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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------------
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of the Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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DELAWARE 6331 36-3871531
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
--------------------------
2775 SANDERS ROAD
NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062
(847) 402-5000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
Number, Including Area Code, of
Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
------------------------------
ROBERT W. PIKE, ESQ.
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
2775 SANDERS ROAD
NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062
(847) 402-5000
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and
Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Agent For Service)
------------------------------
COPIES TO:
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JOHN M. SCHWOLSKY, ESQ. ROBERT F. HAYES, ESQ.
LEBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MACRAE, L.L.P. ROPES & GRAY
125 WEST 55(TH) STREET ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110-2624
(212) 424-8000 (617) 951-7000
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--------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
--------------------------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED
MAXIMUM PROPOSED
AMOUNT OFFERING PRICE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE PER SHARE OF AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1) COMMON STOCK(2) OFFERING PRICE(2) FEE(3)
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Common Stock, par value $.01, including associated
preferred share purchase rights................. 29,102,815 $32 7/8 $956,755 $265,978
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(1) The maximum number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share,
including associated preferred share purchase rights, of The Allstate
Corporation ("Allstate Common Stock") that may be registered is based on the
maximum number of shares to be issued in connection with the merger
described within.
(2) Pursuant to Rules 457(f)(1) and 457(c) under the Securities Act and solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, the proposed maximum
aggregate offering price is equal to the average of the high and low prices
of Allstate Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape on September 22, 1999 times the number of shares of Allstate
Common Stock registered hereby.
(3) A filing fee of $181,693 was paid to the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 30, 1999, in connection with the filing of preliminary proxy
material of American Heritage Life Investment Corporation for the special
meeting of shareholders to approve the merger described within. The
remaining balance of the filing fee of $84,285 for this Registration
Statement is being filed herewith.
------------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT FILES
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
WILL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE ON
SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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[LOGO] [LOGO]
PROXY STATEMENT PROSPECTUS
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Dear American Heritage Life Shareholder:
The board of directors of American Heritage Life Investment Corporation has
agreed to merge our company with and into a subsidiary of The Allstate
Corporation. As a result, American Heritage Life's business will be operated
through a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allstate. In this proxy
statement/prospectus, the term American Heritage Life will be used to refer to
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation.
If the merger is completed, you will receive $32.25 in Allstate common stock
for each share of American Heritage Life common stock you own or, if you prefer,
and subject to certain limitations described in this document, $32.25 in cash.
You may elect to exchange some of your American Heritage Life shares for cash
and some for Allstate common stock.
You may call Corporate Investor Communications, Inc., American Heritage
Life's proxy solicitor, toll free any time at 1-877-460-4352 for the current
Allstate stock price and the number of Allstate shares you would receive for
your American Heritage Life shares based on that price. Assuming the closing
occurs on October 29, 1999, the actual number of Allstate shares you would
receive will be set after October 22, 1999.
Allstate's shares are traded on the NYSE and the CHX under the symbol "ALL."
As of September 24, 1999, Allstate's stock price was $[ ].
IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE CASH INSTEAD OF ALLSTATE COMMON STOCK, YOU MUST
COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT BY OCTOBER 25, 1999. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR ELECTION AND
TRANSMITTAL FORM TO US WITH YOUR PROXY CARD.
We cannot complete the merger without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of American Heritage Life's common stock.
Holders of approximately 39% of the outstanding shares of American Heritage
Life's common stock have agreed to vote for the merger.
We have scheduled a special meeting to vote on the merger. If you were a
shareholder of record on September 21, 1999, you may vote at the meeting.
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VOTE BY COMPLETING
AND MAILING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TO US.
The date, time and place of the special meeting is as follows:
OCTOBER 27, 1999
4:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE BUILDING
FIRST FLOOR AUDITORIUM
1776 AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE DRIVE
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
This proxy statement/prospectus provides you with detailed information about
the merger. This document is also the prospectus of Allstate for the Allstate
common stock that will be issued to you in the merger. We encourage you to read
this entire document carefully.
PLEASE SEE THE SECTION ENTITLED "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 13 FOR A DISCUSSION
OF POTENTIAL RISKS INVOLVED IN THE MERGER.
[LOGO]
T. O'Neal Douglas
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
[LOGO]
C. Richard Morehead
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved the Allstate common stock to be issued in
the merger or determined that this document is accurate or adequate. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Proxy statement/prospectus dated September 27, 1999, and first mailed to
shareholders on or about September 28, 1999.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 27, 1999
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders of American
Heritage Life Investment Corporation will be held in the Auditorium of the
American Heritage Life Building, on the First Floor, at 1776 American Heritage
Life Drive, Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday, October 27, 1999, at 4:00 p.m.,
Jacksonville time, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to (i) approve the agreement and
plan of merger and reorganization, dated as of July 8, 1999, among
American Heritage Life, The Allstate Corporation, and A.P.L. Acquisition
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allstate, and (ii) approve the
merger of American Heritage Life with and into A.P.L. Acquisition.
2. To consider such other matters as may be incident to the conduct of the
special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the special
meeting.
Information relating to the proposed merger is set forth in the attached
proxy statement/ prospectus.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on September 21, 1999
will be entitled to vote at the special meeting and at any adjournments or
postponements of the special meeting.
Approval of the merger described above will require the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of American Heritage Life
common stock outstanding on the record date. All shareholders are cordially
invited to attend the special meeting in person.
By order of the Board of Directors,
[LOGO]
Christopher A. Verlander
CORPORATE SECRETARY
September 27, 1999
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE,
DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE IN ORDER TO ENSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. NO POSTAGE IS
REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER................................................. 1
SUMMARY................................................................................ 3
The Allstate Corporation............................................................. 3
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation........................................ 3
A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation....................................................... 3
What You Will Receive in the Merger.................................................. 3
You May Elect to Receive Stock or Cash............................................... 3
Limit on the Amount of Cash Payable.................................................. 4
Recommendation of the Board.......................................................... 4
Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger.................................... 4
Opinion of Financial Advisor......................................................... 4
No Appraisal Rights.................................................................. 5
Federal Income Tax Considerations.................................................... 5
Treatment of Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Performance Units in the Merger..... 5
Vote Required; Voting Agreement...................................................... 5
Dividends............................................................................ 5
Accounting Treatment................................................................. 6
Comparison of Shareholder Rights..................................................... 6
Conditions to the Completion of the Merger........................................... 6
Regulatory Approvals................................................................. 6
Termination of the Merger............................................................ 6
Stock Option Agreement............................................................... 7
Comparative Market Price and Dividend Information.................................... 7
Selected Historical Financial Data of Allstate....................................... 8
Selected Historical Financial Data of American Heritage Life......................... 9
Historical and Pro Forma Per Share Data.............................................. 10
Recent Developments.................................................................. 11
RISK FACTORS........................................................................... 13
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS............................. 13
THE MERGER............................................................................. 14
Background of the Merger............................................................. 15
Recommendation of the American Heritage Life Board; Reasons for the Merger........... 17
Allstate's Reasons for the Merger.................................................... 18
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences............................................. 19
Accounting Treatment................................................................. 21
Regulatory Matters................................................................... 21
Dividend Policy...................................................................... 22
No Appraisal Rights.................................................................. 22
Listing of Allstate Shares to be Issued in the Merger................................ 22
Federal Securities Laws Considerations............................................... 22
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR........................................................... 23
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER...................................... 31
Retention Payments................................................................... 31
Employment Agreements................................................................ 31
Accelerated Vesting of Options; Restricted Stock; Performance Units.................. 32
Indemnification Agreement............................................................ 34
Voting Agreement..................................................................... 34
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PRINCIPAL TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT................................................ 35
General.............................................................................. 35
The Merger Consideration............................................................. 35
Election Procedures.................................................................. 35
Allocation and Proration............................................................. 36
Conversion of Stock Options and Restricted Stock; Performance Units.................. 37
Representations and Warranties....................................................... 38
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger............................................... 39
No Solicitation of Transactions...................................................... 40
Indemnification and Insurance........................................................ 40
Post-Merger Continuation of Benefits................................................. 40
Allstate's Commitment to Jacksonville................................................ 40
Conditions to the Completion of the Merger........................................... 41
Termination of the Merger Agreement.................................................. 41
Termination Fee and Stock Option Exercise............................................ 42
RELATED AGREEMENTS..................................................................... 43
Stock Option Agreement............................................................... 43
Voting Agreement..................................................................... 44
THE SPECIAL MEETING.................................................................... 45
Time and Place of the Special Meeting................................................ 45
Purpose of the Special Meeting....................................................... 45
Record Date.......................................................................... 45
Required Vote........................................................................ 45
Proxies; Voting and Revocation....................................................... 46
Solicitation of Proxies.............................................................. 46
DESCRIPTION OF ALLSTATE CAPITAL STOCK.................................................. 47
Authorized Capital Stock............................................................. 47
Common Stock......................................................................... 47
Preferred Stock...................................................................... 47
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS...................................................... 48
Charter Amendments................................................................... 48
By-Law Amendments.................................................................... 48
Special Meetings of Stockholders..................................................... 48
Quorum For Stockholder Meetings...................................................... 49
Stockholder Voting Requirements...................................................... 49
Vote Required For Mergers............................................................ 49
Proxies.............................................................................. 50
Action By Written Consent of Stockholders............................................ 50
Consideration for Stock.............................................................. 50
Staggered Board...................................................................... 51
Board Vacancies...................................................................... 51
Removal of Directors................................................................. 51
Affiliated Transactions.............................................................. 51
Control Share Acquisitions........................................................... 53
Board's Consideration of Other Constituencies........................................ 53
Indemnification of Directors and Officers............................................ 54
Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors and Officers........................... 54
Derivative Actions................................................................... 55
Appraisal and Dissenters' Rights..................................................... 55
Distributions and Redemptions........................................................ 56
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Inspection of Books and Records...................................................... 57
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights...................................................... 57
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE
LIFE................................................................................. 59
LEGAL MATTERS.......................................................................... 61
EXPERTS................................................................................ 61
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS TO THE BOARD..................................... 61
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.................................................... 62
</TABLE>
APPENDIX A--Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization
APPENDIX B--Stock Option Agreement
APPENDIX C--Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
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Q: WHY IS AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE AGREEING
TO MERGE WITH ALLSTATE?
A: The American Heritage Life board of
directors believes that the merger is
in the best interests of American
Heritage Life and its shareholders. To
review the reasons for the merger, see
pages 17 and 18.
Q: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY AMERICAN
HERITAGE LIFE STOCK IN THE MERGER?
A: For each share of American Heritage
Life common stock you own, you will
receive shares of Allstate common
stock worth $32.25. If you prefer, you
may choose to receive $32.25 in cash
for each of your American Heritage
Life shares, subject to the proration
and allocation provisions described in
this document (see pages 35 and 36).
As a result of these allocation and
proration provisions, you may receive
Allstate common stock as consideration
for some American Heritage shares for
which you made a cash election.
Allstate will not issue any fractional
shares in the merger. You will receive
cash instead of any fractional shares
that you would otherwise receive.
Q: WHEN WILL THE MERGER TAKE EFFECT?
A: We are working towards completing the
merger as quickly as possible. In
addition to your approval, we must
also obtain regulatory approvals. We
hope to complete the merger promptly
after the special meeting.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW IN ORDER TO VOTE
ON THE MERGER?
A: You should mail your completed and
signed proxy card to American Heritage
Life in the enclosed postage paid
envelope as soon as possible so that
your shares will be represented at the
special meeting.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE
MAILED IN A SIGNED PROXY CARD?
A: Yes. You can change your vote in one
of the following ways at any time
before your proxy is voted at the
special meeting. First, you can revoke
your proxy by written notice. Second,
you can submit a new, later dated
proxy card. Third, you can attend the
special meeting and vote in person.
Finally, you may alter the
instructions as to how your proxy is
to be voted by giving notice of the
alteration to the Secretary of
American Heritage Life before the vote
is taken.
Q: IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN "STREET NAME"
BY MY BROKER, WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY
SHARES FOR ME?
A: Your broker will vote your shares only
if you provide instructions on how to
vote. You should follow the directions
provided by your broker regarding how
to instruct your broker to vote your
shares. If you do not return your
proxy or if your broker does not
properly vote your shares, your shares
will not be voted on the proposed
merger, which will have the same
effect as voting against the proposed
merger.
Q: WHAT OTHER MATTERS WILL BE VOTED ON AT
THE SPECIAL MEETING?
A: We do not expect to ask you to vote on
any matter other than the approval of
the merger.
Q: SHOULD I SEND IN MY SHARE CERTIFICATES
NOW?
A: If you want to receive cash in the
merger, you should complete the
enclosed election and transmittal form
and send your American Heritage Life
certificates now. If you want Allstate
stock, we would prefer that you
complete the election and transmittal
form and send your share certificates
now; however if you do not complete
the election and transmittal form and
send your share certificates now, you
will be sent written instructions
after the merger is completed for
sending in your American Heritage Life
share certificates.
Q. HOW DO I ELECT TO RECEIVE CASH INSTEAD
OF ALLSTATE COMMON STOCK?
A. By signing, dating and completing the
enclosed election and transmittal form
and mailing it with your stock
certificates or a guarantee of
delivery or faxing the form
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with a guarantee of delivery for
receipt by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on
October 25, 1999 to the exchange
agent. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR
ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM WITH
YOUR PROXY CARD. If your stock is held
in street name, you will need to
contact your broker.
Q. CAN I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT RECEIVING
CASH?
A. Yes. You have the right to change or
revoke your cash election anytime,
provided that the exchange agent
receives notice of your revocation
before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on
October 25, 1999. If an election and
transmittal form is revoked, it will
be treated as if no cash election had
been made, and you will receive
Allstate stock.
Q. DO I HAVE TO RETURN THE ELECTION AND
TRANSMITTAL FORM?
A. No, but if you do not, your American
Heritage Life shares will be exchanged
for Allstate stock in the merger.
Q. DO I HAVE DISSENTERS' APPRAISAL
RIGHTS?
A. No.
Q: WHOM SHOULD I CALL WITH QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE MERGER OR THE SPECIAL
MEETING?
A: You should call American Heritage
Life's proxy solicitor, Corporate
Investor Communications, Inc., at
1-877-460-4352 (toll free).
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SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT MAY BE
IMPORTANT TO YOU. TO UNDERSTAND THE MERGER FULLY AND FOR A MORE COMPLETE
DESCRIPTION OF THE LEGAL TERMS OF THE MERGER, YOU SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THIS
ENTIRE DOCUMENT, INCLUDING THE APPENDICES, AND THE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH WE REFER.
WE HAVE INCLUDED PAGE REFERENCES PARENTHETICALLY TO DIRECT YOU TO A MORE
COMPLETE DISCUSSION OF THE TOPICS PRESENTED IN THIS SUMMARY.
THE COMPANIES
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
2775 Sanders Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062-7127
Telephone: (847) 402-5000
The Allstate Corporation, the parent of Allstate Insurance Company, is the
nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurance company. Its main
business units include Allstate Personal Property and Casualty, which provides
insurance for more than 14 million households and has approximately 15,500
agents in the U.S. and Canada, and Allstate Life and Savings, which markets a
number of life insurance and savings products under a variety of brands through
a number of channels and is currently the nation's 13th largest life insurance
business. Allstate had consolidated revenues for 1998 of $25.9 billion.
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
Telephone: (904) 992-1776
Through its principal subsidiaries American Heritage Life Insurance Company
and Columbia Universal Life Insurance Company, American Heritage Life is a
provider of life, accident and health insurance. American Heritage Life is a
leading marketer of life and supplemental health insurance products sold through
workplace marketing. American Heritage Life had consolidated revenues for 1998
of $422.6 million.
A.P.L. ACQUISITION CORPORATION
2775 Sanders Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062-7127
Telephone: (847) 402-5000
A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation is a wholly owned special purpose subsidiary
of Allstate, formed solely for purposes of being the surviving entity in the
merger. Upon the merger, it will change its name to American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation.
THE MERGER
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER (page 35)
As a result of the merger, subject to the election and allocation provisions
of the merger agreement described in this proxy statement/ prospectus, each
outstanding share of American Heritage Life common stock will convert into the
right to receive:
- a number of shares of Allstate common stock determined by dividing: (a)
$32.25 by (b) the average of the daily closing prices for Allstate common
stock on the NYSE for the ten trading days ending on the fifth trading day
before the effective date of the merger; OR
- cash in the amount of $32.25.
YOU MAY ELECT TO RECEIVE STOCK OR CASH (page 35)
You may indicate a preference to receive either cash, stock or a combination
of cash and stock in the merger by completing the enclosed election and
transmittal form. IF YOU DO NOT SELECT A PREFERENCE TO RECEIVE CASH, YOU WILL
RECEIVE STOCK. The election and transmittal form enclosed with this proxy
statement/prospectus must be returned
3
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with your stock certificate or a guarantee of delivery to the exchange agent by
4:00 p.m. Eastern time on October 25, 1999 to receive cash in the merger.
LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT OF CASH PAYABLE (page 36)
The merger agreement requires that at least 50% of the total merger
consideration be paid in Allstate common stock. Therefore, if so many
shareholders elect to receive cash that the value of the Allstate common stock
that would be issued in the merger is less than 50% of the total merger
consideration, each share for which a cash election has been made will be
converted, on a pro rata basis, into the right to receive a combination of cash
and Allstate common stock to the extent necessary to ensure that no more than
50% of the total merger consideration is paid in cash.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD (page 17)
The American Heritage Life board of directors has unanimously determined
that the merger agreement and the merger are fair to you and in your best
interests. The board recommends that you vote FOR approval of the merger
agreement and the merger.
Two directors currently serving on the board are representatives of a family
shareholder group holding approximately 39% of the outstanding common stock of
American Heritage Life. These representatives have signed an agreement with
Allstate under which the shareholders have agreed to vote their shares FOR
approval of the merger agreement and the merger (page 44).
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER (page 31)
When you consider the American Heritage Life board's recommendation that you
vote in favor of the merger, you should be aware that a number of American
Heritage Life officers and directors may have interests in the merger that may
be different from, or in addition to, yours. These interests include:
- Allstate has agreed to make certain retention payments on or after the
effectiveness of the merger; Mr. Douglas will receive the full amount of
his retention payment at the effectiveness of the merger, and all other
officers of American Heritage Life (including Messrs. Morehead, Anderson
and Bird) and all full-time and permanent part-time employees of American
Heritage Life and its subsidiaries will receive retention payments in
varying amounts payable in part on the effectiveness of the merger and in
part on each of the first two anniversaries of the effectiveness of the
merger, provided that the employee is employed at the respective
anniversary date;
- American Heritage Life Insurance Company has entered into employment
agreements with Messrs. Douglas, Morehead, Anderson and Bird which will
provide for their continued employment after the merger; Mr. Douglas has
also entered into a consulting agreement/ non-competition agreement with
American Heritage Life Insurance Company for the period following the term
of his employment agreement, for which he will receive a payment on the
effectiveness of the merger;
- Allstate will indemnify and maintain insurance for American Heritage
Life's directors and officers; and
- in general, the vesting of outstanding stock options and restricted stock
held by American Heritage Life's officers will accelerate and performance
units will be fixed at target levels and payment will accelerate.
These retention payments, employment agreements, accelerated vesting of
options and restricted stock, and fixing at target and accelerated payment of
performance units as a result of the merger are discussed on pages 31 through
34.
OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR (page 23)
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as financial advisor to
the American Heritage Life board, has delivered its
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written opinion to the board that, as of July 8, 1999, the consideration to be
paid by Allstate in the merger was fair from a financial point of view to the
American Heritage Life shareholders. The full text of the opinion of Merrill
Lynch is attached as Appendix C. We encourage you to read the Merrill Lynch
opinion carefully in its entirety.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS (page 22)
Under Florida law, you do not have dissenters' rights of appraisal or other
rights to demand fair value in cash for your American Heritage Life stock by
reason of the merger.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS (page 19)
The merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Accordingly, no gain or loss
will be recognized by American Heritage Life shareholders who receive only
Allstate common stock in exchange for American Heritage Life common stock,
except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares of
Allstate common stock.
American Heritage Life shareholders who receive at least some cash in
exchange for their shares of American Heritage Life common stock will generally
be taxed on the amount of gain realized but not in excess of the amount of cash
received.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to
you will depend on the facts of your particular situation. You are urged to
consult your own tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences to you of the
merger, including the applicable federal, state, local and foreign tax
consequences.
TREATMENT OF STOCK OPTIONS, RESTRICTED
STOCK AND PERFORMANCE UNITS IN
THE MERGER (page 32)
Outstanding options held by officers to purchase American Heritage Life
common stock will be canceled and replaced with options to purchase shares of
Allstate common stock. The number of shares of Allstate common stock subject to
the replacement options and the exercise price per share of the replacement
options will be adjusted to give effect to the ratio for the exchange of
Allstate common stock for American Heritage Life common stock in the merger.
The adjustments are intended to give to option holders upon exercise of
their options the right to acquire the same number of shares of Allstate common
stock that they would receive in the merger if they had exercised their options
immediately prior to the merger and exchanged the American Heritage Life common
stock received upon exercise for Allstate common stock in the merger.
Except for Mr. Douglas, whose shares will become 100% vested at the
effectiveness of the merger, restricted stock of American Heritage Life held by
officers and other employees will be canceled and replaced by shares of Allstate
stock, subject in all cases to the same transfer restrictions.
Performance units held by officers will be fixed at target levels and paid
in cash and Allstate common stock following the merger.
In general, the vesting of stock options and restricted stock and the
payment of performance units held by officers of American Heritage Life will
accelerate.
VOTE REQUIRED (page 45); VOTING AGREEMENT (page 44)
The merger must be approved by holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of American Heritage Life common stock before it can be completed.
Holders of approximately 39% of American Heritage Life's outstanding shares of
common stock have agreed to vote for the merger.
DIVIDENDS (page 22)
Allstate expects (but is not obligated) to continue to pay quarterly
dividends on its shares, consistent with its current dividend policy.
American Heritage Life expects (but is not obligated) to continue to pay
quarterly dividends on its shares consistent with its current dividend policy
until the effectiveness of the merger.
5
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT (page 21)
The merger will be treated as a "purchase" for accounting purposes.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS (page 48)
When the merger is completed, you will become a stockholder of Allstate
(unless you receive solely cash in the merger). Allstate is a Delaware
corporation, whereas American Heritage Life is a Florida corporation. The
corporate laws of Delaware and Florida differ in certain respects. In addition,
the corporate charter and by-laws of Allstate differ from those of American
Heritage Life. As a result, you will have different rights as an Allstate
stockholder than you currently have as an American Heritage Life shareholder.
CONDITIONS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MERGER (page 41)
The completion of the merger depends upon meeting a number of conditions,
including the following:
- approval of the merger by the American Heritage Life shareholders;
- approval for listing on the NYSE of the shares of Allstate common stock to
be issued in the merger;
- American Heritage Life not suffering a material adverse change during the
period from December 31, 1998 until the effective date of the merger;
- the representations and warranties of Allstate and American Heritage Life
in the merger agreement being correct in all material respects as of the
date of the merger agreement and as of the closing date of the merger;
- Allstate and American Heritage Life having each received opinions from
their legal advisors confirming the tax-free status of the merger; and
- compliance with federal antitrust review requirements and approval of the
merger by state insurance authorities.
REGULATORY APPROVALS (page 21)
Pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, the companies submitted pre-merger
notification and report forms on July 23, 1999. The required waiting period was
terminated upon request on August 5, 1999.
We must also obtain approval from certain state insurance authorities prior
to completing the merger. Allstate has filed the necessary documents with the
relevant authorities, but has not yet received all of the necessary approvals.
We are working to obtain the required regulatory approvals and consents.
However, we can give no assurance as to when or whether these approvals and
consents will be obtained or the terms and conditions that may be imposed.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER (page 41)
Allstate and American Heritage Life can jointly agree to terminate the
merger agreement at any time. In addition, either company can unilaterally
terminate the merger agreement if:
- American Heritage Life shareholders do not approve the merger;
- the merger is not completed by January 10, 2000;
- we do not obtain the necessary regulatory approvals; or
- a law or court order permanently prohibits the merger.
In addition, either one of Allstate or American Heritage Life can terminate
the merger agreement if the American Heritage Life board chooses to pursue a
business combination with a party other than Allstate, after the American
Heritage Life board has determined in good faith and upon consultation with
outside counsel that such other combination is a superior transaction for
American Heritage Life and its shareholders. However, if either party terminates
the merger agreement on this basis, American Heritage Life must pay Allstate a
termination fee of up to $33 million.
6
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (page 43)
In connection with the merger agreement, Allstate and American Heritage Life
entered into a stock option agreement under which American Heritage Life granted
to Allstate an option to purchase up to 19.9% of American Heritage Life's
outstanding common stock, at a price of $32.25 per share. The option is
exercisable if any third person announces an intention of proposing a business
combination with American Heritage Life and under other circumstances in which
American Heritage Life is required to pay to Allstate the $33 million
termination fee referred to above. The stock option agreement limits Allstate's
total profit under the stock option plus termination fee in the event of a
termination to $33 million. The stock option agreement is attached as Appendix
B. We encourage you to read this agreement.
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Allstate common stock and American Heritage Life common stock are each
listed on the NYSE. Allstate's ticker symbol on the NYSE is "ALL" and American
Heritage Life's ticker symbol on the NYSE is "AHL." The following table shows,
for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of Allstate
common stock and American Heritage Life common stock, as reported on the NYSE
Consolidated Tape, and the dividends declared per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE (1) ALLSTATE(2)
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
1997
First Quarter.......................... $ 133/4 $ 113/4 $ .0950 $ 341/8 $ 281/8 $ .1200
Second Quarter......................... 161/2 11 /16 .1000 381/2 29 /16 .1200
Third Quarter.......................... 201/4 161/2 .1000 40 /16 35 /32 .1200
Fourth Quarter......................... 20 17 /16 .1000 47 /16 38 /32 .1200
1998
First Quarter.......................... $ 21 /16 $ 17 /16 $ .1050 $ 49 /16 $ 40 /16 $ .1350
Second Quarter......................... 25 203/8 .1050 501/8 441/8 .1350
Third Quarter.......................... 26 /16 185/8 .1050 523/8 36 /16 .1350
Fourth Quarter......................... 26 /16 19 .1050 483/8 37 .1350
1999
First Quarter.......................... $ 253/4 $ 21 $ .1050 $ 41 $ 343/4 $ .1500
Second Quarter......................... 251/2 21 /16 .1100 403/4 34 /16 .1500
Third Quarter (through September 24)... [ ] [ ] .1100 [ ] [ ] .1500
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) American Heritage Life's stock prices and dividends have been adjusted to
reflect a two-for-one stock split effective February 18, 1998.
(2) Allstate's stock prices and dividends have been adjusted to reflect a
two-for-one stock split effective July 1, 1998.
On July 8, 1999, the last full trading day before public announcement of the
signing of the merger agreement, the per share closing price was $36 13/16 for
Allstate common stock and $26 15/16 for American Heritage Life common stock. On
September 24, 1999, the per share closing price was $[ ] for Allstate common
stock and $[ ] for American Heritage Life common stock. WE URGE YOU TO OBTAIN
CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS BEFORE VOTING ON THE MERGER.
7
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF ALLSTATE
The following selected historical financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1998 have been derived
from Allstate's consolidated financial statements. The data as of June 30, 1999
and 1998 and for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 have been derived
from Allstate's unaudited consolidated financial statements which include, in
the opinion of Allstate's management, all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the results of operations and
financial position of Allstate for the periods and dates presented. You should
read this data together with the audited and unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Allstate, including the notes to those financial statements, in
Appendix C of Allstate's 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and
the quarterly report for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 on Form 10-Q. See
"Where You Can Find More Information" on page 62.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998 1998 1997(1) 1996(1) 1995(1) 1994(1)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
($ IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS:
Revenues
Insurance premiums and contract charges...... $ 10,509 $ 10,306 $ 20,826 $ 20,106 $ 19,702 $ 18,908 $ 17,566
Net investment income........................ 1,985 1,939 3,890 3,861 3,813 3,627 3,343
Realized capital gains and losses............ 905 744 1,163 982 784 258 200
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues............................. $ 13,399 $ 12,989 $ 25,879 $ 24,949 $ 24,299 $ 22,793 $ 21,109
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Benefits, claims, expenses and other........... $ 10,781 $ 10,454 $ 21,221 $ 20,577 $ 21,499 $ 20,531 $ 20,989
Gain (loss) on disposition of operations....... 10 87 87 62 (131) 159 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before federal income taxes, dividends
on preferred securities and equity in net
income of unconsolidated subsidiary.......... 2,628 2,622 4,745 4,434 2,669 2,421 120
Income tax expense............................. 804 792 1,422 1,324 619 573 (278)
Dividends on preferred securities of subsidiary
trusts and equity in net income of
unconsolidated subsidiary.................... (19) (9) (29) (5) 25 56 86
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income..................................... $ 1,805 $ 1,821 $ 3,294 $ 3,105 $ 2,075 $ 1,904 $ 484
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income per share--Basic.................... $ 2.23 $ 2.16 $ 3.96 $ 3.58 $ 2.33 $ 2.12 $ 0.54
Net income per share--Diluted.................. $ 2.22 $ 2.15 $ 3.94 $ 3.56 $ 2.31 $ 2.12 $ 0.54
Cash dividends declared per common share....... $ 0.30 $ 0.27 $ 0.54 $ 0.48 $ 0.43 $ 0.39 $ 0.36
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION:
Investments.................................... $ 66,522 $ 64,885 $ 66,525 $ 62,548 $ 58,329 $ 56,505 $ 47,227
Total assets................................... 89,414 85,123 87,691 80,918 74,508 70,029 60,988
Reserve for claims and claims expenses,
contract benefits and contract holder
funds........................................ 46,278 45,360 45,615 44,874 43,789 42,904 39,961
Debt
Short-Term................................... 219 250 393 199 152 -- --
Long-Term.................................... 1,355 1,341 1,353 1,497 1,234 1,228 869
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
subsidiary trusts............................ 750 750 750 750 750 -- --
Stockholders' equity........................... $ 17,217 $ 16,468 $ 17,240 $ 15,610 $ 13,452 $ 12,680 $ 8,426
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Per common share data have been restated for the effects of the 2-for-1
stock split effective July 1, 1998.
8
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE
The following selected historical financial data for, and as of the end of,
each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1998 have been derived
from American Heritage Life's consolidated financial statements. The data as of
June 30, 1999 and 1998 and for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 have
been derived from American Heritage Life's unaudited consolidated financial
statements which include, in the opinion of American Heritage Life's management,
all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present
fairly the results of operations and financial position of American Heritage
Life for the periods and dates presented. You should read this data together
with the audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of American
Heritage Life, including the notes to those financial statements, included in
American Heritage Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1998 and the quarterly report for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 on Form
10-Q. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 62.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
JUNE 30, YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998 1998 1997(1) 1996(1) 1995(1) 1994(1)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
($ IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS:
Revenues
Insurance premiums and contract
charges................................ $ 154.6 $ 149.9 $ 308.9 $ 279.8 $ 258.6 $ 247.3 $ 230.6
Net investment income.................... 57.2 54.3 110.9 105.4 77.0 70.6 66.7
Realized capital gains and losses........ 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.4 6.0 2.0
Other income............................. 1.4 1.2 2.3 1.1 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues......................... $ 213.4 $ 205.6 $ 422.6 $ 386.8 $ 336.0 $ 323.9 $ 299.3
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Benefits, claims and expenses.............. $ 182.5 $ 178.9 $ 368.0 $ 340.1 $ 296.1 $ 282.4 $ 264.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before federal income taxes......... 30.9 26.7 54.6 46.7 39.9 41.5 34.6
Income tax expense......................... 10.4 8.9 17.9 15.3 12.9 13.4 11.0
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income................................. $ 20.5 $ 17.8 $ 36.7 $ 31.4 $ 27.0 $ 28.1 $ 23.6
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income per share--Basic................ $ 0.74 $ 0.65 $ 1.33 $ 1.14 $ 0.98 $ 1.01 $ 0.85
Net income per share--Diluted.............. $ 0.71 $ 0.63 $ 1.29 $ 1.13 $ 0.98 $ 1.01 $ 0.85
Cash dividends declared per common share... $ 0.215 $ 0.210 $ 0.42 $ 0.395 $ 0.435 $ 0.325 $ 0.350
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION:
Investments................................ $ 1,565.1 $ 1,510.1 $ 1,598.0 $ 1,471.4 $ 1,011.4 $ 979.6 $ 845.7
Total assets............................... 2,065.7 1,991.6 2,055.7 1,915.3 1,370.1 1,317.9 1,179.3
Liabilities to policyholders............... 1,560.8 1,467.8 1,523.0 1,414.5 988.0 944.5 874.0
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities
of subsidiary trusts..................... 103.5 103.5 103.5 103.5 -- -- --
Stockholders' equity....................... $ 267.4 $ 269.6 $ 278.1 $ 252.2 $ 228.9 $ 219.3 $ 173.4
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Per common share data have been restated for the effects of the 2-for-1
stock split effective February 18, 1998.
9
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
The following table sets forth selected unaudited comparative per share data
for Allstate shares and American Heritage Life shares on a historical basis, per
share data for Allstate on a pro forma basis and American Heritage Life on an
equivalent pro forma basis. The pro forma earnings per share data for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 and the year ended December 31, 1998 reflect the
assumption that the merger was effective as of January 1, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. The pro forma book value per share data assumes that the merger
was effective as of June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively. The
unaudited pro forma per share data gives effect to the merger as a purchase
under generally accepted accounting principles.
The unaudited pro forma Allstate income per share data is based upon the
historical weighted average number of outstanding Allstate common shares,
adjusted to include the number of Allstate common shares that would be issued in
the merger based upon an estimated exchange ratio. This ratio was calculated
using the market price of Allstate on September 15, 1999, of $32.125, and
assuming that 50% of common shares of American Heritage Life had been converted
into Allstate common shares. We have based the unaudited equivalent pro forma
per share data for American Heritage Life on the unaudited pro forma Allstate
amounts per share, multiplied by the ratio of the purchase price per share of
American Heritage Life ($32.25) to the market price per share of Allstate
($32.125) or 1.0039.
The data presented should be read in conjunction with the historical
consolidated financial statements of Allstate and American Heritage Life and the
related notes thereto in Allstate's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998 and in
Appendix C of its 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and in
American Heritage Life's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998 and in their
quarterly reports for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 on Form 10-Q.
The merger is not a significant business combination for Allstate under the
Securities and Exchange Commission's reporting rules. Therefore, no pro forma
financial information has been included in this proxy statement/prospectus,
except as provided below.
The following data is not necessarily indicative of the results that
actually would have occurred if the merger had been in effect for the period
presented or which may be attained in the future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALLSTATE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE
------------------------------------ --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED
ENDED JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31, ENDED JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999(1)(2)(4)(5)(6) 1998(1)(2)(4)(5)(6) 1999(3)(4) 1998(3)(4)
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -------------
Earnings per share--diluted:
Historical.............................. $ 2.22 $ 3.94 $ 0.71 $ 1.29
Pro forma............................... 2.18 3.86
Pro forma equivalent.................... 2.19 3.88
Earnings per share--basic:
Historical.............................. $ 2.23 $ 3.96 $ 0.74 $ 1.33
Pro forma............................... 2.19 3.88
Pro forma equivalent.................... 2.20 3.90
Cash dividends declared per share:
Historical.............................. $ .3000 $ .5400 $ .215 $ .4200
Pro forma............................... .3000 .5400
Pro forma equivalent.................... .3012 .5421
Book value per share:
Historical.............................. $ 21.35 $ 21.00 $ 9.12 $ 9.50
Pro forma............................... 22.19 21.85
Pro forma equivalent.................... 22.28 21.94
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
NOTES
1. The pro forma per share data for Allstate were prepared based on the
assumptions that the purchase price is $1.09 billion, that the Allstate
share price is $32.125 and that the consideration paid by Allstate in the
merger is comprised of 50% Allstate shares and 50% cash. For purposes of
computing unaudited per share data for Allstate on a pro forma basis, the
purchase price in excess of the fair value of net assets of American
Heritage Life was allocated to goodwill. This allocation is preliminary
since the fair value of net assets was based on an estimate and the actual
adjustments will be made on the basis of valuations as of the closing date.
2. The pro forma per share data for Allstate were determined assuming that the
purchase price is comprised of 50% Allstate shares and 50% cash. Changing
this assumption to contemplate a purchase comprised entirely of Allstate
shares would decrease Allstate's pro forma diluted earnings per share by
$.03 and $.04 and pro forma basic earnings per share by $.03 and $.04 for
the interim period ending June 30, 1999 and the year ended December 31, 1998
respectively. Pro forma book value per share would decrease by $.37 and $.36
as of June 30, 1999 and the year ended December 31, 1998 respectively.
3. The equivalent pro forma per share data for American Heritage Life assume a
ratio of 1.0039 of an Allstate share for each American Heritage Life share
converted into Allstate shares, based upon an assumed Allstate share price
of $32.125 and an American Heritage Life purchase price of $32.25. No
equivalent pro forma per share data is provided with respect to American
Heritage Life shares converted into the right to receive cash.
4. The pro forma earnings per share data for Allstate and the equivalent pro
forma earnings per share data for American Heritage Life reflect
amortization of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net
assets of American Heritage Life.
5. Allstate pro forma combined dividends per share represent historical
dividends per share paid by Allstate.
6. The unaudited pro forma comparative per share data reflect the merger based
upon preliminary purchase accounting adjustments. Actual adjustments, which
may include adjustments to additional assets, liabilities and other items,
will be made on the basis of appraisals and evaluations as of the closing
date and, therefore, are likely to differ from those reflected in the
historical and pro forma per share data.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On September 24, 1999, Allstate issued a press release which included the
following statement:
"The Allstate Corporation today announced that third quarter operating
earnings per diluted share are expected to be $.50 to $.55 versus $.76 for the
same period in 1998. Third quarter net income per diluted share is expected to
be $.70 to $.75 versus $.86 for the same period in 1998, subject to market
conditions influencing the level of realized capital gains. The actual results
are expected to be announced on October 20(th).
Factors contributing to the expected decrease include: projected higher
catastrophe losses including those from Hurricane Floyd; additional reserve
strengthening for asbestos-related losses; increased expenses to support growth
initiatives, including the company's new marketing campaign and continued
investments in technology; a decrease in margins resulting from increased loss
costs and a decrease in average premiums.
Given these trends, fourth quarter operating earnings per diluted share
could be between $.65 and $.73 versus $.78 for the same period in 1998,
depending on weather developments. Fourth quarter net income per diluted share
could be between $.76 and $.84 versus $.93 for the same period in 1998, subject
to market conditions influencing the level of realized capital gains. This
excludes anticipated charges from the acquisitions of CNA Personal Lines and
American Heritage Life.
11
<PAGE>
"Intense competition in the personal lines industry coupled with a rise in
the cost of doing business is putting pressure on our near term earnings," said
Edward M. Liddy, Allstate's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"However, proper execution of our multi-channel, multi-brand, multi-product, and
multi-national strategy will position us for profitable growth in the coming
years."
Allstate's "multi" strategy initiated at the beginning of this year has
broadened its future growth opportunities. Recent initiatives include the
company's alliance with Putnam Investments to market a variable annuity product
and the company's pending purchases of CNA Personal Lines and American Heritage
Life.
At the same time, Allstate has been undertaking a review of its core
business, including its cost structure, current business model effectiveness,
and price competitiveness relative to profitable policy growth. The review is
expected to be completed in the fourth quarter when the company will announce
actions it will take to improve its strategic and competitive position."
Allstate notes that catastrophe losses are an important factor that could cause
actual earnings for these periods to differ materially from the estimated
earnings reported in the statement above.
12
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
In determining whether you should vote in favor of the merger you should
consider carefully the risks associated with the merger and with ownership of
Allstate common stock following the merger, including the following factors:
THE NUMBER OF ALLSTATE COMMON SHARES THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER DEPENDS
ON THE MARKET PRICE OF THE ALLSTATE COMMON STOCK AT THE TIME OF THE MERGER.
Because the market value of the Allstate common stock you will receive for
each share of American Heritage Life common stock is fixed at $32.25, if the
price of the Allstate common stock increases, the number of the shares that you
will receive if you elect to receive stock in the merger, will decrease. For
historical and current market prices of Allstate shares, see "Comparative Market
Price and Dividend Information" on page 7.
THE TERMINATION FEE AND STOCK OPTION MAY DISCOURAGE OTHER COMPANIES FROM TRYING
TO COMBINE WITH OR ACQUIRE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE EVEN IF THEIR BIDS MAY HAVE
OFFERED BETTER VALUE TO AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE SHAREHOLDERS.
American Heritage Life has agreed to a termination fee payable to Allstate
and a stock option exercisable by Allstate that could discourage other companies
from trying to combine or proposing to combine with or acquire American Heritage
Life in an alternative transaction. The existence of the stock option also may
prevent other companies from combining with American Heritage Life in a
transaction to be accounted for as a "pooling of interests." An alternative
transaction might have been financially superior for shareholders to the merger
with Allstate.
ALLSTATE COMMON STOCK MAY BE AFFECTED BY FACTORS DIFFERENT FROM THOSE AFFECTING
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE STOCK.
Upon completion of the merger, holders of American Heritage Life common
stock (other than those receiving solely cash) will become holders of Allstate
common stock. Allstate's business differs significantly from that of American
Heritage Life, and Allstate's results of operations, as well as the price of
Allstate's common stock, may be affected by factors different from those
affecting American Heritage Life's results of operations and the price of
American Heritage Life stock. For a discussion of Allstate's and American
Heritage Life's respective businesses and certain factors to consider in
connection with such businesses, see Allstate's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and Proxy Statement for the annual
meeting of stockholders held on May 18, 1999 and American Heritage Life's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, which are
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can
Find More Information" on page 62.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains, and refers to documents containing, statements about
Allstate and American Heritage Life which are not historic facts and which
Allstate and American Heritage Life believe are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The sections of this document which contain
forward-looking statements include - "Summary," - "The Merger--Background of the
Merger," - "The Merger-- Recommendation of the American Heritage Life Board;
Reasons for the Merger," - "The Merger-- Allstate's Reasons for the Merger," -
"The Merger--Dividend Policy," and - "Opinion of Financial Advisor." Our
forward-looking statements are also identified by words such as "believes,"
"expects," "intends," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties and may be influenced by factors that
could cause actual outcomes and results to be
13
<PAGE>
materially different from those projected. There are numerous important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
- those discussed or identified from time to time in Allstate's or American
Heritage Life's public filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission;
- specific risks or uncertainties associated with Allstate's or American
Heritage Life's expectations with respect to:
B market positions,
B distribution channels,
B premium levels,
B litigation and extra-contractual damages,
B personnel changes, and
B adverse changes in independent ratings; and
- general economic conditions such as:
B changes in interest rates and the performance of the financial markets,
B changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes,
B changes in competition and pricing environments,
B regional or national changes in asset valuations,
B the occurrence of significant natural disasters,
B the development of major Year 2000 liabilities,
B the inability to reinsure risks economically,
B the adequacy of loss reserves, and
B general market conditions.
THE MERGER
American Heritage Life and Allstate are furnishing this document to holders
of American Heritage Life common stock in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by American Heritage Life's board of directors for use at a special
meeting of its shareholders, and at any adjournments or postponements of the
special meeting.
At the special meeting, the American Heritage Life shareholders will be
asked to vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of
Merger and Reorganization, dated as of July 8, 1999, among Allstate, American
Heritage Life and A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Allstate, and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
The merger agreement provides for the merger of American Heritage Life with
and into A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, resulting in the surviving entity, to
be renamed American Heritage Life Investment Corporation, becoming a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Allstate. The merger will become effective in
accordance with the certificate or articles of merger to be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and with the Department of State of
the State of Florida. We anticipate that the parties will make this filing as
soon as possible after the last of the conditions to the merger contained in the
merger agreement has been satisfied or waived. We have attached a copy of the
merger agreement as Appendix A to this proxy statement/prospectus.
14
<PAGE>
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
Allstate has announced a multi-channel, multi-product, multi-brand and
multi-national strategy that includes expanding the products, brands and
distribution channels for its life insurance business. In this regard, Allstate
continues to examine opportunities to expand by means of acquisitions, joint
ventures and joint marketing opportunities with other companies.
In early 1998, American Heritage Life began to consider strategies that
would build on its strength in the area of worksite marketing of life, health
and other financial protection products and credit insurance. Chief among these
strategies was an alliance with a company or companies that would have the
resources and distribution network that would enable American Heritage Life to
expand its market and reach its full potential.
In April 1998, T. O'Neal Douglas, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of American Heritage Life, met with representatives of Allstate at their offices
in Northbrook, Illinois, to discuss possible strategic alliances and marketing
opportunities for payroll-deduction products through Allstate's distribution
network. At that time, American Heritage Life and Allstate executed a
confidentiality letter with respect to the exchange of nonpublic information
between the companies and certain other matters. Discussions on a variety of
possible strategic opportunities continued through June 1998, when
representatives of Allstate advised Mr. Douglas that the timing was not right
for a continuation of the discussions.
