material adverse
change, and there has occurred no event or development and, to the best
knowledge of management of Anson, there currently exists no condition or
circumstance which, with the lapse of time or otherwise, may or could cause,
create or result in a material adverse change, in or affecting the financial
condition of Anson or the Bank or in their results of operations, prospects,
business, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations.
b. Since June 30, 1998, and other than in the ordinary course of its
business, neither Anson nor the Bank has incurred any material liability or
engaged in any material transaction or entered into any material agreement,
increased the salaries, compensation or general benefits payable to its
employees, suffered any loss, destruction or damage to any of its properties or
assets, or made a material acquisition or disposition of any assets or entered
into any material contract or lease.
2.13. ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. The Anson Financial Statements
reflect all material liabilities of Anson and the Bank required to be reflected
therein pursuant to GAAP, and neither Anson nor the Bank has any material
liabilities or obligations, whether known or unknown, matured or unmatured,
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due
(including without limitation tax liabilities or unfunded liabilities under
employee benefit plans or arrangements), other than (i) those reflected in Anson
Interim Financial Statements, (ii) obligations or liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of their business since March 31, 1999 and which are not,
individually or in the aggregate, material to Anson and the Bank considered as
one enterprise, or (iii) liabilities or obligations for customary expenses
directly related to the Anson Heritage Merger and the termination of, if
appropriate and agreed to by Uwharrie and Anson, the Anson Pension Plan (as
defined below).
2.14. COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING OBLIGATIONS. Anson and the Bank each has
performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by
it under, and it is not in default in any respect under, or in violation in any
respect of, the terms and conditions of its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws,
and/or any contract, agreement, lease, mortgage, note, bond, indenture, license,
obligation, understanding or other undertaking (whether oral or written) to
which Anson or the Bank is bound or by which it, its business, capital stock or
any of its properties or assets may be affected where the effect of any such
nonperformance, default or violation could have a material adverse effect on
Anson and the Bank considered as one enterprise.
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2.15. LITIGATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
-----------------------------------
a. There are no material actions, suits, arbitrations, controversies
or other proceedings or investigations (or, to the best knowledge and belief of
management of Anson or the Bank, any facts or circumstances which reasonably
could result in such), including without limitation any such action by any
governmental or regulatory authority, which currently exist or are ongoing,
pending or, to the best knowledge and belief of management of Anson or the Bank,
threatened, contemplated or probable of assertion, against, relating to or
otherwise affecting Anson or the Bank or any of their properties or assets
which, if determined adversely, could result in liability on the part of Anson
or the Bank for, or subject it to, monetary damages, fines or penalties, an
injunction, or which could have a material adverse effect on Anson's or the
Bank's financial condition, results of operations, prospects, business, assets,
loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations or which could impair the
ability of Anson to consummate the Merger;
b. Anson and the Bank each has all licenses, permits, orders,
authorizations or approvals ("Permits") of any federal, state, local or foreign
governmental or regulatory body that are material to or necessary for the
conduct of its business or to own, lease and operate its properties; all such
Permits are in full force and effect; no violations are or have been recorded in
respect of any such Permits, the effect of which could have a material adverse
effect on Anson and the Bank considered as one enterprise; and no proceeding is
pending or, to the best knowledge of management of Anson and the Bank,
threatened or probable of assertion to suspend, cancel, revoke or limit any
Permit;
c. Neither Anson nor the Bank is subject to any supervisory agreement,
enforcement order, writ, injunction, capital directive, supervisory directive,
memorandum of understanding or other similar agreement, order, directive,
memorandum or consent of, with or issued by any regulatory or other governmental
authority (including without limitation the FDIC, the Administrator or the FRB)
relating to its financial condition, directors or officers, operations, capital,
regulatory compliance or otherwise; there are no judgments, orders,
stipulations, injunctions, decrees or awards against Anson or the Bank which in
any manner limit, restrict, regulate, enjoin or prohibit any present or past
business or practice of Anson or the Bank; and, neither Anson nor the Bank has
been advised or has any reason to believe that any regulatory or other
governmental authority or any court is contemplating, threatening or requesting
the issuance of any such agreement, order, injunction, directive, memorandum,
judgment, stipulation, decree or award;
d. Neither Anson nor the Bank is in violation or default in any
material respect under, and each has complied in all material respects with, all
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, writs, injunctions or
decrees of any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental or
regulatory authority having jurisdiction or authority over it or its business
operations, properties or assets (including without limitation all provisions of
North Carolina law relating to usury, the Consumer Credit Protection Act, and
all other laws and regulations applicable to extensions of credit by the Bank)
and, to the best knowledge and belief of management of Anson and the Bank, there
is no basis for any claim by any person or authority for compensation,
reimbursement or damages or otherwise for any violation of any of the foregoing.
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2.16. REAL PROPERTIES. Anson has Previously Disclosed to Uwharrie a
listing of all real property owned by Anson or the Bank and which are being used
or held for future use in connection with their respective businesses (the "Real
Property") and all other real estate owned by Anson or the Bank (including
without limitation all foreclosed properties owned by the Bank) (the "OREO").
Anson or the Bank, as the case may be, have good and marketable fee simple title
to all such Real Property and OREO and owns the same free and clear of all
mortgages, liens, leases, encumbrances, title defects and exceptions to title
other than (i) the lien of current taxes not yet due and payable, and (ii) such
imperfections of title and restrictions, covenants and easements (including
utility easements) which do not affect materially the value of the Real Property
or OREO and which do not and will not materially detract from, interfere with or
restrict the present or future use of the properties subject thereto or affected
thereby.
To the best of the knowledge and belief of management of Anson, the
Real Property and OREO complies in all material respects with all applicable
federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances or orders of any
governmental authority, including those relating to zoning, building and use
permits, and the Real Property may be used under applicable zoning ordinances
for commercial banking facilities as a matter of right rather than as a
conditional or nonconforming use.
All improvements and fixtures included in or on the Real Property
are in good condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and there
does not exist any condition which interferes with Anson's (or will interfere
with Uwharrie's) use or materially affects the economic value thereof.
Anson is not a party to any real property lease, whether as lessor
or lessee.
2.17. LOANS, ACCOUNTS, NOTES AND OTHER RECEIVABLES.
---------------------------------------------
a. All loans, accounts, notes and other receivables reflected as
assets on the Bank's books and records (A) have resulted from bona fide business
transactions in the ordinary course of the Bank's operations, (B) in all
material respects were made in accordance with the Bank's standard loan policies
and procedures, and (C) are owned by the Bank free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, assignments, participation or repurchase agreements or other
exceptions to title or to the ownership or collection rights of any other person
or entity.
b. All records of the Bank regarding all outstanding loans, accounts,
notes and other receivables, and the OREO, are accurate in all material
respects, and, with respect to each loan which the Bank's loan documentation
indicates is secured by any real or personal property or property rights ("Loan
Collateral"), such loan is secured by valid, perfected and enforceable liens on
all such Loan Collateral having the priority described in the Bank's records of
such loan.
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c. To the best knowledge of management of the Bank, each loan
reflected as an asset on the Bank's books, and each guaranty therefor, is the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor or guarantor thereon, and no
defense, offset or counterclaim has been asserted with respect to any such loan
or guaranty.
d. The Bank has Previously Disclosed to Uwharrie a listing of (A) each
loan, extension of credit or other asset of the Bank which, as of June 30, 1999,
is classified by the FDIC, the Administrator or by the Bank as "Loss",
"Doubtful", "Substandard" or "Special Mention" (or otherwise by words of similar
import), or which the Bank has designated as a special asset or for special
handling or placed on any "watch list" because of concerns regarding the
ultimate collectibility or deteriorating condition of such asset or any obligor
or Loan Collateral therefor, and (B) each loan or extension of credit of Anson
which, as of June 30, 1999, was past due as to the payment of principal and/or
interest, or as to which any obligor thereon (including the borrower or any
guarantor) otherwise was in default, is the subject of a proceeding in
bankruptcy or otherwise has indicated any inability or intention not to repay
such loan or extension of credit. Each such listing is accurate and complete as
of the date indicated.
e. To the best knowledge and belief of Anson's management, each of the
Bank's loans and other extensions of credit (with the exception of those loans
and extensions of credit specified in the written listings described in
Subparagraph (d) above) is collectible in the ordinary course of the Bank's
business in an amount which is not less than the amount at which it is carried
on the Bank's books and records.
f. The Bank's reserve for possible loan losses (the "Loan Loss
Reserve") shown in the Bank's Financial Statements has been established in
conformity with GAAP, sound banking practices and all applicable requirements,
rules and policies of the FDIC and the Administrator and, in the best judgment
of the Bank's management, is reasonable in view of the size and character of the
Bank's loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors,
and is adequate to provide for losses relating to or the risk of loss inherent
in the Bank's loan portfolio and other real estate owned.
2.18. SECURITIES PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENTS. All securities owned by Anson
or the Bank for its own account (whether owned of record or beneficially) are
held free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, encumbrances or any other
restriction or rights of any other person or entity, whether contractual or
statutory, which would materially impair the ability of Anson or the Bank to
dispose freely of any such security and/or otherwise to realize the benefits of
ownership thereof at any time (other than pledges of securities in the ordinary
course of the Bank's business to secure public funds deposits). There are no
voting trusts or other agreements or undertakings to which Anson or the Bank is
a party with respect to the voting of any such securities. With respect to all
"repurchase agreements" to which Anson or the Bank has "purchased" securities
under agreement to resell (if any), Anson and the Bank has a valid, perfected
first lien or security interest in the government securities or other collateral
securing the repurchase agreement, and the value of the collateral securing each
such repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the amount of the debt owed to Anson
or the Bank which is secured by such collateral.
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Except for fluctuations in the market values of United States
Treasury and agency or municipal securities, since March 31, 1999, there has
been no significant deterioration or material adverse change in the quality of
Anson's or the Bank's securities portfolio.
2.19. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND OTHER ASSETS. All assets of Anson and the Bank
(including without limitation all banking equipment, data processing equipment,
vehicles, and all other personal property located in or used in the operation of
each office of Anson or the Bank or otherwise used by Anson or the Bank in the
operation of its business) are owned by Anson and the Bank free and clear of all
material liens, leases, encumbrances, title defects or exceptions to title. All
of the Bank's banking equipment is in good operating condition and repair,
ordinary wear and tear excepted.
2.20. PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS. Anson and the Bank each owns, possesses or
has the right to use any and all patents, licenses, trademarks, trade names,
copyrights, trade secrets and proprietary and other confidential information
necessary to conduct its business as now conducted; and, neither Anson nor the
Bank has violated, and neither of them currently are in conflict with, any
patent, license, trademark, trade name, copyright or proprietary right of any
other person or entity.
2.21. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
----------------------
a. Anson has Previously Disclosed and provided to Uwharrie copies of
all written reports, correspondence, notices or other materials, if any, in its
possession pertaining to environmental reports, surveys, assessments, notices of
violation, notices of regulatory requirements, penalty assessments, claims,
actions or proceedings, past or pending, of the Real Property, the OREO or any
of its Loan Collateral and any improvements thereon, or to any violation of
applicable Environmental Laws (as defined below) on, affecting or otherwise
involving the Real Property, the OREO, any Loan Collateral or otherwise
involving Anson or the Bank.
b. Except in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws (as
defined below), there has been no presence, use, production, generation,
handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling,
reporting, testing, processing, emission, discharge, release, threatened
release, control or clean-up in a reportable or regulated quantity of any
hazardous, toxic or otherwise regulated materials, substances or wastes,
chemical substances or mixtures, pesticides, pollutants, contaminants, toxic
chemicals, oil or other petroleum products or byproducts, asbestos or materials
containing (or presumed to contain) asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or
radiation ("Hazardous Substances") by any person on, from or relating to any
parcel of the Real Property (or, to the best knowledge and belief of management
of Anson, the OREO) since the date Anson or the Bank first acquired or occupied
such parcel or, to the best of the knowledge and belief of management of Anson,
at any time prior thereto.
c. Except where such violation would not have a material adverse
effect on Anson or the Bank considered as one enterprise, neither Anson nor the
Bank has violated any federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, order,
permit or other requirement relating to health, safety or the environment or
imposing liability, responsibility or standards of conduct applicable to
environmental conditions (all such laws, rules, regulations, orders and other
requirements being
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herein collectively referred to as "Environmental Laws"), and, to the best
knowledge and belief of management of Anson and the Bank, there has been no
violation of any Environmental Laws (defined below, including any violation with
respect to or relating to any OREO or Loan Collateral) by any other person or
entity for whose liability or obligation with respect to any particular matter
or violation Anson or the Bank is or may be responsible or liable.
d. Neither Anson nor the Bank has received notice of any claims,
demands, causes of action, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, penalties,
liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses of any kind and nature which arise
out of, under or in connection with, or which result from or are based upon the
presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment,
storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting, testing, processing,
emission, discharge, release, threatened release, control or clean-up of any
Hazardous Substances on, from or relating to the Real Property or the OREO or,
to the best knowledge of management of the Bank, any Loan Collateral.
e. No facts, events or conditions relating to the Real Property, the
OREO, or, to the best knowledge of management of the Bank, any Loan Collateral,
or the operations of Anson or the Bank at its office location, will prevent,
hinder or limit continued compliance with Environmental Laws, or give rise to
any investigatory, remedial or corrective actions, obligations or liabilities
(whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise) pursuant to
Environmental Laws.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" shall
include, without limitation:
(i) all federal, state and local statutes, regulations,
ordinances, orders, decrees, and similar provisions having the force or effect
of law,
(ii) all contractual agreements, and
(iii) all common law,
concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety, and pollution or
protection of the environment, including without limitation all standards of
conduct and bases of obligations relating to the presence, use, production,
generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal,
distribution, labeling, reporting, testing, processing, discharge, release,
threatened release, control or clean-up of any Hazardous Substances (including
without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act, the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water
Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Oil Pollutant Act,
the Coastal Zone Management Act, any "Superfund" or "Superlien" law, the North
Carolina Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act, the North Carolina
Water and Air Resources Act and the North Carolina Occupational Safety and
Health Act, including any amendments thereto from time to time).
