SCHEDULE 14A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(A) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [X] Confidential, for Use of
the Commission Only
(as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] No fee required.
[X] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per Share
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
4,447,325 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Shares")*
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined): $15.00 per share, plus an
additional amount per Share equal to the daily portion on the accrual on
$15.00 at 7% compounded annually from June 1, 1997 to the Merger.
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$68,119,449**
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(5) Total fee paid:
$13,624
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
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[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identity the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement no.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
October 1, 1997
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(continued)
<PAGE>
* Based upon the number of Shares outstanding as of July 31, 1997 (4,910,880)
less the number of Shares held by the acquiror and its affiliates
(463,655), which will be cancelled in the Merger.
** Estimated solely for purpose of calculating the filing fee for this
preliminary proxy statement. The estimated proposed maximum aggregate value
of the transaction is based upon 4,447,325 Shares, which is the number of
Shares outstanding as of July 31, 1997 less the Shares which will be
cancelled in the Merger, multiplied by the merger consideration of $15.00
per Share ($66,609,875 in the aggregate) plus an additional amount equal to
the accrual on $15.00 at 7% compounded annually from June 1, 1997 until,
for the purpose of calculating the filing fee, September 26, 1997
($1,509,574 in the aggregate).
<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY COPIES - CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
_______, 1997
To the Stockholders of Riviera Holdings Corporation:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Stockholders
of Riviera Holdings Corporation (the "Company") to be held on Wednesday,
November 19, 1997, at 2 p.m. local time at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las
Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. At the Special Meeting, you will
be asked to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
September 15, 1997, by and among the Company, R&E Gaming Corp. ("Gaming"), and
Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc. ("RAS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaming,
pursuant to which RAS will be merged with and into the Company and the Company
will, as the surviving corporation of the Merger, become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming (the "Merger"). If the Merger is consummated, each share of
the Company's Common Stock (other than certain shares owned by the Company,
Gaming and their affiliates, which will be cancelled without payment) will be
converted in the Merger into the right to receive $15.00 in cash, plus an
additional amount equal to the daily portion of the accrual on $15.00 at 7%
compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 to the date of the Merger.
The Company's financial advisor, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., has
rendered an opinion to the effect that, as of the date of their opinion and
based upon the reasoning described therein, the consideration to be received by
the Company's stockholders in the Merger is fair to the Company's stockholders
from a financial point of view.
The Board of Directors of the Company believes the proposed Merger is
in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders and recommends that you
vote FOR approval of the Merger Agreement. Stockholders should review the
enclosed Proxy Statement which describes in detail certain risks and benefits
inherent in the Merger.
For the Merger to be consummated, holders of at least 60% of the
outstanding Common Stock must vote in person or by proxy to approve the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement,
shares of Common Stock owned by Gaming or RAS or their stockholders or
affiliates, which account for approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Common
Stock, will not be counted toward approval of the Merger Agreement. However,
certain stockholders of the Company, who hold in the aggregate 58.9% of the
outstanding Common Stock, have informed the Company that they intend to vote
their shares in favor of the proposed Merger Agreement. These stockholders have
also entered into an option and voting agreement with Gaming which is described
in the enclosed Proxy Statement. The directors and executive officers of the
Company, who own in the aggregate approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common
Stock, have informed the Company that they intend to vote their shares of Common
Stock in favor of the Merger Agreement. Therefore, holders of the number of
shares of Common Stock required to approve the Merger Agreement have informed
the Company that they intend to vote for the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and, if such shares are so voted, the Merger Agreement will be
approved without any action on the part of any other stockholder of the Company.
The attached Proxy Statement describes the proposed transactions more
fully. Please read and carefully consider the information presented in the
accompanying Proxy Statement and complete, date, sign and return the enclosed
proxy card in the accompanying prepaid envelope.
Sincerely,
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
-------------
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on November 19, 1997
To the Stockholders of
Riviera Holdings Corporation:
Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Special Meeting") of Riviera Holdings Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the
"Company"), will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at the Riviera Hotel &
Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 at 2 p.m., local
time, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt
the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15, 1997, as
such may be amended from time to time (the "Merger Agreement"), by and
among the Company, R&E Gaming Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Gaming"),
and Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc. ("RAS"), a Nevada corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Gaming, pursuant to which (i) RAS will be
merged with and into the Company and the Company, as the surviving
corporation of the Merger, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of
Gaming, and (ii) each share of the common stock, par value $.001 per
share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") (other than shares of Common
Stock owned by Gaming or RAS or their stockholders or affiliates, or
which are held in the treasury of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, which will be cancelled without payment) will be
converted into the right to receive $15.00 in cash, plus an additional
amount equal to the daily portion of the accrual on $15.00 at 7%
compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 to the date of the
Merger.
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed October 15, 1997 as the record date
for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Accordingly, only
holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on such date shall be
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournment or postponement
thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, DATE,
SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ACCOMPANYING PREPAID ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
This Proxy Statement ("Proxy Statement") is being furnished to
stockholders of Riviera Holdings Corporation (the "Company") in connection with
the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors from holders of
outstanding shares of the common stock, par value $.001 per share, of the
Company (the "Common Stock") for use at the Special Meeting of Stockholders
(including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the "Special Meeting") to
be held on Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las
Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 at 2 p.m., local time.
At the Special Meeting, holders of Common Stock (the "Stockholders")
will consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15, 1997, as such may be amended from time
to time (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Company, R&E Gaming Corp., a
Delaware corporation ("Gaming"), and Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaming ("RAS"), pursuant to which:
(i) RAS will be merged with and into the Company (the "Merger"), and the
Company, as the surviving corporation of the Merger, will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming, and (ii) each share of Common Stock that is outstanding at
the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time") (other than shares of
Common Stock owned by Gaming or RAS or their stockholders or affiliates, or
which are held in the treasury of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which
will be cancelled without payment) will be converted into the right to receive
$15.00 in cash, plus an additional amount equal to the daily portion of the
accrual on $15.00 at 7% compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 to the
Effective Time (the "Merger Consideration").
Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things,
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement by the requisite vote of the
Stockholders and the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and consents. The
Special Meeting may be postponed or adjourned until the requisite vote is
obtained. There can be no assurance that the conditions to the Merger will be
satisfied or, where permissible, waived or that the Merger will be consummated.
For further information concerning the terms and conditions of the Merger, see
"THE MERGER" and "THE MERGER AGREEMENT."
A copy of the Merger Agreement is included in this Proxy Statement as
Annex A and is incorporated herein by reference. The summaries of the portions
of the Merger Agreement set forth in this Proxy Statement do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference
to, the text of the Merger Agreement.
For the Merger to be consummated, holders of at least 60% of the
outstanding Common Stock must vote in person or by proxy to approve the Merger
Agreement at the Special Meeting. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement,
shares of Common Stock owned by Gaming or RAS or their stockholders or
affiliates (the "Paulson Shares"), which account for approximately 9.4% of the
outstanding Common Stock, will not be counted toward approval of the Merger
Agreement. However, certain Stockholders of the Company, who hold in the
aggregate 58.9% of the Common Stock, have informed the Company that they intend
to vote their shares in favor of the proposed Merger Agreement. These
Stockholders have also entered into an option and voting agreement with Gaming
which is described herein and which is appended to this Proxy Statement as Annex
C. The directors and executive officers of the Company, who own in the aggregate
approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common Stock, have informed the Company
that they intend to vote their shares of Common Stock in favor of the Merger.
Therefore, holders of the number of
<PAGE>
shares of Common Stock required to approve the Merger Agreement have informed
the Company that they intend to vote for the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and, if such shares are so voted, the Merger Agreement will be
approved without any action on the part of any other Stockholder.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, HAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER IS FAIR TO AND IN
THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, AND RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
In reaching its determination, the Board of Directors considered, among
other things, the opinion of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., financial advisor to
the Company (the "Financial Advisor"), as to the fairness of the Merger
Consideration to be received by the Stockholders pursuant to the Merger. The
opinion of the Financial Advisor is included as Annex D hereto and is
incorporated herein by reference. Stockholders are urged to read the opinion in
its entirety for further information with respect to the assumptions made,
matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by the Financial
Advisor. See "THE MERGER--Opinion of the Company's Financial Advisor."
Under Nevada law, appraisal rights will not be available to
Stockholders. See "THE MERGER--No Dissenter's Rights."
NO PERSONS HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IN CONNECTION
WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES MADE HEREBY, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON.
The Date of this Proxy Statement is _________, 1997.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.............................................................................................i
SUMMARY...........................................................................................................1
The Parties.......................................................................................................1
The Special Meeting...............................................................................................1
The Majority Stockholders; the Option and Voting Agreement........................................................3
The Merger........................................................................................................4
The Merger Agreement..............................................................................................5
Conditions To The Merger; Regulatory Approvals....................................................................5
Change of Control Provisions......................................................................................6
No Solicitation; Fiduciary Duties.................................................................................6
Termination.......................................................................................................6
Fees and Expenses.................................................................................................7
Interests of Certain Persons In The Merger........................................................................7
The Escrow Agreement..............................................................................................8
Certain Tax Consequences of The Merger............................................................................8
No Dissenters' Rights.............................................................................................8
Market Prices.....................................................................................................8
VOTING AND PROXIES................................................................................................9
Record Date; Solicitation of Proxies..............................................................................9
Vote Required.....................................................................................................9
THE MERGER.......................................................................................................11
General..........................................................................................................11
Background of And Reasons For The Merger.........................................................................11
Recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company..........................................................12
Opinion of the Company's Financial Advisor.......................................................................13
Accounting Treatment.............................................................................................18
No Dissenters' Rights............................................................................................18
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS......................................................................19
Treatment of Outstanding Options.................................................................................19
Exchange Procedures..............................................................................................20
Representations and Warranties...................................................................................20
Certain Covenants................................................................................................21
Indemnification and Insurance....................................................................................22
No Solicitation of Alternative Transactions......................................................................22
Interests of Certain Persons In The Merger.......................................................................23
Regulatory Approvals.............................................................................................24
Termination......................................................................................................26
Majority Stockholders; The Option and Voting Agreements..........................................................27
The Escrow Agreement.............................................................................................29
CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO STOCKHOLDERS.........................................................................29
BUSINESS.........................................................................................................31
General..........................................................................................................31
Growth Opportunities.............................................................................................31
The Riviera......................................................................................................33
Future Expansions................................................................................................36
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Marketing Strategy...............................................................................................37
Riviera Gaming Management........................................................................................39
Las Vegas Market.................................................................................................40
The Black Hawk Project...........................................................................................41
Colorado Market..................................................................................................41
Employees and Labor Relations....................................................................................42
Regulation and Licensing.........................................................................................42
Federal Registration.............................................................................................51
Legal Proceedings................................................................................................51
Properties.......................................................................................................51
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA.................................................................53
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............................57
General..........................................................................................................57
Results of Operations............................................................................................57
Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 1996....................................58
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1996........................................59
Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995..............................................................................61
Fiscal 1995 Compared to Fiscal 1994..............................................................................63
Liquidity and Capital Resources..................................................................................64
Forward Looking Statements.......................................................................................65
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards............................................................................65
Recently Issued Accounting Standards.............................................................................65
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS......................................................................................66
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT...................................................67
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS...................................................................68
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS...................................................................................70
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS............................................................................................70
OTHER MATTERS....................................................................................................70
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION...............................................F-1
Annex A -- Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15,
1997, by and among Riviera Holdings Corporation, R&E Gaming
Corp., and Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc.
Annex B -- Escrow Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1997, among
Riviera Holdings Corporation, R&E Gaming Corp., and State Street
Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A. as escrow agent.
Annex C -- Option and Voting Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1997,
by and among R&E Gaming Corp., Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis &
Company, Inc., on behalf of certain investment accounts, Keyport
Life Insurance Company and SunAmerica Life Insurance Company.
Annex D -- Opinion of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., financial advisor of
the Company.
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<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the information requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company with the SEC may be
inspected and copied at the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Room 1024,
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the
SEC's regional offices located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New
York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of all or parts of such materials also may be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. The SEC also
maintains a Web Site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. In
addition, material filed by the Company may be inspected at the offices of the
American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") at 86 Trinity Place, New York, NY 10006.
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<PAGE>
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere
in this Proxy Statement. Reference is made to, and this summary is qualified in
its entirety by, the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement and in the attached annexes. Unless otherwise indicated or the context
otherwise requires, references to the "Company" are to Riviera Holdings
Corporation and its subsidiaries including Riviera Operating Corporation, a
Nevada corporation ("ROC"). Statements as to the percentage of shares of Common
Stock held or beneficially owned by any Stockholder or group of Stockholders are
based upon the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August
31, 1997. This Proxy Statement contains forward-looking information that
involves risks and uncertainties, and such information is subject to the
assumptions set forth in connection therewith and the information contained or
incorporated by reference herein. Stockholders are urged to read carefully this
Proxy Statement, including the annexes hereto, in its entirety.
The Parties
Riviera Holdings Corporation. The Company owns and operates the Riviera
Hotel & Casino (the "Riviera") located on Las Vegas Boulevard (the "Strip") in
Las Vegas, Nevada. Opened in 1955, the Riviera has developed a long-standing
reputation for delivering high quality, traditional Las Vegas-style gaming and
entertainment. The Riviera is situated on a 26-acre site, located across the
Strip from Circus Circus and across Paradise Road from the Las Vegas Hilton and
the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Company, through its gaming management
subsidiary, also manages the Four Queens Hotel and Casino ("Four Queens") on
Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 2901 Las Vegas
Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 and its telephone number is (702)
734-5110.
R&E Gaming Corp. Gaming is a Delaware corporation created solely for
the purpose of acquiring and holding all of the outstanding capital stock of
RAS. If the Merger is consummated, Gaming will hold all of the common stock of
the surviving corporation.
The principal executive offices of Gaming are located at Del Mar
Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067, and its
telephone number at that address is (619) 759-5990.
Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc. RAS is a Nevada corporation created
solely for the purpose of consummating the Merger and is a direct wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming. The principal executive offices of RAS are located at Del
Mar Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067, and
its telephone number at that address is (619) 759-5990.
The Special Meeting
Purpose of the Special Meeting; Date, Time and Place. The Special
Meeting of Stockholders will be held at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las
Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 on Wednesday, November 19, 1997
at 2 p.m., local time. At the Special Meeting, the Stockholders will consider
and vote upon the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
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<PAGE>
In the Merger, each holder of Common Stock issued and outstanding at
the Effective Time (other than the Paulson Shares, or shares of Common Stock
which are held in the treasury of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which
will be cancelled without payment) will be converted into the right to receive
the Merger Consideration, which will consist of $15.00 in cash, plus an
additional amount equal to the daily portion of the accrual on $15.00 at 7%
compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 until the Effective Time.
Vote Required; Voting Procedures; Record Date. The close of business on
October 15, 1997 has been fixed as the record date (the "Record Date") for the
determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special
Meeting. Only holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on the
Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. As of August 31,
1997, 4,908,980 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, each of
which will be entitled to one vote on each matter to be acted upon at the
Special Meeting.
A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote,
represented in person or by proxy, is required for a quorum at the Special
Meeting. The Merger Agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 60% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Record Date to
approve and adopt the Merger Agreement, which requirement may be waived by the
Company and Gaming. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Paulson Shares,
which account for approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Common Stock, will not
be counted toward the approval of the Merger Agreement. The Company's Second
Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") also
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of 60% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock as of the Record Date to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
Abstentions may be specified with respect to the approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement and will be counted as present for the purpose of determining
the existence of a quorum but will have the effect of a negative vote due to the
requirement of affirmative votes described in the preceding sentences.
Shares of Common Stock which are represented by properly executed
proxies, unless such proxies shall have previously been properly revoked, will
be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. If no
contrary instructions are indicated, such shares will be voted FOR approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement, and in the discretion of the persons named in
the proxy as proxy appointee as to any other matter which may properly come
before the Special Meeting. Under the rules of the AMEX, while brokers who hold
shares of Common Stock in "street name" have the authority to vote on certain
items when they have not received instructions from beneficial owners, brokers
will not be entitled to vote on the Merger Agreement absent instructions. Shares
of Common Stock held by brokers who do not receive instructions but which are
reported as "instructions withheld" will be treated as present, in person or by
proxy, at the Special Meeting and counted as present for quorum purposes. A
failure by a broker to vote will have the effect of a negative vote on the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement.
It is not expected that any matters other than those referred to in
this Proxy Statement will be brought before the Special Meeting. If, however,
other matters are properly presented, including, among other things, a motion to
adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another time and/or place for the
purpose of, among other things, soliciting additional proxies in favor of
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, one or more of the persons named
as proxy appointees will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters and consistent with the voting rights of such shares as provided by the
Company's By-laws and the Nevada General Corporation law ("NGCL"); provided,
however, that no proxy that is voted or is treated as voted against approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement will be voted in favor of any adjournment or
postponement for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies. At
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<PAGE>
any subsequent reconvening of the Special Meeting, all proxies will be voted in
the same manner as such proxies would have been voted at the original convening
of the Special Meeting, except for proxies that have been effectively revoked
prior to such reconvened meeting. The grant of a proxy will also confer
discretionary authority on the persons named in the proxy to vote in accordance
with their best judgment on matters incident to the conduct of the Special
Meeting. See "VOTING AND PROXIES--Vote Required."
Any Stockholder may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted by
filing with the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of the Company, at the
offices of the Company, an instrument revoking the proxy or by returning a duly
executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Special Meeting and
voting in person. Any such filing should be sent to Riviera Holdings
Corporation, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, Attention:
Secretary or Assistant Secretary. Attendance at the Special Meeting will not by
itself constitute revocation of a proxy. See "VOTING AND PROXIES."
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, proxies
may also be solicited by the Company and its directors, officers, and employees
(who will receive no additional compensation therefor) by telephone, telegram,
facsimile transmission and other electronic communication methods or personal
interview. The Company will reimburse banks, brokerage houses, custodians and
other fiduciaries who hold shares of Common Stock in their name or custody, or
in the name of nominees for others, for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
forwarding copies of the proxy materials to those persons for whom they hold
such shares. The Company will bear the costs of the Special Meeting and of
soliciting proxies therefor. See "VOTING AND PROXIES" and "THE MERGER
AGREEMENT--Fees and Expenses."
The Majority Stockholders; the Option and Voting Agreement
Certain Stockholders of the Company, who hold in the aggregate
2,891,640 shares of Common Stock, or approximately 58.9% of the total number of
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, have agreed to vote their shares
in favor of the Merger Agreement. Under the Option and Voting Agreement, dated
as of September 15, 1997 (the "Option and Voting Agreement"), among Morgens,
Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Inc. and its affiliates ("Morgens, Waterfall"),
Keyport Life Insurance Company ("Keyport"), SunAmerica Life Insurance Company
("SunAmerica" and collectively with Morgens, Waterfall and Keyport, the
"Majority Stockholders") and Gaming, the Majority Stockholders have agreed that
they will cause all of the shares of Common Stock held by them to be present for
quorum purposes at the Special Meeting and to vote their shares of Common Stock,
or cause them to be voted, in favor of the Merger Agreement. A copy of the
Option and Voting Agreement is included in this Proxy Statement as Annex C.
The Option and Voting Agreement also grants Gaming an option to
purchase the shares of Common Stock held by the Majority Stockholders at any
time until the earlier of the consummation of the Merger or the termination of
the Option and Voting Agreement at an exercise price of $15 per share. Under the
terms of the Option and Voting Agreement, until the earlier of the termination
of the Merger Agreement or the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement)
of the Merger, Gaming will continue to make monthly interest payments to the
Majority Stockholders at the rate of 7% per annum on $15.00 for all shares of
Common Stock held by the Majority Stockholders.
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The Merger
Required Vote. The Merger Agreement requires that the Merger be
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 60% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, which requirement may be waived by the
Company and Gaming. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Paulson Shares,
which account for approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Common Stock, will not
be counted toward approval of the Merger Agreement. The Company's Articles of
Incorporation also requires the Merger Agreement be approved by the affirmative
vote of the holders of 60% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the
Record Date. Under the terms of the Option and Voting Agreement described above,
the Majority Stockholders are required to cast an aggregate of 2,891,640 shares,
or approximately 58.9% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, in favor of
the proposed Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting. The directors and
executive officers of the Company, who own in the aggregate 111,180 shares, or
approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common Stock, have informed the Company
that they intend to vote their shares in favor of the proposed Merger Agreement.
Therefore, holders of the number of shares of Common Stock required to approve
the Merger Agreement have informed the Company that they intend to vote for the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and, if such shares are so voted,
the Merger Agreement will be approved without any action of the part of any
other Stockholder.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger.
The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors" or the "Board"),
at a meeting held on July 9, 1997, unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and
directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the holders of Common Stock
for approval and adoption. The Board of Directors has determined that the Merger
is fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its Stockholders and
recommends that the Stockholders vote FOR approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement. In reaching its decision to approve the Merger Agreement, the Board
considered a number of factors. For a discussion of the factors considered by
the Board in reaching its determination, see "THE MERGER--Background and Reasons
for the Merger" and "--Recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company."
Opinion of the Company's Financial Advisor. The Financial Advisor,
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. ("Ladenburg"), has delivered its written opinion
to the Board that, as of the date thereof, the Merger Consideration to be
received by the Stockholders in the Merger is fair from a financial point of
view to such holders. The full text of the written opinion of the Financial
Advisor, which sets forth information with respect to assumptions made, matters
considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the
opinion, is included in this Proxy Statement as Annex D. Stockholders are urged
to, and should, read such opinion in its entirety. See "THE MERGER--Opinion of
the Company's Financial Advisor."
Accounting Treatment. The Merger will be treated as a "purchase" for
accounting purposes.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
On August 13, 1997 the Company completed an offering (the "Note
Offering") of $175 million principal aggregate amount of its 10% First Mortgage
Notes due 2004 (the "Notes") and, with the proceeds of the Note Offering,
defeased the outstanding $100 million principal amount of its 11% First Mortgage
Notes due 2002 (the "11% Notes"). The Note Offering was effected in accordance
with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The investment banking firms of Jefferies & Company, Inc. ("Jefferies") and
Ladenburg acted as the initial purchasers of the Notes in the Note Offering, for
which they received fees and commissions of approximately $4.3 million and $1.8
million, respectively.
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Jefferies has also acted as the financial advisor to Gaming and RAS in
connection with the proposed Merger, as well as certain additional transactions,
for which it has received retainer fees aggregating to $210,000, which will be
offset against a fee payable to Jefferies upon completion of the Merger of 1.0%
of the total "Enterprise Value" of the Company plus out-of-pocket expenses.
"Enterprise Value" is defined as total market capitalization plus the market
value of total debt less cash and marketable securities. (In connection with the
Elsinore Merger described below, Jefferies will also receive from Allen E.
Paulson and his affiliates a fee of 1% of the Enterprise Value of Elsinore (as
defined). In addition, Jefferies will receive a fee of approximately $1 million
out of the price to be paid by Paulson Holdings (as defined) for the shares of
Elsinore's common stock. See "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS").
Ladenburg, in its capacity as Financial Advisor, will receive fees and
compensation from the Company of approximately $350,000.
Affiliates of Gaming and RAS have entered into an agreement to purchase
the outstanding common stock of Elsinore Corporation, a Nevada corporation
("Elsinore"), the primary asset of which is the Four Queens. Such sale would be
effected through the merger (the "Elsinore Merger") into a wholly-owned
subsidiary of a holding company owned by Allen E. Paulson ("Paulson Holdings")
into Elsinore. Based upon reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act as of
September 15, 1997, Morgens, Waterfall, one of the Majority Stockholders,
together with its affiliates beneficially owned approximately 94% of the common
stock of Elsinore. Since August 1996, Riviera Gaming Management--Elsinore, Inc.
("RGME"), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, has been managing the Four
Queens under a management contract which guarantees RGME a minimum management
fee plus additional compensation based on EBITDA improvement of the Four Queens,
and warrants to purchase 1,125,000 shares of Elsinore common stock (equal to
18.4% of the equity of Elsinore on a fully diluted basis) at $1.00 per share
(the "Warrants"). Upon consummation of the Elsinore Merger, the Company would
receive approximately $2.4 million, net of the exercise price of the warrants.
See "THE MERGER--Background and Reasons for the Merger."
The Merger Agreement
Effective Time of Merger; Payment for the Common Stock. As soon as
practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article 5 of the Merger Agreement, but in no event more than 30 days thereafter,
the Company will file with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (the
"Nevada Secretary of State") articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger"),
executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the NGCL. The date of the
filing of the Articles of Merger with the Nevada Secretary of State (or such
later time as is agreed to by the parties to the Merger Agreement and is
specified in the Articles of Merger and is within 90 days of the filing date)
will be the "Effective Time."
As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, an exchange
agent to be designated by Gaming in accordance with the Merger Agreement (the
"Exchange Agent") will forward to the holders of certificates formerly
evidencing shares of Common Stock ("Certificates") detailed instructions with
regard to the surrender of such Certificates and a letter of transmittal to
accompany any surrendered Certificates. Payment will be made to such former
holders of shares of Common Stock as promptly as practicable following receipt
by the Exchange Agent of Certificates and other required documents. No interest
will be paid or accrued on the cash payable upon the surrender of Certificates.
STOCK CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SENT WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF
THE MERGER IS CONSUMMATED, STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE FURNISHED INSTRUCTIONS FOR
EXCHANGING THEIR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR CASH.
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Conditions To The Merger; Regulatory Approvals
The obligations of Gaming, RAS and the Company to consummate the Merger
are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions contained in the
Merger Agreement, including obtaining requisite Stockholder and certain
regulatory approvals. The Merger Agreement is included in this Proxy Statement
as Annex A.
One of the conditions to the Merger is expiration or termination of the
waiting period applicable to consummation of the Merger under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act").
In addition, before the Merger can be consummated, Gaming must have obtained all
material consents and approvals required under the Nevada Gaming Control Act and
the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (collectively, the "Gaming Laws"), as well as obtaining all of the
permits and licenses required by the Nevada Gaming Commission (the "Nevada
Commission"), the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (the "Nevada Board"), the
Clark County Liquor and Gaming License Board (the "Clark County Board"), the
City of Las Vegas and the National Indian Gaming Commission (collectively, the
"Gaming Authorities").
The Merger Agreement also contains a number of other conditions which
must be satisfied or waived by the parties before the Merger can be consummated,
which conditions are summarized herein. See "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Conditions to
the Merger", "--Termination" and "--Regulatory Approvals."
Change of Control Provisions
Section 78.438 of the NGCL prevents a Nevada corporation from engaging
in any combination with an interested stockholder of such corporation for three
years following the acquisition of such shares unless the combination or the
acquisition of shares is previously approved by the board of directors of such
Nevada corporation. By entering into the Option and Voting Agreement with the
Majority Stockholders, Gaming may be deemed to be an "interested stockholder"
within the meaning of the Nevada Statute. Accordingly, on July 9, 1997, the
Board of Directors approved the Option and Voting Agreement, which approval was
conditioned on the closing of the Merger and the receipt by the remaining
Stockholders in the Merger of substantially the same payment as the Majority
Stockholders under the Option and Voting Agreement. See "THE MERGER
AGREEMENT--The Majority Stockholders; the Option and Voting Agreement."
No Solicitation of Alternative Transactions
The Merger Agreement restricts the Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates from soliciting or otherwise encouraging third parties to acquire the
Company, and in certain cases Gaming will have the right to receive a
termination fee if the Company enters into an Alternative Transaction (as
defined). See "--Fees and Expenses" and "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--No Solicitation
of Alternative Transactions."
Termination
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned prior
to the Effective Time, notwithstanding the approval by the Stockholders at the
Special Meeting, under certain circumstances including among other things (i)
the failure by Gaming and the Company to obtain the required approvals of the
Gaming Authorities to consummate the Merger, (ii) the approval by the Board
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of an Alternative Transaction or a decision by the Board to withdraw its
recommendation to approve the Merger and the Merger Agreement, and (iii) the
failure of the holders of 60% of the Common Stock (excluding the Paulson Shares)
to approve the Merger Agreement at the Special Meeting. The Merger Agreement
will also terminate if the Merger does not occur by April 1, 1998, which may be
extended to June 1, 1998 under certain circumstances. See "THE MERGER
AGREEMENT--Termination."
Fees and Expenses
Each party to the Merger Agreement will bear its own expenses, except
that the Company must reimburse Gaming for its out of pocket expenses if the
Merger Agreement is terminated in the event the Company undertakes an
Alternative Transaction. In addition, if the Merger Agreement is terminated
because the Company has breached its representations, warranties or covenants
under the Merger Agreement or because the Board has determined in the exercise
of its fiduciary duties to withdraw its approval of the Merger Agreement or the
Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative
Transaction, the Company will be required to pay to Gaming a Termination Fee
upon the closing of an Alternative Transaction. The Termination Fee will be the
aggregate amount equal to 3% of the consideration for the equity of the Company
which is received by the Company or the Stockholders in the Alternative
Transaction valued at the higher of the value of the consideration on the date
of (i) the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to the Alternative
Transaction and (ii) the closing of the Alternative Transaction.
See "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Fees and Expenses."
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
The directors and executive officers of the Company, who own in the
aggregate 111,180 shares, or approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common Stock,
have informed the Company that they intend to vote their shares of Common Stock
in favor of the Merger.
William Westerman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is party
to an employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Westerman, under certain
circumstances, will continue to be employed by the Surviving Corporation
following the Effective Time. In addition, upon a change in control of the
Company, Mr. Westerman would be entitled to receive certain payments on the
terms and conditions set forth in his employment agreement. For a description of
the terms of Mr. Westerman's employment agreement, see "THE MERGER
AGREEMENT--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger." Mr. Westerman has had
preliminary discussions with Mr. Paulson and his advisors regarding possible
modifications to Mr. Westerman's employment agreement and alternative treatment
for all or a portion of Mr. Westerman's stock options.
Seven of the executive officers of the Company are party to stay bonus
agreements pursuant to which each such employee is entitled to receive certain
payments in the event there is a change in control (as defined in such
agreements) of the Company. In addition, 12 significant employees of ROC are
party to agreements entitling them to cash payments upon a termination of
employment following a change in control. For a description of such agreements,
see "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
The Merger Agreement provides that at the Effective Time, each option
or share of Common Stock outstanding under the Company's stock option and stock
purchase plans for directors, employees and non-employee directors, will become
immediately vested and such persons will receive the right to
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receive in cash the difference between the exercise or purchase price for such
option or share and the Merger Consideration, less any unpaid balance of any
loans by the Company to such person. See "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--Treatment of
Outstanding Options."
The Escrow Agreement
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company
and Gaming entered into an Escrow Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1997 (the
"Escrow Agreement"), among the Company, Gaming and State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, N.A., as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent"), pursuant to
which Gaming deposited a letter of credit issued by City National Bank in the
amount of $5,172,427, which amount represents (i) 20% of $23,333,775, which is
the amount to be received by Stockholders other than the Majority Stockholders
for their Common Stock at $15.00 per share, plus (ii) $505,672, representing the
interest accrued on $23,333,775 from June 1, 1997 through September 21, 1997 at
the rate of 7% per annum. Under the terms of the Escrow Agreement, Gaming will
continue to deposit into escrow monthly interest payments at the rate of 7% per
annum on $23,333,775 until the earlier of the Closing Date (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) for the Merger or the termination of the Merger Agreement. If
the Merger fails to occur or is terminated under certain conditions, including
the breach of the Merger Agreement by Gaming, the escrowed funds will be
released to the Company, which will distribute such funds to the Stockholders
(other than the Majority Stockholders, the Company and its subsidiaries, and
certain affiliates of Gaming). See "THE MERGER AGREEMENT--The Escrow Agreement."
A copy of the Escrow Agreement included in this Proxy Statement as Annex B.
Certain Tax Consequences of The Merger
The receipt of cash for shares of Common Stock in the Merger will be a
taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes and may also be a taxable
transaction under applicable state, local, foreign or other tax laws.
Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the particular
tax consequences of the Merger, including the applicability and effect of state,
local, foreign and other taxes. See "CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO STOCKHOLDERS."
No Dissenters' Rights
Under Nevada law, Stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger. See "THE MERGER--No Dissenters' Rights."
Market Prices
Shares of Common Stock are listed and traded on the AMEX. On May 14,
1997, the date preceding public announcement of the execution of a non-binding
letter of intent by the Company and Allen E. Paulson to undertake the Merger,
the high, low and closing sales prices of a share of Common Stock on the AMEX
were $13.38, $13.25 and $13.25, respectively. On , 1997, the latest practicable
trading day before the printing of this Proxy Statement, the high, low and
closing sales prices of a share of Common Stock on the AMEX were $ ,
$ and $ , respectively.
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VOTING AND PROXIES
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to Stockholders in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by or on behalf of the Board of Directors for
use at the Special Meeting.
Record Date; Solicitation of Proxies
The close of business on October 15, 1997 has been fixed as the Record
Date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Special Meeting. As of August 31, 1997, there were 4,908,980 shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to one vote at the Special
Meeting for each share of Common Stock held of record by them at the Record
Date.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, proxies
may also be solicited by the company and its directors, officers and employees
(who will receive no additional compensation therefor) by telephone, telegram,
facsimile transmission and other electronic communication methods or personal
interview. The Company will reimburse banks, brokerage houses, custodians and
other fiduciaries who hold shares of Common Stock in their name or custody, or
in the name of nominees for others, for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
forwarding copies of the proxy materials to those persons from whom they hold
such shares. The Company will bear the costs of the Special Meeting and of
soliciting proxies therefor.
Vote Required
A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote
as of the Record Date, represented in person or by proxy, is required for a
quorum at the Special Meeting. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 60% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock as of the Record Date is required for approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement, which requirement may be waived by the Company and Gaming.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Paulson Shares, which account for
approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Common Stock, will not count toward
approval of the Merger Agreement. The Company's Articles of Incorporation also
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of 60% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock as of the Record Date to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement.
Abstentions may be specified with respect to the approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement and will be counted as present for the purpose of determining
the existence of a quorum but will have the effect of a negative vote due to the
requirement of affirmative votes described in the preceding sentences.
Under the terms of the Option and Voting Agreement, the Majority
Stockholders, who hold in the aggregate 2,891,640 shares, or approximately 58.9%
of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, have agreed that they
will cause all of the shares of Common Stock held by them to be present for
quorum purposes at the Special Meeting and to vote their shares of Common Stock,
or cause them to be voted, in favor of the Merger Agreement. The directors and
executive officers of the Company, who own in the aggregate 111,180 shares, or
approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common Stock, have informed the Company
that they intend to vote their shares of Common Stock in favor of the Merger.
Therefore, holders of the number of shares of Common Stock required to approve
the Merger Agreement have informed the Company that they intend to vote for the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and, if such shares are so voted,
the Merger Agreement will be approved without any action on the part of any
other Stockholder.
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<PAGE>
Shares of Common Stock which are represented by properly executed
proxies, unless such proxies shall have previously been properly revoked, will
be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in such proxies. If no
contrary instructions are indicated, such shares will be voted FOR approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement, and in the discretion of the persons named in
the proxy as proxy appointees, as to any other matter which may properly come
before the Special Meeting.
Under the rules of the AMEX, while brokers who hold shares of Common
Stock in street name have the authority to vote on certain items when they have
not received instructions from beneficial owners, brokers will not be entitled
to vote on the Merger Agreement and the Merger absent instructions. Shares of
Common Stock held by brokers who do not receive instructions but which are
reported as "instructions withheld" will be treated as present, in person or by
proxy, at the Special Meeting and counted as present for quorum purposes. A
failure by a broker to vote will have the effect of a negative vote on the
approval of the Merger Agreement.
It is not expected that any matters other than those referred to in
this Proxy Statement will be brought before the Special Meeting. If, however,
other matters are properly presented, including, among other things, a motion to
adjourn or postpone the Special Meeting to another time and/or place for the
purpose of, among other things, soliciting additional proxies in favor of
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement, one or more of the persons named
as proxy appointees will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters and consistent with the voting rights of such shares as provided by the
Company's By-laws and the NGCL; provided, however, that no proxy that is voted
or is treated as voted against approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement
will be voted in favor of any adjournment or postponement for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies. At any subsequent reconvening of the Special
Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as such proxies would have
been voted at the original convening of the Special Meeting, except for proxies
that have been effectively revoked prior to such reconvened meeting. The grant
of a proxy will also confer discretionary authority on the persons named as
proxy appointees to vote in accordance with their best judgment on matters
incident to the conduct of the Special Meeting.
Any holder of shares of Common Stock may revoke a proxy at any time
before it is voted by filing with the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary of
the Company an instrument revoking the proxy or by returning a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in
person. Any such filing should be sent to Riviera Holdings Corporation, 2901 Las
Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109; Attention: Secretary or
Assistant Secretary. Attendance at the Special Meeting will not by itself
constitute revocation of a proxy.
As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, the Paying
Agent will forward to the holders of Certificates formerly evidencing shares of
Common Stock detailed instructions with regard to the surrender of such
Certificates and a letter of transmittal to accompany any surrendered
Certificates. Payment will be made to such former holders of shares of Common
Stock as promptly as practicable following receipt by the Exchange Agent of
Certificates and other required documents. No interest will be paid or accrued
on the cash payable upon the surrender of Certificates.
STOCK CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SENT WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. IF
THE MERGER IS CONSUMMATED, STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE FURNISHED INSTRUCTIONS
FOR EXCHANGING THEIR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FOR CASH.
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THE MERGER
General
The following information with respect to the Merger is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Merger Agreement, a copy
of which is included in this Proxy Statement as Annex A and, where applicable,
to the Escrow Agreement and the Option and Voting Agreement, copies of which are
included in this Proxy Statement as Annex B and Annex C, respectively. The
Merger Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions upon which the Merger is to
be effected. If the Merger Agreement is approved and adopted by the requisite
vote of Stockholders at the Special Meeting, and all other conditions to the
obligations of the parties thereto are satisfied or waived, the Merger will be
consummated and RAS will merge with and into the Company at the Effective Time.
The Company will be the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation") in
the Merger.
Pursuant to the Merger, each share of Common Stock issued and
outstanding at the Effective Time (other than the Paulson Shares, or shares of
Common Stock which are held in the treasury of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, which will be cancelled without payment) will be converted
automatically into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. As a result of
the Merger, holders of shares of Common Stock will cease to have an equity
interest in, or possess any rights as stockholders of, the Surviving
Corporation.
In addition, options and shares granted and distributed pursuant to the
Company's stock option and stock purchase plans will be cancelled and the
holders of such options and/or shares will be entitled to receive a cash payment
in exchange. See "--Treatment of Outstanding Options."
Background of And Reasons For The Merger
Background. The terms of the Merger Agreement are the result of
arms-length negotiations between representatives, legal advisors and financial
advisors of the Company and of Gaming. The following is a brief discussion of
the background of those negotiations.
Beginning in the spring of 1996, Mr. Allen E. Paulson ("Paulson")
expressed an interest in acquiring a controlling interest in the Company. The
Board of Directors informed Paulson that the price and terms of any offer (a)
would have to be satisfactory to the Majority Stockholders and (b) the remaining
Stockholders must be offered the opportunity to sell their shares of Common
Stock to Paulson on the same terms and at the same price as those offered to the
Majority Stockholders. In late March 1997, the Company was informed that the
Majority Stockholders were prepared to grant Paulson an option to acquire their
Common Stock.
In April 1997 the Company and Paulson commenced discussions which
contemplated the merger of the Company into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paulson
Holdings in which all Stockholders would receive $15 per share plus interest
thereon at the rate of 7% per annum from June 1, 1997 until the Merger and the
Company would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paulson Holdings. The Company
and Paulson executed a non-binding letter of intent as to the foregoing on May
15, 1997.
Contemporaneously with the foregoing discussions, Morgens, Waterfall,
one of the Majority Stockholders, also reached an agreement in principle to sell
its approximately 94% equity interest in Elsinore to Paulson for approximately
$14.7 million, plus interest thereon. Such sale would be effected through the
Elsinore Merger in which all Elsinore stockholders would receive the same per
share consideration as Morgens, Waterfall and Elsinore would become a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Paulson Holdings. Since August 1996, RGME, an
indirect subsidiary of the Company, has been managing the
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Four Queens under a management contract which, among other things, grants to
RGME Warrants to purchase 1,125,000 shares of Elsinore common stock (equal to
18.4% of the equity of Elsinore on a fully diluted basis) at $1.00 per share.
Upon consummation of the Elsinore Merger, the Company would receive
approximately $2.4 million, net of the exercise price of the Warrants. The
merger agreement relating to the Elsinore Merger was executed on September 16,
1997.
On July 9, 1997 the Board of Directors, after receiving the opinion of
the Financial Advisor that the terms of the Merger were fair to the Stockholders
from a financial point of view, approved the Riviera Merger.
On September 16, 1997, the parties executed the Merger Agreement and
issued a press release to that effect. On September 22, 1997 Gaming deposited
the requisite funds in escrow pursuant to the Escrow Agreement.
Reasons for the Merger. In determining to approve the Merger and the
Merger Agreement and to recommend that Stockholders approve and adopt the Merger
and the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors considered a number of factors,
including the following:
The Board of Directors, management of the Company and the Majority
Stockholders have believed for some time that because the Company's primary
asset consisted of a single, older, mid-sized Las Vegas casino, the Company
could become vulnerable to the effects of constantly increasing competition in
the Las Vegas gaming market. In the spring of 1997, the Company attempted a
public offering of Common Stock to raise equity capital and to permit two of the
Majority Stockholders to sell most of their Common Stock. The Company had
planned to offer the Common Stock at a price per share below the Merger
Consideration, but the proposed offering was unsuccessful and ultimately
abandoned. The Company had intended to apply the proceeds it would have received
from the equity public offering primarily to the Black Hawk Project (as
defined).
Paulson has interests in several smaller gaming properties and has
expressed to the Company's management his desire to utilize the Company's
management team and the Riviera "brand" to build a nationwide gaming company.
The Company's management also believes that Paulson's entrepreneurial
skills will assist the Company in exploiting other business opportunities, such
as the development of underutilized portions of the Company's Las Vegas property
for a time share tower and the development of gaming properties outside of Las
Vegas.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has determined that the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby are advisable and in the best interests of the
Company and its Stockholders and has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement.
ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
THEREBY.
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Opinion of the Company's Financial Advisor
The Company retained Ladenburg to act as Financial Advisor in
connection with the Merger and related matters based upon Ladenburg's
qualifications, experience and expertise.
On July 9, 1997 Ladenburg delivered a written opinion to the Board of
Directors to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be received
by the Company in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
Stockholders (subsequently confirmed in an opinion to the Board dated
_____________, 1997, the "Opinion"). A copy of the Opinion is included in this
Proxy Statement as Appendix D. Stockholders are urged to read the Opinion in its
entirety for assumptions made and matters considered by Ladenburg.
Information and Materials Considered
In connection with rendering its Opinion, Ladenburg reviewed such
information as it deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of rendering
its Opinion. Ladenburg reviewed information including, but not limited to, the
following: (i) a June 23, 1997 draft of the Merger Agreement; (ii) the Company's
Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1994,
December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996; (iii) the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997; (iv) detailed internal
financial statements for the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31,
1995 and December 31, 1996 and the first quarter ended March 31, 1997; (v)
management's five-year projected financial statements for the Company for the
fiscal years ending December 31, 1997, December 31, 1998, December 31, 1999,
December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001; (vi) the Annual Reports on Form 10-K
for Elsinore for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, December 31,
1995 and December 31, 1996; (vii) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Elsinore
for the three months ended March 31, 1997; (viii) management's five-year
projected financial statements for Elsinore for the fiscal years ending December
31, 1997, December 31, 1998, December 31, 1999, December 31, 2000 and December
31, 2001; (ix) the price and volume trading history of the Common Stock; and (x)
publicly available market information regarding the industry, the Company,
Elsinore and their competitors. In addition, Ladenburg met with members of
senior management of the Company at its offices in Las Vegas to discuss the
historical and prospective industry environment and operating results for both
the Company and Elsinore.
In rendering its Opinion, Ladenburg assumed and relied upon the
accuracy, completeness and fairness, without assuming any responsibility for the
independent verification of, all financial and other information that was
available to us from public sources, that was provided to Ladenburg by the
Company, or that was otherwise reviewed by Ladenburg. With respect to financial
projections supplied to Ladenburg, Ladenburg assumed that they were reasonably
prepared based on both the Company's and Elsinore's then current estimate of
results, and Ladenburg has relied upon such projections and made no independent
verification of the bases, assumptions, calculations or other information
contained therein. Ladenburg has not made or been provided with an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise)
of the Company or Elsinore, and Ladenburg does not assume any responsibility for
verifying any of the information reviewed. Ladenburg was not authorized to, and
did not, solicit third party indications of interest in acquiring all or part of
the Company, and Ladenburg was not asked to consider, and its Opinion does not
address, the consideration the Company might receive from a third-party
purchaser, the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to any alternative
business strategies that might exist for the Company or the effect of any other
transaction in which the Company might engage. Ladenburg's Opinion is
necessarily based upon information available to it, and financial, stock market
and other conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to Ladenburg, as
of the date of the Opinion.
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The summary of certain financial and comparative analyses set forth
below does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses employed by
Ladenburg in reaching the Opinion. Ladenburg believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and of the
factors considered by it without considering all such factors and analyses could
create a misleading view of the processes underlying the Opinion. Arriving at a
fairness opinion is a complex process not necessarily susceptible to partial or
summary description.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE OPINION, WHICH SETS FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE,
MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS OF THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, IS INCLUDED IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT AS APPENDIX D AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE OPINION CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE
OPINION IS DIRECTED ONLY TO THE FAIRNESS TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE MERGER
CONSIDERATION FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW AND DOES NOT ADDRESS ANY OTHER
ASPECT OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY. THE
SUMMARY OF THE OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF SUCH OPINION.
Overview of Analyses
Ladenburg used both quantitative and qualitative assessments to
evaluate the Company. Ladenburg's determination that the Merger Consideration is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the Stockholders is based on all the
quantitative and qualitative analyses described herein.
Ladenburg conducted a number of valuation analyses of consideration
values to be received in the Merger and determined a range of per share equity
values for the Company. Additionally, Ladenburg conducted a number of valuation
analyses to determine a range of per share equity values for the Company's
ownership interest in Elsinore. The analyses used to determine per share equity
values for the Company included a historical market price analysis, a market
multiples analysis, an acquisition multiples analysis, a discounted cash flow
analysis and a takeover premium analysis. Ladenburg used the low and high per
share equity value from each analysis to develop a range of values for the
Company. The analyses used to determine per share equity values for the
Company's interest in Elsinore included a market multiples analysis, an
acquisitions multiple analysis, a discounted cash flow analysis and a valuation
of the Warrants based on the proposal by Paulson Holdings to purchase Elsinore
described in Elsinore's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 31, 1997 (the
"Paulson Elsinore Proposal"). Ladenburg compared the consideration to be
received in the Transaction to the range of derived equity values for Riviera,
inclusive of the derived range of median per share equity values for the
Company's ownership interest in Elsinore.
Qualitative Considerations
In addition to the quantitative analyses discussed below, Ladenburg
considered a number of qualitative factors related to the Company. Ladenburg did
not apply weightings to any of these qualitative analyses. Among the qualitative
factors relating to the Company, Ladenburg noted that the Company's: (i) single
property position results in concentrated risk; (ii) increased competition on
the Strip; (iii) lack of a marquee attraction which will pose a challenge in the
future given the trend towards themed properties on the Strip; (iv)
substantially lower margins than those of comparable companies; (v) flat
revenues and decreasing earnings trend over the past two quarters; and (vi) 1997
results expected to be flat with or below 1996 levels.