In January 1999, American Heritage Life retained Merrill Lynch to act as its
financial advisor to help American Heritage Life explore possible strategic
opportunities and to consider alternative strategies that would achieve American
Heritage Life's objectives.
From January 1999 through May 1999, American Heritage Life and Merrill
Lynch, on American Heritage Life's behalf, engaged in preliminary discussions
with several companies regarding potential business alternatives. None of these
discussions resulted in any understandings as to possible transactions, although
American Heritage Life did have more extensive discussions with one particular
company. The discussions with this company ultimately encountered unresolved
items and delays and were suspended.
In May 1999, Louis G. Lower, II, Chairman of Allstate Life Insurance Company
and Thomas J. Wilson, President of Allstate Life Insurance Company telephoned
Mr. Douglas and stated that Allstate would be interested in again discussing a
possible business transaction with American Heritage Life. On May 19, 1999, Mr.
Douglas attended a meeting with Messrs. Lower and Wilson at Allstate's offices
in Northbrook, at which Allstate's marketing strategies, among other items, were
discussed.
On May 24, 1999, Allstate retained Goldman, Sachs as its financial advisor
in connection with a potential transaction with American Heritage Life.
On May 26, 1999, representatives of Allstate visited the headquarters of
American Heritage Life in Jacksonville, Florida to further discuss a potential
strategic partnership, and to perform preliminary due diligence. On June 1,
1999, American Heritage Life and Allstate executed an updated confidentiality
letter with respect to the exchange of nonpublic information between the
companies and certain other matters. Additional due diligence was conducted by
Allstate in Jacksonville on June 2, 3 and 4.
At a meeting between representatives of American Heritage Life and Allstate
held on June 14, 1999, in Jacksonville, which was also attended by the parties'
respective financial advisors, Merrill Lynch and Goldman, Sachs, Allstate
delivered a non-binding indication of interest in a business combination that
would value American Heritage Life common stock at $31.50 per share.
On June 17, 1999, American Heritage Life held a meeting of its board of
directors at which Mr. Douglas informed the board that preliminary discussions
had been held with Allstate regarding a possible business combination. At the
meeting, representatives of Merrill Lynch made a presentation to
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the board regarding the possible combination with Allstate and there was a
discussion with outside counsel as to the board's duties in considering a
combination. After discussion, the board supported the continuation of
discussions and expressed the view that the valuation of American Heritage Life
should be the topic for additional discussion with Allstate. Board members at
the meeting included A. Dano Davis and Robert D. Davis, board representatives
for AHLI, Ltd. and other Davis family entities holding an aggregate of
approximately 39% of the common stock of American Heritage Life. One of the
conditions to the non-binding indication of interest of Allstate discussed at
the board meeting was that Allstate would expect to negotiate a voting agreement
with representatives of the Davis family shareholders, whereby the subject
shareholders would agree to support an Allstate transaction.
Subsequently, American Heritage Life, Merrill Lynch, and Ropes & Gray,
counsel to American Heritage Life, and Allstate, Goldman, Sachs and LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., counsel to Allstate, had several discussions
related to an exclusivity agreement and the terms under which American Heritage
Life would continue to discuss a possible transaction exclusively with Allstate.
The principal areas of discussion were the valuation of American Heritage Life,
the triggering events for the payment of a termination fee and the amount of the
fee, and arrangements for American Heritage Life employees. On June 22, 1999,
Mr. Douglas and Mr. Wilson, in a telephone conversation reached an understanding
as to the basic terms upon which American Heritage Life would agree to negotiate
exclusively with Allstate, including a non-binding valuation for this purpose of
$32.25 per American Heritage Life share.
The parties executed an Exclusivity Agreement on June 22, 1999, pursuant to
which American Heritage Life agreed through July 16, 1999 not to solicit, or
engage in any discussions regarding, any potential business combination with an
entity other than Allstate while the parties negotiated a possible business
combination based upon these preliminary and non-binding terms.
Beginning on June 22, 1999, and continuing through the execution of the
merger agreement on July 8, 1999, Allstate and American Heritage Life, and their
respective legal and financial advisors, negotiated the terms of the merger
agreement and the stock option agreement. During this period, American Heritage
Life and Merrill Lynch performed a review of Allstate's business and prospects,
and Allstate and Goldman, Sachs continued their due diligence review of American
Heritage Life with respect to the proposed merger. Also during this period,
Allstate and representatives of AHLI, Ltd. and other Davis family shareholders
discussed and negotiated the voting agreement.
On June 24, 1999, at a special meeting of the Allstate board of directors,
Allstate's management provided the board with information about American
Heritage Life and the status of discussions with American Heritage Life. The
Allstate board authorized management to continue to pursue the proposed
transaction.
On July 6, 1999, Mr. Douglas received a written inquiry from the company
with which discussions had been previously suspended, requesting the opportunity
to conduct new diligence with a view to possibly making a proposal. Consistent
with the Exclusivity Agreement, American Heritage Life did not respond to the
inquiry.
On July 8, 1999, Allstate held a special meeting of its board of directors
at which meeting Allstate's management discussed American Heritage Life's
operations and the strategic opportunity presented by the proposed acquisition
of American Heritage Life and reviewed with the Allstate board its duties in
approving the merger as well as the terms of the proposed merger agreement and
related documents. After discussion and consideration, the Allstate board voted
unanimously to approve the terms of the proposed merger agreement and related
documents.
On July 8, 1999, at a special meeting, the American Heritage Life board
received an update regarding the transaction from its management and legal and
financial advisors. At the meeting Merrill Lynch presented an analysis of the
proposed merger consideration from a financial point of view and
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Ropes & Gray reviewed with the board their duty in considering the merger and
summarized the terms of the proposed merger agreement, including the termination
fee provisions and the stock option. Merrill Lynch rendered its oral opinion,
confirmed by a subsequent written opinion dated July 8, 1999, that, as of such
date, the merger consideration was fair from a financial point of view to
shareholders of American Heritage Life. After discussion and consideration, the
board voted unanimously to approve the terms of the proposed merger agreement
and stock option agreement and the related documents and to recommend the
transaction to the American Heritage Life shareholders.
In the evening on July 8, 1999, Allstate and American Heritage Life executed
the definitive merger agreement and stock option agreement and other documents
relating to the merger, and before the opening of business on July 9, 1999 each
issued a press release announcing the merger agreement. Also on July 8, 1999,
Allstate and representatives of the Davis family shareholders executed the
voting agreement.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE BOARD; REASONS FOR THE MERGER
In deciding to approve the merger, the American Heritage Life board
concluded that holding $32.25 worth of Allstate common stock represented a more
favorable investment opportunity than holding one share of American Heritage
Life common stock. The American Heritage Life board took into account the risks
inherent in each investment. In evaluating the merger, the American Heritage
Life board considered all relevant factors and information, including the
following:
- the fact that the merger consideration of $32.25 worth of Allstate common
stock for each share of American Heritage Life common stock represented:
B a premium of approximately 21% to the $26.63 closing market price of
American Heritage Life common stock on July 7, 1999, and
B a premium of approximately 33% to the closing market price of American
Heritage Life common stock on the date of the signing of the exclusivity
agreement between American Heritage Life and Allstate, and to the closing
market price on the date one month prior to the execution of the merger
agreement;
- the July 8, 1999 oral opinion of Merrill Lynch, which was subsequently
confirmed in writing, to the effect that as of such date the merger
consideration was fair from a financial point of view to American Heritage
Life's shareholders;
- the financial analyses presented to the board by Merrill Lynch in
connection with the delivery of its opinion. For a discussion of the
Merrill Lynch opinion and such analyses, see "Opinion of Financial
Advisor" on page 23;
- the likelihood of consolidation and increased competition in the insurance
industry;
- the importance of size, economies of scale, and national scope in
achieving a stronger competitive position and profitability;
- the opportunity for you to become holders of Allstate common stock, which
the American Heritage Life board believed would perform at least as well
as American Heritage Life common stock over the long term and would have
greater liquidity and lower volatility than American Heritage Life common
stock;
- the financial condition, assets, results of operations, business and
prospects of American Heritage Life and Allstate and the risks faced by
each company in achieving those prospects;
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- the opportunities for operational efficiencies that may result from a
combination of American Heritage Life and Allstate, including:
B potential marketing of each company's services to the other company's
customer base, and
B the ability to leverage general and administrative functions over a
larger operational and revenue base;
- the increased growth potential that may result from a combination of
American Heritage Life and Allstate, including as a result of:
B the greater marketing capabilities, capital availability, financial
stability and strength of the combined company, and
B the opportunity to raise consumer awareness of the combined company and
its reputation;
- Allstate's commitment to maintain the headquarters of American Heritage
Life in Jacksonville, Florida, and to include Jacksonville in its
nationwide effort to improve communities through neighborhood
revitalization, volunteerism and youth programs;
- the history of the negotiations with respect to the merger price and the
belief of the members of the American Heritage Life board that the
financial terms reflected in the merger agreement represented the best
financial terms that could be obtained from Allstate or from any other
potential merger partner;
- the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including:
B the nature of the parties' representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements, which the board believed would provide reasonably adequate
certainty that American Heritage Life would be able to require Allstate
to complete the merger; and
B the provisions that permit American Heritage Life to consider additional
bona fide third party offers to acquire American Heritage Life and permit
American Heritage Life to provide information to and negotiate with such
parties.
This discussion is not intended to be exhaustive, but we believe it includes
all material factors considered by the board. In light of the number and variety
of information and factors the American Heritage Life board considered, the
board did not find it practicable to, and did not, assign any specific or
relative weights to the factors listed above. In addition, individual directors
may have given differing weights to different factors. For a discussion of the
interests of members of American Heritage Life's management and board in the
merger, see "Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger" on page 31. The
American Heritage Life board recognized such interests and determined that such
interests neither supported nor detracted from the fairness of the merger to
American Heritage Life's shareholders.
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
ALLSTATE'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER
Allstate's announced strategy is to expand the scope of its operations by
becoming a multi-channel, multi-product, multi-brand and multi-national
insurance provider. Allstate believes that the addition of American Heritage
Life to the Allstate corporate family will advance this strategy by allowing
Allstate to offer additional life and health insurance products to a broader
customer base through the distribution networks of Allstate and American
Heritage Life. Allstate believes that it is the worksite marketing of insurance
products that is the focus of American Heritage Life's operations and the
expertise of its management in this fast-growing distribution channel that will
provide Allstate with opportunities for growth and revenue enhancement that will
benefit stockholders, customers, employees, and the communities in which both
Allstate and American Heritage Life operate.
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MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The material federal income tax consequences of the merger are summarized as
follows:
- The merger will constitute a "reorganization" within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- An American Heritage Life shareholder who receives only Allstate common
stock in exchange for American Heritage Life common stock in the merger
will not recognize gain or loss on the exchange except with respect to any
cash received in lieu of a fractional share of Allstate common stock. An
American Heritage Life shareholder who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Allstate common stock will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the cash received and the shareholder's
tax basis allocated to the fractional share interest.
- An American Heritage Life shareholder who receives only cash in exchange
for American Heritage Life common stock in the merger will recognize gain
or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the
shareholder's tax basis in the American Heritage Life common stock
exchanged for the cash.
- An American Heritage Life shareholder who receives both Allstate common
stock and cash consideration in exchange for American Heritage Life common
stock will recognize gain equal to the lesser of (a) the amount of cash
received in the exchange (other than with respect to fractional shares)
and (b) the amount of gain that the holder realizes on the exchange. The
amount of gain that the holder realizes on the exchange will equal the
excess of (a) the sum of the cash and the value of the Allstate common
stock (including any fractional share interest) received in the exchange
over (b) the shareholder's tax basis of the American Heritage Life common
stock exchanged therefor. If an American Heritage Life shareholder
realizes a loss on such an exchange, the loss cannot be recognized by such
shareholder (other than with respect to fractional shares). An American
Heritage Life shareholder who owns different blocks of American Heritage
Life common stock, each with a different tax basis, must compute gain
separately for each such block and losses on the exchange of other blocks
of such stock may not be used to offset such gains. An American Heritage
Life shareholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of
Allstate common stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference
between the cash received and the tax basis allocated to the fractional
share interest.
- Any gain or loss recognized by an American Heritage Life shareholder as a
result of the merger will generally be capital gain or loss if the
shareholder's American Heritage Life common stock is held as a capital
asset at the effective time of the merger and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if the shareholder's American Heritage Life common stock has
been held for more than one year at the effective time of the merger. In
certain circumstances, however, an American Heritage Life shareholder who
actually or constructively owns Allstate stock after the merger may be
required to treat any gain recognized as ordinary dividend income (rather
than capital gain). Because the constructive ownership rules are complex,
each American Heritage Life shareholder who believes these rules may apply
to him or her should consult his or her own tax adviser.
- The tax basis of the shares of Allstate common stock received (including
any fractional share interests deemed received and exchanged for cash) in
exchange for shares of American Heritage Life common stock in the merger
will be the same as the tax basis of the shares of American Heritage Life
common stock exchanged therefor, increased by any gain recognized on the
exchange (other than with respect to fractional shares), and reduced by
the amount of any cash received in the exchange (other than with respect
to fractional shares).
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- The holding period for shares of Allstate common stock received in
exchange for shares of American Heritage Life common stock pursuant to the
merger will include the holding period of the shares of American Heritage
Life common stock exchanged therefor.
- Allstate, A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation and American Heritage Life will
recognize no gain or loss as a result of the merger.
Unless you comply with certain reporting and/or certification procedures or
are an exempt recipient under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
and Treasury regulations, cash payments in exchange for your American Heritage
Life common stock in the merger may be subject to "backup withholding" at a rate
of 31% for federal income tax purposes. Any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against the holder's
federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to
the IRS.
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. and Ropes & Gray have provided
opinions to Allstate and American Heritage Life, respectively, that the merger
will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code. These opinions have been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as exhibits to the registration statement related to this
proxy statement/prospectus. The opinions rely on assumptions, including
assumptions regarding the absence of changes in existing facts and the
completion of the merger in accordance with the proxy statement/ prospectus and
the merger agreement. The opinions also rely on representations and covenants,
including those contained in officers' certificates of American Heritage Life
and Allstate. If any of the assumptions, representations or covenants are
inaccurate, the conclusions contained in the opinions could be affected.
The tax consequences summarized above and the tax opinions from LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. and Ropes & Gray assume that you hold your shares
of American Heritage Life common stock as a capital asset. Further, neither the
above summary nor the tax opinions address all of the federal income tax
consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular
circumstances; nor do the above summary or the tax opinions address the federal
income tax consequences that may be applicable to taxpayers subject to special
treatment under the Internal Revenue Code, such as:
- insurance companies;
- financial institutions;
- dealers in securities;
- traders that mark to market;
- tax-exempt organizations;
- shareholders who hold their shares as part of a hedge, appreciated
financial position, straddle or conversion transaction;
- shareholders who acquired the American Heritage Life common stock through
the exercise of options or otherwise as compensation or through a
tax-qualified retirement plan; and
- foreign corporations, foreign partnerships or other foreign entities and
individuals who are not citizens or residents of the United States.
No information is provided in this document with respect to the tax
consequences, if any, of the merger under applicable foreign, state, local and
other tax laws. The description of the federal income tax consequences
summarized above and the above-referenced tax opinions are based upon the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, applicable Treasury regulations, and
IRS rulings and judicial decisions, as in effect as of the date of such
opinions. There can be no assurance that future legislative,
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administrative or judicial changes or interpretations, which changes could apply
retroactively, will not affect the accuracy of the statements or conclusions set
forth in the description of the federal income tax consequences summarized above
and the above-referenced tax opinions. No rulings have been or will be sought
from the IRS concerning the tax consequences of the merger and the opinions of
counsel as of the material federal income tax consequences will not be binding
on the IRS or any court.
THE PRECEDING SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER DOES NOT
PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DISCUSSION OF ALL POTENTIAL TAX EFFECTS
RELEVANT TO THE MERGER. THIS DISCUSSION IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT APPLY TO A PARTICULAR SHAREHOLDER IN LIGHT OF THE
SHAREHOLDER'S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX
ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING TAX
RETURN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE,
LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER APPLICABLE TAX LAWS AND THE EFFECT OF ANY PROPOSED
CHANGES IN THE TAX LAWS.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The merger will be accounted for by Allstate under the "purchase" method of
accounting. Under this method of accounting, the purchase price in excess of the
fair value of net assets of American Heritage Life will be allocated to
goodwill. The goodwill attributable to the merger is expected to be amortized by
Allstate over a period of thirty years. The revenues and expenses of American
Heritage Life will be included in Allstate's consolidated financial statements
from the date of consummation of the merger.
REGULATORY MATTERS
FEDERAL ANTITRUST LAWS. The Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act,
prohibit Allstate and American Heritage Life from consummating the merger until
they notify and furnish information to the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the
United States Department of Justice and specified waiting period requirements
are satisfied. On July 23, 1999, in connection with the merger, Allstate and
American Heritage Life each filed with the FTC and the Antitrust Division a
Notification and Report Form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The waiting period
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act terminated on August 5, 1999.
However, even though the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period requirement has
been satisfied, the Antitrust Division or the FTC could take any action under
the antitrust laws it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest,
including seeking to enjoin the consummation of the merger or seeking the
divestiture of substantial assets of Allstate or American Heritage Life. Private
parties and the state attorneys general may also bring actions under the U.S.
antitrust laws. Although Allstate and American Heritage Life believe that the
merger is legal under the U.S. antitrust laws, there can be no assurance that a
challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if such a
challenge is made, that it would not be successful.
STATE INSURANCE LAWS. The insurance laws and regulations of all 50 states
and the District of Columbia generally require that, prior to the acquisition of
an insurance company, either through the acquisition of or merger with the
insurance company or holding company of that insurance company, domiciled in
that jurisdiction, the acquiring company obtain the prior approval of the
insurance commissioner of that jurisdiction. In connection with this state
approval process, Allstate has made formal filing applications, generally called
Form "A" filings, for approval of the merger with the insurance commissioners of
Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Texas, the states in which the
insurance company subsidiaries of American Heritage Life are domiciled.
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In addition, the insurance laws and regulations of certain states require
that, prior to an acquisition of an insurance company doing business in that
state (or the acquisition of its holding company), a filing be made by the
acquiror and its insurance company affiliates, together with the acquired
company and its insurance company affiliates, have market share sufficiently
large enough in particular insurance lines to require a notification prior to
merger. Allstate has made all of the required filings in these states. Allstate
has received the requisite approval from the Kentucky, South Carolina and North
Dakota insurance commissioners and the time period for review has ended in the
other states.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Allstate currently expects to continue to pay quarterly dividends,
consistent with its current dividend policy. Future dividends will be at the
discretion of Allstate and will be determined after consideration of a number of
factors including, among others, Allstate's earnings, financial condition, cash
flows from operations, current and anticipated cash needs and expansion plans.
American Heritage Life currently expects to continue to pay quarterly
dividends on shares of American Heritage Life, consistent with its current
dividend policy, until the completion of the merger. To the extent possible,
Allstate and American Heritage Life have agreed to coordinate the timing of
their dividends, so as not to adversely affect either company's shareholders.
NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS
American Heritage Life shareholders are not entitled to appraisal or
dissenters' rights under Florida law in connection with the merger both because
American Heritage Life's common stock was listed on the NYSE on the record date
for the special meeting and because it has no fewer than 2,000 shareholders of
record.
LISTING OF ALLSTATE SHARES TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER
The Allstate common stock that the American Heritage Life shareholders are
entitled to receive in the merger will be listed on the NYSE and the CHX at the
effective time of the merger.
FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS CONSIDERATIONS
This document does not cover any resales of the Allstate common shares to be
received by American Heritage Life's shareholders upon consummation of the
merger, and no person is authorized to make any use of this document in
connection with any such resale.
The Allstate common stock that you receive in the merger will be freely
transferable, unless you are deemed to be an "affiliate" of American Heritage
Life under the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations promulgated
under that act, at the time of the special meeting. "Affiliates" may only
re-sell their Allstate common stock in transactions permitted by Rule 145 under
the Securities Act of 1933 or as otherwise permitted under that act. Persons who
may be deemed to be affiliates of American Heritage Life for these purposes
generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or
are under common control with, American Heritage Life and may include officers,
directors and principal shareholders of American Heritage Life. The merger
agreement requires American Heritage Life to use commercially reasonable efforts
to deliver or cause to be delivered to Allstate on or prior to the effective
time of the merger from each of these affiliates an executed letter agreement to
the effect that these persons will not offer or sell or otherwise dispose of any
Allstate common shares issued to these persons in the merger in violation of the
Securities Act of 1933.
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OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR
On January 5, 1999, American Heritage Life retained Merrill Lynch to act as
its financial advisor. On July 8, 1999, the American Heritage Life board held a
meeting to evaluate the proposed merger. At the meeting, Merrill Lynch rendered
its written opinion that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the
factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the consideration to be paid
by Allstate to the American Heritage Life shareholders is fair from a financial
point of view to the holders of American Heritage Life common stock, other than
Allstate and its affiliates.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE MERRILL LYNCH OPINION, WHICH DESCRIBES, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED, AND QUALIFICATIONS AND
LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY MERRILL LYNCH IS ATTACHED AS APPENDIX C
TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IS INCORPORATED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BY REFERENCE. YOU ARE URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ MERRILL
LYNCH'S OPINION CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY. MERRILL LYNCH'S OPINION IS
DIRECTED TO THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE BOARD AND ADDRESSES ONLY THE FAIRNESS,
FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW, OF THE CONSIDERATION TO BE PAID BY ALLSTATE TO
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE SHAREHOLDERS. THE OPINION DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER
ASPECT OF THE MERGER OR ANY RELATED TRANSACTION, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE A
RECOMMENDATION TO ANY SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW TO VOTE AT THE AMERICAN HERITAGE
LIFE SPECIAL MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE FAIRNESS OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, WHILE IT CONTAINS ALL MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF THE
OPINION, IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE
OPINION.
In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch, among other things:
- reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information
relating to American Heritage Life and Allstate that Merrill Lynch deemed
to be relevant;
- reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts, relating to
the businesses, earnings, cash flow, assets, liabilities and prospects of
American Heritage Life and Allstate furnished to Merrill Lynch by American
Heritage Life and Allstate, respectively, as well as the amount and timing
of the synergies expected to result from the merger furnished to Merrill
Lynch by Allstate;
- conducted discussions with members of senior management and
representatives of American Heritage Life and Allstate concerning the
matters described in the above bullet points, as well as their respective
businesses and prospects before and after giving effect to the merger and
the synergies expected to result from the merger;
- reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for American Heritage
Life common stock and Allstate common stock and compared them with those
of certain publicly traded companies that Merrill Lynch deemed to be
relevant;
- reviewed the results of operations of American Heritage Life and Allstate
and compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies that
Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant;
- compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the financial
terms of certain other transactions that Merrill Lynch deemed to be
relevant;
- participated in certain discussions and negotiations among representatives
of American Heritage Life and Allstate and their financial and legal
advisors;
- reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the merger;
- reviewed drafts of the merger agreement, stock option agreement and voting
agreement, each dated as of July 8, 1999; and
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- reviewed other financial studies and analyses and took into account other
matters as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary, including Merrill Lynch's
assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions.
In rendering its opinion, Merrill Lynch assumed and relied on the accuracy
and completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to
Merrill Lynch, discussed with, or reviewed by, or for Merrill Lynch, or publicly
available, and Merrill Lynch did not assume any responsibility for independently
verifying this information or undertake an independent evaluation or appraisal
of any of the assets or liabilities of American Heritage Life or Allstate nor
has Merrill Lynch been furnished any such evaluation or appraisal. In addition,
Merrill Lynch did not assume any obligation to conduct any physical inspection
of the properties or facilities of American Heritage Life or Allstate. With
respect to the financial forecast information and the estimate of synergies
furnished to or discussed with Merrill Lynch by American Heritage Life or
Allstate, Merrill Lynch assumed that they had been reasonably prepared and
reflected the best currently available estimates and judgment of American
Heritage Life's or Allstate's management as to the expected future financial
performance of American Heritage Life or Allstate, as the case may be. Merrill
Lynch further assumed that the merger will be accounted for as a purchase under
generally accepted accounting principles and that it will qualify as a tax-free
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Merrill Lynch also assumed
that the final form of the transaction documents, including the merger
agreement, would be substantially similar to the drafts reviewed by Merrill
Lynch.
Merrill Lynch's fairness opinion is necessarily based on market, economic
and other conditions as they existed and could be evaluated on, and on the
information made available to Merrill Lynch as of, the date of the opinion.
Merrill Lynch assumed that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory
or other consents or approvals (contractual or otherwise) for the merger, no
restrictions, including any divestiture requirements or amendments or
modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the
contemplated benefits of the merger.
Merrill Lynch's opinion is not an expression of an opinion as to the prices
at which shares of American Heritage Life common stock or shares of Allstate
common stock will trade following the announcement of the merger or the actual
value of the shares of common stock of Allstate when issued pursuant to the
merger, or the prices at which the shares of common stock of Allstate will trade
following the completion of the merger. In connection with the preparation of
its opinion, Merrill Lynch was not authorized by American Heritage Life or
American Heritage Life's board of directors to solicit, nor did Merrill Lynch
solicit, third-party indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any
part of American Heritage Life.
In performing its analyses, Merrill Lynch made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and
financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of
Merrill Lynch, American Heritage Life and Allstate. Any estimates contained in
the analyses performed by Merrill Lynch are not necessarily indicative of actual
values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than
suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses
or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these
analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In
addition, the Merrill Lynch opinion was among several factors taken into
consideration by the American Heritage Life board in making its determination to
approve the merger agreement and the merger. Consequently, the analyses
described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of the
American Heritage Life board or management of American Heritage Life with
respect to the fairness of the consideration to be paid American Heritage Life
shareholders.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by
Merrill Lynch to the American Heritage Life board on July 8, 1999 in connection
with the rendering of its opinion on that
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date and is not a complete description of the analyses underlying the Merrill
Lynch opinion or presentation. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex analytic process involving various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of
those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a fairness opinion is
not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving
at its opinion, Merrill Lynch did not attribute any particular weight to any
analysis or factor that it considered, but rather made qualitative judgments as
to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. The financial
analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format.
Accordingly, Merrill Lynch believes that its analyses and the summary of its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular
format, without considering all analyses and factors or the full narrative
description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and
assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete
view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion. The tables alone do not
constitute a complete description of the financial analyses.
MARKET PREMIUM ANALYSIS. Merrill Lynch reviewed the terms of the merger. It
also analyzed the merger consideration as a premium to the closing price of the
American Heritage Life common stock at different intervals prior to the
announcement of the merger. This analysis indicated that the merger
consideration represented a premium of:
- 21.1% over the market price of the American Heritage Life common stock on
the day immediately prior to the signing of the merger agreement;
- 33.3% over the market price of the American Heritage Life common stock on
June 22, 1999 (the date of the exclusivity agreement between American
Heritage Life and Allstate); and
- 34.4% over the market price of the American Heritage Life common stock on
June 7, 1999 (one month prior to the signing of the merger agreement).
TRANSACTION VALUE AND TRANSACTION PRICING MULTIPLES. Merrill Lynch compared
the transaction and enterprise values of American Heritage Life based upon the
market price of American Heritage Life on July 7, 1999 (the day immediately
prior to the signing of the merger agreement) of $26.63 and the merger
consideration of $32.25. The transaction value was obtained by multiplying (i)
either the market price of American Heritage Life common stock or the merger
consideration, as the case may be, by (ii) the total number of outstanding
shares of American Heritage Life common stock on a fully-diluted basis on July
7, 1999 (includes 5.47 million shares of American Heritage Life common stock
underlying American Heritage Life's FELINE PRIDES). The enterprise value was
obtained by adding the respective transaction value to American Heritage Life's
debt of approximately $53.6 million. This analysis indicated that the implied
transaction and enterprise value of American Heritage Life based on the merger
consideration were $1,091.0 million and $1,144.6 million, respectively and that
the transaction and enterprise value of American Heritage Life based on the
closing price of American Heritage Life common stock on July 7, 1999 were $897.4
million and $951.1 million, respectively.
Merrill Lynch also analyzed and compared the per share merger consideration
to be received by American Heritage Life shareholders as a multiple of American
Heritage Life's fully diluted earnings per share ("EPS") for 1998, fully diluted
estimated EPS for the years 1999 and 2000 as published by First Call and fully
diluted book value per share as of March 31, 1999 with the corresponding
multiples based on the closing price of American Heritage Life common stock on
July 7, 1999. The implied transaction multiples reflect the following adjustment
to First Call earnings per share estimates and book value at March 31, 1999: (i)
the settlement of the FELINE PRIDES, (ii) that the proceeds received by American
Heritage Life from the settlement of the FELINE PRIDES are invested at 6.75%
pre-tax and the return on the proceeds are included in American Heritage Life's
earnings, (iii) that the proceeds are added to book value, and (iv) 5.47 million
shares of American Heritage Life common stock are issued and included in the
fully-diluted share count. First Call is a recognized data
25
<PAGE>
service that monitors and publishes compilations of earnings estimates by
selected research analysts regarding companies of interest to institutional
investors. This analysis indicated that:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLOSING PRICE AS OF MERGER
IMPLIED TRANSACTION MULTIPLES JULY 7, 1999 CONSIDERATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
1998A Adjusted Fully-Diluted First Call EPS................. 22.0x 26.7x
1999E Adjusted Fully-Diluted First Call EPS................. 19.7x 23.9x
2000E Adjusted Fully-Diluted First Call EPS................. 17.5x 21.2x
Adjusted Fully-Diluted Book Value as of
March 31, 1999............................................ 2.34x 2.83x
</TABLE>
HISTORICAL TRADING ANALYSIS. Merrill Lynch reviewed the historical trading
prices for American Heritage Life common stock and compared them with the merger
consideration of $32.25 per share. This analysis indicated that the merger
consideration represented a premium of 21% over American Heritage Life's
all-time high trading price of $26.69. Merrill Lynch also compared the proposed
price-to-earnings ratio for 1999 based on the merger consideration and the 1999
estimated EPS as reported by First Call to the historical forward P/E ratio of
American Heritage Life from July 5, 1996 to July 7, 1999. This analysis
indicated that the P/E ratio for the transaction was 22.2x whereas the minimum
and maximum historical forward P/E ratios of American Heritage Life from July 5,
1996 to July 7, 1999 ranged from 9.8x to 20.7x.
In addition, Merrill Lynch compared the price-to-book value multiple for
American Heritage Life based on the merger consideration and the book value per
share of American Heritage Life as of March 31, 1999 with the historical
price-to-book multiple of American Heritage Life from July 5, 1996 to July 7,
1999. This analysis indicated that the price-to-book multiple for the
transaction was 3.25x whereas the minimum and maximum historical price-to-book
multiples from July 5, 1996 to July 7, 1999 ranged from 1.21x to 2.68x.
Merrill Lynch also reviewed the historical stock prices of American Heritage
Life common stock and Allstate common stock and the implied market exchange
ratios determined by dividing the price per share of American Heritage Life by
the price per share of Allstate common stock over the period from July 5, 1996
to July 7, 1999. This analysis indicated that the minimum and maximum exchange
ratio from July 5, 1996 to July 7, 1999 ranged from 0.37x to 0.71x. Merrill
Lynch compared this range with the proposed exchange ratio of 0.88x determined
by dividing the closing price per share of American Heritage Life on June 22,
1999 (the date of the exclusivity agreement) with the merger consideration to be
paid by Allstate.
SUMMARY OF VALUATION ANALYSIS. Merrill Lynch compared the merger
consideration to each range of implied valuation set forth below, which was
derived from analyses performed by Merrill Lynch, and noted that the merger
consideration to be paid to American Heritage Life shareholders of $32.25 was
higher than or in the range of such valuations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE RANGE
--------------------
<S> <C> <C>
METHODOLOGY LOW HIGH
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
Comparable Public Companies Analysis.................................. $ 18.00 $ 31.00
Comparable Acquisition Analysis....................................... $ 16.00 $ 26.00
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis......................................... $ 23.00 $ 28.00
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis with Synergies.......................... $ 27.00 $ 33.00
</TABLE>
COMPARABLE COMPANY TRADING ANALYSIS. Using publicly available information,
Merrill Lynch compared selected historical and estimated stock price and
financial ratios for American Heritage Life and Allstate with corresponding data
and ratios of selected publicly traded companies in the life insurance industry.
These companies were selected by Merrill Lynch based upon Merrill Lynch's views
26
<PAGE>
as to the comparability of the financial and operating characteristics of these
companies to American Heritage Life and Allstate. The companies comparable to
American Heritage Life and Allstate included:
- American General Corporation
- Equitable Companies Inc.
- UNUM Corporation
- AFLAC Incorporated
- Lincoln National Corporation
- Jefferson-Pilot Corporation
- Torchmark Corporation
- ReliaStar Financial Corp.
- Protective Life Corporation
In order to determine an implied equity reference range based upon an
analysis of comparable companies, Merrill Lynch compared the price of American
Heritage Life's and Allstate's common stock as a multiple of (i) actual 1998 EPS
and (ii) estimated 1999 and 2000 EPS based on First Call reports, to the
corresponding ratios for each of the comparable companies. Additionally, Merrill
Lynch compared (i) the 5 year projected EPS growth rate published by First Call
and (ii) the 1999 estimated return on equity (defined to be the quotient of (A)
1999 projected earnings as reported by First Call and (B) the sum of (x) the
book value at March 31, 1999 and (y) three quarters of estimated 1999 earnings
less three quarters of estimated 1999 dividends) of each of American Heritage
Life and Allstate to the corresponding ratios of each of the comparable
companies. This analysis indicated that:
- the 1998 P/E ratio for the comparable companies range from 15.4x to 30.4x
with a mean of 20.3x and a median of 20.5x, whereas American Heritage
Life's and Allstate's 1998 P/E ratio was 20.8x and 11.8x, respectively;
- the 1999 P/E ratio for the comparable companies ranged from 13.9x to 24.4x
with a mean of 17.3x and a median of 17.0x, whereas American Heritage
Life's and Allstate's 1999 P/E ratio was 18.4x and 11.2x, respectively;
- the 2000 P/E ratio for the comparable companies ranged from 12.4x to 21.1x
with a mean of 15.3x and a median of 14.9x; whereas American Heritage
Life's and Allstate's 2000 P/E ratio was 16.1x and 10.4x, respectively;
- the 5 year EPS growth rate for the comparable companies ranged from 11.0%
to 15.0% with a mean of 13.1% and a median of 13.0%, whereas American
Heritage Life's and Allstate's 5 year EPS growth rate was 13.0% and 11.0%,
respectively; and
- the 1999 estimated return on equity for the comparable companies ranged
from 5.9% to 16.4% with a mean of 13.4% and a median of 13.5%, whereas
American Heritage Life's and Allstate's 1999 estimated return on equity
was 15.2% and 13.9%, respectively.
Additionally, Merrill Lynch compared the ratio of (i) price-to-book value,
(ii) debt-to-total capitalization, and (iii) the debt and preferred
stock-to-total capitalization, in each case as of March 31, 1999, of each of
American Heritage Life and Allstate to the corresponding ratios of each of the
comparable companies. The analysis indicated that:
- the price-to-book value ratio as of March 31, 1999 ranged from 1.09x to
3.27x with a mean of 2.39x and median of 2.42x, whereas American Heritage
Life's and Allstate's price-to-book value ratio was 2.69x and 1.70x,
respectively;
- the debt-to-total capitalization ratio as of March 31, 1999 ranged from
12.9% to 90.4% with a mean of 31.0% and a median of 22.8% whereas American
Heritage Life's and Allstate's debt-to-total capitalization ratio was
12.4% and 8.5%, respectively; and
27
<PAGE>
- the debt and preferred-to-total capitalization ratio as of March 31, 1999
ranged from 12.9% to 90.4% with a mean of 37.6% and median of 29.8%
whereas American Heritage Life's and Allstate's debt and
preferred-to-total capitalization ratio was 36.2% and 12.2%, respectively.
Based on Merrill Lynch's judgment, Merrill Lynch applied various multiple
ranges to the corresponding financial data and estimates of future financial
performance of American Heritage Life provided by the management of American
Heritage Life to derive an implied equity reference range of $18.00 to $31.00
per share for American Heritage Life's common stock.
Because of the inherent differences among the operations of American
Heritage Life, Allstate and the selected comparable companies, Merrill Lynch
believes that a purely quantitative comparable company analysis would not be
dispositive in the context of the merger. Merrill Lynch further believes that an
appropriate use of a comparable company analysis in this instance involves
qualitative judgments concerning differences among the financial and operating
characteristics of American Heritage Life, Allstate and the selected comparable
companies, which judgments are reflected in the Merrill Lynch opinion.
COMPARABLE TRANSACTION ANALYSIS. Merrill Lynch also reviewed publicly
available information relating to comparable merger and acquisition transactions
involving U.S. life insurance companies since August, 1995. Merrill Lynch
determined the consideration paid for the common equity and the value of the
indebtedness, less cash and cash equivalents assumed in each of the transactions
and examined multiples of the price per share in each of the transactions to (i)
EPS for the latest twelve months prior to the transaction announcement, (ii) EPS
estimated for the forward calendar years subsequent to the announcement of the
transaction, and (iii) book value.
The comparable transactions in the U.S. life insurance industry that Merrill
Lynch reviewed consisted of the following:
- Allianz Life Insurance Co.'s acquisition of Life USA Holding, Inc.
- Aegon NV's acquisition of TransAmerica Corp.
- UNUM Corporation's acquisition of Provident Companies, Inc.
- American International Group, Inc.'s acquisition of SunAmerica Inc.
- Swiss Reinsurance Company's acquisition of Life Re Corporation
- Lincoln National Corp.'s acquisition of Aetna, Inc.'s--U.S. Life business
- Protective Life Corp.'s acquisition of West Coast Life Insurance Company
- Conseco Inc.'s acquisition of Washington National Corporation
- Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.'s acquisition of Security First Group
- Lincoln National Corp.'s acquisition of CIGNA Corp.'s Life & Annuity
business
- ING Group N.V.'s acquisition of Equitable of Iowa Companies
- Jefferson-Pilot Corp.'s acquisition of Chubb Life Insurance Company of
America
- ReliaStar Financial Corp.'s acquisition of Security-Connecticut
Corporation
- American General Corp.'s acquisition of USLIFE Corporation
- Aegon NV's acquisition of Providian Corporation
- American General Corp.'s acquisition of Home Beneficial Corporation
- Conseco Inc.'s acquisition of Transport Holdings Inc.
- Conseco Inc.'s acquisition of American Travelers Insurance Company
- Conseco Inc.'s acquisition of Capitol American Financial Corporation
- General Electric Company's acquisition of First Colony Corporation
- Conseco Inc.'s acquisition of Life Partners Group, Inc.
- American General Corp.'s acquisition of Independent Insurance Group, Inc.
- Jefferson-Pilot Corp.'s acquisition of Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance
Company of America
28
<PAGE>
Applying these multiples for the comparable acquisitions in the U.S. life
insurance industry to corresponding financial data of American Heritage Life
indicated an implied equity reference range for its common stock of $16.00 to
$26.00 per share.
Because the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, each of the
comparable transactions analyzed were so diverse and due to the inherent
differences between the operations and financial conditions of American Heritage
Life and the selected companies, Merrill Lynch believes that a purely
quantitative comparable transaction analysis would not be dispositive in the
context of the merger. Merrill Lynch further believes that an appropriate use of
a comparable transaction analysis in this instance involves qualitative
judgments concerning the differences between the characteristics of these
transactions and the merger that would affect the value of the acquired
companies and businesses and American Heritage Life, which judgments are
reflected in the Merrill Lynch opinion.
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS. Merrill Lynch also performed a discounted
cash flow analysis of the projected dividendable net income of American Heritage
Life assuming American Heritage Life continued to operate as a stand-alone
entity. Projections for fiscal years 1999 through 2004 were based on First Call
earnings estimates for 1999 and 2000 and for periods after 2000, earnings were
assumed to increase at First Call's estimated annual long-term earnings growth
rate for American Heritage Life of 13%. These projections were discussed with
and reviewed by American Heritage Life's management. Merrill Lynch assumed that
earnings in excess of those necessary to maintain American Heritage Life's
target equity-to-assets ratio at 13.5% could be paid out to shareholders as
dividendable net income. Merrill Lynch further assumed an annual asset growth
rate of 10%.
The range of the estimated terminal values for American Heritage Life was
calculated by applying terminal multiples ranging from 14.0x to 16.0x to
American Heritage Life's projected 2004 dividendable net income. The terminal
value of American Heritage Life and projected dividendable net income of
American Heritage Life for the period from June 30, 1999 to June 30, 2003 were
then discounted back to June 30, 1999 using discount rates ranging from 12.0% to
14.0%, which Merrill Lynch viewed as the appropriate range of discount rates for
a company with American Heritage Life's risk characteristics. This analysis
resulted in an equity reference range for American Heritage Life of $23.00 to
$28.00 per share.
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS-PRO FORMA FOR THE MERGER. Merrill Lynch also
performed a pro forma discounted cash flow analysis of the projected
dividendable net income of American Heritage Life assuming American Heritage
Life continued as a subsidiary of Allstate. The range of present values of the
pro forma American Heritage Life were determined using the same valuation
methodology applied in the preceding two paragraphs in terms of calculating the
terminal value of the pro forma American Heritage Life and the discount rates
applicable to that value. Merrill Lynch also made the same assumptions as set
forth in the preceding paragraph, except that dividendable net income is
increased to include after-tax estimated synergies beginning in fiscal year 2000
and ending in 2004 of $4.0, $6.0, $8.0, $10.0 and $12.0 million, respectively.
The level of synergies were reviewed and discussed with American Heritage Life
management. This analysis resulted in an equity reference range for the pro
forma American Heritage Life of $27.00 to $33.00 per share.
The analyses set forth in each of the preceding three paragraphs do not
necessarily indicate actual values or actual future results and do not purport
to reflect the prices at which any securities may trade at the present or at any
time in the future. Dividend discount analysis is a widely used valuation
methodology, but the results of this methodology are highly dependent upon the
numerous assumptions that must be made, including earnings growth rates,
dividend payout rates, terminal values and discount rates.
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL IMPACT. Merrill Lynch analyzed certain pro forma
effects resulting from the merger, including, among other things, the impact of
the merger on the projected EPS of Allstate for
29
<PAGE>
the years 2000 and 2001 based on First Call estimates. For the purpose of this
analysis, Merrill Lynch assumed that (i) American Heritage Life shareholders
would receive 100% cash in the transaction, based upon Allstate's stated
intention to repurchase an equivalent number of shares issued in the transaction
on the open market, (ii) cash used to repurchase shares would be funded at 6.5%
pre-tax, (iii) Allstate, pro forma for the transaction, would realize $4.0 and
$6.0 million in after-tax synergies in 2000 and 2001, respectively, and (iv)
goodwill is amortized over 30 years. The analyses performed indicated that, on a
per share basis, the merger would be slightly dilutive to pro forma Allstate's
estimated EPS in each of 2000 and 2001.
Merrill Lynch also observed that the projected annual dividend per American
Heritage Life common share pro forma for the merger was $0.54 or a 22.2%
increase over American Heritage Life's current annual dividend of $0.44 per
share assuming a 100% stock election and an implied exchange ratio of 0.90x
based on the ten-day average Allstate share price of $35.99. In addition,
Merrill Lynch noted that in the case of a 100% cash election after-tax income to
the shareholders of American Heritage Life would be $1.02 or a 131.12% increase
over American Heritage Life's current annual dividend assuming proceeds from the
transaction and the sale of Allstate shares are invested in 6-month treasury
bills at 4.85%.
The actual operating and financial results achieved by the pro forma
combined company may vary from projected results and variations may be material
as a result of business and operational risks, the timing, amount and costs
associated with achieving cost savings and revenue enhancements, as well as
other factors.
American Heritage Life retained Merrill Lynch based upon its experience and
expertise. Merrill Lynch is an internationally recognized investment banking and
advisory firm. As part of its investment banking business, Merrill Lynch is
regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection
with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
In addition, in the ordinary course of its business, Merrill Lynch and its
affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities of American
Heritage Life and Allstate for their own account and/or the accounts of their
respective customers, and, accordingly, may at any time hold long or short
positions in these securities. In the past two years, Merrill Lynch has provided
to American Heritage Life and to Allstate, financial advisory, investment
banking and other services unrelated to the proposed merger, and has received
fees for the rendering of these services. Merrill Lynch may provide these types
of services to Allstate in the future and receive fees for those services.
Pursuant to a letter agreement between American Heritage Life and Merrill
Lynch, dated as of January 5, 1999, American Heritage Life agreed to pay Merrill
Lynch for financial advisory services rendered through the closing of the merger
- an advisory fee of $25,000 payable upon the execution of the letter
agreement; and
- a transaction fee equal to 0.30% times the total value of the transaction,
or $3,300,000.