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2.22. ABSENCE OF BROKERAGE OR FINDERS COMMISSIONS. (i) All negotiations
relative to this Agreement and the transactions described herein have been
carried on by Anson or its exclusive agent, Trident Financial Corporation
("Trident"), directly with Uwharrie; (ii) no person or firm other than Trident
has been retained by or has acted on behalf of, pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding with, or under the authority of, Anson or its Board
of Directors, as a broker, finder or agent or has performed similar functions or
otherwise is or may be entitled to receive or claim a brokerage fee or other
commission in connection with the transactions described herein; and, (iii)
Anson has not agreed to pay any brokerage fee or other commission to any person
or entity other than Trident in connection with the transactions described
herein.
2.23. MATERIAL CONTRACTS. Neither Anson nor the Bank is a party to or
bound by any agreement (i) which involves money or other property in an amount
or with a value in excess of $15,000, (ii) which is not to be performed in full
prior to June 30, 2000, (iii) which calls for the provision of goods or services
to Anson or the Bank and cannot be terminated without material penalty upon
written notice to the other party thereto, (iv) which is material to Anson or
the Bank and was not entered into in the ordinary course of business, (v) which
involves hedging, options or any similar trading activity, or interest rate
exchanges or swaps, (vi) which commits Anson or the Bank to extend any loan or
credit (with the exception of letters of credit, lines of credit and loan
commitments extended in the ordinary course of the Bank's business), (vii) which
involves the purchase or sale of any assets of Anson or the Bank, or the
purchase, sale, issuance, redemption or transfer of any capital stock or other
securities of Anson or the Bank, or (viii) which was made or entered into with
any director, officer or principal shareholder of Anson or the Bank (including
without limitation any employment or consulting agreement, but not including any
agreement relating to loans or other banking services which were made in the
ordinary course of the Bank's business and on substantially the same terms and
conditions as were prevailing at that time for similar agreements with unrelated
persons).
Neither Anson nor the Bank is in default in any material respect,
and there has not occurred any event which with the lapse of time or giving of
notice or both would constitute such a default, under any contract, lease,
insurance policy, commitment or arrangement to which it is a party or by which
it or its property is or may be bound or affected or under which it or its
property receives benefits, where the consequences of such default would have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations,
prospects, business, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or
operations of Anson or the Bank.
2.24. EMPLOYMENT MATTERS; EMPLOYEE RELATIONS. Anson and the Bank each (i)
has paid in full to or accrued on behalf of all its directors, officers and
employees all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, fees and other direct
compensation for all services performed by them to the date of this Agreement
and (ii) is in material compliance with all federal, state and local laws,
statutes, rules and regulations with regard to employment and employment
practices, terms and conditions, and wages and hours and other compensation
matters; and, no person has, to the knowledge of management of Anson or the
Bank, asserted that Anson or the Bank is liable in any amount for any arrearages
in wages or employment taxes or for any penalties for failure to comply with any
of the foregoing.
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There is no action, suit or proceeding by any person pending or, to
the best knowledge of management of Anson or the Bank, threatened, against Anson
or the Bank (or any of their respective employees), involving employment
discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge or similar claims.
Neither Anson nor the Bank is a party to or bound by any collective
bargaining agreement with any of its employees, any labor union or any other
collective bargaining unit or organization. There is no pending, or to the best
knowledge of management of Anson or the Bank, threatened labor dispute, work
stoppage or strike involving Anson or the Bank and any of its employees, or any
pending or threatened proceeding in which it is asserted that Anson or the Bank
has committed an unfair labor practice; and, neither Anson nor the Bank is aware
of any activity involving it or any of its employees seeking to certify a
collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other labor organization activity.
2.25. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
----------------------------------------------
a. Neither Anson nor the Bank is a party to or bound by any
employment agreements with any of its directors, officers or employees.
b. Anson has Previously Disclosed to Uwharrie a listing of all
bonus, deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit-sharing, thrift,
savings, employee stock ownership, stock bonus, stock purchase, restricted stock
and stock option plans; all employment and severance contracts; all medical,
dental, health, and life insurance plans; all vacation, sickness, disability and
death benefit plans; and all other employee benefit plans, contracts, or
arrangements maintained or contributed to by Anson or the Bank for the benefit
of any employees, former employees, directors, former directors or any of their
beneficiaries (collectively, the "Plans"). True and complete copies of all
Plans, including, but not limited to, any trust instruments and/or insurance
contracts, if any, forming a part thereof, and all amendments thereto,
previously have been supplied to Uwharrie. Except as Previously Disclosed to
Uwharrie, neither Anson nor the Bank maintains, sponsors, contributes to or
otherwise participates in any "Employee Benefit Plan" within the meaning of SS.
3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), any "Multiemployer Plan" within the meaning of SS. 3(37) of ERISA, or
any "Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement" within the meaning of SS. 3(40) of
ERISA. Each Plan which is an "employee pension benefit plan" within the meaning
of SS. 3(2) of ERISA and which is intended to be qualified under SS. 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and each amendment
thereto has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS, and neither
Anson nor the Bank is aware of any circumstances reasonably likely to result in
the revocation or denial of any such favorable determination letter. All reports
and returns with respect to the Plans (and any Plans previously maintained by
Anson or the Bank) required to be filed with any governmental department,
agency, service or other authority, including without limitation Internal
Revenue Service Form 5500 (Annual Report), have been properly and timely filed
(allowing for any permitted extensions of filing deadlines).
c. All "Employee Benefit Plans" maintained by or otherwise covering
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employees or former employees of Anson or the Bank, to the extent subject to
ERISA, currently are, and at all times have been, in substantial compliance with
all material provisions and requirements of ERISA, the Code, the Consolidated
Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986 and regulations promulgated thereunder
("COBRA") and other applicable laws, the noncompliance of which will not have a
material impact upon the business of Anson or the Bank. There is no pending or,
to the knowledge of management of Anson and the Bank, threatened litigation
relating to any Plan or any such Plan previously maintained by Anson or the
Bank. Neither Anson nor the Bank has (i) engaged in a transaction with respect
to any Plan that could subject Anson or the Bank to a tax or penalty imposed by
either SS. 4975 of the Code or SS. 502(i) of ERISA or (ii) materially breached
any duty or failed to perform any obligation imposed upon plan fiduciaries or
plan administrators under ERISA.
d. Anson has delivered to Uwharrie a true, correct and complete copy
(including copies of all amendments thereto) of the 1990 Anson Savings Bank
noncontributory defined benefit plan (the "Anson Pension Plan"), together with
true, correct and complete copies of the current summary plan description
relating to the Anson Pension Plan, the most recent determination letter
received from the IRS regarding the Anson Pension Plan, and the most recently
filed Annual Report (Form 5500 series) and related schedules, if any, for the
Anson Pension Plan.
The Anson Pension Plan is intended to be qualified under the
provisions of SS. 401(a) of the Code, the trust under the Anson Pension Plan is
intended to be an exempt trust under SS. 501(a) of the Code, and Anson has
received a determination letter with respect to the Anson Pension Plan to said
effect, including a determination letter covering the current terms and
provisions of the Anson Pension Plan. There are no issues relating to said
qualification or exemption of the Anson Pension Plan currently pending before
the IRS, the United States Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation or any court. The Anson Pension Plan and the administration thereof
are in substantial compliance (and have been in substantial compliance since the
establishment of the Anson Pension Plan) with all of the applicable requirements
of ERISA, the Code and all other laws, rules and regulations applicable to the
Anson Pension Plan, the noncompliance of which of which will not have a material
impact upon the business of Anson or the Bank. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, all reports and returns with respect to the Anson Pension Plan
required to be filed with any governmental department, agency, service or other
authority have been properly and timely filed (allowing for any permitted
extensions of filing deadlines). There are no issues or disputes with respect to
the Anson Pension Plan or the administration thereof currently existing between
Anson, or any trustee or other fiduciary thereunder, and any governmental
agency, any current or former employee of Anson or beneficiary of any such
employee or any other person or entity. No "reportable event" within the meaning
of Section 4043(b) of ERISA has occurred at any time with respect to the Anson
Pension Plan.
e. No liability under subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA has been
or is expected to be incurred by Anson or the Bank with respect to the Anson
Pension Plan or with respect to any other ongoing, frozen or terminated defined
benefit pension plan currently or formerly maintained by Anson. The Anson
Pension Plan is and has been the only defined benefit pension plan maintained by
Anson or the Bank. Neither Anson nor the Bank presently contributes
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to a "Multiemployer Plan" or has contributed to such a plan within the five
calendar years since June 30, 1994. All contributions required to be made under
the terms of the Plan have been timely made. Neither the Anson Pension Plan nor
any other "employee benefit pension plan" maintained by Anson or the Bank has an
"accumulated funding deficiency" (whether or not waived) within the meaning of
SS. 412 of the Code or SS. 302 of ERISA. Neither Anson nor the Bank has
provided, or is required to provide, security to any "pension plan" or to any
"Single Employer Plan pursuant to SS. 401(a)(29) of the Code. Under the Anson
Pension Plan and any other "employee benefit pension plan" maintained by Anson
or the Bank, as of the last day of the most recently ended plan year ended prior
to the date hereof, the actuarially determined present value of all "benefit
liabilities," within the meaning of SS. 4001(a)(16) of ERISA (as determined on
the basis of the actuarial assumptions contained in the plan's most recent
actuarial valuation) did not exceed the then current fair market value of the
assets of such plan, and there has been no material change in the financial
condition of any such plan since the last day of the most recent plan year.
f. There are no restrictions on the rights of Anson to amend or
terminate any Plan without incurring any liability thereunder. Neither the
execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will (except as otherwise specifically provided
herein) (A) result in any payment to any person (including without limitation
any severance compensation or payment, unemployment compensation, "golden
parachute" or "change in control" payment, or otherwise) becoming due under any
Plan or other agreement or arrangement to any director, officer, employee or
consultant, (B) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Plan or other
agreement or arrangement, or (C) result in any acceleration of the time of
payment or vesting of any such benefit.
2.26. INSURANCE. Anson and the Bank have in effect a "banker's blanket
bond" and such other policies of general liability, casualty, directors and
officers liability, employee fidelity, errors and omissions and other property
and liability insurance as have been Previously Disclosed to Uwharrie (the
"Policy" or "Policies"). Each of the Policies is in full force and effect and is
valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms, and is underwritten by an
insurer of recognized financial responsibility and which is qualified to
transact business in North Carolina; and, Anson and the Bank each has taken all
requisite actions (including the giving of required notices) under each such
Policy in order to preserve all rights thereunder with respect to all matters.
Neither Anson nor the Bank is in default under the provisions of, has not
received notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of or any premium increase on, or
has any knowledge of any failure to pay any premium on or any inaccuracy in any
application for any Policy. There are no pending claims with respect to any
Policy (and neither Anson nor the Bank is aware of any facts which would form
the basis of any such claim), and neither Anson nor the Bank has any knowledge
of any state of facts or of the occurrence of any event that is reasonably
likely to form the basis for any such claim.