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Quantitative Analyses
Ladenburg evaluated the Company, through various methods described
below, to derive implied aggregate equity values and implied per share equity
values for 100% of the value of the Company.
(a) Historical and Projected Financial Performance. Ladenburg reviewed
the Company's historical financial performance for each of the three fiscal
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996 and the quarters ended
March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997, and its projected performance as developed by
management based on assumptions management believed were reasonable for the next
five years.
(b) Historical Market Price Analysis. Ladenburg examined the closing
market prices of the Company's common stock over the 90-day trading period prior
to July 7, 1997 during which time the closing market price ranged from $12.13 to
$14.13 and had an average high and low trading price of $13.36 and $13.19,
respectively, and a closing price of $12.38 on July 7, 1997, two days prior to
the date of Ladenburg's July 9, 1997 Opinion.
(c) Market Multiples Analysis. Ladenburg conducted a market multiples
analysis for the Company which determined the implied public market value based
on the multiples of comparable public companies. Ladenburg derived results based
upon the multiples of the following group of public companies which Ladenburg
believes are comparable to the Company: Ameristar Casinos, Inc., Bally's Grand,
Inc., Boyd Gaming Corporation, Harveys Casino Resort, Primadonna Resorts, Inc.,
Rio Hotel & Casino, Inc. and Station Casinos, Inc. (the "Comparable Companies").
For all the Comparable Companies, Ladenburg derived the following
median common stock trading multiples for the Comparable Companies: (i)
revenues; (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA"); (iii) earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT"); (iv) net income;
(v) projected earnings per share ("EPS"); and (vi) book value. Revenue, EBITDA
and EBIT multiples are based on total enterprise value divided by each financial
measure, respectively. Total enterprise value is defined as the market value of
common stock, plus total debt, less cash and cash equivalents. The net income,
projected EPS and book value multiples are derived by dividing the market value
of the common stock in aggregate, or per share stock price as appropriate, by
net income, projected EPS and book value.
The implied equity valuations for Riviera based on revenue, EBITDA and
EBIT were calculated by multiplying Riviera's revenue, EBITDA and EBIT by the
median revenue, EBITDA and EBIT multiples, respectively, for the Comparable
Companies, then subtracting debt outstanding and adding cash, net of operating
cash, cash equivalents and the cash value of the exercise of all options with an
exercise price of $15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997. To arrive at equity
valuations based on net income, projected EPS and book value, Ladenburg
multiplied the Company's net income, projected net income and book value by the
median net income, projected EPS and book value multiples, respectively, for the
Comparable Companies and added the cash value of the exercise of all options
with an exercise price of $15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997. This range of
implied equity values was divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding, assuming the exercise of all options with an exercise price of
$15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997 to derive a range of implied equity values
per share.
Ladenburg applied a 25% discount to the median Comparable Company
multiples to account for the qualitative considerations and the historical
discount at which the Company trades relative to the Comparable Companies. The
reasons for the discount include, but are not limited to: (i) an increased risk
associated with the Company owning a single property; (ii) a less desirable
location on the
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northernmost point on the Strip resulting in lower walk-in traffic and lower
average room rates relative to comparable properties on the Strip; (iii) the
increasing competition in an already highly competitive market; (iv) the
Company's reliance on convention business; (v) weak slot win per day performance
year-over-year versus the Strip; and (vi) substantially lower margins than those
of the Comparable Companies.
The discounted median market multiples for the Comparable Companies
were as follows: (i) 1.1x as a multiple of revenues; (ii) 5.0x as a multiple of
EBITDA; (iii) 7.9x as a multiple of EBIT; (iv) 10.5x as a multiple of net
income; (v) 9.1x as a multiple of projected EPS for the current fiscal year;
(vi) 8.4x as a multiple of projected EPS for the next fiscal year; and (vii)
1.4x as a multiple of book value. The results of this analysis indicated a range
of per share equity values of $9.77 to $15.38.
(d) Acquisition Multiples Analysis. Ladenburg conducted an acquisition
multiples analysis which was similar to the market multiples analysis but
instead relied upon multiples from comparable merger and acquisition
transactions. For purposes of this analysis, the purchase price was equal to the
amount paid for the target's equity and the transaction value was equal to the
purchase price, plus the target's outstanding interest-bearing debt, less cash
and cash equivalents.
Ladenburg compared multiples from merger and acquisition transactions
of the following target and acquiring companies, respectively: the acquisition
of Bally's Grand, Inc. by Hilton Hotels Corp., the acquisition of Griffin Gaming
& Entertainment, Inc. by Sun International Ltd., the acquisition of Bally
Entertainment by Hilton Hotels Corp., the acquisition of Par-A-Dice Gaming Corp.
by Boyd Gaming Corporation, the acquisition of Boomtown, Inc. by Hollywood Park,
Inc., the acquisition of certain gaming interests owned by Edward J. DeBartolo
Corp. by Casino America, Inc., the acquisition of the Sahara Hotel & Casino by
Bill Bennett, the acquisition of the Hacienda Hotel & Casino by Circus Circus
Enterprises, the acquisition of Gold Strike Resorts by Circus Circus Enterprises
and the acquisition of Caesar's World, Inc. by ITT Corp. Ladenburg determined
that the following transactions represented a core group of transactions most
comparable to the Company: the acquisition of Bally's Grand, Inc. by Hilton
Hotels Corp., the acquisition of Griffin Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. by Sun
International Ltd., the acquisition of Bally Entertainment by Hilton Hotels
Corp., the acquisition of Par-A-Dice Gaming Corp. by Boyd Gaming Corporation,
the acquisition of Boomtown, Inc. by Hollywood Park, Inc. and the acquisition of
Gold Strike Resorts by Circus Circus Enterprises.
Once again, Ladenburg applied a 25% discount to the median acquisition
multiples for the Comparable Companies for the same reasons described above in
(c). The discounted median multiples for the selected transactions were as
follows: (i) 1.4x as a multiple of sales; (ii) 5.3x as a multiple of EBITDA;
(iii) 8.2x as a multiple of EBIT; (iv) 17.8x as a multiple of net income; (v)
15.5x as a multiple of projected EPS for the current fiscal year; and (vi) 3.1x
as a multiple of book value. The range of implied equity values derived from the
acquisition multiples analysis was divided by the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding assuming the exercise of all options with an exercise price of
$15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997 to derive implied equity value per share.
The range of implied equity values per share of Common Stock was $13.42 to
$23.65.
(e) Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Ladenburg conducted a discounted
cash flow analysis which derived implied equity values based on the present
value of future net cash flows, less current total debt, plus current total
cash, net of operating cash, cash equivalents and the cash value of the exercise
of all options with an exercise price of $15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997.
The cash flows were discounted using a range of discount rates based upon a
representative range of weighted average costs of capital in the industry. For
purposes of this analysis, annual free cash flow equals de-levered net income,
plus depreciation and amortization, less capital expenditures, less the change
in working capital. In an
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assumed "exit" in year five, free cash flow also included proceeds from the sale
of the business, which is typically assumed only for valuation purposes as a
more representative "terminal value" than using cash flows in perpetuity. The
terminal value was determined by applying a range of exit multiples based on the
median EBITDA multiple of the Comparable Companies, discounted by 25% for the
reasons noted above in (c). Ladenburg applied discount rates of 14.0% to 16.0%
and exit multiples of 4.5x to 5.5x. The equity value was divided by the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding assuming the exercise of all options with
an exercise price of $15.00 or less as of March 31, 1997 to derive implied
equity value per share. The equity value per share ranged from $7.52 to $13.00.
(f) Takeover Premium Analysis. Ladenburg conducted a takeover premium
analysis which derived an implied per share stock price based on the market
value premium typically given to a public company upon the announcement of a
takeover of that company. Ladenburg looked at 100% of the completed acquisitions
of public companies from June 10, 1996 to June 10, 1997. Ladenburg compared the
takeover stock price of the target company to the target company stock price one
day and one week prior to the original announcement date. Ladenburg derived a
mean and median takeover price premium one day and one week prior to the
takeover announcement. Ladenburg then applied the mean and median percentage
premiums to the Common Stock price one day and one week prior to the
announcement of the Merger on April 11, 1997 to derive a mean and median implied
share price, for the one day and one week periods, respectively.
The mean implied share price for the one day and one week time periods
was $16.44 and $17.33, respectively. The median implied share price for the one
day and one week time periods was $15.90 and $16.73, respectively. The resulting
median of these four per share values indicated a per share stock price of
$16.58.
(g) Elsinore Implied Equity Valuation Analysis. Ladenburg conducted
similar analyses as described above in (a), (c), (d) and (e) on Elsinore to
derive a median implied aggregate equity value for 100% of the value of
Elsinore. The Company's fully diluted 18.4% equity ownership in Elsinore was
then divided by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding assuming the
exercise of all options with an exercise price of $15.00 or less as of March 31,
1997 to derive implied equity values of Elsinore per share of Common Stock.
The market multiples analysis indicated a median equity value for the
Company's 18.4% ownership of Elsinore of approximately $1.5 million. The
acquisition multiples analysis indicated a median equity value for the Company's
18.4% ownership of Elsinore of approximately $2.1 million. The discounted cash
flow analysis indicated a median equity value for the Company's 18.4% ownership
of Elsinore of approximately $1.5 million. In addition, Ladenburg examined the
value ascribed to the Elsinore Warrants based upon the Paulson Elsinore
Proposal. The analyses indicated an equity value range of the Company's 18.4%
ownership of Elsinore of $1.5 million to $2.4 million. The range of implied
equity values was divided by the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
assuming the exercise of all options with an exercise price of $15.00 or less as
of March 31, 1997 to derive implied equity value per share. The range of implied
equity values per share of Common Stock was $0.26 to $0.42.
Comparison of the Consideration to the Values of Riviera
Ladenburg concluded that the Merger Consideration to be received in the
Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Stockholders, based on
among other things, the fact that the Merger Consideration falls within the
range of values for the Company.
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Limitations of Analyses
Although each of the analyses employed by Ladenburg in rendering its
Opinion is summarized above, the above summary does not purport to be a complete
description of Ladenburg's analyses and contains those aspects of Ladenburg's
analyses deemed most relevant. In its analyses, Ladenburg made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic,
market and financial conditions and other matters, based on, among other things,
information provided to (and relied upon by) Ladenburg by the Company, many of
which are beyond the control of the Company. Any estimates contained in
Ladenburg's analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. Additionally,
estimates of the value of businesses do not purport to be appraisals or
necessarily to reflect the prices at which businesses actually may be sold.
Because such estimates are inherently subject to uncertainty since the
assumptions upon which such estimates are based may not materialize, neither the
Company, Ladenburg nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy
of such estimates. Ladenburg's analysis does not reflect, among other things,
changes since the date of the Opinion for the Company's business or prospects,
changes in general business and economic conditions or any other transaction or
event that has occurred or that may occur and that was not anticipated at the
time such materials were prepared.
Ladenburg is an internationally recognized investment banking firm
which, as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the
valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and
acquisitions, merchant banking, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings,
competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities,
private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
Ladenburg was engaged as Financial Advisor to the Company in connection
with the Merger and to render the Opinion and will receive fees in connection
therewith of $350,000. In addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse
Ladenburg for its related expenses. The Company has also agreed, in a separate
letter agreement, to indemnify Ladenburg, its affiliates and each of their
respective directors, officers, agents, consultants and employees and each
person, if any, controlling Ladenburg or any of its affiliates against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws. In the
ordinary course of its business Ladenburg may trade the securities of the
Company for its own account and for the account of its customers, and may at any
time hold a long or short position in such securities. Ladenburg has rendered
financial advisory services in the past to the Company for which it received
customary compensation.
Accounting Treatment
The Merger will be treated as a "purchase" for accounting purposes.
No Dissenter's Rights
Section 92A.390 of the NGCL provides that holders of a class of stock
which is listed on a national securities exchange have no right to dissent with
respect to a plan of merger if the holders of such stock are required under the
plan of merger to accept in exchange for the shares anything but, among other
things, cash. Because the Common Stock is listed on the AMEX and the Merger
Consideration will be paid in cash, Stockholders have no right of dissent under
applicable Nevada law. In addition, the rules of the AMEX contain similar
provisions applicable to Stockholders.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS
The following is a summary of material terms of the Merger Agreement, a
copy of which is included in this Proxy Statement as Annex A, and the Escrow
Agreement and Option and Voting Agreements (collectively, the "Related
Agreements"), copies of which are included in this Proxy Statement as Annex B
and Annex C, respectively. The summary of the Merger Agreement and the Related
Agreements contained herein is not a complete description of the terms and
conditions thereof and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger
Agreement and the Related Agreements. Stockholders are urged to review the
Merger Agreement and the Related Agreements carefully.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, unless the Merger Agreement has been
terminated, as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions contained therein, but in no event more than 30 days thereafter, the
Company will file the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of Nevada
in accordance with the NGCL, specifying that the Merger shall become effective
at the time the Articles of Merger are filed, or such later date as set forth in
such filing (which may not be more than 90 days after the Articles of Merger are
filed), which may be in no event later than April 1, 1998, unless extended in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. The time at which the Merger
becomes effective is referred to as the Effective Time.
As a result of the Merger, at the Effective Time, each share of Common
Stock (other than the Paulson Shares, or which are held in the treasury of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, which will be cancelled without payment)
shall be converted into and represent the right to receive the Merger
Consideration, which consists of (i) $15.00 in cash, plus (ii) additional
consideration, (the "Additional Consideration") equal to the daily portion of
the accrual on $15.00 at 7% compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 to
the Effective Time, except that the Additional Consideration to be received by
the Majority Stockholders will be reduced by the monthly payments made to such
Stockholders pursuant to the Option and Voting Agreement. In the Merger, the
shares of capital stock of RAS issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into shares of common stock of the Surviving
Corporation.
Treatment of Outstanding Options
The Merger Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, all
outstanding options granted on or prior to the dates of the merger agreement
pursuant to the Company's 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan and the Company's
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors will be cancelled and
the holders of such options will receive in exchange for each such option an
amount in cash equal to the number of shares of Common Stock previously subject
to such option multiplied by the excess of the Merger Consideration over the per
share exercise price applicable to such option, less any applicable withholding
taxes. In addition, at the Effective Time, all shares of Common Stock issued
pursuant to the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Company is Stock
Compensation Plan for Directors Serving on the Compensation Committee will be
cancelled and each holder of such shares will receive in exchange for such
shares an amount in cash equal to the numbers of all such shares owned by such
holder multiplied by the Merger consideration, less any unpaid balance of any
loans by the Company to such holder.
Exchange Procedures
At or prior to the Effective Time, Gaming will designate a bank or
trust company reasonably acceptable to the Company to serve as the Exchange
Agent for the shares of Common Stock. As soon as reasonably practicable at or
after the Effective Time, Gaming will deposit, or cause to be deposited, with
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the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the holders of Certificates, cash or
immediately available funds in United States dollars in an amount that equals
the aggregate Merger Consideration.
Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will
instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each record holder of outstanding
Certificates as of the Effective Time a form of letter of transmittal and
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates for payment
of the Merger Consideration. Delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
title to the Certificate shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the
Certificates to the Exchange Agent.
Upon the surrender to the Exchange Agent of a duly executed letter of
transmittal and one or more Certificates, the holder of the Certificate(s) shall
be entitled to receive only the Merger Consideration and the Certificate(s)
shall be cancelled. If payment (or any portion thereof) is to be made to a
person other than the person in whose name the Certificate surrendered is
registered, the surrendered Certificate must properly endorsed in accordance
with the instructions on the letter of transmittal and the person surrendering
the Certificate(s) must pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other taxes
required by reason of the payment to a person other than the registered holder
of such surrendered Certificate(s) or establish to the satisfaction of the
Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.
Representations and Warranties
The Merger Agreement contains various representations and warranties
made by the Company relating to, among other things: (a) the due organization,
power and standing of the Company and similar corporate matters, (b) the
authorization, execution, delivery and enforceability of the Merger Agreement,
(c) the capitalization of the Company and its subsidiaries, (d) compliance with
applicable federal, state and foreign laws and regulations applicable to the
businesses conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries, (e) Board approval of
the granting of options and any sale of shares under the Option and Voting
Agreement, (f) the absence of any conflicts under charters or by-laws,
violations of any instruments or laws and required consents and approvals; (g)
filing of reports required by the Exchange Act, representations as to the
financial statements and absence of undisclosed liabilities, (h) absence of
certain changes, including changes in the Company's capitalization, (i) the
absence of any material misstatements or omissions in the Proxy Statement, (j)
absence of brokers, (k) absence of litigation, (l) taxes, (m) employee benefits,
(n) intellectual property, (o) material contracts, (p) insurance, (q) labor
matters, (r) real property, (s) environmental matters, and (t) completeness of
representations and absence of undisclosed facts.
The Merger Agreement also contains various representations and
warranties made by Gaming and RAS relating to, among other things: (a) the due
organization, power and standing of Gaming and RAS and similar corporate
matters, (b) the non-contravention of the charters and by-laws of RAS and
Gaming, violations of any instruments or laws and required consents and
approvals, (c) absence of litigation, (d) the absence of any material
misstatement or omission in the Proxy Statement, (e) absence of prior activities
of Gaming or RAS, (f) absence of brokers, (g) the availability to Gaming on the
Closing Date and as the Effective Time of the aggregate Merger Consideration
plus amounts payable in the Merger with respect to the Company's options and
stock purchase plans and (h) completeness of representations and absence of
undisclosed facts.
Certain Covenants
The Company has agreed that from the date of the Merger Agreement until
the Effective Time, the Company and its subsidiaries will each conduct their
respective operations in accordance with their
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ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and will use their
reasonable best efforts to preserve intact their business organization, keep
their officers and employees and maintain existing business relationships. The
Company has agreed that, prior to the Effective Time, without the prior written
consent of Gaming, the Company will not: (a) amend its Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws or other comparable organizational documents, (b) authorize for
issuance, issue, pledge, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or
deliver (whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants,
commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) or otherwise
encumber, any stock of any class or any other securities or equity equivalents
(including, without limitation, stock appreciation rights), except as required
by option agreements in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement, or amend
any of the terms of any such outstanding securities or agreements, (c) split,
combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock, declare, set aside or pay
any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock, or property or any
combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or, redeem, repurchase or
otherwise acquire any of its securities or any securities of its subsidiaries,
(d) (i) with certain exceptions disclosed in the Merger Agreement, create or
incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or
assume, guarantee or endorse the obligations of any other person, (ii) make any
loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other
person, (iii) pledge or otherwise encumber any shares of capital stock of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (iv) mortgage or pledge any of its
assets, tangible or intangible, or create or suffer to exist any Lien thereupon,
(e) except as otherwise provided, enter into any transaction, other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or make any
investment, which individually or in the aggregate exceeds the amount of
$500,000, (f) enter into, adopt or (except as may be required by law or by the
terms of any such arrangement) amend or terminate any bonus, profit-sharing,
compensation, severance, termination, stock option, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment or other employee benefit agreement, trust,
plan, fund or other arrangement for the benefit or welfare of any director,
officer or employee, or increase in any manner the compensation or benefits of
any director, officer or employee, or grant any benefit or termination or
severance pay to any director, officer, or employee not required by any plan or
arrangement as in effect as of the date of the Merger Agreement (including,
without limitation, the granting of stock options) or by law, (g) acquire, sell,
lease or dispose of, or encumber any assets outside the ordinary course of
business or any assets which in the aggregate are material to the Company and
its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or enter into any contract, agreement,
commitment or transaction outside the ordinary course of business, (h) change
any of the accounting principles or practices used by the Company, except as may
be required as a result of a change in law, SEC guidelines or GAAP, (i) acquire
(including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation, or acquisition of
stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business organization or
division thereof; (ii) with certain exceptions relating to the Black Hawk
Project, authorize any new capital expenditure or expenditures in excess of
capital expenditure budgets previously provided by the Company to Gaming which,
individually, is in excess of $500,000 or, in the aggregate, are in excess of
$1,500,000; (iii) settle any litigations for amounts in excess of $100,000
individually or $500,000 in the aggregate after giving effect to insurance
recoveries; or (iv) enter into or amend any contract, agreement, commitment or
arrangement with respect to any of the foregoing, (j) make any Tax election or
settle or compromise any Tax liability, other than in the ordinary course of
business, (k) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations
(absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than
the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities
disclosed in the Merger Agreement or reflected or reserved against in the
financial statements (or the notes thereto) of the Company and its subsidiaries
or incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice,
(l) terminate, modify, amend or waive compliance with any provision of any
material contract to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party, or
fail to take any action necessary to preserve the benefits of any such material
contract to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (m) fail to comply with any
laws, ordinances or other
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governmental regulations applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
including, but not limited to, the Gaming Laws and any regulations promulgated
thereunder, that may have a Company Material Adverse Effect, or (n) take, or
agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the foregoing actions.
Each of the parties to the Merger Agreement has agreed to use its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to
consummate the Merger, including preparing any required regulatory filings and
obtaining any required consents and waivers.
Indemnification and Insurance
The parties to the Merger Agreement have agreed that the Surviving
Corporation will indemnify and hold harmless the officers, directors or
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries against all losses,
liabilities, expenses, claims or damages based upon the fact that such person
was a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
and arising out of acts or omissions occurring prior to and including the
Effective Time to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law, for a period of
not less than six years following the Effective Time. In addition, the Surviving
Corporation will maintain the current policies of directors' and officers'
liability insurance which is maintained by the Company, subject to certain
permitted substitutions.
No Solicitation of Alternative Transactions
The Company has agreed that it will not, and its subsidiaries and
affiliates will not, and will use their reasonable best efforts to ensure that
their respective officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys,
accountants and other agents do not, directly or indirectly: (i) initiate,
solicit or encourage, or take any action to facilitate the making of, any offer
or proposal which constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to any Alternative
Transaction (defined below) with respect to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or an inquiry with respect thereto, or, (ii) in the event of an
unsolicited Alternative Transaction for the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
engage in negotiations or discussions with, or provide any information or data
to any person relating to any Alternative Transaction, subject to the Board's
good faith determination, after consulting with outside legal counsel to the
Company, that the failure to engage in such negotiations or discussions or
provide such information would likely result in a breach of the Board's
fiduciary duties under applicable law if such Alternative Transaction would
provide the Company's stockholders with a purchase price per share of Common
Stock that is higher (the amount of such excess in the purchase price per share
of Common Stock being referred to as the "Spread") than the Merger Consideration
to be received by the Stockholders. The Company will notify Gaming and RAS
orally and in writing of any such inquiries, offers or proposals (including,
without limitation, the terms and conditions thereof and the identity of the
person making such), within 24 hours of the receipt thereof. The Company and its
subsidiaries and affiliates will immediately cease and terminate any existing
discussions and negotiations with any parties conducted previously with respect
to any Alternative Transaction relating to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries.
"Alternative Transaction" means any tender or exchange offer for Common
Stock or equivalent securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, any
proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving any
such person, any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner a 10% or more equity
interest in, or 10% or more of the business or assets of, such person, any
proposal or offer with respect to any recapitalization or restructuring with
respect to such person or any proposal or offer with respect to any other
transaction similar to any of the foregoing with respect to such person or any
subsidiary of such person, except that "Alternative Transaction" does not apply
to any such transaction involving Gaming, RAS or their affiliates.
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Interests of Certain Persons In The Merger
The Merger Agreement provides that at the Effective Time, each option
or share of Common Stock outstanding under the Company's stock option and stock
purchase plans for directors, employees and non-employee directors, will become
immediately vested and such persons will receive the right to receive in cash
the difference between the exercise or purchase price for such option or share
and the Merger Consideration, less any unpaid balance of any loans by the
Company to such person. See "--Treatment of Outstanding Options."
The directors and executive officers of the Company own in the
aggregate 111,180 shares, or approximately 2.3% of the outstanding Common Stock,
and have informed the Company that they intend to vote their shares in favor of
the proposed Merger Agreement.
William Westerman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is party
to an employment agreement with the Company (the "Westerman Employment
Agreement"). Under the Westerman Employment Agreement, the term of Mr.
Westerman's employment will expire on December 31, 1998 and Mr. Westerman's
employment will be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless
the Company gives Mr. Westerman 90 days written notice or Mr. Westerman gives
the Company 180 days notice. Mr. Westerman's base compensation is $600,000.
Under the Westerman Employment Agreement, Mr. Westerman is entitled to
participate in the Company's Senior Management Compensation Plan or such other
executive bonus plan as shall be established by the Company's Board of Directors
(collectively the "Plan"). If at least 80% of targeted net income, as defined by
the Plan, is met, Mr. Westerman shall be entitled to receive a bonus under the
Plan expressed as a percentage of his $600,000 base salary depending on the
percentage of targeted net income realized by the Company in a particular year,
with a maximum bonus of $900,000.
The Westerman Employment Agreement provides that the Company fund a
retirement account for Mr. Westerman. Pursuant to the Westerman Employment
Agreement, an aggregate of $2,924,000 had been credited to the retirement
account from its inception through January 1, 1997. Under the Westerman
Employment Agreement, each year that Mr. Westerman continues to be employed, an
amount equal to Mr. Westerman's base salary for that year will be credited to
the account on January 1 of that year and in the event that Mr. Westerman is no
longer employed by the Company (except for termination for cause, in which case
Mr. Westerman would forfeit all rights to monies in the retirement account), Mr.
Westerman will be entitled to receive the amount in the retirement account as of
the date he ceases to be employed by the Company in 20 quarterly installments.
Pursuant to such agreement, the retirement account was credited with $79,027 on
April 1, 1997, $85,672 on July 1, 1997 and shall be credited with additional
amounts on the first day of each succeeding calendar quarter equal to the
product of (i) the Company's average borrowing cost for the immediately
preceding fiscal year, as determined by the Company's chief financial officer
and (ii) the average outstanding balance in the retirement account during the
preceding calendar quarter. In the event of Mr. Westerman's death, an amount
equal to the applicable federal estate tax (now 60%) on the retirement account
will be pre-paid prior to the date or dates such taxes are due.
The Company retains beneficial ownership of all monies in the
retirement account, which monies are earmarked to pay Mr. Westerman's retirement
benefits. However, upon (i) the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock approving a "Change of Control" (as defined below), (ii) the
occurrence of a Change of Control without Mr. Westerman's consent, (iii) a
breach by the Company of a material term of the employment Agreement or (iv) the
expiration or earlier termination of the term of the employment agreement for
any reason other than cause, Mr. Westerman
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may require the Company to establish a "Rabbi Trust" for the benefit of Mr.
Westerman and to fund such trust with an amount of cash equal to the amount then
credited to the retirement account, including any amount to be credited to the
retirement account upon a Change of Control discussed below.
A "Change of Control" is defined generally as transactions involving
(i) a sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, (ii) a merger,
sale or other transaction resulting in holders of Common Stock immediately prior
to such transaction holding less than a majority in voting interest to elect the
directors of the Company or any other surviving entity, (iii) any person that
held less than 10% of the Common Stock acquiring a majority in voting interest
to elect the directors of the Company or (iv) any person acquiring 50% or more
of voting power to elect directors of the Company or any surviving entity or
acquiror of substantially all of the assets of the Company. Under the Westerman
Employment Agreement, a Change of Control without Mr. Westerman's consent is a
special event of default entitling Mr. Westerman, upon at least 90 days prior
notice to the Company, to terminate his employment with the Company and to (i)
have an amount equal to one year of base salary credited to his retirement
account and (ii) 100% vesting of stock options held by him. With respect to the
Merger, Mr. Westerman and Mr. Paulson are negotiating Mr. Westerman's waiver of
his rights under the "Change of Control" provisions of the Westerman Employment
Agreement and amending such agreement with respect to the establishment of a
"Rabbi Trust" for the benefit of Mr. Westerman upon notice by Mr. Westerman at
any time and crediting Mr. Westerman's retirement account with an amount equal
to one year's base salary in the event the Company terminates his employment or
does not renew his employment agreement for any successive one year term.
Twelve significant employees of ROC are party to agreements pursuant to
which each such employee is entitled to receive one year's salary and benefits
if his or her employment is terminated without cause within one year of a change
of control (as defined in the termination fee agreements) of the Company or ROC.
The estimated total amount that would be payable under all such agreements is
approximately $1.4 million in salaries and $425,000 in benefits as of June 30,
1997.
Seven significant employees of ROC are party to agreements pursuant to
which each such employee is entitled to receive one year's salary (less the
amount of any incentive bonus paid in 1997 for 1996) in the event there is a
change of control (as defined in the stay bonus agreements) of the Company. The
agreements expire on December 31, 1997. The estimated total amount that would be
payable under all such agreements is $352,500 if the Merger is consummated prior
to December 31, 1997. If the Merger is not consummated in 1997, the Company
intends to renew the stay bonus agreements for these employees in which case,
upon a change of control, each such employee would be entitled to receive one
year's salary less the amount of any incentive bonus paid in 1998 for 1997.
Regulatory Approvals
U.S. Antitrust Matters. The Merger is subject to the requirements of
the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which provide that
certain transactions may not be consummated until required information and
materials have been furnished to the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC")
and certain waiting periods have expired or been terminated. The Company and
Gaming each intend to file shortly notification and report forms under the HSR
Act with the FTC and the Antitrust Division. The waiting period under the HSR
Act will expire 30 days after the date of filing of such forms unless such
waiting period is terminated earlier or any of the parties to the Merger
receives a request for additional information from the FTC or the Antitrust
Division prior to such date. If a request for additional information is
received, the waiting period will terminate 20 days after such persons have
substantially complied with the request.
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However, compliance with the HSR Act does not preclude the Antitrust
Division or the FTC from challenging the Merger on antitrust grounds either
before or after expiration of the waiting period. Accordingly, at any time
before or after the Effective Time, and notwithstanding that the HSR Act waiting
period has expired, either the Antitrust Division or the FTC could take such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public
interest, or certain other persons could take action under the antitrust laws as
it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, or certain other persons
could take action under the antitrust laws, including seeking to enjoin the
Merger. There can be no assurance that a challenge to the Merger will not be
made or that, if such a challenge is made, the Company will prevail.
Nevada Gaming Law Regulatory Approvals. The Company holds required
gaming registrations, licenses and permits or has pending applications for
licenses and permits in Nevada and Colorado. See "The Company--Regulation and
Licensing". In Nevada, certain regulatory requirements must be complied with
and/or certain approvals must be obtained in connection with the Merger.
Approval of the Nevada Gaming Authorities must be obtained before the Merger can
occur.
Review of the Merger by gaming regulatory authorities will involve
examination of the structure of the Company and its financial stability, and
will require the demonstration of the qualifications of key individuals
associated with the combined company and its related companies, i.e. officers,
directors, major shareholders and other individuals deemed appropriate by the
gaming regulatory authorities ("Qualifiers"), particularly Allen E. Paulson, the
beneficial owner of Gaming. The approval process may require the filing of
business disclosures or other applications for the combined company and its
related companies as well as personal history disclosures or applications for
qualifications by Qualifiers.
The failure to obtain approval for Merger or the failure to comply with
the procedural requirements as prescribed by any gaming regulatory authority or
the failure of Gaming or RAS or any individual associated with such entities to
qualify or make disclosure or application as required under the laws and
regulations of any gaming regulatory authority may result in the loss of license
or denial of application for licenses in any such jurisdiction, in which case
the Merger Agreement may be terminated. Paulson has represented to the Company
that he knows of no reason why he should not be approved by the gaming
regulatory authorities.
Conditions to the Merger
The obligations of the Company, Gaming and RAS to effect the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Effective Time of the
following conditions: (a) the termination or expiration of any applicable
waiting period under the HSR Act, and the absence of any action instituted by
the Department of Justice or Federal Trade Commission challenging or seeking to
enjoin the Merger, (b) the approval of the Merger Agreement at the Special
Meeting by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 60% of all shares of
Common Stock, excluding the Paulson Shares, (c) the absence of any order,
injunction or other law promulgated, applicable to the Merger which, directly or
indirectly, (i) prohibits the consummation of the Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Option and Voting Agreement, (ii) prohibits or materially
limits the ownership or operation by the Company, or any of its respective
subsidiaries of a material portion of the business or assets of the Company and
its subsidiaries or seeks to compel the Company or Gaming or RAS to dispose of
or hold separate any material portion of the business or assets of the Company
or Gaming or RAS and its subsidiaries, or (iii) prohibits Gaming or RAS from
effectively controlling the business or operations of the Company; although the
Company, Gaming and RAS agree to use their reasonable best efforts to cause the
repeal of any such order, injunction or law, (d) at or prior to the Closing Date
the Company will have irrevocably deposited the funds for the defeasance of the
11% Notes, and, (e) the parties to the Merger Agreement will have
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obtained all material consents, licenses and other approvals required in
connection with the Merger Agreement, including the approvals required under the
Gaming Laws, in order to permit the conduct of the business of the Company and
its subsidiaries following the Merger in the same manner as conducted prior to
the Merger.
In addition, the obligations of Gaming and RAS to effect the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
additional conditions: (a) the performance by the Company in all material
respects of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and the accuracy of its
representations and warranties as of the Closing Date, (b) the actual
Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Merger Agreement) reflected in the
consolidated statement of operations of the Company for the period of April 1,
1997 until shortly before the Effective Time shall not have declined by 7.5% or
more when compared to the projections for such period previously delivered by
the Company to Gaming; (c) the Option and Voting Agreement must be in full force
and effect and the Majority Stockholders must have complied in all respects with
the terms thereof; (d) Mr. Allen E. Paulson shall not have become deceased or
Disabled (as defined therein); and (e) Gaming will have received from the
Company any documents requested to evidence the Company's compliance with the
Merger Agreement.
In addition, the obligation of the Company to effect the Merger is
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
additional conditions: (a) the performance by Gaming and RAS in all material
respects of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement and the
accuracy of their representations and warranties as of the Closing Date, (b) at
the Closing Date, Gaming shall have in cash or immediately available funds an
amount equal to the aggregate Merger Consideration plus all amounts payable in
the Merger with respect to the Company's options and stock purchase plans, and
(c) the Company will have received from the Gaming and RAS any documents
requested to evidence the compliance by Gaming and RAS with the Merger
Agreement.
Termination
The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding the approval by the
Stockholders at the Special Meeting: (a) by mutual written consent of Gaming,
RAS and the Company, (b) by Gaming and RAS or the Company if any court or
governmental authority issues an order, decree or ruling or takes any other
action restraining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger, which order, decree,
ruling or action becomes final and non-appealable, however, Gaming and the
Company must use their reasonable best efforts to have such injunction lifted,
(c) by Gaming and RAS or the Company, at any time after April 1, 1998, if the
Merger has not occurred by that date; however, if the Merger has not occurred
solely because the required approvals of the Nevada Gaming Authorities have not
been obtained and the Nevada Gaming Authorities have informed Gaming or the
Company that a review of the applications for such approvals is scheduled for a
later date, then the termination of the Merger Agreement will be extended until
such approvals have been granted or denied, but under no circumstances will the
termination date be extended after June 1, 1998; in addition, the right to
terminate the Merger Agreement because of the foregoing is not available to any
party whose failure to fulfill its obligations under the Merger Agreement is the
principal cause of the failure of the Merger to have occurred by such date, (d)
by Gaming and RAS if (i) the Company has breached any representations or
agreements which would have a material adverse effect on the Company or prevent
the consummation of the Merger and the breach has not been cured on or prior to
ten business days following notice of such breach, (ii) the Board withdraws or
modifies in a manner adverse to Gaming its approval or recommendation of the
Merger Agreement, the Merger or the transactions contemplated thereby or
recommends, or the Company enters into an agreement providing for, an
Alternative Transaction, (iii) the Merger Agreement is not approved by the
requisite vote of the Stockholders at the Special Meeting, or (v) Mr. Allen E.
Paulson shall have become deceased or
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disabled, (e) by the Company if (i) Gaming or RAS have breached any
representations or agreements which would have a material adverse effect on
Gaming or RAS or prevent the consummation of the Merger and the breach has not
been cured on or prior to ten business days following notice of such breach,
(ii) the Board determines in good faith after consulting with outside legal
counsel that it is required in the exercise of its fiduciary duties to enter
into a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Transaction, or (iii)
the Agreement is not approved by the requisite vote of Stockholders at the
Special Meeting, (f) or by the Company if the Closing has not occurred within 30
days following the receipt of the Nevada Gaming Authorities, provided all of he
conditions to Gaming's obligations to effect the Merger must be satisfied or
waived by Gaming.
If the Merger Agreement is terminated because the Board has determined
in the exercise of its fiduciary duties to withdraw or modify in a manner
adverse to the Gaming its approval or recommendation for the Merger Agreement,
the Merger, or the transactions contemplated thereby or the Company enters into
a definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Transaction, the Company
will be required to pay to Gaming a Termination Fee upon the closing of an
Alternative Transaction. The Termination Fee will be the aggregate amount equal
to 3% of the consideration for the equity of the Company which is received by
the Company or the Stockholders in the Alternative Transaction valued at the
higher of the value of the consideration on the date of (i) the execution of the
definitive agreement with respect to the Alternative Transaction and (ii) the
closing of the Alternative Transaction.
The Majority Stockholders; the Options and Voting Agreement
Pursuant to the Option and Voting Agreement, the Majority Stockholders
of the Company, who hold in the aggregate 2,891,640 shares, or approximately
58.9% of the outstanding Common Stock, have agreed that they will cause all such
shares of Common Stock to be present for quorum purposes at the Special Meeting
and to vote their shares of Common Stock, or cause them to be voted, in favor of
the Merger Agreement. A copy of the Option and Voting Agreement is included in
this Proxy Statement as Annex C.
The Option and Voting Agreement also grants Gaming an option to
purchase the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Majority
Stockholders, at any time until the earlier of the consummation of the Merger or
the termination of the Option and Voting Agreement, at an exercise price of $15
per share. Under the terms of the Option and Voting Agreement, until the earlier
of the termination of the Merger Agreement or the Closing Date, Gaming will
continue to make monthly payments to each Majority Stockholder of such holder's
pro rata portion of monthly interest payments at the rate of 7% per annum on
$15.00, for all shares of Common Stock held by the Majority Stockholders.
Section 78.438 of the NGCL prevents a Nevada corporation from engaging
in any combination with an interested stockholder of such corporation for three
years following the acquisition of such shares unless the combination or the
acquisition of shares is previously approved by the board of directors of such
Nevada corporation. By entering into the Option and Voting Agreement with the
Majority Stockholders, Gaming may be deemed to be an "interested stockholder"
within the meaning of the Nevada Statute. Accordingly, on July 9, 1997, the
Board of Directors approved the Option and Voting Agreement, which approval was
conditioned on the closing of the Merger and the receipt by the remaining
Stockholders in the Merger of substantially the same payment as the Majority
Stockholders under the Option and Voting Agreement.
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The Escrow Agreement
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Company
and Gaming entered into the Escrow Agreement pursuant to which on September 22,
1997 Gaming deposited into escrow a letter of credit issued by City National
Bank in the amount of $5,172,427, which amount represents (i) 20% of
$23,333,775, which is the amount to be received by stockholders other than the
Majority Stockholders for their Common Stock at $15.00 per share, plus (ii)
$505,672, representing the interest accrued on $23,333,775 from June 1, 1997
through September 21, 1997 at the rate of 7% per annum. Under the terms of the
Escrow Agreement, Gaming will continue to deposit into escrow monthly interest
payments at such rate until the earlier of the Closing Date (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) for the Merger or the termination of the Merger Agreement. The
Company will receive the escrowed funds, which will be distributed to
Stockholders (other than the Majority Stockholders, the Company and its
subsidiaries, and certain affiliates of Gaming), in the event the Merger
Agreement is terminated for any reason other than the following: (a) a
termination by mutual written consent of Gaming, RAS and the Company, (b) the
issuance by a court or governmental authority of an order, decree or ruling,
which becomes final and non-appealable, which enjoins or otherwise prohibits the
Merger, (c) the Merger does not occur by April 1, 1998 (which may be extended
under certain circumstances to June 1, 1998 in order to obtain the Nevada Gaming
Authority approvals), because of the failure to obtain HSR Act approvals, the
enactment of a law or statute prohibiting the Merger or otherwise limiting the
conduct of the business of the Company following the Merger, a decline in the
Company's actual Consolidated EBITDA by 7.5% or more when compared to the
Projected Results for such Projected Period (each as defined in the Merger
Agreement), or the Option and Voting Agreement is not in full force and effect
or the Majority Stockholders breached their obligations thereunder (however, the
ability to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to any of the foregoing is
not available to a party whose failure to fulfill its obligations under the
Merger Agreement is the principal cause of the Merger to have failed to occur by
April 1, 1998, as such date may be extended), (d) a termination by Gaming and
RAS because the Company has breached its representations, warranties or
obligations thereunder and such breaches were not cured within ten business days
following notice of such breach, (e) the Board withdrew or modified in a manner
materially adverse to Gaming its approval or recommendation of the Merger
Agreement, the Merger or the transactions contemplated thereby or the Company
entered into an agreement providing for an Alternative Transaction or resolved
to do any of the foregoing, or (f) the Merger Agreement was not approved by the
required vote of the Stockholders at Special Meeting.
If the Merger does not occur by April 1, 1998, or any extension
thereof, solely because Paulson has failed to receive the required approval of
the Gaming Authorities, the Company will be entitled to receive the escrowed
funds only if (i) Paulson knew of a reason why he would not be able to obtain
all approvals prior to such date or (ii) Paulson did not pursue vigorously or
give prompt attention to the requests of the Gaming Authorities for information
or took actions which delayed receipt of all necessary Gaming Authority
approvals.
A copy of the Escrow Agreement is included in this Proxy Statement as
Annex B.
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CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO STOCKHOLDERS
The following discussion sets forth certain federal income tax
consequences of the Merger to Stockholders. The discussion does not purport to
consider all aspects of federal income taxation which may be relevant to a
Stockholder, and the tax treatment of a Stockholder may vary according to the
Stockholder's situation. Certain Stockholders (including insurance companies,
tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers, foreign
corporations and persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States)
may be subject to special rules not discussed below. In addition, the discussion
does not consider the effect of any foreign, state or local tax laws. The
discussion assumes that Stockholders hold their Common Stock as "capital assets"
(generally property held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Finally, Stockholders should be
aware that the conclusions set forth in the following discussions could be
affected by future legislation, caselaw, or administrative interpretations,
which could be applicable to Stockholders.
The receipt of cash in exchange for Common Stock pursuant to the Merger
will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and may also
be a taxable transaction under applicable state, local and foreign tax laws. A
Stockholder will generally recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes in an amount equal to the difference between such Stockholder's
adjusted tax basis in such Stockholder's Common Stock and the cash received by
such Stockholder. Such gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss if such
Common Stock is held as a capital asset.
Under the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, in the case of
individuals and other persons not taxed as corporations, if the holding period
for the Common Stock is more than 18 months as of the Effective Time, the
maximum federal income tax rate on any capital gain recognized by the
Stockholder is 20%. A non-corporate Stockholder whose holding period is more
than 12 months but no more than 18 months as of the Effective Time will be
subject to a maximum tax rate on capital gains of 28%. Net gains on the sale of
capital assets held 12 months or less are taxed as ordinary income. A capital
loss of a noncorporate Stockholder may be offset against ordinary income up to
$3000; capital losses in excess of $3000 may be carried forward to future years.
In the case of corporate Stockholders, capital gains and capital losses continue
to be classified as long-term if the holding period exceeds one year.
Stockholders who receive payments pursuant to the Escrow Agreement will
be required to report such payments in full as ordinary income.
The receipt of the Merger Consideration or receipt of payments under
the Escrow Agreement may be subject, under certain circumstances, to "backup
withholding" at a 31% rate. This withholding generally applied only if the
Stockholder (i) fails to furnish his or her social security or other taxpayer
identification number ("TIN") within a reasonable time after the request
therefor, (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified by the Internal
Revenue Service that he or she has failed to report properly interest or
dividends, or (iv) fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a certified
statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is the correct
number and that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. Amounts paid as
backup withholding (but not any applicable penalties) are creditable against a
Stockholder's federal income tax liability.
The foregoing discussion may not apply to Stockholders who acquire
their Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or other
compensation arrangements with the Company, who are not citizens or residents of
the United States or who are otherwise subject to special tax treatment. EACH
STOCKHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS, HER OR ITS TAX
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ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE
EFFECTS OF APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
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BUSINESS
General
The Company owns and operates the Riviera located on the Strip in Las
Vegas, Nevada. Opened in 1955, the Riviera has developed a long-standing
reputation for delivering high quality, traditional Las Vegas-style gaming and
entertainment. The Riviera is situated on a 26-acre site, located across the
Strip from Circus Circus and across Paradise Road from the Las Vegas Hilton and
the Las Vegas Convention Center. The property features approximately 2,100 hotel
rooms, including 169 suites, 105,000 square feet of casino space, one of the
largest convention, meeting and banquet facilities in Las Vegas, four
full-service restaurants, a large buffet, four showrooms, an entertainment
lounge, 43 food and retail concessions and approximately 2,900 parking spaces.
The casino contains approximately 1,300 slot machines, 50 gaming tables, a keno
lounge and a 200-seat race and sports book. The Riviera offers one of the most
extensive entertainment programs in Las Vegas, including the award winning show,
Splash(R). The Company, through its gaming management subsidiary, also manages
the Four Queens on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
Since 1992, the Riviera's management team has achieved consistent
growth in EBITDA and profit margins. EBITDA has increased over 44% from $21.8
million in 1992 to $31.5 million in 1996 and EBITDA margins have improved from
15.1% to 19.2% over the same period. The Company achieved this growth through
the implementation of a number of strategic initiatives that included (i)
refocusing its marketing strategy from "high-rollers" to adult mid-level gaming
customers, a niche that management believes has been underserved, (ii) focusing
on conventioneers who pay higher room rates, causing Riviera's ADR to increase
from $47 in 1992 to $57 in 1996, (iii) aggressively marketing its hotel
facilities resulting in occupancy rates growing from 90.6% in 1992 to 98.2% in
1996, (iv) emphasizing higher margin slot play which increased slot revenue by
33.0% from 1992 to 1996 and (v) investing approximately $47 million in capital
improvements since 1992. Management believes that it has also improved the
stability of EBITDA by providing a broad entertainment experience (1996
non-gaming revenues: 55% vs. 47% for other casinos on the Strip), focusing on
conventioneers (approximately 30% of mid-week room nights pre-sold through June
1999) and developing a repeat and loyal customer base through proprietary
database marketing.
The Company, which was incorporated on January 27, 1993, is the
successor to Riviera, Inc., which filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code in December 1991. The Company acquired the Riviera
pursuant to a plan of reorganization which became effective on June 30, 1993.
On August 13, 1997 the Company completed the Note Offering pursuant to
which it issued $175 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. A portion
of the proceeds of the Notes were used, among other things, to defease the
outstanding 11% Notes. The Note Offering was effected in accordance with Rule
144A of the Securities Act. The Company is required to register under the
Securities Act securities identical to the Notes and to exchange such registered
securities for the Notes.