American Heritage Life has also agreed, among other things, to indemnify
Merrill Lynch and its affiliates from and against certain liabilities and
expenses, which may include certain liabilities under federal securities laws,
in connection with its engagement.
30
<PAGE>
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE MERGER
Members of the board and American Heritage Life management may be deemed to
have interests in the merger that are in addition to, or different from, the
interests of American Heritage Life shareholders generally. The board recognized
these interests and determined that these interests neither supported nor
detracted from the fairness of the transaction to you.
RETENTION PAYMENTS
Allstate has agreed to make retention payments on and after the
effectiveness of the merger to officers of American Heritage Life and to all
other full-time and permanent part-time employees of American Heritage Life and
its subsidiaries, in varying amounts payable in three equal installments at (1)
the effectiveness of the merger, (2) the first anniversary of the effectiveness
of the merger, and (3) the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger, provided that the employee is employed by American Heritage Life
Insurance Company or its affiliates at the time the relevant installment is to
be paid. For Messrs. Douglas, Morehead, Anderson and Bird, the total amounts
payable are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE OFFICER RETENTION PAYMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
T. O'Neal Douglas.......................................................... $ 2,300,000
C. Richard Morehead........................................................ $ 2,000,000
John K. Anderson, Jr....................................................... $ 500,000
David A. Bird.............................................................. $ 500,000
</TABLE>
For Mr. Douglas only, the total retention payment of $2,300,000 will be paid at
the effectiveness of the merger. Mr. Douglas is also eligible for an additional
payment, if applicable, to make him whole for any excise tax imposed under
Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code and for any income tax imposed on his
receipt of the additional payment. Retention payments payable to all other
officers and employees of American Heritage Life will be payable according to
the installment schedule described above.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In connection with the merger, Messrs. Douglas, Morehead, Anderson, and Bird
have entered into employment agreements with American Heritage Life Insurance
Company, pursuant to which they will continue to serve as executives of American
Heritage Life Insurance Company after the merger.
- POSITIONS. After the effectiveness of the merger, the executives will
serve in the following capacities for American Heritage Life Insurance
Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE TITLE
- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
T. O'Neal Douglas............................. Chairman of the Board
C. Richard Morehead........................... President and Chief Executive Officer
John K. Anderson, Jr.......................... Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
David A. Bird................................. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer
</TABLE>
- TERM. Each of the employment agreements becomes effective at the
effectiveness of the merger and terminates on the second anniversary of
that date, subject to prior termination by the executive or American
Heritage Life Insurance Company. For Mr. Douglas only, his employment
agreement terminates upon his attainment of age 65 or at such later date
as his services are no
31
<PAGE>
longer required, subject to prior termination by him or American Heritage
Life Insurance Company.
- SALARY. During the term of his employment agreement, Mr. Douglas will be
paid an annual base salary of not less than $550,000. During their
respective terms, Messrs. Morehead, Anderson and Bird each will be paid an
annual base salary which is not less than the annual base salary which was
being paid to each of them by American Heritage Life Insurance Company on
June 1, 1999.
- CONSULTING FEES/NONCOMPETE PAYMENTS TO MR. DOUGLAS. Mr. Douglas has agreed
that, for a period of five years following the effectiveness of the
merger, he will refrain from competing with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company anywhere in the United States. Mr. Douglas has also
agreed that, upon request, he will provide consulting services to American
Heritage Life Insurance Company following the termination of his
employment agreement, for a period ending five years following the
effectiveness of the merger. In exchange for these agreements, American
Heritage Life Insurance Company will pay Mr. Douglas an additional
$3,700,000 at the effectiveness of the merger. Mr. Douglas is also
eligible for an additional payment, if applicable, to make him whole for
any excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code and
for any income tax imposed on his receipt of such additional payment.
- NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS. Messrs. Morehead, Anderson, and Bird have each
agreed as part of his employment agreement to refrain from competing with
American Heritage Life Insurance Company anywhere in the United States for
a period of three years following the termination of his employment.
- ALLSTATE CHANGE-OF-CONTROL BENEFITS. Under each of the employment
agreements, Messrs. Douglas, Morehead, Anderson and Bird will be entitled
at his option to the benefits (or substantially similar benefits) provided
to vice presidents under Allstate's customary change-of-control
agreements, in lieu of the payments or benefits provided under his
employment agreement.
ACCELERATED VESTING OF OPTIONS; RESTRICTED STOCK; PERFORMANCE UNITS
At the effectiveness of the merger, outstanding options to purchase common
stock of American Heritage Life will be canceled and will be replaced with
options to purchase Allstate common stock according to the formula described
below in "Principal Terms of the Merger Agreement--Conversion
of Stock Options and Restricted Stock; Performance Units." Under the terms of
the merger agreement, the Allstate replacement options will vest as follows:
- all of the Allstate replacement options issued to Mr. Douglas will be
fully vested and exercisable at the effectiveness of the merger; and
- for all other employees, Allstate options replacing vested American
Heritage Life options will be fully vested at the effectiveness of the
merger, and Allstate options replacing unvested American Heritage Life
options will vest as follows:
B 50% upon the effectiveness of the merger,
B an additional 25% at the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason), and
B the final 25% at the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason).
32
<PAGE>
The following table discloses for each American Heritage Life executive
officer the number of shares of American Heritage Life stock subject to options
that will be subject to accelerated vesting in connection with the merger
(assuming completion of any applicable employment condition):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL SHARES SUBJECT TO ACCELERATED
EXECUTIVE OFFICER VESTING
- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
T. O'Neal Douglas.................................... 241,334
C. Richard Morehead.................................. 154,224
John K. Anderson, Jr................................. 103,904
David A. Bird........................................ 102,147
</TABLE>
The merger agreement also provides that upon the effectiveness of the
merger, each share of American Heritage Life common stock which is held by
officers and other employees under the long term incentive plan and which is
subject to transfer restrictions ("restricted stock") will be canceled and will
be replaced by the number of Allstate common shares to which the holder is
entitled in the merger, also subject to identical transfer restrictions. The
Allstate restricted stock which replaces American Heritage Life's restricted
stock will vest (the transfer restrictions will no longer apply) on an
accelerated basis for the executive officers and for some of the other officers
holding restricted stock, as follows:
- 50% upon the effectiveness of the merger,
- an additional 25% at the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason), and
- the final 25% at the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the merger
(subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life Insurance
Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary termination
without cause or resignation for good reason).
The preceding does not apply to the American Heritage Life restricted stock of
Mr. Douglas, which shares of restricted stock will become 100% vested at the
effectiveness of the merger.
The following table discloses for each American Heritage Life executive
officer the number of shares of American Heritage Life restricted stock that
will be subject to accelerated vesting in connection with the merger (assuming
completion of any applicable employment condition):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL SHARES SUBJECT TO ACCELERATED
EXECUTIVE OFFICER VESTING
- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
T. O'Neal Douglas.................................... 22,911
C. Richard Morehead.................................. 8,664
John K. Anderson, Jr................................. 4,074
David A. Bird........................................ 4,489
</TABLE>
The merger agreement also provides that the performance units held by
officers under the long term incentive plan that are outstanding at the
effectiveness of the merger will be treated as follows:
- 50% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half in Allstate
common stock) upon the effectiveness of the merger,
- an additional 25% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one
half in Allstate common stock) at the first anniversary of the
effectiveness of the merger (subject to continued employment with American
Heritage Life Insurance Company to that date but with full payment at
target upon involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good
reason), and
33
<PAGE>
- the final 25% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half in
Allstate common stock) at the second anniversary of the effectiveness of
the merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full payment at target upon
involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason).
The preceding does not apply to the performance units held by Mr. Douglas, 100%
of which will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half in Allstate
common stock) upon the effectiveness of the merger.
The following table discloses for each American Heritage Life executive
officer the dollar value under the performance units portion of the long term
incentive plan (assuming completion of any applicable employment condition)
which will be paid out upon the effectiveness of the merger, given the payout
schedule described above:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
PERFORMANCE
EXECUTIVE OFFICER UNITS AT TARGET
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C>
T. O'Neal Douglas........................................................ $ 256,250
C. Richard Morehead...................................................... $ 112,500
John K. Anderson, Jr..................................................... $ 79,050
David A. Bird............................................................ $ 63,750
</TABLE>
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
Allstate has agreed to provide indemnification rights to the present and
former directors and officers of American Heritage Life and has agreed to
maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance for such individuals.
VOTING AGREEMENT
Two directors currently serving on the board are representatives of a family
shareholder group holding approximately 39% of the outstanding common stock of
American Heritage Life. The group has signed an agreement with Allstate under
which the shareholders have agreed to vote their American Heritage Life shares
FOR the merger.
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PRINCIPAL TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a brief summary of the material provisions of the merger
agreement. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this
document and is incorporated in this document by reference. We urge you to read
the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety.
GENERAL
The merger agreement contemplates the merger of American Heritage Life into
an Allstate subsidiary, which subsidiary will be the surviving entity. After the
merger, the surviving entity will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate and
will change its name to American Heritage Life Investment Corporation. The
merger will be completed once we file a certificate of merger with the Delaware
and Florida Secretaries of State. We believe that this filing will occur at the
same time as the closing under the merger agreement which, unless we otherwise
agree, will occur promptly, but in no event later than the third business day
after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the merger
agreement.
THE MERGER CONSIDERATION
At the effective time of the merger, for each share of American Heritage
Life common stock, the holder will be entitled to receive, subject to the
election and allocation provisions of the merger agreement discussed below:
- a number of whole shares of Allstate common stock determined by dividing:
(a) $32.25 by (b) the average of the daily closing prices for Allstate
common stock on the NYSE for the ten trading days ending five trading days
before the effective date of the merger; OR
- cash in the amount of $32.25.
No fractional shares of Allstate common stock will be issued in the merger.
All Allstate shares that an American Heritage Life shareholder is entitled to
receive will be aggregated. Any fractional Allstate shares resulting from this
aggregation will be paid in cash, equal to the fraction multiplied by the market
value of an Allstate share, determined using the same 10-day average closing
price discussed above.
Since the exchange ratio for conversion of American Heritage Life stock into
Allstate stock will be established five trading days prior to the closing of the
merger, the market value on the closing date of the Allstate common stock issued
to you in the merger may be greater or less than $32.25 per share.
ELECTION PROCEDURES
An election and transmittal form is enclosed with this proxy
statement/prospectus. Each election and transmittal form permits the holder to
indicate an election (subject to the allocation and proration procedures
described below) to receive $32.25 in cash or Allstate common stock with a
market value of $32.25 per share with respect to all or a portion of the
holder's shares of American Heritage Life common stock.
The deadline for submitting election and transmittal forms will be 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time, on October 25, 1999. Any shares of American Heritage Life common
stock for which a properly completed election and transmittal form is not
submitted will be converted into Allstate common stock. If you fail to submit an
election and transmittal form by the deadline, you will receive Allstate common
stock in the merger.
Elections are properly made only if the exchange agent actually receives a
properly completed election and transmittal form by the election deadline,
accompanied by the certificate representing the shares of American Heritage Life
as to which the election is being made (or, in the case of American
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Heritage Life shareholders whose shares are held in book-entry form, you must
instruct your broker, dealer, bank or other financial institution that holds the
shares to make an election on your behalf by transferring the shares to an
account established by the exchange agent for this purpose at Depository Trust
Company, and transmitting a message through DTC to the exchange agent setting
forth your election with respect to your shares of American Heritage Life
stock). You have the right to change or revoke your election anytime before 4:00
p.m. Eastern time on October 25, 1999. To change your election, you should
submit to the exchange agent a properly completed and signed revised election
and transmittal form (or if your shares are held in book-entry form, you should
cause a new message with revised election information to be transferred through
DTC to the exchange agent) for receipt by the exchange agent prior to the
election deadline. To revoke your election, you should submit to the exchange
agent written notice of revocation (or cause a new message to be transmitted
through DTC to the exchange agent withdrawing shares previously deposited and
specifying the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited) for receipt
by the exchange agent prior to the election deadline. If an election and
transmittal form is revoked, it will be treated as if no cash election had been
made. An election and transmittal form received and not changed or revoked by
4:00 p.m. Eastern time on October 25, 1999 will be binding and irrevocable.
If your share certificates are not immediately available or if you cannot
deliver your share certificates and other required documents to the exchange
agent prior to the election deadline or if you cannot comply with the book-entry
transfer procedures on a timely basis, you may satisfy the cash election
requirements by properly completing a Guarantee of Delivery under the guaranteed
delivery procedures in the election and transmittal form. Under this procedure,
the properly completed form of election and transmittal, including the Guarantee
of Delivery, must be received prior to the election deadline, and share
certificates must be received by the exchange agent within three trading days
thereafter.
Allstate will have the discretion, which it may delegate to the exchange
agent, to determine whether any election has been properly or timely made and to
disregard immaterial defects in election and transmittal forms. Any decision by
Allstate or the exchange agent regarding such matters will be conclusive and
binding. None of American Heritage Life, Allstate or the exchange agent will be
under any obligation to notify any person of any defect in an election and
transmittal form.
ALLOCATION AND PRORATION
The merger agreement requires that at least 50% in value of the aggregate
merger consideration consist of shares of Allstate common stock. If the value of
the Allstate common stock to be issued in the merger, minus any discount due to
trading restrictions on the value of the Allstate common stock to be issued in
the merger, is less than 50% of the total merger consideration (including the
amount of cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares), then the cash component
shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that the value of the Allstate
common stock is 50% of the merger consideration. For the purposes of this
calculation, Allstate common stock shall be valued at the lesser of the average
closing price for the ten trading days ending on the fifth trading day before
the effective date of the merger and the average of the high and low trading
prices on the trading day before the effective date of the merger (or, if
determined to be more appropriate by either Ropes & Gray or LeBoeuf, Lamb,
Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., the trading price as of the time of the closing of the
merger). Since the aggregate cash component of the merger consideration is
limited, an American Heritage Life shareholder may not receive the exact
consideration elected on his or her election and transmittal form. If holders of
American Heritage Life common stock elect to receive more than the maximum
permissible cash consideration, each share of American Heritage Life common
stock for which a cash election is made will be converted into the right to
receive (a) a pro-rated portion of the $32.25 per share cash consideration such
that the aggregate cash payments do not exceed the maximum
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permissible cash consideration, and (b) the balance of the merger consideration
in Allstate common stock.
CONVERSION OF STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK; PERFORMANCE UNITS
The merger agreement provides that upon the effectiveness of the merger,
each American Heritage Life stock option outstanding immediately prior to the
effectiveness of the merger will be canceled and will be replaced by an option
to acquire the number of Allstate common shares to which the holder of the
American Heritage Life option would have been entitled had he or she exercised
his or her American Heritage Life option immediately prior to the effectiveness
of the merger, rounded up to the nearest whole number. The exercise price under
the Allstate replacement options, rounded down to the nearest whole cent, will
equal:
- the exercise price under the American Heritage Life option being canceled
and replaced, DIVIDED BY
- the exchange ratio of shares of Allstate common stock issuable for each
share of American Heritage Life common stock in the merger.
Allstate options which replace American Heritage Life options which have
vested prior to the effectiveness of the merger will be fully vested and
exercisable at the effectiveness of the merger. Allstate options which replace
American Heritage Life options which have not yet vested as of the effectiveness
of the merger will vest:
- 50% upon the effectiveness of the merger,
- an additional 25% at the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason), and
- the final 25% at the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason).
The preceding vesting schedule does not apply to Allstate replacement options
issued to Mr. Douglas, which will be 100% vested at the effectiveness of the
merger. See "Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger--Accelerated
Vesting of Options; Restricted Stock; Performance Units" (page 32).
Except for the number of shares, the exercise price, and the vesting
schedule, each Allstate replacement stock option will have the same terms as the
American Heritage Life stock option which it replaced.
Allstate has agreed, at or prior to the effective time of the merger, to
take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a sufficient number
of Allstate common shares for delivery upon exercise of the Allstate replacement
options. Unless Allstate intends to issue the common shares subject to the
replacement options pursuant to an Allstate plan under which shares have
previously been registered, as soon as practicable after the effectiveness of
the merger, Allstate will file a registration statement, with respect to the
Allstate common shares subject to the Allstate replacement options, and will use
all reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration
statement.
The merger agreement also provides that upon the effectiveness of the
merger, each share of American Heritage Life common stock which is held by
officers and other employees and which is subject to transfer restrictions
("restricted stock") will be canceled and will be replaced by the number of
Allstate common shares to which the holder is entitled in the merger, subject to
the identical transfer restrictions. The Allstate restricted stock which
replaces American Heritage Life's restricted
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stock will vest (the transfer restrictions will no longer apply) on an
accelerated basis for the executive officers and for some of the other officers
holding restricted stock, as follows:
- 50% upon the effectiveness of the merger,
- an additional 25% at the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason), and
- the final 25% at the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the
merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage Life
Insurance Company to that date but with full vesting upon involuntary
termination without cause or resignation for good reason).
The preceding does not apply to the restricted stock of Mr. Douglas, whose
shares will become 100% vested at the effectiveness of the merger. See
"Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger-- Accelerated Vesting of
Options; Restricted Stock; Performance Units" (page 32).
The merger agreement also provides that the performance units held by
officers under the long term incentive plan that are outstanding at the
effectiveness of the merger will be treated as follows:
- 50% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half in Allstate
common stock) upon the effectiveness of the merger,
- an additional 25% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one
half in Allstate common stock) at the first anniversary of the
effectiveness of the merger (subject to continued employment with
American Heritage Life Insurance Company to that date but with full
payment at target upon involuntary termination without cause or
resignation for good reason), and
- the final 25% will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half
in Allstate common stock) at the second anniversary of the effectiveness
of the merger (subject to continued employment with American Heritage
Life Insurance Company to that date but with full payment at target upon
involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason).
The preceding does not apply to the performance units held by Mr. Douglas, 100%
of which will be paid out at target (one half in cash and one half in Allstate
common stock) upon the effectiveness of the merger. See "Interests of Directors
and Officers in the Merger--Accelerated Vesting of Options; Restricted Stock;
Performance Units" (page 32).
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The merger agreement contains customary reciprocal representations and
warranties of Allstate and American Heritage Life as to, among other things,
- governmental authorization,
- absence of conflicts with organizational documents and material
agreements,
- recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
- financial statements, and
- any changes or events.
In addition, American Heritage Life has made representations regarding,
among other matters,
- compliance with state takeover statutes,
- environmental matters,
- employee benefits matters,
- Year 2000 readiness,
- tax treatment of the transaction, and
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- compliance with law.
Many of these representations and warranties are qualified by the concept of
"material adverse effect," that is, these representations and warranties are not
intended to apply to facts or circumstances which would not have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, business or results of operations of
the representing party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. In addition, with
respect to the representations and warranties of both parties as of the time of
closing, a material adverse effect will not be found if it is caused by:
- changes in general economic or securities markets conditions;
- changes that affect the insurance industry in general; or
- the public announcement of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
None of the representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement
will survive the effective time of the merger.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Pursuant to the merger agreement, American Heritage Life has agreed that
from July 8, 1999, the date of the merger agreement, until the effective time of
the merger, except as set forth in the merger agreement, American Heritage Life
and each American Heritage Life subsidiary will conduct its business in the
ordinary course, and consistent with past practice, will use reasonable efforts
to preserve intact their business organizations, keep available the goodwill of
their employees, agents, policyholders and others with whom business
relationships exist and exercise reasonable efforts to preserve existing
relationships with their employees in general.
Specifically, from the date of the merger agreement until the effective time
of the merger, without the consent of Allstate, American Heritage Life may not,
nor may it permit any American Heritage Life subsidiary to, among other things:
- amend the American Heritage Life certificate of incorporation or the
American Heritage Life by-laws;
- make any changes in respect of its capital stock or regular cash
dividends;
- incur any new capital expenditures in excess of $5 million;
- acquire any business or any division of any third party, or commence
operations of any new business;
- sell, lease, encumber or otherwise dispose of any assets except in the
ordinary course of business;
- incur any new indebtedness in excess of $15 million;
- make any material changes to any of its current employee benefit
arrangements other than as permitted under the merger agreement;
- materially change American Heritage Life's methods of accounting, except
as required by changes in generally accepted accounting principles or by
changes in statutory accounting; and
- settle any claim, liability or obligation other than those reflected in
American Heritage Life's December 31, 1998 balance sheet or incurred since
December 31, 1998 in the ordinary course of business.
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NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS
American Heritage Life has agreed that until the effectiveness of the
merger, it will not: (a) solicit any proposals from third parties regarding a
potential business combination or (b) participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding any potential business combination with any party other
than Allstate. However, provided that if an appropriate confidentiality
agreement has been entered into, this restriction does not prohibit American
Heritage Life from:
- furnishing information concerning American Heritage Life to a third party
which has made an unsolicited proposal;
- engaging in discussions or negotiations with the third party which has
made such an unsolicited proposal; or
- following receipt of the unsolicited proposal, taking and disclosing to
its shareholders a position with respect to such proposal.
Before taking either of the first two actions referred to above, the
American Heritage Life board must also conclude in good faith that (a) the
unsolicited proposal presents a superior opportunity for American Heritage Life
shareholders, (b) the proposal presents a transaction that is reasonably likely
to be consummated and (c) such action is necessary for the board to satisfy its
fiduciary obligations as directors of American Heritage Life which the board has
determined based upon the advice of outside counsel.
If the board receives such a proposal, then American Heritage Life will
immediately inform Allstate of the material terms and conditions of such
proposal and the identity of the person making it and will keep Allstate fully
informed regarding any significant details or developments with respect to any
such proposal and of all significant steps it is taking in response to such
proposal.
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
The agreement of the parties on these matters is discussed above under the
heading "Interests of the Directors and Officers in the Merger--Indemnification
Agreement."
POST-MERGER CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS
For three years following the merger, Allstate will or will cause the
surviving corporation to maintain benefits which are in the aggregate at least
as favorable to the employees of American Heritage Life and its subsidiaries as
the benefits in effect as of June 1, 1999, excluding any stock option or other
equity-related plans maintained by American Heritage Life. Allstate has also
agreed to:
- waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions and waiting periods
with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to the
employees of American Heritage Life under Allstate's group health plans in
which those employees may become eligible to participate after the
effective date of the merger, and
- provide each employee with credit for all service with American Heritage
Life and American Heritage Life subsidiaries for purposes of eligibility
and vesting under each employee benefit plan covering these employees
after the effective time of the merger. However, credit for service prior
to the effectiveness of the merger will not be given for purposes of
benefit accruals, other than benefits previously accrued under American
Heritage Life employee plans.
ALLSTATE'S COMMITMENT TO JACKSONVILLE
Allstate has agreed to keep the headquarters and primary administrative
center of American Heritage Life in Jacksonville, Florida, following the
completion of the merger. Allstate has also agreed
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to include Jacksonville in its nationwide effort to improve communities through
neighborhood revitalization, volunteerism and youth programs.
CONDITIONS TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MERGER
Allstate's and American Heritage Life's obligations to effect the merger are
subject to, among other things, satisfaction of the following conditions by the
effective time of the merger:
- the merger has been approved by the American Heritage Life shareholders;
- all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger have been
obtained and remain in force;
- no order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency preventing
the completion of the merger is in effect;
- no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement
of which this proxy statement/ prospectus is a part has been issued, and
no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or threatened by the
Securities and Exchange Commission;
- the shares of Allstate common stock to be issued in the merger have been
authorized for listing on the NYSE; and
- Allstate and American Heritage Life have received opinions, from LeBoeuf,
Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. and Ropes & Gray, respectively, with respect
to the qualification of the merger as a tax-free reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Allstate's obligation to effect the merger is also subject to, among other
things, the satisfaction or waiver by Allstate, at or prior to the closing of
the merger, of the following conditions:
- the representations and warranties of American Heritage Life set forth in
the merger agreement are true and correct as of the date of the merger
agreement and as of the closing date of the merger (subject to certain
exceptions);
- American Heritage Life has performed in all material respects all
obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement; and
- there has been no material adverse change in the business, operations or
financial position of American Heritage Life since December 31, 1998,
other than any changes attributable to general conditions in the economy
or the insurance industry or to the announcement of the merger.
American Heritage Life's obligation to effect the merger is also subject to,
among other things, the satisfaction or waiver by American Heritage Life, at or
prior to the closing of the merger, of the following conditions:
- the representations and warranties of Allstate set forth in the merger
agreement are true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement and
as of the closing date of the merger (subject to certain exceptions); and
- Allstate has performed in all material respects all obligations required
to be performed by it under the merger agreement.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
Allstate and American Heritage Life may terminate the merger agreement by
mutual consent. The merger agreement may also be terminated unilaterally by
either Allstate or American Heritage Life:
- if the American Heritage Life shareholders do not approve the merger;
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- if the merger is not completed on or before January 10, 2000;
- if any governmental authority enjoins the merger and the injunction
remains in place for 60 days or until after January 10, 2000;
- in certain events involving a material breach by the other party of any of
its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger
agreement; or
- if the American Heritage Life board determines to pursue a proposal for a
business combination other than the merger with Allstate, after concluding
in good faith that:
B the proposal is more favorable to American Heritage Life shareholders,
B the transaction described in the proposal has a reasonable likelihood of
being consummated, and
B pursuing such proposal is necessary for the board to satisfy its
fiduciary duties as directors of American Heritage Life.
TERMINATION FEE AND STOCK OPTION EXERCISE
If the merger agreement is terminated as a result of a decision by the
American Heritage Life board to pursue a superior proposal for a business
combination rather than the merger with Allstate, Allstate will be entitled to
payment by American Heritage Life of a termination fee of up to $33 million. In
such an event, Allstate will also be entitled to exercise its option to purchase
up to 19.9% of the outstanding shares of American Heritage Life common stock, as
described below. The merger agreement and the stock option agreement provide
that in no event will the sum of the termination fee plus Allstate's profit
under the stock option exceed $33 million.
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RELATED AGREEMENTS
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
In connection with the merger agreement, Allstate and American Heritage Life
entered into the stock option agreement. The following is a description of the
material terms of the stock option agreement but it does not purport to be
complete. A copy of the stock option agreement is attached as Appendix B to this
proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated in this document by reference.
You are encouraged to read the stock option agreement in its entirety.
Pursuant to the stock option agreement, American Heritage Life has granted
Allstate an irrevocable option to purchase, for $32.25 per share in cash, up to
5,553,019 shares of American Heritage Life common stock, which represented 19.9%
of the outstanding voting shares of American Heritage Life common stock at the
time the stock option agreement was executed.
The option may be exercised by Allstate, in whole or in part, at any time
following the occurrence of one of the following events:
- American Heritage Life or any of its subsidiaries announces an intention
to authorize or otherwise decides to pursue a proposal for a business
combination with a company other than Allstate,
- any party other than Allstate announces its intention to make a proposal
for a business combination with American Heritage Life,
- any party commences a proxy solicitation of American Heritage Life
shareholders in opposition to the merger with Allstate, in favor of a
business combination with a party other than Allstate or relating to the
election of directors, or
- any party or group other than Allstate acquires beneficial ownership (or
the right to acquire beneficial ownership) of 15% or more of American
Heritage Life's outstanding common stock.
In the event of any change in the shares of American Heritage Life common
stock by reason of stock dividends, stock splits, split-ups, recapitalization,
merger, or other corporate change, the number of option shares, and the option
price, as the case may be, will be adjusted appropriately so as to fully
preserve the economic benefit of the option.
Pursuant to the terms of the stock option agreement, American Heritage
Life's obligation to deliver American Heritage Life shares upon exercise of the
option is subject only to the conditions that:
- no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the United States
prohibiting the delivery of the American Heritage Life shares is in
effect;
- any applicable waiting period under the United States federal antitrust
laws has expired or been terminated; and
- any approval required to be obtained prior to the delivery of the American
Heritage Life shares under the laws of any jurisdiction have been obtained
and are in full force and effect.
The stock option agreement provides that if the option is exercisable and an
event which entitles Allstate to the termination fee has occurred, Allstate may
elect, in lieu of exercising the option, to receive the spread, in cash, between
the higher of the offering price of the superior offer or the then market price
of American Heritage Life, and $32.25.
The stock option agreement also provides that, if by the first anniversary
of the date the merger agreement was terminated pursuant to its terms, (1)
Allstate has not acquired more than fifty percent
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of the outstanding shares of American Heritage Life common stock AND (2) no
other party has acquired 15% or more of the outstanding shares of American
Heritage Life common stock or shares of its significant subsidiaries, or
acquired 15% or more of their business, then American Heritage Life has the
right to repurchase all, but not less than all, of the American Heritage Life
shares acquired by Allstate upon exercise of the option at the greater of:
- the option purchase price, or
- the average of the closing price per share of American Heritage Life
common stock for the ten consecutive trading days ending five days prior
to the date that American Heritage Life provides notice that it intends to
repurchase the shares.
Also under the stock option agreement, if, prior to the first anniversary of
termination of the merger agreement pursuant to its terms, an event which
entitles Allstate to the termination fee has occurred, Allstate has the right to
sell the shares to American Heritage Life at the higher of $32.25 or the market
value, determined in the same way as for the repurchase right described above.
The stock option agreement and the merger agreement provide that in no event
will the sum of the termination fee paid to Allstate under the merger agreement
PLUS Allstate's total profit on the stock option exceed $33 million. In the
event this amount would be exceeded, Allstate has agreed to do one or more of
the following, at its sole option, to reduce the amount to $33 million: (a)
reduce the number of American Heritage Life shares subject to the stock option,
(b) give back to American Heritage Life shares previously delivered to Allstate
under the stock option, or (c) make cash payments to American Heritage Life, if
necessary.
Allstate required that American Heritage Life grant the option as part of
the merger agreement in part to increase the likelihood that American Heritage
Life would complete the merger. The stock option agreement could discourage
other companies from trying or proposing to combine with American Heritage Life
before we complete the merger. The existence of the stock option also may
prevent other companies from combining with American Heritage Life in a
transaction to be accounted for as a "pooling of interests."
The purchase of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of American Heritage
Life by Allstate pursuant to the stock option agreement may require approvals by
various insurance regulatory agencies.
VOTING AGREEMENT
AHLI, Ltd., FND, Ltd., ADFAM Partners, Ltd., and James E. Davis Family-WD
Charities, Inc., each an entity owned or controlled by members of the Davis
family, have entered into a voting agreement with Allstate. Under the voting
agreement, these shareholders, which collectively own approximately 39% of
American Heritage Life's outstanding common stock, have agreed to vote FOR the
merger at the special meeting. The shareholders have also agreed that they will
not sell, offer or otherwise dispose of any shares of American Heritage Life
common stock. The shareholders have also agreed that they will not exercise the
cash election in the merger and will not sell Allstate stock acquired in the
merger during the term of the agreement. Their obligations under the voting
agreement terminate six months after the merger occurs or the merger agreement
is terminated. Robert D. Davis and A. Dano Davis, directors of American Heritage
Life, are directors, trustees or co-trustees of these entities and have shared
dispositive or voting power over the shares held. A copy of the voting agreement
is attached as an exhibit in the merger agreement in Appendix A to the proxy
statement/ prospectus and is incorporated in this document by reference. You are
urged to read the voting agreement in its entirety.
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THE SPECIAL MEETING
TIME AND PLACE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
We are sending this proxy statement/prospectus to you as part of the
solicitation of proxies by the American Heritage Life board for use at the
special meeting to be held in the Auditorium of the American Heritage Life
Building, on the First Floor, at 1776 American Heritage Life Drive,
Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday, October 27, 1999, at 4:00 p.m.,
Jacksonville time. We are first mailing this proxy statement/prospectus, the
attached notice of special meeting of shareholders and the enclosed proxy card
to you on or about September 28, 1999.
PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
At the special meeting, American Heritage Life shareholders will consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger and
Reorganization, dated as of July 8, 1999, among Allstate, A.P.L. Acquisition
Corporation and American Heritage Life. This agreement provides for the merger
of American Heritage Life into A.P.L. A.P.L. is the surviving corporation in the
merger and will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allstate. Following the
effectiveness of the merger, A.P.L. will change its name to American Heritage
Life Investment Corporation.
We know of no matter to be brought before the special meeting other than the
merger. If any matter incident to the conduct of the special meeting should be
brought before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy card will vote in
their discretion.
THE BOARD HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
RECORD DATE
The board has fixed the close of business on September 21, 1999 as the
record date for the special meeting. Only holders of American Heritage Life
common stock on the record date will be entitled to vote at the special meeting
and any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the record date,
27,906,215.7625 shares of American Heritage Life common stock were outstanding
and entitled to vote. The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of
these shares of American Heritage Life common stock is necessary to constitute a
quorum at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be included
in the determination of shares present at the special meeting for purposes of
determining a quorum.
REQUIRED VOTE
All properly executed proxies delivered and not properly revoked will be
voted at the special meeting as specified in such proxies. If you do not specify
a choice, your shares represented by a signed proxy will be voted FOR the
approval of the merger agreement.
The affirmative vote of the holders of record of a majority of the shares of
American Heritage Life common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the
record date is required to approve the merger agreement. Holders of
approximately 39% of American Heritage Life's outstanding common stock have
already agreed to vote for the merger. This means that holders of only
approximately 11% more of American Heritage Life's outstanding shares must vote
for the merger to ensure its approval. Non-voting shares, including broker
non-votes, and abstentions will have the effect of a vote AGAINST the merger
agreement.
If sufficient votes in favor of the merger proposal are not received by the
time scheduled for the special meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose
one or more adjournments of the special meeting for a period or periods of not
more than 30 days in the aggregate to permit further solicitation
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of proxies. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment
those proxies which authorize them to vote in favor of the merger. They will
vote against any such adjournment those proxies which direct them to vote
against the merger. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast (or if a quorum is not present, a majority of the
votes represented in person or by proxy) at the session of the special meeting
to be adjourned. The costs of any such additional solicitation and of any
adjourned session will be borne by American Heritage Life.
PROXIES; VOTING AND REVOCATION
Each share of American Heritage Life common stock is entitled to one vote.
Votes will be tabulated at the special meeting by inspectors of election
appointed by American Heritage Life.
You may revoke or change your proxy at any time prior to its being voted by
filing a written instrument of revocation or change with the secretary of
American Heritage Life (American Heritage Life Investment Corporation, 1776
American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224). You may also revoke
your proxy by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by appearing
at the special meeting in person, notifying the secretary and voting by ballot
at the special meeting. If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person
whether or not you have previously given a proxy, but your presence, without
notifying the secretary of American Heritage Life, at the meeting will not
revoke a previously given proxy. In addition, if you beneficially hold shares of
American Heritage Life common stock that are not registered in your own name,
you will need additional documentation from the record holder of such shares to
attend and vote the shares personally at the meeting.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
American Heritage Life will pay for the expense of printing and mailing this
document and the material used in this solicitation of proxies. Proxies will be
solicited through the mail and directly by officers, directors and regular
employees of American Heritage Life not specifically employed for such purpose,
without additional compensation. American Heritage Life will reimburse banks,
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their
reasonable expenses in forwarding these proxy materials to the principals.
American Heritage Life has engaged Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. to
represent it in connection with the solicitations of proxies at a cost of
approximately $8,500 plus expenses.
Under Florida law, you will not have appraisal or dissenters' rights in
connection with the merger both because American Heritage Life's common stock
was listed on the NYSE on the record date for the special meeting and because it
was held by not less than 2,000 stockholders of record.
THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE
TO YOU. WE URGE YOU TO READ AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN
THIS DOCUMENT, AND TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
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DESCRIPTION OF ALLSTATE CAPITAL STOCK
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
As of June 30, 1999, the authorized capital stock of Allstate was
2,025,000,000 shares. Those shares consisted of: (a) 25,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value of $1.00 per share, none of which were issued and
outstanding; and (b) 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01,
of which 900,000,000 were issued and 798,355,323 were outstanding.
COMMON STOCK.
Outstanding shares of Allstate common stock are listed on the NYSE and the
CHX under the ticker symbol "ALL." Common stockholders may receive dividends as
and when declared by the Allstate board of directors. Dividends may be paid in
cash, stock or other form. In certain cases, common stockholders may not receive
dividends until obligations of any preferred stockholders have been satisfied.
All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Any
additional common stock will also be fully paid and non-assessable. Each share
of common stock is entitled to one vote in the election of directors and other
matters. Common stockholders are not entitled to preemptive or cumulative voting
rights. Common stockholders will be notified of any stockholders' meeting
according to applicable law. If Allstate liquidates, dissolves, or winds-up its
business, either voluntarily or not, common stockholders will share equally in
the assets remaining after creditors and preferred stockholders are paid.
Each share of Allstate common stock trades with a preferred stock purchase
right. These rights are described more fully in "Comparison of Shareholders
Rights--Preferred Stock Purchase Rights."
PREFERRED STOCK
The following description of the terms of the preferred stock sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Allstate authorized preferred stock.
If preferred stock is offered, the specific designation and rights will be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Allstate board of directors can, without approval of the stockholders,
issue one or more series of preferred stock. The Allstate board can also
determine the number of shares of each series and the rights, preferences and
limitations of each series including the dividend rights, voting rights,
conversion rights, redemption rights and any liquidation preferences of any
wholly unissued series of preferred stock, the number of shares constituting
each series and the terms and conditions of issue. In some cases, the issuance
of preferred shares could delay a change in control of Allstate and make it
harder to remove present management. Under certain circumstances, preferred
stock could also restrict dividend payments to holders of common stock.
The preferred stock will, if issued, be fully paid and non-assessable.
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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS
At the time we complete the merger, unless you receive cash for all of your
shares of American Heritage Life common stock, you will become stockholders of
Allstate. As shareholders of American Heritage Life, your rights are currently
governed by Florida law and by American Heritage Life's articles of
incorporation and by-laws. As stockholders of Allstate, your rights will be
governed by Delaware law and by Allstate's certificate of incorporation and
by-laws. The following discussion summarizes the material differences between
your rights as American Heritage Life shareholders and those of Allstate
stockholders and differences between the American Heritage Life articles and the
Allstate certificate and between the American Heritage Life by-laws and the
Allstate by-laws. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
Allstate's certificate and by-laws and the relevant provisions of Florida and
Delaware law.
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
A Delaware corporation's certificate of incorporation generally may be
amended by a majority in voting power of the outstanding stock entitled to vote,
unless the corporation's certificate of incorporation provides for a greater
vote. Allstate's certificate of incorporation provides that it may be amended in
accordance with Delaware law.
An amendment to a Florida corporation's articles of incorporation must be
proposed by the directors and must be approved by a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast on the amendment, unless the corporation's articles of
incorporation provide for a greater vote. Under American Heritage Life's
articles of incorporation, the affirmative vote of 75% of the outstanding votes
entitled to be cast is required to amend provisions relating to the board of
directors. Other amendments to American Heritage Life's articles of
incorporation require a majority vote.
BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
Delaware vests the power to amend a company's by-laws in the stockholders
unless a company's certificate of incorporation confers such power upon the
directors. Conferring such power on the directors, however, will not divest the
stockholders of such power. Allstate may amend its by-laws by resolution of a
majority of its board of directors at any meeting of the board of directors at
which a quorum is present or by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less
than 66 2/3% of the total number of votes entitled to be cast generally in the
election of the directors.
Florida law provides that a corporation's board of directors may amend the
corporation's by-laws, unless the articles of incorporation reserve such power
to the shareholders. By-laws adopted by the board of directors or by the
shareholders may be repealed or changed, new by-laws may be adopted by the
shareholders, and the shareholders may prescribe in any by-law made by them that
such by-laws shall not be amended or repealed by the board of directors. The
American Heritage Life articles provide that American Heritage Life's by-laws
may be amended by either the shareholders or the directors.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Special meetings of the stockholders of a Delaware corporation may be called
by the board of directors or by the persons authorized in the corporation's
certificate of incorporation or by-laws. The Allstate by-laws provide that a
special meeting of the stockholders (i) may be called at any time by the
Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, or (ii) shall be called
by the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer at the written
request of a majority of the board of directors.
Special meetings of a Florida corporation's shareholders may be called by
its board of directors, by the persons authorized to do so in the corporation's
articles of incorporation or by-laws or by the
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holders of not less than 10% of all votes entitled to be cast on any issue
proposed to be considered at the special meeting. The American Heritage Life
by-laws provide that the Board, the Chairman of the Board or the President may
call a special meeting of shareholders at any time and require that the
Secretary call a special meeting upon the written request of the holders of not
less than 10% of the shares of American Heritage Life entitled to vote at such
meeting.
QUORUM FOR STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS
Under Delaware law, a majority in voting power of shares entitled to vote on
a matter constitutes a quorum at a meeting of stockholders, unless otherwise
provided in a corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws. A quorum,
however, must consist of at least one-third of the voting power of the shares
entitled to vote on a matter. The Allstate certificate and by-laws do not alter
the quorum requirements.
Florida law is similar to Delaware law, except that the shareholder quorum
requirement may be altered by a provision in the articles of incorporation of a
corporation, but not its by-laws. The American Heritage Life articles do not
alter the statutory quorum requirements.
STOCKHOLDER VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Under Delaware law, unless a greater number of votes is required in the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws, directors are elected at a
stockholders' meeting if they receive a plurality of the votes present in person
or represented by proxy. Similarly, under Florida law, directors are generally
elected at a shareholders' meeting when a quorum is present if they receive a
plurality of the votes cast, unless a greater number of votes is required by the
articles of incorporation. The appropriate charter documents of Allstate and
American Heritage Life do not alter the voting requirements.
If a quorum exists, matters other than the election of directors unless
otherwise provided by Delaware law or a Delaware corporation's certificate of
incorporation or by-laws, can be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority
of the shares represented at a meeting and entitled to vote on the matter.
Accordingly, under the Delaware law, abstentions have the same effect as votes
against a matter. Allstate's certificate and by-laws do not require a greater
vote on any matter than that required by Delaware law.
Under Florida law, unless otherwise provided by a corporation's articles of
incorporation or Florida law, if a quorum exists, action on any matter can be
approved by the shareholders if the votes cast favoring the action exceed the
votes cast opposing the action. Accordingly, under Florida law, abstentions
generally have no impact on the outcome of a vote. American Heritage Life's
articles do not require a greater vote on any matter than that required by
Florida law, except that the affirmative vote of 75% or more of the outstanding
stock is required to remove any director of the corporation or increase the
number of directors provided for in the by-laws (or to amend the article
providing for such requirements), and the affirmative vote of 80% or more of the
outstanding stock is required to authorize a merger with or sale of
substantially all the assets to an affiliated party as provided under Vote
Required For Mergers below (or to amend the article providing for such
requirements).
VOTE REQUIRED FOR MERGERS
Florida law provides that the sale, lease, exchange or disposal of all, or
substantially all, of the assets of a Florida corporation other than in the
usual course of business, as well as any merger or share exchange, generally
must be adopted and recommended by the board of directors and approved by a
majority of shares entitled to vote on the action.
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Under Florida law and unless required by the articles of incorporation, the
vote of the shareholders of a corporation surviving a merger is not required if:
- the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation will not
substantially differ from its articles of incorporation before the merger;
and
- each shareholder of the surviving corporation before the effective date
will hold the same number of shares, with identical designations,
preferences, limitations and relative rights
immediately after the merger.
Delaware law has a similar provision requiring director and stockholder
approval in the case of the disposition of assets or a merger or a share
exchange, except that under Delaware law, the requirements for a merger
transaction which does not require a vote of the stockholders includes the
requirement that either no shares of the surviving corporation and no shares,
securities or obligations convertible into such shares are issued and delivered
in the merger, or the authorized, but unissued, shares or the treasury shares of
common stock of the surviving corporation to be issued or delivered under the
plan of merger plus the number of shares of common stock initially issuable upon
conversion of any other shares, securities or obligations to be issued or
delivered under such plan do not exceed 20% of the shares of common stock of
such corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the
merger.
American Heritage Life's articles require the affirmative vote of 80% or
more of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in
the election of directors to authorize a merger or sale, lease or exchange of
all or substantially all of the assets of American Heritage Life if the merger
is with or the disposition is to an entity that owns beneficially 10% or more of
the capital stock of American Heritage Life. The Allstate governing documents do
not contain a similar provision.
PROXIES
Under Delaware law, a proxy executed by a stockholder will remain valid for
a period of three years unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Under
Florida law, a proxy is effective for a period of 11 months unless otherwise
provided in the proxy.
ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS
Unless otherwise provided for in a corporation's charter, Delaware and
Florida law provide that actions which can be taken at an annual or special
meeting of stockholders can be taken by the written consent of the holders of
shares having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary
to take such action at a meeting of stockholders at which all shares entitled to
vote were present and, in the case of Florida law, voted. Delaware law requires
that notice of action taken by written consent be given to stockholders who have
not given a written consent. Florida law has a similar notice provision which
requires that notice be sent to shareholders who have not consented in writing
or who are not entitled to vote within 10 days of obtaining the written consent,
which notice must summarize the material features of the action voted upon, and
must notify such stockholders of any dissenters' rights to which they are
entitled. The American Heritage Life articles do not prohibit and the by-laws
provide for shareholder action by written consent. The Allstate articles do not
allow for stockholder action by written consent, but require that all actions
required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders be taken only at an annual
or special meeting of stockholders.