2.27. INSURANCE OF DEPOSITS. All deposits of Anson are insured by the
Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted
by law, all deposit insurance premiums due from Anson to the FDIC have been paid
in full in a timely fashion, and, to the best of the knowledge and belief of
Anson's executive officers, no proceedings have been commenced or are
contemplated by the FDIC or otherwise to terminate such insurance.
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2.28. OBSTACLES TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. To the best of the knowledge and
belief of management of Anson and the Bank, there exists no fact or condition
(including Anson's record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act)
relating to Anson or the Bank that may reasonably be expected to prevent or
materially impede or delay Uwharrie or Anson from obtaining the regulatory
approvals required in order to consummate the transactions described herein,
and, if any such fact or condition becomes known to Anson, Anson shall promptly
(and in any event within three days after obtaining such knowledge) communicate
such fact or condition to the President of Uwharrie.
2.29. DISCLOSURE. To the best of the knowledge and belief of management of
Anson and the Bank, no written statement, certificate, schedule, list or other
written information furnished by or on behalf of Anson or the Bank at any time
to Uwharrie in connection with this Agreement (including without limitation
information "Previously Disclosed" by Anson), when considered as a whole,
contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or
will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
herein or therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Each document delivered or to be delivered by Anson or the Bank to
Uwharrie is or will be a true and complete copy of such document, unmodified
except by another document delivered by Anson.
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF UWHARRIE
Except as otherwise specifically described herein or as "Previously
Disclosed" (as defined in Paragraph 11.01. below) to Anson, Uwharrie hereby
makes the following representations and warranties to Anson.
3.01. ORGANIZATION; STANDING; POWER. Uwharrie (i) is duly organized and
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the
laws of North Carolina, (ii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to
own its respective properties and conduct its respective business as now being
conducted, (iii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in
each other jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased
by it therein or in which the transaction of its business makes such
qualification necessary, except where failure so to qualify would not have a
material adverse effect on Uwharrie and its subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise, and (iv) is not transacting business, or operating any properties
owned or leased by it, in violation of any provision of federal or state law or
any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, which violation would have a
material adverse effect on Uwharrie and its subsidiaries considered as one
enterprise.
3.02. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY OF AGREEMENT. Subject only to approval of
this Agreement by its Board of Directors in the manner required by law (as
contemplated by Paragraph 7.01.d. below) and required approvals of regulatory
authorities (as contemplated by Paragraph 7.01.a. below), (i) Uwharrie has the
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to
perform its obligations and agreements and carry out the transactions described
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herein, (ii) all corporate proceedings required to be taken to authorize
Uwharrie to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations and
agreements and carry out the transactions described herein have been duly and
properly taken, and (iii) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
agreement of Uwharrie enforceable in accordance with its terms (except to the
extent enforceability may be limited by (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or similar laws from time to time in effect which
affect creditors' rights generally (B) by legal and equitable limitations on the
availability of injunctive relief, specific performance and other equitable
remedies, and (C) general principles of equity and applicable laws or court
decisions limiting the enforceability of indemnification provisions).
3.03. VALIDITY OF TRANSACTIONS; ABSENCE OF REQUIRED CONSENTS OR WAIVERS.
Except where the same would not have a material adverse effect on Uwharrie and
its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions described
herein, nor compliance by Uwharrie with any of its obligations or agreements
contained herein, will: (i) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms and
conditions of, or constitute a default or violation under any provision of,
Uwharrie's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or any contract, agreement,
lease, mortgage, note, bond, indenture, license, or obligation or understanding
(oral or written) to which Uwharrie is bound or by which it, its business,
capital stock or any of its properties or assets may be affected; (ii) result in
the creation or imposition of any lien, claim, interest, charge, restriction or
encumbrance upon any of Uwharrie's properties or assets; (iii) violate any
applicable federal or state statute, law, rule or regulation, or any order,
writ, injunction or decree of any court, administrative or regulatory agency or
governmental body; (iv) result in the acceleration of any obligation or
indebtedness of Uwharrie; or, (v) interfere with or otherwise adversely affect
Uwharrie's ability to carry on its business as presently conducted.
No consents, approvals or waivers are required to be obtained from
any person or entity in connection with Uwharrie's execution and delivery of
this Agreement, or the performance of its obligations or agreements or the
consummation of the transactions described herein, except for required approvals
of governmental or regulatory authorities described in Paragraph 7.01.a. below
and of the Boards of Directors of Uwharrie and Anson Heritage as described in
Paragraph 7.01.d. below.
3.04. OBSTACLES TO REGULATORY APPROVAL. To the best of the knowledge and
belief of the executive officers of Uwharrie, no fact or condition relating to
Uwharrie (including Uwharrie's record of compliance with the Community
Reinvestment Act) exists that may reasonably be expected to prevent or
materially impede or delay Uwharrie or Anson from obtaining the regulatory
approvals required in order to consummate the transactions described herein,
and, if any such fact or condition becomes known to the executive officers of
Uwharrie, it promptly (and in any event within three days after obtaining such
knowledge) shall communicate such fact or condition to the President of Anson.
3.05. DISCLOSURE. To the best of the knowledge and belief of Uwharrie, no
written statement, certificate, schedule, list or other written information
furnished by or on behalf of Uwharrie at any time to Anson in connection with
this Agreement (including without limitation information "Previously Disclosed"
by Uwharrie), when considered as a whole, contains or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein, in light of the
circumstances under
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which they were made, not misleading. Each document delivered or to be delivered
by Uwharrie to Anson is or will be a true and complete copy of such document,
unmodified except by another document delivered by Uwharrie.
3.06. NO SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. No approval of Uwharrie's shareholders
is required to consummate the Anson Heritage Merger.
3.07 FUNDS AVAILABILITY. Uwharrie has sufficient funds to pay the
aggregate amount necessary to convert the shares of Anson Stock to cash in order
to effectuate the Anson Heritage Merger.
3.08 COMPLIANCE WITH CAPITAL ADEQUACY GUIDELINES. Uwharrie meets or
exceeds all applicable capital adequacy regulatory standards as of June 30, 1999
and as of the date hereof, and Uwharrie meets or exceeds all applicable capital
adequacy regulatory standards on a pro forma basis reflecting the Anson Heritage
Merger (including the aggregate amount necessary to convert the shares of Anson
Stock to cash) as of the date hereof and the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time.
ARTICLE IV. COVENANTS OF ANSON
4.01. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF ANSON. Anson hereby covenants and agrees as
follows with Uwharrie.
a. MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. Anson shall cause a meeting of its
shareholders (the "Shareholder Meeting", which may be a regular annual meeting
or a specially called meeting) to be held as soon as reasonably possible (but in
no event later than December 1, 1999) for the purpose of Anson's shareholders
voting on the approval of this Agreement and the Plans of Merger included
herein. In connection with the call and conduct of and all other matters
relating to the Shareholder Meeting (including the solicitation of proxies),
Anson shall fully comply with all provisions of applicable law and regulations
(including without limitation the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act") and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC) and with
Anson's Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
b. PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROXY STATEMENT. Anson will caused
to be prepared a "Proxy Statement" for distribution to Anson's shareholders in
connection with Anson's solicitation of voting proxies for use at the
Shareholder Meeting. The Proxy Statement shall be in such form and shall contain
or be accompanied by such information regarding the Shareholder Meeting, this
Agreement, the parties hereto, the Merger and other transactions described
herein as is required by applicable law and regulations (including without
limitation the Exchange Act and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder)
and otherwise as shall be agreed upon by Uwharrie and Anson. Anson shall cause
the Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC in accordance with its rules and
regulations, and Anson shall, as promptly as possible, comply with or otherwise
satisfactorily resolve any comments of the SEC thereon. Before the filing of the
Proxy Statement with the SEC and again prior to its mailing to Anson's
shareholders, Uwharrie shall have
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the right to review and comment on the form and content of the Proxy Statement.
Anson will mail the Proxy Statement to its shareholders not less
than 20 days prior to the scheduled date of the Shareholder Meeting.
c. RECOMMENDATION OF ANSON'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Subject to the
fulfillment by Anson's Board of Directors of its fiduciary duties to Anson's
shareholders in the event a proposal to acquire Anson is received from another
party that the Board of Directors reasonably determines to be of materially
greater value to the shareholders than the consideration payable by Uwharrie
pursuant to this Agreement, or unless Anson's Board of Directors reasonably
believes that such a recommendation would violate the directors' fiduciary
duties or obligations to Anson or to its shareholders (the "Fiduciary Release"),
then the Proxy Statement will state that Anson's Board of Directors considers
the Anson Heritage Merger to be advisable and in the best interests of Anson and
its shareholders and that the Board of Directors recommends that Anson's
shareholders vote their shares of Anson Stock at the Shareholder Meeting in
favor of ratification and approval of this Agreement and the Plan of Anson
Heritage Merger contained herein.
d. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO EFFECTIVE TIME. While the parties
recognize that the operation of Anson and the Bank until the Effective Time is
the responsibility of Anson and the Bank and their respective Boards of
Directors and officers, Anson agrees that, between the date of this Agreement
and the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, Anson will carry on its business,
and it will cause the Bank to carry on its business, in and only in the regular
and usual course in substantially the same manner as such business heretofore
was conducted, and, to the extent consistent with such business and within its
reasonable ability to do so, Anson agrees that it will:
(i) preserve intact its present business organization, keep
available its present officers and employees, and preserve its relationships
with customers, depositors, creditors, correspondents, suppliers, and others
having business relationships with it;
(ii) maintain all its properties and equipment in customary
repair, order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted;
(iii) maintain its books of account and records in the usual,
regular and ordinary manner in accordance with sound business practices applied
on a consistent basis;
(iv) comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to
it, its properties and to the conduct of its business;
(v) continue to maintain in force insurance such as is
described in Paragraph 2.26. above; will not modify any bonds or policies of
insurance in effect as of the date hereof unless the same, as modified, provides
substantially equivalent coverage; and, will not cancel, allow to be terminated
or, to the extent available, fail to renew, any such bond or policy of insurance
unless the same is replaced with a bond or policy providing substantially
equivalent coverage; and,
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(vi) promptly provide to Uwharrie such information about Anson
and the Bank and their financial condition, results of operations, prospects,
businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations, as
they reasonably shall request.
e. NOTICE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Following the execution of
this Agreement and up to the Effective Time, Anson promptly will notify Uwharrie
in writing of and provide to it such information as it shall request regarding
(i) any material adverse change in its or the Bank's financial condition,
results of operations, prospects, business, assets, loan portfolio, investments,
properties or operations, or of the actual or prospective occurrence of any
condition or event which, with the lapse of time or otherwise, may or could
cause, create or result in any such material adverse change, or (ii) the actual
or prospective existence or occurrence of any condition or event which, with the
lapse of time or otherwise, has caused or may or could cause any statement,
representation or warranty of Anson herein, or any information disclosed to
Uwharrie, to be or become inaccurate, misleading or incomplete, or which has
resulted or may or could cause, create or result in the breach or violation of
any of Anson's covenants or agreements contained herein or in the failure of any
of the conditions described in Paragraphs 7.01. or 7.03. below.
f. FURTHER ACTION; INSTRUMENTS OF TRANSFER, ETC. Anson covenants and
agrees with Uwharrie that it (i) will use its best efforts in good faith to take
or cause to be taken all action required of it hereunder as promptly as
practicable so as to permit the consummation of the transactions described
herein at the earliest possible date, (ii) shall perform all acts and execute
and deliver to Uwharrie all documents or instruments required herein or as
otherwise shall be reasonably necessary or useful to or requested by either of
them in consummating such transactions, and, (iii) will cooperate with Uwharrie
in every way in carrying out, and will pursue diligently the expeditious
completion of, such transactions.
g. TERMINATION AND FUNDING OF ANSON PENSION PLAN. Prior to the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time, Anson, with the assistance of First Data
Corporation, which shall have been retained by Anson for such purpose, shall
take such steps as are required to initiate termination of the Anson Pension
Plan in accordance with the standard plan termination procedures under
SS.4041(a) and (b) of ERISA and to obtain from the IRS a favorable determination
upon final termination as to the Anson Pension Plan's qualified status under
SS.SS. 401 and 501 of the Code.
h. APPLICATION FOR BANK CHARTER. Anson shall cooperate with
Uwharrie to provide all information and to perform all acts and execute and
deliver all documents and instruments required to apply to convert the
charter of the Bank to that of a North Carolina commercial bank pursuant to
N.C. GEN. STAT. SS.53-17.2.