Growth Opportunities
The Company seeks to continue its growth in EBITDA and profits by
maximizing the potential of the Riviera's prime Strip frontage and capitalizing
on the proven strength of its management team by leveraging its talents across
multiple properties. To achieve this goal, the Company is pursuing the following
opportunities:
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Riviera Expansion. By the end of 1997, management expects to have
completed the upgrade of the slot machines and refurbished all of the hotel
rooms at the Riviera. To continue capitalizing on the Riviera's prime Strip
frontage, the Company is developing the Nickel Plaza, a new 10,000 square-foot
gaming area fronting the Strip complete with 350 slot machines, a bar, snack bar
and souvenir shop, which is expected to be completed by the end of December
1997. Nickel Plaza will be ideally positioned to attract the additional walk-in
traffic from the newly built 1,000 rooms directly across the Strip at Circus
Circus and the expansions of the Las Vegas Hilton and the Las Vegas Convention
Center. Management expects Nickel Plaza will be developed for an estimated cost
of $5 million. To maintain and enhance its core conventioneer customer base, the
Company also plans to expand its convention center from 100,000 square feet to
158,000 square feet by constructing new state-of-the-art, multi-level,
convention, meeting and banquet facilities. Construction is expected to commence
in the fourth quarter of 1997 and be completed by the end of the third quarter
of 1998. Management believes this expansion, which is estimated to cost
approximately $15 million, will further solidify the Riviera as one of the
premier convention sites in Las Vegas. In addition, the Company owns
approximately six acres of contiguous property which is available for future
expansion.
The Black Hawk Project. As part of the Company's strategy to diversify
its revenue base and leverage both the Riviera name and its management team, the
Company pursues development opportunities in both established and emerging
gaming markets. The Company has acquired for $15 million a certain parcel of
real property in Black Hawk, Colorado (the "Black Hawk Land"), which management
believes to be the premier gaming site in Colorado. The Company intends to use
this site to construct one of the largest gaming facilities in the adjacent
gaming cities of Black Hawk and Central City, Colorado (the "Black Hawk
Project"). The Black Hawk Project is expected to feature 1,000 slot machines, 14
table games, a 500 space covered parking garage and entertainment and food
service amenities. Management believes this market has attractive fundamentals,
including (i) gaming limited to Black Hawk/Central City and Cripple Creek in
Colorado, (ii) consistent gaming revenue growth since 1992 to over $300 million
in 1996, (iii) slot machine dominated market due to statutory limited stakes,
(iv) one hour drive from central Denver and (v) approximately 2.3 million adults
residing within 100 miles of Black Hawk. Management believes that the proposed
Riviera facility will be highly successful due to the following attributes: (i)
premier location: it will be the first gaming site encountered when arriving
from Denver, (ii) size and quality: it will be one of the largest casinos in the
market complete with restaurant and entertainment options and (iii) superior
parking: it will have on-site, covered self-parking, which is critical in this
market where parking is currently extremely limited. The Black Hawk Project is
an attractive investment opportunity that allows the Company to create a
multi-jurisdictional gaming company. The Company currently estimates that total
costs for completion of the Black Hawk Project will be approximately $55
million, $15 million of which was provided by the net proceeds of the sale of
the Notes to purchase the Black Hawk Land, and the remainder of which will be
derived from a combination of third party financing and additional investment by
the Company, including up to an additional $10 million of the net proceeds from
the sale of the Notes. Site clearance work in connection with the construction
of the casino will begin in the fall of 1997, with the opening of the casino
scheduled for the spring of 1999.
Casino/Hotel Management Contracts. The Company believes that there is
increasing demand for the services of skilled gaming and hospitality
professionals. In order to capitalize on management's reputation and experience
as successful casino operators, the Company formed Riviera Gaming Management,
Inc. ("RGM") for the primary purpose of obtaining casino management contracts
with casinos/hotels in Nevada and other jurisdictions. Since August 1996, RGME,
as subsidiary of RGM, has managed the Four Queens located adjacent to the Golden
Nugget on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. Under the Four Queens management
contract, RGME receives a guaranteed minimum
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management fee plus additional compensation based on EBITDA improvement of the
Four Queens, and Warrants to purchase 1,125,000 shares of Elsinore common stock
(equal to 18.4% of the equity of Elsinore on a fully diluted basis) at $1.00 per
share. Such management contract provides significant revenues and upside equity
potential with minimal additional overhead and capital expenditure. Under RGME,
Four Queens' EBITDA improved by more than 40% in the twelve months ended June
30, 1997, compared to the same period in 1996 and generated approximately $0.9
million in management fees for the Company. Management is continually evaluating
opportunities to manage other casinos/hotels.
The Riviera
The Riviera is located on the corner of the Strip and Riviera Drive,
across from Circus Circus. The back of the 26-acre property fronts Paradise Road
across from the Las Vegas Hilton and the Las Vegas Convention Center. The
Riviera is strategically located to take advantage of the high tourist traffic
along the Strip as well as the increasing number of convention customers that
use the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Company is continuing an extensive capital investment program,
including completion of the upgrade of its slot machines and refurbishment of
all of its hotel rooms by the end of 1997. When the Company acquired the Riviera
on June 30, 1993, it embarked on a refurbishing and upgrading program and will
have invested approximately $50 million in such efforts by the end of 1997.
Between July 1, 1993 and December 31, 1997, the Company will have spent $21.6
million refurbishing its 2,100 rooms, including installation of a card key entry
system and new telephone computer switch equipment and other similar upgrades;
$8.7 million upgrading its slot machines so that they can be competitive with
slot machines of other Las Vegas Strip casinos and reducing the average age of
the equipment to less than three years; $2.6 million remodeling bars,
restaurants and convention banquet areas; $1.3 million remodeling the show rooms
and upgrading light and sound equipment; $10.7 million upgrading the life
safety, heating and cooling and other back of the house support systems; and
$4.6 million upgrading its computer systems, including casino rating software,
slot tracking systems and payroll management systems, all with the objective of
controlling costs and enhancing customer service.
Gaming. The Riviera has 105,000 square feet of casino space. The casino
currently has approximately 1,300 slot machines and 50 gaming tables, including
blackjack, craps, roulette, pai gow poker, Caribbean Stud(R) poker, baccarat,
Let It Ride(R) and poker. The casino also includes a keno lounge and a 200-seat
race and sportS book.
Gaming operations at the Riviera are continually updated to respond to
both changing market conditions and customer demand in an effort to attract new
customers and encourage repeat customer business through player tracking and
database management. The Company maintains a slot players club, through which
members receive special promotions and targeted mailings. New and innovative
slot and table games have been introduced based on customer feedback. Management
devotes substantial time and attention to the type, location and player activity
of all its slot machines. The Company is continuing an extensive capital
investment program for the upgrade of its slot machines which is expected to be
completed by the end of 1997.
The current management team has made an effort to redirect its business
away from high-stakes wagerers in favor of focusing on highly profitable, less
volatile mid-level gaming customers consistent with its focused marketing
efforts. In order to effectively pursue this strategy, management has made
several strategic changes including reconfiguring the casino space to improve
the flow of customer traffic, installing new slot machines and bill acceptors,
reducing the number of gaming tables and de-emphasizing baccarat. In addition,
management implemented stricter credit policies and reduced baccarat
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table limits. As a result, the percentage of table game dollar volume
represented by credit play declined from approximately 24% in 1993 to 15% in
1996. Also, in 1996, revenues from slots and tables were approximately 70% and
30%, respectively, as compared to 55% and 45%, respectively, in 1992. Because
the extension of credit is not necessary for success with mid-level gaming
customers, losses on uncollectible and discounted receivables have declined
significantly. Receivables from casino operations declined from approximately
$2.9 million at December 31, 1993 to approximately $2.3 million at December 31,
1996 and the allowance for bad debts and discounts from casino operations
declined from approximately $800,000 to $400,000 during the same period. These
reductions have resulted primarily from the imposition of stricter credit
standards.
The Company currently has detailed plans to further capitalize on the
Riviera's prime Strip frontage and proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center
through additional development and expansion on the existing 26-acre site. To
attract walk-in traffic from the nearby hotel casinos and motels (Circus Circus,
Westward Ho, Stardust, Sahara, El Rancho) which have more than 10,000 rooms, the
Company is in the process of developing a 10,000 square-foot "Nickel Plaza" on
the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Riviera Boulevard at the crosswalk from
Circus Circus and the local Strip bus stop at an estimated cost of about $5
million. The facility will contain 350 slot machines, a bar, snack bar and
souvenir shop. Food and beverage items will be priced very attractively and
promoted extensively. Dramatic signage and lighting effects compatible with the
property's existing facade facing Las Vegas Boulevard will create a "must see"
effect for passersby on both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. The Company believes
that the nickel player represents the most rapidly growing segment of the Las
Vegas gaming market and is frequently neglected by the Company's major
competitors who focus their slot products on higher denominations. Two-thirds of
the devices in Nickel Plaza will be nickel machines. The Company has received
Clark County Planning Commission approval, is finalizing detailed drawings for
bids and expects to start construction in September 1997 with a completion date
of December 31, 1997.
Hotel. The Riviera's hotel is comprised of five hotel towers with
approximately 2,100 rooms, including 169 suites. Built in 1955 as part of the
original casino/hotel, the nine-story North Tower features 391 rooms and 11
suites. In 1967, the 12-story South Tower was built with 147 rooms and 31
suites. Another 220 rooms and 72 suites, including penthouse suites, were added
to the property through the construction of the 17-story Monte Carlo Tower in
1974. In 1977, the six-story San Remo Tower added 243 rooms and six suites to
the south side of the resort. The most recent phase of hotel expansion was
completed in 1988 upon the opening of the 930 room, 49 suite, 24-story Monaco
Tower. The Company is currently refurbishing all of its rooms, with
approximately 1,800 completed through June 1997 and the balance expected to be
completed by the end of 1997 for an additional $2.5 million. Despite the
significant increase in rooms on the Strip in the last three years, management
believes that the Riviera has attained room occupancy rates that are among the
highest on the Strip with 97.5% for 1994, 97.0% for 1995, and 98.2% for 1996
(based on available rooms). The average occupancy rate for the Strip was 91.4%
in 1996. Room revenue has increased from $35.4 million in 1993 to $41.8 million
in 1996, an increase of 18.1%. Management believes that this performance can be
attributed to its targeted and coordinated marketing strategy, particularly its
focus on conventioneers.
Restaurants. The quality, value and variety of food services are
critical to attracting Las Vegas visitors. The Riviera offers four bars and five
restaurants and serves an average of approximately 5,000 meals per day,
including banquets and room service. The following table outlines, for each
restaurant, the type of service provided and total seating capacity:
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<C>
Seating
Name Type Capacity
<S> <C> <C>
Kady's.............................................. Coffee Shop 290
Kristofer's......................................... Steak and Seafood 162
Rik' Shaw........................................... Chinese 124
Ristorante Italian.................................. Italian 126
World's Fare Buffet................................. All-you-can-eat 432
Total......................................................................... -------
1,134
</TABLE>
In addition, the Riviera has a food court operated by a third party
under a long-term lease with 200 seats and several branded, popular fast-food
restaurants, including Burger King(R), Panda Express(R), Pizza Hut(R) and
"TCBY"(R).
Convention Center. The Riviera features 100,000 square feet of
convention, meeting and banquet space. The convention center is one of the
largest in Las Vegas and is an important feature that attracts customers. The
facility can be reconfigured for multiple meetings of small groups or large
gatherings of up to 5,000 people. The Riviera hosts approximately 150
conventions per year. As of June 30, 1997, convention related advance bookings
of rooms totaled approximately 446,000 for 1998 and 1999, which includes 331,000
definite bookings and 115,000 tentative bookings. On average, approximately 25%
of the rooms are occupied for conventions.
The Company intends to increase its emphasis on the convention segment
of its business and the Clark County Planning Commission has recently approved
the expansion of the Company's convention facility. In 1998, the Company plans
to expand its convention center from 100,000 to 158,000 square feet by
constructing new state-of-the-art, multi-level, convention, meeting and banquet
facilities. The new facility will feature 46,000 square feet of exhibit space,
10 breakout meeting rooms totaling 7,200 square feet and 20 sky box/hospitality
suites totaling 17,200 square feet. Overlooking the exhibit floor, the sky
box/hospitality suites will range from 540 to 1,300 square feet and can be
interconnected to accommodate larger groups. All units will have two tiers of 12
theater seats and the 1,300 square-foot boxes will be equipped with wet bars and
private restrooms. The new convention/entertainment facility will have a total
concert seating capacity of 5,700 and will be able to accommodate up to 2,500
for sit-down banquets. Other features will include a portable stage, ceiling
tech booth, entertainer dressing rooms with full baths and an approximately 200
space underground parking facility with elevator access to all floors. The new
addition will connect to the existing convention facility and the main hotel
buildings by a covered walkway.
Combined with the existing convention facility, the Riviera will offer
convention and meeting planners 90,640 square feet of exhibit space, 19 breakout
rooms with a total of 21,000 square feet, an additional 17,200 square feet in
the 20 interconnecting sky box/hospitality suites and a 15,000 square-foot foyer
with two registration desks, a business center and connecting offices, and a
full-service banquet kitchen. In addition to the new 192 space underground
parking facility, the convention facility will have direct access to a 1,600
space covered parking garage. The Company expects the expanded convention center
to be one of the premier convention facilities in Las Vegas, ideally positioned
to take advantage of the growing convention business.
The new facility will generate increased banquet, rental and
entertainment revenue. In addition, the Company believes that with the expanded
state-of-the-art facilities, hotel room nights occupied by conventioneers will
increase as a percentage of total room nights. This will increase the Riviera's
average daily room rate since convention rates are considerably more than those
for all other occupancy
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segments. The Company's architect is currently finalizing drawings for
permitting and bidding. Construction will commence in the fourth quarter of 1997
and will be completed in the third quarter of 1998.
Entertainment and Other. The Riviera has one of the most extensive
entertainment programs in Las Vegas, offering four different regularly scheduled
shows and special appearances by headline entertainers in concert. The four
in-house productions are regularly updated. In November 1994, the award winning
Splash(R) production was closed in order to revise the show and remodel the
showroom for the new Splash(R), which opened on June 23, 1995. The readers of
the Las Vegas Review Journal recently voted The Riviera Comedy Club(SM) the
number one comedy club in Las Vegas and Crazy Girls cast the most beautiful
showgirls in Las Vegas. A summary of the shows and times is outlined below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Seating
Show Type Performance Times Capacity
Splash(R) Variety show Twice a night, seven nights per week 950
An Evening at Female impersonation Twice a night, five nights per week; three 575
La Cage(R) times on Wednesday
Crazy Girls Adult-oriented production Twice a night, five nights per week; 410
three times a night on Saturday
The Riviera Stand-up comedy Twice a night, five nights per week; three 350
Comedy ClubSM times a night on Friday & Saturday
</TABLE>
Other entertainment includes the 200-seat Le Bistro entertainment
lounge located in the casino which offers live performances six times per night.
In addition, the Riviera sponsors special events, such as the Las Vegas Bowl
football game, and presents major concerts such as the Beach Boys, the Pointer
Sisters, Drew Carey and the Doobie Brothers.
Entertainment revenues have increased from $16.5 million in 1993 to
$20.9 million in 1996, a 26.7% increase. Management believes that this increase
is attributable to the increasing popularity of the in-house productions.
Future Expansions
Future plans for the development of the Riviera include development of
an approximately 60,000 square-foot domed shopping center and entertainment
complex to be constructed directly over the casino and containing stores and
entertainment that will appeal to the Riviera's main target audience, adults
aged 45 to 65. The exit from the complex will be by an escalator which will
deliver patrons to the casino. The Company expects to find partners to finance,
develop and operate the entertainment attraction and retail stores.
The Company also has approximately six acres of its existing 26-acre
site available for additional development. The Company is exploring a number of
options in order to make the best use of this valuable land, including a joint
venture for the development of a time-share condominium tower. The Company
expects it would contribute up to 6 acres of land to such a joint venture and a
third party would construct and sell time-share units and arrange financing.
Management believes that additional rooms adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention
Center would be particularly attractive to business customers and would provide
a base for additional casinos customers. The development of a time-share tower
or parking facility would require additional financing and, in the case of the
time-share tower, a joint venture partner, none of which the Company has in
place at the time.
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Marketing Strategy
Since 1992, the Riviera's management team implemented numerous programs
aimed at repositioning the Riviera and refocusing its marketing efforts. Such
initiatives included targeting California and the southwestern United States and
emphasizing mid-level gaming customers, particularly slot players, as opposed to
"high rollers." Management believes that adult mid-level gaming customers are
underserved. Management reconfigured the casino space to improve the flow of
customer traffic, installed new slot machines and bill acceptors, reduced the
number of gaming tables and de-emphasized baccarat. In addition, management
reduced credit limits, outsourced the Company's sports book and shifted to
pari-mutuel horse wagering, thereby decreasing the volatility of gaming
revenues. Also, improved hotel marketing efforts resulted in one of the highest
room occupancy rates on the Strip.
The Riviera will continue to emphasize marketing programs that appeal
to slot and mid-level table game customers with a focus on creating repeat
customers and increasing walk-in traffic. In addition, a key marketing focus is
maintaining and expanding Riviera's core conventioneer customer base. In
developing its overall marketing programs, the Company conducts extensive,
ongoing research of its target customers' preferences through written surveys,
one-on-one interviews and focus groups.
Emphasize Slot Play. Management instituted a number of initiatives at
the Riviera to increase slot play, including the replacement of old slot
machines, the installation of bill acceptors and the addition of slot hosts. The
Company's strategy is to continue to increase slot play through marketing
programs and other improvements, including (i) completion of the Company's slot
upgrade program in the third quarter of 1997, (ii) addition of new signage,
(iii) promotion of the Riviera Player's Club, (iv) sponsorship of slot
tournaments, (v) creation of promotional programs and (vi) marketing of the
"World's Loosest Corner of Slots" and "$40 for $20" slot promotions.
One of the Company's most successful permanent promotions is its "$40
for $20" slot promotion which attracts slot players to the casino. The promotion
offers $40 of slot play on certain promotional machines for $20 cash. If the
customer does not win a jackpot of at least $40, a prize with a retail value of
at least $20 is awarded. While the Riviera's competitors' promotions normally
result in a cost (loss) to the casino department, this innovative program has a
positive EBITDA (exclusive of ancillary slot play) which is used to offset other
marketing costs, including "free pulls," drawings, advertising and general
marketing. The sign-up counter and the promotion machines are located near an
entrance to the casino and often draw long lines of patrons. The Company has
introduced this promotion at the Four Queens and has been approached to license
this promotion to other casinos as well, which it may do in the future. Another
successful promotion is the "World's Loosest Corner of Slots" which is an area
of the casino that contains banks of slot machines with the guaranteed highest
payback percentages of any similar machines in Las Vegas. Like the "$40 for $20"
slot promotion, the "World's Loosest Corner of Slots" is located near an
entrance to the casino to attract walk-in traffic. These promotions have
produced significant income from both repeat and walk-in customers within the
Riviera's targeted market segments.
Create Repeat Customers. Generating customer loyalty is a critical
component of management's business strategy as retaining customers is less
expensive than attracting new ones. The Company has developed a focused and
coordinated marketing program intended to develop a loyal customer base which
emphasizes (i) providing a high level of service to its customers to ensure an
enjoyable experience while at the Riviera, (ii) responding to customer surveys
and (iii) focusing marketing efforts and promotional programs on customers with
positive gaming profiles. The Company uses its research data to tailor
promotional offers to the specific tastes of targeted customers. All slot and
table players are encouraged to join the Riviera Player's Club and to fill out
surveys that provide the Riviera with personal
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information and preferences and tracks their level of play. Members of the
Riviera Player's Club earn bonus points based upon their level of play,
redeemable for free gifts, complimentary services or cash rebates. Promotional
offers are made to qualifying customers through direct mail and telemarketing.
The Company designs promotional offers targeted at certain mid-level gaming
patrons that are expected to provide significant revenues based upon their
historical gaming patterns. The Company contacts these customers through a
combination of direct mail and telemarketing by an in-house marketing staff and
independent representatives located in major cities. The Riviera uses a
proprietary database which is linked to its player tracking system to help
identify customers' requirements and preferences; thereby allowing the Riviera
to customize promotions to attract repeat visitors. The Company offers customers
personalized service, credit availability and access to a variety of
complimentary or reduced-rate room, dinner and entertainment reservations.
Management uses a specialized multi-tiered marketing approach to attract
customers in each of its major market segments. Slot and table game tournaments
and special events are designed for specific levels of play. Utilizing its
proprietary database the Company's marketing department then targets and invites
the customers most appropriate for the customized events. In addition, the
Company hosts an array of special events, including slot and table tournaments,
designed to attract customers for an extended stay. Management has found that
this individualized marketing approach has provided significant revenues and
profitable repeat business.
Provide Extensive Entertainment Options. The Company focuses on
attracting its guests through a range of entertainment opportunities. The
Riviera has one of the most extensive entertainment programs in Las Vegas with
four different regularly scheduled shows and special appearances by headline
entertainers. In addition to providing a positive impact on the Company's
profitability, the shows attract additional gaming revenue. Surveys indicate
that approximately 80% of the show patrons come from outside the hotel and
approximately 66% of these individuals gamble at the Riviera before or after the
shows. In addition, the Riviera offers a variety of quality dining options, a
range of accommodations from deluxe rooms to penthouse suites, a 75,000
square-foot pool area with an olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness
center, spa and 43 retail outlets located throughout the property. The Company
believes that it offers a value-oriented experience by providing a variety of
hotel rooms, restaurants and entertainment, with some of Las Vegas' most popular
shows, all at reasonable prices.
Attract Walk-In Traffic. The Company seeks to maximize the number of
people who patronize the Riviera that are not guests in the hotel by
capitalizing on Riviera's prime Strip location, convention center proximity and
the Riviera's several popular in-house productions. The Riviera is well situated
on the Las Vegas Strip near Circus Circus, The Stardust Hotel & Casino, the
Westward Ho Casino & Hotel, the Las Vegas Hilton and the Las Vegas Convention
Center. Management strives to attract customers from those facilities, as well
as capitalize on the growth in Las Vegas visitors in general, with the goal of
increasing walk-in traffic by (i) providing a variety of quality, value-priced
entertainment and dining options, (ii) promoting the "World's Loosest Corner of
Slots" and "$40 for $20" slot promotions, and placing them near the entrances to
the casino, (iii) upgrading the exterior of the Riviera including painting,
lighting and landscaping and (iv) developing the Nickel Plaza.
Focus on Convention Customers. This market segment consists of two
groups: (i) those trade organizations and groups that hold their events in the
banquet and meeting space provided by a single hotel and (ii) those attending
city-wide events, usually held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Riviera
targets convention business because it typically provides patrons willing to pay
higher room rates and provides certain advance planning benefits, since
conventions are usually booked two years in advance of the event date. The
Riviera has 100,000 square feet of exhibit, meeting and banquet space (one of
the largest convention facilities provided by a casino/hotel in Las Vegas),
making it attractive to
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<PAGE>
large groups. Management focuses its marketing efforts on conventions whose
participants have the most active gaming profile and higher room rate, banquet
and function spending habits. The Riviera also benefits from its proximity to
the Las Vegas Convention Center which makes it attractive to city-wide
conventioneers looking to avoid the congestion that occurs during a major
convention, particularly at the south end of the Strip. The Riviera currently
has 251 conventions scheduled through June 1999 to use the Riviera's convention
facilities. Management believes that its plans to further develop the Riviera's
convention center will attract significant additional convention business. After
completion of its expanded convention center to 158,000 square feet at the end
of the third quarter of 1998, the Company believes its competitive position in
the market for convention space and the corresponding hotel room occupancy by
convention attendees will be significantly increased.
The Company focuses its marketing efforts in the southwestern United
States during the spring and summer months and in the midwestern United States
during the fall and winter months to effectively capitalize on the vacation
patterns of the Riviera's target customers in those markets. Marketing efforts
in California are consistent throughout the year reflecting the constant flow of
California residents to Las Vegas. Management has found that many of its
customers use tour and travel "package" options to reduce the cost of travel,
lodging and entertainment. These packages are produced by wholesale operators
and travel agents and emphasize mid-week stays. Tour and travel patrons often
book at off-peak periods enabling the Company to maintain occupancy rates at the
highest levels throughout the year. Management has developed specialized
marketing programs and cultivated relationships with wholesale operators, travel
agents and major domestic air carriers to expand this market. The Company's four
largest tour and travel operators, including America West Vacations, currently
account for approximately 524 room bookings per night. The Company has
successfully converted many tour and travel customers who meet the Company's
target customer profile into repeat customers.
Riviera Gaming Management
In order to capitalize on management's expertise and reputation as
successful operators of casino properties, the Company formed RGM, a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company, for the primary purpose of obtaining casino
management contracts in Nevada and other jurisdictions. RGM provides services
such as assisting new venue licensee applicants in designing and planning their
gaming operations and managing the start-up of new gaming operations. These
services include casino design, equipment selection, employee recruitment and
training, control and accounting systems and marketing programs. Management
believes that management contracts provide high margin income with limited
additional overhead and little or no capital expenditure requirements.
Management is continually evaluating opportunities to manage other
casinos/hotels. The Company's objective is to obtain the right to a substantial
equity position in projects it would manage as part of the compensation for its
services.
Four Queens Management Agreement. Since August 1996, RGME has been
operating the Four Queens located adjacent to the Golden Nugget on Fremont
Street in downtown Las Vegas under an interim management agreement for a fee of
$83,333 per month. A long-term management agreement with Elsinore, the owner of
the Four Queens, went into effect on February 28, 1997, the effective date of
the Chapter 11 plan of reorganization of Elsinore.
The term of the management agreement is approximately 40 months,
subject to earlier termination or extension. Either party may terminate if
cumulative EBITDA for the first two fiscal years is less than $12.8 million. The
term can be extended by an additional 24 months at RGME's option, if cumulative
EBITDA for the three fiscal years of the term is at least $19.2 million. RGME
will be paid a fee of 25% of any increase in annual EBITDA over $4.0 million,
subject to a $1.0 million minimum fee, payable in equal monthly installments.
RGME has received Warrants to purchase 1,125,000 shares of
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common stock of Elsinore, exercisable during the term or extended term of the
management agreement at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. If the proposed
acquisition of Elsinore by an affiliate of Mr. Allen E. Paulson is consummated
(see "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS"), the Company would
receive approximately $2.4 million, net of the exercise price of the Warrants.
Either party can terminate the management agreement if (i)
substantially all the Four Queens' assets are sold, (ii) the Four Queens is
merged or (iii) a majority of the Four Queens' or Elsinore's shares are sold.
Upon such termination, RGME will receive a $2.0 million termination bonus minus
any amount realized or realizable upon exercise of the Warrants.
Las Vegas Market
Las Vegas is one of the largest and fastest growing entertainment
markets in the country. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors
Authority (the "LVCVA"), the number of visitors traveling to Las Vegas has
increased at a steady and significant rate for the last eleven years from 15.2
million in 1986 to 29.6 million in 1996, a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.
Clark County gaming has continued to be a strong and growing business with Clark
County gaming revenues increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from
$2.4 billion in 1986 to $5.8 billion in 1996.
The Riviera targets the large and expanding Las Vegas tourist and
gaming market. Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada, with a local population
in excess of one million, and is Nevada's principal tourist center. Gaming and
tourism are the major attractions, complemented by warm weather and the
availability of many year-round recreational activities. Although Las Vegas'
principal markets are the western region of the United States, most
significantly Southern California and Arizona, Las Vegas also serves as a
destination resort for visitors from all over the world. A significant
percentage of visitors originate from Latin America and Pacific Rim countries
such as Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Historically, Las Vegas has had one of the strongest hotel markets in
the country. The number of hotel and motel rooms in Las Vegas has increased by
over 40% from approximately 67,000 at the end of 1989 to 95,000 at the end of
1996, giving Las Vegas the most hotel and motel rooms of any metropolitan area
in the country. Despite this significant increase in the supply of rooms, the
Las Vegas hotel occupancy rate exceeded 91% for each of 1993, 1994, 1995 and
1996. Since January 1, 1996, approximately 4,700 new hotel rooms opened and as
of December 31, 1996, there were over 9,200 hotel rooms under construction
(which combined constitutes a 14.7% increase in the number of hotel and motel
rooms in Las Vegas) and the LVCVA estimated that approximately 60,000 additional
hotel rooms were proposed for construction. However, the Company believes that
many of these projects will not materialize. The new rooms under construction
are primarily being designed to attract the high end gaming and convention
customers, and based on construction costs will be priced at rates well above
those which have been or can be charged by the Riviera based on the investment
in its facility.
The Company believes that the growth in the Las Vegas market has been
enhanced as a result of (i) a dedicated program by the LVCVA and major Las Vegas
casino/hotels to promote Las Vegas as a major convention site, (ii) the
increased capacity of McCarran Airport and (iii) the introduction of large
themed "must see" destination resorts in Las Vegas. In 1987, approximately 1.7
million people attended conventions in Las Vegas and generated approximately
$1.2 billion of non-gaming economic impact. In 1996, the number of convention
delegates had increased to 3.3 million with approximately $3.9 billion of
non-gaming economic impact. According to the LVCVA, Las Vegas was the largest
convention market in the country in 1996.
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During the past five years, McCarran Airport has expanded its
facilities to accommodate the increased number of airlines and passengers which
it services. The number of passengers traveling through McCarran Airport has
increased from approximately 15.6 million in 1987 to 30.5 million in 1996.
Construction is currently underway on numerous roadway enhancements to improve
access to the airport. The airport has additional long-term expansion plans
underway which will provide additional runways, three new satellite concourses,
60 additional gates and other facilities.
The Black Hawk Project
The Company has acquired for $15 million the Black Hawk Land, which
management believes to be the premier gaming site in Black Hawk, Colorado. The
property is currently the closest gaming site to Denver and is the first site
encountered when traveling from Denver to Black Hawk/Central City. The Black
Hawk/Central City market primarily serves the metropolitan Denver area and is
approximately an hour drive and 40 miles west of central Denver.
Located on South Main Street, the property is located directly in front
of the Colorado Central Station, owned by Anchor Gaming, which management
believes is the most successful casino in Colorado due to its location, size and
availability of parking. Unlike many other sites, the Riviera development site
is level and has a relatively broad footprint, which is expected to provide
significant cost and time savings in construction relative to other projects in
the market and can accommodate a large Las Vegas-style casino on one floor.
The development site comprises 71,000 square feet, zoned for gaming.
The casino building is expected to be approximately 62,000 square feet and
include approximately 1,000 slot machines and 14 table games. In addition, the
facility will provide entertainment, food and beverage service and will
incorporate an attached covered parking facility for 500 vehicles. The Company
believes that the Black Hawk Project could be expanded beyond its currently
permitted scope based on zoning waivers granted to other casino developers.
The Company currently estimates that total costs for completion of the
Black Hawk Project will be approximately $55 million, $15 million of which was
provided by the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes to purchase the Black Hawk
Land, and the remainder of which will be derived from a combination of third
party financing and additional investment by the Company, including up to an
additional $10 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Site
clearance work in connection with the construction of the casino is scheduled to
begin in the fall of 1997, with the opening of the casino scheduled for the
spring of 1999.
Colorado Market
In November 1990, the state of Colorado approved limited stakes gaming
($5.00 or less per wager) in two historic gold mining areas, Black Hawk/Central
City and Cripple Creek. Because of the $5.00 maximum bet, the casinos in
Colorado emphasize gaming machine play. Black Hawk and Central City are
contiguous, with Black Hawk being closer to Denver, and are located
approximately 40 miles west of Denver and 10 miles north of Interstate 70, the
main highway connecting Denver to many of Colorado's major ski resorts. Cripple
Creek is located approximately 45 miles from Colorado Springs and 75 miles from
Pueblo. Casinos located in the Black Hawk/Central City area serve primarily the
residents of Denver and Boulder, Colorado and surrounding communities.
Approximately three million people live within a 100-mile radius of the Black
Hawk/Central City area.
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The following table sets forth statistical information relating to the
growth of the Black Hawk/Central City market compiled from data published by the
Colorado Department of Revenue:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Years Ended December 31,
Aggregate Gaming Revenues (Dollars in 1993 1994 1995 1996
millions)....................................................... $ 182 $ 243 $ 291 $ 309
Revenue Per Slot Machine Per Day.................................. 70 80 85 93
Average Number of Slot Machines................................... 6,922 7,705 8,636 8,446
Average Number of Casinos in Operation............................ 36 34 32 33
</TABLE>
Employees and Labor Relations
As of June 30, 1997, the Riviera employed approximately 2,100 persons
and had collective bargaining contracts with eight unions covering approximately
1,300 of such employees including food and beverage employees, rooms department
employees, carpenters, engineers, stage hands, musicians, electricians, painters
and teamsters. The Company's agreements with the Southern Nevada Culinary and
Bartenders Union and Stage Hands Union, which cover the majority of the
Company's unionized employees, were renegotiated in 1994 and expired on May 31,
1997 and June 1, 1997, respectively. The Riviera, along with the other Las Vegas
hotels are currently negotiating with these unions and anticipate that new
contracts will be agreed upon by September 1997. The Culinary and Bartenders
Union is currently concentrating on its negotiations with the larger gaming
companies and is expected to intensify its negotiations with the Riviera after
preliminary agreements have been reached with the larger gaming companies. The
Stage Hands Union's negotiations are proceeding at a steady pace and agreement
on details of the contract is anticipated during the summer of 1997. The
Teamsters, Operating Engineers, Carpenters, Painters and Electricians Unions'
collective bargaining agreements were renewed in 1995 and generally expire in or
after 1998. The Musicians Union's collective bargaining agreement expires on
September 21, 1999. Although unions have been active in Las Vegas, management
considers its employee relations to be satisfactory. There can be no assurance,
however, that new agreements will be reached without union action or will be on
terms satisfactory to the Company.
Regulation and Licensing
Nevada Gaming Regulations. The ownership and operation of casino gaming
facilities in Nevada are subject to: (i) The Nevada Gaming Control Act and the
regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively the "Nevada Act") and (ii)
various local ordinances and regulations. The Company's gaming operations are
subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Commission, the
Nevada Board, the Clark County Board and the City of Las Vegas. The Nevada
Commission, the Nevada Board, the Clark County Board and the City of Las Vegas
are collectively referred to as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities."
The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming
Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned
with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons
from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time and in any
capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting
practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the
financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum
procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and
revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic
reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and
fraudulent practices; and (v) providing a source
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of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees. Change in such
laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on the Company's
gaming operations.
ROC is required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The
gaming license held by ROC requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and
is not transferable. ROC is also licensed as a manufacturer and distributor of
gaming devices. Such licenses also require the periodic payment of fees and are
not transferable. The Company is registered by the Nevada Commission as a
publicly traded corporation (a "Registered Corporation") and has been found
suitable to own the stock of ROC. ROC is also registered by the Nevada
commission as an Intermediary Company and has been found suitable to own the
stock of RGM which has been registered by the Nevada Commission as an
Intermediary Company and has been found suitable to own the stock of its
subsidiary Riviera Gaming Management-Elsinore, Inc. ("RGME"). RGME has been
licensed as the manager of the Four Queens and such license is not transferable.
ROC and RGME are each a Corporate Licensee (collectively, the "Corporate
Licensees") under the terms of the Nevada Act. As a Registered Corporation, the
Company is required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating
reports to the Nevada Commission and to furnish any other information which the
Nevada Commission may require. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive
any percentage of profits from, the Corporate Licensees without first obtaining
licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Company, ROC, RGM
and RGME have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various
registrations, approvals, permits, findings of suitability and licenses required
in order to engage in gaming activities and manufacturing and distribution
activities in Nevada.
All gaming devices that are manufactured, sold or distributed for use
or play in Nevada, or for distribution outside of Nevada, must be manufactured
by licensed manufacturers, distributed or sold by licensed distributors and
approved by the Nevada Commission. The approval process includes rigorous
testing by the Nevada Board, a field trial and a determination as to whether the
gaming device meets strict technical standards that are set forth in the
regulations of the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Associated equipment must be
administratively approved by the Chairman of the Nevada Board before it is
distributed for use in Nevada.
The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a
material relationship to, or material involvement with, the Company, ROC, RGM or
RGME in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be
licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Officers, directors and
certain key employees of ROC and RGME must file applications with the Nevada
Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the
Nevada Gaming Authorities. Officers, directors and key employees of the Company
and RGM who are actively and directly involved in the gaming activities of ROC
or RGME may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming
Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing
for any cause which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable
to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial
information followed by a thorough investigation. The applicant for licensing or
a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of the investigation. Any change
in a corporate position by a licensed person must be reported to the Nevada
Gaming Authorities and, in addition to their authority to deny an application
for a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have
jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.
If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or
key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a
relationship with the Company, ROC, RGM or RGME the companies involved would
have to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, the Nevada
Commission may require the Company, ROC, RGM or RGME to terminate the employment
of any
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person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Determinations of
suitability or of questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial
review in Nevada.
The Company, ROC and RGME are required to submit detailed financial and
operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans,
leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by ROC must be
reported to or approved by the Nevada Commission.
If it were determined that the Nevada Act was violated by ROC or RGME,
the gaming licenses they hold could be limited, conditioned, suspended or
revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures.
In addition, the Company, ROC, RGM and RGME and the persons involved could be
subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at
the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Further, a supervisor could be
appointed by the Nevada Commission to operate the casino and, under certain
circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor's appointment (except
for reasonable rental value of the casino) could be forfeited to the State of
Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of the gaming licenses of ROC or
RGME or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming
license would) materially adversely affect the Company's gaming operations.
Any beneficial holder of the Company's voting securities, regardless of
the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be
investigated, and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of the Company's
voting securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that
such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the
State of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by
the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.
The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of a
Registered Corporation's voting securities to report the acquisition to the
Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than
10% of a Registered Corporation's voting securities apply to the Nevada
Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of
the Nevada Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. Under certain
circumstances, an "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, which
acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of a Registered Corporation's
voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such
finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting
securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be
deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting
securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an
institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or
indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors
of the Registered Corporation, any change in the corporate charter, bylaws,
management, policies or operations of the Registered Corporation, or any of its
gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be
inconsistent with holding the Registered Corporation's voting securities for
investment purposes only. Activities which are deemed to be consistent with
holding voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on
all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries
of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational
purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations;
and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be
consistent with such investment intent. If the beneficial holder of voting
securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it
must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of
beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation.
Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability
or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada
Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board, may be
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found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record
owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder
found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership
of the common stock beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the
Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. The Company is subject to
disciplinary action if, after it receives notice that a person is unsuitable to
be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with the Company, ROC, RGM or
RGME, the Company (i) pays that person any dividend or interest upon voting
securities of the Company, (ii) allows that person to exercise, directly or
indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person,
(iii) pays remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or
otherwise, or (iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable
person to relinquish his voting securities including, if necessary, the
immediate purchase of said voting securities for cash at fair market value.
Additionally, the Clark County Board has the authority to approve all persons
owning or controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming
licensee.
The Nevada Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any
debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated
and be found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered Corporation, if
it has reason to believe that such ownership would be inconsistent with the
declared policies of the State of Nevada. If the Nevada Commission determines
that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada
Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its
approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, it: (i) pays
to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever;
(ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with
such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or
(iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption,
conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction.
The Company is required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada
which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any
securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may
be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada
Gaming Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding
the record holder unsuitable. The Company is also required to render maximum
assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada
Commission has the power to require the Company's stock certificates to bear a
legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act. However, to
date, the Nevada Commission has not imposed such a requirement on the Company.
The Company may not make a public offering of its securities without
the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or proceeds
therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming
facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such
purposes. In addition, (i) a Corporate Licensee may not guarantee a security
issued by a Registered Corporation pursuant to a public offering, or hypothecate
its assets to secure the payment or performance of the obligations evidenced by
such a security, without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, (ii) the
pledge of the stock of a Corporate Licensee or Intermediary Company ("Stock
Pledge"), such as ROC, RGM and RGME, is void without the prior approval of the
Nevada Commission, and (iii) restrictions upon the transfer of an equity
security issued by a Corporate Licensee, or Intermediary Company and agreements
not to encumber such securities (collectively, "Stock Restrictions") are
ineffective without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. The Stock
Pledge and the Stock Restrictions in respect of the Notes require the prior
approval of the Nevada Commission to be effective. In connection with the
approval of the Exchange Offer, the Subsidiary Guaranty of ROC, RGM & RGME, the
hypothecation of the assets of ROC and RGME, the Stock Pledge and the Stock
Restrictions will also require the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. An
approval of the Stock Pledge, if granted, will not constitute
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approval to foreclose on the Stock Pledge. Separate approval will be required to
foreclose on the Stock Pledge and such approval will require the licensing of
the Trustee unless such requirement is waived upon the application of the
Trustee. Approval of a public offering does not constitute a finding,
recommendation or approval by the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board as to
the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the
securities offered. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
Changes in control of the Company through merger, consolidation, stock
or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or
conduct by a person whereby he obtains control, may not occur without the prior
approval of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a
Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and Nevada Commission in a
variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered
Corporation. The Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders,
officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or
involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and
licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.
The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions
opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense
tactics affecting Nevada corporate gaming Licensees, and Registered Corporations
that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and
productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established regulations
to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon
Nevada's gaming industry and to further Nevada's policy to: (i) assure the
financial stability of corporate gaming Licensees and their affiliates; (ii)
preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form;
and (iii) promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate
affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada
Commission before the Registered Corporation can make exceptional repurchases of
voting securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate
acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also
requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by the Registered
Corporation's Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly to
the Registered Corporation's stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control
of the Registered Corporation.
License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type
of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the
County in which the ROC's and RGME's operations are conducted. Depending upon
the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either
monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either: (i) a percentage of
the gross revenues received; (ii) the number of gaming devices operated; or
(iii) the number of table games operated. A casino entertainment tax is also
paid by casino operations where entertainment is furnished in connection with
the selling of food, refreshments or merchandise. Nevada Licensees that hold a
license to manufacture and distribute slot machines and gaming devices, such as
ROC, also pay certain fees and taxes to the State of Nevada.
Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered,
required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons
(collectively, "Licensees"), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming
venture outside of Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and
thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the
expenses of investigation by the Nevada Board of their participation in such
foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the
discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, Licensees are required to
comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees
are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they
knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign
gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in
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accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming
operations, engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its
ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ a person in the foreign
operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on
the ground of personal unsuitability.
Other Nevada Regulation. The sale of alcoholic beverages at the Riviera
is subject to licensing, control and regulation by the Clark County Board. All
licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The Clark County Board has full
power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any such license, and any such
disciplinary action could (and revocation would) have a material adverse affect
upon the operations of ROC.
Colorado Gaming Regulation. Pursuant to an amendment to the Colorado
Constitution (the "Colorado Amendment"), limited stakes gaming became lawful in
the cities of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek on October 1, 1991. The
Colorado Amendment defines limited stakes gaming as the use of slot machines and
the card games of blackjack and poker, with a maximum single bet of five
dollars.
Limited stakes gaming is confined to the commercial districts of these
cities as defined by Central City on October 7, 1981, by Black Hawk on May 4,
1978, and by Cripple Creek on December 3, 1973. In addition, the Colorado
Amendment restricts limited stakes gaming to structures that conform to the
architectural styles and designs that were common to the areas prior to World
War I, and which conform to the requirements of applicable city ordinances
regardless of the age of the structures. The Colorado Amendment provides that no
more than 35% of the square footage of any building and no more than 50% of any
one floor of any building may be used for limited stakes gaming. The Colorado
Amendment prohibits limited stakes gaming between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and
8:00 a.m., and allows limited stakes gaming to occur in establishments licensed
to sell alcoholic beverages.
Further, the Colorado Amendment provides that, in addition to any other
applicable license fees, up to a maximum of 40% of the Adjusted Gross Proceeds
("AGP") of limited stakes gaming operations may be payable by a licensee for
conducting limited stakes gaming. Such percentage is to be established by the
Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (the "Colorado Commission") per the
Colorado Limited Gaming Act of 1991 (the "Colorado Act").
The Colorado legislature promulgated the Colorado Act to implement the
provisions of the Colorado Amendment. The Colorado Act became effective on June
4, 1991 and has been amended subsequently.
The Colorado Act declares public policy on limited stakes gaming to be
that: (i) the success of limited stakes gaming is dependent upon public
confidence and trust that licensed limited stakes gaming is conducted honestly
and competitively; the rights of the creditors of licensees are protected;
gaming is free from criminal and corruptive elements; (ii) public confidence and
trust can be maintained only by strict regulation of all persons, locations,
practices, associations and activities related to the operation of licensed
gaming establishments and the manufacture or distribution of gaming devices and
equipment; (iii) all establishments where limited stakes gaming is conducted and
where gambling devices are operated and all manufacturers, sellers and
distributors of certain gambling devices and equipment must be licensed,
controlled and assisted to protect the inhabitants of the state to foster the
stability and success of limited stakes gaming and to preserve the economy and
free competition in Colorado; and (iv) no applicant for a license or other
approval has any right to a license or to the granting of the approval sought.
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The Colorado Act subjects the ownership and operation of limited stakes
gaming facilities in Colorado to extensive regulation by the Colorado Commission
and prohibits persons under the age of 21 from participating in limited stakes
gaming. No limited stakes gaming may be conducted in Colorado unless all
appropriate gaming licenses are approved by and obtained from the Colorado
Commission. The Colorado Commission has full and exclusive authority to
promulgate, and has promulgated, rules and regulations governing the licensing,
conducting and operating of limited stakes gaming (the "Colorado Regulations").
Such authority does not require any approval by or delegation of authority from
the Colorado Department of Revenue (the "Colorado Revenue Department"). The
Colorado Act also created the Division of Gaming within the Colorado Revenue
Department to license, implement, regulate and supervise the conduct of limited
stakes gaming in Colorado, supervised and administered by the Director of the
Division of Gaming ("Division Director").
The Colorado Commission may issue: (i) slot machine manufacturer or
distributor, (ii) operator, (iii) retail gaming, (iv) support and (v) key
employee gaming licenses. The first three licenses require annual renewal by the
Colorado Commission. Support and key employee licenses are issued for two year
periods and are renewable by the Division Director. The Colorado Commission has
broad discretion to condition, suspend for up to six months, revoke, limit or
restrict a license at any time and also has the authority to impose fines.
An applicant for a gaming license must complete comprehensive
application forms, pay required fees and provide all information required by the
Colorado Commission and the Division of Gaming. Prior to licensure, applicants
must satisfy the Colorado Commission that they are suitable for licensing.
Applicants have the burden of proving their qualifications and must pay the full
cost of any background investigations. There is no limit on the cost of such
background investigations.
Gaming employees must hold either a support or key employee license.
Every retail gaming licensee must have a key employee licensee in charge of all
limited stakes gaming activities when limited stakes gaming is being conducted.
The Colorado Commission may determine that a gaming employee is a key employee
and, require that such person apply for a key employee license.
A retail gaming license is required for all persons conducting limited
stakes gaming on their premises. In addition, an operator license is required
for all persons who engage in the business of placing and operating slot
machines on the premises of a retailer. However, a retailer is not required to
hold an operator license. No person may have an ownership interest in more than
three retail licenses. A slot machine manufacturer or distributor license is
required for all persons who manufacture, import or distribute slot machines in
Colorado.