CONSIDERATION FOR STOCK
Under Delaware law, shares cannot be issued for less than par value. The par
value must be paid in a combination of cash, property or past services. The
balance may be paid by a binding obligation. Under Florida law, a corporation
may only issue its capital stock for consideration consisting of any
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tangible or intangible property or benefit to the corporation, including cash,
promissory notes, services performed, or written contracts to perform services,
or other securities of the corporation. Shares may be issued for less than any
stated par value under Florida law, but prior to any issuance of shares, the
corporation's board of directors must determine that the consideration to be
received by the corporation for the shares is adequate.
STAGGERED BOARD
Both Delaware and Florida law permit a corporation to have classified terms
for directors. Allstate's board is not classified. The American Heritage Life
articles require a board of nine members, divided into three classes, and the
requirement cannot be amended except with the affirmative vote of 75% or more of
the outstanding stock.
BOARD VACANCIES
Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of a company, a vacancy or newly created directorship
on the board of directors may be filled by the vote of a majority of the
remaining directors, even though they represent less than a quorum. The Allstate
certificate and by-laws do not alter this provision. Under Florida law, a
vacancy on the board of directors may be filled by an affirmative vote of a
majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum of the board of
directors, unless the articles of incorporation provides otherwise. The American
Heritage Life articles do not alter this requirement.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Delaware law provides that, except with respect to corporations with
classified boards or cumulative voting, a director may be removed, with or
without cause, by the holders of the majority in voting power of the shares
entitled to vote at an election of directors. Allstate's board of directors is
not classified and there is no cumulative voting.
Florida law provides that, except with respect to corporations with
directors elected by a voting group of shareholders or by cumulative voting, a
majority vote by shareholders may remove one or more directors with or without
cause unless the articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed
only for cause. None of American Heritage Life's directors are elected by a
voting group and there is no cumulative voting. The American Heritage Life
articles require that the affirmative vote of 75% or more of the outstanding
stock is required to remove any director of the corporation with or without
cause or to increase the number of directors provided for in the by-laws.
AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS
Delaware law generally prohibits an interested stockholder, which, under
Delaware law, is a stockholder owning 15% or more of a public Delaware
corporation's outstanding voting stock, from engaging in business combinations
involving the corporation during the three years after the date the person
became an interested stockholder unless, among other things:
- prior to such date, the board of directors approved either the business
combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming
an interested stockholder;
- upon the completion of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of
the voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or
- at or after such time, the business combination is approved by the board
of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders, and not by written consent, by at least two-thirds of the
outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.
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Such prohibition, however, does not apply to a corporation if, among other
things:
- the corporation's original certificate of incorporation provides that the
corporation shall not be governed by the interested stockholder statute;
- a majority of shares entitled to vote to approve an amendment to the
corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws expressly elects not
to be governed by the statute (such amendment may not be effective until
one year after it was adopted and may not apply to any business
combination between the corporation and any person who became an
interested stockholder on or before adoption); or
- a stockholder becomes an interested stockholder inadvertently and as soon
as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that
the stockholder ceases to be an interested stockholder and except for
inadvertently becoming an interested stockholder, was not an interested
stockholder in the three years prior to consummation of the business
combination.
These business combinations include mergers, consolidations, sales of assets
and transactions benefitting the interested stockholder. Allstate has not opted
out of the Delaware affiliated transaction statute in the Allstate certificate.
Florida law contains an affiliated transactions statute which provides that
transactions involving a corporation and an interested shareholder (which, under
Florida law, is a shareholder owning 10% or more of a corporation's outstanding
voting shares) or an affiliate of an interested shareholder must generally be
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting
shares other than those owned by the interested shareholder. The transactions
covered by the statute include:
- mergers and consolidations to which the corporation and the interested
shareholder are parties;
- sales or other dispositions of substantial amounts of the corporation's
assets to the interested shareholder;
- issuances by the corporation of substantial amounts of its securities to
the interested shareholder;
- the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of the
corporation proposed by or pursuant to an arrangement with the interested
shareholder;
- any reclassification of the corporation's securities which has the effect
of substantially increasing the percentage of the outstanding voting
shares of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested
shareholder; and
- the receipt by the interested shareholder of loans or other financial
assistance from the corporation.
These super majority voting requirements do not apply in any of the
following circumstances:
- if the transaction was approved by a majority of the corporation's
disinterested directors;
- if the corporation did not have more than 300 shareholders of record at
any time during the preceding three years;
- if the affiliated shareholder has been the beneficial owner of at least
80% of the corporation's outstanding voting shares for the past five
years;
- if the affiliated shareholder is the beneficial owner of at least 90% of
the corporation's outstanding voting shares, exclusive of those acquired
in a transaction not approved by a majority of disinterested directors;
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- if the corporation is an investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940; or
- if the consideration received by each shareholder in connection with the
transaction satisfies the "fair price" provisions of the statute.
The Florida affiliated transaction statute does not apply if:
- the corporation's original certificate of incorporation provides that the
corporation shall not be governed by the interested shareholder statute;
- a majority of shares (excluding shares held by interested shareholders and
their affiliates) entitled to vote to approve an amendment to the
corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws expressly elects not
to be governed by the statute (such amendment may not be effective until
eighteen months after it was adopted and may not apply to any affiliated
transaction between the corporation and any person who became an
interested shareholder on or before adoption); or
- a shareholder becomes an interested shareholder inadvertently and as soon
as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that
the shareholder ceases to be an interested shareholder.
This statute applies to any corporation governed by Florida law unless the
articles of incorporation or by-laws contain a provision expressly electing not
to be governed by this statute. Such an amendment to the articles of
incorporation or by-laws must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority
of disinterested shareholders and is not effective until 18 months after
approval. American Heritage Life has not opted out of the affiliated transaction
statute in its articles or by-laws; however, American Heritage Life, in its
articles, requires that 80% of its outstanding voting stock must approve an
affiliated transaction.
CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS
Florida law also contains a control share acquisition statute which provides
that a person who acquires shares of an issuing public corporation in excess of
specified thresholds will generally not have any voting rights with respect to
such shares unless the voting rights are approved by a majority of the shares
entitled to vote, excluding interested shares. In the event that such shares are
accorded full voting rights by the shareholders of the corporation and the
acquiring shareholder acquires a majority of the voting power of the
corporation, all shareholders who did not vote in favor of according voting
rights to such acquired shares are entitled to dissenters' rights. This statute
also permits a corporation to adopt a provision in its articles of incorporation
or by-laws providing for the redemption by the corporation of such acquired
shares.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to acquisitions of
shares of a corporation if, prior to the pertinent acquisition of shares, the
corporation's articles of incorporation or by-laws provide that the corporation
shall not be governed by the statute or, among other exceptions, if the
acquisition has been approved by the board of a public company before the
acquisition. American Heritage Life has not opted out of the control share
acquisition statute in its articles or by-laws.
Delaware does not have any provision comparable to Florida's control share
acquisition statute.
BOARD'S CONSIDERATION OF OTHER CONSTITUENCIES
Florida law provides that directors of a Florida corporation, in discharging
their duties to the corporation and in determining what they believe to be in
the best interests of the corporation, may, in addition to considering the
effects of any corporate action on the shareholders and the corporation,
consider the effects of the corporate action on employees, suppliers and
customers of the corporation
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or its subsidiaries and the communities in which the corporation and its
subsidiaries operate. Delaware does not have a comparable statutory provision.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Under both Florida and Delaware law, a corporation may generally indemnify
its officers, directors, employees and agents against expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement of any
proceedings (other than derivative actions), if they acted in good faith and in
a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is
applicable in derivative actions, except that under Delaware law indemnification
may be made only for expenses (including attorneys' fees), provided that in the
event the person seeking indemnification has been adjudicated liable, such
indemnification shall only be for amounts deemed proper, fair and reasonable by
the court.
In addition, Delaware and Florida law provide that to the extent that
present or former directors or officers under Delaware law and present or former
directors, officers, employees or agents under Florida law, have been successful
in the defense of any proceeding, they must be indemnified by the corporation
against expenses actually and reasonably incurred. Florida law further provides
that, unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise, if a
corporation does not indemnify such persons, a court may order indemnification
even if the board of directors or shareholders of the corporation have
determined that the persons are not entitled to indemnification. The Allstate
certificate and the Allstate by-laws provide that Allstate will indemnify its
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. The American
Heritage Life articles provide that American Heritage Life will indemnify
directors, officers and employees, except in relation to matters as to which
they are adjudicated to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the
performance of duty, or in the case of settlement, determined by uninterested
members of the board of directors to be guilty of negligence or misconduct.
LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Delaware law provides that a corporation's certificate of incorporation may
include a provision limiting the personal liability of a director to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director. The Allstate charter includes such a provision. However, no
such provision may limit the liability of a director for:
- any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders;
- acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;
- violation of provisions of Delaware law relating to unlawful dividends and
other distributions;
- any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit; or
- any act or omission prior to the adoption of such a provision in the
certificate of incorporation.
Florida law provides that a director is not personally liable for monetary
damages to the corporation or any other person for any act or omission as a
director unless the director breached or failed to perform his statutory duties
as a director and such breach or failure:
- constitutes a violation of criminal law, unless the director had
reasonable cause to believe the conduct was lawful or had no reasonable
cause to believe the conduct was unlawful;
- constitutes a transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit;
- results in an unlawful distribution;
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- in a derivative action or an action by a shareholder, constitutes
conscious disregard for the best interests of the corporation or willful
misconduct; or
- in a proceeding other than a derivative action or an action by a
shareholder, constitutes recklessness or an act or omission which was
committed in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting
wanton and wilful disregard of human rights, safety or property.
DERIVATIVE ACTIONS
Delaware law provides that:
- a person may not bring a derivative action unless the person was a
stockholder of the corporation at the time of the challenged transaction
or unless the stock thereafter devolved on such person by operation of
law;
- a complaint in a derivative proceeding must set out the efforts made by a
person, if any, to obtain the desired action from the directors or
comparable authority and the reason for the failure to obtain such action
or for not making the effort; and
- a derivative proceeding may be settled or discontinued only with court
approval.
In addition, under Delaware law, a court may dismiss a derivative proceeding
if:
- the court finds that a committee of independent directors has determined
in good faith after conducting a reasonable investigation that the
maintenance of the action is not in the best interests of the corporation;
and
- the court determines in its own business judgment that the action should
be dismissed.
Florida law provides for similar requirements, except that:
- a complaint in a derivative proceeding must be verified and must allege
that a demand was made to obtain action by the board of directors and that
the demand was refused or ignored;
- a court may dismiss a derivative proceeding if the court finds that
independent directors, a committee of independent persons appointed by
such directors, or a panel of court-appointed independent persons has
determined in good faith after conducting a reasonable investigation that
the maintenance of the action is not in the best interests of the
corporation; and
- if an action was brought without reasonable cause, the court may require
the plaintiff to pay the corporation's reasonable expenses.
APPRAISAL AND DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
A stockholder of a Delaware corporation generally is entitled to dissenters'
rights in the event that the corporation is a party to a merger or consolidation
to which the stockholder did not consent. A Delaware corporation's certificate
of incorporation may also provide that dissenters' rights are available with
respect to any amendment to the certificate of incorporation or any sale of all
or substantially all of the corporation's assets. The Allstate certificate does
not contain such a provision.
Dissenters' rights are not available to a stockholder of a Delaware
corporation if his shares, at the relevant record date, were:
- listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national
market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the NASD; or
- held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders.
55
<PAGE>
However, under Delaware law, a stockholder does have dissenters' rights with
respect to such shares if the stockholder is required by the terms of the
agreement of merger or consolidation to accept anything for his shares other
than:
- shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from the merger
or consolidation;
- shares of stock of any other corporation which is listed on a national
securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on
an interdealer quotation system by the NASD or held of record by more than
2,000 stockholders;
- cash instead of fractional shares; or
- any combination of the foregoing.
Allstate common stock is listed on the NYSE.
A shareholder of a Florida corporation generally has the right to dissent
from, and obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in the event of:
- a merger or consolidation to which the corporation is a party and upon
which the shareholders are entitled to vote;
- a sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation's
property other than in the usual and ordinary course of business;
- the approval of a control share acquisition;
- a statutory share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the
corporation whose shares will be acquired and upon which the shareholders
are entitled to vote;
- an amendment to the articles of incorporation if the shareholder is
entitled to vote on the amendment and the amendment would adversely affect
the shareholder; and
- any corporate action taken to the extent that the articles of
incorporation provide for dissenters' rights with respect to such action
(the American Heritage Life articles do not provide dissenters' rights
with respect to any other such action).
Florida law provides that, unless a corporation's articles of incorporation
otherwise provide, a shareholder does not have dissenters' rights with respect
to a plan of merger, share exchange or proposed sale or exchange of property if
the shares held by the shareholder are either:
- registered on a national securities exchange;
- designated as a national market system security on an interdealer
quotation system by the NASD; or
- held of record by 2,000 or more shareholders.
The American Heritage Life articles do not so otherwise provide, and
American Heritage Life common stock is both traded on the NYSE and has more than
2,000 holders of record.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
A Delaware corporation may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no
surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is
declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. A Delaware corporation is generally
prohibited from redeeming any of its common stock if the redemption would result
in an impairment of the corporation's capital.
56
<PAGE>
A Florida corporation may make distributions to shareholders as long as,
after giving effect to such distribution:
- the corporation would be able to pay its debts as they become due in the
usual course of business; and
- the corporation's total assets would not be less than the sum of its (a)
total liabilities plus (b) the amount that would be needed if the
corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution to
satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose
preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution
unless the articles of incorporation permit otherwise, which the American
Heritage Life articles do not.
Under Florida law, a corporation's redemption of its own common stock is
deemed to be a distribution. American Heritage Life has no shares outstanding
with preferential rights.
Both Florida and Delaware law allow a corporation to redeem shares of its
common stock designated as redeemable by the board of directors at the time such
common stock was authorized. Delaware law requires that immediately following
any such redemption, the corporation shall have outstanding one or more shares
with full voting powers. Under Florida law, at all times that shares of a
corporation's common stock are outstanding, one or more classes of shares
together must have unlimited voting rights and one or more classes of shares
together must be entitled to receive the net assets of the corporation upon
dissolution.
INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS
Delaware law permits any stockholder the right, during usual business hours,
to inspect and copy the corporation's stock ledger, stockholder list and other
books and records for any proper purpose upon written demand under oath stating
his or her purpose therefor.
Under Florida law, a shareholder is entitled to inspect and copy the
articles of incorporation, by-laws, specified board and shareholder resolutions
and written communications to shareholders, a list of the names and business
addressees of the corporation's directors and officers and the corporation's
most recent annual report, during regular business hours if the shareholder
gives at least five business days' prior written demand to the corporation.
In addition, a shareholder of a Florida corporation is generally entitled to
inspect and copy other books and records of the corporation during regular
business hours if the shareholder gives at least five business days' prior
written demand to the corporation and:
- the shareholder's demand is made in good faith and for a proper purpose;
- the demand describes its purpose and the records to be inspected or
copied; and
- the requested records are directly connected with such purpose.
Florida law also provides that a corporation may deny a demand for
inspection if such demand was made for an improper purpose or if the demanding
shareholder has, within two years preceding such demand, sold or offered for
sale any list of shareholders of the corporation or any other corporation, has
aided or abetted any person in procuring a list of shareholders for such purpose
or has improperly used any information secured through any prior examination of
the records of the corporation or any other corporation.
PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
Allstate is a party to a rights agreement, dated February 12, 1999, between
Allstate and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as rights agent. Under the
agreement, one preferred stock purchase right (a right) was issued for each
share of Allstate common stock outstanding on
57
<PAGE>
February 26, 1999, and each share issued subsequent to February 26, 1999. Each
right entitles each holder of Allstate common stock to purchase 1/1000 of a
share of Allstate junior participating preferred stock at a purchase price of
$150.00.
Under the rights agreement, prior to the Distribution Date (generally,
either (i) the tenth day after the announcement that a person has become the
beneficial owner of 15% or more of Allstate common stock (an Acquiring Person),
or (ii) the tenth business day after a person's public disclosure of an
intention to commence a tender offer or exchange offer that would cause that
person to become an Acquiring Person), the rights are represented by the
Allstate common stock share certificates. However, after the Distribution Date
the rights will be represented by certificates evidencing the rights.
The rights are not exercisable until after the Distribution Date but must be
exercised before the earlier of the close of business on February 12, 2009, the
Redemption Date (generally, the date Allstate chooses to redeem all of the
outstanding rights), or the Exchange Date (generally, the date occurring after a
person becomes an Acquiring Person but before (i) a person becomes beneficial
owner of 50% of Allstate common stock, and (ii) the occurrence of a business
combination, on which date Allstate chooses to exchange each right for one share
of Allstate common stock).
Upon a person becoming an Acquiring Person (a Triggering Event), each holder
of a right (other than those owned by the Acquiring Person, which are void)
shall have the right to receive shares of Allstate common stock in an amount
calculated as follows: 50% of the Current Market Price (the average daily
closing share price of Allstate common stock for the thirty trading days
immediately prior to the Triggering Event) of Allstate common stock into the
Exercise Amount (generally $150.00). To illustrate: If the Current Market Value
is $50, a rights holder will have the right to receive six shares of Allstate
common stock.
In the event that Allstate is acquired in a merger or other business
combination, or 50% or more of its assets or earning power are directly or
indirectly sold, leased or transferred to another party, each holder of an
Allstate right will receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring party
calculated by taking 50% of the Current Market Price of the acquiring company
and dividing it into the Exercise Amount.
Allstate's rights agreement may impede or prevent takeovers that in some
circumstances may be beneficial to Allstate stockholders. The plan would not
impede or prevent most change of control transactions approved by the existing
Allstate board of directors and is designed to enhance or have the effect of
enhancing the ability of the Allstate board of directors, and ultimately the
stockholders, to negotiate with potential acquirers from a strong position and
to protect stockholders against unfair or unequal treatment in an attempt to
acquire Allstate. The rights agreement, may, however, have the overall effect of
making it more difficult to acquire and exercise control over Allstate and
remove incumbent officers and directors, without the approval of the board of
directors, thus providing such officers and directors with enhanced ability to
retain their positions. Such provisions might also limit opportunities for
stockholder participation in certain types of transactions even though such
transactions might be favored by the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Allstate common stock.
American Heritage Life has not adopted a shareholder rights agreement.
58
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of American Heritage Life common stock as of September 1, 1999,
assuming the exercise of all options exercisable on, or within 60 days of, such
date, by (i) each director of American Heritage Life, (ii) the chief executive
officer and each of the other four most highly compensated executive officers of
American Heritage Life, (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group,
and (iv) American Heritage Life's principal stockholders. Other than as set
forth in the table below, there are no persons known to American Heritage Life
to beneficially own more than 5% of the American Heritage Life common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FULLY
NAME TITLE DILUTED PERCENTAGE
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Edward L. Baker........................ Director 18,235 .07%
Robert D. Davis........................ Director 27,444(1) .10%
Christopher A. Verlander(2)............ Director and Vice Chairman 186,299(3) .67%
A. Dano Davis.......................... Director 113,062(1) .41%
T. O'Neal Douglas...................... Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 316,781(4) 1.13%
C. Richard Morehead.................... Director, President and Chief Operating
Officer 98,724(5) .35%
H. Corbin Day.......................... Director 151,038(6) .54%
Radford D. Lovett...................... Director 29,817 .11%
W. Ashley Verlander(2)................. Director 320,362(7) 1.15%
John K. Anderson, Jr................... Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer 30,107(8) .11%
David A. Bird.......................... Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing
Officer 39,920(9) .14%
All directors and executive officers as
a group (18 persons)................... 1,557,472(10) 5.51%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) In addition, Robert D. Davis and A. Dano Davis, who are first cousins, are
directors and officers of D.D.I., Inc. and Estuary Corporation. Trusts, of
which Robert D. Davis and A. Dano Davis are sole or co-trustees, and, of
certain other trusts, beneficiaries, Estuary Corporation, FND, Ltd., ADSONS,
Inc. and ADFAM Partners, Ltd., are shareholders of D.D.I., Inc. Trusts, of
which A. Dano Davis is sole or co-trustee, and, of certain other trusts,
beneficiary, are the principal shareholders of Estuary Corporation. D.D.I.,
Inc. and Estuary Corporation are limited partners of AHLI, Ltd., a limited
partnership, and D.D.I., Inc. and Estuary Corporation are the members of a
limited liability corporation, the sole general partner of AHLI, Ltd. Robert
D. Davis is an officer and manager and A. Dano Davis is a manager of the
limited liability corporation for which they have shared voting and
dispositive powers.
A. Dano Davis is a director and officer of James E. Davis Family--WD
Charities, Inc, a private charitable foundation. Estuary Corporation is the
sole general partner of FND, Ltd. and Robert D. Davis and A. Dano Davis
share voting and dispositive power for shares held by FND, Ltd. Robert D.
Davis is sole trustee and beneficiary of his revocable trust, beneficiary of
a trust from his
59
<PAGE>
father's estate, and sole trustee of three additional trusts, all of which
are limited partners of ADFAM Partners, Ltd. and his revocable trust is a 50
percent shareholder of a corporation, which is the general partner of ADFAM
Partners, Ltd. Robert D. Davis has authority to replace the current trustee
of trusts from his father's estate which are limited partners of ADFAM
Partners, Ltd. Robert D. Davis is a director and officer of ADSONS, Inc.,
which is wholly owned by ADFAM Partners, Ltd. A. Dano Davis disclaims any
beneficial interest in the shareholdings of James E. Davis Family--WD
Charities, Inc. Robert D. Davis disclaims any beneficial interest in the
limited partnership interests held by the trusts from his father's estate
for his daughters and other relatives.
At September 1, 1999, these entities held the following shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NO. OF PERCENTAGE OF
NAMED ENTITY SHARES OUTSTANDING SHARES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
AHLI, Ltd................................................................. 10,797,178 38.33%
D.D.I., Inc............................................................... 264,800* .94%
FND, Ltd.................................................................. 76,798 .27%
ADFAM Partners, Ltd....................................................... 47,696 .17%
James E. Davis Family--WD Charities, Inc.................................. 39,998 .14%
</TABLE>
----------------------------
* The shares reported for D.D.I. represent the equivalent shares of common
stock which would be received upon the settlement of 100,000 FELINE
PRIDES purchase contracts held by D.D.I. Such contracts which are
required to be settled on August 16, 2000, may be settled earlier at the
option of the holder.
A. Dano Davis is co-trustee for trusts for the benefit of his sister and his
sister's children which hold an aggregate of 116,756 Shares. A. Dano Davis
disclaims any beneficial interest in the shareholdings of such trusts. Also,
A. Dano Davis is co-trustee for trusts for the benefit of him and his
children which hold an aggregate of 38,246 Shares. Principally through a
limited partnership, the Davis Family holds 42.0% of the Shares.
(2) Christopher A. Verlander is the son of W. Ashley Verlander.
(3) Includes 78,365 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
(4) Includes 74,081 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
(5) Includes 40,711 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
(6) Includes 94,494 Shares held by Jemison Investment Co., Inc. of which Mr. Day
has shared voting and dispositive power.
(7) Includes 53,330 Shares owned by the wife of Mr. Verlander as to which
beneficial ownership is disclaimed.
(8) Includes 21,739 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
(9) Includes 29,437 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
(10) Includes 355,589 Shares which are subject to presently exercisable options.
60
<PAGE>
It is currently expected that all directors and executive officers of
American Heritage Life will vote the shares of American Heritage Life common
stock beneficially owned by them for approval of the merger agreement and the
merger.
LEGAL MATTERS
Robert W. Pike, Esq., Vice President and Secretary of Allstate will issue an
opinion about the validity of the Allstate common stock to be issued in the
merger. Mr. Pike owned 5,525.241 shares of Allstate common stock as of September
15, 1999.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement
schedules of The Allstate Corporation incorporated in this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference from Allstate's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and Allstate's Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders held on May 18, 1999 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are
incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon
the reports of such firm given upon its authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement
schedules of American Heritage Life Investment Corporation at December 31, 1998
and 1997, and for the years then ended, incorporated in this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference from American Heritage Life's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP, independent auditors, and for the year ended December 31, 1996 by
KPMG LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their respective reports thereon
incorporated by reference herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports
given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP expect to be present at the special
meeting and, while such representatives have stated they do not plan to make a
statement at the meeting, they will be available to respond to appropriate
questions from shareholders in attendance.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS TO THE BOARD
If a shareholder intends to present a proposal for action at the 2000 Annual
Meeting of American Heritage Life (if the merger has not become effective prior
to the date the meeting is to be held) and wishes to have such proposal
considered for inclusion in American Heritage Life's proxy materials in reliance
on Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the proposal must be
submitted in writing and received by American Heritage Life by November 21,
1999. Such proposals must also meet the other requirements of the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission relating to shareholders' proposals.
The by-laws of American Heritage Life establish an advance notice procedure
with regard to certain matters, including shareholder proposals and nominations
of individuals for election to the Board of Directors. In general, notice of a
shareholder proposal or a director nomination for a shareholders meeting must be
received by American Heritage Life not less than 70 days, nor more than 90 days
before the date of the annual meeting and must contain specified information and
conform to certain requirements, as set forth in the by-laws. If the presiding
officer at any shareholders' meeting determines that a shareholder proposal or
director nomination was not made in accordance with the by-laws, American
Heritage Life may disregard such proposal or nomination.
In addition, if a shareholder submits a proposal outside of Rule 14a-8 for
the 2000 Annual Meeting, and the proposal fails to comply with the advance
notice procedure prescribed by the by-laws,
61
<PAGE>
then American Heritage Life's proxy may confer discretionary authority on the
persons being appointed as proxies on behalf of management to vote on the
proposal. Proposals and nominations should be addressed to the Corporate
Secretary of American Heritage Life, Christopher A. Verlander, American Heritage
Life Investment Corporation, 1776 American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville,
Florida 32224.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We each file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and
copy any document that we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission's
Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please
call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public
Reference Room. Reports, proxy statements and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including our filings, are also available to the public from the Securities and
Exchange Commission's Web site at "http://www.sec.gov".
Allstate has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a
registration statement on Form S-4. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of
the registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of Allstate for the
Allstate common stock to be issued to you in the merger. As allowed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, this proxy statement/prospectus does
not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or
the exhibits to the registration statement.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ALLOWS US TO "INCORPORATE BY
REFERENCE" THE INFORMATION WE FILE WITH THEM, WHICH MEANS THAT WE CAN DISCLOSE
IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT US TO YOU THAT IS NOT
INCLUDED IN OR DELIVERED WITH THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BY REFERRING YOU
TO THOSE DOCUMENTS.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
proxy statement/ prospectus. Information that we file later with the Securities
and Exchange Commission will automatically update and supersede this
information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any
filing we will make with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 following the
date of this proxy statement/ prospectus and prior to the date of the special
meeting.
ALLSTATE
(1) Annual Report on Form 10-K of Allstate for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998;
(2) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by Allstate for the fiscal quarters
ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999;
(3) Allstate's 1999 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement; and
(4) Current Reports on Form 8-K filed February 19, 1999, July 12, 1999, July
14, 1999, September 3, 1999 and September 24, 1999 and Current Report on
Form 8K/A filed June 4, 1999.
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE
(1) Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Heritage Life for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998;
(2) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by American Heritage Life for the
fiscal quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999;
(3) Current Report on Form 8-K filed by American Heritage Life on July 9,
1999; and
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<PAGE>
(4) The description of American Heritage Life common stock in American
Heritage Life's registration statement on Form 8-A.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
IN THE CASE OF ALLSTATE, TO:
Investor Relations
3075 Sanders Road
Suite G2C
Northbrook, Illinois 60062-7127
Tel: 1-800-416-8803
IN THE CASE OF AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE, TO:
Shareholder Services
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
Tel: 1-800-874-2532 ext. 2715
IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THESE DOCUMENTS, YOU SHOULD MAKE SUCH
REQUEST BY
OCTOBER 15, 1999.
We have not authorized anyone to give any information or make any
representation about the merger or about us that differs from or adds to the
information in this proxy statement/prospectus or in our documents or the
documents that we publicly file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Therefore, if anyone does give you different or additional information, you
should not rely on it.
If you are in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to offer to exchange or
sell, or to ask for offers to exchange or buy, the securities offered by this
proxy statement/prospectus or to ask for proxies, or if you are a person to whom
it is unlawful to direct such activities, then the offer presented by this proxy
statement/prospectus does not extend to you.
The information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus speaks only as
of its date unless the information specifically indicates that another date
applies.
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APPENDIX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
AMONG
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION,
A.P.L. ACQUISITION CORPORATION
AND
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
DATED AS OF JULY 8, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ARTICLE 1
PLAN OF MERGER....................................................................... A-1
The Merger....................................................................... A-1
Conversion of Shares............................................................. A-2
Exchange of Certificates......................................................... A-3
Dividends........................................................................ A-5
Termination of Exchange Fund..................................................... A-5
Investment of Exchange Fund...................................................... A-5
Withholding Rights............................................................... A-6
ARTICLE 2
CLOSING.............................................................................. A-6
Time and Place of Closing........................................................ A-6
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY........................................ A-6
Organization, Good Standing and Power............................................ A-6
Capitalization................................................................... A-7
Subsidiaries..................................................................... A-7
Authority; Enforceability........................................................ A-7
Non-Contravention; Consents...................................................... A-8
SEC Reports; Company Financial Statements........................................ A-9
Statutory Statements............................................................. A-9
Absence of Certain Changes or Events............................................. A-10
Taxes and Tax Returns............................................................ A-10
Litigation....................................................................... A-13
Contracts and Commitments........................................................ A-13
Registration Statement, Etc...................................................... A-13
Employee Benefit Plans........................................................... A-14
Collective Bargaining; Labor Disputes; Compliance................................ A-15
No Violation of Law.............................................................. A-15
Environmental Matters............................................................ A-16
Fairness Opinion................................................................. A-17
Brokers and Finders.............................................................. A-17
Takeover Statutes................................................................ A-17
Voting Requirements.............................................................. A-17
Year 2000........................................................................ A-17
Intellectual Property............................................................ A-18
Insurance Matters................................................................ A-18
Investment Company............................................................... A-20
Insurance........................................................................ A-20
Transactions with Affiliates..................................................... A-20
Contracts........................................................................ A-20
</TABLE>
A-i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUBSIDIARY....................... A-21
Organization, Good Standing and Power............................................ A-21
Capitalization................................................................... A-21
Authority; Enforceability........................................................ A-21
Non-Contravention; Consents...................................................... A-22
SEC Reports; Parent Financial Statements......................................... A-22
Absence of Certain Changes or Events............................................. A-23
Registration Statement, Etc...................................................... A-23
Brokers and Finders.............................................................. A-24
Interim Operations of Merger Sub................................................. A-24
ARTICLE 5
CONDUCT AND TRANSACTIONS PRIOR TO EFFECTIVE TIME; CERTAIN COVENANTS.................. A-24
Access and Information........................................................... A-24
Conduct of Business Pending Merger............................................... A-24
No Solicitations................................................................. A-27
Fiduciary Duties................................................................. A-28
Certain Fees..................................................................... A-28
Takeover Statutes................................................................ A-29
Consents......................................................................... A-29
Further Assurances............................................................... A-29
NYSE Listing..................................................................... A-29
Registration Statement; Stockholder Approvals.................................... A-29
Expenses......................................................................... A-30
Press Releases................................................................... A-30
Indemnification of Officers and Directors........................................ A-30
Tax Treatment.................................................................... A-31
Headquarters and Community Activity.............................................. A-31
Employee Benefits................................................................ A-31
Stock Options and Other Incentive Programs....................................... A-32
Rule 145......................................................................... A-35
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO MERGER....................................................... A-35
Conditions to Each Party's Obligations........................................... A-35
Conditions to Obligations of the Company......................................... A-36
Conditions to Obligations of Parent.............................................. A-36
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT OF THE MERGER............................................ A-37
Termination...................................................................... A-37
Effect of Termination and Abandonment............................................ A-38
</TABLE>
A-ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS................................................................... A-38
Non-Survival..................................................................... A-38
Notices.......................................................................... A-38
Entire Agreement................................................................. A-39
Waivers and Amendments; Non-Contractual Remedies; Preservation of Remedies....... A-39
Governing Law.................................................................... A-39
Waiver of Jury Trial............................................................. A-39
Binding Effect; Assignment....................................................... A-39
Interpretation................................................................... A-39
No Third Party Beneficiaries..................................................... A-40
Counterparts..................................................................... A-40
Headings......................................................................... A-40
Severability..................................................................... A-40
Confidentiality.................................................................. A-40
Exhibit A Stock Option Agreement
Exhibit B Voting Agreement
</TABLE>
A-iii
<PAGE>
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM SECTION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Acquisition Proposal........................................................ 5.3
Agents Plan................................................................. 5.17(e)
Agreement................................................................... Introductory Paragraph
Average Price............................................................... 1.2(c)
Business Day................................................................ 1.3(a)
Cash Consideration.......................................................... 1.2(c)
Cash Election............................................................... 1.2(d)
Cash Election Number........................................................ 1.2(d)
Cash Election Shares........................................................ 1.2(e)
Cash Fraction............................................................... 1.2(e)
Certificate................................................................. 1.3(b)(i)
Closing..................................................................... 2.1
Closing Agreement........................................................... 3.9(h)
Closing Date................................................................ 2.1
Code........................................................................ Introductory Paragraph
Company..................................................................... Introductory Paragraph
Company Actuarial Analyses.................................................. 3.23(c)
Company Common Stock........................................................ 1.2(b)
Company Controlled Group Liability.......................................... 3.13(b)
Company Disclosure Letter................................................... Introductory Paragraph to Art. 3
Company Employees........................................................... 5.16
Company Employee Plans...................................................... 3.13(a)
Company Insurance Contracts................................................. 3.23
Company Insurance Subsidiaries.............................................. 3.1(c)
Company Option.............................................................. 5.17(a)
Company Reports............................................................. 3.6(a)
Company Restricted Stock.................................................... 5.17(c)
Company Subsidiary.......................................................... 3.1(b)
Company Statutory Statements................................................ 3.7
Confidentiality Agreement................................................... 5.1
Contracts................................................................... 3.27
DGCL........................................................................ 1.1(a)
Effective Time.............................................................. 1.1(a)
Election Deadline........................................................... 1.3(b)(i)
Environmental Law........................................................... 3.16(a)
ERISA....................................................................... 3.13(a)
EIP......................................................................... 5.17(e)
Exchange Act................................................................ 3.6(a)
Exchange Agent.............................................................. 1.3(a)
Exchange Fund............................................................... 1.3(a)
Exchange Ratio.............................................................. 1.2(c)
FBCA........................................................................ 1.1(a)
Fee Payment Event........................................................... 5.4
FELINE PRIDES............................................................... 3.2
Form of Election............................................................ 1.3(b)(i)
Governmental Authority...................................................... 3.5(b)
HSR Act..................................................................... 3.5(b)
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM SECTION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Indemnified Parties......................................................... 5.13(a)
Insurance Laws.............................................................. 3.15(a)
Intellectual Property....................................................... 3.22
IRS......................................................................... 3.9(d)
LLG&M....................................................................... 1.2(g)
Material Adverse Effect..................................................... 3.1(a)
Merger...................................................................... Introductory Paragraph
Merger Consideration........................................................ 1.2(c)
Merger Sub.................................................................. Introductory Paragraph
1940 Act.................................................................... 3.24
NYSE........................................................................ 1.2(c)
Parent...................................................................... Introductory Paragraph
Parent Common Stock......................................................... 1.2(c)
Parent Disclosure Letter.................................................... Introductory Paragraph to Art. 4
Parent Preferred Stock...................................................... 4.2(a)
Parent Replacement Option................................................... 5.17(a)
Parent Replacement Restricted Stock......................................... 5.17(c)
Parent Reports.............................................................. 4.5(a)
Parent Subsidiaries......................................................... 4.4(a)(i)
Person...................................................................... 1.5
Proxy Statement............................................................. 3.12
R&G......................................................................... 1.2(g)
Registration Statement...................................................... 3.12
Representatives............................................................. 8.13
SEC......................................................................... 3.5(b)
Section 5.5 Fee............................................................. 5.5
Securities Act.............................................................. 3.6(a)
Significant Subsidiary...................................................... 5.3
Stock Consideration......................................................... 1.2(c)
Stock Option Agreement...................................................... Introductory Paragraph
Stockholders' Meeting....................................................... 3.12
Subsidiary.................................................................. 3.1(a)
Superior Proposal........................................................... 5.3
Surviving Corporation....................................................... 1.1(a)
Takeover Statute............................................................ 3.19
Tax......................................................................... 3.9(a)
Tax Return.................................................................. 3.9(a)
Tax Ruling.................................................................. 3.9(h)
Termination Date............................................................ 7.1(b)(i)
Total Consideration......................................................... 1.2(g)
Trading Day................................................................. 1.2(c)
Transfer Restrictions....................................................... 5.17(c)
Transferee.................................................................. 1.3(b)(iii)
Voting Agreement............................................................ Introductory Paragraph
</TABLE>
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION (this "AGREEMENT") dated as
of July 8, 1999, by and among The Allstate Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("PARENT"), A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Parent ("MERGER SUB"), and American Heritage Life Investment
Corporation, a Florida corporation (the "COMPANY").
WHEREAS, Parent and the Company have determined that it would be in their
respective best interests and in the best interests of their respective
stockholders to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in furtherance thereof, the respective Boards of Directors of
Parent, the Company and Merger Sub have approved the merger of the Company with
and into Merger Sub (the "MERGER"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions
of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
shall qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"), and this Agreement is
intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
as a condition and inducement to Parent's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, the Company and Parent have entered into a Stock Option Agreement,
dated as of the date hereof and attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "STOCK OPTION
AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which the Company has granted Parent an option to
purchase shares of common stock of the Company under certain circumstances; and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
as a condition and inducement to Parent's willingness to enter into this
Agreement, Parent and certain stockholders of the Company have entered into a
Voting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof and attached hereto as Exhibit B
(the "VOTING AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which such stockholders have agreed, among
other things, to vote their shares of common stock of the Company in favor of
the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, the
parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
PLAN OF MERGER
1.1 THE MERGER.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") and the Florida Business
Corporation Act (the "FBCA"), the Company shall be merged with and into the
Merger Sub, which shall be the surviving corporation (sometimes referred to
hereinafter as the "SURVIVING CORPORATION") in the Merger, and the separate
corporate existence of the Company shall cease. Subject to the provisions of
this Agreement, articles of merger complying with the relevant provisions of the
DGCL and the FBCA shall be duly prepared, executed and filed with the
Secretaries of State of the States of Delaware and Florida as provided in the
DGCL and the FBCA on the Closing Date (as defined in Section 2.1). The Merger
shall become effective upon the filing of the articles of merger or at such time
thereafter as is provided in the articles of merger (the "EFFECTIVE TIME").
(b) From and after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have all the effects
set forth in the DGCL and the FBCA. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, by virtue of the Merger and in accordance with
the DGCL and the FBCA, all of the properties, rights, privileges, powers and
franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation
and all
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of the debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and Merger Sub shall become
the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
(c) The Certificate of Incorporation of Merger Sub in effect immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended in accordance with the provisions
thereof and the DGCL; PROVIDED that such Certificate of Incorporation shall be
amended as of the Effective Time to change the name of Merger Sub to the name of
the Company.
(d) The Bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until altered, amended or
repealed as provided therein or in the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation and the DGCL.
(e) The officers and directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be the initial officers and directors of the Surviving
Corporation, until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.
1.2 CONVERSION OF SHARES. As of the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of any holder thereof:
(a) Each share of capital stock of Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding and unchanged
by reason of the Merger as one share of common stock of the Surviving
Corporation.
(b) All shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company
("COMPANY COMMON STOCK") and any other shares of capital stock of the Company
that are owned by the Company as treasury stock or by any wholly owned
Subsidiary (as defined in Section 3.1) of the Company and any shares of Company
Common Stock owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any other wholly owned Subsidiary of
Parent shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist and no stock of
Parent or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
(c) Each issued and outstanding share of Company Common Stock (other than
shares of Company Common Stock canceled in accordance with Section 1.2(b)) will
be converted subject to Section 1.3(c) into the right to receive (x) a number of
fully paid, non-assessable shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of
Parent including any associated stock purchase rights ("PARENT COMMON STOCK")
equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined below) (the "STOCK CONSIDERATION") or
(y) upon a valid Cash Election as provided in Section 1.2(d) below $32.25 in
cash from Parent (the "CASH CONSIDERATION" and, together with the Stock
Consideration, the "MERGER CONSIDERATION"), subject to the limitations set forth
in Sections 1.2(d), (e) and (g). The "EXCHANGE RATIO" shall be equal to $32.25
divided by the Average Price (as defined below) of Parent Common Stock. "AVERAGE
PRICE" means the average of the closing prices as reported in THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL's New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions Reports for each of the
10 consecutive Trading Days in the period ending five Trading Days prior to the
Closing Date. "TRADING DAY" means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange,
Inc. ("NYSE") is open for trading and on which the Parent Common Stock was
traded.
(d) Subject to the immediately following sentence and to Sections 1.2(e) and
1.2(g), each record holder of shares of Company Common Stock immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be entitled to elect to receive cash for all or any
part of such Company Common Stock (a "CASH ELECTION"). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock that may be
converted into the right to receive cash consideration (the "CASH ELECTION
NUMBER") shall not exceed an amount determined by dividing (A) the dollar number
equal to one-half the product of (x) $32.25 multiplied by (y) the aggregate
number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
on the second Trading Day prior to the Effective Time by (B) $32.25; provided
that the Cash Election Number shall be adjusted as provided in Section 1.2(g).
To the extent not covered by a properly given Cash Election, all shares of
Company Common Stock issued and outstanding
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immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, except as provided in Section
1.2(b) and Section 1.3(c), be converted solely into shares of Parent Common
Stock.
(e) If the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock covered by
Cash Elections (the "CASH ELECTION SHARES") exceeds the Cash Election Number,
each Cash Election Share shall be converted into (i) the right to receive an
amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of (a) $32.25 and (b) a
fraction (the "CASH FRACTION"), the numerator of which shall be the Cash
Election Number and the denominator of which shall be the total number of Cash
Election Shares, and (ii) a number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the
product of (a) the Exchange Ratio and (b) a fraction equal to one minus the Cash
Fraction.
(f) The Exchange Agent, in consultation with Parent and the Company, will
make all computations to give effect to this Section 1.2.
(g) If, after having made the calculation under Section 1.2(d), the value of
the Parent Common Stock (excluding fractional shares to be paid in cash) to be
issued in the Merger, valued at the lesser of the Average Price and the average
of the high and low trading prices of Parent Common Stock on the day before the
Closing Date (or, if determined to be more appropriate by either Ropes & Gray
("R&G") or LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. ("LLG&M"), the trading price
as of the time of the Closing) as reported on the NYSE, minus the aggregate
discount, if any, due to trading restrictions on the value of Parent Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger, is less than 50% of the total consideration to
be paid in exchange for the shares of Company Common Stock (including without
limitation the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares and any
other payments required to be considered in determining whether the continuity
of interest requirements applicable to reorganizations under Section 368 of the
Code have been satisfied) (the "TOTAL CONSIDERATION"), then the Cash Election
Number shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that the value of the Parent
Common Stock (as determined above) is 50% of the Total Consideration.
(h) If, after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall
have declared or effected a stock split (including a reverse split) of Parent
Common Stock or a dividend payable in Parent Common Stock or securities
convertible into Parent Common Stock or any other similar transaction, then the
Merger Consideration shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the effect of
such stock split or dividend or similar transaction.
(i) Each Company Option shall be converted in accordance with Section 5.17.
1.3 EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.
(a) On the Closing Date or, if later, within three Business Days of
completion of the election and allocation procedures in Section 1.2, Parent
shall deposit with a bank or trust company designated by Parent and reasonably
acceptable to the Company (the "EXCHANGE AGENT"), for the benefit of the holders
of shares of Company Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this Article
1 through the Exchange Agent, cash, and certificates representing the shares of
Parent Common Stock (such shares of Parent Common Stock, together with any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto or cash deposited by Parent in
accordance with this Section 1.3, being hereinafter referred to as the "EXCHANGE
FUND") when and as required for exchanges pursuant to Section 1.2. As used in
this Agreement, "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or a
Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions in New York, New York
or Jacksonville, Florida are authorized or obligated by law to close.