4.02. NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF ANSON. Anson hereby covenants and agrees that,
between the date hereof and the Effective Time, Anson will not do any of the
following things or take any of the following actions without the prior written
consent and authorization of the President of Uwharrie.
a. AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR BYLAWS. Neither
Anson nor
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the Bank will amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
b. CHANGE IN CAPITAL STOCK. Neither Anson nor the Bank will (i) make
any change in its authorized capital stock, or create any other or additional
authorized capital stock or other securities, or (ii) issue, sell, purchase,
redeem, retire, reclassify, combine or split any shares of its capital stock or
other securities (including securities convertible into capital stock), other
than the issuance of shares of Anson Stock upon the exercise of stock options
which are outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, or enter into any
agreement or understanding with respect to any such action.
c. OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS. Neither Anson nor the Bank will grant
or issue any options, warrants, calls, puts or other rights of any kind relating
to the purchase, redemption or conversion of shares of its capital stock or any
other securities (including securities convertible into capital stock) or enter
into any agreement or understanding with respect to any such action.
d. DIVIDENDS. Anson will not declare or pay any dividends or make any
other distributions on or in respect of any shares of its capital stock or
otherwise to its shareholders.
e. EMPLOYMENT, BENEFIT OR RETIREMENT AGREEMENTS OR PLANS. Except as
required by law, neither Anson nor the Bank will (i) enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement or commitment for the employment or compensation of
any officer, employee or consultant which is not immediately terminable by Anson
or the Bank without a termination penalty or similar liability on no more than
thirty (30) days notice by Anson; (ii) adopt, enter into or become bound by any
new or additional profit-sharing, bonus, incentive, change in control or "golden
parachute", stock option, stock purchase, pension, retirement, insurance
(hospitalization, life or other) or similar contract, agreement, commitment,
understanding, plan or arrangement (whether formal or informal) with respect to
or which provides for benefits for any of its current or former directors,
officers, employees or consultants; or (iii) enter into or become bound by any
contract with or commitment to any labor or trade union or association or any
collective bargaining group.
f. INCREASE IN COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise provided herein,
neither Anson nor the Bank will increase the compensation or benefits of, or pay
any bonus or other special or additional compensation to, any of its directors,
officers, employees or consultants. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to
the contrary, this Paragraph 4.02.f. shall not prohibit annual merit increases
in the salaries of its employees which are generally awarded in November of each
year or other payments made to employees in connection with existing
compensation or benefit plans so long as such increases or payments are effected
at such times and in such manner and amounts as shall be consistent with Anson's
past compensation policies and practices and, in the case of payments made
pursuant to compensation or benefit plans, consistent with the terms of those
plans. Additionally, on the first payroll date of Uwharrie following the Closing
Date, each employee of the Bank, except Eugene W. Ward, shall receive an
additional five percent (5%) salary increase plus an additional salary increase
of $60.00 per month and Uwharrie will allow Anson to pay its employees (except
Eugene W. Ward and W. LeGrand Bennett, Jr.) the annual bonus, in an
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amount consistent with prior years, in December 1999 that the Bank will accrue
on its books from June 30, 1999 to December 31, 1999.
g. ACCOUNTING PRACTICES. Neither Anson nor the Bank will make any
changes in its accounting methods, practices or procedures or in depreciation or
amortization policies, schedules or rates heretofore applied (except as required
by GAAP or governmental regulations).
h. ACQUISITIONS; ADDITIONAL BRANCH OFFICES. Neither Anson nor the Bank
will directly or indirectly (i) acquire or merge with, or acquire any branch or
all or any significant part of the assets of, any other person or entity, (ii)
open any new branch office, or (iii) enter into or become bound by any contract,
agreement, commitment or letter of intent relating to, or otherwise take or
agree to take any action in furtherance of, any such transaction or the opening
of a new branch office.
i. CHANGES IN BUSINESS PRACTICES. Except as may be required by the
FDIC, the Administrator, any other governmental or other regulatory agency, or
as shall be required by applicable law, regulation or this Agreement, neither
Anson nor the Bank will (i) change in any material respect the nature of its
business or the manner in which it conducts its business, (ii) discontinue any
material portion or line of its business, or (iii) change in any material
respect its lending, investment, asset-liability management or other material
banking or business policies (except to the extent required by Paragraph 4.01.d.
above).
j. EXCLUSIVE MERGER AGREEMENT. Neither Anson nor the Bank will,
directly or indirectly, through any person (i) encourage, solicit or attempt to
initiate or procure discussions, negotiations or offers with or from any person
or entity (other than Uwharrie) relating to a merger or other acquisition of
Anson or the Bank, or the purchase or acquisition of any Anson Stock or Bank
Stock or all or any significant part of Anson's or the Bank's assets; or provide
assistance to any person in connection with any such offer; (ii) subject to the
Fiduciary Release, disclose to any such person or entity any information not
customarily disclosed to the public concerning Anson or the Bank or their
business, or afford to any other person or entity access to its properties,
facilities, books or records; (iii) sell or transfer all or any significant part
of Anson's or the Bank's assets to any other person or entity, or (iv) subject
to the Fiduciary Release, enter into or become bound by any contract, agreement,
commitment or letter of intent relating to, or otherwise take or agree to take
any action in furtherance of, any such transaction.
k. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS. Neither Anson nor the Bank
will without the express permission of Uwharrie:
(i) sell or lease (as lessor), or enter into or become bound by
any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the sale, lease (as
lessor) or other disposition of any real estate; or sell or lease (as lessor),
or enter into or become bound by any contract, agreement, option or commitment
relating to the sale, lease (as lessor) or other disposition of any equipment or
any other fixed or capital asset (other than real estate) having a value on
Anson's or the Bank's books or a fair market value, whichever is greater, of
more than $5,000 for any individual item or asset, or more than $20,000 in the
aggregate for all such items or assets;
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(ii) purchase or lease (as lessee), or enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the purchase, lease
(as lessee) or other acquisition of any real property; or purchase or lease (as
lessee), or enter into or become bound by any contract, agreement, option or
commitment relating to the purchase, lease (as lessee) or other acquisition of
any equipment or any other fixed assets (other than real estate) having a
purchase price, or involving aggregate lease payments, in excess of $5,000 for
any individual item or asset, or more than $20,000 in the aggregate for all such
items or assets;
(iii) enter into any purchase commitment for supplies or services
which calls for prices of goods or fees for services materially higher than
current market prices or fees or which obligates Anson or the Bank for a period
longer than 12 months;
(iv) sell, purchase or repurchase, or enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement, option or commitment to sell, purchase or
repurchase, any loan or other receivable or any participation in any loan or
other receivable; or
(v) sell or dispose of, or enter into or become bound by any
contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the sale or other
disposition of, any other asset of Anson or the Bank (whether tangible or
intangible, and including without limitation any trade name, copyright, service
mark or intellectual property right or license); or assign its right to or
otherwise give any other person its permission or consent to use or do business
under Anson's or the Bank's corporate name or any name similar thereto; or
release, transfer or waive any license or right granted to it by any other
person to use any trademark, trade name, copyright or intellectual property
right.
l. DEBT; LIABILITIES. Except in the ordinary course of its business
consistent with its past practices (including routine borrowings for liquidity
purposes from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta), neither Anson nor the Bank
will (i) enter into or become bound by any promissory note, loan agreement or
other agreement or arrangement pertaining to its borrowing of money, (ii)
assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become responsible or liable for any
obligation of any other person or entity, or (iii) incur any other liability or
obligation (absolute or contingent).
m. LIENS; ENCUMBRANCES. Neither Anson nor the Bank will mortgage,
pledge or subject any of its assets to, or permit any of its assets to become or
(except as Previously Disclosed) remain subject to, any lien or any other
encumbrance (other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with its
past practices in connection with securing of public funds deposits, repurchase
agreements or other similar operating matters).
n. WAIVER OF RIGHTS. Neither Anson nor the Bank will waive, release or
compromise any material rights in its favor (except in the ordinary course of
business) except in good faith for fair value in money or money's worth, nor
waive, release or compromise any rights against or with respect to any of its
officers, directors or shareholders or members of families of officers,
directors or shareholders.
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o. OTHER CONTRACTS. Neither Anson nor the Bank will enter into or
become bound by any contracts, agreements, commitments or understandings (other
than those described elsewhere in this Paragraph 4.02.) (i) for or with respect
to any charitable contributions; (ii) with any governmental or regulatory agency
or authority; (iii) pursuant to which Anson or the Bank would assume, guarantee,
endorse or otherwise become liable for the debt, liability or obligation of any
other person; (iv) which is entered into other than in the ordinary course of
its business; or (v) which, in the case of any one contract, agreement,
commitment or understanding and whether or not in the ordinary course of its
business, would obligate or commit Anson or the Bank to make expenditures of
more than $10,000 (other than contracts, agreements, commitments or
understandings entered into in the ordinary course of Anson's lending
operations).
ARTICLE V. COVENANTS OF UWHARRIE
Uwharrie hereby covenants and agrees as follows with Anson.
5.01. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Subject to their agreement to serve as such,
each of the members of the Bank's Board of Directors at the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time shall continue to serve as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Bank. Each such director's service as a director will be at
Uwharrie's pleasure and will be subject to Uwharrie's normal policies and
procedures regarding the appointment and service of directors of its subsidiary,
Bank of Stanly, including directors fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Uwharrie agrees that each of the members of the Bank's Board of Directors shall
continue to serve in such capacity for no less than one year from the Closing
Date if each such member so desires to continue his service as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Bank.
5.02 DIVIDENDS. Uwharrie shall not declare, set aside, or pay dividends on
any shares of any class of capital stock or make any other distribution of
assets to the holders of any shares of any class of capital stock if the payment
of such dividends might cause Uwharrie to be unable to meet its obligations
under this Agreement.
5.03 INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS. Uwharrie shall not enter into any agreement,
understanding, or commitment, written or oral, with any other party which is
inconsistent in any material respect with the obligations of Uwharrie arising
under this Agreement or which would prevent Uwharrie from completing the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however, nothing in this
Agreement shall preclude Uwharrie from negotiating and concluding transactions
with respect to a merger or other form of business combination with any other
corporation or entity, so long as such transaction or transactions would not
prevent, obstruct or delay completing the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
5.04 REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES. Uwharrie agrees to reimburse
Anson for all costs and expenses associated with the employment of W. LeGrand
Bennett, Jr. should the transactions contemplated hereby not be consummated.
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ARTICLE VI. MUTUAL AGREEMENTS
6.01. REGULATORY APPROVALS. Promptly following the date of this Agreement,
Uwharrie and Anson each shall use their respective best efforts in good faith to
(i) prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, all applications for
regulatory approvals and actions as may be required of them, respectively, by
applicable law and regulations with respect to the transactions described herein
(including applications to the FDIC, the FRB and the Administrator, and to any
other applicable federal or state banking or other regulatory authority), and
(ii) obtain all necessary regulatory approvals required for consummation of the
transactions described herein.
Anson shall cooperate with Uwharrie in the preparation and filing of an
application to the North Carolina State Banking Commission for the purpose of
converting the Bank into a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The
approval of the conversion of the Bank into a North Carolina-chartered
commercial bank shall not be, notwithstanding any other provision herein, a
prior condition for consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.
6.02. INFORMATION FOR PREPARATION OF APPLICATIONS AND PROXY STATEMENT.
Uwharrie and Anson each shall cooperate with the other in the preparation of all
applications to regulatory authorities and the Proxy Statement. Uwharrie and
Anson each shall respond promptly to requests for and furnish, and shall use its
best efforts to cause its directors, officers, accountants and affiliates to
respond promptly to requests for and furnish, all documents, information,
financial statements or other material that may be reasonably requested by the
other party or its legal counsel for inclusion in or to complete any such
application or the Proxy Statement. Before the filing thereof with any
regulatory authority, Uwharrie and Anson each shall have the right to review and
comment on the form and content of any regulatory application to be filed by the
other party in connection with the Anson Heritage Merger and the Uwharrie
Merger. Should the appearance of any of the officers, directors, employees or
counsel of either Uwharrie or Anson be requested by the other or by any
governmental agency at any hearing in connection with any such application, such
party shall promptly use its best efforts to arrange for such appearance.
Uwharrie and Anson each hereby covenants with the other that none of
the information provided by it for inclusion in any regulatory application or
the Proxy Statement will, at the time such information is furnished, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements contained
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or
misleading. At all times after Uwharrie or Anson shall furnish any such
information to the other and up to the Effective Time, the party furnishing such
information shall promptly notify the other if it comes to such party's
attention that, due to any changes in circumstances or otherwise, any such
regulatory application or the Proxy Statement contains an untrue statement of a
material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading.