The Colorado Act requires that every officer, director, and stockholder
of private corporations or equivalent office or ownership holders for
non-corporate applicants, and every officer, director or stockholder holding
either a 5% or greater interest or controlling interest of a publicly traded
corporation or owners of an applicant or licensee shall be a person of good
moral character and shall submit to a full background investigation conducted by
the Division of Gaming and the Colorado Commission. The Colorado Commission may
require any person having an interest in a license to undergo a full background
investigation and pay such costs in the same manner as an applicant.
Persons found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission may be required
immediately to terminate any interest, association or agreement with or
relationship to a licensee. A finding of unsuitability with respect to any
officer, director, employee, associate, lender or beneficial owner of a licensee
or applicant also may jeopardize the licensee's license or the applicant's
application. A license approval may be conditioned upon the termination of any
relationship with unsuitable persons.
-48-
<PAGE>
An applicant or licensee must report to the Division of Gaming or
Colorado Commission all leases not later than 30 days after the effective date
of the lease. Also, an applicant or a licensee, upon the request of the Colorado
Commission or the Division Director, must submit copies of all written gaming
contracts and summaries of all oral gaming contracts to which it is or intends
to become a party. The Division Director or the Colorado Commission may require
changes in the lease or gaming contract before an application is approved or
participation in such agreement is allowed or may require termination of the
lease or gaming contract.
The Colorado Act and the Colorado Regulations require licensees to
maintain detailed records that account for all business transactions. Records
must be furnished upon demand to the Colorado Commission, the Division of Gaming
and other law enforcement authorities. The Colorado Regulations also establish
extensive playing procedures and rules of play for poker, blackjack and slot
machines. Retail gaming licensees must adopt comprehensive internal control
procedures. Such procedures must be approved in advance by the Division of
Gaming and include the areas of accounting, surveillance, security, cashier
operations, key control and fill and drop procedures, among others. No gaming
devices may be used in limited stakes gaming without the approval of the
Division Director or the Colorado Commission.
Licensees have a continuing duty to immediately report to the Division
of Gaming the name, date of birth and social security number of all persons who
obtain an ownership, financial or equity interest in the licensee of five (5)
percent or greater, or who have the ability to control the licensee, or who have
the ability to exercise significant influence over the licensee, or who loan any
money or other thing of value to the licensee. Licensees must report to the
Division of Gaming all licenses, and all applications for licenses, in foreign
jurisdictions.
With limited exceptions applicable to licensees that are publicly
traded entities, no person may sell, lease, purchase, convey or acquire any
interest in a retail gaming or operator license or business without the prior
approval of the Colorado Commission.
All agreements, contracts, leases, or arrangements in violation of the
Colorado Act or the Colorado Regulations are void and unenforceable.
The Colorado Amendment requires an annual tax of as much as 40% on the
AGP from limited stakes gaming. Effective October 1 of each year, the Colorado
Commission establishes the gaming tax for the following 12 months. Currently,
the gaming tax on AGP is: 2% on the first $2 million of AGP; 4% on AGP from $2
million to $4 million; 14% on AGP from $4 million to $5 million; 18% on AGP from
$5 million to $10 million; and 20% on AGP over $10 million.
The Colorado Commission requires all gaming licensees to pay an annual
device fee for each slot machine, blackjack table and poker table of $75. The
municipality of Black Hawk assesses an annual device fee of $750 per device.
There is no statutory limit on state or city device fees, which may be increased
at the discretion of the Colorado Commission or the city. In addition, a
business improvement fee of as much as $102 per device and a transportation
authority device fee of $77 per device also may apply depending upon the
location of the licensed premises in Black Hawk. The current annual business
improvement fee is $89.04.
Black Hawk also imposes taxes and fees on other aspects of the
businesses of gaming licensees, such as parking, alcoholic beverage licenses and
other municipal taxes and fees. Significant increases in these fees and taxes,
or the imposition of new taxes and fees, may occur.
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<PAGE>
Violation of the Colorado Act or any of the Colorado Regulations is a
criminal offense. Gaming licensees violating the Colorado Act or the Colorado
Regulations may, in addition to being subject to fines, suspension for as long
as six months or revocation of the gaming license, commit a class 1 misdemeanor
which may result in incarceration or fines or both.
The sale of alcoholic beverages in gaming establishments is subject to
strict licensing, control and regulation by state and local authorities and
requires a liquor license. Alcoholic beverage licenses are revocable and
non-transferable. State and local licensing authorities have full power to
limit, condition, suspend for as long as six months or revoke any such licenses.
Violation of state alcoholic beverage laws may constitute a criminal offense
resulting in incarceration or fines or both.
There are various classes of retail liquor licenses under the Colorado
Liquor Code. A gaming licensee may sell malt, vinous or spirituous liquors only
by the individual drink for consumption on the premises. Even though a retail
gaming licensee may be issued various classes of retail liquor licenses such
gaming licensee may only hold liquor licenses of the same class. An application
for an alcoholic beverage license in Colorado requires notice, posting and a
public hearing before the local liquor licensing authority prior to approval of
the same. The Colorado Department of Revenue's Liquor Enforcement Division must
also approve the application.
The Colorado Commission has enacted Rule 4.5, which imposes
requirements on publicly traded corporations holding gaming licenses in Colorado
and on gaming licensees owned directly or indirectly by a publicly traded
corporation whether through a subsidiary or intermediary company. The term
"publicly traded corporation" includes corporations, firms, limited liability
companies, trusts, partnerships and other forms of business organizations even
if created under the laws of a foreign country. Such requirements shall
automatically apply to any ownership interest held by a publicly traded
corporation, holding company or intermediary company thereof, where such
ownership interest directly or indirectly is, or will be upon approval of the
Colorado Commission, 5% or more of the entire licensee. In any event, if the
Colorado Commission determines that a publicly traded corporation, or a
subsidiary, intermediary company or holding company has the actual ability to
exercise influence over a licensee, regardless of the percentage of ownership
possessed by said entity, the Colorado Commission may require that entity to
comply with the disclosure regulations contained in Rule 4.5.
Under Rule 4.5, gaming licensees, affiliated companies and controlling
persons commencing a public offering of voting securities must notify the
Colorado Commission within 10 days of the initial filing of a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Licensed publicly traded
corporations are also required to send proxy statements to the Division of
Gaming within 5 days after distribution of such statement. Licensees to whom
Rule 4.5 applies must include in their articles of organization or similar
charter documents provisions that: restrict the rights of the licensees to issue
voting interests or securities except in accordance with the Colorado Act and
the Colorado Regulations; limit the rights of persons to transfer voting
interests or securities of licensees except in accordance with the Colorado Act
and the Colorado Regulations; and provide that holders of voting interests or
securities of licensees found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission may, within
60 days of such finding of unsuitability, be required to sell their interests or
securities back to the issuer at the lesser of the cash equivalent of the
holders' investment or the market price as of the date of the finding of
unsuitability. Alternatively, the holders may, within 60 days after the finding
of unsuitability, transfer the voting interests or securities to a suitable
person (as determined by the Colorado Commission). Until the voting interests or
securities are held by suitable persons, the issuer may not pay dividends or
interest, the securities may not be voted, they may not be included in the
voting or securities of the issuer, and the issuer may not pay any remuneration
in any form to the holders of the securities.
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<PAGE>
Pursuant to Rule 4.5, persons who acquire direct or indirect beneficial
ownership of (i) 5% or more of any class of voting securities of a publicly
traded corporation required to include in its articles of organization the Rule
4.5 charter language provisions, or (ii) 5% or more of the beneficial interest
in a gaming licensee directly or indirectly through any class of voting
securities of any holding company or intermediary company of a licensee (all
such persons hereinafter referred to as "qualifying persons"), shall notify the
Division of Gaming within 10 days of such acquisition, are required to submit
all requested information and are subject to a finding of suitability as
required by the Division of Gaming or the Colorado Commission. Licensees also
must notify any qualifying persons of these requirements. A qualifying person
whose interests equal 10% or more must apply to the Colorado Commission for a
finding of suitability within 45 days after acquiring such securities. Licensees
must also notify any qualifying persons of these requirements. Whether or not
notified, qualifying persons are responsible for complying with these
requirements.
A qualifying person who is an institutional investor under Rule 4.5 and
who individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or
indirectly, the beneficial ownership of 15% or more of any class of voting
securities must apply to the Colorado Commission for a finding of suitability
within 45 days after acquiring such interests. A qualifying person who is an
institutional investor and whose interests equal 10%, but less than 15%, may not
be required to apply for suitability, provided such person fulfills reporting
requirements required by the Colorado Regulations.
Pursuant to Rule 4.5, persons found unsuitable by the Colorado
Commission must be removed from any position as an officer, director, or
employee of a licensee, or from a holding or intermediary company. Such
unsuitable persons also are prohibited from any beneficial ownership of the
voting securities of any such entities. Licensees, or affiliated entities of
licensees, are subject to sanctions for paying dividends or distributions to
persons found unsuitable by the Colorado Commission, or for recognizing voting
rights of, or paying a salary or any remuneration for services to, unsuitable
persons. Licensees or their affiliated entities also may be sanctioned for
failing to pursue efforts to require unsuitable persons to relinquish their
interests. The Colorado Commission may determine that anyone with a material
relationship to, or material involvement with, a licensee or an affiliated
company must apply for a finding of suitability or must apply for a key employee
license.
Currently, no gaming or liquor licenses in Colorado have been obtained
in connection with the Black Hawk Project. Application has been made for a
gaming license and application for a liquor license is expected to be made in
the near future.
Federal Registration
ROC is required to annually file with the Attorney General of the
United States in connection with the sales, distribution, or operations of slot
machines. All requisite filings for the present year have been made.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to several routine lawsuits both as plaintiff
and as defendant arising from the normal operations of a hotel. Management does
not believe that the outcome of such litigation, in the aggregate, will have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
Properties
The Riviera complex is located on the Las Vegas Strip, occupies
approximately 26 acres and comprises approximately 1,700,000 square feet,
including 105,000 square feet of casino space, 100,000 square foot convention,
meeting and banquet facility, approximately 2,100 hotel rooms (including
approximately 169 luxury suites) in five towers, four restaurants, a buffet,
four showrooms, a lounge and approximately 2,900 parking spaces. In addition,
executive and other offices for the Riviera are located on the property.
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<PAGE>
There are 47 food and retail concessions operated under individual
leases with third parties. The leases are for periods from one year to ten years
and expire over the next five years.
The entire Riviera complex is encumbered by a first deed of trust
securing the Notes. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS."
The Company also owns the Black Hawk Land, which is a 71,000 square
foot parcel of real property in Black Hawk, Colorado.
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<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The selected financial data as of December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
and 1996 and for the year ended December 31, 1992, the six months ended June 30,
1993 and December 31, 1993 and the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
have been derived from the audited financial statements of the Company and,
prior to the Company's emergence from bankruptcy in June 1993, the Hotel and
Casino Division of Riviera, Inc., the Company's predecessor. The results for and
as of the three months and six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 are derived
from the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto of the Company and, in
the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly information set forth
therein. The results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 1996 and
1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for any other
interim period or for the full year. The following information should be read in
conjunction with "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" and the financial statements and notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Year Ended Six Months Years Ended December 31,
Ended
Dec. 31 June 30, Dec. 31, Combined
1992 1993 1993 1993 (1) 1994 1995 1996
---------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------
(Predecessor) (Predecessor) (Successor)
(Dollars in thousands, except Operating Data and per share amounts)
Income Statement Data:
Revenues:
Casino.................... $ 75,975 $ 38,073 $ 41,158 $ 79,231 $ 82,060 $ 77,337 $ 80,384
Rooms..................... 33,474 17,614 17,808 35,422 35,422 39,848 41,835
Food and beverage......... 22,557 11,656 11,760 23,416 22,961 21,895 22,641
Entertainment............. 19,046 8,059 8,422 16,481 16,945 14,423 20,883
Other..................... 8,369 4,116 4,230 8,346 9,390 9,515 11,293
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
159,421 79,518 83,378 162,896 166,778 163,018 177,036
Less promotional 14,919 6,816 7,157 13,973 12,857 11,873 12,627
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
allowances....................
Net revenues.............. 144,502 72,702 76,221 148,923 153,921 151,145 164,409
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Casino.................... 46,892 24,559 25,533 50,092 48,826 45,325 47,509
Rooms..................... 16,233 8,339 8,456 16,795 17,594 18,787 18,834
Food and beverage......... 15,592 7,427 7,796 15,223 15,588 15,768 15,916
Entertainment............. 15,152 7,051 7,897 14,948 13,982 10,329 15,290
Other..................... 3,256 1,737 1,839 3,576 3,516 3,527 3,913
Selling, general and
administrative.......... 25,534 12,707 13,534 26,241 28,822 29,618 31,454
Depreciation and 13,230 2,622 2,399 5,021 5,674 6,811 8,212
-
amortization..................
Loss on permanent
impairment 85,221 -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
of assets(2)..............
Total costs and expenses.. 221,110 64,442 67,454 131,896 134,002 130,165 141,128
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from (76,608) 8,260 8,767 17,027 19,919 20,980 23,281
operations....................
Interest expense, net(3).... 434 2,632 6,160 8,792 12,254 11,304 10,918
Other (income) expense, net. -- -- -- -- -- -- (505)
Reorganization items(4)..... (3,863) -- -- -- -- -- --
Provision for income taxes.. -- -- -- -- 2,875 3,332 4,428
-------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss)........... (80,905) 5,628 2,607 $ 8,235 $ 4,790 $ 6,344 $ 8,440
Net income (loss) per share. -- -- 0.54 -- 1.00 1.26 1.63
======== ========= ========== ========= ========= ========== =========
Other Data:
EBITDA(5)................... 21,843 $ 10,882 $ 11,166 $ 22,048 $ 25,593 $ 27,791 $ 31,493
EBITDA margin............... 15.1% 15.0% 14.6% 14.8% 16.6% 18.4% 19.2%
Cash flows from operating
activities................ 13,130 8,517 766 9,283 16,372 16,740 18,290
Cash flows used in
investing (2,073) (1,478) (4,307) (5,785) (10,439) (8,218) (13,017)
activities................
Cash flows used in
financing (729) (2,311) (4,658) (6,969) (2,696) (2,983) (1,488)
activities................
Ratio of earnings to fixed --(6) 2.99x(6) 1.41x 1.89x 1.60x 1.78x 2.06x
charges(6)................
Capital expenditures........ $ 2,477 $ 1,478 $ 4,307 $ 5,785 $ 8,933 $ 7,836 $ 14,923
Operating Data:
Average occupancy rate(7)... 90.6% 92.4% 95.0% 93.7% 97.5% 97.0% 98.2%
Average daily room rate $ 47.00 $ 51.63 $ 49.33 $ 50.42 $ 47.51 $ 54.69 $ 57.09
(ADR).........................
Number of slot machines(8).. 1,218 1,218 1,207 1,207 1,203 1,226 1,312
Number of gaming tables(8).. 74 70 70 70 56 56 55
As of December 31,
---------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- -------
(Predecessor)(Successor)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents..... $16,659 $21,387 $ 16,423 $ 21,962 $ 25,747
Total assets.................. 145,631 143,704 151,925 157,931 167,665
Long term debt, including
current portion............... 133,255 112,677 110,489 107,822 105,878
Stockholders' equity.......... (114,358) 15,148 19,938 26,282 35,251
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<PAGE>
Six Months Three Months
Ended June 30, Ended June 30,
1996 1997 1996 1997
(Dollars in thousands, except Operating Data and per
share amounts)
Income Statement Data:
Revenues:
Casino............................ $40,382 $38,134 $ 20,217 $19,332
Rooms............................. 21,771 21,424 10,514 10,930
Food and beverage................. 12,043 11,248 6,215 5,787
Entertainment..................... 11,247 10,759 5,493 5,327
Other............................. 4,752 5,241 2,398 2,670
------- ------- -------- -------
90,195 86,806 44,837 44,046
Less promotional allowances....... 6,922 6,703 3,285 3,424
------- ------- -------- -------
Net revenues...................... 83,273 80,103 41,552 40,622
------- ------- -------- -------
Costs and expenses:
Casino............................ 24,472 22,187 12,066 10,930
Rooms............................. 9,365 9,166 4,701 4,574
Food and beverage................. 8,089 8,002 4,163 4,015
Entertainment..................... 7,907 7,571 3,927 3,790
Other............................. 1,451 1,473 738 797
Selling, general and
administrative.................. 15,602 15,839 7,999 8,164
Depreciation and amortization..... 3,862 5,010 1,974 2,578
------- ------- -------- -------
Total costs and expenses.......... 70,748 69,248 35,568 34,848
------- ------- -------- -------
Income from operations.............. 12,525 10,855 5,984 5,774
Interest expense, net(3)............ 5,507 5,420 2,723 2,702
Other (income) expense, net......... -- 850 -- --
Provision for income taxes.......... 2,402 1,582 1,116 1,053
------- ------- -------- -------
Net income.......................... $ 4,616 $ 3,003 $ 2,145 $ 2,019
Net income (loss) per share......... 0.90 0.58 0.42 0.39
======== ======== ======== ========
Other Data:
EBITDA(5)........................... $16,387 $15,865 $ 7,958 $ 8,352
EBITDA margin....................... 19.7% 19.8% 19.2% 20.6%
Cash flow from operating activities. $ 8,033 $ 8,434 $ 978 $ 397
Cash flows used in investing (2,560) (7,984) (1,973) (3,171)
activities............................
Cash flows used in financing (1,352) (572) (809) (634)
activities............................
Ratio of earnings to fixed 2.15x 1.76x 2.07x 2.01x
charges(6)............................
Capital expenditures................ $ 5,259 $ 6,885 $ 3,025 $ 2,644
Operating Data:
Average occupancy rate(7)........... 99.0% 98.2% 99.2% 99.2%
Average daily room rate (ADR)....... $ 59.03 $ 59.37 $ 56.83 $ 59.65
Number of slot machines(8).......... 1,312 1,308 1,312 1,308
Number of gaming tables(8).......... 55 52 55 52
As of June 30,
1996 1997
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents.................. $ 26,083 $ 25,625
Total assets............................... 161,482 168,074
Long term debt, including current portion.. 105,541 105,305
Stockholders' equity....................... 31,070 38,508
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------
(1) As the Company emerged from bankruptcy in June 1993, operating results
presented for 1993 reflect the combined operating results of the Company
and its predecessor.
(2) Includes a recognized loss on the permanent impairment of assets during the
bankruptcy of the Company's predecessor to record the fair market value of
the property and equipment.
(3) Interest expense is presented net of interest income. 1993 results reflect
no accrual of interest on debt through June 1993. If accrued, interest
expense on these obligations would have totaled $21,400 and $10,400 for the
year ended December 31, 1992 and the six months ended June 30, 1993,
respectively.
(4) Represents costs incurred in connection with the bankruptcy of the Company's
predecessor.
(5) EBITDA consists of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization. While EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for
operating income or a better indicator of liquidity than cash flow from
operating activities, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, it is
included herein to provide additional information with respect to the
ability of the Company to meet its future debt service, capital expenditure
and working capital requirements. Although EBITDA is not necessarily a
measure of the Company's ability to fund its cash needs, management believes
that certain investors find EBITDA to be a useful tool for measuring the
ability of the Company to service its debt.
(6) The ratio for fiscal 1992 has been omitted because earnings were not
sufficient to cover fixed charges. The coverage deficiency was $80,905
($101,882 if interest was not stayed). If interest would have been accrued
on the pre-bankruptcy or other unsecured debt for the six months ended June
30, 1993 earnings would have been inadequate to cover fixed charges by
$1,937. For the purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of income before fixed charges and income taxes, adjusted
to exclude interest capitalized, and "fixed charges" consist of interest
cost, amortizations of debt expense, amortization of bond discount and
capitalized interest.
(7) Based on available rooms.
(8) Number of licensed slot machines and gaming tables at period end.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The current management team successfully guided the Company through its
emergence from bankruptcy in June 1993. Since 1992, the Riviera's management
team has achieved consistent growth in EBITDA and profit margins. EBITDA
increased over 44% from $21.8 million in 1992 to $31.5 million in 1996 and
EBITDA margins improved from 15.1% to 19.2% over the same period. The Company
achieved this growth through the implementation of a number of strategic
initiatives that included (i) refocusing its marketing strategy from
"high-rollers" to adult mid-level gaming customers, a niche that management
believes has been underserved, (ii) focusing on conventioneers who pay higher
room rates, causing Riviera's ADR to increase from $47 in 1992 to $57 in 1996,
(iii) aggressively marketing its hotel facilities resulting in occupancy rates
growing from 90.6% in 1992 to 98.2% in 1996, (iv) emphasizing higher margin slot
play which increased slot revenue by 33.0% from 1992 to 1996 and (v) investing
approximately $47 million in capital improvements since 1992. Management
believes that it has also improved the stability of EBITDA by providing a broad
entertainment experience (1996 non-gaming revenues: 55% vs. 47% for other
casinos on the Strip), focusing on conventioneers (approximately 30% of mid-week
room nights pre-sold through June 1999) and developing a repeat and loyal
customer base through proprietary database marketing.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain of the Company's operating
information for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996 and for the
three months and six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997. Revenues and
promotional allowances are shown as a percentage of net revenues. Departmental
costs are shown as a percentage of departmental revenues. All other percentages
are based on net revenues.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Years Ended Six Months Three Months
December 31, Ended June 30, Ended June 30,
------------------------------------ ---------------------- -------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 1996 1997
------------ ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- --------
Revenues:
Casino................................. 53.3% 51.2% 48.9% 48.5% 47.6% 48.7% 47.6%
Rooms.................................. 23.0 26.4 25.4 26.1 26.8 25.3 26.9
Food and beverage...................... 14.9 14.5 13.8 14.5 14.0 15.0 14.2
Entertainment.......................... 11.0 9.5 12.7 13.5 13.4 13.2 13.1
Other.................................. 6.1 6.3 6.9 5.7 6.6 5.8 6.6
Less promotional allowances............ (8.3) (7.9) (7.7) (8.3) (8.4) (8.0) (8.4)
------ --------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net revenues........................ 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Costs and Expenses:
Casino (1)............................. 59.5 58.6 59.1 60.6 58.2 59.7 56.5
Rooms (1).............................. 49.7 47.1 45.0 43.0 42.8 44.7 41.8
Food and beverage (1).................. 67.9 72.0 70.3 67.2 71.1 67.0 69.4
Entertainment (1)...................... 82.5 71.6 73.2 70.3 70.4 71.5 71.1
Other (1).............................. 37.4 37.1 34.6 30.5 28.1 30.8 29.9
Selling, general and 18.7 19.6 19.1 18.7 19.8 19.3 20.1
administrative...........................
Depreciation and amortization.......... 3.7 4.5 5.0 4.6 6.3 4.8 6.3
------ --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total costs and expenses................. 87.1 86.1 85.8 85.0 86.4 85.6 85.8
------ --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income from operations................... 12.9 13.9 14.2 15.0 13.6 14.4 14.2
Interest expense, net.................... 8.0 7.5 6.7 6.6 6.8 6.6 6.7
Other (income) expense, net.............. 0.0 0.0 (0.3) 0.0 1.1 0.0 0.0
------ --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income before provision for income
taxes.................................. 4.9 6.4 7.8 8.4 5.7 7.8 7.5
Provision for income taxes............... 1.9 2.2 2.7 2.9 2.0 2.7 2.6
------ --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income............................... 3.0 4.2 5.1 5.5 3.7 5.1 4.9
------ --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
EBITDA margin............................ 16.6% 18.4% 19.2% 19.7% 19.8% 19.2% 20.6%
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------
(1) Shown as a percentage of corresponding departmental revenue.
</TABLE>
-54-
<PAGE>
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 1996
Revenues. Net revenues decreased by approximately $900,000, or 2.2%,
from $41.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996 to $40.6 million for
the three months ended June 30, 1997.
Casino revenues decreased by approximately $900,000, or 4.5%, from
$20.2 million during 1996 to $19.3 million during 1997 due to a general softness
in the gaming market in Las Vegas. Slot revenues decreased approximately
$800,000 due to a decrease in the hold percent from 6.5% to 6.1% on comparable
coin-in volumes due to competitive pressures. Although the table games drop was
down approximately $3.2 million, or 11.0%, the table games win percentage
increased 4.1%, which resulted in an increase in table games revenues of
$658,000. The increase was primarily attributable to implementation of a more
conservative games management policy which eliminated three times odds on Craps
and single-deck Black Jack. Race book revenues decreased $520,000 due to the
elimination of rebates (to selected high volume customers) under revised
agreements between the casinos and the Nevada Pari Mutual Association.
Room revenues increased by approximately $400,000, or 4.0%, from $10.5
million during 1996 to $10.9 million during 1997 as a result of an increase of
$2.82 in average room rate from $56.83 in 1996 to $59.65 in 1997. Hotel
occupancy remained at 99.2% for both years.
Food and beverage revenues decreased approximately $400,000, or 6.5%,
from $6.2 million during 1996 to $5.8 million during 1997 due to reduced
complimentary beverage in the casino and lower food covers in the restaurants.
Entertainment revenues decreased by approximately $200,000, or 3.6%,
from $5.5 million during 1996 to $5.3 million during 1997 due to a decrease in
covers in the Splash(R) production show and a decrease in the average ticket
price resulting from discounts to maintain volume.
Other revenues increased by approximately $300,000, or 12.5%, from $2.4
million during 1996 to $2.7 million during 1997 due primarily to the management
fees for operating the Four Queens in downtown Las Vegas beginning in August
1996.
Promotional allowances increased by approximately $100,000, or 3.0%,
from $3.3 million during 1996 to $3.4 million during 1997 due to increased room
complimentaries of $200,000 offered in connection with the June gaming
tournaments which were partially offset by lower food and beverage
complimentaries of $100,000.
Direct Costs and Expenses of Operating Departments. Total direct costs
and expenses of operating departments decreased by approximately $1.5 million,
or 5.9%, from $25.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 1996 to $24.1
million for the three months ended June 30, 1997.
Casino expenses decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 9.9%, from
$12.1 million during 1996 to $10.9 million during 1997 due to a corresponding
decrease in casino revenues. Casino expenses as a percent of casino revenue
decreased from 59.7% to 56.5%, primarily due to a 13.4% decrease in marketing
expenses in 1997. Management is reviewing the competition and may increase
marketing expenditures somewhat to drive additional revenues. However, the
Company does not intend to significantly discount its gaming product or
substantially increase its promotional allowances.
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<PAGE>
Room costs decreased by approximately $100,000, or 2.1%, from $4.7
million during the 1996 period to $4.6 million during the 1997 period and room
costs as a percentage of room revenue decreased from 44.7% in 1996 to 41.8% in
1997 because costs charged to the casino department for promotional allowances
increased.
Food and beverage costs decreased by approximately $200,000, or 4.8%,
from $4.2 million in 1996 to $4.0 million in 1997. However, food and beverage
costs as a percentage of revenues increased from 67.0% in 1996 to 69.4% in 1997
due to a decrease in cost allocations to casino expenses for promotional
allowances.
Entertainment costs decreased by approximately $100,000, or 2.6%, from
$3.9 million in 1996 to $3.8 million in 1997 as a direct result of the lower
revenues in all shows. Entertainment expense as a percentage of entertainment
revenues fell slightly from 71.5% in 1996 to 71.1% in 1997.
Other expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 30.8% in 1996
to 29.9% in 1997 because of the limited costs associated with management fee
revenues from the RGM (Four Queens) contract.
Other Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $200,000, or 2.5%, from $8.0 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1996 to $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30,
1997. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling, general and administrative
expenses increased from 19.3% during the 1996 period to 20.1% during the 1997
period as fixed costs represented a higher percentage of a lower revenue base in
the 1997 period.
Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $600,000, or
30.0%, from $2.0 million in 1996 to $2.6 million in 1997 and from 4.8% to 6.3%
of net revenues due to capital expenditures amounting to $16.5 million in the
twelve months ended June 30, 1997.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense and interest income remained
relatively constant in both years at $2.7 million and 6.6% and 6.7% of net
revenues.
Net Income. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income
decreased by approximately $100,000, or 4.8%, from $2.1 million during the three
months ended June 30, 1996 to $2.0 million during the three months ended June
30, 1997.
EBITDA. EBITDA increased by approximately $400,000, or 5.0%, from $8.0
million during the three months ended June 30, 1996 to $8.4 million during the
three months ended June 30, 1997. During the same periods, EBITDA margin
increased from 19.2% to 20.6% of net revenues. It is significant that the
improvement of EBITDA was accomplished despite the decrease in net revenues.
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
Revenues. Net revenues decreased by approximately $3.2 million, or
3.8%, from $83.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $80.1 million
for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Casino revenues decreased by approximately $2.3 million, or 5.7%, from
$40.4 million during 1996 to $38.1 million during 1997 due to a general softness
in the gaming market in Las Vegas. Slot revenues decreased approximately $1.4
million due to a decrease in hold percent on comparable casino volumes in
response to competitive pressures. Although the table games drop was down
approximately $9.4 million, or 15.1%, the win percentage increased 3.4%, which
resulted in an increase in table games
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<PAGE>
revenues of approximately $500,000. The increase was primarily attributable to
implementation of a more conservative games management policy which eliminated
three times odds on Craps and single-deck Black Jack. Race book revenues
decreased approximately $850,000 due to the elimination of rebates (to selected
high volume customers) under revised agreements between the casinos and the
Nevada Pari Mutuel Association.
Room revenues decreased by approximately $400,000, or 1.8%, from $21.8
million during 1996 to $21.4 million during 1997 due primarily to a decrease in
room nights available for sale of 5,000 in 1997 as a result of remodeling
projects. Hotel occupancy remained relatively constant at 99.0% in 1997 as
compared to 98.2% in 1996 (based on available rooms). The average room rate
increased $0.34, or 0.5%, from $59.03 to $59.37, recovering from first quarter
1997 when the average room rate had fallen $2.15 because of the shift of a major
convention from the first quarter of 1997 to the second quarter.
Food and beverage revenues decreased approximately $800,000, or 6.6%,
from $12.0 million during 1996 to $11.2 million during 1997 primarily due to
reduced complimentary beverage in the casino as well as lower food covers in the
restaurants.
Entertainment revenues decreased by approximately $400,000, or 3.6%,
from $11.2 million during 1996 to $10.8 million during 1997 due to a 5.9%
decrease in covers in the Splash(R) production show and a decrease in the
average ticket price resulting from discounts to maintain volume.
Other revenues increased by approximately $500,000, or 10.6%, from $4.7
million during 1996 to $5.2 million during 1997 primarily due to the management
fees for operating the Four Queens in downtown Las Vegas beginning in August
1996.
Promotional allowances decreased by approximately $200,000, or 2.9%,
from $6.9 million during 1996 to $6.7 million during 1997 due to lower food and
beverage complimentaries of $450,000 which were partially offset by increased
room complimentaries of $250,000.
Direct Costs and Expenses of Operating Departments. Total direct costs
and expenses of operating departments decreased by approximately $2.9 million,
or 5.7%, from $51.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $48.4
million for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Casino expenses decreased by approximately $2.3 million, or 9.4%, from
$24.5 million during 1996 to $22.2 million during 1997 due to a corresponding
decrease in casino revenues. Casino expenses as a percent of casino revenue
decreased from 60.6% to 58.2%, primarily due to a 14.4% decrease in marketing
expenses in 1997.
Room costs decreased by approximately $200,000, or 2.1%, from $9.4
million during the 1996 period to $9.2 million during the 1997 period and room
costs as a percentage of room revenue decreased from 43.0% in 1996 to 42.8% in
1997 because of increased costs charged to the casino department for promotional
allowances.
Food and beverage costs were relatively flat for 1997 compared to 1996,
however, food and beverage costs as a percentage of revenues increased from
67.2% in 1996 to 71.1% in 1997 because the costs charged to the casino
department for promotional allowances decreased substantially.
Entertainment costs decreased by approximately $300,000, or 3.8%, from
$7.9 million in 1996 to $7.6 million in 1997 due to fewer concerts and special
events in 1997 and the lower payments to the
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Splash(R) producer. Entertainment expense as a percentage of entertainment
revenues remained flat at 70.3% for 1996 and 1997.
Other expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 30.5% in 1996
to 28.1% in 1997 because of the limited costs associated with management fee
revenues from the RGM (Four Queens) contract.
Other Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $200,000, or 1.5%, from $15.6 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 to $15.8 million for the six months ended June 30,
1997. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling, general and administrative
expenses increased from 18.7% during the 1996 period to 19.8% during the 1997
period as a result of the spreading of fixed costs over a lower revenue base in
the 1997 period.
Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $1.1 million,
or 28.2%, from $3.9 million in 1996 to $5.0 million in 1997 and from 4.6% to
6.3% of net revenues due to the significant capital expenditures in the twelve
months ended June 30, 1997.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense and interest income remained
relatively constant in both years. During the first quarter of 1997 the Company
filed an updated registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for a secondary offering of 1.75 million shares by the Company and
1.25 million shares by existing stockholders. The Company withdrew its offering
due to market conditions and, as a result, wrote off costs totaling $850,000 in
1997.
Net Income. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income
decreased by approximately $1.6 million, or 34.9%, from $4.6 million during the
six months ended June 30, 1996 to $3.0 million during the six months ended June
30, 1997.
EBITDA. EBITDA decreased by approximately $500,000, or 3.0%, from $16.4
million during the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $15.9 million during the
six months ended June 30, 1997. However, during the same periods, EBITDA margin
increased from 19.7% to 19.8% of net revenues. This increase was accomplished in
spite of the 3.8% decrease in net revenues.
Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995
Revenues. Net revenues increased by approximately $13.3 million, or
8.8%, from $151.1 million in 1995 to $164.4 million in 1996. Casino revenues
increased by approximately $3.0 million, or 3.9%, from $77.3 million in 1995 to
$80.4 million in 1996 due primarily to a $2.9 million, or 5.4%, increase in slot
revenues as a result of an increase in promotional activities directed at slot
players. Room revenues increased by approximately $2.0 million, or 5.0%, from
$39.8 million in 1995 to $41.8 million in 1996 as a result of an increase in
hotel occupancy from 97.0% to 98.2% (based on available rooms) and an increase
in average room rate of $2.40, or 4.4%. Food and beverage revenues increased
approximately $700,000, or 3.4%, from $21.9 million in 1995 to $22.6 million in
1996 due to additional covers in the bars and restaurants. Entertainment
revenues increased by approximately $6.5 million, or 44.8%, from $14.4 million
in 1995 to $20.9 million in 1996. This was principally due to the reopening of
Splash(R), a variety show which had been closed during the first half of 1995
for show revisions and theater remodeling. Other revenues increased by
approximately $1.8 million, or 18.7%, from $9.5 million in 1995 to $11.3 million
in 1996 due primarily to a refund of $576,000 from a union health and welfare
trust fund for reduced premiums and general increases in other revenues such as
telephone, gift shops and box office commissions. In addition, the Company
received management fees of approximately $400,000 for operating the Four Queens
in downtown Las Vegas beginning in August 1996. Promotional allowances
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<PAGE>
increased by approximately $700,000, or 6.4%, from $11.9 million in 1995 to
$12.6 million in 1996 due to additional complimentary show tickets for Splash(R)
and an increase in complimentaries associated with casino and slot marketing
programs.
Direct Costs and Expenses of Operating Departments. Total direct costs
and expenses of operating departments increased by approximately $7.7 million,
or 8.2%, from $93.7 million in 1995 to $101.5 million in 1996. Casino expenses
increased by approximately $2.2 million, or 4.8%, from $45.3 million in 1995 to
$47.5 million in 1996 due to a corresponding increase in casino revenues and
casino expenses as a percent of casino revenues increased from 58.6% to 59.1%,
primarily due to increased entertainment promotional allowances upon the
reopening of Splash(R) on June 23, 1995. Room costs were mostly flat for 1996
compared to 1995, however, room costs as a percentage of room revenues decreased
from 47.1% in 1995 to 45.0% in 1996 as room revenues increased while room costs
remained relatively constant. Food and beverage costs increased by approximately
$150,000, or 0.9%, from $15.8 million in 1995 to $15.9 million in 1996 resulting
from a corresponding increase in revenues. Food and beverage costs as a
percentage of food and beverage revenues decreased from 72.0% in 1995 to 70.3%
in 1996 because food and beverage revenue increased while payroll and other
costs remained relatively constant. Entertainment costs increased by
approximately $5.0 million, or 48.0%, from $10.3 million in 1995 to $15.3
million in 1996, due to the additional expenses associated with operating
Splash(R) for a full year in 1996. Entertainment expenses as a percentage of
entertainment revenues increased from 71.6% in 1995 to 73.2% in 1996 due to a
revision in the Splash(R) producer's agreement. Other expenses increased by
approximately $400,000, or 10.9%, from $3.5 million to $3.9 million due to a
corresponding increase in other revenues.
Other Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $1.8 million, or 6.2%, from $29.6 million in 1995 to
$31.5 million in 1996 due to increased incentive plan costs required to retain
personnel in the competitive gaming environment. As a percentage of total net
revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 19.6% in
1995 to 19.1% in 1996 as a result of lower general marketing expenses and the
spreading of fixed costs over a larger revenue base in 1996. Depreciation and
amortization increased by approximately $1.4 million, or 20.6%, from $6.8
million in 1995 to $8.2 million in 1996.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense decreased by approximately
$400,000, or 3.0%, from $12.5 million in 1995 to $12.1 million in 1996 while
interest income remained constant at $1.1 million in 1995 and 1996. This was due
to a reduction in average debt outstanding, an increase in average cash balances
and a decrease in the investment yield in 1996. Other income increased by
$505,000 due to a gain on the final payment of certain unsecured notes in the
fourth quarter of 1996 offset by a loss due to the change in terms of one of the
Company's notes.
Net Income. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income
increased by approximately $2.1 million, or 33.0%, from $6.3 million in 1995 to
$8.4 million in 1996. The effective income tax rate was 34.4% for 1995 and 1996.
EBITDA. EBITDA increased by approximately $3.7 million, or 13.3%, from
$27.8 million in 1995 to $31.5 million in 1996. During the same periods, EBITDA
margin increased from 18.4% to 19.2% of net revenues.
Fiscal 1995 Compared to Fiscal 1994
Revenues. Net revenues decreased by approximately $2.8 million, or
1.8%, from $153.9 million in 1994 to $151.1 million in 1995. Casino revenues
decreased by approximately $4.7 million, or 5.8%, from
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$82.1 million in 1994 to $77.3 million in 1995 which was largely due to an
approximately $5.9 million, or 22.9%, decrease in table game revenues as a
result of reduced "high-roller" play and the elimination of unprofitable
marketing programs offset by an approximately $1.3 million, or 2.8%, increase in
slot machine revenues. Room revenues increased by approximately $4.4 million, or
12.5%, from $35.4 million in 1994 to $39.8 million in 1995 due to a slight
decrease in occupancy offset by an increase of $7.18 in the average room rate.
Food and beverage revenues decreased approximately $1.1 million, or 4.6%, from
$23.0 million in 1994 to $21.9 million in 1995, principally due to reduced
covers resulting from the decline in customer traffic as a result of Splash(R)
being closed for six months in 1995 compared to one month in 1994. Entertainment
revenues decreased by approximately $2.5 million, or 14.9%, from $16.9 million
in 1994 to $14.4 million in 1995 due primarily to the closure of Splash(R) from
November 1994 to June 1995. Other revenues increased by approximately $125,000,
or 1.3%, from $9.4 million in 1994 to $9.5 million in 1995. Promotional
allowances decreased by approximately $1.0 million, or 7.7%, from $12.9 million
in 1994 to $11.9 million in 1995, primarily due to the elimination of certain
marketing programs.
Direct Costs and Expenses of Operating Departments. Total direct costs
and expenses of operating departments decreased by approximately $5.8 million,
or 5.8%, from $99.5 million in 1994 to $93.7 million in 1995. Casino expenses
decreased by approximately $3.5 million, or 7.2%, from $48.8 million in 1994 to
$45.3 million in 1995 due to a corresponding decrease in casino revenues. Casino
expenses as a percentage of casino revenues decreased from 59.5% in 1994 to
58.6% in 1995 due to reduced complimentaries. Room costs increased by
approximately $1.2 million, or 6.8%, from $17.6 million in 1994 to $18.8 million
in 1995, principally due to the payment of higher credit card and travel agent
commissions associated with the increase in room revenues. Room costs as a
percentage of room revenues decreased from 49.7% in 1994 to 47.1% in 1995 as a
result of certain fixed costs being allocated over a larger revenue base. Food
and beverage costs increased by approximately $180,000, or 1.2%, from $15.6
million in 1994 to $15.8 million in 1995. As a percentage of food and beverage
revenues, costs increased from 67.9% in 1994 to 72.0% in 1995 because certain
fixed costs could not be reduced commensurate with the reduction of revenue.
Entertainment costs decreased by approximately $3.7 million, or 26.1%, from
$14.0 million in 1994 to $10.3 million in 1995 due to Splash(R) being closed
during the first half of 1995. Entertainment costs as a percentage of
entertainment revenues decreased from 82.5% in 1994 to 71.6% in 1995 due to
better contract terms with the producer of Splash(R). Other expenses remained
constant at $3.5 million in 1995.
Other Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $800,000, or 2.8%, from $28.8 million in 1994 to
$29.6 million in 1995. As a percentage of total net revenues, selling, general
and administrative expenses increased from 18.7% in 1994 to 19.6% in 1995 due to
increases in payroll and maintenance offset by a decrease in workers'
compensation insurance expense resulting from the Company becoming self-insured
and a decrease in the provision for bad debts as a result of stricter credit
policies during 1995. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately
$1.1 million, or 20.0%, from $5.7 million in 1994 to $6.8 million in 1995.
Other Income (Expense). Interest expense decreased by approximately
$311,000, or 2.4%, from $12.8 million in 1994 to $12.5 million in 1995, while
interest income more than doubled from approximately $510,000 to $1.1 million.
This was due to a reduction in average debt outstanding and an increase in
average cash balances, respectively, during 1995 compared to 1994.
Net Income. As a result of the factors discussed above, net income
increased by approximately $1.6 million, or 32.4%, from $4.8 million in 1994 to
$6.3 million in 1995. The effective income tax rate for 1995 was 34.4% compared
to 37.5% for 1994.
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EBITDA. EBITDA increased by approximately $2.2 million, or 8.6%, from
$25.6 million in 1994 to $27.8 million in 1995. During the same periods, EBITDA
margin increased from 16.6% to 18.4% of net revenues.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $25.6 million at June 30,
1997, which was consistent with balances at December 31, 1996. For the six
months ended June 30, 1997, the Company's net cash provided by operating
activities was $8.4 million compared to $8.0 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1996. EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and the year ended
December 31, 1996 was $15.9 million and $31.5 million, respectively, which was
adequate to cover the Company's debt service and capital expenditures.
Management believes that sufficient EBITDA will be available to cover the
Company's debt service and enable investment in budgeted capital expenditures
for the next 12 months.
In February 1997, the Company entered into a $15.0 million, five-year
reducing revolving line of credit collateralized by certain furniture, fixtures
and equipment (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). The revolving line of credit
bears interest at prime plus 0.5% or LIBOR plus 2.9%. The Company has not
utilized this line of credit. As a result of the sale of the Notes, the Company
has ceased to meet such conditions for borrowing availability. The Company
intends to renegotiate the conditions to borrowing under the Revolving Credit
Facility or secure a replacement facility. There can be no assurance however,
that such renegotiation or replacement will be successful.
The Company has made significant capital expenditures to upgrade its
facilities, investing approximately $47 million in capital improvements since
1992. By the end of 1997, management expects to have completed the upgrade of
the slot machines and refurbished all of the hotel rooms at the Riviera. Capital
expenditures totaled approximately $8.9 million in 1994, $7.8 million in 1995,
$14.9 million in 1996 and $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Management has budgeted approximately $14.1 million for the remaining six months
of 1997, including $5.0 million for Nickel Plaza and $1.4 million expansion of
the convention center and $4.0 million to complete the upgrade of its slot
machines and refurbish its rooms. Management has budgeted approximately $23.5
million for 1998, including $13.5 million for the expansion of the convention
center. The Company expects to finance the development of the Nickel Plaza and
expansion of the convention center in part from the net proceeds of the sale of
the Notes. Management also has budgeted $55 million for the Black Hawk Project.
The Company currently estimates that total costs for completion of the Black
Hawk Project will be approximately $55 million, $15 million of which was
provided by the net proceeds of the sale of the Notes to purchase the Black Hawk
Land, and the remainder of which will be derived from a combination of third
party financing and additional investment by the Company, including up to an
additional $10 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Site
clearance work will begin in the fall of 1997, with the opening of the casino
scheduled for the spring of 1999. See "Business -- Growth Opportunities."
Forward Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Certain matters discussed in
this filing could be characterized as forward-looking statements such as
statements relating to plans for future expansion, as well as other capital
spending, financing sources and effects of regulation and competition. Such
forward-looking statements involve important risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such
forward-looking statements.
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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
During 1996 the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121") Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of.
SFAS 121 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The adoption of
SFAS 121 had no impact on the financial statements of the Company.
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS 123")
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation which establishes financial accounting
and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans and for
transactions in which an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods
or services from non-employees. The Company continues to account for stock-based
compensation arrangements in accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and therefore the adoption of SFAS
123 had no effect on the financial position or results of operations of the
Company. The Company has provided the pro forma and other additional disclosures
about stock-based employee compensation plans in its 1996 consolidated financial
statements as required by SFAS 123.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The FASB recently issued Statement of Accounting Standards No. 128,
Earnings Per Share. This statement establishes standards for computing and
presenting earnings per share and is effective for financial statements issued
for periods ending after December 15, 1997. Earlier application of this
statement is not permitted and upon adoption requires restatement (as
applicable) of all prior-period earnings per share data presented. Management
believes that the implementation of this standard will not have a material
impact on earnings per share.
In addition, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 129, Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure in February
1997. This statement establishes standards for disclosing information about an
entity's capital structure. Management intends to comply with the disclosure
requirements of this statement which are effective for periods ending after
December 15, 1997.
On June 30, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. This statement requires
companies to classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a
financial statement and display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive
income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the
equity section of a statement of financial position, and is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
Management does not believe this new FASB will have a material impact on their
financial statements.
On June 30, 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 131, Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information. This Statement establishes additional standards for segment
reporting in the financial statements and is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. Management has not determined the effect of
this statement on its financial statement disclosure.
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MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
The Common Stock began trading on the AMEX on May 13, 1996 and was
reported on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board prior to that date.
The table below sets forth the bid and ask sales prices by quarter for
the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, based on information provided by
certain brokers who have had transactions in the Common Stock during the year:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
High Low
1995
First Quarter ......................................................... $ 4.89 $ 4.09
Second Quarter......................................................... 9.38 3.96
Third Quarter.......................................................... 12.15 8.72
Fourth Quarter......................................................... 10.55 7.64
1996
First Quarter.......................................................... $ 10.55 $ 8.44
Second Quarter (through May 12, 1996) ................................. 15.31 9.23
Second Quarter (beginning May 13, 1996) ............................... 17.75 11.00
Third Quarter ......................................................... 17.13 14.00
Fourth Quarter......................................................... 15.63 12.94
1997
First Quarter ......................................................... $ 14.50 $ 12.88
Second Quarter ........................................................ 14.13 12.25
</TABLE>
As of the close of business on September 22, 1997, there were 132
record holders, and approximately 1,800 beneficial owners, of Common Stock.
On May 14, 1997, the date preceding public announcement of the
execution of a non-binding letter of intent by the Company and Allen E. Paulson
to undertake the Merger, the high, low and closing sale prices of a share of
Common Stock on the AMEX were $13.38, $13.25 and $13.25, respectively. On 1997,
the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this Proxy Statement,
the high, low and closing sales price of a share of Common Stock on the AMEX
were $ , $ and $ , respectively.