(b)(i) Not fewer than 20 Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the
Exchange Agent will mail a form of election (the "FORM OF ELECTION") to holders
of record of shares of Company Common Stock (as of a record date as close as
practicable to the date of mailing and mutually agreed to by Parent and the
Company). In addition, the Exchange Agent will use its best efforts to make the
Form of Election available to the Persons (as defined in Section 1.5) who become
shareholders of the Company during
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the period between such record date and the Election Deadline (as defined
below). Any election to receive Cash Consideration contemplated by Section
1.2(d) will have been properly made only if the Exchange Agent shall have
received at its designated office or offices, by 4:00 p.m., New York City time,
on the Trading Day that is the fourth Trading Day prior to the Closing Date (the
"ELECTION DEADLINE"), a Form of Election properly completed and accompanied by a
certificate representing shares of Company Common Stock (a "CERTIFICATE") to
which such Form of Election relates, duly endorsed in blank or otherwise
acceptable for transfer on the books of the Company (or an appropriate guarantee
of delivery), as set forth in such Form of Election. An election may be revoked
only by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to 4:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Election Deadline. In addition, all elections shall
automatically be revoked if the Exchange Agent is notified by Parent and the
Company that the Merger has been abandoned. If an election is so revoked, the
Certificate(s) (or guarantee of delivery, as appropriate) to which such election
relates will be promptly returned to the Person submitting the same to the
Exchange Agent. Parent shall have the discretion, which it may delegate in whole
or in part to the Exchange Agent, to determine whether Forms of Election have
been properly completed, signed and submitted or revoked pursuant to this
Section 1.3, and to disregard immaterial defects in Forms of Election. The
decision of Parent (or the Exchange Agent) in such matters shall be conclusive
and binding.
(ii) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, the
Exchange Agent will mail to each holder of record of a Certificate whose
shares of Company Common Stock were converted into the right to receive
Merger Consideration (other than with respect to Certificates subject to a
valid Form of Election), (i) a letter of transmittal (which will specify
that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates will pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the
Exchange Agent and will be in such form and have such other provisions as
Parent and the Company may specify consistent with this Agreement) and (ii)
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in
exchange for the Stock Consideration.
(iii) After the Effective Time, with respect to properly made elections
in accordance with Section 1.3(b)(i), and upon surrender in accordance with
Section 1.3(b)(ii) of a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent,
together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and such other
documents as may reasonably be required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of
such Certificate will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Merger
Consideration that such holder has the right to receive therefor pursuant to
the provisions of this Article 1, and the Certificate so surrendered will
forthwith be canceled. In the event of a transfer of ownership of shares of
Company Common Stock that are not registered in the transfer records of the
Company payment may be issued to a person other than the person in whose
name the Certificate so surrendered is registered (the "TRANSFEREE") if such
Certificate is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer
and the Transferee pays any transfer or other taxes required by reason of
such payment to a person other than the registered holder of such
Certificate or establishes to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that
such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered as
contemplated by this Section 1.3, each Certificate will be deemed at any
time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon
such surrender the Merger Consideration that the holder thereof has the
right to receive in respect of such Certificate pursuant to the provisions
of this Article 1. No interest will be paid or will accrue on any cash
payable to holders of Certificates pursuant to the provisions of this
Article 1.
(c) No certificate or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent Common
Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such
fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any
rights as a stockholder of Parent. All fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
that a holder of Company Common Stock would otherwise be entitled to receive as
a result of the Merger shall be aggregated and if a fractional share results
from such aggregation, such holder shall be entitled to receive from Parent, in
lieu thereof, an amount in cash determined by
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multiplying (i) the fractional share interest to which such holder would
otherwise be entitled by (ii) the Average Price per share of Parent Common
Stock. No such cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be
paid to any holder of Company Common Stock until Certificates are surrendered
and exchanged in accordance with Section 1.3(b).
(d) The Merger Consideration paid upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates in accordance with the terms of this Article 1 shall be deemed to
have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of
Company Common Stock theretofore represented by such Certificates, SUBJECT,
HOWEVER, to any obligation of Parent or the Surviving Corporation to pay any
dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the
Effective Time which may have been authorized or made with respect to shares of
Company Common Stock which remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and there shall
be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation of shares of Company Common Stock which were outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
Certificates are presented to Parent, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange
Agent for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this
Section 1.3, except as otherwise provided by law.
1.4 DIVIDENDS. No dividends or other distributions that are declared or
made after the Effective Time with respect to Parent Common Stock payable to
holders of record thereof after the Effective Time shall be paid to a Company
stockholder entitled to receive certificates representing Parent Common Stock
until such stockholder has properly surrendered such stockholder's Certificates.
Upon such surrender, there shall be paid to the stockholder in whose name the
certificates representing such Parent Common Stock shall be issued any dividends
which shall have become payable with respect to such Parent Common Stock between
the Effective Time and the time of such surrender, without interest. After such
surrender, there shall also be paid to the stockholder in whose name the
certificates representing such Parent Common Stock shall be issued any dividend
on such Parent Common Stock that shall have a record date subsequent to the
Effective Time and prior to such surrender and a payment date after such
surrender; provided that such dividend payments shall be made on such payment
dates. In no event shall the stockholders entitled to receive such dividends be
entitled to receive interest on such dividends.
1.5 TERMINATION OF EXCHANGE FUND. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of the Certificates for one year after the
Effective Time shall be delivered by the Exchange Agent to Parent, and any
holders of the Certificates who have not theretofore complied with this Article
1 shall thereafter look only to Parent for payment of their claim for any Merger
Consideration which such holder may be due under this Article 1 upon surrender
of the Certificate. None of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange
Agent shall be liable to any Person (as defined below) in respect of any such
shares of Parent Common Stock or funds from the Exchange Fund or other funds
delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property,
escheat or similar law. As used in this Agreement, the term "PERSON" shall mean
any natural person, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, trust, association or entity of any kind.
1.6 INVESTMENT OF EXCHANGE FUND. The Exchange Agent will invest any cash
included in the Exchange Fund as directed by Parent in (i) obligations of the
United States government having a maturity of not more than three months, (ii)
certificates of deposit issued by banks or trust companies whose debt obligation
ratings are in one of the two highest rating grades by Moody's Investor Service
or Standard & Poor's Register, in each case having a combined capital and
surplus and undivided profits of not less than $100,000,000, with a maturity
date not in excess of three months or (iii) in such other investments as may be
mutually agreed to in writing prior to the Closing Date by the parties hereto.
Any interest and other income resulting from such investments will be paid to
Parent.
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1.7 WITHHOLDING RIGHTS. The Surviving Corporation, Parent or the Exchange
Agent, as the case may be, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any person such
amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of
such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax
law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation,
Parent or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, such amounts withheld shall be
treated for purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to such person in
respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the Surviving
Corporation, Parent or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.
ARTICLE 2
CLOSING
2.1 TIME AND PLACE OF CLOSING. Unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in
writing by Parent and the Company, the closing of the Merger (the "CLOSING")
will be held as promptly as practicable (but in any event not later than the
third Business Day) at 10:00 a.m., local time, following the date that all of
the conditions precedent specified in this Agreement have been (or can be at the
Closing) satisfied or waived by the party or parties permitted to do so (such
date being referred to hereinafter as the "CLOSING DATE"). The place of Closing
shall be at the offices of LLG&M, 125 West 55th Street, New York, New York
10019, or at such other place as may be agreed between Parent and the Company.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered to Parent concurrent
with the execution of this Agreement (the "COMPANY DISCLOSURE LETTER"), the
Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
3.1 ORGANIZATION, GOOD STANDING AND POWER.
(a) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and its
status is active under the laws of the State of Florida and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified or
licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties make
such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so
qualified or licensed or to be in good standing could not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company. The Company has delivered to Parent complete and correct copies of its
Articles of Incorporation and all amendments thereto to the date hereof and its
Bylaws as amended to the date hereof. As used in this Agreement, the phrase
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" with respect to a party means a material adverse
effect on the financial condition, business or results of operations of such
party and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. As used in this Agreement,
the term "SUBSIDIARY" of a party shall mean any corporation or other entity
(including joint ventures, partnerships and other business associations) in
which such party directly or indirectly owns outstanding capital stock or other
voting securities having the power to elect a majority of the directors or
similar members of the governing body of such corporation or other entity, or
otherwise direct the management and policies of such corporation or other
entity.
(b) Each Subsidiary of the Company (a "COMPANY SUBSIDIARY") is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, and has the corporate power and authority
necessary for it to own or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to be so
organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power and authority
could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Each Company Subsidiary
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is duly qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of
its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the
failure to be so qualified or licensed or to be in good standing could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company.
(c) The Company conducts its insurance and health maintenance operations
through the Subsidiaries set forth on Schedule 3.1 of the Company Disclosure
Letter (collectively, the "COMPANY INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES"). Each of the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries is (i) duly licensed or authorized as an insurance
company, reinsurance company or health maintenance organization, as the case may
be, in its jurisdiction of incorporation, (ii) duly licensed or authorized as an
insurance company, reinsurance company or health maintenance organization, as
the case may be, in each other jurisdiction where it is required to be so
licensed or authorized and (iii) duly authorized in its jurisdiction of
incorporation and each other applicable jurisdiction to write each line of
business reported as being written in the Company Statutory Statements (as
hereinafter defined), except, in any such case, where the failure to be so
licensed or authorized could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company has made all required filings under
applicable insurance holding company statutes except where the failure to file
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
3.2 CAPITALIZATION. The authorized capital stock of the Company as of the
date hereof consists of 75,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of which as
of June 30, 1999, 27,904,617 shares were issued and outstanding and 1,196,599
shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding Company Options
and 5,473,908 shares were reserved for issuance upon sale under the stock
purchase contracts comprising part of the Company's FELINE PRIDES debt
securities (the "FELINE PRIDES"); 500,000 shares of non-convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $10 per share, of which as of the date hereof no shares are
issued and outstanding; and 500,000 shares of convertible Preferred Stock, par
value $10 per share, of which as of the date hereof no shares are issued and
outstanding. All outstanding shares of Company Common Stock are, and all shares
which may be issued prior to the Effective Time pursuant to any outstanding
Company Options or the FELINE PRIDES will be, when issued, duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to any preemptive
rights. Except as set forth above, no shares of capital stock or other equity
securities of the Company are outstanding. There are no outstanding options,
warrants or rights to purchase or acquire from the Company any capital stock of
the Company other than the Company Options and the FELINE PRIDES, there are no
existing registration covenants with the Company with respect to outstanding
shares of the Company Common Stock, and there are no convertible securities or
other contracts, commitments, agreements, understandings, arrangements or
restrictions by which the Company is bound to issue any additional shares of its
capital stock or other securities.
3.3 SUBSIDIARIES. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the
outstanding voting securities of each Company Subsidiary and all such securities
are held by the Company free and clear of all liens, charges, pledges, security
interests or other encumbrances. All of the capital stock of each Company
Subsidiary has been duly authorized, and is validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. There are no outstanding options or rights to subscribe to, or
any contracts or commitments to issue or sell any shares of the capital stock or
any securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving
any Person any right to acquire, any shares of the capital stock of any Company
Subsidiary to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party. There are
no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings with respect to the
voting of capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to which the
Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party.
3.4 AUTHORITY; ENFORCEABILITY. The Company has the corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to obtaining the required
approval of the stockholders of the Company, to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement have
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been, and, subject to obtaining the required approval of the stockholders of the
Company, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will have
been, duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and
upon due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to
enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) subject to general
principles of equity.
3.5 NON-CONTRAVENTION; CONSENTS.
(a) Neither the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the provisions hereof, will:
(i) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of,
constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of,
accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination
or acceleration, or the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of the Company, under any
of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (x) its Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws, or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust,
license, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party, or by which
the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries may be bound, or to which the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or the properties or assets of
any of them may be subject, and that could, in any such event specified in
this clause (a), reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company; or
(ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to
in Section 3.5(b), violate any valid and enforceable judgment, ruling,
order, writ, injunction, decree, or any statute, rule or regulation
applicable to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets where such violation could, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on the Company.
(b) Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices, as applicable,
with state insurance regulatory authorities in the states in which the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries operate their respective businesses and the approval of
such applications or the grant of required licenses by such authorities, (ii)
the filing of notification and report forms with the United States Federal Trade
Commission and the United States Department of Justice under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR ACT")
and the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period thereunder,
(iii) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a
proxy statement in definitive form relating to the meeting of the Company's
stockholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and the filing and declaration of effectiveness of the
registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the shares of Parent Common Stock
to be issued in the Merger, (iv) the filing of articles of merger with the
Secretaries of State of the States of Delaware and Florida pursuant to the DGCL
and the FBCA, respectively, (v) the approval of the listing of the Parent Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger on the NYSE, (vi) any filings, approvals or
other requirements under state securities laws or state insurance company stock
issuance laws and (vii) the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding Company Common Stock, no notices to,
consents or approvals of, or filings or registrations with, any court, federal,
state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory body (including a
self-regulatory body) or authority (each, a "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY") or with
any third party are necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by
the Company of this Agreement and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except for such notices, consents, approvals,
filings or registrations, the failure of which to be made or obtained
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could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company or on the ability of the Parent,
following the Effective Time, to conduct the business of the Company as
presently conducted.
3.6 SEC REPORTS; COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Since January 1, 1996, the Company has timely filed all reports,
registration statements, proxy statements or information statements and all
other documents, together with any amendments required to be made thereto,
required to be filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "SECURITIES ACT") or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"EXCHANGE ACT") (collectively to the extent filed prior to the date hereof, the
"COMPANY REPORTS"). The Company has heretofore made available to Parent true
copies of all the Company Reports, together with all exhibits thereto, that
Parent has requested. Included in such Company Reports are (i) audited
consolidated balance sheets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries at
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the
notes thereto and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries at March 31, 1999 and the related unaudited
consolidated statement of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
periods then ended and the notes thereto.
(b) All of the financial statements included in the Company Reports
presented fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as at the dates mentioned and the
consolidated results of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash
flows for the periods then ended in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis (subject, in the case of the
unaudited statements, to normal, recurring audit adjustments as may be permitted
by Form 10-Q of the SEC). As of their respective dates, the Company Reports
complied in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations
promulgated by the SEC 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
in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. Except to the extent reflected on the
balance sheet included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998 or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1999, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any
liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent
or otherwise) except for liabilities or obligations which, individually or in
the aggregate, have not had, or could not reasonably be expected to have, a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
3.7 STATUTORY STATEMENTS.
(a) The Company has previously furnished to Parent the annual statements of
each of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998, which have been filed with the insurance regulatory
authority of the jurisdiction of organization of each such Company Insurance
Subsidiary, and statutory statements, where required, for each such company for
the period ended March 31, 1999 (together the "COMPANY STATUTORY STATEMENTS")
and the Company shall furnish to Parent promptly after filing all statutory
statements for any calendar years or quarters ending thereafter but prior to the
Effective Time. Such statutory statements present or will present fairly in all
material respects the admitted assets, liabilities and surplus of each Company
Insurance Subsidiary at the end of each of the periods then ended, and the
results of its operations and changes in its surplus for each of the periods
then ended in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
the insurance regulatory authority of the jurisdiction of organization of each
such Company Insurance Subsidiary, applied on a consistent basis as and to the
extent described in such statutory statements.
(b) The reserves carried on the Company Statutory Statements of each Company
Insurance Subsidiary for future insurance policy benefits, losses, claims,
expenses and similar purposes were, as of
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the respective dates of such Company Statutory Statements, in compliance in all
material respects with the requirements for reserves established by the
insurance departments of the state of domicile of such Company Insurance
Subsidiary, were determined in all material respects in accordance with
generally accepted actuarial standards and principles consistently applied, and
were fairly stated in all material respects in accordance with sound actuarial
and statutory accounting principles. Such reserves were adequate in the
aggregate to cover the total amount of all reasonably anticipated liabilities of
the respective Company Insurance Subsidiary under all outstanding insurance,
reinsurance and other applicable agreements as of the respective dates of such
Company Statutory Statements. The admitted assets of each Company Insurance
Subsidiary as determined under applicable law are in an amount at least equal to
the minimum amounts required by applicable law.
3.8 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Since December 31, 1998, the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries have conducted their business in all
material respects only in the ordinary course, and there has not been (i) any
change, event, condition (financial or otherwise) or state of circumstances or
facts which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company, (ii) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or
other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to any of
the Company's outstanding capital stock other than regular quarterly dividends
with respect to the Company Common Stock which do not exceed $0.11 per share per
quarter, (iii) any split, combination or reclassification of any of the
Company's outstanding capital stock or any issuance or the authorization of any
issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution
for shares of the Company's outstanding capital stock, (iv) (x) any granting by
the Company or any Company Subsidiary to any executive officer or other employee
of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary of any increase in compensation, except for
increases in the ordinary course of business consistent with prior practice or
as was required under employment agreements in effect as of December 31, 1998,
(y) any granting by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to any such executive
officer or other employee of any increase in severance or termination pay,
except (A) as discussed in the Company Disclosure Letter, (B) for obligations
which have been satisfied prior to the date hereof or (C) as was required under
any employment, severance or termination agreements in effect as of December 31,
1998, which agreements are identified in the Company Disclosure Letter, or (z)
any entry by the Company or any Company Subsidiary into any new severance or
termination agreement with any such executive officer or other employee, (v) any
significant change in accounting methods, principles or practices by the Company
or any Company Subsidiary materially affecting its assets, liabilities or
business, except insofar as may be appropriate to conform to changes in
statutory accounting rules or generally accepted accounting principles, or (vi)
any material change in the underwriting, pricing, actuarial or investment
practices or policies of any Company Subsidiary; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
following shall be excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect and
from the determination of whether such Material Adverse Effect has occurred for
purposes of clause (i) of this Section 3.8: the effects of conditions or events
that (i) are generally applicable to the life insurance industry, (ii) result
from general economic conditions including changes in interest rates or stock
market conditions in the United States or (iii) result from the announcement of
the Merger.
3.9 TAXES AND TAX RETURNS.
(a) As used in this Agreement, "TAX" shall mean any federal, state, county,
local or foreign taxes, including all net income, gross income, premiums, sales
and use, ad valorem, transfer, gains, profits, windfall profits, excise,
franchise, real and personal property, gross receipts, capital stock,
production, business and occupation, employment, disability, payroll, license,
estimated, stamp, custom duties, severance or withholding taxes, other taxes or
similar charges or assessments of any kind whatsoever imposed by any
Governmental Authority, whether imposed directly on a Person or resulting under
Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local
or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise and
includes any interest and penalties (civil or criminal) on or additions to any
such taxes or in respect of a failure to comply with any requirement
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relating to any Tax Return. "TAX RETURN" shall mean a report, return or other
information required to be supplied to a Governmental Authority with respect to
Taxes including, where permitted or required, combined or consolidated returns
for any group of entities.
(b) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries have (i) duly filed (or there
has been filed on their behalf) with appropriate Governmental Authorities all
Tax Returns required to be filed by them, on or prior to the date hereof, and
all Tax Returns were in all material respects true, complete and correct and
filed on a timely basis except to the extent that any failure to file would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company,
and (ii) duly paid in full within the time and in the manner prescribed by law
or made provisions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
with respect to Taxes not yet due and payable for the payment of (or there has
been paid or provision has been made on their behalf) all Taxes for all periods
ending on or prior to the date hereof, except to the extent that any failure to
fully pay or make provision for the payment of such Taxes could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company;
(c) No federal, state, local or foreign audits, investigations or other
administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending or
threatened with regard to any Taxes or Tax Returns of the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries and no issues have been raised in writing by any Tax authority in
connection with any Tax or Tax Return wherein an adverse determination or ruling
in any one such proceeding or in all such proceedings in the aggregate could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
(d) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has requested any
extension of time within which to file any Company or Company Subsidiary Tax
Return, which Tax Return has not since been filed. The federal income Tax
Returns of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have been examined by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") (or the applicable statutes of limitation for
the assessment of federal income Taxes for such periods have expired) for all
periods through and including December 31, 1994, and no material deficiencies
for any Taxes were proposed, assessed or asserted as a result of such
examinations that have not been resolved and fully paid. Neither the Company nor
any of the Company Subsidiaries has granted any requests, agreements, consents
or waivers to extend the statutory period of limitations applicable to the
assessment of any Taxes with respect to any Tax Returns of the Company or any of
the Company Subsidiaries, which period (after giving effect to such extension)
has not yet expired;
(e) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to any
agreement relating to the allocation or sharing of Taxes (other than a tax
sharing agreement between the Company and one or more Company Subsidiaries).
Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary (i) has been a member of an
affiliated group filing a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return or an
affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for state income tax return
purposes (other than a group the common parent of which was the Company) or (ii)
has any liability for Taxes of any Person under United States Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any provision of state, local or an affiliated,
consolidated, combined or unitary group for state income tax return purposes, or
foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise other than
liabilities for Taxes of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group
which includes only the Company and Company Subsidiaries. Neither the Company
nor any Company Subsidiary is currently under (i) any obligation to pay any
amounts as a result of being party, or having been party, to any tax sharing
agreement (other than a tax sharing agreement between the Company and one or
more Company Subsidiaries) or (ii) any express or implied obligation to
indemnify any other Person for Taxes;
(f) There are no Tax liens upon any asset of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary except liens for Taxes not yet due;
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(g) No power of attorney currently in force has been granted by the Company
or any Company Subsidiary concerning any Tax matter;
(h) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received a Tax Ruling
(as defined below) or entered into a Closing Agreement (as defined below) with
any taxing authority since January 1, 1991. "TAX RULING," as used in this
Agreement, shall mean a written ruling of a taxing authority relating to Taxes.
"CLOSING AGREEMENT," as used in this Agreement, shall mean a written and legally
binding agreement with a taxing authority relating to Taxes;
(i) All transactions that could give rise to a penalty for an understatement
of federal income tax have been adequately disclosed on the Tax Returns of the
Company and any Company Subsidiary in accordance with Code Section
6662(d)(2)(B);
(j) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is required to include in
income any adjustment pursuant to Code Section 481(a) by reason of a voluntary
change in accounting method initiated by the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
and the IRS has not proposed any such adjustment or change in accounting method;
(k) Any amount that could be received (whether in cash or property or the
vesting of property) as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement by any employee, officer or director of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary who is a "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in
proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1) under any employment, severance
or termination agreement, other compensation arrangement or Company benefit plan
currently in effect would not be characterized as an "excess parachute payment"
(as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code). In addition,
Section 162(m) of the Code will not apply to any amount paid or payable by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary under any contract or Company Employee Plan
currently in effect;
(l) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect, all annuity contracts and life insurance policies issued by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary meet all definitional or other requirements
for qualification under any Code section applicable (or intended to be
applicable) to such annuity contracts or life insurance policies, including,
without limitation, the following: (i) each such life insurance policy meets the
requirements of Sections 101(f), 817(h) or 7702 of the Code, if applicable; (ii)
no such life insurance contract is a "modified endowment contract" within the
meaning of Section 7702A of the Code except for policies held by holders who
have been notified of their classification as modified endowment contracts;
(iii) each such annuity contract issued qualifies as an annuity under federal
tax law; (iv) each such annuity contract meets the requirements of Section 72 of
the Code including Section 72(s) of the Code (except for those contracts
specifically excluded from such requirements pursuant to Section 72(s)(5) of the
Code), and each such annuity contract subject to Section 817(h) of the Code
meets the requirements thereof and has been administered consistent therewith;
(v) no such annuity contract intended to qualify under Sections 130, 403(a),
403(b) or 408(b) of the Code contains or omits any provision that would
disqualify such contract under the applicable Code provision; (vi) no such
annuity contract intended for use under a plan intended to qualify under Section
401, 403, 408 or 457 of the Code contains or omits any provision that would not
comply with the requirements of such sections; and (vii) neither the Company nor
any Company Subsidiary has entered into any agreement or are involved in any
discussions or negotiations and there are no tax audits, examinations,
investigations or other proceedings with any Tax authority with respect to the
failure of any life insurance policy issued by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary to meet the requirements of Sections 7702 or 817(h) of the Code or
the failure of any annuity contract issued by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary to meet the requirements of Section 72(s) of the Code. There are no
outstanding indemnification agreements respecting the tax qualification or
treatment of any product or plan sold, issued, entered into or administered by
the Company or any Company Subsidiaries, and there have been no claims asserted
by any Person under such indemnification agreements;
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(m) No property of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is property that
the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any other party to this transaction is
or will be required to treat as being owned by another Person pursuant to the
provisions of Code Section 168(f)(8) (as in effect prior to its amendment by the
Tax Reform Act of 1986) or is "tax-exempt use property" within the meaning of
Code Section 168; and
(n) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has taken any action or
failed to take any action which action or failure to take action would
jeopardize the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code.
3.10 LITIGATION. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party
to any pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened claim, action,
suit, investigation or proceeding which could reasonably be expected to have,
either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company. Neither the Company nor any Company Insurance Subsidiary has received
actual notice of any proceeding, claim or investigation pending or threatened
against the Company or any Company Insurance Subsidiary before any insurance
department or agency which could reasonably be expected to have, either
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
There is no outstanding order, writ, judgment, stipulation, injunction, decree,
determination, award or other decision against the Company or any Company
Subsidiary which, either individually or in the aggregate, has had or could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
3.11 CONTRACTS AND COMMITMENTS. Neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary has received notice from any Person alleging, or is otherwise aware
that the Company, a Company Subsidiary or any other party is in default under
any contracts, agreements, leases, commitments, licenses or assignments
currently in effect which are material to the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries as a whole. All of the material contracts of the Company and the
Company's Subsidiaries that are required to be described in the most recent
Annual Report on Form 10-K included in the Company Reports or to be filed as
exhibits thereto are described in such Company Report or filed as exhibits
thereto and such contracts are in full force and effect.
3.12 REGISTRATION STATEMENT, ETC. None of the information supplied or to
be supplied by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (a)
the Registration Statement to be filed by Parent with the SEC in connection with
the Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger (the "REGISTRATION
STATEMENT"), (b) the Proxy Statement (the "PROXY STATEMENT") to be mailed to the
Company's stockholders in connection with the meeting (the "STOCKHOLDERS'
MEETING") to be called to consider the Merger, and (c) any other documents to be
filed with the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will,
at the respective times such documents are filed and at the time such documents
become effective or at the time any amendment or supplement thereto becomes
effective contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any
material fact required or necessary in order to make the statements therein not
misleading; and, in the case of the Registration Statement, when it becomes
effective or at the time any amendment or supplement thereto become effective,
will cause the Registration Statement or such supplement or amendment to contain
any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading; or, in the case of the Proxy Statement, when first
mailed to the stockholders of the Company, or in the case of the Proxy Statement
or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the time of the Stockholders'
Meeting, will cause the Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto to contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. All documents that the Company is responsible for filing with
the SEC and any other regulatory agency in connection with the Merger will
comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of applicable law
and any applicable rules or regulations thereunder, except that no
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representation is made by the Company with respect to statements made therein
based on information supplied by Parent or with respect to information
concerning Parent or Merger Sub which is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement.
3.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) Schedule 3.13 of the Company Disclosure Letter contains a list of each
material plan, program, arrangement, practice and contract which is maintained
by the Company or any Company Subsidiary or under which the Company or any
Company Subsidiary is obligated to make contributions and which provides
benefits or compensation to or on behalf of employees or former employees,
including but not limited to executive arrangements (for example, all bonus,
incentive compensation, stock option, deferred compensation, commission,
severance, golden parachute and other executive compensation plans, programs,
contracts or arrangements) and "employee benefit plans" as defined in Section
3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"). All such plans, programs, arrangements, practices or contracts are
referred to herein as "COMPANY EMPLOYEE PLANS." The Company has made available
to Parent the plan documents or other writing constituting each Company Employee
Plan that has been reduced to writing and, if applicable, the trust, insurance
contract or other funding arrangement, the ERISA summary plan description and
the most recent Forms 5500 and annual reports for each such Plan. The Company
has identified those Company Employee Plans which the Company intends to satisfy
the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code and has made available to Parent
accurate copies of the most recent favorable determination letters for such
plans.
(b) With respect to each Company Employee Plan that is subject to Title IV
or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the Code: (i) there does not
exist any accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of Section 412 of
the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (ii) no reportable
event within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA with respect to which the
30-day notice period has not been waived has occurred before the date of this
Agreement, nor is any such event reasonably likely to occur after the date of
this Agreement; and (iii) all premiums required to be paid to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation have been timely paid in full. There does not now
exist, nor do any circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to
result in, any Company Controlled Group Liability (as defined below) that could
reasonably be expected to be a liability of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary following the Effective Time. "COMPANY CONTROLLED GROUP LIABILITY"
means any and all liabilities under (i) Title IV of ERISA, (ii) Section 302 of
ERISA, (iii) Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code and (iv) the continuation
coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the
Code, other than, in each case, such liabilities that arise solely out of, or
relate solely to, the Company Employee Plans.
(c) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is, or has been, a
participant in a multiemployer plan (within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(37)).
Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary maintains or has at any time
maintained a Company Employee Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is obligated to provide
post-employment or retirement medical benefits or any other unfunded welfare
benefits to or on behalf of any Person who is no longer an employee of Company
or any Company Subsidiary, except for health continuation coverage as required
by Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA.
(d) Each Company Employee Plan has at all times been maintained, by its
terms and in operation, in accordance with all applicable laws, and each of
those Company Employee Plans which are intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code has at all times been maintained, by its terms and in
operation, in accordance with Section 401(a) of the Code, in each case except
where a failure to be so maintained would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Company. As of December 31, 1998, neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries had any liability under any Company Employee
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Plan that was not reflected in the Company audited consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 1998 or disclosed in the notes thereto, other than liabilities
which individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
(e) No prohibited transaction has occurred with respect to any Company
Employee Plan maintained by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that
would result, directly or indirectly, in the imposition of an excise tax or
other liability under the Code or ERISA, except for such a tax or other
liability that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company.
(f) The execution of or performance of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement will not create, accelerate or increase any obligations under the
Company Employee Plans which would exceed $1 million in the aggregate.
3.14 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING; LABOR DISPUTES; COMPLIANCE. Neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement. The employees of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
are not represented by any unions. Neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries is currently, nor has been during the past three years, the subject
of any union organizing drive. Neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries is currently, nor has been during the past three years, the subject
of any strike relating to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries nor, to
the knowledge of the Company, is any such activity threatened. Each of the
Company and each Company Subsidiary has substantially complied with all laws
relating to the employment and safety of labor, including the National Labor
Relations Act and other provisions relating to wages, hours, benefits,
collective bargaining and all applicable occupational safety and health acts,
laws and regulations. The Company has not engaged in any unfair labor practice
or discriminated on the basis of race, age, sex, disability or otherwise in its
employment conditions or practices with respect to its employees. Each of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries has substantially complied with the terms
of any collective bargaining agreement to which it is a party or is bound. No
action, suit, complaint, charge, grievance, arbitration, employee proceeding or
investigation by or before any court, governmental entity, administrative agency
or commission, brought by or on behalf of any employee, prospective employee,
former employee, retired employee, labor organization or other representative of
the Company's employees is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against the Company. The Company is not a party to or otherwise bound
by any consent decree with or citation by any government entity relating to the
Company's employees or employment practices relating to the Company's employees.
The Company is in compliance with its obligations with respect to the Company's
employees pursuant to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of
1988, and all other notification and bargaining obligations arising under any
collective bargaining agreement, statute or otherwise.
3.15 NO VIOLATION OF LAW.
(a) The business and operations of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries have
been conducted in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations
regulating the business of insurance, health maintenance organizations, health
care service plans, third party administrators and other managed care
organizations and all applicable orders and directives of insurance regulatory
authorities and market conduct recommendations resulting from market conduct
examinations of insurance regulatory authorities (collectively, "INSURANCE
LAWS"), except where the failure to so conduct such business and operations
could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Notwithstanding the generality of the
foregoing, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company, each Company Insurance Subsidiary and its agents have marketed, sold
and issued insurance products in compliance with all statutes, laws, ordinances,
rules, orders and regulations applicable to the business of such Company
Insurance Subsidiary and in the respective
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jurisdictions in which such products have been sold, including, without
limitation, in compliance with (i) all applicable requirements relating to the
disclosure of the nature of insurance products as policies of insurance and (ii)
all applicable requirements relating to insurance product projections. In
addition (i) there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
charge by any insurance regulatory authority that any of the Company Insurance
Subsidiaries has violated, nor any pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened investigation by any insurance regulatory authority with respect to
possible violations of, any applicable Insurance Laws where such violations
could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company; (ii) none of the Company Insurance
Subsidiaries is subject to any agreement, order or decree of any insurance
regulatory authority relating specifically to such Company Insurance Subsidiary
(as opposed to insurance companies generally) which could individually or in the
aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company; and (iii) the Company Insurance Subsidiaries have filed all reports
required to be filed with any insurance regulatory authority on or before the
date hereof as to which the failure to file such reports could reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company.
(b) In addition to Insurance Laws, the business and operations of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries have been conducted in compliance with all
other applicable laws, ordinances, regulations and orders of all governmental
entities and other regulatory bodies, except where such noncompliance,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company. In addition to Insurance Laws, (i)
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has been charged with or, to the
knowledge of the Company, is now under investigation with respect to, a
violation of any applicable law, regulation, ordinance, order or other
requirement of a Governmental Authority or other regulatory body, which
violations or penalties could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, (ii) neither the
Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any order,
judgment, decree or award of a Governmental Authority or other regulatory body
which has or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company; and (iii) the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries have filed all reports required to be filed with any
Governmental Authority on or before the date hereof as to which the failure to
file such reports could reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the
aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The Company and the
Company Subsidiaries have all permits, certificates, licenses, approvals and
other authorizations required in connection with the operation of the business
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, except for permits, certificates,
licenses, approvals and other authorizations the failure of which to have could
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company and except for such permits, certificates,
licenses, approvals and other authorizations required to be obtained in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.16 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as could not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company:
(a) there are not any past or present conditions or circumstances that could
reasonably be expected to interfere with or prevent the conduct of the business
of the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries in compliance with: (i) any
order of any court or arbitration board or tribunal, or any law, ordinance,
governmental rule or regulation related to human health or the environment
("ENVIRONMENTAL LAW"); or (ii) the terms or conditions of any permits,
approvals, licenses or consents required to be issued by any Governmental
Authority pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law;
(b) there are not any past or present conditions or circumstances at,
arising out of, or related to, any current or former business, assets or
properties of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, including but not limited
to on-site or off-site storage, treatment, disposal or the release or threatened
release of any chemical substance, product or waste, which could, individually
or in the aggregate,
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reasonably be expected to give rise to: (i) liabilities or obligations for any
cleanup, remediation, disposal or corrective action or any long-term monitoring
requirements under any Environmental Law or (ii) claims arising for personal
injury, property damage, or damage to natural resources;
(c) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has (i) received any
notice of noncompliance with, violation of, or liability or potential liability
under any Environmental Law or (ii) entered into any consent decree, settlement
or order or is subject to any order of any court or Governmental Authority or
tribunal under any Environmental Law or relating to the cleanup of any hazardous
or toxic materials, wastes, substances or any pollutants or contamination;
(d) there are no persons or entities whose liability, for any environmental
matters or under any applicable Environmental Law, the Company or any Company
Subsidiary has retained or assumed contractually or, to the best knowledge of
the Company, has retained or assumed by operation of law;
(e) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has handled or directed
the management of or participated in any decisions with respect to or exercised
any influence or control over the use, generation, storage, treatment or
disposal of any hazardous or toxic materials, wastes or substances at or related
to any of their business, assets or properties; and
(f) the Company and all Company Subsidiaries have made available to Parent
copies of all environmental inspections, audits, studies, plans, records, data
analyses or reports conducted or prepared by or on behalf of Company or any
Company Subsidiary and which are in their possession or control.
3.17 FAIRNESS OPINION. The Board of Directors of the Company has received
an opinion dated July 8, 1999 from Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated to the effect that as of such date the consideration to be received
by the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger is fair to such
stockholders from a financial point of view.
3.18 BROKERS AND FINDERS. Neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective officers, directors or employees, has
employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial
advisory fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or finder's fees, and no broker or
finder has acted directly or indirectly for the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries, in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except that the Company has retained Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated as its financial advisor, whose fees and expenses
will be paid by the Company.
3.19 TAKEOVER STATUTES. The Company has taken all actions necessary such
that no restrictive provision of any "fair price," "moratorium," "control share
acquisition," "business combination," "stockholder protection," "interested
shareholder" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation (including,
without limitation, Sections 607.0901 and 607.0902 of the FBCA) (each a
"TAKEOVER STATUTE") or restrictive provision of any applicable anti-takeover
provision in the charter or by-laws of the Company is, or at the Effective Time
will be, applicable to the Company, Parent, the Merger or any other transaction
contemplated by this Agreement, the Stock Option Agreement or the Voting
Agreement.
3.20 VOTING REQUIREMENTS. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock with
respect to this Agreement and the Merger is the only vote of the holders of any
class or series of the Company's capital stock necessary to approve this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.21 YEAR 2000. Except as could not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, each
hardware, software and firmware product (including embedded microcontrollers in
computer and non-computer equipment and products involved in electronic data
interchange and integration with third parties) utilized by the Company or the
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Company Subsidiaries will, when required to do so, correctly differentiate
between the years in different centuries and will accurately process date/time
data (including, but not limited to, calculating, comparing, and sequencing)
from, into, and between the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including leap
year calculations. The Year 2000 compliance status of material third parties
upon whom the Company or the Company Subsidiaries rely in their respective
businesses and operations, has been investigated with due inquiry and that all
reasonable steps, if necessary, have been undertaken by the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries to the extent any such material third parties pose a
material risk of Year 2000 non-compliance to mitigate said risks. The Company
and the Company Subsidiaries have and are implementing a Year 2000 remediation
plan, which contains inventory, assessment, remediation, testing and
implementation phases, and contingency plans, in connection with their
respective businesses and operations.
3.22 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Except as could not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company, the Company owns, or possesses valid license rights to, all
Intellectual Property used in the conduct of the business of the Company, and
the Company Subsidiaries own or possess valid license rights to all Intellectual
Property that is used in the conduct of the business of the Company Subsidiaries
taken as a whole. The Company has not received any notice of any conflict with
or violation or infringement of, any asserted rights of any other Person with
respect to any Intellectual Property owned or licensed by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary, which, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected
to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company. The conduct of the Company's and the Company Subsidiaries'
respective businesses as currently conducted does not conflict with any patents,
patent rights, licenses, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name
rights or copyrights of others, or any other rights with respect to Intellectual
Property, in a way which reasonably could be expected to have, individually or
in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. There is no material
infringement of any proprietary right owned by or licensed by or to the Company
or any Company Subsidiary which could, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. As used
in this Agreement, the phrase "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means all intellectual
property or other proprietary rights of every kind, including, without
limitation, all domestic or foreign patents, patent applications, inventions
(whether or not patentable), processes, products, technologies, discoveries,
copyrightable and copyrighted works, apparatus, trade secrets, trademarks
(registered and unregistered) and trademark applications and registrations,
brand names, certification marks, service marks and service mark applications
and registrations, trade names, trade dress, copyright registrations, design
rights, customer lists, marketing and customer information, mask works, rights,
know-how, licenses, technical information (whether confidential or otherwise),
software, and all documentation thereof.
3.23 INSURANCE MATTERS. Except as otherwise could not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company, all policies, binders, slips, certificates, annuity contracts and
participation agreements and other agreements of insurance, whether individual
or group, in effect as of the date hereof (including all applications,
supplements, endorsements, riders and ancillary agreements in connection
therewith) that are issued by the Company Insurance Subsidiaries (the "COMPANY
INSURANCE CONTRACTS") and any and all marketing materials, are, to the extent
required under applicable law, on forms approved by applicable insurance
regulatory authorities which have been filed and not objected to by such
authorities within the period provided for objection (the "FORMS"). The Forms
comply in all material respects with the insurance statutes, regulations and
rules applicable thereto and, as to premium rates established by the Company or
any Company Insurance Subsidiary which are required to be filed with or approved
by insurance regulatory authorities, the rates have been so filed or approved,
the premiums charged conform thereto in all material respects, and such premiums
comply in all material respects with the insurance statutes, regulations and
rules applicable thereto.
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(a) All reinsurance and coinsurance treaties or agreements, including
retrocessional agreements, to which the Company or any Company Insurance
Subsidiary is a party or under which the Company or any Company Insurance
Subsidiary has any existing rights, obligations or liabilities are in full force
and effect, except for such treaties or agreements the failure to be in full
force and effect of which could not reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Neither the
Company nor any Company Insurance Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the
executive officers of the Company, any other party to a reinsurance or
coinsurance treaty or agreement to which the Company or any Company Insurance
Subsidiary is a party, is in default in any material respect as to any provision
thereof, and no such agreement contains any provision providing that the other
party thereto may terminate such agreement by reason of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. The Company has not received any notice to the
effect that the financial condition of any other party to any such agreement is
impaired with the result that a default thereunder may reasonably be
anticipated, whether or not such default may be cured by the operation of any
offset clause in such agreement. All insurers or reinsurers which accounted for
the direction to the Company Insurance Subsidiaries or the ceding by the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries of insurance or reinsurance business at December 31, 1998
and the aggregate amount of business assumed or ceded by such insurers or
reinsurers are described in the Company Statutory Statements for the year ended
December 31, 1998. Since January 1, 1999, no insurer or reinsurer or group of
affiliated insurers or reinsurers accounted for the direction to the Company and
the Company Insurance Subsidiaries or the ceding by the Company and the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries of insurance or reinsurance business in an aggregate
amount equal to one percent or more of the combined statutory premiums and
deposits of the Company and the Company Insurance Subsidiaries for the year
ended December 31, 1998. Each of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries will be able
to obtain full reserve credit for financial statement purposes, under accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by the applicable insurance regulatory
authority with respect to reinsurance.
(b) Prior to the date hereof, the Company has delivered or made available to
Parent a true and complete copy of any actuarial reports prepared by actuaries,
independent or otherwise, with respect to the Company or any Company Insurance
Subsidiary since December 31, 1995, and all attachments, addenda, supplements
and modifications thereto (the "COMPANY ACTUARIAL ANALYSES"). The information
and data furnished by the Company or any Company Insurance Subsidiary to its
independent actuaries in connection with the preparation of the Company
Actuarial Analyses were accurate in all material respects. Furthermore, to the
knowledge of the executive officers of the Company, each Company Actuarial
Analyses was based upon an accurate inventory of policies in force for the
Company and the Company Insurance Subsidiaries, as the case may be, at the
relevant time of preparation, was prepared using appropriate modeling procedures
accurately applied and in conformity with generally accepted actuarial standards
consistently applied, and the projections contained therein were properly
prepared in accordance with the assumptions stated therein.
(c) None of Standard & Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
or A.M. Best Company has announced that it has under surveillance or review its
rating of the financial strength or claims-paying ability of any Company
Insurance Subsidiary, and the Company has no reason to believe that any rating
presently held by the Company Insurance Subsidiaries is likely to be modified,
qualified, lowered or placed under such surveillance for any reason.
(d) Except as reflected in the financial statements included in the Company
Reports, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any liability or
obligation with respect to assessments by or from state insurance guaranty
funds.
(e) The Company Insurance Subsidiaries have filed all returns, cost reports
and other filings in the manner prescribed by applicable laws, rules, ordinances
or regulations, except for any such non-compliance or failure to make any such
filing or filings which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. All returns, cost
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reports and other financial filings made by the Company Insurance Subsidiaries
to Medicare, Medicaid or any other health or welfare related Governmental
Authority or third party payor were true, correct and complete in all material
respects as of their date of filing. None of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries
has been subject to any written finding of, or is currently subject to any
pending or threatened audit relating to, fraudulent procedures or practices
arising out of the provision of health care services relating to Medicare,
Medicaid or any other Governmental Authority with which any Company Insurance
Subsidiary has a contract to provide health care services or benefits.
3.24 INVESTMENT COMPANY. None of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries
maintains any separate accounts. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary
conducts activities of, or is otherwise deemed under applicable law to, control
an "investment advisor" as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(20) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 ACT"), whether or not
registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Neither the
Company nor any Company Subsidiary is an "investment company" as defined under
the 1940 Act, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary sponsors any
Person that is such an investment company.
3.25 INSURANCE. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries maintain
insurance coverage reasonably adequate for the operation of their respective
businesses. The insurance maintained by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
insures against risks and liabilities to the extent and in the manner reasonably
deemed appropriate and sufficient by the Company or such Company Subsidiary, and
the coverage provided thereunder will not be materially and adversely affected
by the Merger.
3.26 TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. No director, officer or, to the best
knowledge of the Company, beneficial owner of 5% or more of the capital stock of
the Company or any Company Subsidiary or, to the best knowledge of the Company,
any member of his or her immediate family or any other of its, his or her
affiliates, owns or controls any Person which has any material contract,
agreement, understanding, business arrangement or relationship to the Company or
any Company Subsidiary.