6.03. ACCESS. Following the date of this Agreement and to and including
the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, Anson shall provide Uwharrie and its
employees, accountants,
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counsel and other representatives, access to all its books, records, files and
other information (whether maintained electronically or otherwise), to all its
properties and facilities, and to all its employees, accountants, counsel and
consultants, for purposes of the conduct of such reasonable investigation and
review as Uwharrie shall, in its sole discretion, consider to be necessary or
appropriate; provided, however, Uwharrie shall attempt to conduct any such
review in such a manner as will not interfere unreasonably with Anson's normal
operations, or with Anson's relationship with its customers or employees.
6.04. COSTS. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 8.03. below, and
whether or not this Agreement shall be terminated or the Anson Heritage Merger
shall be consummated, Anson and Uwharrie each shall pay its own legal,
accounting and financial advisory fees and all its other costs and expenses
incurred or to be incurred in connection with the execution and performance of
its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions described herein (including without limitation
all accounting fees, legal fees, filing fees, printing and mailing costs, travel
expenses, and, in the case of Anson, all fees owed to Trident and the cost of
Anson's "Fairness Opinion" described in Paragraph 7.01.e. below, and, in the
case of Uwharrie, the cost of the "Environmental Survey" described in Paragraph
6.06. below).
6.05. ANNOUNCEMENTS. Anson and Uwharrie each agrees that no person other
than the parties to this Agreement is authorized to make any public
announcements or statements about this Agreement or any of the transactions
described herein, and that, without the prior consent of the others (which
consent shall not unreasonably be denied or delayed), no party hereto may make,
publish or circulate any public announcement, statement or disclosure as to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement or the transactions described herein,
except for such disclosures as may be required incidental to obtaining the prior
approval of any regulatory agency or official to the consummation of the
transactions described herein or as otherwise shall, in the reasonable opinion
of the disclosing party's legal counsel, be required by applicable law. In all
events, each party shall give the other party a reasonable opportunity to review
and comment on any such public announcement, statement or disclosure prior to
the time that it is made, published or circulated.
6.06. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. At its option Uwharrie may cause to be
conducted Phase I environmental assessments of the Real Property, the OREO or
any Loan Collateral, or any portion thereof, together with such other studies,
testing and intrusive sampling and analyses as Uwharrie shall deem necessary or
desirable (collectively, the "Environmental Survey"). Uwharrie shall attempt in
good faith to complete all such Phase I environmental assessments within sixty
(60) days following the date of this Agreement and thereafter to conduct and
complete any such additional studies, testing, sampling and analyses as promptly
as practicable. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 8.03. below, the costs of
the Environmental Survey shall be paid by Uwharrie. If (i) the final results of
any Environmental Survey (or any related analytical data) or other information
available to Uwharrie reflect that there likely has been any discharge,
disposal, release or emission by any person of any Hazardous Substance on, from
or relating to any of the Real Property, the OREO or Loan Collateral at any time
prior to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, or that any action has been
taken or not taken, or a condition or event likely has occurred or exists, with
respect to any of the Real Property, the OREO or Loan Collateral which
constitutes or would or may constitute a violation of any Environmental Laws,
and if, (ii) based on
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the advice of their legal counsel or other consultants, Uwharrie believes that
Anson, the Bank or either of them (or Uwharrie as successor in interest to
Anson) could become responsible for the remediation of such discharge, disposal,
release or emission or for other corrective action with respect to any such
violation, or that Anson, the Bank or either of them could become liable for
monetary damages (including without limitation any civil or criminal penalties
or assessments) resulting therefrom (or that, in the case of any of the Loan
Collateral, Anson could incur any such liability if it acquired title to such
Loan Collateral), and if, (iii) based on the advice of their legal counsel or
other consultants, Uwharrie believes the amount of expenses or liability which
Anson, the Bank or either of them (or Uwharrie as successor in interest to
Anson) could incur or for which Anson, the Bank or either of them (or Uwharrie
as successor in interest to Anson) could become responsible or liable on account
of any and all such remediation, corrective action or monetary damages at any
time or over any period of time could (x) equal or exceed an aggregate of
$50,000 but be less than $250,000, then Uwharrie may reduce the aggregate
purchase price for the total number of issued and outstanding shares of Anson
Stock by the amount of the environmental-related expense with a corresponding
reduction in the purchase price per share to be paid to the holders of Anson
Stock or (y) if such environmental-related expense should equal or exceed
$250,000, then Uwharrie shall give Anson prompt written notice thereof (together
with all information in its possession relating thereto) and, at Uwharrie's sole
option and discretion, at any time thereafter and up to the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time, Uwharrie may terminate this Agreement without further
obligation or liability to Anson or its shareholders.
6.07. EMPLOYEES; SEVERANCE PAYMENTS; EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
-------------------------------------------------
a. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. By virtue of the Anson Heritage Merger and
Uwharrie Merger, Uwharrie shall assume Anson's obligations under its existing
employment agreement with Eugene M. Ward. Uwharrie agrees that Eugene M. Ward
may fulfill the first year of his existing employment agreement after the
Closing Date as a marketing-public relations officer of the Bank, serving at the
pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Bank. It is also understood by
Uwharrie that the last two years of the employment of Eugene M. Ward under said
agreement shall be effected, in Eugene M. Ward's discretion, either by a lump
sum payment or in two equal payments over two tax years of the balance of the
compensation due and owing and that Eugene M. Ward would be relieved of any
further duties, obligations or responsibilities to the Bank and Uwharrie.
b. EMPLOYMENT OF OTHER ANSON EMPLOYEES. With respect to employees
who are not parties to employment agreements with Anson and provided they remain
employed by Anson at the Effective Time, Uwharrie will employ such employees who
accept such employment with Uwharrie on an "at will" basis. Employment so
offered by Uwharrie to an employee of Anson shall be in such a position and for
such rate of compensation as Uwharrie shall determine in its sole discretion;
provided, however, in no event shall such rate of compensation be less than the
employee's increased compensation determined pursuant to 4.02.f. Notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, Uwharrie shall have the right to
terminate the employment of any such employee for cause, and nothing in this
Agreement shall be deemed to constitute an employment agreement with any such
person or to obligate Uwharrie to employ any such person for any specific period
of time or in any specific position or to restrict Uwharrie's right to terminate
the
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employment of any such person at any time, with or without cause and for any
reason satisfactory to it.
c. SEVERANCE COMPENSATION. With respect to any employee of Anson
(other than employees who are parties to employment agreements with Anson) who
accepts employment with Uwharrie at the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time and
whose employment is terminated by (i) the employee at any time within the
twenty-four months following the Anson Heritage Merger because (a) such employee
was requested to work outside of Anson County or (b) employee's base
compensation was reduced or (ii) Uwharrie without cause following the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time but prior to twenty-four (24) months following
the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, Uwharrie will pay severance
compensation to such employee calculated in accordance with the Anson Savings
Bank, Inc. Severance Plan dated April 29, 1998.
d. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Except as otherwise provided herein, any
employee of Anson who becomes an employee of Uwharrie at the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time (a "New Employee") shall become entitled to receive all
employee benefits and to participate in all benefit plans provided by Uwharrie
on the same basis (including costs) and subject to the same eligibility and
vesting requirements, and to the same conditions, restrictions and limitations,
as generally are in effect and applicable to other newly hired employees of
Uwharrie. However, each New Employee shall be given credit for his or her full
years of service with Anson for purposes of (i) entitlement to vacation and sick
leave and for qualification for medical and similar insurance plans, and, (ii)
to the extent permitted under ERISA, the Code and any regulations thereunder,
eligibility for participation and vesting in Uwharrie's Section 401(k) savings
plan and in its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Uwharrie Employee Benefit
Plans"); provided, however, that no New Employee will be entitled to or be given
credit for past service with Anson for purposes of the calculation or
determination of benefits under the Uwharrie Employee Benefit Plans.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if
Uwharrie shall believe in good faith, upon the advice of its legal counsel or
employee benefits consultants, that the granting of any such past service credit
would not be permissible under the terms and requirements of ERISA, the Code,
any governmental rules, regulations and policies thereunder, or any other law or
regulations applicable to the operation of any such plan or program, or
otherwise would expose any such plan or program or Uwharrie to any penalty, then
Uwharrie shall not be required to give any New Employee any such credit for past
service with Anson.
The number of days of vacation and sick leave, respectively,
which shall be available to any New Employee during 1999 as an employee of
Uwharrie shall be reduced by the number of days of vacation or sick leave used
by such New Employee during 1999 prior to the Effective Time as an employee of
Anson.
E. EMPLOYEE BONUS. Each employee of the Bank, except for Eugene M.
Ward, shall be paid a bonus of two months salary on a date that is ninety (90)
days following the Closing Date provided such employee remains employed by the
Bank during such ninety (90) day period.
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6.08. CONFIDENTIALITY. Uwharrie and Anson each agrees that it will treat
as confidential and not disclose to any unauthorized person any documents or
other information obtained from or learned about the other during the course of
the negotiation of this Agreement and the carrying out of the events and
transactions described herein (including any information obtained during the
course of any due diligence investigation or review provided for herein or
otherwise) and which documents or other information relates in any way to the
business, operations, personnel, customers or financial condition of such other
parties. Further, Uwharrie and Anson each agrees that it will not use any such
documents or other information for any purpose except for the purposes for which
such documents and information were provided to it and in furtherance of the
transactions described herein. However, the above obligations of confidentiality
shall not prohibit the disclosure of any such document or information by any
party to this Agreement to the extent (i) such document or information is then
available generally to the public or is already known to the person or entity to
whom disclosure is proposed to be made (other than through the previous actions
of such party in violation of this Paragraph 6.08.), (ii) such document or
information was available to the disclosing party on a nonconfidential basis
prior to the same being obtained pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) disclosure is
required by subpoena or order of a court or regulatory authority of competent
jurisdiction, or by any regulatory authorities in connection with the
transactions described herein, or (iv) to the extent that, in the reasonable
opinion of legal counsel to such party, disclosure otherwise is required by law.
In the event this Agreement is terminated for any reason, then each of the
parties hereto immediately shall return to the other parties all copies of any
and all documents or other written materials or information of or relating to
such other parties which were obtained from them during the course of the
negotiation of this Agreement and the carrying out of the events and
transactions described herein (whether during the course of any due diligence
investigation or review provided for herein or otherwise) and which documents or
other information relates in any way to the business, operations, personnel,
customers or financial condition of such other parties.
The parties' obligations of confidentiality under this Paragraph 6.08.
shall supersede any previous confidentiality agreements between them and shall
survive and remain in effect following any termination of this Agreement.
6.09. DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE. Uwharrie and Anson
agree that, to the extent the same can be purchased at a reasonable cost, then
immediately prior to the Closing Date Anson shall purchase "tail" coverage under
and in the same amount of coverage as is provided by its then current directors'
and officers' liability insurance policy, effective as of the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time and effective for a period of three (3) years.
ARTICLE VII. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO MERGER
7.01. CONDITIONS TO ALL PARTIES' OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligations of each of the
parties to this Agreement to consummate the transactions described herein shall
be conditioned upon the satisfaction of each of the following conditions
precedent on or prior to the Closing Date.