The Company has not paid any dividends on its Common Stock and does not
currently expect to pay any dividends (cash or otherwise) on its Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. The Company currently anticipates that it will retain
future earnings to fund the development and growth of its business. The
Company's ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent upon receipt of
dividends and distributions from ROC. In addition, the indenture for the Notes
restricts the Company's ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The Common Stock is traded on the AMEX. The following table sets forth
certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of
September 10, 1997 by (i) each person who, to the knowledge of the Company,
beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, (ii) the
directors and certain officers of the Company and (iii) all directors and
officers of the Company and ROC as a group. The percentages of shares of Common
Stock held or beneficially owned by any Stockholder or group of Stockholders are
based upon the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August
31, 1997. Except as indicated, each person listed below has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite such person's
name.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares Beneficially
Owned
Name Number Percentage
---- -------------- ------------
William L. Westerman(1)(7)......................................... 329,200 6.4%
Ronald P. Johnson(1)(7)............................................ 30,250 *
Martin R. Gross(1)(7).............................................. 19,250 *
Robert Vannucci(1)(7).............................................. 18,850 *
Jerome P. Grippe(1)(7)............................................. 19,250 *
Robert R. Barengo(1)(7)............................................ 4,380 *
William M. Friedman(1)(7).......................................... 400 *
Philip P. Hannifin(1)(7)........................................... 33,000 *
Keyport Life Insurance Company(2)(8)............................... 857,160 17.5
SunAmerica Life Insurance Company(3)(8)............................ 761,920 15.5
Morgens Entities:(4)(8)
Betje Partners................................................... 29,360 *
Morgens, Waterfall Income Partners............................... 43,920 *
MWV Employee Retirement Plan Group Trust......................... 7,760 *
Phoenix Partners, L.P............................................ 79,440 1.6
Restart Partners, L.P............................................ 282,000 5.7
Restart Partners II, L.P......................................... 440,600 9.0
Restart Partners III, L.P........................................ 298,600 6.1
The Common Fund.................................................. 90,880 1.8
------------- ----
Total Morgens Entities................................... 1,272,560 25.9
James D. Bennett(5) ............................................... 484,265 9.9
Allen E. Paulson(6)................................................ 463,655 9.4
All executive officers and directors as a group
(12 persons)(1)(7)............................................... 521,480 9.8
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------
* Less than 1%.
</TABLE>
(1) The address for each director and officer of the Company or ROC is c/o
Riviera Holdings Corporation, 2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas,
Nevada 89109.
(2) The address for Keyport Life Insurance Company ("Keyport") is 125 High
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Stein Roe, an affiliate of Keyport,
is Keyport's investment advisor, and, as such, has the power and authority
to direct the disposition of the securities, and accordingly, could be
deemed to be a "beneficial" owner within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the
Exchange Act. Stein Roe, however, disclaims actual beneficial ownership of
such securities.
-64-
<PAGE>
(3) The address for SunAmerica is One Sun America Center, Century City,
California 90067.
(4) The address for Morgens, Waterfall is 10 East 50th Street, New York, New
York 10022. Morgens, Waterfall or its principals are either investment
advisors to, or trustees or general partners of, the eight entities listed
in the above table ("Morgens Entities") that are the owners of Common
Stock. Morgens, Waterfall or its principals have the power and authority
to direct the disposition of these securities and, accordingly, could be
deemed to be "beneficial" owners within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the
Exchange Act. Each of Morgens, Waterfall, its principals and the Morgens
Entities, however, disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to any
securities not actually beneficially owned by it.
(5) Includes (i) 323,003 shares held by Restructuring Capital Associates, L.P.
and Bennett Restructuring Fund, L.P. and (ii) 161,262 shares held by
Bennett Offshore Restructuring Fund, Inc. The address for Mr. Bennett is 2
Stamford Plaza, Suite 1501, 281 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut
06901.
(6) The address for Mr. Paulson is Del Mar Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive,
Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067.
(7) Includes vested portion of options to purchase shares of Common Stock
granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan and Nonqualified Stock Option
Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
(8) If the Option Agreement is executed, Morgens, Waterfall, Sun Life and
Stein Roe, Keyport's investment advisor, would vote their shares in favor
of the Merger Agreement and the Merger under the Option Agreement.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the Note Offering, Jefferies and Ladenburg acted as
the initial purchasers of the Notes, for which they received fees and
commissions of approximately $4.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Jefferies has also acted as the financial advisor to Gaming and RAS in
connection with the proposed Merger, as well as certain additional transactions,
for which it has received retainer fees aggregating to $210,000, which will be
offset against a fee payable to Jefferies upon completion of the Merger of 1.0%
of the total "Enterprise Value" of the Company plus out-of-pocket expenses.
"Enterprise Value" is defined as total market capitalization plus the market
value of total debt less cash and marketable securities. (In connection with the
Elsinore Merger, Jefferies will also receive from Allen E. Paulson and his
affiliates a fee of 1% of the Enterprise Value of Elsinore. In addition,
Jefferies will receive a fee of approximately $1 million out of the price to be
paid by Paulson Holdings for the shares of Elsinore's common stock.) As the
Financial Advisor, Ladenburg will receive fees and compensation from the Company
of approximately $350,000.
Affiliates of Gaming and RAS have entered into an agreement to purchase
the outstanding stock of Elsinore, which owns the Four Queens. Based upon
reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act as of September 15, 1997, Morgens,
Waterfall, one of the Majority Stockholders, beneficially owned approximately
94% of the equity of Elsinore and would receive in such sale approximately $14.7
million, plus interest. Such sale would be effected through the Elsinore Merger
in which all Elsinore stockholders would receive the same per share
consideration as Morgens, Waterfall and Elsinore would become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Paulson Holdings. From August 1996 until February 1997, RGME, an
indirect subsidiary of the Company, had been the Four Queens located adjacent to
the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas under an interim
management agreement for a fee of $83,333 per month. A long-term management
agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Elsinore, the owner of the Four
Queens, went into effect on February 28, 1997, the effective date of the Chapter
11 plan of reorganization of Elsinore. The Company believes that the terms of
the Management Agreement are no less favorable to the Company than if the
Company had negotiated with an independent third party.
The term of the Management Agreement is approximately 40 months,
subject to earlier termination or extension. Either party may terminate if
cumulative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA") for the first two fiscal years is less than $12.8 million. The term
can be extended by an additional 24 months at RGM's option, if cumulative EBITDA
for the three fiscal years of
-65-
<PAGE>
the term is at least $19.2 million. RGM will be paid a fee of 25% of any
increase in annual EBITDA over $4.0 million, subject to a $1.0 million minimum
fee, payable in equal monthly installments. RGME has received Warrants to
purchase 1,125,000 shares of Elsinore common stock (equal to 18.4% of the equity
of Elsinore on a fully diluted basis) at $1.00 per share, exercisable during the
term or extended term of the Management Agreement at an exercise price based on
the higher of (i) the per share book value on the effective date of the Elsinore
bankruptcy plan or (ii) total shareholders' equity of $5.0 million. Either party
can terminate the Management Agreement if (i) substantially all the Four Queens'
assets are sold, (ii) the Four Queens is merged or (iii) a majority of the Four
Queens' or Elsinore's shares are sold. Upon such termination, RGM will receive a
$2.0 million termination bonus minus any amount realized or realizable upon
exercise of the Warrants. Upon consummation of the Elsinore Merger, the Company
would receive approximately $2.4 million, net of the exercise price of the
Warrants. The merger agreement relating to the Elsinore Merger was executed on
September 16, 1997.
Robert R. Barengo was formerly a director and 10% shareholder of
Leroy's. In May 1996, Leroy's became a wholly owned subsidiary of AWI, a
publicly held corporation listed on NASDAQ. Mr. Barengo is currently a director
of AWI and owns 7% of the outstanding stock of AWI, which leases approximately
12,000 square feet of the Riviera casino floor. AWI is the operator of the
Riviera's sports book operations. This lease was assumed by the Company from
Riviera, Inc. and is still in effect. The lease provides for rental payments
based upon the monthly and annual revenues derived by AWI from the location.
From January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996, AWI paid aggregate rent to ROC
of approximately $168,705. The Company believes that the terms of the lease with
AWI are at least as favorable to the Company and ROC as could have been obtained
from unaffiliated third parties and are at least as favorable as terms obtained
by other casino/hotels in Las Vegas. AWI also owns Howard Johnson Hotel & Casino
located at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Interstate 15 in Las Vegas,
Nevada. The hotel's operations include an International House of Pancakes
restaurant, on-site food and beverage sales, 150 guest rooms (no suites) and
approximately 53 gaming machines. The Company believes that this casino/hotel's
operations are not competitive with the Riviera.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP serves as the Company's independent certified
public accountants. The consolidated financial statements of Riviera Holdings
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 included in this Proxy
Statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as
stated in their report appearing herein, and has been so included in reliance
upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing. A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be at the Special
Meeting to answer questions by Stockholders.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
In accordance with regulations issued by the SEC, Stockholder proposals
intended for presentation at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be
received by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation no later
than , 1997 if such proposals are to be considered for inclusion in the
Company's proxy statement for the next annual meeting of the Company's
Stockholders. In accordance with the Company's By-Laws, Stockholder proposals
intended for presentation at the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders that
are not intended to be considered for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement
must be received by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company not
earlier than _____________, 1998 and not later than ______________, 1998.
-66-
<PAGE>
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors of the Company does not intend to bring any
other matters before the Special Meeting and as of the date hereof does not know
of any other matters that may be brought before the Special Meeting by others.
If any other matter should properly come before the Special Meeting, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy as proxy appointees will have discretionary
authority to vote the shares of Common Stock thereby represented in accordance
with their best judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
-----------------------------------
Secretary
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
-67-
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Page
Independent Auditors' Report.............................................................................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and June 30, 1997
(unaudited)............................................................................................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited)................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1994,
1995 and 1996, and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited)................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited)................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................ F-7
F-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Riviera Holdings Corporation
d.b.a. Riviera Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Riviera
Holdings Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") d.b.a. Riviera Hotel &
Casino as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December
31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
February 28, 1997
F-2
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, June 30,
1995 1996 1997
------------ ------------ -------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)................................... $ 21,962 $ 25,747 $ 25,625
Accounts receivable, net (Notes 1 and 2)............................. 4,334 5,113 4,446
Inventories (Note 1)................................................. 2,186 3,039 2,792
Prepaid expenses and other assets.................................... 2,602 2,692 2,266
----------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets.............................................. 31,084 36,591 35,129
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
(Notes 1, 3, 6 and 8)................................................ 121,049 127,760 129,635
OTHER ASSETS........................................................... 4,759 2,853 3,102
RESTRICTED CASH FOR PERIODIC SLOT PAYMENTS
(Notes 1 and 5)...................................................... 1,039 461 208
------------ ---------- ----------
TOTAL ASSETS........................................................... $ 157,931 $ 167,665 $ 168,074
============ ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6)........................... $ 2,005 $ 1,297 $ 1,119
Accounts payable (Notes 1 and 4)..................................... 8,364 8,530 6,740
Current income taxes payable (Note 7)................................ 51 413 578
Accrued expenses (Notes 1 and 4)..................................... 9,640 9,757 8,462
------------ ---------- ----------
Total current liabilities......................................... 20,060 19,997 16,899
------------ ---------- ----------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE (Note 7)................................. 3,023 4,626 4,884
------------ ---------- ----------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Note 5)................................... 2,749 3,210 3,597
------------ ---------- ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION (Notes
1 and 6)............................................................ 105,817 104,581 104,186
------------ ---------- ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 8, 9, 10, 11
and 13)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: (Note 1)
Common stock ($.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares
authorized; 4,800,000 shares at December 31, 1995,
4,922,503 shares at December 31, 1996, and 4,914,080
shares at June 30, 1997, issued and outstanding)..................... 5 5 5
Additional paid-in capital........................................... 12,537 13,919 13,828
Notes receivable from Employee Stockholders.......................... -- (853) (508)
Retained earnings.................................................... 13,740 22,180 25,183
------------ ---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity........................................ 26,282 35,251 38,508
------------ ---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY............................. $ 157,931 $ 167,665 $ 168,074
============ ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-3
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Three Months
Years Ended December 31, June 30, Ended June 30,
------------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 1996 1997
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -------------
(unaudited) (unaudited)
REVENUES: (Note 1)
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Casino............................... $ 82,060 $ 77,337 $ 80,384 $ 40,382 $ 38,134 $ 20,217 $ 19,332
Rooms................................ 35,422 39,848 41,835 21,771 21,424 10,514 10,930
Food and beverage.................... 22,961 21,895 22,641 12,043 11,248 6,215 5,787
Entertainment........................ 16,945 14,423 20,883 11,247 10,759 5,493 5,327
Other (Notes 8 and 10)............... 9,390 9,515 11,293 4,752 5,241 2,398 2,670
----- ---------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- -----------
166,778 163,018 177,036 90,195 86,806 44,837 44,046
Less promotional allowances (Note 1). 12,857 11,873 12,627 6,922 6,703 3,285 3,424
------ ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net revenues................. 153,921 151,145 164,409 83,273 80,103 41,552 40,622
------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES: (Notes 1, 8,
and 11)
Direct costs and expenses of
operating
operating departments:
Casino................................. 48,826 45,325 47,509 24,472 22,187 12,066 10,930
Rooms............................. 17,594 18,787 18,834 9,365 9,166 4,701 4,574
Food and beverage................. 15,588 15,768 15,916 8,089 8,002 4,163 4,015
Entertainment..................... 13,982 10,329 15,290 7,907 7,571 3,927 3,790
Other............................. 3,516 3,527 3,913 1,451 1,473 738 797
Other operating expenses:
Selling, general and
administrative.................. 28,822 29,618 31,454 15,602 15,839 7,999 8,164
Depreciation and amortization..... 5,674 6,811 8,212 3,862 5,010 1,974 2,578
------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total costs and expenses..... 134,002 130,165 141,128 70,748 69,248 35,568 34,848
------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS................. 19,919 20,980 23,281 12,525 10,855 5,984 5,774
------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense (Notes 6 and 8)..... (12,764) (12,453) (12,085) (6,100) (6,043) (3,039) (3,030)
Interest income...................... 510 1,149 1,167 593 623 316 328
Other, net (Notes 6 and 13).......... 505 (850)
------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total other income
(expense).................. (12,254) (11,304) (10,413) (5,507) (6,270) (2,723) (2,702)
------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR
INCOME TAXES......................... 7,665 9,676 12,868 7,018 4,585 3,261 3,072
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
(Notes 1 and 7)...................... 2,875 3,332 4,428 2,402 1,582 1,116 1,053
------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
NET INCOME............................. $ 4,790 $ 6,344 $ 8,440 $ 4,616 $ 3,003 $ 2,145 $ 2,019
======= ======== ========= ========== ========== ========= ==========
Weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding (Notes
1 and 12)............................ 4,800 5,040 5,177 5,109 5,212 5,132 5,208
----- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Net income per common and common
equivalent shares (Notes 1 and 12)... $ 1.00 $ 1.26 $ 1.63 $ 0.90 $ 0.58 $ 0.42 $ 0.39
======= ======== ========= ========== ========== ========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For The Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996
and For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
Notes
Receivable
Additional from
Shares Common Paid-in Retained Employee
Outstanding Stock Capital Earnings Stockholders Total
----------- ------ ------- -------- ------------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, January 1, 1994...................... 4,800,000 $ 5 $ 12,537 $ 2,606 -- $ 15,148
Net Income..................................... 4,790 -- 4,790
---------- ------ --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balances, December 31, 1994.................... 4,800,000 5 12,537 7,396 -- 19,938
Net Income..................................... 6,344 -- 6,344
---------- ------ --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balances, December 31, 1995.................... 4,800,000 5 12,537 13,740 -- 26,282
Stock Issued Under Employee Stock
Purchase Plan................................ 137,000 -- 1,543 -- $ (1,383) 160
Collections of Stockholders' Receivables....... -- -- -- -- 332 332
Refunds on Employee Stock Purchases............ (17,600) -- (198) -- 198
Director Compensation.......................... 3,103 -- 37 -- -- 37
Plan......................................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Net Income..................................... -- -- -- 8,440 8,440
---------- ------ --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balances, December 31, 1996.................... 4,922,503 5 13,919 22,180 (853) 35,251
Stock Issued Under Employee Stock
Purchase Plan (unaudited).................... 6,200 -- 71 -- (71) --
Collections of Stockholders' Receivables
(unaudited).................................. -- -- -- -- 241 241
Refunds on Employee Stock Purchases
(unaudited).................................. (15,500) -- (175) -- 175 --
Director Compensation Plan (unaudited)......... 877 -- 13 -- -- 13
Net Income (unaudited)......................... -- -- -- 3,003 -- 3,003
---------- ------ --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balances, June 30, 1997 (unaudited)............ 4,914,080 $ 5 $ 13,828 $ 25,183 $ (508) $ 38,508
========= ====== ========= ========== ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
<CAPTION>
Years Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, June 30, June 30,
----------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997 1996 1997
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(unaudited) (unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income........................................ $ 4,790 $ 6,344 $ 8,440 $ 4,616 $ 3,003 $ 2,145 $ 2,019
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................... 5,674 6,811 8,212 3,862 5,010 1,974 2,578
Provision for bad debts......................... 991 478 524 240 (62) 97 (156)
Provision for gaming discounts.................. 133 143 232 14 (66) -- (69)
Write-off of secondary offering costs........... -- -- -- -- 850 -- --
Gain on disposition of long-term debt, net..... -- -- (505) -- --
Interest expense................................ 12,764 12,453 12,085 6,100 6,043 3,039 3,030
Interest paid................................... (13,052) (12,489) (12,072) (6,120) (5,634) (5,979) (5,610)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable.... (1,116) 126 (1,535) (81) 795 (31) 97
Decrease (increase) in inventories............ (508) 86 (853) (327) 247 152 23
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
other assets............................... (310) (212) (90) (830) 426 (935) 248
Decrease in restricted cash for periodic
slot payments.............................. 591 318 578 253 253 253 253
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable....... 1,064 1,033 166 (909) (1,790) 268 (1,161)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses....... 2,393 758 104 46 (1,704) 168 (1,184)
Increase (decrease) in current income
taxes payable.............................. 573 (522) 362 (51) 165 (747) 97
Increase in deferred income taxes payable..... 2,010 1,013 1,603 1,008 258 468 (4)
Increase in non-qualified pension plan
obligation 375 400 1,039 212 640 106 235
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
to CEO upon retirement.....................
Net cash provided by operating activities.. 16,372 16,740 18,290 8,033 8,434 978 397
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures for property and equipment... (8,933) (7,836) (14,923) (5,259) (6,885) (3,025) (2,644)
Increase (decrease) in other assets............... (1,506) (382) 1,906 2,699 (1,099) 1,052 (527)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities...... (10,439) (8,218) (13,017) (2,560) (7,984) (1,973) (3,171)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings................ 675 176 209 98 -- 49 --
Payments on long-term borrowings.................. (3,371) (3,159) (2,226) (1,622) (826) (1,030) (745)
Proceeds from issuance of stock to employees
and directors................................... -- -- 197 12 (91) 12 (23)
Collections of notes receivable from employees.... -- -- 332 160 345 160 134
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities...... (2,696) (2,983) (1,488) (1,352) (572) (809) (634)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:.............. 3,237 5,539 3,785 4,121 (122) ($1,804) ($3,408)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF
PERIOD:........................................... 13,186 16,423 21,962 21,962 25,747 $27,887 $ 29,033
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF
PERIOD:............................................ $16,423 $21,962 $25,747 $26,083 $ 25,625 $26,083 $ 25,625
======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
Income taxes paid................................. $ 292 $ 2,852 $ 2,463 $ 2,032 $ 1,160 $ 1,982 $ 960
======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Stock issued to employees for notes receivable.... -- -- $ 1,383 -- -- -- --
=======
Non-cash reductions of long-term debt............. -- -- $ 845 -- -- -- --
=======
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Riviera Holdings Corporation (the "Company") and its wholly-owned
subsidiary Riviera Operating Corporation ("ROC") were incorporated on January
27, 1993, in order to acquire all assets and liabilities of Riviera, Inc.
Casino-Hotel Division on June 30, 1993, pursuant to a plan of reorganization.
In July 1994, management established a new division, Riviera Gaming
Management, Inc. ("RGM") for the purpose of obtaining management contracts in
Nevada and other jurisdictions. In August 1995, RGM incorporated in the state of
Nevada as a wholly owned subsidiary of ROC.
Nature of Operations
The primary line of business of the Company is the operation of the
Riviera Hotel and Casino on the "Strip" in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company is
engaged in a single industry segment, the operation of a hotel/ casino with
restaurants and related facilities.
The Company also manages the Four Queens Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas
(see Note 10).
Casino operations are subject to extensive regulation in the State of
Nevada by the Gaming Control Board and various other state and local regulatory
agencies. Management believes that the Company's procedures for supervising
casino operations, for recording casino and other revenues and for granting
credit comply, in all material respects, with the applicable regulations.
Interim Financial Information
The financial information at June 30, 1997 and for the three and six
months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, is unaudited. However, such information
reflects all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments)
that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair presentation of the
financial position results of operations and cash flows for the interim period.
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 1996 and
1997, are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for
the entire year.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries ROC and RGM entities. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments securities with a maturity of three
months or less when acquired are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company
accounts for investment securities in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115"), Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities.
F-7
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Company's investment securities, along with certain cash and cash
equivalents that are not deemed securities under SFAS 115, are carried on the
consolidated balance sheets in the cash and cash equivalents category. SFAS 115
addresses the accounting and reporting for investments in equity securities that
have readily determinable fair values and for all investments in debt
securities, and requires such securities to be classified as either
held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Management determines the
appropriate classification of its investment securities at the time of purchase
and re-evaluates such determination at each balance sheet date. Held to maturity
securities are required to be carried at amortized cost. At December 31, 1995
and 1996, securities classified as held to maturity were comprised of debt
securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations
and agencies and repurchase agreements with an amortized cost of $15,000,000 and
$19,756,000 maturing in three months or less.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of food, beverage, gift shop and
promotional inventories and are stated at the lower of cost (determined on a
first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market, and
capitalized lease assets are stated at the lower of the present value of future
minimum lease payments at the date of lease inception or market value. Interest
incurred during construction of new facilities or major additions to facilities
is capitalized and amortized over the life of the asset. Depreciation is
computed by the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful
lives or lease terms, if applicable, of the related assets, which range from 5
to 40 years. The costs of normal maintenance and repairs is charged to expense
as incurred. Gains or losses on disposals are recognized as incurred.
Restricted Cash for Periodic Slot Payments
At December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company had interest-bearing
deposits with a commercial bank in the amount of $1,039,000 and $461,000
respectively, which are restricted as to use. These amounts represent deposits
required by the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board to fund periodic slot
payments due customers through the year 2000.
Fair Value Disclosure as of December 31, 1996
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash for
periodic slot payments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities -- The carrying
value of these items are a reasonable estimate of their fair value.
Long-term Debt -- The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is
estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on
the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining
maturities. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for
debt with similar terms and average maturities, the estimated fair value of
long-term debt is approximately $112,588,000.
F-8
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Casino Revenue
The Company recognizes, as gross revenue, the net win from gaming
activities, which is the difference between gaming wins and losses.
Promotional Allowances
Promotional allowances consist primarily of accommodations,
entertainment, and food and beverage services furnished without charge to
customers. The retail value of such services is included in the respective
revenue classifications and is then deducted as promotional allowances.
The estimated costs of providing promotional allowances are classified
as costs of the casino operating department through interdepartmental
allocations. These allocations for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
-------- -------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Food and beverage......................... $ 7,225 $ 6,570 $ 6,671
Rooms..................................... 1,843 1,451 1,410
Entertainment............................. 2,121 2,280 2,592
-------- -------- ---------
Total costs allocated to casino........... $ 11,189 $ 10,301 $ 10,673
======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
Federal Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal tax
return. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes. SFAS 109 requires recognition of deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that
have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income
taxes reflect the net tax effects of (i) temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for income tax purposes, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards.
Net Income Per Share
Earnings per common and common equivalent share is computed using the
weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental
shares attributed to outstanding options to purchase common stock. Fully diluted
per share amounts are substantially the same as primary per share amounts for
the periods presented.
On November 16, 1995, the stockholders of the Company approved an
amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to
increase the authorized shares of common stock from 5,000,000 to 20,000,000 and
a four for one stock split. Accordingly, per share information, average number
of shares outstanding and number of shares outstanding in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements have been adjusted for the stock split as of
the earliest date presented (January 1, 1994).
F-9
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results may differ from estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1994 and 1995 financial
statements to conform with the current year presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 121 ("SFAS 121"), Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. During 1996 the Company
adopted the provisions of SFAS 121. SFAS 121 requires that long-lived assets and
certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. SFAS 121 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1995. Adoption of SFAS 121 in the current year did not have a material
impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 ("SFAS 123"),
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which establishes financial accounting
and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans and for
transactions in which an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods
or services from nonemployees. The Company continues to account for stock based
compensation arrangements in accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and therefore the adoption of SFAS No.
123 had no effect on the financial position or results of operations of the
Company. The Company has included additional disclosures about stock-based
employee compensation plans as required by SFAS 123 (see Note 12).
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The FASB recently issued SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share. This
statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share
and is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after
December 15, 1997. Earlier application of this statement is not permitted and
upon adoption requires restatement (as applicable) of all prior-period earnings
per share data presented. Management believes that the implementation of this
standard will not have a significant impact on earnings per share.
In addition, the FASB issued SFAS No. 129, Disclosure of Information
about Capital Structure in February 1997. This statement establishes standards
for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. Management
intends to comply with the disclosure requirements of this statement which are
effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997.
F-10
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
2. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
-------- -------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Casino.................................................. $ 2,581 $ 2,280
Hotel................................................... 2,494 3,479
-------- -------
Total................................................... 5,075 5,759
Less allowance for bad debts and discounts.............. 741 646
-------- -------
Total................................................... $ 4,334 $ 5,113
======== =======
</TABLE>
Changes in the casino and hotel allowance for bad debts and discounts
for the years ended December 31, 1995, and 1996, consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
-------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning balance....................................... $ 1,424 $ 741
Write-offs.............................................. (1,358) (912)
Recoveries.............................................. 54 61
Provision for bad debts................................. 478 524
Provision for gaming discounts.......................... 143 232
-------- --------
Ending balance.......................................... $ 741 $ 646
======== ========
</TABLE>
3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
----------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Land and improvements.................................. $ 21,751 $ 21,751
Buildings and improvements............................. 75,875 77,455
Equipment, furniture, and fixtures..................... 38,307 51,650
----------- ---------
Total property and equipment......................... 135,933 150,856
Less accumulated depreciation.......................... 14,884 23,096
----------- ---------
Net property and equipment............................. $ 121,049 $ 127,760
=========== =========
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
----------- ---------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding chip and token liability................... $ 854 $ 836
Casino account deposits................................ 642 498
Unpaid race and sports book winners.................... 26 17
Miscellaneous gaming................................... 850 762
----------- --------
Total liabilities related to gaming activities....... 2,372 2,113
Accounts payable to vendors............................ 4,497 5,118
Hotel deposits......................................... 1,415 1,123
Other.................................................. 80 176
----------- --------
Total.................................................. $ 8,364 $ 8,530
=========== ========
</TABLE>
Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
-------- --------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Payroll, related payroll taxes and vacation............ $ 5,095 $ 5,244
Health and other liability claims...................... 548 450
Union benefits and dues................................ 816 663
Progressive slot machine liability..................... 226 203
Taxes.................................................. 518 631
Professional fees...................................... 208 176
Incentive plans........................................ 2,209 2,357
Interest............................................... 20 33
-------- --------
Total.................................................. $ 9,640 $ 9,757
======== ========
</TABLE>
5. Other Long Term Liabilities
Other long term liabilities consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
-------- ------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Periodic slot payments due to customers through
2000, prefunded by restricted cash (see Note 1)......... $ 1,039 $ 461
Non-qualified pension plan obligation to the CEO
of the Company, payable in 20 quarterly
installments upon expiration of his employment 1,710 2,749
---------- ---------
contract................................................
$ 2,749 $ 3,210
=========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
----------- -----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
First Mortgage Notes maturing on December 31, 2002, bearing
interest at the rate of 11% per annum, payable
semi-annually on June 30 and December 31, redeemable
beginning June 1, 1998, at 104.3125%; 1999 at 102.8750%;
2000 at 101.4375%; and 2001 and thereafter at 100%. These
notes are collateralized by the physical structures
comprising the Riviera
Hotel and Casino........................................... $ 100,000 $ 100,000
Unsecured, non-interest bearing notes to settle
Class 4, 5 and 12 claims, discounted at 16.8%,
paid in 1996............................................... 2,056 --
Unsecured, non-interest bearing promissory note
in an original principal amount of $8,000,000 (the "Class
13/14 Note") to settle the claims of the former sole
shareholder, and his affiliates, payable to a bank in
semi-annual installments of $250,000 until the Class 12
Note is paid in full and commencing on the next payment
due thereafter in semi-annual installments of
$500,000 to $750,000 discounted at 12%..................... 4,159 4,707
Capitalized lease obligations (see Note 8)................... 1,341 986
Unsecured, promissory notes in the original
principal amount of $441,262, bearing interest
at the rate of 8.5% per annum, payable monthly
and maturing December 31, 1998............................. 266 185
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt......................................... 107,822 105,878
Less current maturities by terms of debt..................... 2,005 1,297
---------- ----------
Total........................................................ $ 105,817 $ 104,581
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Maturities of long-term debt for the years ending December 31, were as follows:
(in thousands)
1997................ $ 1,297
1998................ 1,181
1999................ 1,215
2000................ 1,491
2001................ 694
Thereafter.......... 100,000
-----------
Total............... $ 105,878
===========
F-13
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Indenture for the First Mortgage Notes imposes certain financial
covenants and restrictions on the Company, including but not limited to the
maintenance of a minimum consolidated net worth, which should not be less than
$2,542,000 for any two consecutive fiscal quarters, and limitations on (i)
dividends on common stock, (ii) liquidation of assets, (iii) incurrence of
indebtedness, (iv) creation of subsidiaries and joint ventures and (v) capital
purchases. Capital purchases are limited to cash expenditures of $6,000,000 plus
80% of cumulative available cash flow from the Company's inception at July 1,
1993, to the extent that this cash flow has not been utilized in any prior year.
Management believes the Company is in compliance with the covenants of the
Indenture as of December 31, 1996.
Effective September 8, 1995, the Board of Directors and holders of 94%
of the Company's First Mortgage Notes approved amendments to certain note
restrictive covenants. Noteholders who consented to the modification of the
restrictive covenants were paid a fee of $5.00 for each $1,000 of Notes held for
a total payment of $500,000 which is included in other assets at December 31,
1995 and 1996 and amortized over the life of the related debt. These costs are
being amortized using the straight-line method which approximates the effective
interest method over the life of the indebtedness. The amendments to the
restrictive covenants were designed to permit the Company's management team to
utilize its expertise in turning around troubled gaming properties which are
either in or on the verge of bankruptcy and to manage casinos in so called "new
venues".
During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company made the final payment
on the note issued to settle the Class 12 claim, which was less than what was
recorded and resulted in income of approximately $845,000. Also during the
fourth quarter of 1996, the terms of the Class 13/14 Note was revised, which
resulted in a decrease in the discount rate from 16.8% to 12.0% and increased
principal, resulting in additional expense of $340,000. Other, net income for
the year ended December 31, 1996, includes the net effect of the above
transactions.
In February, 1997, the Company entered into a $15.0 million five year
reducing revolving line of credit collateralized by equipment. The revolving
line of credit bears interest at 0.5% or LIBOR plus 2.9%. Availability of loans
under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to compliance by the Company and
ROC with certain conditions precedent, including the maintenance of certain
financial ratios. As a result of the sale of the Existing Notes, the Company
ceased to meet such conditions for borrowing availability. The Company intends
to renegotiate the conditions to borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility
or to seek a replacement facility. There can be no assurance, however, that such
renegotiations or replacement will be successful. The Company has not utilized
this line of credit.
The Company has credit facilities totaling $1,100,000 at banks for
letters of credit issued periodically to foreign vendors for purchases of
merchandise.
7. Federal Income Taxes
SFAS 109 requires the Company to compute deferred income taxes based
upon the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse.
F-14
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The effective income tax rates on income attributable to continuing
operations differ from the statutory federal income tax rates for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
---------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
(in thousands)
Taxes at federal
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
statutory rate........... $ 2,680 35.0% $ 3,386 35.0% $ 4,504 35.0%
Other...................... 195 2.5 (54) (1.0) (76) (1.0)
-------- -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Provision for income
taxes.................... $ 2,875 37.5% $ 3,332 34.0% $ 4,428 34.0%
======== ======== ======== ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The tax effects of the items comprising the Company's net deferred tax
liability consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
-------- --------
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
<S> <C> <C>
Basis in long-term debt obligations.................. $ 640 $ 457
Reserve differential for hospitality and gaming
activities........................................ 1,090 1,133
Difference between book and tax depreciable
property.......................................... 4,430 5,226
Other................................................ 383 806
-------- --------
Total........................................ 6,543 7,622
-------- --------
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserves not currently deductible.................... 1,500 1,806
Bad debt reserves.................................... 260 226
AMT credit........................................... 1,760 964
-------- --------
Total........................................ 3,520 2,996
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability........................... $ 3,023 $ 4,626
======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company has $964,000 of alternative minimum tax credit available to
offset future income tax liabilities. The credit has no expiration date.
8. Leasing Activities
The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases. These
agreements have been capitalized at the present value of the future minimum
lease payments at lease inception and are included with property and equipment.
Management estimates the fair market value of the property and equipment subject
to the leases approximates the net present value of the leases. The leased
property and equipment consist primarily of signs and air conditioning
equipment.
F-15
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following is a schedule by year of the minimum rental payments due
under capital leases, as of December 31, 1996:
(in thousands)
1997 $ 441
1998 441
1999 429
2000 227
--------
Total minimum lease payments 1,538
Less taxes, maintenance and insurance 390
Less interest portion of payments 162
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments $ 986
========
Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
was approximately $295,000, $406,000 and $334,000, respectively.
In addition, the Company leases retail space to third parties under
terms of noncancelable operating leases which expire in various years through
1999. Rental income, which is included in other income, for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, was approximately $1,687,000, $1,533,000 and
$1,573,000, respectively.
At December 31, 1996, the Company had future minimum annual rental
income due under noncancelable operating leases as follows:
(in thousands)
1997................................. $ 1,159
1998................................. 946
1999................................. 748
2000................................. 494
2001................................. 351
Thereafter........................... 993
--------
Total................................ $ 4,691
========
9. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is party to several routine lawsuits both as plaintiff and
defendant arising from normal operations of a hotel. Management does not believe
that the outcome of such litigation in the aggregate, will have a material
adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows
of the Company.
10. Management Agreements
From August 1996 until February 1997, RGM has been operating the Four
Queens located adjacent to the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street in downtown Las
Vegas under an interim management agreement for a fee of $83,333 per month. The
long-term management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Elsinore
Corporation ("Elsinore"), the owner of the Four Queens, went into effect on
February 28, 1997, the effective date of the Chapter 11 plan of reorganization
of Elsinore. The Company
F-16
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
believes that the terms of the Management Agreement are no less favorable to the
Company than if the Company had negotiated with an independent party.
The term of the Management Agreement is approximately 40 months,
subject to earlier termination or extension. Either party may terminate if
cumulative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA") for the first two fiscal years is less than $12.8 million. The term
can be extended by an additional 24 months at RGM's option, if cumulative EBITDA
for the three fiscal years of the term is at least $19.2 million. RGM will be
paid a fee of 25% of any increase in annual EBITDA over $4.0 million, subject to
a $1.0 million minimum fee, payable in equal monthly installments. In addition,
the management agreement entitles RGM to receive warrants for 1,125,000 shares
of common stock of Elsinore, exercisable during the term or extended term of the
management agreement at an exercise price based on the higher of (i) the per
share book value on the effective date of the Elsinore bankruptcy plan or (ii)
total stockholders' equity of $5.0 million.
Either party can terminate the management agreement if (i)
substantially all the Four Queens' assets are sold, (ii) the Four Queens is
merged or (iii) a majority of the Four Queens' or Elsinore's shares are sold.
Upon such termination, RGM will receive a $2.0 million termination bonus minus
any amount realized or realizable upon exercise of the warrants.
11. Employment Agreements and Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has an employment agreement with Mr. Westerman, Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. This agreement includes an
annual base salary, an incentive bonus based upon the extent of adjusted
operating earnings, contributions to a Non-Qualified Pension Plan and
contributions to a Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan. In addition, the Company has
termination fee agreements with each of the Directors, Executive Officers and
Significant Employees pursuant to which each of such employees will be entitled
to receive one year's salary and health insurance benefits if their employment
with the Company is terminated within one year of a change of control of the
Company and without cause, or the involuntary termination of Mr. Westerman. On
November 21, 1996, the Company amended Mr. Westerman's employment agreement
subject to stockholder approval, which was granted at the annual meeting held on
May 8, 1997.
The Company has an incentive compensation plan, covering employees of
the Company who, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Board, either serve in
key executive, administrative, professional or technical capacities with the
Company or other employees who also have made a significant contribution to the
successful and profitable operation of the Company. The amount of the bonus is
based on operating earnings before depreciation, amortization, interest expense,
provision for income taxes, extraordinary losses and gains, any provisions or
payments made pursuant to the Plan, and any provisions or payments made pursuant
to the incentive compensation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company recorded
accrued bonuses of $1,430,000 and $2,123,000 and $2,588,000, respectively, based
upon the above incentive compensation plan and the incentive compensation plan
established for the Chairman of the Board under his employment agreement.
The Company contributes to multi-employer pension plans under various
union agreements to which the Company is a party. Contributions, based on wages
paid to covered employees, were approximately $1,725,000, $1,576,000 and
$1,650,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. These
contributions were for approximately 1,364 employees including food and beverage
F-17
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
employees, room department employees, carpenters, engineers, stage hands,
electricians, painters and teamsters. The Company's share of any unfunded
liability related to multi-employer plans, if any, is not determinable.
The Company sponsors a Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan which incurred
administrative expenses of approximately $67,000, $59,000 and $34,000 for the
years ended 1994, 1995 and 1996.
The profit sharing component of the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan
provides that the Company will make a contribution equal to 1% of each eligible
employee's annual compensation if a prescribed annual operating earnings target
is attained and an additional 1/10th of 1% thereof for each $200,000 by which
operating earnings is exceeded, up to a maximum of 3% thereof. The Company may
elect not to contribute to the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan if it notifies its
employees by January of the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan year. An employee
will become vested in the Company's contributions based on the employee's years
of service. An employee will receive a year of vesting service for each plan
year in which the employee completed 1,000 hours of service. Vesting credit will
be allocated in 20% increments for each year of service commencing with the
attainment of two years of service. An employee will be fully vested following
the completion of six years of service.
The 401(k) component of the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan provides
that each eligible employee may contribute up to 15% of such employee's annual
compensation, and that the Company will contribute 1% of each employee's annual
compensation for each 4% of compensation contributed by the employee, up to a
maximum of 2%. All non-union employees of the Company are eligible to
participate in the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan after twelve consecutive
months of service with the Company.
ROC is a party to termination fee agreements with certain significant
employees pursuant to which each such employee is entitled to receive one year's
salary and benefits if his or her employment with ROC is terminated within one
year of a change of control of the Company or ROC, or the involuntary
termination of Mr. Westerman's employment. The estimated total amount that would
be payable under all such agreements at December 31, 1996 is approximately $1.3
million in salaries and $400,000 in benefits.
ROC is a party to stay bonus agreements with certain significant
employees pursuant to which each such employee is entitled to receive one year's
salary (less the amount of any incentive bonus paid in 1997 for 1996) in the
event there is a change of control of the Company. The agreements expire on
December 31, 1997. The estimated total amount that would be payable under all
such agreements is approximately $300,000.
12. Stock Option Plans
At a meeting held on July 27, 1993, the Company's Board of Directors
adopted a stock option plan providing for the issuance of both non-qualified and
incentive stock options (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code). This stock
option plan was ratified by the Company's stockholders at the April 26, 1994
annual meeting. The number of shares available for purchase under the Stock
Option Plan as adopted was 120,000 (as adjusted pursuant to antidilution
provisions). The stockholders approved a four-for-one stock split, increasing
the number of shares of Common Stock available for purchase under the Stock
Option Plan to 480,000. Options were granted for 228,000 shares for 1993,
132,000 shares for 1994, none for 1995, and 110,000 for 1996, leaving a balance
available for future grants of 10,000 shares. No options were exercised in 1994,
1995 or 1996. On November 21, 1996, the Company amended the Stock Option Plan,
which was approved at the annual meeting held on May 8, 1997, to increase the
number of shares
F-18
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
available under the Stock Option Plan from 480,000 shares to 1,000,000 shares
and granted options to purchase 300,000 additional shares to Mr. Westerman.
Options vest 25% one year after the date of grant and 25% each subsequent year.
The term of an option can in no event be exercisable more than ten years (five
years in the case of an incentive option granted to a shareholder owning more
than 10% of the Common Stock), or such shorter period, if any, as may be
necessary to comply with the requirements of state securities laws, from the
date such option is granted.
On March 5, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted an employee stock
purchase plan (the "Stock Purchase Plan"), which was approved by the
stockholders on May 10, 1996. A total of 300,000 shares of common stock (subject
to adjustment for capital changes) in the aggregate may be granted under the
stock purchase plan. The Stock Purchase Plan is administered by the compensation
committee. The purchase price per share of stock shall be 85% of per share
market value of the common stock on the purchase date. On May 31, 1996,
approximately 560 union and non-union employees participated in the 1996
employee stock purchase plan. Under the plan, 137,000 shares were issues to
employees at $11.26 (85 percent of market price at May 10, 1996), for $160,000
cash and the balance in notes receivable of $1,383,000 which are payable over
two years via payroll deduction. During 1996, 17,600 shares were returned
through the plan as the result of refunds through the employees.
On May 10, 1996, the stockholders approved a Nonqualified Stock Option
Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Nonqualified Stock Option Plan") and a
Stock Compensation Plan for Directors serving on the Compensation Committee (the
"Stock Compensation Plan"). The total number of shares available for purchase
under each plan is 50,000. Pursuant to the Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, two
directors were granted options to purchase 4,000 shares at an exercise price of
$13.25, which represented fair market value. As of December 31, 1996, 3,103
shares were issued pursuant to the Stock Compensation Plan at $12.08 per share.
The Company has adopted the disclosures-only provision of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plan.
Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined based
on the fair value at the date of grant for awards consistent with the provisions
of SFAS 123, the Company's net income and pro forma net income common share and
common share equivalent would have been decreased to the pro forma amounts
indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
1995 1996
--------------- -------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
Net income-- as reported........................... $ 6,344 $ 8,440
Net income-- pro forma............................. 6,289 8,380
Net income per common and common share
equivalent-- as reported......................... $ 1.26 $ 1.63
Net income per common and common share
equivalent-- pro forma........................... $ 1.25 $ 1.61
</TABLE>
F-19
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
13. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)
Secondary Offering Costs -- The Company withdrew its secondary offering
due to market conditions and, as a result, charged costs totaling $850,000 to
earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.
Proposed Merger -- The Company has executed an Agreement and Plan of
Merger (the "Merger Agreement") among the Company and certain entities
controlled by Allen E. Paulson, a California businessman, pursuant to which one
of new entities would be merged with and into the Company (the "Merger"). The
closing of the Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including (i)
approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 60% of all issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common
Stock") (excluding the shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Paulson or his
affiliates) at a meeting scheduled to be held this fall, (ii) Mr. Paulson's
licensure by the Nevada Gaming Authorities, (iii) the absence of any regulation,
judgment or other law that prohibits the consummation of the Merger or would
prohibit or limit the Company's ownership or conrol of a material portion of the
Company's business assets following the Merger, and (iv) the absence of any
material adverse change in the Company's cumulative EBITDA for the period
commencing on April 1, 1997 and through and including the most recent month
prior to such closing for which the Company's financial statements are
available. Holders of approximately 59% of the Company's Common Stock have
entered into an option and voting agreement simultaneously with the execution of
the Merger Agreement and agreed to vote for the Merger. However, there can be no
assurance that the Merger will be consummated.
Proposed Black Hawk Project -- On August 21, 1997 the Company acquired
a 71,000 square foot site in Black Hawk, Colorado (the "Black Hawk Land"). The
Black Hawk Land is in an area zoned for gaming, and the Company plans to
construct a casino, which is expected to include 1,000 slot machines, 14 gaming
tables and entertainment, food and beverage and parking facilities. The Company
has applied for a Colorado gaming license. The Company expects that site
clearance work will begin in the fall of 1997, with the opening of the casino
scheduled for the spring of 1999.
Subsequent Financing -- On August 13, 1997, the Company issued $175
million aggregate principal amount of 10% First Mortgage Notes due 2004 (the
"First Mortgage Notes") in a transaction exempt from registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The net proceeds from the sale of the First
Mortgage Notes were approximately $172.8 million, a portion of which were used
as follows: (i) $109.8 million was used to defease the Company's 11% First
Mortgage Notes due 2002, (ii) $4.5 million was used to repay the outstanding
principal of any and accrued and unpaid interest on the Company's Class 13/14
Unsecured Promissory Note and (iii) $7.0 million was used to pay fees and
expenses relating to the foregoing as well as the sale of the First Mortgage
Notes. In addition, the Company has used $15 million of the net proceeds to
acquire the Black Hawk Land. The Company also intends to use the remaining net
proceeds from the sale of the First Mortgage Notes to fund the development of
Nickel Plaza and the expansion of the convention center, and, if necessary, to
provide additional financing for the Black Hawk Project and any remainder for
general corporate purposes.
The First Mortgage Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by all existing
and future restricted subsidiaries of the Company, which will not initially
include Black Hawk Operating Company. As of June 30, 1997, Black Hawk Operating
Company had not been formed and had no operations. Therefore the Company has not
included separate financial information for the guarantors as of June 30, 1997.
The Company intends to disclose such information in the future as the subsidiary
develops.
F-20
<PAGE>
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Company is obligated to register under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, securities identical to the 10% First Mortgage Notes and to exchange
such registered securities for the First Mortgage Notes.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
On June 30, 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income. This statement requires companies to classify items of other
comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and display the
accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained
earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of
financial position, and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. Management does not believe this new
FASB will have material impact on their financial statements.
On June 30, 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, Disclosure About
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. This statement establishes
additional standards for segment reporting in the financial statements and is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Management has not
determined the effect of this statement on its financial statement disclosure.
F-21
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
================================================================================
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
by and among
R&E GAMING CORP.,
RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
and
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Dated as of September 15, 1997
================================================================================
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of September 15, 1997 (the
"Agreement"), by and among R&E Gaming Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Gaming"),
Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming ("RAS"), and Riviera Holdings Corporation, a Nevada
corporation (the "Company").