3.27 CONTRACTS. All of the contracts, agreements or arrangements of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries that are required to be described in the
most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K included in the Company Reports or to be
filed as exhibits thereto (the "CONTRACTS") are described in such Company Report
or filed as exhibits thereto and are in full force and effect. True and complete
copies of all such Contracts have been delivered or have been made available by
the Company to Parent. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has
violated, is in breach of any provision of, or is in default (or, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would be in default) under, or has taken any action
resulting in the termination of, acceleration of performance required by, or
resulting in a right of termination or acceleration under, any of the Contracts,
except for such violations, breaches, defaults, terminations or accelerations
which could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. Neither the Company nor the
Company Subsidiaries is party to any contract, agreement or arrangement
containing any provision or covenant limiting in any manner the ability of the
Company or the Company Subsidiaries to (a) sell any products or services of or
to any other Person, (b) engage in any line of business, or (c) compete with or
to obtain products or services from any Person or limiting the ability of any
Person to provide products or services to the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party
to any written contract, agreement or arrangement which provides for payments in
the event of a change of control.
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ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT AND MERGER SUBSIDIARY
Except as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered to the Company
concurrent with the execution hereof (the "PARENT DISCLOSURE LETTER"), each of
Parent and Merger Sub hereby represents and warrants to Company as follows:
4.1 ORGANIZATION, GOOD STANDING AND POWER.
(a) Parent is a Delaware corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Parent is duly qualified or
licensed to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties make
such qualification or licensing necessary, except where the failure to be so
qualified or licensed or to be in good standing could not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent. Parent has delivered to Company complete and correct copies of its
articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational
documents and all amendments thereto to the date hereof.
(b) Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
4.2 CAPITALIZATION. (a) The authorized capital stock of Parent consists of
2,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value of $.01 per share, of which as
of March 31, 1999, 900,000,000 shares were issued and 811,762,872 shares were
outstanding, 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value of $1.00 per share
("PARENT PREFERRED STOCK"), of which as of March 31, 1999, no shares are issued
and outstanding. All outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to any
preemptive rights. All of the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
exchange for Company Common Stock at the Effective Time in accordance with this
Agreement will be, when so issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and not subject to any preemptive rights. Except as set forth
above, as of March 31, 1999, there were no shares of capital stock or other
equity securities of Parent outstanding, and, except as set forth in Schedule
4.2 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, there are no outstanding options, warrants
or rights to purchase or acquire from Parent any capital stock of Parent, there
are no existing registration covenants with Parent with respect to outstanding
shares of Parent Common Stock, and there are no convertible securities or other
contracts, commitments, agreements, understandings, arrangements or restrictions
by which Parent is bound to issue any additional shares of its capital stock or
other securities.
(b) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub
consists of 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, all of
which are issued and outstanding and owned by Parent. All such outstanding
shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
subject to any preemptive rights.
4.3 AUTHORITY; ENFORCEABILITY. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has the
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each of Parent and
Merger Sub, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent
and Merger Sub and, upon due authorization, execution and delivery by the
Company, constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and
Merger Sub, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, (i) except as
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii)
subject to general principles of equity.
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4.4 NON-CONTRAVENTION; CONSENTS.
(a) Neither the execution, delivery and performance by Parent or Merger Sub
of this Agreement, nor the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by Parent or Merger Sub with
any of the provisions hereof, will:
(i) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of,
constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of,
accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination
or acceleration, or the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Parent or Merger Sub,
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (x) its respective
organizational documents, or (y) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed
of trust, license, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument or
obligation to which Parent or any of Subsidiaries of Parent ("PARENT
SUBSIDIARIES") is a party, or by which Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries may be bound, or to which Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries or the properties or assets of any of them may be subject, and
that could, in any such event, specified in this clause (a) reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent; or
(ii) subject to compliance with the statutes and regulations referred to
in Section 4.4(b), violate any valid and enforceable judgment, ruling,
order, writ, injunction, decree, or any statute, rule or regulation
applicable to Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or assets where such violation could, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
on Parent.
(b) Except for (i) the filing of applications and notices, as applicable,
with state insurance regulatory authorities in the states in which the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries operate their respective business and the approval of
such applications or the grant of required licenses by such authorities, (ii)
the filing of notification and report forms under the HSR Act and the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period thereunder, (iii) the filing
with the SEC of the Proxy Statement relating to the meeting of the Company's
stockholders to be held in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby and the filing and declaration of effectiveness of the
Registration Statement relating to the shares of Parent Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger, (iv) the filing of articles of merger with the Secretaries
of State of the States of Delaware and Florida pursuant to the DGCL and the
FBCA, respectively, (v) the approval of the listing of the Parent Common Stock
to be issued in the Merger on the NYSE, and (vi) any filings, approvals or other
requirements under state securities laws or state insurance company stock
issuance laws, no notices to, consents or approvals of, or filings or
registrations with, any Governmental Authority or with any third party are
necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by Parent or Merger Sub
of this Agreement and the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except for such notices, consents, approvals,
filings or registrations, the failure of which to be made or obtained could not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent.
4.5 SEC REPORTS; PARENT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Since January 1, 1996, Parent has timely filed all reports, registration
statements, proxy statements or information statements and all other documents,
together with any amendments required to be made thereto, required to be filed
with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (collectively, the
"PARENT REPORTS"). Parent has heretofore made available to the Company true
copies of all the Parent Reports, together with all exhibits thereto, that the
Company has requested. Included in such Parent Reports are (i) audited
consolidated balance sheets of Parent and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1996,
1997 and 1998 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the notes thereto and (ii)
the unaudited balance
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sheets of Parent and its subsidiaries at March 31, 1999 and the related
unaudited statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
periods then ended and the notes thereto, each consolidated to the extent
indicated therein.
(b) All of the financial statements included in the Parent Reports presented
fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of Parent
and its subsidiaries as at the dates mentioned and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the periods then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal,
recurring audit adjustments as may be permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC). As of
their respective dates, the Parent Reports complied in all material respects
with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC 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 in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading. Except to the extent reflected on the balance sheet included in the
Parent's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 or
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, neither
Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has any liabilities or obligations of any
nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise), except for
liabilities or obligations which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had
or could not reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on
Parent.
4.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed in the
Parent Reports, since December 31, 1998, there has not been any change, event,
condition (financial or otherwise) or state of circumstances or facts in the
business, financial condition or results of operations of Parent and the Parent
Subsidiaries which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the following shall be
excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect and from the
determination of whether such Material Adverse Effect has occurred for purposes
of this Section 4.6: the effects of conditions or events that (i) are generally
applicable to the life insurance industry (ii) result from general economic
conditions including changes in interest rates or stock market conditions in the
United States or (iii) result from the announcement of the Merger.
4.7 REGISTRATION STATEMENT, ETC. None of the information supplied or to be
supplied by Parent for inclusion or incorporation by reference in (a) the
Registration Statement, (b) the Proxy Statement and (c) any other documents to
be filed with the SEC in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
will, at the respective times such documents are filed, and, in the case of the
Registration Statement, when it becomes effective or at the time any amendment
or supplement thereto becomes effective, cause the Registration Statement or
such supplement or amendment to contain any untrue statement of a material fact,
or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading, or, in the case of the Proxy Statement, when first
mailed to the stockholders of the Company, or in the case of the Proxy Statement
or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, at the time of the Stockholders'
Meeting, cause the Proxy Statement or any amendment thereof or supplement
thereto to contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All documents that
Parent is responsible for filing with the SEC and any other regulatory agency in
connection with the Merger will comply as to form in all material respects with
the provisions of applicable law and any applicable rules or regulations
thereunder, except that no representation is made by Parent with respect to
statements made therein based on information supplied by Company or with respect
to information concerning the Company which is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement.
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4.8 BROKERS AND FINDERS. Neither Parent nor any of the Parent
Subsidiaries, nor any of their respective officers, directors or employees, has
employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any financial
advisory fees, brokerage fees, commissions, or finder's fees, and no broker or
finder has acted directly or indirectly for Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries, in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby, except that Parent has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. as its
financial advisor, whose fees and expenses will be paid by Parent.
4.9 INTERIM OPERATIONS OF MERGER SUB. Merger Sub was formed solely for the
purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated hereby, has engaged in no
other business activities and has conducted its operations only as contemplated
hereby.
ARTICLE 5
CONDUCT AND TRANSACTIONS PRIOR TO
EFFECTIVE TIME; CERTAIN COVENANTS
5.1 ACCESS AND INFORMATION.
Upon reasonable notice, the Company shall (and shall cause the Company
Subsidiaries to) give to Parent and Parent's accountants, counsel and other
representatives reasonable access during normal business hours throughout the
period prior to the Effective Time to all of its and its Subsidiaries'
properties, books, contracts, information systems, commitments and records
(including tax returns, audit work papers and insurance policies) and shall
permit them to consult with its and its Subsidiaries' respective officers,
employees, auditors, actuaries, attorneys and agents; provided, however, that
any such investigation or consultation shall be conducted in such a manner as
not to interfere unreasonably with the business or operations of the Company or
the Company Subsidiaries. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company shall permit Parent and its representatives access to: (i) all computer
software programs that are material to the conduct of the business of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries for the purpose of monitoring the
implementation and progress of the testing and readiness of the Company's Year
2000 remediation plan. Parent will be given direct access to all third party
independent assessments, both written and verbal, and any internal documentation
and internal discussions regarding action plans related to the Company's Year
2000 readiness efforts; and (ii) all businesses, assets and properties owned,
operated, managed, leased or financed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary
to conduct such assessment and investigation, during reasonable business hours
and upon reasonable prior notice to the Company, as Parent shall determine, in
Parent's sole judgment, as reasonably necessary to ascertain their environmental
condition. All confidential information provided pursuant to this Section 5.1
will be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement dated as of June 1, 1999 (the
"CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT"), between the Company and Parent and Section 8.13
hereof.
5.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING MERGER.
(a) The Company agrees that from the date hereof through the Effective Time,
except as contemplated by this Agreement or to the extent that Parent shall
otherwise consent in writing, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries will
operate their businesses only in the ordinary course; and, consistent with such
operation, will use reasonable efforts consistent with past practices to
preserve their business organizations intact, to keep available to them the
goodwill of their employees, agents, third party administrators, policyholders,
borrowers, customers and others with whom business relationships exist to the
end that their goodwill and ongoing business shall not be impaired in any
material respect at the Effective Time, and will further exercise reasonable
efforts to maintain their existing relationships with their employees in
general.
(b) The Company agrees that from the date hereof through the Effective Time,
except as otherwise consented to by Parent in writing (i) neither it nor any
Company Subsidiary will change any provision of its Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws or similar governing documents; (ii) it will not
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make, declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution with respect to
any shares of capital stock, except regular quarterly cash dividends with
respect to the Company Common Stock (not to exceed $0.11 per share per quarter);
(iii) except in connection with the issuance of shares of common stock pursuant
to the exercise of presently outstanding employee stock options, it will not
directly or indirectly sell, issue, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, any
shares of its outstanding capital stock, change the number of shares of its
authorized or issued capital stock or issue or grant any option, warrant, call,
commitment, subscription, right to purchase or agreement of any character
relating to its authorized or issued capital stock or any securities convertible
into shares of such stock and (iv) no purchases of Company Common Stock shall be
effected under any stock buy-back program of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary. Prior to the Effective Time, each of the Company and Parent agrees
to coordinate, to the extent practicable (taking into account such party's prior
policies with respect to the timing of record, declaration and payment dates) so
as not to adversely affect either party's shareholders because of the timing of
record, declaration or payment dates.
(c) The Company agrees that from the date hereof to the Effective Time it
will not take or permit any Company Subsidiary to take any of the following
actions, except to the extent consented to by Parent in writing:
(i) (x) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices, enter into any agreement representing an obligation for
indebtedness for borrowed money or increase the principal amount of
indebtedness under any existing agreement or assume, guarantee, endorse or
otherwise become responsible for the obligations of any other individual,
firm or corporation (except a guarantee of the obligation of a Company
Subsidiary), or (y) take any of the actions specified in clause (x) of this
Section 5.2(c)(i) to the extent that (i) any indebtedness or obligations
incurred thereunder would, individually or in the aggregate, exceed $15
million or (ii) the proceeds from any indebtedness incurred in accordance
with this clause (y) of this Section 5.2(c)(i) are used for purposes other
than the payment of regular quarterly dividends with respect to the Company
Common Stock, regular distributions with respect to the FELINE PRIDES,
payments of interest in the ordinary course with respect to indebtedness of
the Company outstanding as of the date hereof or for payments of federal
income taxes, in each case, in the ordinary course and consistent with past
practices.
(ii) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices, mortgage or pledge any of its properties or assets;
(iii) except as may be required by law or except in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practices, (A) take any action to amend or
terminate any Company Employee Plan or increase the compensation of any of
its executive officers or employees (other than increases which are in the
aggregate in the ordinary course) or (B) adopt any other material plan,
program, arrangement or practice providing new or increased benefits or
compensation to its employees;
(iv) materially amend or cancel or agree to the material amendment or
cancellation of any agreement, treaty or arrangement which is material to
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or to the
Company Insurance Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, or enter into any
new agreement, treaty or arrangement which is material to the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or to the Company Insurance
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (other than the renewal of any existing
agreements, treaties or arrangements);
(v) enter into any negotiation with respect to, or adopt or amend in any
material respect, any Collective Bargaining Agreement without prior notice
to Parent;
(vi) make any material change in accounting methods, principles or
practices used by the Company in connection with the business of the
Company, including without limitation any change with respect to
establishment of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, except
insofar as
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may be required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles, tax
accounting principles or statutory accounting practices prescribed by any
applicable Governmental Authority or as may be required by law or any
Governmental Authority;
(vii) pay, loan or advance (other than the payment of compensation,
directors' fees or reimbursements of expenses in the ordinary course of
business and other than as may be required by any agreement in effect as of
the date hereof) any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or
assets (real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) to, or enter into
any material agreement or arrangement with, any of its officers or directors
or any "affiliate" or "associate" of any of its officers or directors (as
such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act);
(viii) acquire, form or commence the operations of any business or any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, marketing arrangement, association
or other business organization or division;
(ix) make or rescind any express or deemed election relating to Taxes
except for ordinary course elections made in connection with the filing of
Tax Returns that are either consistent with past practices or that would not
materially increase the Taxes of the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries; make a request for a Tax Ruling or enter into a Closing
Agreement; settle or compromise any claim, action, suit, litigation,
proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit, or controversy relating to
Taxes; or change any of its methods of reporting income, deductions or
accounting for federal income tax purposes from those employed in the
preparation of its federal income Tax Return for the taxable year ending
December 31, 1998, except as may be required by applicable law;
(x) pay, discharge, settle or satisfy any claims, liabilities or
obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction of liabilities
(i) reflected or reserved against in, or contemplated by, the financial
statements (or the notes thereto) of the Company included in the Company
Reports or (ii) incurred since December 31, 1998 in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
(xi) other than consistent with past practice (or following consultation
with the Parent, consistent with industry standards), materially alter the
mix of investment assets of the Company or the duration or credit quality of
such assets;
(xii) other than consistent with past practice (or following
consultation with the Parent, consistent with industry standards),
materially alter the profile of the insurance liabilities of the Company
Insurance Subsidiaries or materially alter the pricing practices or policies
of the Company Insurance Subsidiaries;
(xiii) except in the ordinary course of business, lease or otherwise
dispose of any of its assets (including capital stock of the Company
Subsidiaries) which are material to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, individually or in the aggregate;
(xiv) make or agree to make any new capital expenditure or expenditures,
or enter into any agreement or agreements therefor providing for payments
which, individually or in the aggregate, are in excess of $5.0 million;
(xv) permit the Company Subsidiaries to, except pursuant to contractual
commitments in effect on the date hereof and disclosed in the Company
Disclosure Letter, acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating
with, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a substantial
portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any
corporation, partnership, association or other business organization or
division thereof or otherwise acquire or
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agree to acquire any assets or securities in each case other than portfolio
investments made in the ordinary course and consistent with past practices
by the Company Insurance Subsidiaries;
(xvi) (A) enter into any reinsurance agreement, treaty or similar
arrangement with respect to the Company's credit insurance business, other
than in the ordinary course of such business consistent with past practice,
or (B) without Parent's written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld), enter into any other reinsurance agreement, treaty
or similar arrangement; or
(xvii) enter into any agreement to take any of the actions described in
Section 5.2(b) or elsewhere in this Section 5.2(c).
(d) The Company agrees that from the date hereof through the Effective Time,
the Company shall, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to:
(i) promptly notify Parent of any material change in its condition
(financial or otherwise) or business or any material litigation or material
governmental complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications in
writing indicating that such litigation, complaints, investigations or
hearings may be contemplated), or the breach of any representation or
warranty contained herein and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts
to prevent or remedy the same;
(ii) promptly deliver to Parent true and correct copies of any report,
statement or schedule filed with the SEC and any public communication
released by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries subsequent to the date
of this Agreement; and
(iii) use reasonable efforts to maintain insurance with financially
responsible companies in such amounts and against such risks and losses as
are customary for such party.
(c) Parent agrees that from the date hereof through the Effective Time,
Parent shall, and shall cause the Parent Subsidiaries to promptly notify the
Company of any material change in its condition (financial or otherwise) or
business or any material litigation or material governmental complaints,
investigations or hearing (or communications in writing indicating that such
litigation, complaints, investigations or hearings may be contemplated), or the
breach in any material respect of any representation or warranty contained
herein and shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to prevent or remedy
the same.
5.3 NO SOLICITATIONS. The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, nor shall it authorize or permit any officer, director or
employee of, or any investment banker, attorney or other advisor or
representative or agent of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage the submission of any
Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) or (ii) participate in any discussions
or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person any information with respect
to, or take any other action to knowingly facilitate any inquiries or the making
of any proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any
Acquisition Proposal; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that nothing contained in this Section
5.3 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of the Company (and its authorized
representatives) from (i) furnishing information to, or entering into
discussions or negotiations with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited
Acquisition Proposal if, and only to the extent that (A) the Board of Directors
of the Company after consultation with and based on the advice of outside
counsel, determines in good faith that in order for the Board of Directors of
the Company to comply with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable
law, giving appropriate consideration to Section 607.0830(3) of the FBCA, it
should take such action, (B) prior to taking such action, the Company receives
from such Person an executed confidentiality agreement having terms no less
favorable (in the aggregate) to the Company than the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreement and (C) the Company determines in good faith (after
consultation with its financial advisor) that such Acquisition Proposal, if
accepted, is reasonably likely to be consummated, taking into account all legal,
financial and regulatory aspects of the proposal, and the proposal would,
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if consummated, result in a more favorable transaction than the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, taking into account the long term prospects and
interests of the Company and its stockholders (such more favorable Acquisition
Proposal hereinafter referred to as a "SUPERIOR PROPOSAL"); or (ii) complying
with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to an Acquisition
Proposal. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the
Company shall (i) promptly (but in any event within 24 hours of receipt) advise
Parent orally and in writing of (A) the receipt by it (or any of the other
entities or persons referred to above) after the date hereof of any Acquisition
Proposal, or any inquiry which could reasonably be expected to lead to any such
Acquisition Proposal, (B) the material terms and conditions of such Acquisition
Proposal or inquiry, and (C) the identity of the person making any such
Acquisition Proposal or inquiry, (ii) keep Parent reasonably informed of the
status and details of any such Acquisition Proposal or inquiry and (iii)
negotiate with Parent to make adjustments in the terms of this Agreement. For
purposes of this Agreement, "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" means any inquiry, proposal
or offer from any person relating to any direct or indirect acquisition or
purchase of a business that constitutes 15% or more of the net revenues, net
income or the assets of the Company or any of its significant Subsidiaries (as
defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Exchange Act) (a
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY"), or 15% or more of any class of equity securities of
the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, any tender offer or exchange
offer that if consummated would result in any person beneficially owning 15% or
more of any class of equity securities of the Company or any of its Significant
Subsidiaries, any reinsurance transaction entered into outside the ordinary
course of business involving more than 15% of any Significant Subsidiary's
assets or policyholder liabilities, or any merger, consolidation, business
combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction
involving the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries, other than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.4 FIDUCIARY DUTIES. Except as set forth below, the Board of Directors of
the Company shall not (i) withdraw or materially modify in a manner adverse to
Parent, the approval or recommendation by such Board of Directors of this
Agreement or the Merger, or (ii) approve, recommend or cause the Company to
enter into any agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company receives an Acquisition Proposal
and the Board of Directors of the Company (A) determines in good faith,
following consultation with and based on the advice of outside counsel, that it
is necessary to do so in order to comply with its fiduciary duties to
stockholders under applicable law, giving appropriate consideration to Section
607.0830(3) of the FBCA, and (B) determines in good faith (after consultation
with its financial advisors) that such Acquisition Proposal is a Superior
Proposal, the Board of Directors may (w) withdraw or materially modify in a
manner adverse to Parent its approval or recommendation of this Agreement and
the Merger, (x) approve or recommend such Superior Proposal or (y) cause the
Company to enter into an agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal. If
the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(iv) or Parent
exercises its right to terminate this Agreement under Section 7.1(c)(v) based on
the Board of Directors of the Company having taken any action described in
clause (w), (x) or (y) of the preceding sentence, the Company shall, concurrent
with the taking of such action or such termination (a "FEE PAYMENT EVENT"), as
applicable, become obligated to pay to Parent upon Parent's demand, the Section
5.5 Fee (as hereinafter defined). Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Agreement to the contrary, any action by the Board of Directors of the Company
permitted by this Section 5.4 shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement by
the Company.
5.5 CERTAIN FEES. If a Fee Payment Event occurs, the Company shall pay to
Parent upon demand the Section 5.5 Fee (as defined below), payable in same-day
funds, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, without prejudice to any
other rights that Parent may have against the Company. If the Company fails
after such demand to promptly pay to Parent any amounts due under this Section
5.5, the Company shall pay the costs and expenses (including reasonable legal
fees and expenses) in connection with any action, including the filing of any
lawsuit or other legal action, taken to collect payment, together with interest
on the amount of any unpaid fee at the publicly announced prime rate
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of Citibank, N.A. in effect from time to time from the date such fee was
required to be paid. "SECTION 5.5 FEE" means $33 million or such lesser amount
demanded by Parent pursuant to this Section 5.5; it being understood that
Parent's rights to the Section 5.5 Fee shall be subject to the profit limitation
set forth in Section 23 of the Stock Option Agreement and, accordingly, Parent
may, consistent with such Section 23, demand an amount less than $33 million.
5.6 TAKEOVER STATUTES. If any "fair price," "moratorium," "control share
acquisition," "business combination," "stockholder protection," "interested
shareholder" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation enacted under
state or Federal law shall become applicable to the Merger or any of the other
transactions contemplated hereby, each of the Company and Parent and the Board
of Directors of each of the Company and Parent shall grant such approvals and
take such commercially reasonable actions as are within its authority and
consistent with its fiduciary obligations to its stockholders as determined in
good faith by such Board so that the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms
contemplated hereby and otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts, subject
to such fiduciary duties, to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute
or regulation on the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
5.7 CONSENTS. Each of the Company and Parent will use commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain the written consent or approval of each and every
Governmental Authority and other regulatory body, the consent or approval of
which shall be required in order to permit Parent, Merger Sub and the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company will use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the written consent or approval, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, of each Person whose
consent or approval shall be required in order to permit the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.8 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Subject to the terms and conditions herein
provided, each of the parties hereto will promptly file and prosecute diligently
the applications and related documents required to be filed by such party with
the applicable regulatory authorities in order to effect the transactions
contemplated hereby, including filings under the HSR Act requesting early
termination of the applicable waiting period and filings with state insurance
authorities. Each party hereto agrees to use all commercially reasonable efforts
to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is necessary or
desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and
directors of each corporation which is a party to this Agreement shall take all
such necessary action. Each of the parties hereto agrees to defend vigorously
against any actions, suits or proceedings in which such party is named as
defendant which seeks to enjoin, restrain or prohibit the transactions
contemplated hereby or seeks damages with respect to such transactions.
5.9 NYSE LISTING. Parent will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause
to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in connection
with the Merger and such other shares required to be reserved for issuance in
connection with the Merger.
5.10 REGISTRATION STATEMENT; STOCKHOLDER APPROVALS.
(a) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the execution of this
Agreement, Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement
and the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the Proxy Statement. Parent
shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration
Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as
practicable after such filing and shall take all commercially reasonable actions
required to be taken under any applicable state blue sky or securities laws or
state insurance company stock issuance laws in connection with the issuance of
the shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement. Each party hereto
shall
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furnish all information concerning it and the holders of its capital stock as
the other party hereto may reasonably request in connection with such actions.
(b) The Company shall call a Stockholders' Meeting to be held as soon as
practicable after the date hereof for the purpose of voting upon the Merger and
this Agreement. Subject to Section 5.4, (i) the Company shall mail the Proxy
Statement to its stockholders, (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall
recommend to its stockholders the approval of the Merger and this Agreement, and
(iii) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such
stockholder approval. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company agrees that, subject to its right to terminate this Agreement pursuant
to Section 7.1(b)(iv), its obligations pursuant to this Section 5.10(b) shall
not be affected by the commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or
communication to Company of any Acquisition Proposal.
(c) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be
delivered to Parent a letter from each of Ernst & Young LLP and KPMG LLP, dated
a date within two Business Days before the date of the Registration Statement,
and addressed to Parent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent
and customary in scope and substance for "cold comfort" letters delivered by
independent public accountants in connection with registration statements on
Form S-4.
(d) Parent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be
delivered to the Company a letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP, dated a date within
two Business Days before the date of the Registration Statement, and addressed
to the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and
customary in scope and substance for "cold comfort" letters delivered by
independent public accountants in connection with registration statements on
Form S-4.
5.11 EXPENSES. Subject to Section 5.5, if this Agreement is terminated for
any reason without breach by any party, each party hereto shall pay its own
expenses incident to preparing for, entering into, and carrying out this
Agreement and to consummating the Merger, except that the Company and Parent
shall divide equally the costs incurred in connection with the printing and
mailing of the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement and related
documents, and Parent shall pay all filing or registration fees, including state
securities laws filings or registration fees, if any.
5.12 PRESS RELEASES. Without the consent of the other parties, prior to
the Effective Time none of the parties shall issue any press release or make any
public announcement with regard to this Agreement or the Merger or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that nothing in this
Section 5.12 shall be deemed to (i) prohibit the Company or Parent from making
any disclosures, press releases or announcements relating to their respective
businesses or operations, or (ii) prohibit any party hereto from making any
disclosure which its counsel deems necessary or advisable in order to fulfill
such party's disclosure obligations imposed by law or the rules of any national
securities exchange or automated quotation system.
5.13 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.
(a) Until such time as the applicable statute of limitations shall have
expired, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall provide with respect to each
present or former director and officer of the Company (the "INDEMNIFIED
PARTIES"), the indemnification rights (including any rights to advancement of
expenses) which such Indemnified Parties had from the Company immediately prior
to the Effective Time, or, if greater, to the fullest extent provided under the
FBCA.
(b) In the event that the Merger Sub or any of its successors or assigns (i)
consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or
surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii)
transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision will be made so that
the successors and assigns of the Merger Sub assume the obligations set forth in
this Section 5.13.
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(c) Immediately following the Effective Time, Parent shall cause to be in
effect the policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained
by the Company as of the date hereof (provided Parent may substitute therefor
policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and
conditions which are no less advantageous) with respect to claims arising from
facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time, and Parent shall
maintain such coverage for a period of six years after the Effective Time;
provided, however, that in no event shall Parent be required to expend pursuant
to this Section 5.13(c) on an annual basis more than an amount equal to 300% of
the annual premiums paid by the Company as of the date hereof for such insurance
and, in the event the cost of such coverage shall exceed that amount, Parent
shall purchase as much coverage as possible for that amount.
(d) This Section 5.13 shall survive the Closing and is intended to benefit
the Company, the Merger Sub and each of the Indemnified Parties and his or her
heirs and representatives (each of whom shall be entitled to enforce this
Section 5.13 against Parent or the Merger Sub to the extent specified herein)
and shall be binding on all successors and assigns of Parent and the Merger Sub.
5.14 TAX TREATMENT. Parent and the Company agree to treat the Merger as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. None of Parent,
the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries have taken or failed to take
or shall take or fail to take any action which action or failure to act could
jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code.
5.15 HEADQUARTERS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITY. Following the Closing Date,
Parent will maintain the headquarters and primary administrative center of the
Surviving Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida to the extent that so maintaining
the headquarters and administrative center would be consistent with the
financially responsible management of the Surviving Corporation. Following the
Closing Date, Parent will also include Jacksonville, Florida in Parent's
nationwide efforts to improve communities through neighborhood revitalization,
volunteerism and youth programs so long as Parent continues such efforts.
5.16 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Following the Closing Date, except as otherwise
provided in Section 5.17(e), Parent will maintain the Company's incentive
compensation, deferred compensation (MSP), profit sharing, and group carve out
plans in effect on June 1, 1999 for the employees of the Surviving Corporation
and its Subsidiaries who are employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
immediately prior to the Closing ("COMPANY EMPLOYEES"), subject to the following
limits and conditions (i) the consummation of the Merger shall not directly or
indirectly materially increase the benefits provided thereunder to Company
Employees, (ii) the annual cost for the plans listed in Section 3.13 of the
Company Disclosure Letter have been reflected in the Company's consolidated
financial statements prepared pursuant to generally accepted accounting
principles on an annual basis, and (iii) Parent may make changes to such plans
or substitute new plans so long as the benefits provided to Company Employees
during the 3-year period commencing on the Closing Date, in the aggregate, are
not less than the benefits in place for Company Employees on June 1, 1999 under
the plans listed in Section 3.13 of the Company Disclosure Letter. To the extent
that Company Employees become participants in Parent's or its Subsidiaries'
employee benefit plans, they will receive credit under any such plans of Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries for service with the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time for the purpose of determining
eligibility and vesting (including for the purposes of determining levels of
benefit under vacation or vacation pay plans, but not for the purpose of
determining benefit accrual under any other plan, policy or arrangement,
including but not limited to any defined benefit pension or similar retirement
plan) thereunder. In addition, in such event Parent shall cause any and all
pre-existing condition limitations and eligibility waiting periods under group
health plans of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the 10-year
participation requirement for retiree health coverage) to be waived with respect
to Company Employees and their eligible dependents. All discretionary awards and
benefits under any employee benefit plans of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
shall be subject to the discretion of the Persons or committee administering
such plans.
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5.17 STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER INCENTIVE PROGRAMS.
(a) Except as set forth below, at the Effective Time, each outstanding stock
option issued under the Company's incentive plans and arrangements under which
options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock have been granted (each, a
"COMPANY OPTION"), (i) to the Company's current Chief Executive Officer, shall
become 100% vested and exercisable and then shall be canceled by the Company,
and (ii) to Company Employees other than the Company's current Chief Executive
Officer shall be canceled by the Company and, in the case of each of the persons
in clauses (i) and (ii), replaced with a stock option (under one or more of
Parent's plans that provide for the issuance of stock options) for the purchase
of shares of Parent Common Stock (each such stock option a "PARENT REPLACEMENT
OPTION"), as follows; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the case of any Company Option
to which Section 421 of the Code applies by reason of its qualification under
any of Sections 422-424 of the Code, the option price, the number of shares
purchasable pursuant to the applicable Parent Replacement Option and the terms
and conditions of exercise of such Parent Replacement Option shall be determined
in order to comply with Section 424(a) of the Code:
(i) The option price under each Parent Replacement Option shall be
determined by the following formula:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Option Price = A
--------------
Exchange Ratio
</TABLE>
Any fraction of a cent shall be rounded down to the next full cent.
(ii) The number of shares of Parent Common Stock for which the Parent
Replacement Option is exercisable shall be determined in accordance with the
following formula:
Number of shares = B X Exchange Ratio
Any fractional share shall be rounded up to the next full share.
(iii) In the foregoing formulas,
"A" is the option price for a Company Option being canceled and replaced
with a Parent Replacement Option,
"B" is the number of shares of Company Common Stock for which the Company
Option to be replaced with a Parent Replacement Option is exercisable
(assuming the Company Option is as of the Effective Time exercisable
in full for the maximum number of shares with respect to which such
Company Option may become exercisable).
(iv) Each Parent Replacement Option shall have the same terms and
conditions (other than the option price and the number of shares of Parent
Common Stock and other than as provided in the next paragraph) as, and shall
preserve the benefits each Company Employee had under, the corresponding
Company Option.
Each Parent Replacement Option held by any Company Employee other than the
Company's current Chief Executive Officer shall be treated as follows: The
portion of the Parent Replacement Options that relates to the 100% vested and
exercisable portions of the corresponding Company Options shall be or become
100% vested and exercisable at the Effective Time, and the remaining portions of
the Parent Replacement Options shall be or become vested and exercisable, in the
aggregate, in accordance with the following schedule (unless the provisions of
the corresponding Company Options would have resulted in more rapid vesting and
exercisability, in which case the Parent Replacement Options shall become vested
and exercisable on such more rapid basis): (A) 50% vested and exercisable at the
Effective Time, (B) 75% vested and exercisable as of the one-year anniversary of
the Effective Time, provided that such individual is an employee of the
Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries on such one-year anniversary
and (C) 100% vested and exercisable as of the two-year anniversary of the
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Effective Time, provided that such individual is an employee of the Surviving
Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries on such two-year anniversary. In
addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, if, following the Effective Time, any
Company Employee who has one or more outstanding Parent Replacement Options
shall be involuntarily terminated by the Surviving Corporation or any of its
Subsidiaries other than for "cause" or shall resign for "good reason," his or
her Parent Replacement Options shall automatically become 100% vested and
exercisable as of the effective date of his or her termination. For purposes of
the immediately preceding sentence, the terms "cause" and "good reason" shall
have the meanings set forth in Section 5.17 of the Parent Disclosure Letter.
(b) Parent shall take all corporate action necessary and appropriate (i) to
reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock for
delivery upon exercise of the Parent Replacement Options and (ii) to obtain
approval of its board of directors or the compensation committee thereof as
necessary, for the issuance of the Parent Replacement Options and the Parent
Replacement Restricted Stock before the Effective Time. As soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, Parent shall file with the SEC a registration
statement on Form S-8 (or any successor form) or another appropriate form (or
shall issue such Parent Replacement Option and Parent Replacement Restricted
Stock pursuant to a Parent stock option plan and/or a Parent restricted stock
plan for which shares of Parent Common Stock have previously been registered
pursuant to an appropriate registration form), with respect to the shares of
Parent Common Stock subject to the Parent Replacement Options and shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such
registration statement or registration statements for so long as the Parent
Replacement Options and the Parent Replacement Restricted Stock remain
outstanding. At or prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall make all
necessary arrangements with respect to its incentive plans and arrangements
under which options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock and shares of
Company Restricted Stock have been granted to permit the cancellation of
unexercised Company Options and shares of Company Restricted Stock by the
Company pursuant to this Section 5.17.
(c) Each share of Company Common Stock which is subject to transfer
restrictions (respectively, "TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS" and "COMPANY RESTRICTED
STOCK") held by the Company's current Chief Executive Officer immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be released from all Transfer Restrictions as of the
Effective Time. At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of Company
Restricted Stock held by a Company Employee other than the Company's current
Chief Executive Officer shall be canceled by the Company and replaced by Parent
with a number of shares of Parent Common Stock which are equivalent in value in
the aggregate (based on the Exchange Ratio) and which are subject to identical
Transfer Restrictions with respect to such Company Employee's employment with
the Surviving Corporation and its Subsidiaries on and after the Effective Time
("PARENT REPLACEMENT RESTRICTED STOCK"). With respect to each Company Employee
(and other than those Company Employees identified in Section 5.17 of the
Company Disclosure Letter with respect to the Company Restricted Stock
identified in Section 5.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter) who holds shares of
Company Restricted Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time, the following
vesting provisions shall apply except to the extent the vesting provisions with
respect to the corresponding Company Restricted Stock would result in such
Company Restricted Stock being released from all Transfer Restrictions more
rapidly (in which case such faster vesting provision shall apply): no less than
(i) 50% of the Parent Replacement Restricted Stock held by such Company Employee
at the Effective Time shall be released from all Transfer Restrictions at the
Effective Time, (ii) an additional 25% of the Parent Replacement Restricted
Stock held by such Company Employee on the one-year anniversary of the Effective
Time shall be released from all Transfer Restrictions on such one-year
anniversary, provided that such individual is an employee of the Surviving
Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries on such one-year anniversary, and (iii)
the final 25% of the Parent Replacement Restricted Stock held by such Company
Employee on the two-year anniversary of the Effective Time shall be released
from all Transfer Restrictions on such two-year anniversary, provided that such
individual is an employee of the Surviving Corporation or any of its
Subsidiaries on such two-year anniversary. In addition, notwithstanding the
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foregoing, if, following the Effective Time, any Company Employee who has one or
more shares of Parent Replacement Restricted Stock shall be involuntarily
terminated by the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries other than
for "cause" or shall resign for "good reason," all of his or her shares of
Parent Replacement Restricted Stock shall be released from all Transfer
Restrictions as of the effective date of his or her termination. For purposes of
the immediately preceding sentence, the terms "cause" and "good reason" shall
have the meanings set forth in the Parent Disclosure Letter. Shares of Company
Restricted Stock identified in Section 5.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter and
held by those Company Employees identified in Section 5.17 of the Company
Disclosure Letter will be canceled by Company and replaced with shares of Parent
Replacement Restricted Stock in the same manner as shares of Company Restricted
Stock held by the Company Employees, except that the shares held by those
Company Employees identified in Section 5.17 of the Company Disclosure Letter
shall remain subject to the identical Transfer Restrictions as were in effect
with respect to the applicable shares of canceled Company Restricted Stock. In
no event will any holder be entitled to elect to receive Cash Consideration with
respect to any share of Company Restricted Stock.
(d) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that following the Effective
Time the Surviving Corporation and any of its Subsidiaries shall cause retention
payments to be paid to employees of the Surviving Corporation and its
Subsidiaries identified in the retention plan set forth in the Company
Disclosure Letter and in accordance with the terms of such plan; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the parties to this Agreement hereby agree that no retention
payment made pursuant to said retention plan shall be considered for benefit
accrual purposes under any employee benefit or compensatory plan, arrangement,
program or policy of the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or
Parent.
(e) The Company shall apply all amounts previously deducted and withheld
under the Company's Employee Investment Plan (the "EIP") to purchase shares of
Company Common Stock in accordance with the provisions thereof. The Company
shall suspend the EIP with respect to an employee at the earlier of (i) July 31,
1999 or (ii) the end of the current payroll period relating to such employee
ending after the date hereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in no event shall such
employee be permitted to increase amounts deducted or withheld for the EIP on or
after the date hereof. Parent shall have no duty or obligation in respect of the
EIP or the rights granted thereunder. The Company shall apply all amounts
previously deducted and withheld under the Company's Agents Stock Bonus Plan
(the "AGENTS PLAN") to purchase shares of Company Common Stock in accordance
with the provisions thereof. The Company shall suspend the Agents Plan with
respect to an agent at the earlier of (i) July 31, 1999 or (ii) the end of the
current payment period relating to such agent ending after the date hereof;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in no event shall such agent be permitted to increase
amounts deducted or withheld for the Agents Plan on or after the date hereof.
Parent shall have no duty or obligation in respect of the Agents Plan or the
rights granted thereunder.
(f) Performance units under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan that are
outstanding at the Effective Time shall be treated as follows: 50% shall be paid
out, at target, (one-half in cash and one-half in Parent Common Stock) at the
Effective Time, 25% shall be paid out, at target, (one-half in cash and one-half
in Parent Common Stock) at the one-year anniversary of the Effective Time
provided that the holder is an employee of the Surviving Corporation or any of
its Subsidiaries on such one-year anniversary, and 25% shall be paid out, at
target, (one-half in cash and one-half in Parent Common Stock) at the two-year
anniversary of the Effective Time provided that the holder is an employee of the
Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries on such two-year anniversary.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a holder is involuntarily terminated by the
Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries other than for "cause" or shall
resign for "good reason" (as defined in the Parent Disclosure Letter) prior to
the second anniversary of the Effective Time, he or she shall be promptly paid,
at target, the full remaining portions of his or her performance unit award.
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5.18 RULE 145. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
cause each Person who the Company believes, at the time the Merger is submitted
to a vote of the stockholders of the Company, is an "affiliate" for purposes of
Rule 145 under the Securities Act, to deliver to Parent on or prior to the
Closing Date a written agreement in terms reasonably satisfactory to Parent,
that such Person will not offer to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of
the shares of Parent Common Stock issued to such Person pursuant to the Merger,
except in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 145, and except in
other transactions that are not in violation of the Securities Act. The Company
Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of those persons who the Company believes,
at the date hereof, are "affiliates" for purposes of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act.
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO MERGER
6.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATIONS. The respective obligations of
each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior
to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement and the Merger shall have been approved and adopted by
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock.
(b) All consents, authorizations, orders and approvals of (or filings or
registrations with) any Governmental Authority required in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the failure to obtain
which would prevent the consummation of the Merger or have a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company or a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, shall have been
obtained and shall be in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods
in respect thereof shall have expired without the imposition of any conditions
which could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company or a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
(c) All authorizations, consents, waivers and approvals from parties to
contracts or other agreements to which the Company or the Company Subsidiaries
is a party, or by which either is bound, as may be required to be obtained by
them in connection with the performance of this Agreement, the failure to obtain
which would prevent the consummation of the Merger or could reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company, shall have been obtained.
(d) Early termination shall have been granted or applicable waiting periods
shall have expired under the HSR Act.
(e) No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued, promulgated,
enforced or entered any law, rule, regulation, executive order, decree,
injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is
in effect and has the effect of making illegal, materially restricting or in any
way preventing or prohibiting the Merger or the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
(f) The Registration Statement shall have become effective under the
Securities Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose,
or under the proxy rules of the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and with
respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be pending before or
threatened by the SEC. At the effective date of the Registration Statement, the
Registration Statement shall not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein not misleading, and, at the mailing date of the Proxy
Statement and the date of the Stockholders' Meeting, the Proxy Statement shall
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omit to state any
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.
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(g) The Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and such other shares
required to be reserved for issuance in connection with the Merger shall have
been authorized for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
6.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY. The obligations of the
Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to
the Closing Date of each of the following conditions unless waived by the
Company:
(a) The representations and warranties of Parent set forth in this Agreement
shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as
of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the
extent any such representation or warranty expressly refers to an earlier date)
except where the failure of such representations or warranties to be so true and
correct (without giving effect to any qualifications in the representations and
warranties to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect") does not and could not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent.
(b) Parent and Merger Sub each shall have performed in all material respects
all covenants and agreements required to be performed by them under this
Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Parent shall furnish the Company with a certificate of its appropriate
officers as to compliance with the conditions set forth in Sections 6.2(a) and
(b).
(d) The Company shall have received the opinion of R&G, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, dated as of the Closing Date,
a copy of which shall be furnished to Parent, to the effect that (i) the Merger
will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) no gain or loss will be
recognized by the stockholders of the Company except that gain will be
recognized to the extent the stockholders receive Cash Consideration. In
rendering such opinion, R&G shall be entitled to receive and rely upon
representations of officers of the Company and Parent as to such matters as R&G
may reasonably request.
6.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT. The obligations of Parent to
effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the
Closing Date of each of the following conditions unless waived by Parent:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this
Agreement shall be true and correct at and as of the date of this Agreement and
at and as of the Closing Date as though made at and as of the Closing Date
(except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly refers to an
earlier date) except where the failure of such representations or warranties to
be so true and correct (without giving effect to any qualifications in the
representations and warranties to "materiality" or "Material Adverse Effect")
does not and could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
(b) The Company shall have performed in all material respects all covenants
and agreements required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior
to the Closing Date.
(c) There shall not have occurred or arisen after December 31, 1998, and
prior to the Effective Time, any change, event, condition (financial or
otherwise), or state of circumstances or facts with respect to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER that the following shall be
excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect and the determination of
whether such Material Adverse Effect has occurred for purposes of this Section
6.3(c): the effects of conditions or events that (i) are generally applicable to
the life insurance industry, (ii) result from general economic conditions
including changes in interest rates or stock market conditions in the United
States or (iii) results from the announcement of the Merger.
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(d) The Company shall furnish Parent with a certificate of its appropriate
officers as to compliance with the conditions set forth in Sections 6.3(a), (b)
and (c).
(e) Parent shall have received the opinion of LLG&M, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Parent, dated as of the Closing Date, a copy of which
shall be furnished to the Company, to the effect that (i) the Merger will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by
Parent, Merger Sub or the Company in connection with the Merger. In rendering
such opinion, LLG&M shall be entitled to receive and rely upon representations
of officers of the Company and Parent as to such matters as LLG&M may reasonably
request.
ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT OF THE MERGER
7.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether before or after the approval by the stockholders of the
Company:
(a) by the mutual written consent of Parent and the Company; or
(b) by the Company if:
(i) the Merger is not consummated on or before the close of business on
January 10, 2000 (the "TERMINATION DATE"), unless the failure of such occurrence
shall be due to the failure of the Company to perform or observe the covenants,
agreements and conditions hereof to be performed or observed by it at or before
the Effective Time;
(ii) events occur which cause one or more of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.1 and 6.2 to not be satisfied and such conditions are not waived by
the Company, unless the failure of such conditions shall be due to the failure
of the Company to perform or observe the covenants, agreements and conditions
hereof to be performed or observed by it at or before the Effective Time;
(iii) the Company is enjoined or restrained by any Governmental Authority,
such injunction or restraining order prevents the performance by the Company of
its obligations hereunder and such injunction shall not have been withdrawn by
the earlier to occur of the date 60 days after the date on which such injunction
was first issued or the Termination Date;
(iv) the Board of Directors of the Company shall exercise any of its rights
set forth in Section 5.4, subsection (w), (x) or (y) hereto;
(v) the stockholders of the Company do not approve this Agreement and the
Merger at the Stockholders' Meeting; or
(c) by Parent if:
(i) the Merger is not consummated on or before the Termination Date, unless
the failure of such occurrence shall be due to the failure of Parent or Merger
Sub to perform or observe the covenants, agreements and conditions hereof to be
performed or observed by them at or before the Effective Time;
(ii) events occur which cause one or more of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.1 and 6.3 not to be satisfied and such conditions are not waived by
Parent, unless the failure of such conditions shall be due to the failure of
Parent or Merger Sub to perform or observe the covenants, agreements and
conditions hereof to be performed or observed by them at or before the Effective
Time;
(iii) Parent is enjoined or restrained by any Governmental Authority, such
injunction or restraining order prevents the performance by Parent of its
obligations hereunder and such injunction shall not
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have been withdrawn by the earlier to occur of the date 60 days after the date
on which such injunction was first issued or the Termination Date;
(iv) the stockholders of Company do not approve this Agreement and the
Merger at the Stockholders' Meeting; or
(v) the Board of Directors of the Company shall exercise any of its rights
set forth in Section 5.4, subsection (w), (x) or (y) hereto.
7.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT. In the event of the termination
and abandonment of this Agreement under Section 7.1, this Agreement shall become
void and have no effect, without any liability on the part of any party or its
directors, officers or stockholders except (i) as provided in the last sentence
of Section 5.1, and in Sections 5.5, 5.11 and 8.13 and (ii) to the extent that
such termination results from the willful breach by any party hereto of any
material representation, warranty or covenant hereunder.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 NON-SURVIVAL. Except or otherwise specifically provided herein, no
representations or warranties in this Agreement shall survive the Effective
Time.
8.2 NOTICES. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,
by facsimile (which is confirmed) or sent by overnight courier (providing proof
of delivery), to the parties at the following address:
If to Parent or Merger Sub:
The Allstate Corporation
3075 Sanders Road, Suite G2H
Northbrook, IL 60062
Attention: Treasurer
Facsimile: (847) 402-9116
With a concurrent copy to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019-5389
Attention: John M. Schwolsky
Facsimile: (212) 424-8500
If to Company:
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Attention: Treasurer
Facsimile: (904) 992-1857
With a concurrent copy to:
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-2624
Attention: Robert F. Hayes
Facsimile: (617) 951-7050
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Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this Section 8.2 to the
other parties, designate another address or person for receipt of notices
hereunder, provided that notice of such a change shall be effective upon
receipt.
8.3 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the other agreements
contemplated hereby, and the Exhibits and the Schedules hereto, contains the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written or oral, with
respect thereto; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Confidentiality Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms except as
contemplated by Section 5.1 prior to the Closing Date and Section 8.13. Without
limiting the foregoing, the parties agree that this Agreement, the other
agreements contemplated hereby and the Schedules and Exhibits hereto shall be
kept confidential as required by and in accordance with Section 8.13.
8.4 WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; NON-CONTRACTUAL REMEDIES; PRESERVATION OF
REMEDIES. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or
extended, and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument
signed by each of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on
the part of any party of any right, power or privilege, nor any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege.
The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of
any rights or remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity.
8.5 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.
8.6 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Each party to this Agreement waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by
jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to
this Agreement.
8.7 BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted
assigns and legal representatives. Neither this Agreement or the other
agreements contemplated hereby, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder or thereunder, may be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of
law or otherwise by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the
other parties hereto and any such assignment that is not consented to shall be
null and void; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Parent may transfer and assign, by
written notice to the Company, the rights and obligations of Merger Sub
hereunder to another wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent.
8.8 INTERPRETATION. The parties acknowledge and agree that they may pursue
judicial remedies at law or equity in the event of a dispute with respect to the
interpretation or construction of this Agreement. In the event that an
alternative dispute resolution procedure is provided for in any other agreement
contemplated hereby or thereby, and there is a dispute with respect to the
construction or interpretation of such agreement, the dispute resolution
procedure provided for in such agreement shall be the procedure that shall apply
with respect to the resolution of such dispute.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the words "hereof," "herein," "hereby"
and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole unless
otherwise indicated. Whenever the words "include," "includes," or "including"
are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation." Whenever the singular is used herein, the same shall
include the plural, and whenever the plural is used herein, the same shall
include the singular, where appropriate.
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(b) No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in favor of, or
against, either party hereto by reason of the extent to which any such party or
its counsel participated in the drafting thereof or by reason of the extent to
which any such provision is inconsistent with any prior draft hereof or thereof.
8.9 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as otherwise specifically
provided in Section 5.13, this Agreement is not intended and may not be
construed to create any rights in any parties other than the Company, the Merger
Sub and Parent and their respective successors or assigns, and it is not the
intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other
person.
8.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.
8.11 HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only, and
shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
8.12 SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable Parent, Merger Sub and Company direct that such court interpret
and apply the remainder of this Agreement in the manner that it determines most
closely effectuates their intent in entering into this Agreement, and in doing
so particularly take into account the relative importance of the term,
provision, covenant or restriction being held invalid, void or unenforceable.
8.13 CONFIDENTIALITY. Following the date hereof, each party hereto will
hold, and will use its best efforts to cause its affiliates, and their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, investment bankers,
attorneys, financial advisors or other representatives (collectively,
"REPRESENTATIVES") to hold, in strict confidence from any Person (other than any
such affiliate or Representative), unless (i) compelled to disclose by judicial
or administrative process (including in connection with obtaining the necessary
approvals of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby of
Governmental Authorities or by other requirements of law, including, securities
laws, or rules of any applicable stock exchange or (ii) disclosed in an action
brought by a party hereto in pursuit of its rights or in the exercise of its
remedies hereunder, this Agreement, the other agreements contemplated hereby,
the Schedules and Exhibits hereto and all documents and information concerning
the other party or any of its affiliates furnished to it by the other party or
such other party's Representatives in connection with this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby, except to the extent that such documents or
information can be shown to have been (a) previously known by the party
receiving such documents or information, (b) in the public domain (either prior
to or after the furnishing of such documents or information hereunder) through
no fault of such receiving party or (c) later acquired by the receiving party
from another source if the receiving party is not aware that such source is
under an obligation to another party is not aware that such source is under an
obligation to another party hereto to keep such documents and information
confidential; PROVIDED that following the Effective Time the foregoing
restrictions will not apply to Parent's and Merger Sub's use of any documents
and information concerning the business of the Company.
A-40
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered by its respective duly authorized officers, all as of
the date first above written.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
By: /s/ T. O'NEAL DOUGLAS
-----------------------------------------
Name: T. O'Neal Douglas
Title: Chairman and CEO
The Allstate Corporation
By: /s/ JAMES P. ZILS
-----------------------------------------
Name: James P. Zils
Title: Vice President and Treasurer
A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation
By: /s/ JAMES P. ZILS
-----------------------------------------
Name: James P. Zils
Title: Vice President and Treasurer
</TABLE>
A-41
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A TO APPENDIX A
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
(INCLUDED AS APPENDIX B TO THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS)
A-A-1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B TO APPENDIX A
VOTING AGREEMENT
VOTING AGREEMENT dated as of July 8, 1999, (the "AGREEMENT") between the
undersigned stockholders (the "STOCKHOLDERS") of American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation, a Florida corporation (the "COMPANY"), and The Allstate
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("PARENT").
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent ("MERGER SUB"), Parent and the Company have entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of July 8, 1999 (the
"MERGER AGREEMENT"), providing for the merger of the Company with and into
Merger Sub (the "MERGER") pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Merger
Agreement, and setting forth certain representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements of the parties thereto in connection with the Merger; and
WHEREAS, as an inducement and a condition to Parent entering into the Merger
Agreement, pursuant to which the Stockholders will receive the Merger
Consideration (as defined in the Merger Agreement) in exchange for each share of
common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company ("COMPANY COMMON STOCK")
owned by the Stockholders, the Stockholders have agreed to enter into this
Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt,
sufficiency and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
1. REPRESENTATIONS OF STOCKHOLDERS. Each of the Stockholders represents
that it:
(a) is the holder in the capacity set forth on Exhibit A hereto of that
number of shares of Company Common Stock set forth opposite such
Stockholder's name on Exhibit A (the "SHARES");
(b) does not beneficially own (as such term is defined in the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT")) any shares of Company
Common Stock other than the Shares, but excluding any shares of Company
Common Stock which such Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
exercise of stock options outstanding on the date hereof;
(c) has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and this
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Stockholder and
constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of such Stockholder,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general
applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general
equity principles; and such execution, delivery and performance by such
Stockholder of this Agreement will not (i) conflict with, require a consent,
waiver or approval under, or result in a breach of or default under, any of
the terms of any contract, commitment or other obligation (written or oral)
to which such Stockholder is a party or by which such Stockholder is bound;
(ii) violate any order, writ, injunction decree or statute, or any rule or
regulation, applicable to such Stockholder or any of the properties or
assets of such Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation of, or impose
any obligation on such Stockholder to create, any lien, charge or other
encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon the Shares;
(d) the Shares are now and will at all times during the term of this
Agreement be held by such Stockholder, or by a nominee or custodian for the
account of such Stockholder, free and clear of all pledges, liens, proxies,
claims, charges, security interests, preemptive rights and any other
encumbrances whatsoever (collectively, "ENCUMBRANCES") with respect to the
ownership, transfer or voting of the Shares, except for Encumbrances created
pursuant to secured lending arrangements in the ordinary course which do not
alter the ability of such Stockholder to comply
A-B-1
<PAGE>
with the provisions of this Agreement (the "SECURED LENDING ARRANGEMENTS");
and there are no outstanding options, warrants or rights to purchase or
acquire, or other agreements relating to, the Shares other than this
Agreement; and
(e) At the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of the
Merger, such Stockholder will deliver the Shares and any New Shares free and
clear of all Encumbrances.
The representations and warranties contained herein shall be made as of the date
hereof and as of each date from the date hereof through and including the date
that the Merger is consummated.
2. AGREEMENT TO VOTE SHARES. Each of the Stockholders agrees to vote the
Shares held by it and any New Shares (as defined in Section 6 hereof) acquired
by it or any entity under its control, (a) in favor of adoption and approval of
the Merger Agreement and the Merger (and each other action and transaction
contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement) at every meeting of the
stockholders of the Company at which such matters are considered and at every
adjournment thereof and (b) against any action or proposal that would compete
with or could serve to materially interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely
affect or inhibit the timely consummation of the Merger. Any such vote shall be
cast or consent shall be given in accordance with such procedures relating
thereto as shall ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of determining that
a quorum is present and for purposes of recording the results of such vote or
consent. Each of the Stockholders also agrees to use its best efforts to take,
or cause to be taken, all action, and do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary or advisable in order to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3. NO VOTING TRUSTS. After the date hereof, each Stockholder agrees that
it will not, nor will it permit any entity under its control to, deposit any
Shares in a voting trust or subject any Shares to any arrangement with respect
to the voting of the Shares other than agreements entered into with Parent or
Merger Sub.
4. NO PROXY SOLICITATIONS. Each of the Stockholders agrees that it will
not, nor will it permit any entity under its control to, (a) solicit proxies or
become a "participant" in a "solicitation" (as such terms are defined in
Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) in opposition to or competition with the
consummation of the Merger or otherwise encourage or assist any party in taking
or planning any action which would compete with or otherwise could serve to
interfere with, delay, discourage, adversely affect or inhibit the timely
consummation of the Merger in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement,
(b) directly or indirectly encourage, initiate or cooperate in a stockholders'
vote or action by consent of the Company's stockholders in opposition to or in
competition with the consummation of the Merger, or (c) become a member of a
"group" (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect
to any voting securities of the Company for the purpose of opposing or competing
with the consummation of the Merger; provided, that the foregoing shall not
restrict any stockholder who is also director of the Company from taking any
action as a Company director that such director reasonably believes (upon
written advice of outside counsel) is necessary to satisfy such director's
fiduciary duties to stockholders of the Company under applicable law, including
consideration of Section 607.0830(3) of the Florida Business Corporation Act.
5. TRANSFER AND ENCUMBRANCE.
(a) Other than pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of the
Stockholders agrees not to voluntarily transfer, sell, offer, pledge or
otherwise dispose of or encumber, except for Encumbrances created pursuant
to the Secured Lending Arrangements ("TRANSFER"), any of the Shares or New
Shares prior to the date this Agreement shall be terminated in accordance
with its terms.
(b) Each of the Stockholders agrees not to exercise a Cash Election (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) in connection with the Merger. At and after
the Effective Time of the Merger, each of the Stockholders agrees not to
Transfer any shares of Parent Common Stock (as defined in the
A-B-2
<PAGE>
Merger Agreement) prior to the date this Agreement shall be terminated in
accordance with its terms.
6. ADDITIONAL PURCHASES. Each of the Stockholders agrees that in the event
(i) of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification,
combination or exchange of shares of capital stock of the Company on, of or
affecting the Shares, (ii) such Stockholder purchases or otherwise acquires
beneficial ownership of any shares of Company Common Stock after the execution
of this Agreement, or (iii) such Stockholder voluntarily acquires the right to
vote or share in the voting of any shares of Company Common Stock other than the
Shares (collectively, "NEW SHARES"), such New Shares shall be subject to the
terms of this Agreement to the same extent as if they constituted Shares.
7. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto severally agree that if either
party fails to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement, that
every such obligation is material and that, in the event of any such failure,
the other party will be immediately and irreparably harmed and will not have an
adequate remedy at law or damages. In such event, each party agrees that the
other party shall have the right, in addition to any other rights it may have,
to specific performance of this Agreement. Accordingly, if either party should
institute an action or proceeding seeking specific enforcement of the provisions
hereof, the other party hereby waives the claim or defense that such party has
an adequate remedy at law and hereby agrees not to assert in any such action or
proceeding the claim or defense that such party has failed to show any or all of
the elements necessary to the granting of such relief. Each party further agrees
to waive any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond in connection
with obtaining any such equitable relief.
8. BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted
assigns and legal representatives. Neither this Agreement or the other
agreements contemplated hereby, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder or thereunder, may be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of
law or otherwise by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the
other parties hereto and any such assignment that is not consented to shall be
null and void; PROVIDED, however, that Parent may transfer and assign, by
written notice to the Company, its rights and obligations hereunder to any of
its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries (including Merger Sub), but no
such transfer shall relieve Parent of its obligations hereunder if such
transferee does not perform such obligations.
9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the other agreements
contemplated hereby, and the other documents referred to therein, contains the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written or oral, with
respect thereto.
10. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; NON-CONTRACTUAL REMEDIES; PRESERVATION OF
REMEDIES. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or
extended, and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument
signed by each of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on
the part of any party of any right, power or privilege, nor any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege.
The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of
any rights or remedies that any part may otherwise have at law or in equity.
11. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.
A-B-3
<PAGE>
12. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Each party to this Agreement waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by
jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to
this Agreement.
13. INTERPRETATION.
(a) The parties acknowledge and agree that they may pursue judicial
remedies at law or equity in the event of a dispute with respect to the
interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the words "hereof," "herein,"
"hereby" and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a
whole unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words "include," "includes,"
or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be
followed by the words "without limitation." Whenever the singular is used
herein, the same shall include the plural, and whenever the plural is used
herein, the same shall include the singular, where appropriate.
(c) No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in favor of, or
against, either party hereto by reason of the extent to which any such party
or its counsel participated in the drafting thereof or by reason of the
extent to which any such provision is inconsistent with any prior draft
hereof or thereof.
14. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is not intended and may
not be construed to create any rights in any parties other than the parties
named herein and their respective successors or assigns, and it is not the
intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other
person.
15. SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable the parties direct that such court interpret and apply the
remainder of this Agreement in the manner that it determines most closely
effectuates their intent in entering into this Agreement, and in doing so
particularly take into account the relative importance of the term, provision,
covenant or restriction being held invalid, void or unenforceable.
16. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.
17. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate six months after the
earliest of (i) the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) or (ii)
the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
18. HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are for reference only, and
shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
19. TIME OF EFFECTIVENESS. The obligations of each of the Stockholders as
set forth in this Agreement shall not be effective or binding upon each such
Stockholder until after such time as the Merger Agreement is executed and
delivered by the Company, Parent and Merger Sub, and the parties agree that
there is not and has not been any other agreement, arrangement or understanding
between the parties hereto with respect to the matters set forth herein.
A-B-4
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered by its respective duly authorized officers, all as of
the date first above written.
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
By:
- ----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDERS SIGNATURE
-------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1. AHLI Ltd. SIVAD INVESTORS, L.L.C.
As General Partner of AHLI, LTD.
By: -------------------------------------------
Robert D. Davis
Its Vice President
-------------------------------------------
2. ADFAM PARTNERS, LTD. TWOBROS, INC.
As General Partner of ADFAM PARTNERS, LTD.
By: -------------------------------------------
Robert D. Davis
Its Vice President
-------------------------------------------
3. FND, LTD. ESTUARY CORPORATION
As General Partner of FND, LTD.
By: -------------------------------------------
A. Dano Davis
Its President
-------------------------------------------
4. JAMES E. DAVIS FAMILY-WD CHARITIES, INC. JAMES E. DAVIS FAMILY-WD CHARITIES, INC.
By: -------------------------------------------
A. Dano Davis
Its President
-------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
A-B-5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT "A"
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
AMERICAN HERITAGE
LIFE
INVESTMENT
CORPORATION
NAMED ENTITY COMMON STOCK
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C>
AHLI, Ltd.............................................................. 10,797,178
FND, Ltd............................................................... 76,798
ADFAM Partners, Ltd.................................................... 47,696
James E. Davis Family-WD Charities, Inc................................ 39,998
</TABLE>
A-B-6
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of July 8, 1999 (the "AGREEMENT"), between
The Allstate Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "GRANTEE"), and American
Heritage Life Investment Corporation, a Florida corporation (the "GRANTOR").
WHEREAS, the Grantee, A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation
and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Grantee ("MERGER SUB"), and the Grantor are
entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of
the date hereof (the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), which provides, among other things,
for the merger of the Grantor with and into Merger Sub (the "MERGER");
WHEREAS, as a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, the Grantee and Merger Sub have requested that the Grantor grant to
the Grantee an option to purchase up to 5,553,019 shares of Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of the Grantor (the "COMMON STOCK"), upon the terms and
subject to the conditions hereof; and
WHEREAS, in order to induce the Grantee and Merger Sub to enter into the
Merger Agreement, the Grantor is willing to grant the Grantee the requested
option.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. THE OPTION; EXERCISE; ADJUSTMENTS; PAYMENT OF SPREAD. Contemporaneously
herewith the Grantee, Merger Sub and the Grantor are entering into the Merger
Agreement. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the
Grantor hereby grants to the Grantee an irrevocable option (the "OPTION") to
purchase up to 5,553,019 shares of Common Stock (the "SHARES") at a cash
purchase price equal to $32.25 per share (the "PURCHASE PRICE"). The Option may
be exercised by the Grantee, in whole or in part, at any time, or from time to
time, following the occurrence of one of the events set forth in Section 2(d)
hereof, and prior to the termination of the Option in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.
(a) In the event the Grantee wishes to exercise the Option, the Grantee
shall send a written notice to the Grantor (the "STOCK EXERCISE NOTICE")
specifying a date (subject to the HSR Act (as defined below) and applicable
insurance regulatory approvals) not later than 10 business days and not earlier
than three business days following the date such notice is given for the closing
of such purchase. In the event of any change in the number of issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend, stock split,
split-up, recapitalization, merger or other change in the corporate or capital
structure of the Grantor, the number of Shares subject to this Option and the
purchase price per Share shall be appropriately adjusted to restore the Grantee
to its rights hereunder, including its right to purchase Shares representing
19.9% of the capital stock of the Grantor entitled to vote generally for the
election of the directors of the Grantor which is issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the exercise of the Option at an aggregate purchase price
equal to the Purchase Price multiplied by 5,553,019.
(b) If at any time the Option is then exercisable pursuant to the terms of
Section 1(a) hereof and a Put Event (as defined below) shall have occurred, the
Grantee may elect, in lieu of exercising the Option to purchase Shares provided
in Section 1(a) hereof, to send a written notice to the Grantor (the "CASH
EXERCISE NOTICE") specifying a date not later than 20 business days and not
earlier than 10 business days following the date such notice is given on which
date the Grantor shall pay to the Grantee an amount in cash equal to the Spread
(as hereinafter defined) multiplied by all or such portion of the Shares subject
to the Option as Grantee shall specify. As used herein "SPREAD" shall mean the
difference, if any, of (i) the higher of (x) if applicable, the highest price
per share of Common Stock (including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes
and soliciting dealers' fees) paid
B-1
<PAGE>
or proposed to be paid by any person pursuant to one of the transactions
enumerated in Section 2(d) hereof (the "ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE PRICE") or (y) the
average of the closing prices of the shares of Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") Composite Tape during the five trading days immediately
preceding the date of the Cash Exercise Notice (the "CLOSING PRICE") minus (ii)
the Purchase Price. If the Alternative Purchase Price includes any property
other than cash, the Alternative Purchase Price shall be the sum of (i) the
fixed cash amount, if any, included in the Alternative Purchase Price, plus (ii)
the fair market value of such other property. If such other property consists of
securities with an existing public trading market, the average of the closing
prices (or the average of the closing bid and asked prices if closing prices are
unavailable) for such securities in their principal public trading market on the
ten trading days ending five days prior to the date of the Cash Exercise Notice
shall be deemed to equal the fair market value of such property. If such other
property consists of something other than cash or securities with an existing
public trading market and, as of the payment date for the Spread, agreement on
the value of such other property has not been reached, the Alternative Purchase
Price shall be deemed to equal the Closing Price. Upon exercise of its right to
receive cash pursuant to this Section 1(c), the obligations of the Grantor to
deliver Shares pursuant to Section 3 shall be terminated with respect to such
number of Shares for which the Grantee shall have elected to be paid the Spread.
A "PUT EVENT" means any event which shall entitle Parent to receive the Section
5.5 Fee as such term is defined under the Merger Agreement.
2. CONDITIONS TO DELIVERY OF SHARES. The Grantor's obligation to deliver
Shares upon exercise of the Option is subject only to the conditions that:
(a) No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any
federal or state court of competent jurisdiction in the United States
prohibiting the delivery of the Shares shall be in effect;
(b) Any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR ACT") shall have expired or been terminated;
(c) Any approval required to be obtained prior to the delivery of the Shares
under the insurance laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction shall have been
obtained and be in full force and effect; and
(4) any person (other than Grantee or any of its subsidiaries) shall have
publicly announced, delivered or otherwise made, or announced or delivered an
intention to make, an Acquisition Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement);
(ii) Grantor or any of its subsidiaries shall have authorized, recommended,
proposed or publicly announced an intention to authorize, recommend or propose,
or entered into, an agreement, including without limitation, an agreement in
principle, with any person (other than Grantee or any of its subsidiaries) to
effect or provide for an Acquisition Proposal; (iii) any person shall solicit
proxies or consents or announce a bona fide intention to solicit proxies or
consents from Grantor's stockholders (x) relating to directors, (y) in
opposition to the Merger, the Merger Agreement or any related transactions or
(z) relating to an Acquisition Proposal (other than solicitations of
stockholders seeking approval of the Merger, the Merger Agreement or any related
transactions); or (iv) any person (other than Grantee or any of its
subsidiaries) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as such term is defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) or the right to acquire beneficial
ownership of, or any "group" (as such term is defined under the Exchange Act)
shall have been formed which beneficially owns or has the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of, shares of Common Stock aggregating 15 percent or more
of the then outstanding Common Stock. As used in this Agreement, "person" shall
have the meaning specified in Sections 3(a)(9) and 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
3. THE CLOSING. Any closing hereunder shall take place on the date
specified by the Grantee in its Stock Exercise Notice or Cash Exercise Notice,
as the case may be, at 9:00 A.M., local time, at the offices of LeBoeuf, Lamb,
Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., 125 West 55th Street, New York, New York, or, if the
conditions set forth in Sections 2(a), (b) or (c) have not then been satisfied,
on the second business day following the satisfaction of such conditions, or at
such other time and place as the parties
B-2
<PAGE>
hereto may agree (the "CLOSING DATE"). On the Closing Date, (i) in the event of
a closing pursuant to Section 1(b) hereof, the Grantor will deliver to the
Grantee a certificate or certificates, representing the Shares in the
denominations designated by the Grantee in its Stock Exercise Notice and the
Grantee will purchase such Shares from the Grantor at the price per Share equal
to the Purchase Price or (ii) in the event of a closing pursuant to Section 1(c)
hereof, the Grantor will deliver to the Grantee cash in an amount determined
pursuant to Section 1(c) hereof. Any payment made by the Grantee to the Grantor,
or by the Grantor to the Grantee, pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank designated by the party
receiving such funds.
(a) The certificates representing the Shares shall bear an appropriate
legend relating to the fact that such Shares have not been registered under the
Securities Act.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE GRANTOR. The Grantor represents
and warrants to the Grantee that (a) the Grantor is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Florida and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and
perform this Agreement; (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Grantor and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Grantor and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by a duly
authorized officer of the Grantor and constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the Grantor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to general equity principles; (c)
the Grantor has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and reserve
the Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option and the Shares, when issued and
delivered by the Grantor upon exercise of the Option and paid for by Grantee as
contemplated hereby, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable and free of preemptive rights; (d) except as otherwise required
by the HSR Act and applicable insurance laws, the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Grantor and the consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated hereby do not require the consent, waiver, approval or
authorization of or any filing with any person or public authority and will not
violate, result in a breach of or the acceleration of any obligation under, or
constitute a default under, any provision of Grantor's charter or by-laws, or
any material indenture, mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, contract, instrument,
order, law, rule, regulation, judgment, ordinance, or decree, or restriction by
which the Grantor or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties or assets is bound; and (e) no "fair price", "moratorium", "control
share acquisition," "interested shareholder" or other form of anti-takeover
statute or regulation, including without limitation, Sections 607.0901 or
607.0902 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, or similar provision contained
in the charter or by-laws of Grantor, including without limitation, Article XI
of Grantor's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, is or shall be
applicable to the acquisition of Shares pursuant to this Agreement.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE GRANTEE. The Grantee represents
and warrants to the Grantor that (a) the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Grantee and the consummation by it of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
on the part of the Grantee and this Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Grantee and constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Grantee; and (b) the Grantee is acquiring the Option
and, if and when it exercises the Option, will be acquiring the Shares issuable
upon the exercise thereof for its own account and not with a view to
distribution or resale in any manner which would be in violation of the
Securities Act.
6. LISTING OF SHARES; FILINGS; GOVERNMENTAL CONSENTS. Subject to
applicable law and the rules and regulations of the NYSE, the Grantor will
promptly upon request by the Grantee following a Stock Exercise Notice file an
application to list the Shares on the NYSE and will use its reasonable best
efforts to obtain approval of such listing and to effect all necessary filings
by the Grantor under the HSR Act and the applicable insurance laws of each state
and foreign jurisdiction; provided, however,
B-3
<PAGE>
that if the Grantor is unable to effect such listing on the NYSE by the Closing
Date, the Grantor will nevertheless be obligated to deliver the Shares upon the
Closing Date. Each of the parties hereto will use its reasonable best efforts to
obtain consents of all third parties and governmental authorities, if any,
necessary to the consummation of the transactions contemplated.
7. REPURCHASE OF SHARES. If the Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to
the terms thereof and by the date that is the first anniversary of the date the
Merger Agreement was terminated pursuant to the terms thereof (the "MERGER
TERMINATION ANNIVERSARY DATE") both (a) the Grantee has not acquired more than
fifty percent (excluding the Shares) of the shares of outstanding Common Stock
and (b) the Grantor has not consummated an Acquisition Proposal, then the
Grantor has the right to purchase (the "REPURCHASE RIGHT") all, but not less
than all, of the Shares at the greater of (i) the Purchase Price or (ii) the
average of the last sales prices for shares of Common Stock on the ten trading
days ending five days prior to the date the Grantor gives written notice of its
intention to exercise the Repurchase Right. If the Grantor does not exercise the
Repurchase Right within thirty days following the Merger Termination Anniversary
Date, the Repurchase Right lapses. In the event the Grantor wishes to exercise
the Repurchase Right, the Grantor shall send a written notice to the Grantee
specifying a date (not later than 20 business days and not earlier than 10
business days following the date such notice is given) for the closing of such
repurchase.
8. SALE OF SHARES. At any time prior to the Merger Termination Anniversary
Date, if a Put Event has occurred the Grantee shall have the right to sell (the
"SALE RIGHT") to the Grantor, and the Grantor shall be obligated to purchase,
all, but not less than all, of the Shares at the greater of (i) the Purchase
Price, or (ii) the average of the last sales prices for shares of Common Stock
on the ten trading days ending five days prior to the date the Grantee gives
written notice of its intention to exercise the Sale Right. If the Grantee does
not exercise the Sale Right prior to the Merger Termination Anniversary Date,
the Sale Right terminates. In the event the Grantee wishes to exercise the Sale
Right, the Grantee shall send a written notice to the Grantor specifying a date
not later than 20 business days and not earlier than 10 business days following
the date such notice is given for the closing of such sale.
9. REGISTRATION RIGHTS. In the event that the Grantee shall desire to sell
any of the Shares within two years after the purchase of such Shares pursuant
hereto, and such sale requires, in the opinion of counsel to the Grantee, which
opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Grantor and its counsel,
registration of such Shares under the Securities Act, the Grantor will cooperate
with the Grantee and any underwriters in registering such Shares for resale,
including, without limitation, promptly filing a registration statement which
complies with the requirements of applicable federal and state securities laws,
and entering into an underwriting agreement with such underwriters upon such
terms and conditions as are customarily contained in underwriting agreements
with respect to secondary distributions; provided that the Grantor shall not be
required to have declared effective more than two registration statements
hereunder and shall be entitled to delay the filing or effectiveness of any
registration statement for up to 60 days if the offering would, in the judgment
of the Board of Directors of the Grantor, require premature disclosure of any
material corporate development or material transaction involving the Grantor or
interfere with any previously planned securities offering by the Company.
(a) If the Common Stock is registered pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 9, the Grantor agrees (i) to furnish copies of the registration
statement and the prospectus relating to the Shares covered thereby in such
numbers as the Grantee may from time to time reasonably request and (ii) if any
event shall occur as a result of which it becomes necessary to amend or
supplement any registration statement or prospectus, to prepare and file under
the applicable securities laws such amendments and supplements as may be
necessary to keep available for at least 45 days a prospectus covering the
Common Stock meeting the requirements of such securities laws, and to furnish
the Grantee such numbers of copies of the registration statement and prospectus
as amended or supplemented as may reasonably be requested. The Grantor shall
bear the cost of the registration,
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<PAGE>
including, but not limited to, all registration and filing fees, printing
expenses, and fees and disbursements of its counsel and accountants and the fees
and disbursements of counsel for the Grantee, but not including the underwriting
fees and selling commissions applicable to the shares of Common Stock sold by
the Grantee. The Grantor shall indemnify and hold harmless (i) Grantee, its
affiliates and its officers and directors and (ii) each underwriter and each
person who controls any underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, the
"UNDERWRITERS") ((i) and (ii) being referred to as "INDEMNIFIED PARTIES")
against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, to which the
Indemnified Parties may become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) and expenses arise out of or are
based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained or incorporated by reference in any registration statement filed
pursuant to this paragraph, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that the Grantor will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such
loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arises out of or is based upon an
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged omission
from any such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Grantor by the Indemnified Parties expressly for
use or incorporation by reference therein.
(b) The Grantee and the underwriters shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Grantor, its affiliates and its officers and directors against any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses to which the Grantor, its affiliates
and its officers and directors may become subject, insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) and expenses arise
out of or are based upon any untrue statement of any material fact contained or
incorporated by reference in any registration statement filed pursuant to this
paragraph, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to
the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Grantor by the Grantee or the underwriters, as
applicable, specifically for use or incorporation by reference therein.
10. EXPENSES. Each party hereto shall pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement, except as otherwise specifically provided
herein.
11. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The Grantor agrees that if it fails to comply
with any of its obligations under this Agreement, all of which are deemed to be
material then, in the event of any such failure, the Grantee will be immediately
and irreparably harmed and will not have an adequate remedy at law or damages.
In such event, the Grantor agrees that the Grantee shall have the right, in
addition to any other rights it may have, to specific performance of this
Agreement. Accordingly, if the Grantee should institute an action or proceeding
seeking specific enforcement of the provisions hereof, the Grantor hereby waives
the claim or defense that the Grantee has an adequate remedy at law and hereby
agrees not to assert in any such action or proceeding the claim or defense that
the Grantee has failed to show any or all of the elements necessary to the
granting of such relief. The Grantor further agrees to waive any requirements
for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with obtaining any such
equitable relief.
12. NOTICE. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,
by facsimile (which is confirmed) or sent by overnight courier (providing proof
of delivery), to the parties at the following address:
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<PAGE>
If to the Grantee:
The Allstate Corporation
3075 Sanders Road, Suite G2H
Northbrook, IL 60062
Attention: Treasurer
Facsimile: (847) 402-9116
With a concurrent copy to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Joseph L. Seiler III
Facsimile: (212) 424-8500
If to the Grantor:
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Attention: Treasurer
Facsimile: (904) 992-1857
With a concurrent copy to:
Ropes & Gray
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Attention: Robert F. Hayes
Facsimile: (617) 951-7050
Any party may, by notice given in accordance with this Section 12 to the
other parties, designate another address or person for receipt of notices
hereunder, PROVIDED that notice of such change shall be effective upon receipt.
13. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is not intended and may
not be construed to create any rights in any parties other than the Grantor and
the Grantee and their respective successors or assigns, and it is not the
intention of the parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other
person.
14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the other agreements
contemplated hereby, and the other documents referred to therein, contains the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written or oral, with
respect thereto.
15. WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS; NON-CONTRACTUAL REMEDIES; PRESERVATION OF
REMEDIES. This Agreement may be amended, superseded, canceled, renewed or
extended, and the terms hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument
signed by each of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance. No delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on
the part of any party of any right, power or privilege, nor any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege, preclude any further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege.
The rights and
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<PAGE>
remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or
remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity.
16. BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, permitted
assigns and legal representatives. Neither this Agreement or the other
agreements contemplated hereby, nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder or thereunder, may be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of
law or otherwise by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the
other parties hereto and any such assignment that is not consented to shall be
null and void; PROVIDED, however, that Grantee may transfer and assign, by
written notice to the Company, its right and obligations hereunder to any of its
direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries (including Merger Sub), but no such
transfer shall relieve the Grantee of its obligations hereunder if such
transferee does not perform such obligations.
17. HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement herein are for reference
only, and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all such counterparts together constitute one and the same
instrument.
19. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF.
20. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. Each party to this Agreement waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by
jury in respect of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to
this Agreement.
21. INTERPRETATION. The parties acknowledge and agree that they may pursue
judicial remedies at law or equity in the event of a dispute with respect to the
interpretation or construction of this Agreement. In the event that an
alternative dispute resolution procedure is provided for in any other agreement
contemplated hereby or thereby, and there is a dispute with respect to the
construction or interpretation of such agreement, the dispute resolution
procedure provided for in such agreement shall be the procedure that shall apply
with respect to the resolution of such dispute.
(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the words "hereof," "herein," "hereby"
and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole unless
otherwise indicated. Whenever the words "include," "includes," or "including"
are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation." Whenever the singular is used herein, the same shall
include the plural, and whenever the plural is used herein, the same shall
include the singular, where appropriate.
(b) No provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in favor of, or
against, either party hereto by reason of the extent to which any such party or
its counsel participated in the drafting thereof or by reason of the extent to
which any such provision is inconsistent with any prior draft hereof or thereof.
22. TERMINATION. The right to exercise the Option granted pursuant to this
Agreement shall terminate at the earliest of (i) the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement), (ii) 12 months after a Fee Payment Event and (iii) the
Merger Termination Anniversary Date; provided that, if the Option cannot be
exercised or the Shares cannot be delivered to the Grantee upon such exercise
because the conditions set forth in Section 2(a), (b) or (c) hereof have not yet
been satisfied, the right to exercise the Option shall be extended until 180
days after such impediment to exercise or delivery has been removed.
All representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall survive
delivery of and payment for the Shares.
B-7
<PAGE>
23. PROFIT LIMITATION. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, in no event shall the Grantee's Total Profit (as defined below) plus
any Section 5.5 Fee paid to the Grantee pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Merger
Agreement exceed in the aggregate $33 million (before taxes) and, if it would
exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its sole election, shall either (a) reduce
the number of Shares subject to the Option, (b) deliver to Grantor for
cancellation Shares previously purchased by Grantee, (c) pay cash or other
consideration to the Grantor or (d) undertake any combination thereof, so that
the Grantee's Total Profit plus any Section 5.5 Fee paid to the Grantee pursuant
to Section 5.5 of the Merger Agreement shall not exceed in the aggregate $33
million (before taxes) after taking into account any of the foregoing actions of
the Grantee.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this Option may not
be exercised for a number of Shares that would, as of the date of the Stock
Exercise Notice, result in a Total Notional Profit (as defined below) which,
together with any Section 5.5 Fee paid to the Grantee pursuant to Section 5.5 of
the Merger Agreement, would exceed in the aggregate $33 million (before taxes),
and if the exercise of the Option would exceed such amount, the Grantee, at its
sole discretion, may increase the Purchase Price for that number of Shares set
forth in the Stock Exercise Notice so that the Total Notional Profit plus any
Section 5.5 Fee paid to the Grantee pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Merger
Agreement shall not exceed in the aggregate $33 million (before taxes) after
taking into account any such increase by the Grantee; provided, that nothing in
this sentence shall restrict any exercise of the Option permitted hereby on any
subsequent date at the Purchase Price set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.
As used herein, the term "TOTAL PROFIT" shall mean the aggregate amount
(before taxes) of the following: (i) (x) the amount received by Grantee pursuant
to the Grantor's repurchase of Shares pursuant to Sections 7 or 8 hereof, less
(y) the Grantee's purchase price for such Shares, plus (ii) (x) the net cash
amounts received by the Grantee pursuant to the sale of Shares (or any other
securities into which such Shares are converted or exchanged) to any
unaffiliated party, less (y) the Grantee's purchase price for such Shares, plus
(iii) the amount of cash received by the Grantee pursuant to Section 1(c)
hereof.
As used herein, the term "TOTAL NOTIONAL PROFIT" with respect to any number
of Shares as to which the Grantee may propose to exercise this Option shall be
the Total Profit determined as of the date of the Stock Exercise Notice assuming
that this Option were exercised on such date for such number of Shares and
assuming that such Shares, together with all other Shares held by the Grantee
and its affiliates as of such date, were sold for cash at the closing market
price for the Common Stock as of the close of business on the preceding trading
day (less customary brokerage commissions).
24. SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or
unenforceable the parties direct that such court interpret and apply the
remainder of this Agreement in the manner that it determines most closely
effectuates their intent in entering into this Agreement, and in doing so
particularly take into account the relative importance of the term, provision,
covenant or restriction being held invalid, void or unenforceable.
25. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. The Grantee will consult with the Grantor and the
Grantor will consult with the Grantee before issuing any press release with
respect to the initial announcement of this Agreement, the Option or the
transactions contemplated hereby, each party shall promptly provide the other
party hereto with copies of any such press releases and neither party shall
issue any such press release prior to such consultation except as may be
required by law or the applicable rules and regulations of the NYSE.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantee and the Grantor have caused this Agreement
to be executed and delivered by its respective duly authorized officers, all as
of the date first above written.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
By: /s/ T. O'NEAL DOUGLAS
-----------------------------------------
Name: T. O'Neal Douglas
Title: Chairman and CEO
The Allstate Corporation
By: /s/ JAMES P. ZILS
-----------------------------------------
Name: James P. Zils
Title: Vice President and Treasurer
</TABLE>
B-9
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
[LOGO]
July 8, 1999
Board of Directors
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
1776 America Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Members of the Board:
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation ("American Heritage Life"),
the Allstate Corporation ("Allstate") and Allstate Merger Sub (the "Merger
Sub"), a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Allstate, propose to enter
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, to be dated as of July
8, 1999 (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which American Heritage Life will
be merged with and into the Merger Sub in a transaction (the "Merger") in which
each outstanding share of American Heritage Life common stock, par value $1.00
per share (the "American Heritage Life Shares"), will be converted into the
right to receive, at the option of the holder thereof (and subject to certain
proration limitations set forth in the Merger Agreement), either (i) a number of
shares of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Allstate (the
"Allstate Shares") equal to the Exchange Ratio (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) or (ii) $32.25 in cash (such number of shares or cash, the "Merger
Consideration"). The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth
in the Merger Agreement.
You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the Merger Consideration is fair
to the holders of American Heritage Life Shares, other than Allstate and its
affiliates, from a financial point of view.
In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:
(1) Reviewed certain publicly available business and financial
information relating to American Heritage Life and Allstate that we deemed
to be relevant;
(2) Reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts,
relating to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets, liabilities and
prospects of American Heritage Life and Allstate furnished to us by American
Heritage Life and Allstate, respectively, as well as the amount and timing
of synergies expected to result from the Merger (the "Expected Synergies")
furnished to us by Allstate;
(3) Conducted discussions with members of senior management and
representatives of American Heritage Life and Allstate concerning the
matters described in clauses (1) and (2) above, as well as their respective
businesses and prospects before and after giving effect to the Merger and
the Expected Synergies;
(4) Reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for American
Heritage Life Shares and Allstate Shares and compared them with those of
certain publicly traded companies that we deemed to be relevant;
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(5) Reviewed the results of operations of American Heritage Life and
Allstate and compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies
that we deemed to be relevant;
(6) Compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the
financial terms of certain other transactions that we deemed to be relevant;
(7) Participated in certain discussions and negotiations among
representatives of American Heritage Life and Allstate and their financial
and legal advisors;
(8) Reviewed the potential pro forma impact of the Merger;
(9) Reviewed drafts of the Merger Agreement, stock option agreement and
voting agreement, each dated as of July 8, 1999 (the "Documents"); and
(10) Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and took into
account such other matters as we deemed necessary, including our assessment
of general economic, market and monetary conditions.
In preparing our opinion, we have assumed and relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to us,
discussed with or reviewed by or for us, or publicly available, and we have not
assumed any responsibility for independently verifying such information or
undertaken and independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities of American Heritage Life or Allstate or been furnished with any
such evaluation or appraisal. In addition, we have not assumed any obligation to
conduct any physical inspection of the properties or facilities of American
Heritage Life or Allstate. With respect to the financial forecast information
and the Expected Synergies furnished to or discussed with us by American
Heritage Life or Allstate, we have assumed that they have been reasonably
prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and judgment of
American Heritage Life's or Allstate's management as to the expected future
financial performance of American Heritage Life or Allstate, as the case may be.
We have further assumed that the Merger will be accounted for as a purchase
under generally accepted accounting principles and that it will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We have also
assumed that the final form of the transaction documents, including the Merger
Agreement, will be substantially similar to the Documents.
Our opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated on, and on the information made available to
us as of, the date hereof. For the purposes of rendering this opinion, we have
assumed that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or other
consents or approvals (contractual or otherwise) for the Merger, no
restrictions, including any divestiture requirements or amendments or
modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the
contemplated benefits of the Merger.
In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have not been
authorized by American Heritage Life or its Board of Directors to solicit, nor
have we solicited, third-party indications of interest for the acquisition of
all or any part of American Heritage Life.
We are acting as financial advisor to American Heritage Life in connection
with the Merger and will receive a fee from American Heritage Life for our
services, a significant portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of
the Merger. In addition, American Heritage Life has agreed to indemnify us for
certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. We have, in the past,
provided financial advisory and financing services to American Heritage Life,
Allstate and their respective affiliates and may continue to do so and have
received, and may receive, fees for the rendering of such services. In addition,
in the ordinary course of our business, we may actively trade American Heritage
Life Shares and other securities of American Heritage Life, as well as Allstate
Shares and other securities of Allstate, for our own account and for the
accounts of customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short
position in such securities.
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<PAGE>
This opinion is for the use and benefit of the Board of Directors of
American Heritage Life. Our opinion does not address the merits of the
underlying decision by American Heritage Life to engage in the Merger and does
not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of American Heritage Life as
to how such shareholder should vote on the proposed Merger or any matter related
thereto.