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A. APPROVAL BY GOVERNMENTAL OR REGULATORY AUTHORITIES; NO
DISADVANTAGEOUS CONDITIONS. (i) The Anson Heritage Merger and other transactions
described herein shall have been approved, to the extent required by law, by the
FRB, the Administrator, and by all other governmental or regulatory agencies or
authorities having jurisdiction over such transactions, (ii) no governmental or
regulatory agency or authority shall have withdrawn its approval of such
transactions or imposed any condition on such transactions or conditioned its
approval thereof, which condition is reasonably deemed by Uwharrie or Anson to
be materially disadvantageous or burdensome or to impact so adversely the
economic or business benefits of this Agreement to Uwharrie or to Anson's
shareholders as to render it inadvisable for them to consummate the Anson
Heritage Merger; (iii) all waiting periods required following necessary
approvals by governmental or regulatory agencies or authorities shall have
expired, and, in the case of the waiting period following approval by the FRB,
no unwithdrawn objection to the Anson Heritage Merger shall have been raised by
the U.S. Department of Justice; and (iv) all other consents, approvals and
permissions, and the satisfaction of all of the requirements prescribed by law
or regulation, necessary to the carrying out of the transactions contemplated
herein shall have been procured.
b. ADVERSE PROCEEDINGS, INJUNCTION, ETC. There shall not be (i) any
order, decree or injunction of any court or agency of competent jurisdiction
which enjoins or prohibits the Anson Heritage Merger or any of the other
transactions described herein or any of the parties hereto from consummating any
such transaction, (ii) any pending or threatened investigation of the Anson
Heritage Merger or any of such other transactions by the U.S. Department of
Justice, or any actual or threatened litigation under federal antitrust laws
relating to the Anson Heritage Merger or any other such transaction; or (iii)
any pending or threatened suit, action or proceeding by any person (including
any governmental, administrative or regulatory agency) relating to the Anson
Heritage Merger or any such other transactions.
c. PROXY MATERIALS. Anson's Proxy Statement shall have been filed with
and cleared by the SEC, and all comments of the SEC on the Proxy Statement shall
have been resolved in a satisfactory manner, all as required by and in
accordance with the Exchange Act and rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
d. APPROVAL BY BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS. The Boards of
Directors of Uwharrie and Anson shall have duly approved and adopted this
Agreement by appropriate resolutions, and the shareholders of Anson shall have
duly approved, ratified and confirmed this Agreement, all to the extent required
by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, applicable law, and
applicable provisions of their respective Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
e. FAIRNESS OPINION. Anson's Board of Directors shall have received
from Trident a written opinion (the "Fairness Opinion"), dated as of a date
within five days preceding the mailing of the Proxy Statement to Anson's
shareholders in connection with the Shareholder Meeting, to the effect that the
terms of the Anson Heritage Merger are fair, from a financial point of view, to
Anson and its shareholders; and, Trident shall have delivered a letter to
Anson's Board of
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Directors, dated as of a date within five days preceding the Closing Date, to
the effect that it remains its opinion that the terms of the Anson Heritage
Merger are fair, from a financial point of view, to Anson and its shareholders.
f. NO TERMINATION OR ABANDONMENT. This Agreement shall not have been
terminated by any party hereto.
g. ARTICLES OF MERGER. Articles of Anson Heritage Merger and Uwharrie
Merger in the form described in Paragraph 1.07. above shall have been duly
executed by the appropriate parties as provided in that Paragraph.
7.02. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO ANSON'S OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Anson's separate obligation
to consummate the transactions described herein shall be conditioned upon the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent on or prior to the
Closing Date.
a. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Uwharrie shall have complied in all material
respects with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to the
transactions described herein and where the violation of or failure to comply
with any such law or regulation could or may have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, prospects,
businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations of
Uwharrie and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.
b. UWHARRIE'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF
AGREEMENTS; OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Anson as provided
in Paragraph 11.03. below, each of the representations and warranties of
Uwharrie contained in this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the
date hereof and shall remain true and correct on and as of the Effective Time
with the same force and effect as though made on and as of such date, except (i)
for changes which are not, in the aggregate, material and adverse to the
consolidated financial condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses,
assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations of Uwharrie and
its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, and (ii) as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement; and Uwharrie shall have performed in
all material respects all its respective obligations, covenants and agreements
hereunder to be performed by it on or before the Closing Date.
Anson shall have received a certificate dated as of the
Closing Date and executed by Uwharrie's President to the foregoing effect.
c. LEGAL OPINION OF UWHARRIE COUNSEL. Anson shall have received from
Uwharrie's legal counsel, Anthony Gaeta, Jr., P.A., a written opinion dated as
of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Schedule B attached hereto
or otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Anson.
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d. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION FROM UWHARRIE. Uwharrie shall have
provided to Anson correct and complete copies of its Bylaws, Articles of
Incorporation and board resolutions (all certified by Uwharrie's Secretary),
together with certificates of the incumbency of its officers and such other
closing documents and information as may be reasonably requested by Anson or its
counsel.
e. ACCEPTANCE BY ANSON'S COUNSEL. The form and substance of all legal
matters described herein or related to the transactions contemplated herein
shall be reasonably acceptable to Anson's legal counsel.
7.03. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO UWHARRIE'S OBLIGATIONS. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Uwharrie's separate
obligation to consummate the transactions described herein shall be conditioned
upon the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent on or prior
to the Closing Date.
a. MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. There shall not have occurred any material
adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations, prospects,
businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations of
Anson or the Bank, and there shall not have occurred any event or development
and there shall not exist any condition or circumstance which, with the lapse of
time or otherwise, may or could cause, create or result in any such material
adverse change, excluding changes in laws or regulations or interest rates
generally affecting financial institutions or required changes in accounting
methods.
b. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Anson and the Bank shall have complied in all
material respects with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to
the transactions described herein and where the violation of or failure to
comply with any such law or regulation could or may have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations,
prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or
operations of Anson.
C. ANSON'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF
AGREEMENTS; OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Uwharrie as
provided in Paragraph 11.03. below, each of the representations and warranties
of Anson contained in this Agreement shall have been true and correct as of the
date hereof and shall remain true and correct on and as of the Effective Time
with the same force and effect as though made on and as of such date, except (i)
for changes which are not, in the aggregate, material and adverse to the
consolidated financial condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses,
assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations of Anson, and (ii)
as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement; and Anson shall have performed in
all material respects all its obligations, covenants and agreements hereunder to
be performed by it on or before the Closing Date.
Uwharrie shall have received a certificate dated as of the
Closing Date and executed by Anson's President to the foregoing effect and as to
such other matters as may be reasonably requested by Uwharrie.
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d. LEGAL OPINION OF ANSON COUNSEL. Uwharrie shall have received from
Anson's legal counsel, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, L.L.P., a
written opinion, dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of
Schedule C attached hereto or otherwise in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Uwharrie.
e. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION FROM ANSON. Anson shall have
provided to Uwharrie correct and complete copies of Anson's Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws and board and shareholder resolutions (all certified by
Anson's Secretary), together with certificates of the incumbency of Anson's
officers and such other closing documents and information as may be reasonably
requested by Uwharrie or its counsel.
f. ACCEPTANCE BY UWHARRIE'S COUNSEL. The form and substance of all
legal matters described herein or related to the transactions contemplated
herein shall be reasonably acceptable to Uwharrie's legal counsel.
g. CERTAIN MERGER EXPENSES. The aggregate of amounts paid or payable
by Anson for legal fees in connection with or related to the Anson Heritage
Merger shall not exceed $40,000.
h. PENSION PLAN EXPENSES. (i) Anson and Uwharrie shall have received
from First Data Corporation, in writing, a projection (based on then current
Plan assets, Plan participants and rate assumptions) of the total amount of
additional contributions that will be required to be made to the Anson Pension
Plan in order for Plan assets to be sufficient to satisfy total projected
liabilities upon final termination of the Plan, and (ii) the aggregate of
amounts paid or reasonably projected to be payable by Anson (or by Uwharrie as
successor to Anson) after the date of this Agreement in connection with the
termination of the Anson Pension Plan (whether by way of underfunding liability,
additional Plan contributions or penalties), shall not exceed $200,000, not
including any costs associated with W. LeGrand Bennett, Jr.'s employment.
ARTICLE VIII. TERMINATION; BREACH; REMEDIES
8.01. MUTUAL TERMINATION. At any time prior to the Effective Time (and
whether before or after approval hereof by the shareholders of Anson), this
Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of Uwharrie and Anson. Upon
any such mutual termination, all obligations of Uwharrie and Anson hereunder
shall terminate and each party shall pay costs and expenses as provided in
Paragraph 6.04. above.
8.02. UNILATERAL TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated by either
Uwharrie or Anson (whether before or after approval hereof by Anson's
shareholders) upon written notice to the other parties and under the
circumstances described below.
a. TERMINATION BY UWHARRIE. This Agreement may be terminated
by Uwharrie by action of its Board of Directors or Executive Committee:
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(i) if Anson shall have violated or failed to fully perform any
of its obligations, covenants or agreements contained in Article IV or Article
VI herein in any material respect;
(ii) if Uwharrie determines at any time that any of Anson's
representations or warranties contained in Article II or in any other
certificate or writing delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall have been
false or misleading in any material respect when made, or that there has
occurred any event or development, or that there exists any condition or
circumstance which has caused or, with the lapse of time or otherwise, may or
could cause, any such representations or warranties to become false or
misleading in any material respect;
(iii) if Anson's shareholders do not ratify and approve this
Agreement and approve the Anson Heritage Merger at the Shareholder Meeting, or
if the Shareholder Meeting is not held on or before December 1, 1999, unless
such failure to ratify and approve, or to hold the Shareholder Meeting by that
date, results from Uwharrie's failure to satisfy its obligations under Paragraph
6.02. above to provide information for inclusion in the Proxy Statement;
(iv) under the circumstances described in Paragraph 6.06.
above or Paragraph 11.01. below; or,
(v) if any of the conditions of the obligations of Uwharrie (as
set forth in Paragraph 7.01. or 7.03. above) shall not have been satisfied or
effectively waived in writing by Uwharrie, or if the Anson Heritage Merger shall
not have become effective, on or before January 31, 2000, unless such date is
extended as evidenced by the written mutual agreement of the parties hereto.
However, before Uwharrie may terminate this Agreement for any of the
reasons specified above in (i) or (ii) of this Paragraph 8.02.a., it shall give
written notice to Anson as provided herein stating its intent to terminate and a
description of the specific breach, default, violation or other condition giving
rise to its right to so terminate, and, such termination by Uwharrie shall not
become effective if, within thirty (30) days following the giving of such
notice, Anson shall cure such breach, default or violation or satisfy such
condition to the reasonable satisfaction of Uwharrie.
b. TERMINATION BY ANSON. This Agreement may be terminated by Anson by
action of its Board of Directors:
(i) if Uwharrie shall have violated or failed to fully perform
any of its obligations, covenants or agreements contained in Article V or VI
herein in any material respect;
(ii) if Anson determines that any of Uwharrie's representations
and warranties contained in Article III herein or in any other certificate or
writing delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall have been false or misleading
in any material respect when made, or that there has occurred any event or
development or that there exists any condition or circumstance which has
38
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caused or, with the lapse of time or otherwise, may or could cause, any such
representations or warranties to become false or misleading in any material
respect;
(iii) if its shareholders do not ratify and approve this Agreement
and approve the Anson Heritage Merger at the Shareholder Meeting, or if the
Shareholder Meeting is not held on or before December 1, 1999, unless such
failure to ratify and approve, or to hold the Shareholder Meeting by that date,
results from Anson's failure to satisfy its obligations contained in Paragraphs
4.01.a., 4.01.b. or 6.02. above; or,
(iv) if any of the conditions of the obligations of Anson (as set
forth in Paragraph 7.01. or 7.02. above) shall not have been satisfied or
effectively waived in writing by Anson, or if the Merger shall not have become
effective, on or before January 31, 2000, unless such date is extended as
evidenced by the written mutual agreement of the parties hereto.
However, before Anson may terminate this Agreement for any of the
reasons specified above in clause (i) or (ii) of this Paragraph 8.02.b., it
shall give written notice to Uwharrie as provided herein stating its intent to
terminate and a description of the specific breach, default, violation or other
condition giving rise to its right to so terminate, and, such termination by
Anson shall not become effective if, within thirty (30) days following the
giving of such notice, Uwharrie shall cure such breach, default or violation or
satisfy such condition the reasonable satisfaction of Anson.
8.03. BREACH; REMEDIES. Except as otherwise provided below, (i) in the
event of a material breach by Anson of any of its representations or warranties
contained in Article II of this Agreement, or in the event of its failure to
perform or a violation of any of its obligations, agreements or covenants
contained in Articles IV or VI of this Agreement, then (subject to Anson's
limited right to notice of default and opportunity to cure provided in Paragraph
8.02.a. above) Uwharrie's sole right and remedy shall be to terminate this
Agreement prior to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time as provided in
Paragraph 8.02.a. above, or, in the case of a failure to perform or a violation
of any obligations, agreements or covenants, to seek specific performance
thereof; and (ii) in the event of any such termination of this Agreement by
Uwharrie, then Anson shall be obligated to reimburse Uwharrie for up to (but not
more than) $100,000 in expenses described in Paragraph 6.04. which actually have
been incurred by it and Anson will be required to pay Uwharrie $200,000 as
liquidated damages in full compensation of all other harm suffered by Uwharrie
as a result of such termination.