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Gaming, RAS and the
Company have each approved the transactions contemplated by the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in furtherance thereof, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of this Agreement, (i) RAS would be merged (the "Riviera Merger")
with and into the Company, (ii) each share of common stock, par value $.001 per
share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (as defined herein) (the "Shares") would, except as
otherwise expressly provided herein, be converted into the right to receive the
Merger Consideration (as defined herein) and (iii) Riviera Operating Corporation
, a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("ROC"),
will, as a result of the Riviera Merger, become a wholly owned subsidiary of the
surviving corporation of the Riviera Merger (the "Surviving Corporation");
WHEREAS, Gaming and RAS are unwilling to enter into this Agreement
unless Gaming, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, enters into an Option and Voting Agreement (the "Riviera Option
Agreement") with Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Inc., on behalf of
certain investment accounts ("Morgens Waterfall"), Keyport Life Insurance
Company on behalf of a certain investment account ("Keyport"), and SunAmerica
Life Insurance Company ("SunAmerica" and, together with Morgens Waterfall and
Keyport, the "Option Sellers"), providing for, among other things, (i) the grant
by the Option Sellers to Gaming of an option to purchase all of the Shares
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Option Sellers and (ii) the agreement by
the Option Sellers to cause the Shares owned by them to be present for quorum
purposes at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company (the "Company
Stockholders") called to vote upon the Riviera Merger, and to vote for the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and against any Alternative
Transaction (as defined in Section 4.9(b) hereof) and any other action which may
be adverse to the transactions contemplated in this Agreement; and the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board") has approved the execution and delivery
of the Riviera Option Agreement which is being executed contemporaneously with
the execution hereof; and
1
<PAGE>
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the Riviera Merger and the
consideration to be received by the holders of the Shares are fair to, and in
the best interests of, the Company and the Company Stockholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, the mutual
representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
Section 1.1 The Riviera Merger. At the Effective Time and upon the
terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and in accordance with
the applicable provisions of Nevada law, RAS shall be merged with and into the
Company, whereupon the separate existence of RAS shall cease and the Company
shall continue as the Surviving Corporation, and shall be a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming, and, further, immediately after the Effective Time, ROC
shall continue its existence as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Surviving
Corporation.
Section 1.2 Effective Time; Closing. Unless this Agreement shall have
been terminated pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, as soon as practicable after the
satisfaction or (if permissible) waiver of the conditions set forth in Article V
of this Agreement, the Company will file articles of merger with the Secretary
of State of the State of Nevada in accordance with the provisions of Section
92A.005 et seq. of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the "Nevada Merger Law") and
make all other filings or recordings required by law in connection with the
Riviera Merger. The Riviera Merger shall become effective at such time (the
"Effective Time") as the articles of merger are filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Nevada in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92A of
the Nevada Revised Statutes, or such later date as set forth in such filing, but
in no event later than April 1, 1998, unless extended as provided in Section
6.1(c) hereof. Prior to such filing, but no later than 30 days after the
satisfaction or (if permissible) waiver of the conditions set forth in Article V
of this Agreement, a closing (the "Closing") shall be held at the offices of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, 300 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90071, or such other place as the parties to this Agreement shall
agree, for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in this Agreement. The date on which the Closing occurs
shall be referred to herein as the "Closing Date."
Section 1.3 Escrow. (a) Contemporaneously with the execution of this
Agreement and the Riviera Option Agreement, (a) Gaming and the Company
2
<PAGE>
have entered into an Escrow Agreement in substantially the form attached as
Exhibit A hereto (the "Escrow Agreement"), with First Trust National
Association, a national association, as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent"), under
which Gaming has deposited with the Escrow Agent, pursuant to the terms of the
Escrow Agreement, such amount in cash or irrevocable letters of credit (the
"Escrow Consideration"), containing terms reasonably acceptable to the Company,
as set forth in the Escrow Agreement and (b) Gaming will cause to be issued
irrevocable letters of credit in accordance with the terms of the Riviera Option
Agreement.
(b) Contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement and the
Riviera Option Agreement, Gaming will cause to be issued an irrevocable letter
of credit in accordance with the terms of the Riviera Option Agreement.
Section 1.4 Effects of the Riviera Merger. The Riviera Merger shall
have the effects set forth in the Nevada Merger Law. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, except
as otherwise provided herein, all of the property, rights, privileges, powers
and franchises of a public as well as of a private nature, and the title to any
real estate vested by deed or otherwise in the Company and RAS shall vest in the
Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company and
RAS shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
Section 1.5 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. (a) The Articles of
Incorporation of RAS in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, attached
hereto as Exhibit B, shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation (the "Surviving Corporation Articles of Incorporation"), until
amended in accordance with Nevada law, except that Article I thereof shall be
amended to read in its entirety as follows: "The name of the corporation shall
be Riviera Holdings Corporation."
(b) The Bylaws of RAS in effect at the Effective Time, attached hereto
as Exhibit C, shall be the Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation (the "Surviving
Corporation Bylaws"), until amended in accordance with Nevada law and the
Surviving Corporation Articles of Incorporation.
Section 1.6 Directors. The directors of the Company at the Effective
Time, and, subject to the requirements of Gaming Laws (as defined herein), any
additional individuals designated by Gaming at or prior to the Effective Time,
shall be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office
in accordance with the Surviving Corporation Articles of Incorporation and the
Surviving Corporation Bylaws and until his or her successor is duly elected and
qualified.
3
<PAGE>
Section 1.7 Officers. The officers of the Company at the Effective
Time, and, subject to the requirements of Gaming Laws, any additional
individuals designated by Gaming at or prior to the Effective Time, shall be the
initial officers of the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time,
each to hold office in accordance with the Surviving Corporation Articles of
Incorporation and the Surviving Corporation Bylaws and until his or her
successor is duly appointed and qualified.
Section 1.8 Consideration for the Merger. At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Riviera Merger and without any action on the part of Gaming, RAS,
the Company or the holder of any of the following securities:
(a) Each Share (other than Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section
1.8(b) hereof) shall be converted into and represent the right to receive the
Merger Consideration (as defined below). From and after the Effective Time, all
Shares shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and
retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing
any of the Shares (a "Certificate") shall cease to have any rights with respect
thereto, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration payable to the
holder thereof, without interest, upon surrender of such Certificate in the
manner provided in Section 1.9 hereof. As used herein, "Merger Consideration"
means the amount of $15.00 in cash per Share, plus an amount of additional
consideration (the "Additional Consideration") equal to the daily portion of the
accrual on $15.00 at 7% compounded annually, accruing from June 1, 1997 to the
Effective Time; provided, that the Merger Consideration paid to each Option
Seller shall be reduced by the amount of Additional Consideration paid to such
Option Seller pursuant to Section 1.2(b) of the Riviera Option Agreement. It
being understood that, assuming consummation of the Riviera Merger, the proviso
in the preceding sentence shall have the effect of causing the consideration per
Share to be received hereunder and under the Riviera Option Agreement by the
Option Sellers from Gaming on account of the Shares owned by the Option Sellers
to be equal to the consideration per Share received by the Company Stockholders
(other than the Option Sellers) hereunder from Gaming on account of the Shares
owned by the Company Stockholders (other than the Option Sellers). Each of
Gaming and RAS represents and warrants that the Merger Consideration to be
received hereunder by the Option Sellers for each Share owned by the Option
Sellers and any other consideration paid by Gaming or RAS to the Option Sellers
for such Shares (but excluding consideration paid under the Riviera Option
Agreement) shall be equal to the Merger Consideration received by the other
holders of Shares.
(b) Each Share owned by Gaming, RAS or their stockholders or affiliates
(the "Paulson Shares"), or which is held in the treasury of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries, shall be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist,
and no payment of any consideration shall be made with respect thereto.
4
<PAGE>
(c) Each share of capital stock of RAS issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and shall become
one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par
value $.001 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.
Section 1.9 Exchange of Shares. (a) At or prior to the Effective Time,
Gaming shall designate a bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to the
Company to serve as exchange agent (the "Exchange Agent") for the Shares. As
soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, Gaming shall deposit,
or shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the
holders of Certificates, cash or immediately available funds in United States
dollars in an amount that equals the aggregate Merger Consideration. Such funds
(the "Payment Fund") shall be invested by the Exchange Agent as directed by
Gaming in obligations of or obligations guaranteed by the United States of
America, in commercial paper obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moody's
Investor Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation, respectively, or in
certificates of deposit, bank repurchase agreements, or bankers acceptances of
commercial banks with capital exceeding $500 million; provided, however, that in
the event that the Payment Fund shall realize a loss on such investment, Gaming
shall promptly thereafter deposit in the Payment Fund cash in an amount
sufficient to enable the Payment Fund to satisfy all remaining obligations
originally contemplated to be paid out of the Payment Fund.
(b) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
instruct the Exchange Agent to mail to each record holder of outstanding
Certificates as of the Effective Time, a form of letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of the Certificates to the
Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the
Certificates for payment therefor. Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a
Certificate, together with such letter of transmittal duly executed, the holder
of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the amount
of cash that such holder has the right to receive under this Article I, and such
Certificate shall forthwith be cancelled. If payment (or any portion thereof) is
to be made to a person other than the person in whose name the Certificate
surrendered is registered, it shall be a condition of payment that the
Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise in proper
form for transfer and that the person requesting such payment shall pay to the
Exchange Agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to
a person other than the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered or such
person shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax
has been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 1.9, each Certificate (other than Certificates
representing Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 1.8(b) hereof) shall
represent, for all purposes, the
5
<PAGE>
right to receive the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of Shares
previously evidenced by such Certificate, without any interest thereon.
(c) All cash paid upon the surrender of the Certificates in accordance
with the terms of this Article I shall be deemed to have been paid in full
satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the Shares theretofore represented by
such Certificates, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on
the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of the Shares which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason,
they shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Article I, except as
otherwise provided by Nevada law.
(d) At any time following the date six months after the Effective Time,
the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to
deliver to it any funds (including any interest received with respect thereto)
that have been made available to the Exchange Agent and that have not been
disbursed to holders of Certificates and, thereafter, such holders shall be
entitled to look to the Surviving Corporation (subject to abandoned property,
escheat or other similar laws) only as general creditors thereof with respect to
the Merger Consideration payable upon surrender of their Certificates.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Surviving Corporation nor the
Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Certificate for the Merger
Consideration delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
Section 1.10 Company Plans. (a) At the Effective Time, each outstanding
option (an "Employee Option"), issued, awarded or granted pursuant to the
Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan, as in effect on the date hereof (the "Company
Plan"), to purchase shares of Common Stock shall be cancelled, and the Surviving
Corporation shall pay to each holder of a cancelled Employee Option an amount in
cash (less applicable withholding Taxes, as defined in Section 2.12 hereof)
equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock previously
subject to such Employee Option, on the basis of full vesting, and (ii) the
excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share of
Common Stock previously subject to such Employee Option.
(b) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option (a "Directors'
Option"), issued, awarded or granted pursuant to the Company's Nonqualified
Stock Options Plan For Non-Employee Directors, as in effect on the date hereof
("Directors' Plan"), to purchase shares of Common Stock shall be cancelled and
the Surviving Corporation shall pay to each holder of a cancelled Directors'
Option an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of
Common Stock previously subject to such Directors' Option, on the basis of full
vesting, and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the
exercise price per share of Common Stock previously subject to such Directors'
Option.
6
<PAGE>
(c) At the Effective Time, each Share issued pursuant to the Company's
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as in effect on the date hereof (the "Company
Stock Plan"), shall be cancelled, and the Surviving Corporation shall pay to
each owner of each Share issued pursuant to the Company Stock Plan an amount in
cash equal to (A) the product of (i) the number of such Shares issued pursuant
to the Company Stock Plan owned by such person, and (ii) the Merger
Consideration per Share, less (B) any unpaid balance of any loans by the Company
to any such owner.
(d) At the Effective Time, each Share issued pursuant to the Company's
Stock Compensation Plan for Directors Serving on the Compensation Committee, as
in effect on the date hereof (the "Compensation Committee Plan"), shall be
cancelled, and the Surviving Corporation shall pay to each owner of each Share
issued pursuant to the Compensation Committee Plan an amount in cash equal to
(A) the product of (i) the number of such shares of Common Stock issued pursuant
to the Compensation Committee Plan on the basis of full vesting owned by such
person, and (ii) the Merger Consideration per Share less (B) any unpaid balance
of any loans by the Company to any such owner.
(e) A listing of all outstanding options, warrants or other rights to
acquire shares of Common Stock or other equity interests of the Company and its
subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997, showing what portions of such stock options,
warrants or other rights are exercisable as of the dates upon which such stock
options, warrants or other rights expire, and the exercise price of such stock
options, warrants or other rights, is set forth in Schedule 1.10 hereto.
Section 1.11 Stockholders' Meeting. The Company, acting through the
Board, shall, in accordance with applicable law, the Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation of the Company in effect on the date hereof (the
"Company Articles of Incorporation") and the Bylaws of the Company in effect on
the date hereof (the "Company Bylaws"), as soon as practicable following the
date hereof:
(a) duly call, give notice of, convene and hold an annual or special
meeting of the Company Stockholders (the "Stockholders' Meeting") for the
purpose of approving and adopting this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby;
(b) subject to the fiduciary duties of the Board under applicable law,
recommend that the Company Stockholders vote in favor of approving and adopting
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(c) subject to the fiduciary duties of the Board under applicable law,
use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the necessary approvals by the Company
Stockholders of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
7
<PAGE>
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and warrants to Gaming as follows:
Section 2.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. (a) Each of
the Company and its subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, 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,
except where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to
have such power and authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined herein). When used in this
Agreement, the term "Company Material Adverse Effect" means any change or effect
that would (i) be materially adverse to the business, results of operations, or
financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
(ii) impair the ability of the Company to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(b) Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified or
licensed (excluding gaming and liquor licenses, which are covered by Section 2.5
hereof) and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the
property owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of the business conducted
by it makes such qualification or licensing necessary, and to perform all of its
obligations under any contract under which the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (a) has or may acquire any rights, (b) has or may become subject to
any obligation or liability or (c) is or may, or any of the assets used or owned
by it are or may, become bound, except where the failure to be so duly qualified
or licensed and in good standing or to effect such performance would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) The Company has heretofore furnished or made available to Gaming
complete and correct copies of the Company Articles of Incorporation and the
Company Bylaws and the equivalent organizational documents of each of its
subsidiaries, each as amended to the date hereof. The Company Articles of
Incorporation, the Company Bylaws and equivalent organizational documents are in
full force and effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions
of the Company Articles of Incorporation or the Company Bylaws, and no
subsidiary of the Company is in violation of any of the provisions of such
subsidiary's equivalent organizational documents. The organizational documents
of the subsidiaries of the Company do not contain any provision limiting or
otherwise restricting the ability of the Company to control such subsidiaries.
8
<PAGE>
(d) The Company has heretofore furnished or made available to Gaming a
complete and correct list of the subsidiaries of the Company, which list sets
forth the amount of capital stock of or other equity interests in such
subsidiaries owned by the Company, directly or indirectly.
Section 2.2 Capitalization of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The
authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 20,000,000 shares of
Common Stock of which, as of July 31, 1997, 4,910,880 shares of Common Stock
were issued and outstanding. All outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company have been validly issued, and are fully paid, nonassessable and free of
preemptive rights. Set forth in Schedule 2.2(a) are all outstanding options,
warrants, or other rights to purchase Riviera Stock. Except as set forth above
or in Schedule 2.2, and except as a result of the exercise of Employee Options,
Directors' Options and such rights under the Company Stock Plan and the
Compensation Committee Plan outstanding as of July 31, 1997, there are
outstanding (i) no shares of capital stock or other voting securities of the
Company, (ii) no securities of the Company convertible into or exchangeable for
shares of capital stock or voting securities of the Company, (iii) no options,
subscriptions, warrants, convertible securities, calls or other rights to
acquire from the Company, and no obligation of the Company to issue, deliver or
sell, any capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for capital stock or voting securities of the Company, and (iv) no
equity equivalents, performance shares, interests in the ownership or earnings
of the Company or other similar rights issued by the Company (collectively,
"Company Securities"). Except as set forth on Schedule 2.2 hereto, there are no
outstanding obligations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any Company Securities. Except as set forth on
Schedule 2.2 hereto, each of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of
the Company's subsidiaries is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and is directly or indirectly owned by the Company, free and clear
of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, charges, voting agreements or
other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever (collectively, "Liens"). Except as
set forth on Schedules 1.10 and 2.2 hereto, there are no existing options, calls
or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock
or other equity securities of any subsidiary of the Company.
Section 2.3 Power and Authority. The Company has the requisite
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject
to approval of this Agreement by the Company Stockholders, to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company, subject, in the case of this
Agreement, to approval of this Agreement by the Company Stockholders. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming this
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Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Gaming and RAS,
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or
relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights generally (collectively, the
"Bankruptcy Exceptions") and subject to the general principles of equity.
Section 2.4 Approval of Options. The Company has taken all action
necessary to authorize and approve the grant of options to acquire Shares
pursuant to the Riviera Option Agreement and the sale of such Shares upon the
exercise of such options.
Section 2.5 Compliance. (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.5(a),
since January 1, 1994, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and their
respective officers or directors or, to the best knowledge of the Company, their
respective agents or employees (if any), have been and are in compliance with
all applicable laws and regulations of foreign, Federal, state and local
governmental authorities applicable to the businesses conducted by any of the
Company and its subsidiaries (including without limitation any federal, state,
local or foreign statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, consent,
approval, license, judgment, order, decree, injunction or other authorization
governing or relating to the current or contemplated casino, liquor related
activities and gaming activities and operations, including, without limitation,
the Nevada Gaming Control Act, as amended (the "Nevada Act"), and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, or applicable to the properties owned or
leased and used by the Company or its subsidiaries (collectively, "Gaming
Laws")), and neither the Company, nor, to the best knowledge of the Company, any
of its subsidiaries or affiliates, is aware of any claim of violation, or of any
actual violation, of any such laws and regulations, by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, except where such failure or violation (whether actual or claimed)
would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company or its
subsidiaries, any employee, officer, director or stockholder or, to the best
knowledge of the Company or affiliate thereof, has received any written claim,
demand, notice, complaint, court order or administrative order from any
governmental authority since January 1, 1994, asserting that a license of it or
them, as applicable, under any Gaming Laws should be revoked or suspended. The
Company, based upon its current operations, is not obligated to file any
documents under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.5(b), since January 1, 1994, each
of the Company and its subsidiaries has and currently possesses, and is current
on all fees with regard to, all franchises, certificates, licenses, permits and
other authorizations from any governmental authorities and all patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and other rights
that are necessary to each of the Company and its subsidiaries for the present
ownership, maintenance and
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operation of its business, properties and assets (including without limitation
all gaming and liquor licenses), except where the failure to possess such
franchises, certificates, licenses, permits, and other authorizations, patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and other rights
(other than those required to be obtained from the Nevada Gaming Commission (the
"Gaming Commission"), the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (the "Control
Board"), the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board (the "CCB"), and the
City of Las Vegas ("Las Vegas") (the Gaming Commission, the Control Board, the
CCB, and Las Vegas are collectively referred to as the "Gaming Authorities"),
including approvals under the Gaming Laws) would not have a Company Material
Adverse Effect; and none of the Company and its subsidiaries is in violation of
any thereof, except where such violation would not have a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
(c) Since January 1, 1994, neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries is in violation of, or has violated (with or without notice or
lapse of time), any applicable provisions of (i) any laws, rules, statutes,
orders, ordinances or regulations, or (ii) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise, or other instrument or
obligations to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or any of their respective
properties are bound or affected, which, individually or in the aggregate, would
have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.5(d), since January 1, 1994: (i)
the Company and each of its subsidiaries is, and has been, in full compliance
with all of the terms and requirements of each award, decision, injunction,
judgment, order, ruling, subpoena, or verdict (each, an "Order") entered,
issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency, or other
governmental entity, officer or authority or by any arbitrator to which it, or
any of the assets owned or used by it, is or has been subject, and (ii) no event
has occurred or circumstance exists that may constitute or result in (with or
without notice or lapse of time) a violation of or failure to comply with any
term or requirement of any Order to which the Company or its subsidiaries, or
any of the assets owned or used by the Company or its subsidiaries, is subject,
except where such non-compliance, violation or failure to comply would not have
a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received, at
any time since January 1, 1994, any notice or other communication (whether oral
or written) regarding any actual, alleged, possible, or potential violation of,
or failure to comply with, any term or requirement of any Order to which the
Company or its subsidiaries, or any of the assets owned or used by the Company
or its subsidiaries, is or has been subject and which would have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
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(f) No investigation or review by any government entity, officer or
authority with respect to the Company or its subsidiaries is pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, has
any government entity, officer or authority indicated an intention to conduct
the same, other than, in each case, those which would not have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 2.6 Non-Contravention; Required Filings and Consents. (a)
Except as set forth in Schedule 2.6 hereto and as contemplated by Section
2.6(b), the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, the Riviera Option Agreement and the Riviera Merger) do not and will
not (i) contravene or conflict with the Company Articles of Incorporation or the
Company Bylaws or the equivalent organizational documents of any of its
subsidiaries or any resolution adopted by the Board or the Company Stockholders
or the board of directors or stockholders of any of the Company's subsidiaries,
(ii) contravene or conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of
any law, regulation, judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon or
applicable to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
properties, (iii) contravene, conflict with, or result in a violation of any of
the terms or requirements of, or give any governmental entity, official or
authority right to revoke, withdraw, suspend, cancel, terminate or modify, any
authorization that is held by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or that
otherwise relates to the business of, or any of the assets owned by, the Company
or any of its subsidiaries, (iv) conflict with, or result in the breach or
termination of any provision of or constitute a default (with or without the
giving of notice or the lapse of time or both) under, or give rise to any right
of termination, cancellation, or loss of any benefit to which the Company or any
of its subsidiaries is entitled under any provision of any agreement, contract,
license or other instrument binding upon the Company, any of its subsidiaries or
any of their respective properties, or allow the acceleration of the performance
of, any obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, license, contract, instrument or
other agreement to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective assets
or properties is subject or bound, or (v) result in the creation or imposition
of any Lien on any asset of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except in
the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) for any such contraventions,
conflicts, violations, breaches, terminations, defaults, cancellations, losses,
accelerations and Liens which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Company Material Adverse Effect or be reasonably expected to prevent the
consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
(including, without limitation, the Riviera Option Agreement, the Escrow
Agreement
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and the Riviera Merger) by the Company require no action by or in respect of, or
filing with, any governmental entity, official or authority (either domestic or
foreign) other than (i) the filing of articles of merger in accordance with the
Nevada Merger Law, (ii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"), (iii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Exchange Act"), and state securities, takeover and Blue Sky
laws, (iv) obtaining all necessary gaming approvals, including those required by
the Gaming Authorities, including approvals under the Gaming Laws, and (v) such
additional actions or filings which, if not taken or made, would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect or be
reasonably expected to prevent the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 2.7 SEC Reports. (a) The Company has filed all required forms,
reports and documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
since January 1, 1994. The Company has made available to Gaming, in the form
filed with the SEC, the Company's (i) Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, (ii) all Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q filed by the Company with the SEC since January 1, 1994, (iii) all proxy
statements relating to meetings of the Company's stockholders since January 1,
1994 and (iv) all Current Reports on Form 8-K and registration statements filed
by the Company with the SEC since January 1, 1994 (collectively and as amended
as required, the "SEC Reports"). As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports
complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Securities Act"), and the Exchange Act, each as in effect on
the dates such SEC Reports were filed. As of their respective dates, none of the
SEC Reports, including, without limitation, any financial statements or
schedules included therein, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted 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. No subsidiary of the Company is required, as of
the date hereof, to file any form, report, or other document with the SEC under
Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The audited consolidated financial statements
and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of the Company included
in the SEC Reports fairly present, in all material respects, in conformity with
GAAP (as defined in Section 4.11 of this Agreement) applied on a consistent
basis (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), the consolidated
financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the
dates thereof and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for
the periods then ended (subject to normal year-end adjustments in the case of
any unaudited interim financial statements). The Company has heretofore made
available or promptly will make available to Gaming a complete and correct
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copy of any amendments or modifications, which are required to be filed with the
SEC but have not yet been filed with the SEC, to the SEC Reports.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.7(b) hereto, the Company and its
subsidiaries have no liabilities of any nature (whether accrued, absolute,
contingent or otherwise), except for (i) liabilities set forth in the audited
balance sheet of the Company dated December 31, 1996 or on the notes thereto,
contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, (ii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice since January 1, 1997 and (iii) liabilities which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 2.8 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Schedule
2.8 hereto, since January 1, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries have
conducted their respective businesses only in the ordinary course, and there has
not been (i) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution with respect to its capital stock, (ii) any incurrence, assumption
or guarantees by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any indebtedness for
borrowed money other than in the ordinary course of business, (iii) any making
of any loan, advance or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other
person, (iv) any split, combination or reclassification of any of its 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 its
capital stock, (v) (x) any granting by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to
any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any increase in
compensation, except in the ordinary course of business (including in connection
with promotions) consistent with past practice or as was required under
employment agreements in effect as of the date of the most recent audited
financial statements included in the SEC Reports filed and publicly available
prior to the date of this Agreement, (y) any granting by the Company or any of
its subsidiaries to any such officer of any increase in severance or termination
pay, except as part of a standard employment package to any person promoted or
hired, or as was required under employment, severance or termination agreements
in effect as of the date of the most recent audited financial statements
included in the SEC Reports filed or (z) except termination arrangements in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with employees other
than any executive officer of the Company, any entry by the Company or any of
its subsidiaries into any employment, severance or termination agreement with
any such officer, (vi) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered
by insurance, that would be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect,
(vii) any transaction or commitment made, or any contract or agreement entered
into, by the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to any of their assets
or business (including the acquisition or disposition of any assets) or any
relinquishment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any contract or
other right, in either case, material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, other than transactions and
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commitments in the ordinary course of business and those contemplated by this
Agreement, (viii) any change in accounting methods, principles or practices by
the Company materially affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except
insofar as may have been required by a change in generally accepted accounting
principles or (ix) any other change which would have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 2.9 Proxy Statement. The proxy or information statement or
similar materials distributed to the Company's Stockholders in connection with
the Riviera Merger, including any amendments or supplements thereto (the "Proxy
Statement"), shall not, at the time filed with the SEC, at the time mailed to
the Company Stockholders, at the time of the Stockholders' Meeting or at the
Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no
representation or warranty with respect to any information provided by Gaming
specifically for use in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement will comply as
to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act.
Section 2.10 No Brokers. Except for the engagement of Ladenburg,
Thalmann & Co. Inc. ("Ladenburg"), pursuant to an engagement letter, a copy of
which has previously been delivered to Gaming, the fees and expenses of such
engagement will be paid by the Company, the Company has not employed any broker,
finder or financial advisor or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees,
commissions, finders' or financial advisory fees in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby. No amendment has been or shall be made to the
Company's agreement with Ladenburg that would increase the amount of fees or
other compensation required thereunder.
Section 2.11 Absence of Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule
2.11 hereto, since January 1, 1997, there has not been any action, suit, claim,
investigation or proceeding pending against, or to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties or the Board before any court or arbitrator or any
administrative, regulatory or governmental body, or any agency or official
which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Except as disclosed in Schedule 2.11 hereto, since January 1, 1997,
there has not been any action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding pending
against, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against, the Company or
any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or the Board
before any court or arbitrator or any administrative, regulatory or governmental
body, or any agency or official which (i) challenges or seeks to prevent,
enjoin, alter or delay the Riviera Merger or any of the other transactions
contemplated hereby or (ii) alleges any criminal action or inaction. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 2.11 hereto, since January 1, 1997,
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neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of their respective
properties has been subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination or award having, or which would have a Company Material Adverse
Effect or which would prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 2.12 Taxes. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12 hereto, (a)
the Company and its subsidiaries have filed, been included in or sent, all
material returns, material declarations and reports and information returns and
statements required to be filed or sent by or relating to any of them relating
to any Taxes (as defined herein) with respect to any material income, properties
or operations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (collectively,
"Returns"); (b) as of the time of filing, the Returns correctly reflected in all
material respects the facts regarding the income, business, assets, operations,
activities and status of the Company and its subsidiaries and any other material
information required to be shown therein; (c) the Company and its subsidiaries
have timely paid or made provision for all material Taxes that have been shown
as due and payable on the Returns that have been filed; (d) the Company and its
subsidiaries have made or will make provision for all material Taxes payable for
any periods that end before the Effective Time for which no Returns have yet
been filed and for any periods that begin before the Effective Time and end
after the Effective Time to the extent such Taxes are attributable to the
portion of any such period ending at the Effective Time; (e) the charges,
accruals and reserves for Taxes reflected on the books of the Company and its
subsidiaries are adequate under generally accepted accounting principles to
cover the Tax liabilities accruing or payable by the Company and its
subsidiaries; (f) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is delinquent
in the payment of any material Taxes or has requested any extension of time
within which to file or send any material Return (other than extensions granted
to the Company for the filing of its Returns as set forth in Schedule 2.12),
which Return has not since been filed or sent; (g) no material deficiency for
any Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against the Company
or any of its subsidiaries other than those Taxes being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings and set forth in Schedule 2.12 (which shall set forth
the nature of the proceeding, the type of return, the deficiencies proposed,
asserted or assessed and the amount thereof, and the taxable year in question);
(h) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has granted any extension of
the limitation period applicable to any material Tax claims other than those
Taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and (i) neither
the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is subject to liability for Taxes of any
person (other than the Company or its subsidiaries).
For purposes of this Agreement, "Tax" or "Taxes" means all Federal,
state, local and foreign taxes, and other assessments of a similar nature
(whether imposed directly or through withholding), including any interest,
additions to tax, or penalties applicable thereto, imposed by any Tax Authority.
"Tax Authority"
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means the Internal Revenue Service and any other domestic or foreign
governmental authority responsible for the administration of any Taxes.
Section 2.13 Employee Benefits. (a) Schedule 2.13(a) hereto contains a
true and complete list of each bonus, deferred compensation, incentive
compensation, stock purchase, stock option, severance or termination pay,
hospitalization or other medical, dental, life, disability or other insurance,
supplemental unemployment benefits, profit-sharing, pension, savings or
retirement plan, program, agreement or arrangement, and each other employee
benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, sponsored, maintained or
contributed to or required to be contributed to by the Company or by any trade
or business, whether or not incorporated (an "ERISA Affiliate"), that together
with the Company would be deemed a "single employer" within the meaning of
section 4001 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), for the benefit of any employee or terminated employee of the Company
or any ERISA Affiliate (the "Plans"). Schedule 2.13(a) hereto identifies each of
the Plans that is an "employee benefit plan," as that term is defined in section
3(3) of ERISA (the "ERISA Plans"). Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate
has ever maintained, administered, contributed to or had any contingent
liability with respect to any employee pension benefit plan subject to Title IV
of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code, other than the multiemployer plans (as
defined in Section 3(37)(A) of ERISA) which are identified on Schedule 2.13(a)
hereto.
(b) With respect to each Plan, the Company has heretofore delivered or
made available to Gaming true and complete copies of each of the following
documents (to the extent applicable):
(i) a copy thereof;
(ii) a copy of the most recent annual report and actuarial
report, if required under ERISA, and the most recent report prepared with
respect thereto in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 87, Employer's Accounting for Pensions;
(iii) a copy of the most recent actuarial report prepared with
respect thereto in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 106, Employer's Accounting for Non-Pension Postretirement
Benefits;
(iv) a copy of the most recent Summary Plan Description;
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(v) if the Plan is funded through a trust or any third party
funding vehicle, a copy of the trust or other funding agreement and the
latest financial statements thereof; and
(vi) the most recent determination letter received from the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Plan intended to qualify
under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").
(c) Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any
liability under Title IV of ERISA, including any "withdrawal liability" (within
the meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA) with respect to any Benefit Plan, and, to
the knowledge of the Company, no condition exists that presents a material risk
to the Company or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring a material liability under
such Title.
(d) Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate, nor, to the knowledge
of the Company, any ERISA Plan, any trust created thereunder, nor any trustee or
administrator thereof has engaged in a transaction in connection with which the
Company or any ERISA Affiliate, any ERISA Plan, any such trust, or any trustee
or administrator thereof, or any party dealing with any ERISA Plan or any such
trust would be subject to either a civil penalty assessed pursuant to section
409 or 502(i) of ERISA or a Tax imposed pursuant to section 4975 or 4976 of the
Code, except for such penalties and Taxes which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(e) All contributions required to be made with respect to any ERISA
Plan (whether pursuant to the terms of any ERISA Plan or otherwise) on or prior
to the Effective Time have been timely made.
(f) To the knowledge of the Company, each Plan has been operated and
administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms and
applicable law, including but not limited to ERISA and the Code except where
such noncompliance would not be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
(g) Each ERISA Plan intended to be "qualified" within the meaning of
section 401(a) of the Code has been drafted with the intention to be so
qualified and has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal
Revenue Service on or before the date hereof.
(h) To the Company's knowledge, except as reasonably estimated and as
set forth in Schedule 2.13(h), no amounts payable under the Plans as a result of
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will fail to
be deductible for federal income tax purposes by application of section 280G of
the Code.
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(i) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.13(i) hereto, no Plan
provides benefits, including without limitation death or medical benefits
(whether or not insured), with respect to current or former employees of
the Company or any ERISA Affiliate beyond their retirement or other
termination of service (other than (i) coverage mandated by applicable law
or (ii) death benefits or retirement benefits under any "employee pension
plan," as that term is defined in section 3(2) of ERISA).
(j) Except as provided in Schedule 2.13(j) hereto, the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current
or former employee or officer of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate to severance
pay, unemployment compensation or any other payment, or (ii) accelerate the time
of payment or vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due any such
employee or officer.
(k) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened claims by or on behalf of any Plan, by any employee or beneficiary
covered under any such Plan, or otherwise involving any such Plan (other than
routine claims for benefits).
(l) The Company has reserved the right to amend or terminate any Plan
which is a welfare benefit plan, as that term is defined in section 3(l) of
ERISA.
Section 2.14 Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed in the SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or as set forth in Schedule
2.14 hereto, the Company and each of its subsidiaries owns, or is licensed or
has the right to use (in each case, free and clear of any Liens), all
Intellectual Property (as defined below) used in or necessary for the conduct of
its business substantially as currently conducted, to the knowledge of the
Company, the use of any Intellectual Property by the Company and its
subsidiaries does not infringe on or otherwise violate the rights of any person;
and, to the knowledge of the Company, no person is challenging, infringing on or
otherwise violating any right of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with
respect to any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to the Company and
its subsidiaries, except in each case for such infringements or failures to own
or be licensed as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company
Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, "Intellectual Property"
shall mean trademarks, service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade
dress, assumed names, trade names and other indications of origin, the goodwill
associated with the foregoing and any registration in any jurisdiction of, and
applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any
extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application;
inventions, discoveries and ideas, whether patentable or not in any
jurisdiction; patents, applications for patents (including, without limitation,
divisions, continua-
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tions, continuations in part and renewal applications), and any renewals,
extensions or reissues thereof, in any jurisdiction; nonpublic information,
trade secrets and confidential information and rights in any jurisdiction to
limit the use or disclosure thereof by any person; writings and other works,
whether copyrightable or not in any jurisdiction; registrations or applications
for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or
extensions thereof; and any similar intellectual property or proprietary rights.
Section 2.15 Material Contracts. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.15
hereto, there are no (i) agreements of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
containing an unexpired covenant not to compete or similar restriction applying
to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) interest rate, currency or
commodity hedging, swap or similar derivative transactions to which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is a party nor (iii) other contracts or amendments
thereto that would be required to be filed and have not been filed as an exhibit
to a Form 10-K filed by the Company with the SEC as of the date of this
Agreement (collectively, the "Material Contracts"). Assuming each Material
Contract constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each other party thereto,
each Material Contract is a valid and binding obligation of the Company or a
subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be. To the Company's knowledge, each
Material Contract is a valid and binding obligation of each other party thereto,
and each such Material Contract is in full force and effect and is enforceable
by the Company or its subsidiaries in accordance with its terms, except as such
enforcement may be limited by the Bankruptcy Exceptions and subject to the
general principles of equity. There are no existing defaults (or circumstances
or events that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would become
defaults) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or, to the knowledge of the
Company, any other party thereto) under any of the Material Contracts except for
defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 2.16 Insurance. The Company and its subsidiaries have obtained
and maintained in full force and effect insurance with responsible and reputable
insurance companies or associations in such amounts, on such terms and covering
such risks, including fire and other risks insured against by extended coverage,
as is consistent with industry practice for companies (i) engaged in similar
businesses and (ii) of at least similar size to that of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, and has maintained in full force and effect public liability
insurance, insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property
damage occurring in connection with any of the activities of the Company or its
subsidiaries or any of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by the
Company or its subsidiaries, in such amount as reasonably deemed necessary by
the Company or its subsidiaries. Schedule 2.16 hereto sets forth a complete and
correct list of all material insurance policies (including a brief summary of
the nature and terms thereof and any amounts paid or payable to the Company or
any of its subsidiaries thereunder) providing
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coverage in favor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties. Each such policy is in full force and effect, no notice
of termination, cancellation or reservation of rights has been received with
respect to any such policy, there is no default with respect to any provision
contained in any such policy, and there has not been any failure to give any
notice or present any claim under any such policy in a timely fashion or in the
manner or detail required by any such policy, except for any such failures to be
in full force and effect, any such terminations, cancellations, reservations or
defaults, or any such failures to give notice or present claims which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 2.17 Labor Matters. (a) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.17(a)
hereto, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any
collective bargaining or other labor union contract applicable to persons
employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, no collective bargaining
agreement is being negotiated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and the
Company has no knowledge of any material activities or proceedings (i) involving
any unorganized employees of the Company or its subsidiaries seeking to certify
a collective bargaining unit or (ii) of any labor union to organize any of the
employees of the Company or its subsidiaries. There is no labor dispute, strike
or work stoppage against the Company or any of its subsidiaries pending or, to
the Company's knowledge, threatened which may interfere with the respective
business activities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except where such
dispute, strike or work stoppage would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.17(b) hereto, the Company and
each of its subsidiaries have paid in full, or fully accrued for in their
financial statements, all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, severance
payments, vacation payments, holiday pay, sick pay, pay in lieu of compensatory
time and other compensation due or to become due to all current and former
employees of the Company and each Subsidiary for all services performed by any
of them on or prior to the date hereof. The Company and its subsidiaries are in
compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and
regulations relating to the employment of labor, including without limitation,
laws, rules and regulations relating to payment of wages, employment and
employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, hours, immigration,
discrimination, child labor, occupational health and safety, collective
bargaining and the payment and withholding of Taxes and other sums required by
governmental authorities.
Section 2.18 Real Property. Schedule 2.18 hereto identifies all real
property owned, leased or used by the Company or its subsidiaries in the conduct
of its business. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.18, the Company and each of
its subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all of their properties and
assets, free and clear of all Liens, except for those disclosed in the financial
statements and
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except Liens for taxes not yet due and payable and such Liens or other
imperfections of title, if any, as do not materially detract from the value of
or interfere with the present use of the property affected thereby or which,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect; and all leases pursuant to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
lease from others real or personal property are in good standing, valid and
effective in accordance with their respective terms, and there is not, to the
knowledge of the Company, under any of such leases, any existing material
default or event of default (or event which with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute a material default and in respect of which the Company or
such subsidiary has not taken adequate steps to prevent such a default from
occurring) except where the lack of such good standing, validity and
effectiveness, or the existence of such default or event, would not have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 2.19 Environmental Matters. (a) Except as set forth on Schedule
2.19(a) (i) the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all
Environmental Laws (as defined herein), except where the failure to be in
compliance would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) to the
best knowledge of the Company, there are not, with respect to the Company or any
of its subsidiaries, any past violations of Environmental Laws, releases of any
material into the environment, actions, activities, circumstances, conditions,
events, incidents, contractual obligations or other legal requirements that may
give rise to any liability, cost or expense under any Environmental Laws, which
liabilities, costs or expenses, either individually or in the aggregate, would
have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) As used in this Section 2.19, the term "Environmental Laws" means
the applicable common law and all applicable Federal, state, local and foreign
laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment
(including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land
surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to
emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of, or exposure to,
chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, asbestos-containing materials or
industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment, as
well as all applicable authorizations or codes, decrees, injunctions, judgments,
licenses, orders, permits or regulations in effect thereunder.
Section 2.20 Representations Complete. None of the representations or
warranties made by the Company herein or in any Schedule or Exhibit hereto
contains or will contain at the Effective Time any untrue statement of a
material fact, or omits or will omit at the Effective Time any material fact or
necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GAMING AND RAS
Each of Gaming and RAS represents and warrants to the Company as
follows:
Section 3.1 Organization; Power and Authority. Each of Gaming and RAS
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, and has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby,
except where the failure to be so organized, existing and in good standing or to
have such power and authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Gaming Material Adverse Effect (as defined herein). When used in this
Agreement, the term "Gaming Material Adverse Effect" means any change or effect
that would (i) be materially adverse to the business, results of operations, or
financial condition of Gaming and RAS and their subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
or (ii) impair the ability of Gaming and RAS to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. Each of Gaming and RAS has the requisite corporate power
and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part
of each of Gaming and RAS and by the sole stockholder of each of Gaming and RAS,
and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Gaming or RAS are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions so contemplated. This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Gaming and
RAS and, assuming this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
the other parties hereto, constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of
each of Gaming and RAS, enforceable against each of Gaming and RAS in accordance
with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by the Bankruptcy
Exceptions and subject to the general principles of equity.
Section 3.2 Non-Contravention; Required Filings and Consents. (a)
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.2(a) hereto, the execution, delivery and
performance by each of Gaming and RAS of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, the Riviera
Option Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and the Riviera Merger) do not and will
not: (i) contravene or conflict with the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws
of Gaming or the equivalent organizational documents of RAS, or any resolution
adopted by the board of directors or stockholders of Gaming or RAS, (ii)
assuming that all consents, authorizations and approvals contemplated by
subsection (b) below have
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been obtained and all filings described therein have been made, contravene or
conflict with or constitute a violation of any provision of any law, regulation,
judgment, injunction, order or decree binding upon or applicable to Gaming or to
RAS or any of their respective properties, (iii) contravene, conflict with, or
result in a violation of any of the terms or requirements of, or give any
governmental entity, official or authority right to revoke, withdraw, suspend,
cancel, terminate or modify, any authorization that is held by Gaming or RAS or
that otherwise relates to the business of, or any of the assets owned by Gaming
or RAS, (iv) conflict with, or result in the breach or termination of any
provision of or constitute a default (with or without the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both) under, or give rise to any right of termination,
cancellation, or loss of any benefit to which either Gaming or RAS is entitled
under any provision of any agreement, contract, license or other instrument
binding upon either Gaming or RAS, or allow the acceleration of the performance
of, any obligation of either Gaming or RAS under any other agreement to which
Gaming or RAS is a party or by which Gaming or RAS is subject or bound, or (v)
result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Gaming or RAS,
except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) for any such contraventions,
conflicts, violations, breaches, terminations, defaults, cancellations, losses,
accelerations and Liens which would not individually or in the aggregate have a
Gaming Material Adverse Effect or be reasonably expected to prevent the
consummation by Gaming or by RAS of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance by Gaming and by RAS of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the Riviera Option Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and the Riviera
Merger) by Gaming and by RAS require no action by or in respect of, or filing
with, any governmental entity, official or authority (either domestic or
foreign), other than: (i) the filing of Articles of Merger in accordance with
the Nevada Merger Law; (ii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the
HSR Act; (iii) compliance with any applicable requirements of the Exchange Act
and state securities, takeover and Blue Sky laws; (iv) obtaining all necessary
gaming approvals, including those required by the Gaming Authorities, including,
without limitation, approvals under the Gaming Laws, if any; and (v) such
additional actions or filings which, if not taken or made, would not
individually or in the aggregate have a Gaming Material Adverse Effect or be
reasonably expected to prevent the consummation by Gaming or by RAS of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.3 Absence of Litigation. Since January 1, 1997, there has not
been any action, suit, claim, investigation or proceeding pending against, or to
the knowledge of Gaming or RAS, threatened against, Gaming or RAS or any of
their subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, or their respective
boards of directors, before any court or arbitrator or any administrative,
regulatory or
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governmental body, or any agency or official which, individually or in the
aggregate, would have a Gaming Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 1997,
neither Gaming nor RAS nor any of their subsidiaries nor any of their respective
properties has been subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination or award having, or which would have, a Gaming Material Adverse
Effect or which would prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 3.4 Proxy Statement. None of the information provided by Gaming
specifically for use in the Proxy Statement shall, at the time filed with the
SEC, at the time mailed to the Company Stockholders, at the time of the
Stockholders' Meeting or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
Section 3.5 No Prior Activities. Since the date of its incorporation,
neither Gaming nor RAS has engaged in any activities other than in connection
with or as contemplated by this Agreement or in connection with arranging any
financing required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 3.6 No Brokers. Except for Jefferies & Co., Inc. neither Gaming
nor RAS has employed any broker or finder, nor has it incurred any liability for
any brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.7 Capitalization of Gaming. On the Closing Date and at the
Effective Time, Gaming will have cash or immediately available funds in an
amount not less than the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of Merger Consideration
to be paid hereunder and (ii) the aggregate amount to be paid at the Effective
Time pursuant to Section 1.10 hereof.
Section 3.8 Representations Complete. None of the representations or
warranties made by either Gaming or RAS herein or any Exhibit hereto contains or
will contain at the Effective Time any untrue statement of a material fact, or
omits or will omit at the Effective Time any material fact necessary in order to
make the statements contained herein, in light of the circumstances under which
they are made, not misleading.