We are not expressing any opinion herein as to the prices at which the
American Heritage Shares or the Allstate Shares will trade following the
announcement or consummation of the Merger.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as
of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair from a financial point of
view to the holders of the American Heritage Life Shares, other than Allstate
and its affiliates.
Very truly yours,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each director and/or officer of the registrant whose signature appears below
hereby authorizes any agent for service named in this registration statement to
execute in the name of each such person, and to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, any and all amendments, including post-effective
amendments, to the registration statement, and appoints any such agent for
service as attorney-in-fact to sign in his behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below and file any such amendments to the registration
statement, and the registrant hereby confers like authority to sign and file on
its behalf.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunder duly authorized, in the County of Cook, State of
Illinois, on the 24th day of September, 1999.
THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION
(REGISTRANT)
BY: /S/ SAMUEL H. PILCH
-----------------------------------------
Name: Samuel H. Pilch
Title: Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ EDWARD M. LIDDY September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------ Chairman, President and
Edward M. Liddy Chief Executive Officer
and a Director (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ JOHN L. CARL Vice President and Chief September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------ Financial Officer
John L. Carl (Principal
Financial Officer)
/s/ JAMES G. ANDRESS Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
James G. Andress
/s/ WARREN L. BATTS Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Warren L. Batts
/s/ EDWARD A. BRENNAN Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Edward A. Brennan
/s/ JAMES M. DENNY Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
James M. Denny
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------- -------------------
<C> <S> <C>
/s/ W. JAMES FARRELL Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
W. James Farrell
/s/ RONALD T. LEMAY Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Ronald T. Lemay
/s/ MICHAEL A. MILES Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Michael A. Miles
/s/ H. JOHN RILEY, JR. Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
H. John Riley, Jr.
/s/ JOSHUA I. SMITH Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Joshua I. Smith
/s/ JUDITH A. SPRIESER Director September 24, 1999
- ------------------------------
Judith A. Sprieser
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Article IV of the by-laws of Allstate provides that Allstate will indemnify
all of its directors, former directors, officers and former officers, to the
fullest extent permitted under law, who were or are a party or are threatened to
be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that such persons were
or are directors or officers of Allstate, against liabilities, expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by them. The indemnity shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which directors or officers may be entitled by law or under any articles of
incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise. In addition, the indemnity shall inure to the benefit of
the legal representatives of directors and officers or of their estates, whether
such representatives are court appointed or otherwise designated, and to the
benefit of the heirs of such directors and officers. The indemnity shall extend
to and include claims for such payments arising out of any proceeding commenced
or based on actions of such directors and officers taken prior to the
effectiveness of this indemnity; provided that payment of such claims had not
been agreed to or denied by Allstate before such date.
Article Eighth of the restated Certificate of Incorporation of Allstate
provides that a director of Allstate shall not be personally liable to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, to the fullest extent of the Delaware General Corporation
Law.
Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may
indemnify a person who was made a party to a proceeding or threatened to be made
a party to a proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director or officer of the corporation against liability actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with such proceeding if the person actually in good faith
and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding,
had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful.
A corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in connection with a
proceeding where he is adjudged liable to the corporation, unless the court in
which the proceeding is brought determines that such director or officer is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Allstate, A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation and American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation, dated as of July 8, 1999 (included as Appendix A to the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Allstate effective on February 4, 1999 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Allstate's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 12, 1999).
3.2 By-laws of Allstate as revised and amended on May 18, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
3(b) to Allstate's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 12, 1999).
4.1 See Exhibits 3.1-3.2 for provisions of the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Allstate, as amended and
By-laws of Allstate defining rights of holders of common stock of Allstate.
5.1 Opinion of Robert W. Pike, Esq., Vice President and Secretary of Allstate regarding the validity of
securities of Allstate being registered.
8.1 Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. regarding certain federal income tax matters.
8.2 Opinion of Ropes & Gray regarding certain federal income tax matters.
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.3 Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.4 Consent of Robert W. Pike, Esq. (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
Statement).
23.5 Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 8.1 to this
Registration Statement).
23.6 Consent of Ropes & Gray (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 8.2 to this Registration Statement).
23.7 Consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included in page II-1 hereof).
99.1 Election and Transmittal Form.
99.2 American Heritage Life Proxy Card.
99.3 Stock Option Agreement between The Allstate Corporation and American Heritage Life Investment
Corporation, dated as of July 8, 1999 (included in Appendix B to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained
in this Registration Statement).
99.4 Fairness Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (included in Appendix C to the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained in this Registration Statement).
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing
of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each
filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by
reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use
of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any
person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of
Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will
contain the information called for by the applicable registration form
with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in
addition to the information called for by the other Items of the
applicable form.
(c) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (b) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to
meet the requirements of section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in
connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415
(Section230.415 of this chapter), will be filed as a part of an amendment
to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment
is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by
a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that are incorporated by reference into the prospectus
pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business
day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement
through the date of responding to the request.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and
the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of
and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-5
<PAGE>
Exhibit 5.1
[LETTERHEAD OF THE ALLSTATE CORPORATION]
September 24, 1999
The Allstate Corporation
2775 Sanders Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Vice President and Secretary to The Allstate Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Allstate"), and have acted as counsel to Allstate in connection
with the filing of a Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), relating
to the registration of 29,102,815 shares of Common Stock of Allstate.
In connection with this opinion, I have examined originals, or copies
certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such instruments,
certificates, records and documents, and have reviewed such questions of law,
as I have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion. In
such examination, I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the conformity to
the original documents of all documents submitted as copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to any facts
material to my opinion, I have relied upon the aforesaid instruments,
certificates, records and documents and inquiries of Allstate representatives.
Based upon the foregoing examination, I am of the opinion that the shares to
be issued by Allstate to the stockholders have been duly authorized and, when
issued in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement (including
the declaration and maintenance of the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement and the obtaining and maintenance of all requisite regulatory and
other approvals), will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
I am a member of the Bar of the State of Illinois, and I do not express any
opinion herein concerning any law other than the federal law of the United
States, the law of the State of Illinois, and the corporate law of the State
of Delaware.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the caption "Legal
Matters" therein and in the related prospectus, and in any supplements
thereto or amendments thereof. My consent to such reference does not
constitute a consent under Section 7 of the Act, and in consenting to such
reference I have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do
not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Robert W. Pike
<PAGE>
Exhibit 8.1
[LETTERHEAD OF LEBOEUF, LAMB, GREENE & MACRAE, L.L.P.]
September 24, 1999
The Allstate Corporation
2775 Sanders Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel to The Allstate Corporation, a
company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware ("Allstate"), in
connection with the proposed merger (the "Merger") of American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation, a Florida corporation ("American Heritage Life") with
and into A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Merger
Sub") and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Allstate pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of July 8, 1999,
among Allstate, Merger Sub and American Heritage Life (the "Agreement"). The
Merger is described in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") of which this exhibit is a part. This opinion is
being rendered pursuant to the requirements of Item 21(a) of Form S-4 under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have relied, with
the consent of Allstate and the consent of American Heritage Life, upon the
accuracy and completeness of the statements and representations (which
statements and representations we have neither investigated nor verified)
contained, respectively, in the certificates of the officers of Allstate and
American Heritage Life dated the date hereof, and have assumed that such
statements and representations will be complete and accurate as of the
Effective Time and that all representations made to the knowledge of any
person or entity or with similar qualification are and will be true and
correct as if made without such qualification, and, as to all matters in
which a person or entity making a representation has represented that such
person or entity either is not a party to, does not have, or is not aware of,
any plan or intention, understanding or agreement, we have assumed that there
is in fact no such plan, intention, understanding or agreement. We have also
relied upon the accuracy of the Agreement, the Registration Statement and the
proxy statement-prospectus of Allstate and American Heritage Life (the "Proxy
Statement-Prospectus") included therein. Furthermore, we have made no
independent investigation with regard to the facts set forth in the
Agreement, the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and the Registration Statement. Any
capitalized term used and not defined herein has the meaning given to it in
the Proxy Statement-Prospectus or the appendices thereto (including the
Agreement).
<PAGE>
The Allstate Corporation
September 24, 1999
Page 2
In connection with our opinion addressing the transactions
contemplated by the Agreement, we have assumed, with the consent of Allstate,
that: (i) the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated
in accordance therewith and as described in the Proxy Statement-Prospectus
(and no transaction or condition found therein and material to this opinion
will be waived by any party); (ii) all representations and facts set forth in
the Agreement are true, complete and accurate as of the date hereof and will
be as of the Effective Time, (iii) the Merger will qualify as a statutory
merger under the applicable laws of the States of Delaware and Florida; and
(iv) the Merger will be reported by Allstate, Merger Sub and American
Heritage Life on their respective U.S. federal income tax returns in a manner
consistent with the opinion set forth below and that all such parties will
comply with all reporting requirements and obligations with respect to the
merger required under the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion, under
currently applicable U.S. federal income tax law, that the Merger will be
treated as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of
the Code.
It should be noted that although this letter represents our
opinion concerning the matters specifically discussed, it is not binding on
the courts or on any administrative agency, including the Internal Revenue
Service, and a court or agency may act or hold to the contrary. We undertake
no obligation to update this letter or our opinion at any time after the
Closing Date. Our opinion is provided to you as a legal opinion only, and not
as a guaranty or warranty, and is limited to the specific transactions,
documents and matters described above. We express no opinion as to the truth,
accuracy or completeness of any facts set forth in the Agreement, the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus or the Registration Statement or any representation
relied upon in rendering our opinion and no opinion may be implied or
inferred beyond that which is expressly stated in this letter. If any fact,
representation or assumption described above or contained in the Agreement,
the Proxy Statement-Prospectus or Registration Statement is not true, correct
and complete, or in the event of a change in law after the date hereof
adversely affecting the conclusions reached in this letter, our opinion shall
be void and of no force or effect.
Moreover, this opinion relates solely to certain U.S. federal
income tax consequences of the Merger, and no opinion is expressed as to the
tax consequences of the Merger under any state, local or foreign laws or
under any
<PAGE>
The Allstate Corporation
September 24, 1999
Page 3
U.S. federal laws other than those pertaining to the income tax or with respect
to matters not expressly referenced herein.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and to the reference to us under the caption "THE MERGER -
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences." In giving such consent, we do not
hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
We are furnishing this opinion to you solely in connection with
the filing of the Registration Statement, and our opinion may not be relied
upon, circulated, distributed, provided to, quoted or otherwise referred to
by any person other than you for any other purpose (including without
limitation any successor or assign of Allstate) and no person may be
subrogated to any rights you have in connection with our opinion without our
prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
/s/ LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 8.2
[LETTERHEAD OF ROPES & GRAY]
September 24, 1999
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to American Heritage Life Investment
Corporation ("American Heritage"), a Florida corporation, in connection with the
proposed merger (the "Merger") of American Heritage with and into A.P.L.
Acquisition Corporation ("Merger Sub"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation ("Allstate"), a Delaware
corporation, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the
"Merger Agreement") dated as of July 8, 1999 by and among Allstate, American
Heritage and Merger Sub. The Merger is described in the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") of which this exhibit is a part. This
opinion is being rendered pursuant to the requirements of Item 21(a) of Form S-4
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All capitalized terms used but not
defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.
For purposes of the opinion set forth below, we have reviewed and
relied upon (i) the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Joint Proxy Statement and
Prospectus (the "Proxy Statement") included in the Registration Statement, (iii)
Officer's Certificates delivered by American Heritage and Allstate to us in
connection with this opinion, and (iv) such other documents, records and
instruments as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for our
opinion. We have assumed without investigation or verification that all
statements contained in the foregoing documents are true, correct, and complete
as of the date hereof and will remain true, correct and complete as of the
Effective Time; that no actions inconsistent with such statements have occurred
or will occur; that all such statements made "to the best of the knowledge of"
any persons or parties, or similarly qualified, are true, correct and complete
as if made without such qualification; and, as to all matters in which a person
or entity making a representation has represented that such person or entity
either is not a party to, does not have, or is not aware of, any plan or
intention, understanding or agreement, we have assumed that there is in fact no
such plan, intention, understanding or agreement.
We also have assumed that (i) the Merger will be consummated in
accordance with the Merger Agreement (including satisfaction of all covenants
and conditions to the obligations of
<PAGE>
American Heritage Life Investment Corp. -2- September 24, 1999
the parties without amendment or waiver thereof); (ii) all representations and
warranties contained in the Merger Agreement are true, correct, and complete in
all respects; (iii) the Merger will be effective as a merger under applicable
state laws; and (iv) each of American Heritage, Allstate and Merger Sub will
comply with all reporting obligations with respect to the Merger required under
the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and the Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder.
Any inaccuracy in, or breach of, any of the aforementioned statements,
representations and assumptions and any change in applicable law after the date
hereof could adversely affect our opinion. No ruling has been sought from the
Internal Revenue Service by American Heritage, Allstate or Merger Sub as to the
federal income tax consequences of any aspect of the Merger, and the Internal
Revenue Service is not bound by our opinion herein.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing as well as to the
qualifications and limitations set forth below, it is our opinion that the
Merger will be treated for United States federal income tax purposes as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
No opinion is expressed as to any matter not specifically addressed
above, including the tax consequences of any of the transactions under any
foreign, state, or local tax law or the tax consequences of any other
transactions contemplated or entered into by American Heritage, Allstate or
Merger Sub in connection with the transactions described above. Our opinion is
based on current federal income tax law and we do not undertake to advise you as
to any changes in federal income tax law after the date hereof that may affect
our opinion.
This opinion is solely for your benefit, shall not inure to the benefit
of any other person, including without limitation any successor or assign of
American Heritage, whether by operation of law or otherwise, and is not to be
used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any purpose without our
express written permission.
We hereby consent to the filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 filed by Allstate in connection with the Merger.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Ropes & Gray
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of The Allstate Corporation on Form S-4 of our reports dated February
19, 1999, appearing in or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form
10-K of The Allstate Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998 and in the
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 18, 1999 of
The Allstate Corporation and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
September 24, 1999
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus which is part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
The Allstate Corporation and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated February 4, 1999, with respect to the 1998 and 1997 consolidated
financial statements and schedules of American Heritage Life Investment
Corporation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Jacksonville, Florida
September 24, 1999
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG]
The Board of Directors
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation:
We consent to the use of our report incorporated by reference and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Form S-4.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Jacksonville, Florida
September 24, 1999
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.7
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
1776 American Heritage Life Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
We hereby consent to the use of our opinion letter dated July 8, 1999
to the Board of Directors of American Heritage Life Investment Corporation
included as Appendix C to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus which forms a part of
the Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger of
American Heritage Life Investment Corporation with and into A.P.L. Acquisition
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation and to the
references to such opinion in such Proxy Statement/ Prospectus under the
captions "Summary --Opinion of Financial Advisor," "The Merger --Background of
the Merger," "--Recommendation of the American Heritage Life Board; Reasons for
the Merger," and "Opinion of Financial Advisor." In giving such consent, we do
not admit and we hereby disclaim that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder, nor do we thereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part
of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used
in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
/s/ MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
September 24, 1999
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
THIS FORM IS NOT A PROXY. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THIS FORM IN WITH YOUR PROXY CARD.
INSTEAD, PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED FORM TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IN THE BROWN
ENVELOPE.
ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM
FOR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT COMPANY
PLEASE READ THE VERY IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 BEFORE
COMPLETING BOXES A THROUGH G AND THE FORM W-9.
By completing this election form, you are surrendering the certificates
listed in Box A (or guaranteeing delivery of such certificates in accordance
with Box F) and making the election set forth in Box B.
BOX A
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
(If the space provided in Box A is inadequate, please provide the information on a
separate piece of paper and attach it to this form.)
NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS OF REGISTERED REPRESENTED BY
HOLDER(S) EXACTLY AS NAME(S) APPEAR(S) CERTIFICATE NUMBERS EACH CERTIFICATE OR
ON CERTIFICATES OR ON YOUR ACCOUNT WITH OR ACCOUNT NUMBER HELD IN AN ACCOUNT
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE DRIP(1), WITH THE AMERICAN WITH THE AMERICAN
ESPP(2) OR ASIP(3) (PLEASE FILL IN, IF HERITAGE LIFE DRIP, HERITAGE LIFE DRIP,
BLANK) ESPP OR ASIP ESPP OR ASIP
Total Shares:
</TABLE>
/ / Please check this box if any American Heritage Life shares covered by
this Election and Transmittal Form are not represented by certificates or are
held in an account with the American Heritage Life DRIP, ESPP or ASIP.
- ------------------------
(1) Dividend Reinvestment Plan
(2) Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(3) Agent Stock Investment Plan
<PAGE>
BOX B
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ELECTION
(Check only one box)
Subject to the terms and conditions described in this form, you elect:
/ / to receive Allstate common stock for ALL of your American Heritage Life shares.
/ / to receive $32.25 in cash per share for ALL of your American Heritage Life
shares.
/ / to receive $32.25 in cash per share for SOME of your American Heritage Life
shares and to receive Allstate common stock for the remainder, as allocated
below:
CASH STOCK TOTAL
- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- -----------------------------
(No. of shares including (No. of shares including (No. of shares including
DRIP, ESPP and ASIP shares) DRIP, ESPP and ASIP shares) DRIP, ESPP and ASIP shares)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BOX C
REQUIRED SIGNATURES
(IMPORTANT: ALL AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE SHAREHOLDERS
SUBMITTING THIS FORM MUST SIGN IN BOX C.)
Dated: ______________________, 1999
SIGN HERE: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
(Signatures of registered holders or American Heritage Life DRIP,
ESPP or ASIP participants. You must sign your name exactly as it
appears on stock certificates or accounts with an American Heritage
Life DRIP, ESPP or ASIP.)
Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________
(Please print)
________________________________________________________________________________
(Area code and telephone number)
Capacity (full title): _________________________________________________________
(If signature is by attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian or
other person acting in a fiduciary capacity, set forth the full title.)
<PAGE>
If any check is to be payable to the order of, or Allstate common stock is
to be issued in the name of, a person other than the persons signing this
election form, then you must complete Box D. By completing Box D, you are
authorizing the Exchange Agent to issue any check or Allstate common stock in
the name specified in Box D. In addition, your signature on this Election and
Transmittal Form must be guaranteed by a bank, broker, dealer, credit union,
savings association or other entity that is a member in good standing of the
Securities Transfer Association's Medallion Program using Box G.
If a check or a distribution statement or certificate for Allstate common
stock is to be sent to someone other than the persons signing this Election and
Transmittal Form or to the persons signing this form but at an address other
than that shown in Box A, then you must complete Box E. By completing Box E you
are authorizing the Exchange Agent to mail any check or distribution statement
or certificate for Allstate common stock to the person and address specified in
Box E. In addition, your signature on this form must be guaranteed by a bank,
broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity that is a
member in good standing of the Securities Transfer Association's Medallion
Program using Box G.
If any check or a distribution statement or certificate for Allstate's
common stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificates
surrendered for such exchange are registered, it will be a condition of the
exchange that the person requesting the exchange pay the amount of any stock
transfer or other taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or that
person), payable on account of the transfer to that person, to the Exchange
Agent or submit satisfactory evidence of the payment of these taxes, or
exemption from these taxes, to the Exchange Agent before the check, distribution
statement or certificate is issued.
- -------------------------------------------
BOX D
-----------------------------------------------
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
-----------------------------------------------
To be completed ONLY if a check is to be made payable to or Allstate's
common stock is to be issued in the name of someone other than you.
Name _______________________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Address ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
(Include Zip Code)
- -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
BOX E
-----------------------------------------------
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
-----------------------------------------------
To be completed ONLY if a check or a distribution statement or
certificate for Allstate's common stock is to be mailed to someone other
than to you or to you at an address other than that shown in Box A.
Mail to:
Name _______________________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Address ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
(Include Zip Code)
- -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Instead of forwarding certificates, you may deliver your certificates under
the guaranteed delivery procedure. To use the guaranteed delivery procedure
contained in this Election and Transmittal Form, have the guarantor (which must
be a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company
having an office or correspondent in the United States) complete and execute
Boxes F and G. Deliver this form (with Boxes F and G completed) and any other
required documents so that they are received by the Exchange Agent before 4:00
P.M. Eastern time on October 25, 1999. Instruct the guarantor to deliver the
certificates in proper form for transfer to the Exchange Agent no later than
5:00 p.m., New York City Time, on the third trading day after the date of
execution of the Guarantee of Delivery in Box F. If the guarantor fails to
deliver the certificates on a timely basis in accordance with applicable
guaranteed delivery procedures, any purported cash election for those
certificates will be void.
If necessary, Boxes F and G (but no other parts of this Election and
Transmittal Form) may be faxed to the Exchange Agent at (201) 222-4720 or (201)
222-4721. Please confirm receipt by calling (201) 222-4707.
<PAGE>
BOX F
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY
(TO BE USED ONLY IF CERTIFICATES ARE NOT SURRENDERED WITH THIS FORM.)
The undersigned, a member firm of a registered national securities exchange, a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial
bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States,
hereby guarantees delivery to the Exchange Agent (at its address set forth in
this Election and Transmittal Form) of the certificates for the American
Heritage Life shares to which this form relates, duly endorsed in blank or
otherwise acceptable in form for transfer on the books of American Heritage
Life, no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern time on the third trading day after the
date of execution of the Guarantee of Delivery.
(This Box F is not to be used to guarantee signatures. See Box G.)
Dated: ____________________, 1999
No. of Shares: ____________
Name of Firm: __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Authorized signature)
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number (including area code): ________________________________________
No signature guarantee is required on this Election and Transmittal Form if
it is signed by the registered holders of certificates or DRIP, ESPP or ASIP
accounts covered by this form, unless Box D, E or F is completed. All signatures
on this Election and Transmittal Form not signed by the registered holders of
certificates or DRIP, ESPP or ASIP accounts covered by this form, as well as
signatures of holders completing Box D, E or F, must be guaranteed by a bank,
broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or other entity that is a
member in good standing of the Securities Transfer Association's Medallion
Program using Box G, entitled "Signature Guarantee."
If necessary, Boxes F and G (but no other parts of this Election and
Transmittal Form) may be faxed to the Exchange Agent at (201) 222-4720 or (201)
222-4721. Please confirm receipt by calling (201) 222-4707.
<PAGE>
BOX G
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
(Please Print or Type)
Title: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of Firm: __________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Area Code and Telephone No.: ___________________________________________________
<PAGE>
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
Under the federal income tax law, a holder surrendering Certificates is
required to provide the Exchange Agent with such holder's correct Taxpayer
Identification Number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9 below. If the Exchange
Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the holder may be subject to a $50
penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, any payment to
such holder may be subject to a 31% backup withholding. Certain holders
(including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are
not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. In order for
a foreign individual to qualify as such an exempt recipient, the holder must
submit a Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that
individual's exempt status. A Form W-8 can be obtained from Corporate Investor
Communications, Inc.. See the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional information. If
backup withholding applies, the Exchange Agent is required to withhold 31% of
any cash amounts otherwise payable to the holder. Backup withholding is not an
additional income tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup
withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld, provided that the
required information is given to the Internal Revenue Service. If withholding
results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the Internal
Revenue Service.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR ACCOUNTANT OR TAX ADVISOR FOR FURTHER GUIDANCE IN
COMPLETING THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
PURPOSE OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
To prevent backup withholding on cash payments that are made to a holder
with respect to Certificates surrendered for payment.
WHAT NUMBER TO GIVE THE EXCHANGE AGENT
Each holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the social security
number or employee identification number of the record holder(s) of the
Certificates. If the Certificates are in more than one name or are not in the
name of the actual holder, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of
Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 for additional guidance on
which number to report.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
If the holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends
to apply for a TIN in the near future, write "Applied For" in the space for the
TIN on Substitute Form W-9, sign and date the Substitute Form W-9 and the
Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number and return them to the
Exchange Agent. Notwithstanding that the Substitute Form W-9 and the Certificate
of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number are completed, the Exchange Agent
will withhold 31% on all payments made prior to the time a properly certified
TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent. However, such amounts will be refunded to
such holder if a TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent within 60 days.
<PAGE>
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND CERTIFICATION
PAYOR'S NAME: FIRST CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
Name as shown on account (if joint, list first and circle name of the person or
entity whose number you enter below)
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
City, State and Zip Code: ______________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
SUBSTITUTE TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO. FOR ALL ACCOUNTS Social Security Number
FORM W-9 Enter your taxpayer identification number in the ------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY appropriate box. For most individuals this is your
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE social security number. If you do not have a number,
see the enclosed Guidelines. If awaiting TIN, write
"Applied For."
PAYOR'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER NOTE: If the account is more than one name, see the Employer Identification Number
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN) enclosed Guidelines on which number to give the payor. ------------------------
For Payees Exempt from Backup Withholding, see the enclosed Guidelines and complete as provided therein.
CERTIFICATION--Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
(1) the number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or a Taxpayer Identification Number has not been
issued to me and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the
appropriate Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") or Social Security Administration office or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an
application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within sixty (60) days,
31% of all reportable payments made to me thereafter will be withheld until I provide a number) and
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding either because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by
the IRS that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS: You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to
backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the
IRS that you were subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject
to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2). (Also see instructions in the enclosed Guidelines).
SIGNATURE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING
OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES
FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU WROTE "APPLIED FOR" IN
THE SPACE FOR THE "TIN" ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a Taxpayer Identification Number
has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an
application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the appropriate
Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b)
I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that
if I do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number by the time of payment, 31%
of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld but that such amounts
will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer Identification Number within
sixty (60) days.
- ------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------
Signature Date
<PAGE>
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM
The Election and Transmittal Form relates to the proposed merger of American
Heritage Life Investment Corporation into A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation.
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER?
As a result of the merger, your shares of American Heritage Life stock will
be exchanged for either shares of Allstate common stock or cash. The terms of
the merger agreement between American Heritage Life and Allstate allow you to
make a choice as to the consideration you would like to receive in the merger.
For each share of American Heritage Life stock that you hold at the effective
time of the merger, including shares you own as a participant in the American
Heritage Life Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "American Heritage Life DRIP"),
the American Heritage Life Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "American Heritage
Life ESPP") or the American Heritage Life Agents Stock Investment Plan (the
"American Heritage Life ASIP"), you can choose to:
- receive $32.25 in cash, subject to the limitation described below, OR
- exchange the American Heritage Life share for shares of Allstate common
stock worth $32.25, based on a 10-day average closing price for Allstate
common stock near the time of the effectiveness of the merger.
You may choose to receive cash for a portion of your American Heritage Life
shares and Allstate common stock for the rest of your American Heritage Life
shares.
The Allstate common stock issued in connection with the merger will be issued in
book-entry form. Consequently, after the merger, you will not receive
certificates for Allstate common stock. Instead, you will receive a distribution
statement showing the number of shares of Allstate common stock that you
received in the merger. You may request a certificate by following the
instructions on the distribution statement.
ARE THERE LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF CASH THAT CAN BE PAID TO AMERICAN
HERITAGE LIFE SHAREHOLDERS IN THE MERGER?
In the merger agreement, Allstate and American Heritage Life agreed that no
more than 50% of the total value of the merger consideration may be paid in
cash, whether it is used to pay American Heritage Life shareholders who choose
to receive cash instead of Allstate common stock or to pay cash instead of
fractional shares. After all of the Election and Transmittal Forms have been
received and the election deadline passes, we will determine the exact amount of
cash to be distributed to you, if you have indicated that you wish to receive
cash. It may be necessary to prorate the cash consideration among American
Heritage Life Shareholders and you may receive less than the amount of cash you
elected.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO IF YOU WANT TO ELECT TO RECEIVE CASH OR STOCK FOR ANY OF
YOUR AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE SHARES?
If you are the REGISTERED HOLDER of shares of American Heritage Life stock
held in certificated or book entry form, please complete the following items on
the Election and Transmittal Form and send all required documents and stock
certificates to the Exchange Agent for delivery on or before 4:00 P.M. Eastern
time on October 25, 1999:
Description of Shares (Box A)
Election (Box B)
Required Signatures (Box C)
Substitute Form W-9
Special Payment Instructions form (IF APPLICABLE) (Box D)
Special Delivery Instructions (IF APPLICABLE) (Box E)
Guarantee of Delivery (IF APPLICABLE) (Box F)
Signature Guarantee (IF APPLICABLE) (Box G)
Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number (IF
APPLICABLE)
If you are the BENEFICIAL OWNER of shares of American Heritage Life stock
(e.g., your bank or broker holds the shares), follow the instructions sent to
you by your bank or broker. Return your signed documents to your bank or broker
(not to the Exchange Agent) in time for your bank or broker to make a cash
election for you before 4:00 P.M. Eastern time on October 25, 1999.
<PAGE>
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT RETURN THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM?
If you do not return an Election and Transmittal Form before 4:00 P.M.
Eastern time on October 25, 1999, you will be deemed to have elected to receive
shares of Allstate common stock for all of your shares of American Heritage Life
stock. After the merger is complete, you will be sent a separate letter of
transmittal with instructions for receiving shares of Allstate common stock for
any American Heritage Life shares for which you did not submit the form or for
which you did not submit the form in time.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR RETURNING THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM?
The Exchange Agent must receive your Election and Transmittal Form (or the
election form of your bank or broker) and all required documents before 4:00
P.M. Eastern time on October 25, 1999.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SEND THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN
THE EXCHANGE AGENT?
You should return the Election and Transmittal Form and all other required
documents to the Exchange Agent at the address indicated below in the brown
envelope. Delivery of the Election and Transmittal Form to a different address
will not constitute a valid delivery and will result in your receiving shares of
Allstate common stock for all of your shares of American Heritage Life stock. DO
NOT SEND THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM WITH YOUR PROXY CARD.
WHAT IS THE EXCHANGE AGENT'S ADDRESS?
Depending on the method of delivery that you choose to use, the Exchange
Agent's address is as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. MAIL FEDERAL EXPRESS OR OTHER HAND DELIVERY
First Chicago Trust Company COURIER First Chicago Trust Company
of New York First Chicago Trust Company of New York
Corporate Actions, Suite 4660 of New York c/o Securities Transfer and
P. O. Box 2569 Corporate Actions, Suite 4680 Reporting Services
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2569 14 Wall Street, 8(th) Floor Attn: Corporate Actions
New York, NY 10005 100 William Street, Galleria
New York, NY 10038
</TABLE>
WHAT IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AFTER SENDING IN THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM?
You may revoke your election at any time before 4:00 P.M. Eastern time on
October 25, 1999 by notifying the Exchange Agent in writing at the address
listed above. You may change your election by submitting a new Election and
Transmittal Form with the signature guarantee in Box G completed before 4:00
P.M. Eastern time on October 25, 1999.
HOW CAN YOU GET MORE HELP OR ASK FOR MORE COPIES?
If you need assistance or if you need additional copies of this Election and
Transmittal Form, of the Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9, of Form W-8 or of the proxy statement/prospectus,
write to Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. (CIC), 111 Commerce Road,
Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2586, or call CIC toll-free at 1-877-460-4352.
WHAT IF YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE DRIP?
If you hold American Heritage Life shares in an American Heritage Life DRIP
account and such shares are not represented by certificates, you need not obtain
certificates representing such shares in order to make a valid election with the
Election and Transmittal Form. In all other respects, however, these
Instructions and the terms of the Election and Transmittal Form apply.
<PAGE>
You have been sent one Election and Transmittal Form for each American
Heritage Life DRIP account in your name. A separate election form is required to
be properly completed, duly executed and delivered for each American Heritage
Life DRIP account for which you are making an election in exchange for your
American Heritage Life DRIP shares.
Any Allstate shares issued to you in the merger in exchange for your DRIP
shares will be book-entry shares. You will NOT be enrolled in the
DirectSERVICE-TM- Investment Program for Allstate as a result of the merger. You
may contact the Exchange Agent if you wish to enroll in the DirectSERVICE-TM-
Investment Program for Allstate after the merger is completed.
WHAT IF YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE ESPP OR ASIP?
If you hold American Heritage Life shares in an American Heritage Life ESPP
or ASIP account and such shares are not represented by certificates, you do not
need to obtain certificates representing such shares in order to make a valid
election with the Election and Transmittal Form. In all other respects, however,
these Instructions and the terms of the Election and Transmittal Form apply. Any
Allstate shares issued to you in the merger in exchange for your ESPP or ASIP
shares will be book-entry shares.
You have been sent one Election and Transmittal Form for each American
Heritage Life ESPP or ASIP account in your name. A separate election form is
required to be properly completed, duly executed and delivered for each American
Heritage Life ESPP or ASIP account for which you are making an election in
exchange for your American Heritage Life ESPP or ASIP shares.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELECTION PROCESS?
The election process is summarized under the caption "Principal Terms of The
Merger Agreement: Election Procedures" in the proxy statement/prospectus of
American Heritage Life and Allstate, dated September 27, 1999 that was sent to
you with this election form. The election process is also described in the
merger agreement, which is attached to the proxy statement/prospectus as
Appendix A. You should read the merger agreement and the proxy
statement/prospectus carefully before making a cash election.
HOW SHOULD YOU SIGN THE ELECTION AND TRANSMITTAL FORM AND THE CERTIFICATES AND
DOCUMENTS THAT YOU SUBMIT WITH IT?
You should sign the Election and Transmittal Form according to the
procedures below that apply to you:
- If you are the registered holder of the American Heritage Life shares
covered by the form, the signatures must correspond with the names on the
face of the stock certificate or on the DRIP, ESPP or ASIP account for the
American Heritage Life shares covered by the form, without alteration or
any other change whatsoever.
- If any of the American Heritage Life shares covered by the Election and
Transmittal Form are registered in the names of two or more persons, all
of these persons must sign the form. If you have multiple certificates,
each registered in the names of different holders, it will be necessary to
complete, sign and submit as many separate Election and Transmittal Forms
as there are different registrations of the certificates.
- If you are the registered holder of the American Heritage Life shares
covered by the Election and Transmittal Form, no endorsements of
certificates or separate stock powers are required, unless a check is to
be payable to the order of, or Allstate's common stock is to be issued in
the name of, a person other than the registered holders of the shares.
- If a check is to be payable to the order of, or Allstate's common stock is
to be issued in the name of, a person other than the registered holders of
the shares, Box D of the Election and Transmittal Form must be completed
and the certificates evidencing the shares must be endorsed
<PAGE>
or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly
as the names of the registered holders appear on such certificates.
Signatures on such certificates and stock powers must be guaranteed in Box
G of the form by a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association
or other entity that is a member in good standing of the Securities
Transfer Association's Medallion Program.
- If the Election and Transmittal Form is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of the American Heritage Life shares covered by the
form, the certificates evidencing the shares must be endorsed or
accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case signed exactly as
the name of the registered holder appears on such certificates. Signatures
on the certificates and stock powers must be guaranteed in Box G of the
form by a bank, broker, dealer, credit union, savings association or other
entity that is a member in good standing of the Securities Transfer
Association's Medallion Program.
- If the Election and Transmittal Form or any certificate or stock power is
signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact,
officer of a corporation, or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, that person should so indicate when signing, and
proper evidence satisfactory to the Exchange Agent of such person's
authority to so act must be submitted.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE STOCK CERTIFICATES HAVE BEEN
LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED?
If any of your American Heritage Life stock certificates have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, you should promptly contact SunTrust Bank, Atlanta for
assistance. The address is SunTrust Bank, Atlanta, Stock Transfer Department,
P.O. Box 4625, Atlanta, Georgia 30302. The phone number is 1-800-568-3476.
By signing the Election and Transmittal Form in Box C and submitting the
form to the Exchange Agent, you are agreeing to all of the terms of the form,
these Instructions and the following statements:
- You received the proxy statement/prospectus accompanying the Election and
Transmittal Form.
- Any cash election made in connection with the merger is subject to the
proration provisions described in the merger agreement.
- You authorize the Exchange Agent to deliver the American Heritage Life
shares covered by the Election and Transmittal Form and to receive on your
behalf any check for the cash and any Allstate common stock to be received
in the merger for the American Heritage Life shares to which the Election
and Transmittal Form applies.
- You understand that all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility
of any election and delivery and/or surrender of certificates under the
Election and Transmittal Form will be determined by the Exchange Agent, or
as otherwise provided by the merger agreement, that any determinations of
this kind will be final and binding and that neither American Heritage
Life, Allstate nor the Exchange Agent are under any obligation to notify
you of any defect in the form.
- You authorize the Exchange Agent to issue any check or a distribution
statement or certificate for Allstate common stock to the registered
holders at the addresses listed in Box A of the Election and Transmittal
Form unless otherwise authorized by your completion of Box D and/or Box E
of the form.
- You understand that no authority conferred by the Election and Transmittal
Form or agreed to be conferred will be affected by, and all authority of
this kind will survive, your death or incapacity and that all of your
obligations under the Election and Transmittal Form will be binding on
your heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
<PAGE>
- You understand that Allstate will pay to each shareholder of American
Heritage Life who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional
share of Allstate common stock in the merger an amount of cash equal to
(a) the fraction of a share of Allstate common stock to which the
shareholder would otherwise be entitled, multiplied by (b) the average
closing price per share of Allstate's common stock as reported on The Wall
Street Journal's New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction Reports for
the ten consecutive trading days in the period ending five trading days
prior to the closing of the merger.
- You represent and warrant that you have full power and authority to
complete and deliver the Election and Transmittal Form and to surrender
the certificates surrendered with it (or any certificates covered by a
Guarantee of Delivery in accordance with Box F of the form) or any
American Heritage Life DRIP, ESPP or ASIP shares listed on the form, free
and clear of any liens, claims, charges or encumbrances whatsoever. Unless
you otherwise endorse your stock certificates or a stock power, the
Election and Transmittal Form will be treated as a stock power endorsed by
you.
- If requested, you agree to execute and deliver all additional documents
deemed by the Exchange Agent or Allstate to be necessary or desirable to
complete the assignment, transfer, cancellation and retirement of the
American Heritage Life shares covered by the Election and Transmittal
Form.
- You understand that the Election and Transmittal Form will be effective
only when it is received by the Exchange Agent and that the method of
delivery that you choose to use to deliver the form, any stock
certificates and any other documents is at your risk. You agree to bear
the risk of loss of the certificates until the Exchange Agent has actually
received the certificates. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with
return receipt requested, properly insured, is recommended. In all cases,
sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery by 4:00 P.M.
Eastern time on October 25, 1999.
- You understand that neither Allstate, American Heritage Life nor the
Exchange Agent will be liable to any holder of American Heritage Life
shares for any cash delivered to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE IRS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Under federal income tax
laws, each holder surrendering American Heritage Life stock (including American
Heritage Life DRIP, ESPP and ASIP participants) is required to provide the
Exchange Agent with a correct Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") on
Substitute Form W-9, as provided under "Important Tax Information", and to
indicate if such holder is not subject to backup withholding by signing and
dating the Substitute Form W-9. Failure to provide the information on the form
may subject the surrendering holder to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal
Revenue Service and any amount received as consideration in the merger will be
subject to backup withholding taxes of 31%. You should review the "Important Tax
Information" on the Substitute Form W-9 and the Guidelines to such form. Please
consult your accountant or tax advisor for further guidance in completing the
Substitute Form W-9.
<PAGE>
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE
PAYOR. Social Security numbers have nine digits separated by two hyphens; i.e.,
000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers have nine digits separated by only
one hyphen; i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to
give the payor.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
GIVE THE NAME AND
SOCIAL SECURITY
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: NUMBER OF--
- -----------------------------------------------------------
3. An individual's account The individual
4. Two or more individuals The actual owner of the
(joint account) account or, if combined
funds, any one of the
individuals(1)
5. Husband and wife (joint The actual owner of the
account) account or, if joint
funds, either person(1)
6. Custodian account of a The minor(2)
minor (Uniform Gift to
Minors Act)
7. Adult and minor (joint The adult or, if the
account) minor is the only
contributor, the
minor(1)
8. Account in the name of The ward, minor or
guardian or committee incompetent person(3)
for a designed ward,
minor or incompetent
person
9. a. The usual revocable The grantor-trustee(1)
savings trust account
(grantor is also
trustee)
b. So-called trust The actual owner(1)
account that is not a
legal or valid trust
under state law
10. Sole proprietorship The owner(4)
account
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
GIVE THE NAME AND
EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION
FOR THIS TYPE OF ACCOUNT: NUMBER OF--
<S> <C> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------
11. A valid trust, estate The legal entity (Do
or pension trust not furnish the
identifying number of
the personal
representative or
trustee unless the
legal entity itself is
not designated in the
account title.)(5)
12. Corporate account The corporation
13. Religious, charitable The organization
or educational
organization account
14. Partnership account The partnership
held in the name of the
business
15. Association, club, or The organization
other tax-exempt
organization
16. A broker or registered The broker or nominee
nominee
17. Account with the The public entity
Department of
Agriculture in the name
of a public entity
(such as a state or
local government,
school district, or
prison) that receives
agricultural program
payments
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------
(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish.
(2) Circle the minor's name and furnish the minor's Social Security number.
(3) Circle the ward's, minor's or incompetent person's name and furnish such
person's Social Security number.
(4) Show the name of the owner.
(5) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate or pension trust.
NOTE: If no name is circled when there is more than one name, the number will
be considered to be that of the first name listed.
<PAGE>
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
PAGE 2
OBTAINING A NUMBER
If you don't have a taxpayer identification number or you don't know your
number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form
SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the
Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a
number.
PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the
following:
- A corporation.
- A financial institution.
- An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual
retirement plan.
- The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
- A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or
any subdivision or instrumentality thereof.
- A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or
any agency or instrumentality thereof.
- An international organization or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
- A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or
a possession of the U.S.
- A real estate investment trust.
- A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
- An exempt charitable remainder trust, or a non-exempt trust described in
section 4947(a)(1).
- An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
- A foreign central bank of issue.
Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup
withholding include the following:
- Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.
- Payments to partnerships not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S.
and which have at least one nonresident partner.
- Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in
money.
- Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
- Payments made to a nominee.
Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the
following:
- Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. NOTE: You may
be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is
paid in the course of the payor's trade or business and you have not
provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payor.
- Payments of tax-exempt interest (including exempt-interest dividends under
section 852).
- Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to nonresident aliens.
- Payments on tax-free covenant bonds under section 1451.
- Payments made by certain foreign organizations.
Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous
backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE "EXEMPT" ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO
THE PAYOR. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, ALSO
SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.
Certain payments other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends
that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup
withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a),
6045, and 6050A.
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE.--Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend,
interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payors
who must report the payments to the IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for
identification purposes. Payors must be given the numbers whether or not
recipients are required to file tax returns. Payors must generally withhold 31%
of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does
not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payor. Certain penalties may
also apply.
PENALTIES
(1) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FURNISH TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.--If you fail
to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payor, you are subject to a
penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable
cause and not to willful neglect.
(2) FAILURE TO REPORT CERTAIN DIVIDEND AND INTEREST PAYMENTS.--If you fail to
include any portion of an includible payment for interest, dividends, or
patronage dividends in gross income, such failure may be treated as being due to
negligence and will be subject to a penalty of 20% on any portion of an
under-payment attributable to that failure unless there is clear and convincing
evidence to the contrary.
(3) CIVIL PENALTY FOR FALSE INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO WITHHOLDING.--If you
make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition
of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.
(4) CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FALSIFYING INFORMATION.--Falsifying certifications or
affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or
imprisonment.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX CONSULTANT OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE
SERVICE
<PAGE>
AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
PROXY
FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Solicited by the Board of Directors of American Heritage Life Investment
Corporation
I (we) hereby appoint T. O'Neal Douglas, Robert D. Davis and W. Ashley
Verlander and each of them as proxies with power of substitution, to represent
the undersigned and to vote all of the shares in American Heritage Life
Investment Corporation which the undersigned is entitled to vote, on all matters
which may come before the SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS to be held on
Wednesday, October 27, 1999 at 4:00 p.m., Jacksonville time, in the Auditorium
in the American Heritage Life Building, on the First Floor, at 1776 American
Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville, Florida, and at any adjournment thereof.
Notice of and the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Special Meeting
have been received by the undersigned.
The proxies will vote the shares and will vote as specified below or, where
no choice is specified, will vote the shares FOR the following proposal:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL:
1. To approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of
July 8, 1999 among American Heritage Life, The Allstate Corporation, and
A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation, and to approve the merger of American
Heritage Life with and into A.P.L. Acquisition Corporation. A copy of the
merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to the proxy statement/
prospectus relating to the Special Meeting.
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FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN / /
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2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
matters as may be incident to the conduct of the meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY
(CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED ON OTHER SIDE)
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AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE LIFE
Should any other matter incident to the conduct of the special meeting
requiring a vote of the Shareholders arise, the proxies named on the reverse
side hereof are authorized to vote the same in accordance with their best
judgment in the interest of American Heritage Life.
Please sign exactly as name appears
below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When
signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign full
corporate name by president or other
authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized
person.
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SIGNATURE
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SIGNATURE IF HELD JOINTLY
Dated ________________________, 1999
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