Likewise, and except as otherwise provided below, (i) in the event
of a material breach by Uwharrie of any of its representations or warranties
contained in Article III of this Agreement, or in the event of its failure to
perform or a violation of any of its obligations, agreements or covenants
contained in Articles V or VI of this Agreement, then (subject to Uwharrie's
limited right to notice of default and opportunity to cure provided in Paragraph
8.02.b. above) Anson's sole right and remedy shall be to terminate this
Agreement prior to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time as provided in
Paragraph 8.02.b. above, or, in the case of a failure to perform or a violation
of any obligations, agreements or covenants, to seek specific performance
thereof; and, (ii) in the event of any such termination of this Agreement by
Anson, then Uwharrie
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<PAGE>
shall be obligated to reimburse Anson for up to (but not more than) $100,000 in
expenses described in Paragraph 6.04. which actually have been incurred by it
and Uwharrie will be required to pay Anson $200,000 as liquidated damages in
full compensation of all other harm suffered by Anson as a result of such
termination.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if any
party to this Agreement breaches this Agreement by willfully or intentionally
failing to perform or violating any of its obligations, agreements or covenants
contained in Articles IV, V or VI of this Agreement, such party shall be
obligated to pay all expenses of the other party(ies) described in Paragraph
6.04., together with other damages recoverable at law or in equity.
ARTICLE IX. INDEMNIFICATION
9.01. INDEMNIFICATION. From and after the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time through the third anniversary of the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time,
Uwharrie shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director,
officer and employee of Anson and the Bank determined as of the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties") against any costs or expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (collectively, "Costs") incurred in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, arising out of matters existing or occurring at
or prior to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, whether asserted or
claimed prior to, at or after the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, to the
fullest extent to which such Indemnified Parties were entitled under North
Carolina law and Anson and the Bank's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as in
effect on the date hereof.
Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section
9.01., upon learning of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, shall promptly notify Uwharrie, but the failure to so notify
shall not relieve Uwharrie or any liability it may have to such Indemnified
Party if such failure does not materially prejudice Uwharrie. In the event of
any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising
before or after the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time), (i) Uwharrie shall
have the right to assume the defense thereof and Uwharrie shall not be liable to
such Indemnified Parties for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other
expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with
the defense thereof, except that if Uwharrie elects not to assume such defense
or counsel for the Indemnified Parties advises that there are issues which raise
conflicts of interest between Uwharrie and the Indemnified Parties, the
Indemnified Parties may retain counsel which is reasonably satisfactory to
Uwharrie, and Uwharrie shall pay, promptly as statements therefor are received,
the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties
(which may not exceed one firm in any jurisdiction unless the use of one counsel
for such Indemnified Parties would present such counsel with a conflict of
interest), (ii) the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any
such matter, and (iii) Uwharrie shall not be liable for any settlement effected
without its prior written consent.
In the event that Uwharrie or any of its respective successors or assigns
(i) consolidates with
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or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or surviving
corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each
such case, the successors and assigns of such entity shall assume the
obligations set forth in this Section 9.01., which obligations are expressly
intended to be for the irrevocable benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each
of the Indemnified Parties and his or her heirs and representatives.
ARTICLE X. INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS OF ANSON'S DIRECTORS
By their execution of this Agreement in their individual capacity, each of
Anson's directors individually makes the following agreements with Uwharrie but,
except as to the agreements contained in this Article X, shall not, for any
other purpose or in any other respect, be deemed parties to this Agreement.
10.01. ACTIONS AS A DIRECTOR. As a director of Anson, unless there has
been a material change in circumstances since the date of this Agreement or for
any reason it would, in such director's reasonable opinion, violate his
fiduciary duty or obligations as a director to Anson or to its shareholders, he
will: (i) recommend to Anson's shareholders that they vote their shares in favor
of ratification and approval of the Agreement and approval of the Anson Heritage
Merger described therein; (ii) vote against any action on the part of Anson that
would be in violation of the Agreement; and (iii) vote in favor of any action on
the part of Anson that is necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and
purposes or the Agreement.
10.02. ACTIONS AS AN INDIVIDUAL. Individually, each director of Anson
will: (i) at the Shareholder Meeting, vote all shares of Anson's common stock
which he has the power to vote in favor of ratification and approval of this
Agreement and approval of the Anson Heritage Merger described herein; and (ii)
during a period commencing on the effective date of this Agreement and ending
one year following the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time (the "Restriction
Period"), he will not "Compete" (as defined below), directly or indirectly, with
Anson, the Bank or Uwharrie in the geographic area consisting of Anson County,
North Carolina (the "Relevant Market") so long as each director continues to
serve as a director of the Bank during such one-year period. Each Anson director
hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Relevant Market and Restriction Period
are limited in scope to the geographic territory and period of time reasonably
necessary to protect Uwharrie's economic interest to be acquired in connection
with the Anson Heritage Merger.
10.03. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of Paragraph 10.02 above,
the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
a. COMPETE. The term "Compete" means: (i) soliciting or securing
deposits from any Person residing in the Relevant Market for any Financial
Institution; (ii) soliciting any Person residing in the Relevant Market to
become a borrower from any Financial Institution, or assisting (other than
through the performance of ministerial or clerical duties) any Financial
Institution in making loans to any such Person; (iii) soliciting any Person
residing in the Relevant Market to purchase an insurance policy from or through
any insurance agent or agency other than
41
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Anson, the Bank or Uwharrie; (iv) inducing or attempting to induce any Person
who is or was a Customer of Anson or the Bank at or prior to the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time, or who is a Customer of Uwharrie after the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time, to change any depository, loan and/or other banking
relationship of the Customer from Anson or Uwharrie to another Financial
Institution; (v) acting as a consultant, officer, director (including an
advisory or "local" director), independent contractor, or employee of any
Financial Institution that has its main or principal office in the Relevant
Market, or, in acting in any such capacity with any other Financial Institution,
to maintain an office or be employed at or assigned to or to have any direct
involvement in the management, supervision, business or operation of any office
of such Financial Institution located in the Relevant Market; (vi) acting as an
advisory or "local" director for any Financial Institution with respect to a
branch office located in the Relevant Market; or (vii) communicating to any
Financial Institution the names or addresses or any financial information
concerning any Person who is or was a Customer of Anson or the Bank at or prior
to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time, or who is a Customer of Uwharrie
after the Anson Heritage Merger Effective Time.
b. CUSTOMER. The terms "Customer of Anson", "Customer of the Bank" and
"Customer of Uwharrie" mean any Person with whom Anson, the Bank or Uwharrie,
respectively, has a depository, loan, insurance and/or other banking or
financial service relationship.
c. FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. The term "Financial Institution" means any
federal or state chartered bank, savings bank, savings and loan association or
credit union, or any holding company for or corporation that owns or controls
any such entity, or any other Person engaged in the business of making loans of
any type or receiving deposits, other than Anson, Uwharrie or one of their
affiliated corporations.
d. PERSON. The term "Person" means any natural person or any
corporation, partnership, proprietorship, joint venture, trust, estate,
governmental agency or instrumentality, fiduciary, unincorporated association or
other entity.
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11.01. "PREVIOUSLY DISCLOSED" INFORMATION. "Previously Disclosed" shall
mean the disclosure of information in a disclosure schedule delivered by either
Anson or Uwharrie, as the case may be, not later than the date hereof and which
specifically refers to this Agreement and is arranged in paragraphs
corresponding to the Paragraphs, subparagraphs and items of this Agreement
applicable thereto.
Information disclosed in a disclosure schedule described above shall
be deemed to have been Previously Disclosed for the purpose of any given
Paragraph, subparagraph or item of this Agreement only to the extent that
information is expressly set forth in such party's disclosure schedule described
above and that, in connection with such disclosure, a specific reference is made
in the disclosure schedule to that Paragraph, subparagraph or item.
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11.02. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, INDEMNIFICATION
-----------------------------------------------------------
AND OTHER AGREEMENTS.
- ---------------------
a. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND OTHER AGREEMENTS. None of the
representations, warranties or agreements herein shall survive the effectiveness
of the Anson Heritage Merger, and no party shall have any right after the Anson
Heritage Merger Effective Time to recover damages or any other relief from any
other party to this Agreement by reason of any breach of representation or
warranty, any nonfulfillment or nonperformance of any agreement contained
herein, or otherwise; provided, however, that the parties' agreements contained
in Paragraph 6.08. above shall survive the effectiveness of the Anson Heritage
Merger.
b. INDEMNIFICATION. Uwharrie's indemnification agreements and
obligations pursuant to Paragraph 9.1. above shall become effective only in the
event of and following consummation of the Anson Heritage Merger.
11.03. WAIVER. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived
(except as to matters of regulatory approvals and approvals required by law),
either in whole or in part, at any time by the party which is, and whose
shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof. No waiver of any term or
condition of this Agreement by any party shall be effective unless such waiver
is in writing and signed by the waiving party, or be construed to be a waiver of
any succeeding breach of the same term or condition. No failure or delay of any
party to exercise any power, or to insist upon a strict compliance by any other
party of any obligation, and no custom or practice at variance with any terms
hereof, shall constitute a waiver of the right of any party to demand a full and
complete compliance with such terms.
11.04. AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented
at any time or from time to time prior to the Anson Heritage Merger Effective
Time, and either before or after its approval by the shareholders of Anson by an
agreement in writing approved by a majority of the Boards of Directors of
Uwharrie and Anson executed in the same manner as this Agreement; provided
however, that, except with the further approval of Anson's shareholders of that
change or as otherwise provided herein, following approval of this Agreement by
the shareholders of Anson no change may be made in the formula for determining
the amount of cash to be paid for each share of Anson Stock.
11.05. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or
by courier, or mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid, as follows:
IF TO ANSON OR THE BANK: WITH COPY TO:
Anson Bancorp, Inc. Brooks, Pierce, McLendon,
211 South Greene Street Humphrey,
Wadesboro, North Carolina 28170 & Leonard, L.L.P.
2000 Renaissance Plaza
230 N. Elm Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
43
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Attention: Eugene M. Ward,
President Attention: Jean C. Brooks
IF TO UWHARRIE: WITH COPY TO:
Uwharrie Capital Corp Anthony Gaeta, Jr., P.A.
134 North First Street 808 Salem Woods Drive, Suite 201
Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 Raleigh ,North Carolina 27615
Attention: Roger L. Dick, Attention: Anthony Gaeta, Jr.
President
11.06. FURTHER ASSURANCE. Uwharrie and Anson each agree to furnish to the
others such further assurances with respect to the matters contemplated herein
and their respective agreements, covenants, representations and warranties
contained herein, including the opinion of legal counsel, as such other parties
may reasonably request.
11.07. HEADINGS AND CAPTIONS. Headings and captions of the sections and
paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference
only and do not constitute a part hereof.
11.08. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement (including all schedules and
exhibits attached hereto and all documents incorporated herein by reference)
contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the transactions
described herein and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreement(s)
heretofore made, and there are no representations or inducements by or to, or
and agreements between, any of the parties hereto other than those contained
herein in writing.
11.09. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. The invalidity or unenforceability of
any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, restriction, covenant, agreement or other
provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision or part hereof.
11.10. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party hereto
except with the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
11.11. COUNTERPARTS. Any number of counterparts of this Agreement may be
signed and delivered, each of which shall be considered an original and which
together shall constitute one agreement.
11.12. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is made in and shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of North Carolina.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Uwharrie and Anson each has caused this Agreement to
be executed in its name by its duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
44
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ANSON BANCORP, INC.
By: _________________________________
Eugene M. Ward, President
ATTEST:
- -------------------------------
Veda H. Edwards, Secretary
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
----------------------------------
By: Roger L. Dick, President
ATTEST:
- ------------------------------
Tamara M. Singletary, Secretary
45
<PAGE>
The undersigned directors of Anson, by their execution of this Agreement
in their individual capacities, hereby agree to the provisions of Article X
hereof, but, except as to the agreements contained in Article X, shall not, for
any other purpose or in any other respect, be deemed parties to this Agreement.
WITNESS our hands and seals this the date first above written.
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
Preston A. Burns, Chairman
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
John J. Crawford, Director
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
W. Kenneth Huntley, Director
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
Emmett S. Patterson, Director
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
John R. Potter, Director
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
H. Patrick Taylor, Jr., Director
_________________________________________________(SEAL)
Eugene M. Ward, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
46
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT ("Option Agreement"), dated as of _________, 1999
by and between Anson Bancorp, Inc., Wadesboro, North Carolina, a North Carolina
corporation ("Anson") and Uwharrie Capital Corp, Albemarle, North Carolina, a
North Carolina corporation ("Uwharrie").
BACKGROUND
A. The Boards of Directors of Anson and Uwharrie have approved an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated of even date
herewith (the "Agreement") providing for a transaction whereby all
of the outstanding shares of Anson's common stock would be acquired
for cash upon terms and conditions of the Agreement.