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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company. Except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Agreement, during the period from the date hereof to
the Effective Time, the Company and its subsidiaries will each conduct their
respective operations according to its ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, and the Company and its subsidiaries will each use its
reasonable best efforts to preserve intact its business organization, to keep
available the services of its officers and employees and to maintain existing
relationships with licensors, licensees, suppliers, contractors, distributors,
and others having business relationships with it. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, or as set forth in Schedule 4.1 hereto, prior to the Effective Time,
neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will, without the prior written
consent of Gaming:
(a) amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or other comparable
organizational documents;
(b) authorize for issuance, issue, pledge, sell, deliver or agree or
commit to issue, sell or deliver (whether through the issuance or granting of
options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise)
or otherwise encumber, any capital stock of any class or any other securities or
equity equivalents (including, without limitation, stock appreciation rights),
except as required by option agreements or the Company Stock Plan, warrants or
other securities listed on Schedule 2.2, as such are in effect as of the date
hereof, or amend any of the terms of any such securities or agreements
outstanding as of the date hereof;
(c) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock,
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash,
stock, or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock,
or, redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any of its securities or any
securities of its subsidiaries;
(d) (i) except as set forth in Schedule 4.1(d)(i) hereto or in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or for the senior
mortgage note offering (the "Note Offering") described in the offering circular
dated August 8, 1997 (the "Note Offering Circular"), create or incur any
Indebtedness (as defined herein), (ii) make any loans, advances or capital
contributions to, or investments in, any other person, (iii) pledge or otherwise
encumber any shares of capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
or (iv) mortgage or pledge any of its assets, tangible or intangible, or create
or suffer to exist any Lien thereupon;
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(e) except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.1, enter into any
transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or make any investment, which individually or in the aggregate exceeds
the amount of $500,000;
(f) enter into, adopt or (except as may be required by law or by the
terms of any such arrangement) amend or terminate any bonus, profit-sharing,
compensation, severance, termination, stock option, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment or other employee benefit agreement, trust,
plan, fund or other arrangement for the benefit or welfare of any director,
officer or employee, or increase in any manner the compensation or benefits of
any director, officer or employee, or grant any benefit or termination or
severance pay to any director, officer, or employee not required by any plan or
arrangement as in effect as of the date hereof (including, without limitation,
the granting of stock options) or by law;
(g) acquire, sell, lease or dispose of, or encumber any assets outside
the ordinary course of business or any assets which in the aggregate are
material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or enter into
any contract, agreement, commitment or transaction outside the ordinary course
of business;
(h) change any of the accounting principles or practices used by the
Company, except as may be required as a result of a change in law, SEC
guidelines or GAAP;
(i) (A) acquire (including, without limitation, by merger,
consolidation, or acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership
or other business organization or division thereof; (B) except in connection
with the construction of a casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, authorize any new
capital expenditure or expenditures which are in excess of the amounts estimated
in the Company's capital expenditure budget, dated as of August 28, 1997 and the
capital expenditure budget, dated as of August 28, 1997, relating to the
development of the Company's property in Black Hawk, Colorado, previously
provided to Gaming in excess of $500,000 or, in the aggregate, are in excess of
$1,500,000; (C) settle any litigation for amounts in excess of $100,000
individually or $500,000 in the aggregate after giving effect to insurance
recoveries; or (iv) enter into or amend any contract, agreement, commitment or
arrangement with respect to any of the foregoing;
(j) make any Tax election or settle or compromise any Tax liability,
other than in the ordinary course of business;
(k) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations
(absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than
the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities
set forth in Schedule 2.8
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hereto or reflected or reserved against in the financial statements (or the
notes thereto) of the Company and its subsidiaries or incurred in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(l) terminate, modify, amend or waive compliance with any provision of
any Material Contract, or fail to take any action necessary to preserve the
benefits of any such Material Contract to the Company or any of its
subsidiaries;
(m) fail to comply with any laws, ordinances or other governmental
regulations applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, including, but
not limited to, the Gaming Laws and any regulations promulgated thereunder, that
may have a Company Material Adverse Effect; or
(n) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the actions
described in this Section 4.1.
Section 4.2 Proxy Statement. (a) The Company shall, as promptly as
practicable following the date hereof, prepare and file the Proxy Statement with
the SEC under the Exchange Act. Gaming and RAS shall use their respective
reasonable best efforts to cooperate with the Company in the preparation of the
Proxy Statement. As soon as practicable following completion of review of the
Proxy Statement by the SEC, the Company shall mail the Proxy Statement to its
stockholders who are entitled to vote at the Stockholders' Meeting. Subject to
the fiduciary obligations of the Board under applicable law, the Proxy Statement
shall contain the recommendation of the Board that the Company Stockholders
approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly
obtain and furnish the information required to be included in the Proxy
Statement and to respond promptly to any comments from, or requests made by the
SEC with respect to the Proxy Statement. The Company shall promptly notify
Gaming of the receipt of comments from, or any requests by, the SEC with respect
to the Proxy Statement, and shall promptly supply Gaming with copies of all
correspondence between the Company (or its representatives) and the SEC (or its
staff) relating thereto. The Company agrees to correct any information provided
by it for use in the Proxy Statement which shall have become, or is, false or
misleading; provided, however, that the Company shall first use its reasonable
best efforts to consult with Gaming about the form and substance of each such
correction.
Section 4.3 Access to Information. (a) Subject to applicable law and
the agreements set forth in Section 4.3(b), between the date hereof and the
Effective Time, the Company will give Gaming and its counsel, financial
advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives reasonable access
(during regular business hours upon reasonable notice) to all employees, offices
and other facilities and to all books
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and records of the Company and its subsidiaries, will permit Gaming and its
counsel, financial advisors, auditors and other authorized representatives to
make such inspections Gaming may reasonably require, and will cause the
Company's officers and those of its subsidiaries to furnish Gaming or its
representatives with such financial and operating data and other information
with respect to the business and properties of the Company and any of its
subsidiaries as Gaming may from time to time reasonably request. No
investigation pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall affect any representations or
warranties of the Company herein or the conditions to the obligations of Gaming
or RAS hereunder.
(b) The parties hereto each agree that the provisions of the
Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of April 21, 1997 and attached hereto as
Exhibit D (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), between the Company and Mr. Allen
E. Paulson shall apply to and be binding on Gaming and RAS, and that the terms
of the Confidentiality Agreement are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 4.4 Reasonable Best Efforts. Subject to the terms and
conditions contained herein, each of the parties hereto agrees to use its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do,
or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under
all applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties hereto shall
cooperate with one another (i) in the preparation and filing of any required
filings under the HSR Act, the Gaming Laws and the other laws referred to in
Sections 2.5 and 3.2 hereof, (ii) in determining whether action by or in respect
of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency, official or authority is
required, proper or advisable, or any actions, consents, waivers or approvals
are required to be obtained from parties to any contracts in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) in seeking to obtain any such
actions, consents and waivers and in making any such filings, and (iv) in
seeking to lift any order, decree or ruling restraining, enjoining, or otherwise
prohibiting the Riviera Merger. If 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 party hereto shall take all
such necessary action.
Section 4.5 Public Announcements. Each of the parties hereto agrees
that it will not issue any press release or otherwise make any public statement
with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby without
the prior consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed; provided, however, that such disclosure can be made without
obtaining such prior consent if (i) the disclosure is required by law, and (ii)
the party making such disclosure has first used its reasonable best efforts to
consult with the other party about the form and substance of such disclosure.
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Section 4.6 Indemnification; Insurance. (a) From and after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each
person who is, or has been at any time prior to the date hereof or who becomes
prior to the Effective Time, an officer, director or employee of the Company or
any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties" and
individually, an "Indemnified Party") against all losses, liabilities, expenses
(including attorneys' fees), claims or damages in connection with any claim,
suit, action, proceeding or investigation based in whole or in part upon the
fact that such Indemnified Party is or was a director, officer or employee of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries and arising out of acts or omissions
occurring prior to and including the Effective Time (including but not limited
to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) to the fullest extent
permitted by Nevada law, for a period of not less than six years following the
Effective Time; provided, that in the event any claim or claims are asserted or
made within such six-year period, all rights to indemnification in respect of
any such claim or claims shall continue until final disposition of any and all
such claims.
(b) The provisions of the Surviving Corporation Articles of
Incorporation and the Surviving Corporation Bylaws with respect to
indemnification and exculpation shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified for a period of six years after the Effective Time in any manner that
would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who at the Effective
Time are or were current or former directors or officers of the Company in
respect of actions or omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
(including, without limitation, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement), unless such modification is required by law.
(c) For six years after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall cause to be maintained the current policies of directors' and officers'
liability insurance maintained by the Company covering the current and former
directors and officers of the Company with respect to matters occurring prior to
the Effective Time (provided, that the Surviving Corporation may substitute
therefor policies of at least the same coverage containing terms and conditions
which are no less advantageous to the current and former directors and officers
of the Company than the policy in effect on the date hereof with respect to acts
or failures to act prior to the Effective Time (including dollar amount and
scope of coverage), to the extent such policies are available; provided, that in
no event shall the Surviving Corporation be required to expend, in order to
maintain or procure insurance coverage pursuant to this Section 4.6(c), any
amount per annum greater than 150% of the current annual premiums paid by the
Company for such insurance (which the Company represents and warrants to be not
more than $225,000). If for any reason during such period the Surviving
Corporation is unable to obtain such insurance for an annual premium of not more
than $337,500, it shall notify William L. Westerman, who will act as authorized
representative of all such directors and officers (the
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"Representative"). The Representative may require either that the Surviving
Corporation shall (i) pay $337,500 in annual premiums for such insurance, with
the insured directors and officers paying any excess, or (ii) deposit $337,500
per annum in an escrow account with an independent escrow agent as a fund to
cover counsel fees and other litigation expenses of, or judgments or settlements
paid by, such directors and officers for claims made against them during such
six-year period by reason of their having been directors and officers of the
Company or its subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time, which expenses are not
paid by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to its indemnification obligations to
such directors and officers.
(d) From and after the Effective Time, no Indemnified Party shall be
liable to Gaming, RAS or the Surviving Corporation (or anyone claiming rights
through any of them, including Allen E. Paulson) for breach of any of the
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement. It is the express understanding of the parties that the sole remedy
of Gaming and RAS under this Agreement (or anyone claiming rights under this
Agreement through Gaming or RAS) in the event of a breach or alleged breach by
the Company of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements, shall
be to refuse to consummate the Riviera Merger, subject, however, to Gaming's
rights under Article VI hereof.
(e) This Section 4.6 is intended to benefit the Indemnified Parties and
their respective heirs, executors and personal representatives, and shall be
binding on the successors and assigns of the Company and the Surviving
Corporation.
Section 4.7 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give
prompt notice to Gaming and RAS, and Gaming and RAS shall give prompt notice to
the Company, upon becoming aware of: (i) the occurrence or non-occurrence, of
any event the occurrence, or non-occurrence of which would cause any
representation or warranty contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
inaccurate, and (ii) any failure of the Company or Gaming and RAS, as the case
may be, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be
complied with or satisfied by it hereunder; provided, that the delivery of any
notice pursuant to this Section 4.7 shall not limit or otherwise affect the
remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such notice.
Section 4.8 Termination of Stock Plans. Except as may be otherwise
agreed to by Gaming and the Company, the Company Plan, the Directors' Plan, the
Company Stock Plan and the Compensation Committee Plan shall terminate as of the
Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, the Board (or, if appropriate, any
committee thereof) shall adopt such resolutions or take such other actions as
are required to: (i) effect the transactions contemplated by Section 1.10 hereof
and (ii) with respect to any stock option, stock appreciation or other stock
benefit plan of the
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Company or any of its subsidiaries not addressed by the preceding clause (i),
ensure that, following the Effective Time, no participant therein shall have any
right thereunder to acquire any capital stock of the Surviving Corporation or
any subsidiary thereof.
Section 4.9 No Solicitation. (a) The Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates will not, and the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates will
use their reasonable best efforts to ensure that their respective officers,
directors, employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other
agents do not, directly or indirectly: (i) initiate, solicit or encourage, or
take any action to facilitate the making of, any offer or proposal which
constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to any Alternative Transaction (as
defined below) with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or an
inquiry with respect thereto, or, (ii) in the event of an unsolicited
Alternative Transaction for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, engage in
negotiations or discussions with, or provide any information or data to any
person relating to any Alternative Transaction, subject to the Board's good
faith determination, after consulting with outside legal counsel to the Company,
that the failure to engage in such negotiations or discussions or provide such
information would likely result in a breach of the Board's fiduciary duties
under applicable law if such Alternative Transaction would provide the Company
Stockholders with a purchase price per Share that is higher (the amount of such
excess in the purchase price per Share is hereinafter referred to as the
"Spread") than the Merger Consideration to be received by the Company
Stockholders. The Company shall notify Gaming and RAS orally and in writing of
any such inquiries, offers or proposals (including, without limitation, the
terms and conditions thereof and the identity of the person making such), within
twenty four hours of the receipt thereof. The Company shall, and shall cause its
subsidiaries and affiliates, and their respective officers, directors,
employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other agents to,
immediately cease and cause to be terminated all existing discussions and
negotiations, if any, with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to any
Alternative Transaction relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing contained in this Section 4.9
shall prohibit the Company or the Board from communicating to the Company
Stockholders a position as required by Rules 14d-9 and 14a-2 promulgated under
the Exchange Act.
(b) As used in this Agreement, "Alternative Transaction" shall mean any
tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock or for the equivalent securities
of any of the Company's subsidiaries, any proposal for a merger, consolidation
or other business combination involving any such person, any proposal or offer
to acquire in any manner a ten percent or more equity interest in, or ten
percent or more of the business or assets of, such person, any proposal or offer
with respect to any recapitalization or restructuring with respect to such
person or any proposal or offer with respect to any other transaction similar to
any of the foregoing with respect to such person or any subsidiary of such
person; provided, however, that, as
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used in this Agreement, the term "Alternative Transaction" shall not apply to
any transaction of the type described in this subsection (b) involving Gaming,
RAS or their affiliates.
Section 4.10 Projected Results. In connection with the monthly
projections of the Company's consolidated statement of operations (the
"Projected Results") for the twelve months ending March 31, 1998, which have
been previously delivered to Gaming, the Company shall (i) deliver to Gaming, no
earlier than ten and no later than five business days prior to the Closing Date,
a certificate, in form satisfactory to Gaming, from the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer specifying the Company's actual
monthly Consolidated EBITDA (as defined herein) since April 1, 1997 on a
cumulative basis and (ii) provide Gaming, RAS and their representatives with all
information which may be reasonably requested by Gaming, RAS or their
representatives to allow them to verify and analyze the Consolidated EBITDA for
the period of March 31, 1997 through and including the earlier of (x) the Latest
Fiscal Month (as defined herein) and (y) March 31, 1998 (the "Projected
Period").
"Consolidated EBITDA" means, in each case for the Projected Period, the
Consolidated Net Income (as defined herein) of the Company adjusted, (x) to add
thereto (to the extent deducted from net revenues in determining Consolidated
Net Income), without duplication, the sum of the Company's (i) Consolidated
Fixed Charges (as defined herein), (ii) consolidated income tax expense and
(iii) consolidated depreciation and amortization expense and (y) to subtract
therefrom, to the extent included in the determination of Consolidated Net
Income, any interest earned on any asset set aside with respect to any defeased
obligation, provided that consolidated depreciation and amortization of a
subsidiary of the Company that is a less than wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company shall only be added to the extent of the pro rata equity interest of the
Company in such subsidiary.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, in each case for the Projected Period,
the net income (or loss) of the Company (determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP) adjusted to exclude (only to the extent included in
computing such net income (or loss), and without duplication): (a) all gains and
not losses which are either extraordinary (as determined in accordance with
GAAP) or are either unusual or nonrecurring (including any gain from the sale or
other disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business, including
the gain, if any, from the Company's warrants to purchase shares of common stock
of Elsinore Corporation, a Nevada corporation, provided, however, that the
exclusion relating to such warrants set forth in the preceding clause shall not
effect the calculation of executive incentive compensation, pursuant to
executive compensation agreements in effect on the date hereof, and provided,
further, that the amount of executive incentive compensation, as so calculated,
during the Projected Period shall be taken into account in the calculation of
Consolidated Net Income, or from the issuance or
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sale of any capital stock), (b) the net income of an entity (other than a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company) in which the Company or any of its consolidated
subsidiaries has an interest, except to the extent of the amount of any
dividends or distributions actually paid in cash to the Company or a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company during such period, but in any case not in
excess of the Company's or such wholly owned subsidiary's pro rata share of such
entity's net income for such period, (c) the net income, if positive, of any
consolidated subsidiary of the Company to the extent that the declaration or
payment of dividends or similar distributions is not at the time permitted by
operation of the terms of its charter or bylaws or any other agreement,
instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation
applicable to such subsidiary of the Company; provided, that, charges relating
to the following expenses shall not be included: (i) the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) the offering of $175,000,000 10% First
Mortgage Notes due 2004 (the "New Notes") (provided, however, that interest
accrued with respect to the New Notes during the Projected Period shall be taken
into account in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), and the defeasance
(the "Defeasance") as of June 1, 1998 for the price specified in the Note
Offering Circular of the 11% Notes and the costs (including premium, if any)
associated therewith; (iii) the transactions contemplated in the Black Hawk
Agreement; (iv) the proposed public offering of shares of Common Stock which was
terminated in April 1997; and (v) any costs related to the extinguishment of the
Company's obligation to Bank of America.
"Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, for the Projected Period, the
aggregate amount (without duplication and determined in each case in accordance
with GAAP) of interest expensed, paid, accrued, or scheduled to be paid or
accrued (including, in accordance with the following sentence, interest
attributable to capitalized lease obligations) of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries during such period, including (i) original issue
discount and non-cash interest payments or accruals on any Indebtedness (as
defined herein), (ii) the interest portion of all deferred payment obligations,
and (iii) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with
respect to bankers' acceptances and letters of credit financings and currency
and Interest Swap and Hedging Obligations (as defined below), in each case to
the extent attributable to such period. For purposes of this definition, (x)
interest on a capitalized lease obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an
interest rate reasonably determined in good faith by the Company to be the rate
of interest implicit in such capitalized lease obligation in accordance with
GAAP and (y) interest expense attributable to any Indebtedness (as defined
herein) represented by the guaranty by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of
an obligation of another person shall be deemed to be the interest expense
attributable to the Indebtedness guaranteed.
"Interest Swap and Hedging Obligation" means any obligation of the
Company or its subsidiaries pursuant to any interest rate swap agreement,
interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate
exchange agreement,
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currency exchange agreement or any other agreement or arrangement designed to
protect against fluctuations in interest rates or currency values, including,
without limitation, any arrangement whereby, directly or indirectly, the Company
or its subsidiaries are entitled to receive from time to time periodic payments
calculated by applying either a fixed or floating rate of interest on a stated
notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by the Company or its
subsidiaries calculated by applying a fixed or floating rate of interest on the
same notional amount.
"Indebtedness" of any person means, without duplication, (a) all
liabilities and obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such any person, (i) in
respect of borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the
whole of the assets of such person or only to a portion thereof), (ii) evidenced
by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, (iii) representing the
balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services,
except (other than accounts payable or other obligations to trade creditors
which have remained unpaid for greater than 60 days past their original due
date) those incurred in the ordinary course of its business that would
constitute ordinarily a trade payable to trade creditors, (iv) evidenced by
bankers' acceptances or similar instruments issued or accepted by banks, (v)
relating to any capitalized lease obligation, or (vi) evidenced by a letter of
credit or a reimbursement obligation of such person with respect to any letter
of credit; (b) all net obligations of such person under Interest Swap and
Hedging Obligations; (c) all liabilities and obligations of others of the kind
described in the preceding clause (a) or (b) that such person has guaranteed or
that is otherwise its legal liability or which are secured by any assets or
property of such person and all obligations to purchase, redeem or acquire any
equity interests; (d) all equity interest of such person that, by its terms or
the terms of any security into which it is convertible, exercisable or
exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of an event or the passage of time would
be, required to be redeemed or repurchased (including at the option of the
holder thereof), measured at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum
fixed repurchase price or, if there is no fixed purchase price, at fair market
value to be determined in good faith by the board of directors of the issuer (or
managing general partner of the issuer) of such equity interest plus accrued and
unpaid dividends; and (e) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions,
refinancing and refunding (whether direct or indirect) of, or amendments,
modifications or supplements to, any liability of the kind described in any of
the preceding clauses (a), (b) (c) or (d), or this clause (e), whether or not
between or among the same parties.
"Latest Fiscal Month" means the month immediately preceding the Closing
Date unless the Closing Date occurs prior to twenty-one days after a month's
end, in which event, it shall mean the second preceding month.
As used in this Agreement "GAAP" means United States generally accepted
accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the
Accounting
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Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment
of the accounting profession in the United States as in effect on the date
hereof.
If there is a dispute as to the Company's Projected Results or the
Company's actual Consolidated EBITDA, such dispute will be resolved by a "Big
Six" accounting firm mutually selected by the Company and Gaming (the "Outside
CPA"). The Company and Gaming will each pay 50% of the fees of the Outside CPA
whose decision will be reached on an expedited basis and will be final and
binding upon the parties hereto.
Section 4.11 Compliance with Gaming Laws. None of Gaming, RAS
or their officers, directors or stockholders will attempt to influence, direct
or cause the direction of the management or policies of the Company or ROC
pending receipt of all required approvals of the Gaming Authorities, pursuant to
the Gaming Laws, for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Riviera Option Agreement.
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Section 5.1 Conditions to each Party's Obligation to Effect the Riviera
Merger. The respective obligation of each party to effect the Riviera Merger is
subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Effective Time of the
following conditions:
(a) Any waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Riviera
Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated, and no action
shall have been instituted by the Department of Justice or Federal Trade
Commission challenging or seeking to enjoin the consummation of this
transaction, which action shall have not been withdrawn or terminated.
(b) At the Stockholders' Meeting, this Agreement shall have been
approved and adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty
percent of all Shares, excluding the Paulson Shares.
(c) There shall not have been any statute, rule, regulation, judgment,
order or injunction promulgated, entered, enforced, enacted or issued applicable
to the Riviera Merger by any governmental entity which, directly or indirectly,
(i) prohibits the consummation of the Riviera Merger or the transactions
contemplated by the Riviera Option Agreement, (ii) prohibits or materially
limits the ownership
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or operation by the Company, or any of its respective subsidiaries of a material
portion of the business or assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, or seeks to compel the Company or Gaming or RAS to dispose of or hold
separate any material portion of the business or assets of the Company or Gaming
or RAS and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as a result of the Riviera Merger
or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iii)
prohibits Gaming or RAS from effectively controlling in any material respect the
business or operations of the Company, taken as a whole; provided, that the
parties hereto shall have used their reasonable best efforts to cause any such
statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order or injunction to be repealed, vacated
or lifted.
(d) At or prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall have
irrevocably deposited the funds for the Defeasance as specified in the Note
Offering.
(e) Other than the filing of the articles of merger in accordance with
the Nevada Merger Law, all licenses, permits, registrations, authorizations,
consents, waivers, orders or other approvals required to be obtained, and all
filings, notices or declarations required to be made by Gaming, RAS, Mr. Allen
E. Paulson, the Company and any of its subsidiaries in order to consummate the
Riviera Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and in order
to permit the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct their respective business
in the jurisdictions regulated by the Gaming Authorities after the Effective
Time in the same manner as conducted by the Company or its subsidiaries prior to
the Effective Time shall have been obtained or made.
Section 5.2 Conditions to Obligations of Gaming and RAS to Effect the
Riviera Merger. The obligations of Gaming and RAS to effect the Riviera Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the
following additional conditions:
(a) The Company shall have performed in all material respects all of
its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior
to the Effective Time and the representations and warranties of the Company
contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects
as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time as if made
at and as of such time, except (i) for changes specifically permitted by this
Agreement and (ii) that those representations and warranties which address
matters only as of a particular date shall remain true and correct as of such
date.
(b) The actual Consolidated EBITDA reflected in the consolidated
statement of operations of the Company for the Projected Period shall not have
declined by 7.5% or more when compared to the Projected Results for the
Projected Period.
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(c) The Option Sellers shall have entered into the Riviera Option
Agreement concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, and the Riviera
Option Agreement shall be in full force and effect and the Option Sellers shall
have complied in all respects with the terms thereof;
(d) Mr. Allen E. Paulson shall not have become deceased or Disabled (as
defined herein). As used herein, "Disabled" means Mr. Allen E. Paulson's
incapacity due to physical or mental illness, injury or disease, which
incapacity renders him unable to perform the requisite duties of the chief
executive officer of Gaming for a consecutive period of 90 days or more. Any
question as to the existence, extent or potentiality of Mr. Allen E. Paulson's
disability upon which Gaming and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by
a qualified, independent physician selected by the Company approved by Gaming
and the disputing Option Sellers (each of whose approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed). The determination of such physician shall be
final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
(e) Gaming shall have received such documents as Gaming or RAS may
reasonably request for the purpose of (i) evidencing the accuracy at any time on
or prior to the Closing Date of any of the Company's representations and
warranties, (ii) evidencing the performance by the Company of, or the compliance
by the Company with, any covenant or obligation required to be performed or
complied with by the Company, (iii) evidencing the satisfaction of any condition
referred to in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof or (iv) otherwise facilitating the
consummation or performance of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.3 Conditions to Obligations of the Company to Effect the
Riviera Merger. The obligations of the Company to effect the Riviera Merger
shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the
following additional conditions:
(a) Each of Gaming and RAS shall have performed in all material
respects all of its obligations under this Agreement required to be performed by
it at or prior to the Effective Time and the representations and warranties of
Gaming and RAS contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
respects as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Effective Time as
if made at and as of such time, except (i) for changes specifically permitted by
this Agreement, and (ii) that those representations and warranties made only as
of a particular date shall remain true and correct as of such particular date.
(b) At the Closing Date, Gaming shall have in cash or immediately
available funds, an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of
Merger Consideration to be paid hereunder and (ii) the aggregate amount to be
paid at the Effective Time pursuant to Section 1.10 hereof.
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(c) The Company shall have received such documents as the Company may
reasonably request for the purpose of (i) evidencing the accuracy of any of
Gaming's and RAS' representations and warranties, (ii) evidencing the
performance by Gaming and RAS of, or the compliance by Gaming and RAS with, any
covenant or obligation required to be performed or complied with by Gaming and
RAS, (iv) evidencing the satisfaction of any condition referred to in Sections
5.1 and 5.3 hereof, or (v) otherwise facilitating the consummation or
performance of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION; AMENDMENT; WAIVER
Section 6.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the
Riviera Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time,
notwithstanding approval thereof by the Company Stockholders:
(a) by mutual written consent of Gaming and RAS, on the one hand, and
the Company, on the other hand;
(b) by Gaming and RAS, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other
hand, if any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Riviera Merger and such order, decree,
ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable; provided, that
Gaming and the Company shall have used their reasonable best efforts to have
such injunction lifted;
(c) by Gaming and RAS, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other
hand, at any time after April 1, 1998, (the "Termination Date") if the Riviera
Merger shall not have occurred by such date; provided, that if the Riviera
Merger has not occurred solely by virtue of the fact that the required approvals
of one or more of the Gaming Authorities have not been obtained and the Gaming
Authorities have informed Mr. Allen E. Paulson, Gaming or the Company that a
review of the applications for such approvals is scheduled by the appropriate
Gaming Authorities for a later date, then the Termination Date shall be extended
until such approvals have been granted or denied, except that under no
circumstances shall such extension continue after June 1, 1998; and, provided,
further, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this subparagraph (c)
shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation
under this Agreement has been the principal cause of the failure of the Riviera
Merger to have occurred by such date;
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(d) by Gaming and RAS if (i) there shall have been a breach of any
representation or warranty of the Company contained herein which would have a
Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent the consummation of the Riviera
Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby, which shall not have been cured
on or prior to ten business days following notice from Gaming of such breach,
(ii) there shall have been a breach of any covenant or agreement of the Company
contained herein which would have a Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent
the consummation of the Riviera Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby,
which shall not have been cured on or prior to ten business days following
notice of such breach, (iii) the Board shall have withdrawn or modified, in a
manner materially adverse to Gaming, its approval or recommendation of this
Agreement, the Riviera Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby or shall
have recommended, or the Company shall have entered into an agreement providing
for, an Alternative Transaction, or the Board shall have resolved to do any of
the foregoing, (iv) the Stockholders Meeting shall have been held and the vote
described in Section 5.1(b) shall not have been obtained or (v) Mr. Allen E.
Paulson shall have become deceased or Disabled; or
(e) by the Company if (i) there shall have been a breach of any
representation or warranty of Gaming or RAS contained herein which would have a
Gaming Material Adverse Effect or prevent the consummation of the Riviera Merger
or the transactions contemplated hereby, which shall not have been cured on or
prior to ten business days following notice from the Company of such breach,
(ii) there shall have been a breach of any covenant or agreement of Gaming or
RAS contained herein which would have a Gaming Material Adverse Effect or
prevent the consummation of the Riviera Merger or the transactions contemplated
hereby, which shall not have been cured on or prior to ten business days
following notice of such breach, (iii) the Board determines, in good faith,
after consulting with outside legal counsel to the Company, that it is required,
in the exercise of its fiduciary duties under applicable law, to enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Transaction or (iv) the
Stockholders Meeting shall have been held and the vote described in Section
5.1(b) shall not have been obtained.
(f) by the Company if the Closing has not occurred within 30 days after
receipt of required approvals of the Gaming Authorities; provided, however, that
all of the conditions to Gaming's obligation to effect the Riviera Merger
contained in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof shall have been satisfied or waived by
Gaming.
Section 6.2 Effect of Termination; Termination Fee. (a) In the event of
the termination and abandonment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability
on the part of any party hereto, other than pursuant to the provisions set forth
in Section 6.2(b) and Section 6.3 hereof.
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(b) In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections
6.1(d)(iii) or 6.1(e)(iii) hereof, the Company shall pay to Gaming immediately
upon the closing of an Alternative Transaction an aggregate amount equal to
three percent of the consideration for the equity of the Company which is
received by the Company or its stockholders in the Alternative Transaction
valued at the higher of the value of the consideration on the date of (i) the
execution of the definitive agreement with respect to an Alternative Transaction
and (ii) the closing of the Alternative Transaction (the "Termination Fee").
(c) The ability of Gaming and RAS to terminate their obligations
without triggering the right of the Company Stockholders to receive the Escrow
Consideration under Section 6.1(c) is predicated upon the accuracy of the
following representation and performance by Mr. Allen E. Paulson of the
following agreement: (A) Mr. Allen E. Paulson has represented that prior to the
execution of this Agreement, he has discussed in detail with his Nevada counsel
his background and knows of no reason why he should not be able to obtain all
necessary Gaming Authorities approvals prior to April 1, 1998; and (B) Mr. Allen
E. Paulson has agreed that he will pursue vigorously and will give complete and
prompt attention to requests of Gaming Authorities for information and will do
nothing which might delay receipt of all necessary Gaming Authorities approvals.
Section 6.3 Fees and Expenses. Except as set forth herein, each party
shall bear its own expenses and costs, including brokers' fees, in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. In the event this
Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 6.1(d)(i), 6.1(d)(ii), 6.1(d)(iii)
or 6.1(e)(iii) hereof, and as a condition to such termination, the Company
shall, immediately upon (i) the execution of a definitive agreement with respect
to an Alternative Transaction or (ii) the approval or recommendation by the
Board, directly or indirectly, of such an Alternative Transaction, reimburse
Gaming, RAS and Mr. Allen E. Paulson the documented out-of-pocket expenses (the
"Expenses") of Gaming, RAS and Mr. Allen E. Paulson, incurred from April 15,
1997, in connection with (i) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
(ii) the Letter of Intent, dated May 15, 1997, by and between Mr. Allen E.
Paulson and the Company; such reimbursement and the Termination Fee being the
sole remedy upon such termination.
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ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1 Survival. Subject to the following sentence, the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, shall
not survive beyond the Effective Time. The covenants and agreements contained
herein which by their terms contemplate performance after the Effective Time
(including by the Surviving Corporation after the Riviera Merger) shall survive
the Effective Time. In addition, Sections 6.2 and 6.3 hereof shall survive
termination of this Agreement.
Section 7.2 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement (including the
Schedules and Exhibits hereto) (i) shall constitute the entire agreement among
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all
other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and (ii) shall not be assigned
by operation of law or otherwise and any purported assignment shall be null and
void, except that Gaming and RAS may assign this Agreement to any of their
affiliates without the prior written consent of the Company; provided, that (i)
no such assignment shall relieve Gaming and RAS of their obligations hereunder
if such assignee does not perform such obligations, and (ii) such assignment
will not result in any delay in (a) the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby by more than one month as determined by the Company's
counsel or (b) the ability to satisfy the condition contained in Section 5.1(e)
hereof by more than one month as determined by the Company's counsel; and,
provided further that, such delay shall not extend beyond the Termination Date
as extended under Section 6.1(c) hereof.
Section 7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by action taken by
the Company, Gaming and RAS at any time before or after adoption of the Riviera
Merger by the Company Stockholders but, after any such approval, no amendment
shall be made which decreases the Merger Consideration or changes the form
thereof or which adversely affects the rights of the Company Stockholders
hereunder without the approval of the Company Stockholders. This Agreement may
not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of
the parties hereto.
Section 7.4 Extension or Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective
Time, the Company, on the one hand, and Gaming, on the other hand, may (i)
extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of
the other party, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and
warranties of the other party contained herein or in any document, certificate
or writing delivered pursuant hereto, or (iii), subject to applicable law, waive
compliance by the other party with any of the agreements or conditions contained
herein. Any agreement on the part of any party hereto to any such extension or
waiver shall be valid only if set
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forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of
any party hereto to assert any of its rights hereunder shall not constitute a
waiver of such rights.
Section 7.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight
courier with receipt requested, by facsimile transmission (with receipt
confirmed by telephone) or two business days after being sent by registered or
certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), to the other party
as follows:
if to Gaming:
P.O. Box 9660
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Fax: (619) 756-3194
Attention: Mr. Allen E. Paulson
with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
300 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90071
Fax (213) 687-5600
Attention: Brian J. McCarthy, Esq.
if to the Company:
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Fax: (702) 794-9277
Attention: Mr. William L. Westerman
with a copy to:
Dechert Price & Rhoads
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112
Fax: (212) 698-3599
Attention: Fredric Klink, Esq.
or to such other address as the party to whom notice is given may have
previously furnished to the other party in writing in the manner set forth
above.
Section 7.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to
the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each of the parties
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hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to jurisdiction
of the courts of the State of Nevada and of the United States of America located
in the State of Nevada for any litigation arising out of or relating to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 7.7 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and shall inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and its successors
and permitted assigns, and, except as set forth in Section 4.6, nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other
person any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by
reason of this Agreement; provided, that, in addition to Gaming and RAS, the
Option Sellers are intended beneficiaries of the representation and warranty
contained in Section 2.4 hereof.
Section 7.8 Subsequent Actions. If, at any time after the Effective
Time, the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds,
bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are
necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the
Surviving Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the
rights, properties or assets of the Company or RAS acquired or to be acquired by
the Surviving Corporation as a result of or in connection with the Riviera
Merger, or otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors of
the Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the
name and on behalf of the Company or RAS, all such deeds, bills of sale,
assignments, assumption agreements and assurances, and to take and do, in the
name and on behalf of each of such corporations or otherwise, all such other
actions and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm
any and all right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties
or assets of the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.
Section 7.9 Remedies. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage
would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to
specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law
or in equity.
Section 7.10 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
deemed severable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall
not affect the validity and enforceability of the other provisions hereof. If
any provision of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or
entity or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (a) a suitable and
equitable provision shall be substituted therefor in order to carry out, so far
as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of such invalid and
unenforceable provision and (b) the
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remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other
persons, entities or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or
unenforceability.
Section 7.11 Descriptive Headings. The descriptive headings herein are
inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be part of or
to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 7.12 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term:
(a) "affiliate" of a person means a person that directly or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the first mentioned person;
(b) "control" (including the terms "controlled by" and "under common
control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or
executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
policies of a person, whether through the ownership of stock, as trustee or
executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise;
(c) "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership,
association, trust, unincorporated organization, other entity or group (as
defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); and
(d) "subsidiary" or "subsidiaries" of any person means any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other legal entity of which such person (either
alone or through or together with any other subsidiary), owns, directly or
indirectly, fifty percent or more of the stock or other equity interests, the
holder of which is generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of
directors or other governing body of such corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other legal entity.
Section 7.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of
which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
R&E GAMING CORP.
By: /s/
-----------------------------------
Name: Allen E. Paulson
Title: President
RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
By: /s/
-----------------------------------
Name: Allen E. Paulson
Title: President
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By: /s/
-----------------------------------
Name: William L. Westerman
Title: President
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
---------
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
Pursuant to ss. 78.385 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the "NRS"), the
undersigned, being at least two-thirds of the Board of Directors of Riviera
Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Corporation"), do hereby
declare and state as follows:
1. That the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation were duly
filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 1, 1997.
2. That this amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation was approved by unamious written consent of the
holders of capital stock of the Corporation.
3. That the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation are hereby
amended in their entirety, as follows:
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
ARTICLE 1
NAME
The name of the Corporation is Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
INITIAL RESIDENT AGENT AND REGISTERED OFFICE
The name of the initial resident agent of the Corporation, is The
Corporation Trust Company of Nevada, resident of the State of Nevada whose
business address is One East First Street, Reno, Nevada 89501.
ARTICLE 3
CAPITAL STOCK
Section 3.1. Authorized Shares. The aggregate number of shares of
capital stock that the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 1,000
shares of common stock with a par value of $.001 per share (the "Common Stock").
Section 3.2. Assessment of Shares. The capital stock of the
Corporation, after the amount of the subscription price has been paid, shall not
be subject to pay the debts of the Corporation, and no capital stock issued as
fully paid up shall ever be assessable or assessed.
Section 3.3. Denial of Preemptive Rights. No stockholder of the
Corporation shall have any preemptive or other right, by reason of his status as
a stockholder, to acquire any unissued shares, treasury shares, or securities
convertible into shares of the capital stock of the Corporation. This denial of
preemptive rights shall, and is intended to, negate any rights which would
otherwise be given to stockholders pursuant to NRS ss.ss. 78.265, 78.267 or any
successor statute.
ARTICLE 4
DIRECTORS
Section 4.1. Style of Governing Board. The members of the governing
board of the Corporation shall be styled Directors.
Section 4.2. Initial Board of Directors. The initial Board of
Directors shall consist of one member.
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Section 4.3. Names and Addresses. The name and address of the person
who is to serve as Director until the first annual meeting of the stockholders,
or until his successor shall have been elected and qualified, is as follows:
Name Address
Allen E. Paulson c/o Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP
300 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Attention: Brian J. McCarthy
Section 4.4. Increase or Decrease of Directors. The number of
Directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time as
shall be provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 5
LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 5.1 Limitation of Personal Liability. No director or officer
of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its
stockholders for damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer;
provided, however, that the foregoing provision does not eliminate or limit the
liability of a director or officer of the Corporation for:
(a) Acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a
knowing violation of law; or
(b) The payment of distributions in violation of NRS ss. 78.300.
Section 5.2 Payment of Expenses. In addition to any other rights of
indemnification permitted by the law of the State of Nevada as may be provided
for by the Corporation in its bylaws or by agreement, the reasonable expenses of
officers and directors incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or
proceeding, involving alleged acts or omissions of such officer or director in
his or her capacity as an officer or director of the Corporation, must be paid,
by the Corporation or through insurance purchased and maintained by the
Corporation or through other financial arrangements made by the Corporation, as
they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or
proceeding, upon receipt
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of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount
if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or
she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation.
Section 5.3 Repeal And Conflicts. Any repeal or modification of this
Section 5 approved by the stockholders of the Corporation shall be prospective
only. In the event of any conflict between this Article 5 and any other Article
of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the terms and provisions of this
Article 5 shall control.
ARTICLE 6
COMPLIANCE WITH GAMING CONTROL ACT
All of the directors of the corporation shall be subject to, and the
composition of the Board of Directors shall be in compliance with, the
requirements and qualifications imposed by the Nevada Gaming Control Act NRS ss.
463.010 et seq., as amended from time to time), or any successor provision of
Nevada law, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and the rules and
regulations of any governmental agency responsible for the licensing and
regulation of gaming operations, including without limitation, the Nevada State
Gaming Control Board, the Nevada State Gaming commission and the Clark County
Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board.
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
The corporation shall not be governed by the provisions of Nevada
Revised Statutes Sections 78.378 to 78.3793, inclusive, or Sections 78.411 to
78.444, inclusive.
The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal
any provision contained in these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation,
in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred
upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
4
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed these Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation as of September , 1997.
-------------------------
Allen E. Paulson
President, Secretary and Treasurer
5
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[INSERT JURAT]
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
BYLAWS
OF
RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC.
ARTICLE I
IDENTIFICATION
Section 1.1 Name. The name of the corporation is Riviera Acquisition
Sub, Inc.
Section 1.2 Registered Office and Resident Agent. The address of the
registered office of the corporation is One East First Street, Reno Nevada
89501; and the name of the resident agent at this address is The Corporation
Trust Company of Nevada.
Section 1.3 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall
begin on the 1st day of January in each year and end on the 31st day of December
next following.
ARTICLE II
STOCK
Section 2.1 Issuance of Shares. Shares of stock may be issued for
labor, services, personal property, real estate or leases thereof or for money
from time to time by the Board of Directors. Treasury shares may be disposed of
by the corporation for such consideration as aforesaid from time to time by the
Board of Directors.
Section 2.2 Payment of Shares. The consideration for the issuance of
shares may be paid, in whole or in part, in money, in other property, as
aforesaid, or in labor or services actually performed for the corporation. When
payment of the consideration for which shares are to be issued shall have been
received by the corporation such shares shall be deemed to be fully paid and
non-assessable. Future services shall not constitute payment or part payment for
shares of the corporation. In the absence of fraud in the transaction, the
judgment of the Board of Directors as to the value of the consideration received
for shares shall be conclusive. No certificate shall be issued for any share
until the share is fully paid.
<PAGE>
Section 2.3 Certificates Representing Shares. Each holder of the
shares of stock of the corporation shall be entitled to a certificate signed by
the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
the corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the
corporation.
Section 2.4 Transfer of Stock. The corporation shall register a
transfer of a stock certificate presented to it for transfer if;
(a) Endorsement. The certificate is properly endorsed by the
registered holder or by his duly authorized attorney;
(b) Witnessing. The endorsement or endorsements are witnessed by one
witness unless this requirement is waived by the Secretary of the corporation;
(c) Adverse Claims. The corporation has no notice of any adverse
claims or has discharged any duty to inquire into any such claims;
(d) Collection of Taxes. There has been compliance with any applicable
law relating to the collection of taxes.
ARTICLE III
THE STOCKHOLDERS
Section 3.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the
corporation may be held at its registered office in the State of Nevada or at
any other place within or without the State of Nevada as may be designated in
the notice thereof.
Section 3.2 Annual Meetings. Unless the stockholders shall have
executed and delivered a written consent electing at least one-fourth of the
directors annually, the annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held each
year at the principal office of the corporation at the hour of 10:00 o'clock
A.M. on the anniversary date of the incorporation of this corporation, if this
day shall fall on a normal business day, and if not, then on the first following
normal business day. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time
shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the corporation.
2
<PAGE>
Section 3.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may
be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or by the Secretary at the
written request (stating the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is
called) of the holders of not less than one-tenth of all the shares entitled to
vote at the meeting.
Section 3.4 Notice of Meetings; Waiver. Written notice stating the
place, day, and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less
than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting,
either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the President, the
Secretary, or the officer or persons calling the meeting, to each registered
holder entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed
to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the
registered holder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books of
the corporation, with postage on it prepaid. Waiver by a stockholder in writing
of notice of a stockholders' meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the
meeting, whether executed and/or delivered before or after such meeting.
Section 3.5 Quorum. A majority of the shares entitled to vote,
represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the
stockholders. The stockholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue
to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
stockholders to leave less than a quorum. The act of a majority of the shares
entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of
the stockholders, unless a greater number is required by applicable law.
Section 3.6 Proxies. A stockholder may vote either in person or by
proxy executed in writing by the stockholder or by his duly authorized
attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid after six months from the date of its
creation, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Section 3.7 Action Without A Meeting. Any action that may be taken at
a meeting of the stockholders, or of a committee, may be taken without a meeting
if a consent in writing, setting forth the actions taken, shall be signed by the
stockholders, or the members of the committee, holding at least a majority of
the voting power, unless a greater proportion of voting power is required for
such an action at a meeting, as the case may be.
3
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4.1 Number and Qualifications. The business and affairs of the
corporation shall be managed by a Board of one or more Directors. The number of
directors may be increased or decreased from time to time and at any time by the
stockholders, or Board of Directors.
Section 4.2 Election. Members of the initial Board of Directors shall
hold office until the first annual meeting of stockholders and until their
successors shall have been elected and qualified. At the first annual meeting of
stockholders and at each annual meeting thereafter, the stockholders shall elect
directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting. Each director
shall hold office for the term for which he is elected and until his successor
shall be elected and qualified. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
any director may be removed from office at any time by the vote or written
consent of stockholders representing not less than two-thirds of the issued and
outstanding stock entitled to vote.
Section 4.3 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors
may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the remaining
directors, though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, and by the
affirmative vote of the majority of the stockholders entitled to vote for the
election of directors. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for
the unexpired term of his predecessor in office, subject to removal as
aforesaid.
Section 4.4 Place of Meeting. The Board of Directors, annual, regular
or special, may be held either within or without the State of Nevada.
Section 4.5 Annual Meetings. Immediately after the annual meeting of
the stockholders, the Board of Directors may meet each year for the purpose of
organization, election of officers, and consideration of any other business that
may properly be brought before the meeting. No notice of any kind to either old
or new members of the Board of Directors for this annual meeting shall be
necessary.
Section 4.6 Other Meetings. Other meetings of the Board of Directors
may he held upon notice by letter, telegram, facsimile, cable, or radiogram,
delivered for transmission not later than during the third day immediately
preceding the day for the meeting, or by telephone, or radiophone received not
later than
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<PAGE>
during the second day preceding the day for the meeting, upon the call of the
President or Secretary of the corporation at any place within or without the
State of Nevada. Notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors may be waived
in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to the notice, whether
before or after the time of the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted
at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified
in the notice or waiver of notice of the meeting.
Section 4.7 Quorum. A majority of the number of directors holding
office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of the
majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum has been
achieved shall be the act of the Board of Directors unless the act of a greater
number is required by applicable law.
Section 4.8 Action Without A Meeting. Any action that may be taken at
a meeting of the directors, or of a committee, may be taken without a meeting if
a consent in writing, setting forth the actions taken, shall be signed by all of
the directors, or all of the members of the committee, as the case may be.
ARTICLE V
THE OFFICERS
Section 5.1 Officers. The officers of the corporation shall consist of
a President, Secretary and Treasurer, and may also include a Chairman of the
Board, one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers,
or such other officers or assistant officers or agents as may be provided
herein, or otherwise deemed necessary, from time to time by the Board of
Directors. Officers need not be directors of the corporation. Each officer so
elected shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified, but
shall be subject to removal at any time by the vote or written consent of a
majority of the directors. No person shall be prohibited from concurrently
holding more than one office or from being the sole officer of the corporation.
Section 5.2 Vacancies. Whenever any vacancies shall occur in any
office by death, resignation, increase in the number of offices of the
corporation, or otherwise; the same shall be filled by the Board of Directors,
and the officer so elected shall hold office until his successor is elected and
qualified, subject to removal as aforesaid.
5
<PAGE>
Section 5.3 The Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of
the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the directors, discharge
all duties incumbent upon the presiding officer, and perform such other duties
as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
Section 5.4 The President. The President shall have active executive
management of the operations of the corporation, subject, however, to the
control of the Board of Directors. He shall preside at all meetings of
stockholders, discharge all the duties incumbent upon a presiding officer, and
perform such other duties as these Bylaws provide or the Board of Directors may
prescribe. The President shall have full authority to execute powers in behalf
of the corporation, to vote stock owned by it in any other corporation, and to
execute powers of attorney appointing other corporations, partnerships, or
individuals the agent of the corporation.
Section 5.5 The Vice President. The Vice President shall perform all
duties incumbent upon the President during the absence or disability of the
President, and shall perform such other duties as these Bylaws provide or the
Board of Directors may prescribe.
Section 5.6 The Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of
the stockholders and of the Board of Directors, and shall keep a true and
complete record of the proceedings of these meetings. He shall be custodian of
the records of the corporation. He shall attend to the giving of all notices and
shall perform such other duties as these Bylaws may provide or the Board of
Directors may prescribe.