B. To induce Uwharrie to enter into the Agreement, Anson has agreed to
grant to Uwharrie an option to purchase 111,173 shares (the
"Shares") of the common stock of Anson ("Option").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. Capitalized terms defined in the Agreement and used in this Option
Agreement shall have the same meanings as in the Agreement.
2. Grant of Option.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Option
Agreement, Anson hereby grants to Uwharrie the Option at a
price of $18.50 per share of Anson Stock payable in cash as
provided in Section 4 hereof.
(b) If at any time the outstanding shares of Anson Stock are
changed into a different number of shares or a different class
by reason of any reclassification, capitalization, split-up,
combination, exchange of shares or readjustment or if a stock
dividend thereon is declared, then the number of shares of
Anson subject to the Option and the per share consideration to
be paid by Uwharrie upon exercise of the Option shall be
appropriately adjusted.
3. Exercise of Option.
(a) Uwharrie may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
time or from time to time if a Purchase Event (as defined
below) shall have occurred and be continuing; provided that to
the extent the Option shall not have
<PAGE>
been exercised, it shall terminate and be of no further force
or effect upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Anson Heritage
Merger Effective Time or (ii) termination of the Agreement in
accordance with the provisions thereof prior to the occurrence
of a Purchase Event (other than a termination resulting from a
breach by Anson of any covenant contained therein) or (iii)
six months after termination of the Agreement if such
termination follows the occurrence of a Purchase Event or is
due to a breach by Anson of any covenant contained therein.
Any such exercise shall be subject to compliance with
applicable provisions of law.
(b) As used herein, a "Purchase Event" shall mean any of the
following events or transactions occurring after the date
hereof:
(i) Anson, without having received Uwharrie's prior written
consent, shall have entered into an agreement with any
person, whereby such person would (x) merger or
consolidate, or enter into any similar transaction, with
Anson, (y) purchase, lease or otherwise acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of Anson, or (z)
purchase or otherwise acquire (including by way of
merger, consolidation, share exchange or any similar
transaction) securities representing 20% or more of the
voting power of Anson.
(ii) any person shall have acquired beneficial ownership or
the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more
of the outstanding shares of Anson Stock (the term
"beneficial ownership" for purposes of this Option
Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Section
13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act") and the regulations promulgated
thereunder);
(iii) a "change of control" (as would be required to be
reported in response to Item 5(f) of Schedule 14A or
Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) of
Anson occurs; or
(iv) any person (x) shall have made a bona fide proposal to
Anson by public announcement or written communication
that is or becomes the subject of public disclosure to
acquire Anson or any Anson Subsidiary by merger,
consolidation, purchase of all or substantially all of
its assets or any other similar transaction, (y) shall
have commenced a bona fide tender or exchange offer to
purchase shares of Anson Stock such that upon
consummation of such offer such person would own or
control 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Anson,
or (z) shall have filed an application or notice with
any federal or state regulatory agency for clearance or
approval to engage in any transaction described in
clause (i) or (ii) above, and thereafter the holders of
Anson Stock shall have not
<PAGE>
approved the Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby at the meeting of such stockholders held for
such purpose or such meeting shall have not been held or
shall have been canceled prior to termination of the
Agreement.
If more than one of the transactions giving rise to a Purchase Event
under this Section 3(b) is undertaken or effected, then all such
transactions shall give rise only to one Purchase Event, which Purchase
Event shall be deemed cotinuing for all purposes under this Option
Agreement until all such transactions are abandoned. As used in this
Option Agreement, "person" shall have the meanings specified in Sections
3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(c) In the event Uwharrie wishes to exercise this Option, it shall
send to Anson a written notice (the date of which shall be the
"Notice Date") specifying (i) the total number of shares it
will purchase pursuant to such exercise, and (ii) a place and
date not earlier than three business days nor later than 60
business days from the Notice Date for the closing of such
purchase (the "Closing Date"); provided, that if prior
notification to or approval of any federal or state regulatory
agency is required in connection with such purchase, Uwharrie
shall promptly file the required notice or application for
approval and shall expeditiously process the same and the
period of time that otherwise would run pursuant to this
sentence shall run instead from date on which any required
notification period has expired or been terminated or such
approval has been obtained and any requisite waiting period
shall have passed.
4. Payment and Delivery of Certificates.
(a) At the closing referred to in Section 3 hereof, Uwharrie shall
pay to Anson the aggregate purchase price for the Shares
purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in
immediately available funds by a wire transfer to a bank
account designated by Anson.
(b) At such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of cash as
provided in Section 4(a), Anson shall deliver Uwharrie a
certificate representing the number of shares of Anson Stock
purchased by Uwharrie.
5. Regulatory Filings. Anson and Uwharrie agree to file with state and
federal governmental bodies and authorities (including without
limitation the North Carolina Banking Commission and the Federal
Reserve Board) all required applications, notifications and report
forms and other documents required to be filed under any applicable
law, rule or regulation, to permit the purchase contemplated by this
Agreement (collectively, "Regulatory Filings"). Anson agrees to
cooperate fully with Uwharrie in connection with the preparation of
any Regulatory Filing. All fees, expenses and charges of any kind or
nature whatsoever incurred in connection with any Regulatory Filing
shall be borne and
<PAGE>
paid by Anson. Anson shall indemnify and hold harmless Uwharrie, its
affiliates and its officers and directors from and against any and
all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including,
without limitation, all out-of-pocket expenses, investigation
expenses, expenses incurred with respect to any judgment and fees
and disbursements of counsel and accountants) arising out of or
based upon any statements contained in, omissions or alleged
omissions from, each Regulatory Filing, other than statements or
omissions made in reliance on and in conformity with information
provided in writing by Uwharrie included in such Regulatory Filing.
6. Representations and Warranties.
Anson represents, warrants and covenants to Uwharrie as follows:
(a) Shares. The Shares, when delivered to Uwharrie upon exercise
of the Option, will be duly authorized, valid issued, fully
paid, nonassessable, free of preemptive rights, and free and
clear of all claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security
interests of any nature whatsoever.
(b) Authority. Anson has full right, power and authority to
execute and deliver this Option Agreement, to grant the Option
and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to
Uwharrie upon exercise of the Option.
(c) Binding Obligation. The execution and delivery of this Option
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Anson. This Option Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Anson and constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of Anson, enforceable
against Anson in accordance with its terms.
(d) Absence of Conflicting Agreements. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Option Agreement will not (i) conflict
with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under,
any applicable law, judgment, ordinance, regulation or ruling
of any court or governmental authority, or under any contract
or agreement to which Anson is a party or by which Anson may
be bound, or (ii) create a lien, charge, claim or encumbrance
upon the Shares.
(e) Consents. No consent, approval, permit or authorization of, or
filing with any governmental authority or any third party is
required to consummate this Option Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(f) Claims and Legal Actions. There is no claim, liability, legal
action, governmental investigation or other legal,
administrative or tax proceeding, nor any order, decree or
judgment, in progress or pending, or to the knowledge of
Anson, threatened against Anson which could
<PAGE>
adversely affect the Shares, nor does Anson know or have
reason to be aware of any basis for the same.
(g) Reservation of Shares. Anson has taken all necessary corporate
action to reserve from the authorized and unissued shares of
Anson Stock to issue, upon exercise of the Option, all of the
Shares. At all times from the date hereof until such time as
the Option is no longer exercisable, Anson will reserve for
issuance, upon exercise of the Option, the number of shares of
Anson Stock equal to the number of Shares for which the Option
is then exercisable.
7. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
contained in this Option Agreement is held by a court or a federal
or state regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions and
covenants and restrictions contained in this Option Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected,
impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or regulatory
agency determines that the Option will not permit the holder to
acquire the full number of shares of Anson Stock as provided in
Section 2 hereof, it is the express intention of Anson to allow the
holder to acquire such lesser number as may be permissible, without
any amendment or modification hereof.
8. Additional Documents. Anson will, upon request of Uwharrie, promptly
execute and deliver all additional documents reasonably deemed by
Uwharrie to be necessary, appropriate or desirable to complete and
evidence any sale, assignment or transfer of the Shares pursuant to
this Option Agreement and to vest in Uwharrie good, valid and
marketable title to the Shares so transferred.
9. Miscellaneous.
(a) Expenses. Except as otherwise provided herein, each of the
parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses
incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereunder, including fees and
expenses of its own financial consultants, investment bankers,
accountants and counsel.
(b) Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, this Option Agreement contains the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements
or understandings with respect thereto, written or oral. The
terms and conditions of this Option Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and
their responsible heirs, successors and assigns. Nothing in
this Option Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to
confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto, and
their respective successors and assigns, any rights, remedies,
<PAGE>
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Option
Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Assignment. Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of
its rights or obligations under this Option Agreement or the
Option created hereunder to any other person, without the
express written consent of the other party, provided, however,
that Uwharrie's rights and obligations under the Option
Agreement and the Option created hereunder shall be
automatically transferred to any corporation succeeding to the
rights and obligations of Uwharrie under the Agreement.
(d) Notices. All notices or other communications which are
required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and
sufficient if delivered personally or sent by overnight
express or by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
addressed as provided in the Agreement. A party may change its
address for notice purposes by written notice to the other
party hereto.
(e) Counterparts. This Option Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be
deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one agreement.
(f) Specific Performance. The parties agree that damages would be
an inadequate remedy for breach of the provisions of this
Option Agreement by either party hereto and that this Option
Agreement may be enforced by either party hereto through
injunctive or other equitable relief.
(g) Governing Law. This Option Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North
Carolina applicable to agreements made and entirely to be
performed within such state, except to the extent that federal
laws may be applicable.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Option Agreement
duly authorized by their respective Boards of Directors.
ANSON BANCORP, INC.
By: ____________________________
Eugene M. Ward, President
ATTEST:
___________________________
Velda H. Edwards, Secretary
UWHARRIE CAPITAL CORP
By: ____________________________
Roger L. Dick, President
ATTEST:
___________________________
________________, Secretary
Exhibit 99
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Uwharrie Capital Corp
News Release
August 4, 1999
From: Tamara M. Singletary, Uwharrie Capital Corp, (704) 982-4415
Re: Uwharrie Capital Corp and Anson Bancorp, Inc. Form Partnership
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albemarle, North Carolina - Uwharrie Capital Corp, bank holding company of
Bank of Stanly, and Anson Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Anson Savings Bank,
Inc., of Wadesboro, North Carolina, jointly announce today that they have signed
a definitive agreement providing for Anson Savings Bank to become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Uwharrie Capital Corp. This announcement was made by Cindy Beane,
Chairwoman of Uwharrie Capital Corp and Preston Burns, Chairman of Anson
Bancorp, Inc.
Roger Dick, President of Uwharrie Capital Corp commented, "Partnering with
Anson Savings Bank allows us to expand within the nine-county Uwharrie Lakes
Region, consistent with our vision. After completing a $4.7 million common stock
offering on March 31, 1999, our Board of Directors fees this is an opportunity
to enhance the economic well-being of our region by reinvesting capital into our
communities to help start new businesses, build new homes and provide new jobs.
This partnership with our neighbors in Anson County is a continuation of our
company's mission to help build a sustainable, economic future for the Uwharrie
Lakes Region."
"This 110-year old institution, founded by the people of Anson County in
1889, has been built upon strong community values, pride and service to its
citizens. We believe our missions and our values are compatible. Building our
company with partners like Anson Savings Bank only strengthens our commitment to
our mission while creating value for our shareholders," added Cindy Beane,
Uwharrie Capital Corp Chairwoman.
Anson Bancorp Chairman Preston Burns commented, "Our joining with Uwharrie
Capital Corp allows us to offer both competitive banking services and investment
services which will help grow our community. Continuing hometown, professional
service to our friends in Anson County was most important in our decision to
enter into this transaction. We believe this transaction is in the best interest
of our community, our customers and our shareholders."
Anson Bancorp and Anson Savings Bank, on a consolidated basis, have total
assets of approximately $25 million, loans of approximately $12.1 million,
deposits of approximately $15.2 million and $9.5 million in shareholders' equity
at June 30, 1999, and operate one office in Wadesboro, North Carolina.
Under the terms of the agreement, Uwharrie Capital Corp will acquire all
of the 585,124 issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of Anson
Bancorp, Inc. for cash at a price of $17.30 per share. The transaction is
expected to be completed by year-end 1999 subject to approval by Anson Bancorp's
shareholders and federal and state banking regulators.
Uwharrie Capital Corp is a $168 million bank holding company headquartered
in Albemarle, North Carolina. It operates Bank of Stanly, with five offices in
Stanly County, and Strategic Alliance, its investment management company. It
also owns 50% of a technology and data processing services company, Corporate
Data Services, Inc., which provides services to Bank of Stanly and other
community banks.