Section 5.7 The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep correct and
complete records of account, showing accurately at all times the financial
condition of the corporation. He shall be the legal custodian of all moneys,
notes, securities, and other valuables that may from time to time come into the
possession of the corporation. He shall immediately deposit all funds of the
corporation coming into his hands in some reliable bank or other depositary to
be designated by the Board of Directors, and shall keep this bank account in the
name of the corporation. He shall furnish at meetings of the Board of Directors,
or whenever requested, a statement of the financial condition of the
corporation, and shall perform such other duties as these Bylaws may provide or
the Board of Directors may prescribe. The Treasurer may be required to furnish
bond in such amount as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
6
<PAGE>
Section 5.8 Transfer of Authority. In case of the absence of any
officer of the corporation, or for any other reason that the Board of Directors
may deem sufficient, the Board of Directors may transfer the powers or duties of
that officer to any other officer or to any director or employee of the
corporation, provided a majority of the full Board of Directors concurs.
ARTICLE VI
NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS, DEEDS, AND CONTRACTS
Section 6.1 Negotiable Instruments, Deeds, and Contracts. All checks,
drafts, notes bonds, bills of exchange, and orders for the payment of money of
the corporation; all deeds, mortgages, and other written contracts and
agreements to which the corporation shall be a party; and all assignments or
endorsements of stock certificates, registered bonds, or other securities owed
by the corporation shall, unless otherwise required by law, or otherwise
authorized by the Board of Directors as hereinafter set forth, be signed by the
President or by anyone of the following officers: Vice President, Secretary, or
Treasurer. The Board of Directors may designate one or more persons, officers or
employees of the corporation, who may, in the name of the corporation and in
lieu of, or in addition to, those persons hereinabove named, sign such
instruments; and may authorize the use of facsimile signatures of any of such
persons. Any shares of stock issued by any other corporation and owned or
controlled by the corporation may be voted at any stockholders' meeting of the
other corporation by the President of the corporation, if he be present; or, in
his absence, by the Secretary of the corporation and, in the event both the
President and Secretary shall be absent, then by such person as the President of
the corporation shall, by duly executed proxy, designate to represent the
corporation at such stockholders meeting.
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ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 7.1 Indemnification of Directors and Officers. (i) For
purposes of this Article, (A) "Indemnitee" shall mean each director or officer
of the corporation who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party
to, or is otherwise involved in, any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined), by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the
corporation or is or was serving in any capacity at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent, partner, or fiduciary of,
or in any other capacity for, another corporation or any partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise; and (B) "Proceeding" shall mean any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit (including without limitation an
action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the corporation), whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.
(ii) Each Indemnitee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
corporation for all actions taken by him or her and for all omissions
(regardless of the date of any such action or omission), to the fullest extent
permitted by Nevada law, against all expense, liability and loss (including
without limitation attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, taxes, penalties, and
amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by the
Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding. The indemnification provided for
herein shall include, but not be limited to, the right to reimbursement from the
corporation for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in
connection with the Proceeding. The corporation shall promptly reimburse such
costs and expenses upon submission by the indemnitee of invoices or other
evidence of such costs and expenses, in form satisfactory to the corporation.
(iii) Indemnification pursuant to this Section shall continue as to an
Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the
benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators.
Section 7.2 Indemnification of Employees and Other Persons. The
corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors and to the extent provided
in such action, indemnify employees, agents and other persons as though they
were Indemnitees.
Section 7.3 Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The rights to indemnification
provided in this Article shall not be exclusive of any other rights that any
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the
corporation's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, agreement, vote of
stockholders or directors, or otherwise.
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Section 7.4 Insurance. The corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any person who is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise for any liability asserted against him or her and liability and
expenses incurred by him or her in his or her capacity as a director, officer,
employee or agent, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not
the corporation has the authority to indemnify him or her against such liability
and expenses.
Section 7.5 Other Financial Arrangements. The other financial
arrangements which may be made by the corporation may include the following: (i)
the creation of a trust fund; (ii) the establishment of a program of
self-insurance; (iii) the securing of its obligation of indemnification by
granting a security interest or other lien on any assets (including cash) of the
corporation; (iv) the establishment of a letter of credit, guarantee or surety.
No financial arrangement made pursuant to this subsection may provide protection
for a person adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of
all appeals therefrom, to be liable for intentional misconduct, fraud, or a
knowing violation of law, except with respect to advancement of expenses or
indemnification ordered by a court. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or
criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of
the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the
Board of Directors in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount unless
it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the
corporation as authorized in this section.
Section 7.6 Other Matters Relating to Insurance or Financial
Arrangements. Any insurance or other financial arrangement made on behalf of a
person pursuant to this Section may be provided by the corporation or any other
person approved by the Board of Directors, even if all or part of the other
person's stock or other securities is owned by the corporation. In the absence
of fraud:
(i) the decision of the Board of Directors as to the propriety of the
terms and conditions of any insurance or other financial arrangement made
pursuant to this section and the choice of the person to provide the insurance
or other financial arrangement is conclusive; and
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(ii) the insurance or other financial arrangement:
(A) is not void or voidable; and
(B) does not subject any director approving it to personal
liability for his action,
even if a director approving the insurance or other financial arrangement is a
beneficiary of even the insurance or other financial arrangement.
Section 7.7 Amendment. The provisions of this Article relating to
indemnification shall constitute a contract between the corporation and each of
its directors and officers which may be modified as to any director or officer
only with that person's consent or as specifically provided in this Section.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws relating to their amendment
generally, any repeal or amendment of this Article which is adverse to any
director or officer shall apply to such director or officer only on a
prospective basis and shall not limit the rights of an Indemnitee to
indemnification with respect to any action or failure to act occurring prior to
the time of such repeal or amendment. Notwithstanding any other provision of
these Bylaws, no repeal or amendment of these Bylaws shall affect any or all of
this Article so as to limit or reduce the indemnification in any manner unless
adopted by (a) the vote of a majority of the directors of the corporation then
serving, or (b) by the stockholders as set forth in Article VII hereof; provided
that no such amendment shall have retroactive effect inconsistent with the
preceding sentence.
Section 7.8 Changes in Nevada Law. References in this Article to
Nevada law or to any provision thereof shall be to such law as it existed on the
date this Article was adopted or as such law thereafter may be changed; provided
that (a) in the case of any change which expands the liability of directors or
officers or limits the indemnification rights or the rights to advancement of
expenses which the corporation may provide, the rights to limited liability, to
indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in the corporation's
Articles of Incorporation and/or these Bylaws shall continue as theretofore to
the extent permitted by law; and (b) if such change permits the corporation,
without the requirement of any further action by stockholders or directors, to
limit further the liability of directors or limit the liability of officers) or
to provide broader indemnification rights or rights to the advancement of
expenses than the corporation was permitted to provide prior to such change,
then liability thereupon shall be so limited and the rights to indemnification
and the advancement of expenses shall be so broadened to the extent permitted by
law.
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ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 8.1 The power to alter, amend or repeal these Bylaws, or adopt
new Bylaws, is vested in the Board of Directors, but the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Board of Directors holding office shall be necessary to effect
any such action.
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I hereby certify that the foregoing Bylaws are a true and correct copy
of the Bylaws of Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc. as adopted on the _______ day
September, 1997.
------------------------------
Allen E. Paulson, Secretary
12
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SCHEDULE 2.1(d)
Any other consents, approvals, orders, authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any Nevada state or local authority.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 2.2(c)
Any other consents, approvals, orders, authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any Nevada state or local authority.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 3.2(a)
Non-Contravention; Required Filings and Consents
Mr. Allen E. Paulson ("Mr. Paulson") is the owner of all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Gaming. Mr. Paulson is also the beneficial
owner of approximately 25% of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Full House Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("FHR") and is the Chairman of
the Board of FHR. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Mr. Paulson had
proposed that FHR participate in the transactions contemplated by this Agree-
ment. However, Mr. Paulson has been advised by FHR that it does not plan to do
so.
FHR has entered into a joint venture Master Agreement, dated December
29, 1995 (the "JV Agreement"), with GTECH/Dreamport Company ("GTECH"), to, among
other things, present certain business opportunities to each other. This
obligation was terminated pursuant to a letter, dated January 27, 1997, from
GTECH to FHR, amending the JV Agreement, a copy of which was provided to the
Company.
<PAGE>
ANNEX B
ESCROW AGREEMENT
ESCROW AGREEMENT, dated as of September 15, 1997 (this "Agreement"), by
and among R&E Gaming Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Gaming"), Riviera Holdings
Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), and State Street Bank and
Trust Company of California, N.A., as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent").
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Gaming is entering into (i) the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Riviera Merger Agreement") with Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Gaming ("RAS") and the Company,
pursuant to which RAS has agreed to merge with and into the Company (the
"Riviera Merger"), whereupon the separate existence of RAS shall cease and the
Company shall continue as the surviving corporation and shall be a wholly owned
subsidiary of Gaming, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
the Riviera Merger Agreement and (ii) the Option and Voting Agreement (the
"Riviera Option Agreement"), with Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company, Inc.,
on behalf of certain investment accounts identified on the signature pages
thereto ("Morgens, Waterfall"), Keyport Life Insurance Company, on behalf of a
certain investment account identified on the signature pages thereto ("Keyport")
and SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, an Arizona corporation ("SunAmerica," and
together with Morgens, Waterfall and Keyport, the "Option Sellers"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to the execution and delivery of the Riviera
Merger Agreement and the Riviera Option Agreement, Gaming and the Company desire
and have agreed to enter into this Agreement, to, among other things, appoint
the Escrow Agent and set forth the terms for the payment or return, as
applicable, of the Escrow Consideration (as defined in Section 1 hereof);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>
Section 1. Appointment of Escrow Agent. (a) The Escrow Agent is hereby
appointed by each of Gaming and the Company and the Escrow Agent hereby accepts
its appointment to act as escrow agent for Gaming and the Company with respect
to the escrow consideration (the "Escrow Consideration") deposited on the date
hereof, and on such other dates as set forth in (ii) below, into this escrow
("Escrow"), consisting of (i) cash or one or more letters of credit in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Riviera Letter of
Credit"), issued by City National Bank (the "LC Issuer"), in the amount of
$4,666,755, plus interest in an amount equal to 7% per annum on $23,333,775 from
June 1, 1997 through the date immediately preceding the execution date hereof
and (ii) cash or letters of credit (the "Additional Amounts" and, together with
the Riviera Letter of Credit, the "Letters of Credit"), each such Additional
Amount in the amount of $4,474.97 multiplied by the number of days in the month
prior to each Anniversary Date (as defined below) (except as set forth below),
to be deposited into Escrow and to become part of the Escrow not later than the
fifth business day following each monthly anniversary (an "Anniversary Date") of
the date hereof, until (and upon) the occurrence of (x) the time that the
articles of merger are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92A of the Nevada Revised Statutes,
or such later date as set forth in such filing, but in no event later than April
1, 1998, unless extended as provided in Section 6.1(c) of the Riviera Merger
Agreement (the "Effective Time") or (y) the termination (the "Termination") of
the Riviera Merger Agreement in accordance with Article VI thereof (the date on
which the earlier of (x) or (y) shall occur is hereinafter referred to as the
"Escrow Termination Date"); provided, that, if the Effective Time or the
Termination, as applicable, shall occur on a date other than an Anniversary
Date, the Additional Amount for the period from the last Anniversary Date with
respect to which an Additional Amount was deposited into Escrow, to the date
immediately preceding the Effective Time or the Termination, as applicable (the
"Partial Period"), shall be in an amount equal to $4,474.97, multiplied by the
number of days in the Partial Period. Immediately upon the occurrence of the
Effective Time or the Termination, as applicable, Gaming shall furnish to the
Escrow Agent a certificate setting forth the particulars of such event and the
date on which it occurred.
(b) If any part of the Escrow Consideration consists of cash ("Cash"),
immediately upon the receipt of any Cash, any Escrow Agent shall deposit such
Cash in a money market mutual fund registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the principal of which is invested solely in obligations of the United
States or its agencies. All interest earned in such account (the "Cash
Interest") shall be for the benefit of Gaming, shall not be part of the Escrow
Consideration and shall be
2
<PAGE>
paid to Gaming at the same time as the delivery or release of the Escrow
Consideration or the funds underlying the Escrow Consideration.
Section 2. Treatment of Letters of Credit. The Letters of Credit shall
be delivered to and held by the Escrow Agent until (i) the funds issued to the
Escrow Agent from the LC Issuer pursuant to the Letters of Credit are paid as
provided in Section 3 hereof to the holders (the "Stockholders") of outstanding
shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the
Company, other than shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Option
Sellers, Gaming, RAS or Mr. Allen E. Paulson (the "Disqualified Holders") or
(ii) the Escrow Consideration, together with the Cash Interest, if any, are
returned to Gaming as provided in Section 4 hereof (in which case the Letters of
Credit shall immediately be terminated and cancelled and the cash portion, if
any, thereof returned to Gaming).
The Escrow Agent may assume without inquiry that no Stockholder is a
Disqualified Holder until it receives (and has a reasonable opportunity to act
upon) a certificate setting forth the identity of each Disqualified Holder and
how and by whom his or her shares of Common Stock are held.
Section 3. Delivery of Escrow Consideration Funds to the Stockholders.
Upon the receipt of a certificate from the Company, certifying that the Riviera
Merger Agreement has been terminated pursuant to a termination event which is
not a Non-Payment Termination Event (as defined herein) (the "Company
Certificate") (a copy of which shall be simultaneously delivered to Gaming), the
Escrow Agent shall deliver notice to the LC Issuer as provided in the Letters of
Credit (the "Notice") and, upon receipt of the funds from the Letters of Credit,
shall deliver such funds to the Company (upon the Company's receipt of such
funds from the Escrow Agent, the Company shall distribute such funds to the
Stockholders, other than the Disqualified Holders), subject to the provisions of
Section 5 hereof, and shall pay to Gaming the Cash Interest, if any; provided,
that, the Escrow Agent shall not make a request for payment pursuant to the
Letters of Credit if the Escrow Agent has received from Gaming, within ten
business days following receipt by Gaming of the Company Certificate, a
certificate contesting the action to be taken by the Escrow Agent (a "Gaming
Contesting Certificate"), in which case the Escrow Agent shall not deliver the
Notice to the LC Issuer. A "Non-Payment Termination Event" shall mean the
termination of the Riviera Merger Agreement pursuant to Sections 6.1(a), 6.1(b),
6.1(c) (because of the failure to satisfy Sections 5.1(a), 5.1(c), 5.1(d),
5.2(b), or 5.2(c)), 6.1(d), 6.1(e)(iii) or 6.1(e)(iv) thereof. In addition, in
the event that the Riviera Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to
3
<PAGE>
Section 6.1(c) because of the failure of Gaming, RAS or Mr. Allen E. Paulson to
obtain the required approvals of the Gaming Authorities, then such event shall
constitute a Non-Payment Termination Event, unless Mr. Allen E. Paulson is in
breach of his representation and covenant contained in Section 6.2(c) of the
Riviera Merger Agreement. The Escrow Agent may rely on a Company Certificate
without inquiry and need not verify that any of the events described therein
actually occurred.
Section 4. Delivery of Escrow Consideration to Gaming. Upon the receipt
of a certificate from Gaming certifying that (a) the Effective Time has occurred
or (b) the Riviera Merger Agreement has been terminated other than in a manner
pursuant to which the Escrow Consideration funds are to be delivered to the
Stockholders in accordance with Section 3 hereof (the "Gaming Certificate") (a
copy of which shall be simultaneously delivered to the Company), the Escrow
Agent shall immediately deliver the Escrow Consideration, together with the Cash
Interest, if any, to Gaming, and the Escrow shall promptly terminate; provided,
that the Escrow Agent shall not deliver the Escrow Consideration and the Cash
Interest to Gaming if the Escrow Agent has received from the Company, within ten
business days following receipt by the Company of the Gaming Certificate, a
certificate contesting the action to be taken by the Escrow Agent (a "Company
Contesting Certificate").
Section 5. Disputes. In the event a Gaming Contesting Certificate or a
Company Contesting Certificate has been delivered to the Escrow Agent, the
Escrow Agent shall not make the request for payment for the LC Issuer under
Section 3 hereof or the payment under Section 4 hereof and the dispute shall be
resolved by arbitration in Las Vegas, Nevada, by the American Arbitration
Association. Each of the Company and Gaming shall be entitled to select one
arbitrator and such arbitrators shall select a third arbitrator who shall act as
the chairman of the arbitration panel. If either Gaming or the Company shall
fail to appoint an arbitrator within 10 days after notice of commencement of the
arbitration, or the chairman of the arbitration panel shall not have been
selected within 10 days after the selection by the parties of the two
arbitrators, then the arbitrator or arbitrators in question shall be selected by
the American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitration panel
shall be final and binding and the fees of the arbitrators shall be borne by the
party which loses the arbitration. If the prevailing party is the Company, the
Escrow Agent shall continue to include the Additional Amounts referred to in
clause (ii) of Section 1 hereof.
Section 6. Escrow Agent Expenses. All fees of the Escrow Agent for
establishing and holding Escrow and paying out the Escrow Consideration shall
4
<PAGE>
be borne equally by the Company and by Gaming. The Escrow Agent shall receive
the fees provided in Exhibit B annexed hereto.
Section 7. Limitations on Escrow Agent's Liability and Duties. (a) The
Escrow Agent shall neither be responsible for or under, nor chargeable with
knowledge of, the terms and conditions of any other agreement, instrument or
document executed between/among the parties hereto. This Agreement sets forth
all of the obligations of the Escrow Agent, and no additional obligations shall
be implied from the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement, instrument
or document.
(b) The Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon any instruction, notice,
certification, demand, consent, authorization, receipt, power of attorney or
other writing, delivered to it by any other party in accordance with the
provisions of Section 10 hereof, without being required to determine the
authenticity or validity thereof or the correctness of any fact stated therein,
the propriety or validity of the service thereof, or the jurisdiction of the
court issuing any judgment or order. The Escrow Agent may act in reliance upon
any signature believed by it to be genuine, and may assume that such person has
been properly authorized to do so.
(c) The Company agrees to reimburse the Escrow Agent on demand for, and
to indemnify and hold the Escrow Agent harmless against and with respect to, any
and all loss, liability, damage or expense (including, but without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements) that the Escrow Agent may
suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement and its performance hereunder
or in connection herewith, except to the extent such loss, liability, damage or
expenses arise from its willful misconduct or gross negligence as adjudicated by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) The Escrow Agent may consult with legal counsel of its selection in
the event of any dispute or question as to the meaning or construction of any of
the provisions hereof or its duties hereunder, and it shall incur no liability
and shall be fully protected in acting in accordance with the opinion and
instructions of such counsel. The Company agrees to reimburse the Escrow Agent
on demand for reasonable legal fees, disbursements and expenses.
(e) The Escrow Agent shall be under no duty to give the property held
in Escrow by it hereunder any greater degree of care than it gives its own
similar property.
5
<PAGE>
(f) In the event of any disagreement between/among any of the parties
to this Agreement, or between/among them or either or any of them and any other
person, resulting in adverse claims or demands being made in connection with the
subject matter of the Escrow, or in the event that the Escrow Agent, in good
faith, be in doubt as to what action it should take hereunder, the Escrow Agent
may, at its option, refuse to comply with any claims or demands on it, or refuse
to take any other action hereunder, so long as such disagreement continues or
such doubt exists, and in any such event, the Escrow Agent shall not become
liable in any way or to any person for its failure or refusal to act, and the
Escrow Agent shall be entitled to continue so to refrain from acting until (i)
the rights of all parties shall have been fully and finally adjudicated by a
court of competent jurisdiction or (ii) all differences shall have been adjusted
and all doubt resolved by agreement among all of the interested persons, and the
Escrow Agent shall have been notified thereof in writing signed by all such
persons. The rights of the Escrow Agent under this paragraph are cumulative of
all other rights which it may have by law or otherwise.
(g) Before the Escrow Agent makes any distribution of Escrow
Consideration, Cash Interest or any other amount distributable by it pursuant to
this Agreement, it may require the recipient to first deliver to the Escrow
Agent an IRS Form W-9 or such other documentation as may be required by the
Escrow Agent to permit it to report the distribution to the appropriate tax
authorities.
Section 8. Successor Escrow Agent. (a) Any corporation into which the
Escrow Agent in its individual capacity may be merged or converted or with which
it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion
or consolidation to which the Escrow Agent in its individual capacity shall be a
party, or any corporation to which substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Escrow Agent in its individual capacity (including the trust
established by this Agreement) may be transferred, shall be the Escrow Agent
under this Agreement without further act.
(b) The Escrow Agent may, in its sole discretion, resign and terminate
its position hereunder at any time following thirty days written notice to the
other parties hereto. Any such resignation shall terminate all obligations and
duties of the Escrow Agent hereunder. On the effective date of such resignation,
the Escrow Agent shall deliver this Agreement together with any and all related
instruments or documents to any successor Escrow Agent agreeable to the parties
hereto. If a successor Escrow Agent has not been appointed prior to the
expiration of thirty days following the date of the notice of such resignation,
the then acting Escrow Agent may petition any court of competent jurisdiction
for the appointment
6
<PAGE>
of a successor Escrow Agent, or other appropriate relief. Any such resulting
appointment shall be binding upon all of the parties to this Agreement.
Section 9. Termination; Survival. This Agreement may be terminated upon
the joint written instructions of the Company, Gaming and the Escrow Agent, or
upon the release of the Escrow Consideration as otherwise specified herein.
Notwithstanding any such termination, the provisions of Section 7 hereof shall
survive for a period a one year following termination.
Section 10. Compliance. Strict compliance shall be required with each
and every provision of this Agreement, it being understood and agreed that no
party shall have any right to receive the items held in escrow by the Escrow
Agent, except as specifically contemplated herein. The parties hereto agree that
failure to perform the obligations hereunder and abide by the conditions set
forth in this Agreement shall result in irreparable damage and that monetary
damages shall be inadequate to compensate therefor. Accordingly, the parties
hereby agree that, in addition to any other rights, remedies or damages
available hereunder, at law or in equity, any party hereto shall be entitled to
a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and permanent injunction
in order to prevent or to restrain any such failure or threatened failure or to
specific performance to enforce these obligations and conditions as may be
obtained by suit in equity.
Section 11. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight
courier with receipt requested, by facsimile transmission (with receipt
confirmed by automatic transmission report), or two business days after being
sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt
requested), to the other party as follows:
(a) if to Gaming, to:
P.O. Box 9660
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Fax: (619) 756-3194
Attention: Mr. Allen E. Paulson
7
<PAGE>
with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400
Los Angeles, California 90071
Fax (213) 687-5600
Attention: Brian J. McCarthy, Esq.
(b) if to the Company, to:
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Fax: (702) 794-9277
Attention: Mr. William L. Westerman
with a copy to:
Dechert Price & Rhoads
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Fax: (212) 698-3599
Attention: Fredric Klink, Esq.
(c) if to the Escrow Agent, to:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
of California, N.A.
725 South Figueroa Street
Suite 3100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Fax: (213) 362-7357
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
(R&E Gaming Corp. 1997 Escrow)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, notices to the Escrow Agent
shall be effective only upon receipt.
8
<PAGE>
Section 12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to
the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each of the parties hereto hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of Nevada and of the United States of America located in the State
of Nevada for any litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement (and
the transactions contemplated hereby).
Section 13. Assignment. Except as set forth in Section 8 hereof, this
Agreement may not be assigned by either party hereto without the prior written
consent of each of the other parties hereto, except that Gaming may assign this
Agreement to any of its affiliates without the prior written consent of the
other parties hereto; provided, that, no such assignment shall relieve Gaming of
its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations.
Section 14. Miscellaneous.
(a) Subject to Section 6 hereof, the Escrow Agent hereby waives any and
all rights to offset it may have against Gaming, the Company, or any other
person or entity with respect to any amounts held in Escrow.
(b) This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall
be deemed to constitute but one and the same Agreement.
9
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date and year first above
written.
R&E GAMING CORP.
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Allen E. Paulson
Title: President
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: William L. Westerman
Title: President
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., as Escrow Agent
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Jeanie Mar
Title: Assistant Vice President
10
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
ATTACHMENT to Standby L/C Application
-------------------------------------
ISSUING BANK LETTERHEAD DATE: (date of l/c)
IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF
CREDIT NUMBER: (l/c Number)
BENEFICIARY:
(beneficiary name & address) APPLICANT:
(applicant name & address)
DATE AND PLACE OF EXPIRY:
date/month/year
AT OUR COUNTERS
AMOUNT: (currency amount of l/c)
GENTLEMEN:
WE HEREBY ESTABLISH OUR IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT IN YOUR FAVOR
AVAILABLE BY PAYMENT OF YOUR DRAFTS AT SIGHT DRAWN ON CITY NATIONAL BANK
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE
DOCUMENTS AS SPECIFIED BELOW:
1. THIS ORIGINAL STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT, AND AMENDMENT(S) IF
ANY.
2. BENEFICIARY'S SIGNED AND DATED STATEMENT WORDED AS PER ATTACHED
EXHIBIT.
EACH DRAFT DRAWN HEREUNDER MUST STATE "DRAWN UNDER CREDIT NUMBER (___ NUMBER) OF
CITY NATIONAL BANK, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.
WE HEREBY ENGAGE WITH YOU THAT ALL DRAFTS DRAWN UNDER AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CREDIT SHALL BE DULY HONORED IF PRESENTED FOR
PAYMENT AT THE OFFICE OF CITY NATIONAL BANK INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT, 606 SOUTH
OLIVE STREET SUITE 300, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90014 ON OR BEFORE THE
EXPIRATION DATE OF THIS CREDIT.
<PAGE>
EXCEPT SO FAR AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY STATED, THIS CREDIT IS SUBJECT TO THE
UNIFORM CUSTOMS AND PRACTICE FOR DOCUMENTARY CREDITS (1993 REVISION),
INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION NO. 500.
SINCERELY,
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------
(authorized bank signature)
*******
Standby Wording Approval
Print Name:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------
Authorized Signature - Date
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
ESCROW AGENT NOTICE
The undersigned, a duly authorized officer of State Street Bank and
Trust Company of California, N.A. (the "Escrow Agent"), hereby certifies to City
National Bank (the "Bank") with reference to irrevocable letter of credit No.
_____ (the "Letter of Credit") issued by the Bank that the Escrow Agent is
delivering Notice (as such term is defined in the Escrow Agreement, dated as of
September ___, 1997 by and among R & E Gaming Corp., a Delaware corporation,
Riviera Holdings Corporation and the Escrow Agent (the "Escrow Agreement")) in
full compliance with the terms and provisions of Section 3 of the Escrow
Agreement.
Demand is hereby made under the Letter of Credit for $_______. Please
remit payment to State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A.,
account number ________, at ______, ABA No. _________, REF: __________.
By:____________________________
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
STATE STREET Jenni Minardi
Vice President
September 10, 1997 State Street Bank and Trust
Company of California, N.A.
Corporate Trust
725 South Figueroa Street, Suite 3100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Telephone: (213) 362-7313
Facsimile: (213) 362-7301
Ms. Sue Winchester
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom LLP
300 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071-3144
RE: ESCROW SERVICES
R&E GAMING CORPORATION AND
RIVIERA HOLDING CORPORATION
Dear Ms. Winchester:
On behalf of State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., I am
pleased to submit the following proposal to serve as Escrow Agent on the
above-referenced financing:
Acceptance Fee: $1,000.00
This is one-time charge, payable upon funding, includes acceptance of
responsibilities and duties as Escrow Agent, review of the Escrow
Agreement and supporting documents, liaison with Corporate Officials
and Counsel.
Annual Administration Fee: $2,000.00
Payable at funding and annually thereafter, if applicable. Compensates
State Street for administrative services in accordance with the Escrow
Agreement.
Outside Counsel: $ 754.00 Capped
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------
<PAGE>
Letter of Credit Draws: $ 250.00 each draw
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------
Claims (if applicable): $ 250.00 each claim
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------
Preparation of 1099's $ 5.00 each 1099
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------
Other Fees:
See attached schedule of "Ancillary Fees"
Extraordinary Services (as requested):
Such as manually created spreadsheets, reports or certificates required under
the governing documents and any other extraordinary request not covered by the
Annual Administration Fee.
Out-of-Pocket Expense: Billed at cost
These expenses are those incurred by us on your behalf to effectively
service your account on a day-to-day basis. We will only charge for
expenses that can be directly identified to costs associated with your
specific trust account, e.g. wires at $20.00 each, excessive faxes,
postage and travel costs to attend closing and/or meetings.
This proposal is subject to State Street's review of all documents and
acceptance of a definitive agreement. Should the characteristics of the Escrow
Agent Services differ materially from the assumptions stated in the request for
proposal letter dated September 4, 1997, State Street reserves the right to
adjust its fee proposal. This proposal is a confidential document and should not
be duplicated and/or distributed.
In closing, State Street recognizes our role in providing our customers with
value-added trust services. We accept the serious responsibility we have to
support the Corporations so that the Corporations, in turn, can meet its goals
under the Escrow Agreement. Should you have any questions regarding our services
or the fees quoted herein, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
Jenni Minardi
Vice President
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT FEES:
Securities delivered book-entry $ 65.00 per Purchase
Securities delivered physical $ 100.00 per Purchase
Securities sold $ 65.00 per Sale (Prior to maturity)
Securities sold physical $ 100.00 per Sale (Prior to maturity)
Competitive Bid - 3 brokers $ 25.00 per Bid Process
Money Market Funds $ 40.00 per Purchase and per Sale
Reinvestment of income $ 20.00 per receipt
Reconcilement of Confirmation Statements $ 25.00 per Statement
Money Market Funds with compensating fees to SSB No Charge
Investment Contracts/Flexible Repurchase Agreements:
Document review - No Collateral $ 750.00 (includes counsel review)
Document review - Collateral $ 1,000.00 (includes counsel review)
Income verification, collection and reporting $ 25.00 per Posting
Maintenance of Collateral $ 25.00 per Delivery or Receipt
Mark to Market $ 500.00 Annually per account
Forward Float Contract $ 750.00 (includes counsel review)
Legal Opinion, if required $ 1,000.00
WIRE FEE: (Investment-related wires at no charge) $ 20.00 each
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------
UCC FEES:
Copying $ 5.00
CSC Networks/Prentice hall $ 100.00
MICROFICHE COPYING FEE: $ 2.00 per Page ($25 Minimum)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------
ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS: (Two recipients at no charge) $ 5.00 per Recipient (in excess of
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------- two)
FAX: (Five pages at no charge) $ 2.00 per Page (in excess of five)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---
T-1 PREPARATION: $ 500.00
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------
AGREEMENT COPYING: $ .20 per Page ($25 Minimum)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -----------------
AUDIT CONFIRMATION: $ 25.00
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------
POSTAGE:
Bondholder Notices At cost
Monthly Statements: General Obligation Bond Issues $ 15.00 annually per recipient
All Others $ 30.00 annually per recipient
FUND DISBURSEMENT FEE: $ 15.00 per Requisition, plus
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------
$ 3.75 per Payee
DIC BOOK-ENTRY TENDERED BONDS: $ 50.00 per Bond tendered
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -----------------------------
NON-BOOK ENTRY REGISTRATION FEE:
Issuance and Transfer $ $ 2.00 each
Maintenance of Registered Holder Accounts $ 6.00 per Account
Interest Payment $ .50 per Check issued
Principal Payment: At maturity $ 2.50 per Certificate
Call prior to maturity $ 3.50 per Certificate
PREPARATION OF NOTICE AND LOTTERY CALLS:
Book-Entry issue No Charge
Non-Book-Entry issue $ 500.00 per Notice
BONDHOLDERS LIST $ 60.00 per List
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------
EXTRAORDINARY SERVICES: Billed at Cost
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE: Billed at Cost Dated 08/07/97
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ANNEX C
================================================================================
OPTION AND VOTING AGREEMENT
by
and
among
R&E GAMING CORP.,
as Purchaser,
and
MORGENS, WATERFALL, VINTIADIS & COMPANY, INC.,
KEYPORT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUNAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
on behalf of certain investment accounts,
as Sellers
Dated as of September 15, 1997
================================================================================
<PAGE>
OPTION AND VOTING AGREEMENT
OPTION AND VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of September
15, 1997, by and among R&E Gaming Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with
its assignees or designees, the "Purchaser"), Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis &
Company, Inc., on behalf of certain investment accounts identified on the
signature pages hereto ("Morgens, Waterfall"), Keyport Life Insurance Company,
("Keyport"), and SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, an Arizona corporation
("SunAmerica," and together with Morgens, Waterfall and Keyport, the "Sellers").
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, the Purchaser is entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Riviera Merger Agreement") with Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser ("Acquisition Sub"),
and Riviera Holdings Corporation, a Nevada corporation ("RHC"), pursuant to
which the Acquisition Sub shall merge with and into RHC (the "Riviera Merger"),
upon the terms and conditions set forth therein;
WHEREAS, each Seller desires that the Purchaser, Acquisition Sub and
RHC enter into the Riviera Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, as partial consideration for the grant by the Sellers of the
option hereunder, the Purchaser agrees to pay to each Seller an amount equal to
20% of the Purchase Price (as defined in Section 1.2(a) hereof) for the shares
of common stock, par value $.001 per share, of RHC (the "Common Stock") owned by
such Seller, if the transactions contemplated by the Riviera Merger Agreement
are not consummated, other than as a result of certain circumstances specified
herein;
WHEREAS, in order to ensure payment of the obligation described in the
immediately preceding paragraph, concurrently with the execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the Riviera Merger Agreement, the Purchaser has delivered a
letter of credit in the face amount of $3,817,680 to Morgens, Waterfall, a
letter of credit in the face amount of $2,571,480 to Keyport, and a letter of
credit in the face amount of $2,285,760 to SunAmerica, each of which is
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the "Letters of
Credit"), each of which shall provide that it may be drawn on in the event the
transactions contemplated by the Riviera Merger Agreement are not consummated,
other than as a result of certain circumstances as specified herein;
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<PAGE>
WHEREAS, Morgens, Waterfall beneficially owns 1,272,560 shares of
Common Stock, which shares represent approximately 25.9% of the issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock, Keyport beneficially owns 857,160 shares of
Common Stock, which Shares represent approximately 17.5% of the issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock and SunAmerica beneficially owns 761,920
shares of Common Stock, which shares represent approximately 15.5% of the issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock (such shares of Common Stock owned by the
Sellers being the "Shares"); and
WHEREAS, in consideration for entering into the Riviera Merger
Agreement, the Sellers desire to (i) grant to the Purchaser options to purchase,
from the Sellers, all (but not less than all) of the Shares held by them as set
forth above upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and
(ii) vote the Shares in the manner set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the
agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto,
intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
GRANT OF OPTION
SECTION 1.1 Grant of Option. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein, each Seller hereby grants to the Purchaser an
irrevocable option (individually, a "Purchase Option" and, together with each
Purchase Option granted by each of the other Sellers, the "Purchase Options") to
purchase the Shares owned by such Seller.
The Purchase Options shall be exercisable, in whole and not in part,
by written notice (the "Exercise Notice") by the Purchaser delivered to each
Seller, at any time after the date hereof, but not later than the date on which
the Riviera Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 6.1(c) thereof
or, if the Riviera Merger Agreement has otherwise been terminated, then June 1,
1998 (such period being hereinafter referred to as the "Exercise Period"). No
one Purchase Option shall be exercised individually unless all Purchase Options
are exercised. In addition, in the event the Riviera Merger is consummated, the
Purchase Options shall terminate automatically, the Shares shall be converted
into the right to receive the Merger Consideration set forth in the Riviera
Merger Agreement; it being
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<PAGE>
understood that the Riviera Merger Agreement provides for a reduction of the
consideration payable, upon consummation of the Riviera Merger, to each of the
Sellers on account of any interest previously paid to the Sellers pursuant to
Section 1.2(b) hereof. Each of the Sellers hereby consents to the reduction of
the consideration payable to them under the terms of the Riviera Merger
Agreement by the amount of the interest paid to them pursuant to Section 1.2(b)
hereof.
Upon exercise of the Purchase Options, subject to the conditions
contained in Article V hereof, each of the Sellers shall sell, assign, transfer,
convey and deliver to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall purchase and accept
from each such Seller at the closing (the "Closing") to be held as soon as
possible after the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in this
Agreement (the date on which the Closing occurs shall be referred to herein as
the "Closing Date"), such Seller's rights, title and interest in and to the
Shares in exchange for the Purchase Price (as defined below).
SECTION 1.2 Purchase Price.
(a) Upon exercise of the Purchase Options, the Purchaser agrees to pay
to each of the Sellers, on the Closing Date, in consideration for the purchase
of the Shares, an aggregate amount equal to $15 per Share, (the "Initial
Purchase Price" and, when adjusted as provided in this Section 1.2, the
"Purchase Price"), for an aggregate amount of $43,374,600 payable as follows:
(i) $19,088,400 shall be paid to Morgens, Waterfall, (ii) $12,857,400 shall be
paid to Keyport and (iii) $11,428,800 shall be paid to SunAmerica, in addition
to any accrued but unpaid interest payments required by Section 1.2(b).
(b) During the period commencing on June 1, 1997 and ending on the
date immediately preceding the earlier of the Closing Date or the date this
Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, the Purchaser agrees to
pay to each of the Sellers their pro rata portion, based on the number of Shares
owned, of the daily interest of $8,318.42 per day, which represents interest
calculated at 7% per annum on the Initial Purchase Price for all Shares, payable
monthly in arrears no later than 5 days after the date of each monthly
anniversary of such execution, unless otherwise provided in this Section 1.2(b).
The first payment to be made by the Purchaser shall be made on the date of
execution and shall consist of all amounts due and payable until such date under
this Section 1.2(b). All payments required to be made in accordance with this
Section 1.2(b) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to
such account as each Seller shall have designated on Exhibit B hereto.
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<PAGE>
(c) If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the
number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock shall have been changed
(or RHC shall have declared a record date with respect to a prospective change
of the Common Stock) into a different number of shares or a different class of
shares by reason of any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification,
recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of shares, this Agreement
(including the terms "Share" and "Common Stock") will be deemed to relate to all
securities issued with respect to the Common Stock, and the Purchase Price shall
be correspondingly adjusted to reflect such stock dividend, subdivision,
reclassification, recapitalization, split, combination or exchange of shares.
(d) If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, any
dividend or other distribution (other than a stock dividend, which shall require
the adjustment set forth in clause (c) above) is declared or paid upon the
Common Stock (whether in cash, property or securities), the Purchase Price shall
be reduced by the per share amount of such dividend or distribution (in the case
of non-cash dividends or distributions, by an amount equal to the fair market
value thereof).
(e) If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, RHC
or any of its subsidiaries shall repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of
Common Stock (other than shares issued pursuant to warrants, options,
convertible securities and other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock
referred to in Section 2.2 of the Riviera Merger Agreement or issued in
accordance with Section 4.1 thereof), and the per share consideration paid by
RHC or its subsidiaries (in the case of non-cash consideration, valued of the
fair market value thereof) exceeds the Purchase Price, the total Purchase Price
for all Shares shall be reduced to the price determined by dividing (i) the
difference between (A) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately prior to such repurchase or redemption multiplied by the Purchase
Price in effect immediately prior to such purchase or redemption minus (B) the
consideration, if any, paid by RHC for such repurchase or redemption, by (ii)
the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such
repurchase or redemption.
SECTION 1.3 Termination of Riviera Merger Agreement.
(a) The Sellers shall be entitled to receive, as partial consideration
for the grant by the Sellers of the Purchase Options to the Purchaser hereunder,
an amount equal to $3,817,680 (in the case of Morgens, Waterfall), $2,571,480
(in the case of Keyport) and $2,285,760 (in the case of SunAmerica),
4
<PAGE>
if (A) the Riviera Merger Agreement is terminated (except pursuant to a
NonPayment Termination Event (as defined herein) or (B) the Riviera Merger does
not occur in accordance with the terms thereof on or before April 2, 1998 (or,
if the termination date of the Riviera Merger Agreement is extended in
accordance with Section 6.1(c) thereof, June 2, 1998) for any reason other than
the occurrence of a Non-Payment Termination Event, provided that the Sellers
shall be entitled to the consideration described above if the Riviera Merger is
not consummated as a result of the breach of the Riviera Merger Agreement by
Purchaser, Acquisition Sub, or Allen E. Paulson of any covenants or warranties
made by or about them in the Riviera Merger Agreement; and provided further, in
any event, that no Seller shall be entitled to such compensation if the Riviera
Merger Agreement is not consummated as a result of the breach of this Agreement
by such Seller. A "Non-Payment Termination Event" shall mean the termination of
the Riviera Merger Agreement pursuant to Sections 6.1(a), 6.1(b), 6.1(c)
(because of the failure to satisfy Sections 5.1(a), 5.1(c), 5.1(d), 5.2(b) or
5.2(c)), 6.1(d), 6.1(e)(iii) or 6.1(e)(iv) thereof. In addition, in the event
that the Riviera Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 6.1(c)
because of the failure of Purchaser, Acquisition Sub or Mr. Allen E. Paulson to
obtain the required approvals of the Gaming Authorities, then such event shall
constitute a Non-Payment Termination Event, unless Mr. Allen E. Paulson is in
breach of his representation and covenant contained in Section 6.2(c) of the
Riviera Merger Agreement.
(b) In order to ensure payment of the obligation described in Section
1.3(a) hereof, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
the Purchaser shall deliver a Letter of Credit in the face amount of $3,817,680
to Morgens, Waterfall, a Letter of Credit in the face amount of $2,571,480 to
Keyport and a Letter of Credit in the face amount of $2,285,760 to SunAmerica.
In the event that any Seller shall be entitled to receive compensation pursuant
to Section 1.3(a) hereof, such Seller shall be entitled to receive demand
payment under the Letter of Credit issued to such Seller.
(c) In the event that the Riviera Merger Agreement is terminated
pursuant to a Non-Payment Termination Event other than Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(c)
thereof, each Seller shall immediately pay to the Purchaser an amount equal to
all payments received by such Seller pursuant to this Agreement (each such
payment, an "Option Payment"); provided, that the Sellers shall be entitled to
retain such payments if either (i) all Shares shall be purchased pursuant to
this Agreement or (ii) the Riviera Merger is not consummated as a result of the
breach by the Purchaser, Acquisition Sub, or Allen E. Paulson of any covenants
or warranties made by or about them in the Riviera Merger Agreement.
5
<PAGE>
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 2.1 Representations and Warranties of the Sellers. Each of the
Sellers severally and not jointly represents and warrants to the Purchaser as
follows: (a) Organization and Standing. Such Seller is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization, and
has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations
under this Agreement.
(b) Authority. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the
performance by such Seller of its obligations hereunder, have been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Seller and the owners of
the investment accounts, if any, as to which it is acting. This Agreement has
been duly executed and delivered by such Seller and, assuming the due execution
and delivery hereof by the Purchaser and assuming that approval of this
Agreement by RHC remains effective, this Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance
with its terms; provided, however, that Section 4.7 hereof shall be enforceable
in any event.
(c) The Stock. Such Seller is the record and beneficial owner of, and
has good and valid title to, the number of Shares recited to be owned by it in
the recitals hereof, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims, charges,
security interests, pledges, restrictions, assessments and limitations
(including voting limitations) of every kind whatsoever (collectively, "Liens").
Assuming that approval of this Agreement by RHC remains effective, such Seller
shall deliver to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser will acquire, good and valid
title in such Shares, with full voting rights, free and clear of any Liens.
Except for this Agreement, there are no outstanding warrants, subscriptions,
rights (including preemptive rights), options, calls, commitments or other
agreements or Liens to encumber, purchase or acquire any of the Shares of such
Seller or securities convertible into the Shares of such Seller. Neither such
Seller nor any of its affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined in
Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or
the rules and regulations thereunder) holds either of record or beneficially any
securities or capital stock of RHC or any of RHC's direct or indirect
subsidiaries other than such Seller's Shares.
(d) No Conflict. Assuming that approval of this Agreement by RHC
remains effective, the execution of this Agreement and the consummation
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<PAGE>
of the transactions contemplated hereby will not require notice to, or the
consent of, any party to any contract, lease, agreement, mortgage or indenture
(each a "Contract") to which such Seller is a party or by which it is bound, or
the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or the registration,
declaration or filing with, any governmental authority, except for those (i)
required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended (the "HSR Act"), if any, (ii) required by the Nevada Gaming Commission
(the "Gaming Commission"), the Nevada State Gaming Control Board (the "Control
Board"), the City of Las Vegas ("Las Vegas") and the Clark County Liquor and
Gaming Licensing Board (the "CCB") (the Gaming Commission, the Control Board,
Las Vegas and the CCB are collectively referred to as the "Gaming Authorities"),
including, without limitation, approvals under the Nevada Gaming Control Act, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Nevada Act")
or (iii) set forth on Schedule 2.1(d) hereto. Assuming that the notices,
consents and approvals referred to in the preceding sentence have been given,
made or obtained and remain effective, the execution, delivery and performance
by such Seller of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate any law, statute, ordinance,
regulation, rule or order of any Federal or Nevada authority (collectively,
"Laws"), (ii) result in a breach or violation of any provision of, constitute a
default under, or result in the termination of, or an acceleration of
indebtedness or creation of any Lien under, any material contract to which such
Seller is a party or by which it is bound or (iii) conflict with or violate any
provision of the organizational documents of such Seller.
(e) Brokers, Finders, etc. Such Seller is not a party to any agreement
or understanding that would make it subject to any valid claim of any broker,
investment banker, finder or other intermediary in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 2.2 Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser. The
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to each of the Sellers as follows:
(a) Organization and Standing. The Purchaser is duly orga- nized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation, and has all requisite power and authority to enter into and
perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Authority. The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the
performance by the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder, have been duly
authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Purchaser. This Agreement
has
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<PAGE>
been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Purchaser and, assuming the
due execution and delivery hereof by the Sellers and assuming that approval of
this Agreement by RHC remains effective, this Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in
accordance with its terms.
(c) No Conflict. The execution of this Agreement and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby will not require notice to, or the
consent of, any party to any Contract to which the Purchaser or any of its
affiliates is a party or by which any of them is bound, or the consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or the registration, declaration or filing
with, any governmental authority, except for (i) those required under the HSR
Act, if any, (ii) approvals, as necessary, by the Gaming Authorities, including,
without limitation, approvals under the Nevada Act, (iii) approval by the RHC
Board of Directors (which the Sellers represent has been granted); and (iv) set
forth on Schedule 2.2(c) hereto. Assuming that the notices, consents and
approvals referred to in the preceding sentence have been given, made or
obtained and remain effective, the execution, delivery and performance by the
Purchaser of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate any Laws, (ii) result in a breach or
violation of any provision of, or constitute a default under, any contract to
which the Purchaser is a party or by which it is bound or (iii) conflict with
any provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Purchaser.
(d) Purchase For Investment. Upon exercising the Purchase Options, the
Purchaser represents and warrants that it intends to acquire the Shares for its
own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to, or for offer or
resale in connection with, any distribution thereof in violation of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder
(the "Securities Act"), without prejudice, however, to the Purchaser's right at
all times to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of said Shares
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and any
applicable state securities laws, or under an exemption from registration
available under the Securities Act and such other applicable state securities
laws. The Purchaser represents and warrants that it (i) is knowledgeable,
sophisticated and experienced in business and financial matters, and fully
understands the limitations on transfer described above, and (ii) is an
"accredited investor" as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D
under the Securities Act.
(e) No Brokers. Except for Jefferies & Co., Inc. whose fee will be
paid by the Purchaser, neither the Purchaser nor Acquisition Sub has
8
<PAGE>
employed any broker or finder, nor has it incurred any liability for any
brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the Riviera Merger Agreement.
ARTICLE III
VOTING AGREEMENTS
SECTION 3.1 Merger. Each Seller severally agrees and covenants to each
party hereto that at any meeting of stockholders of RHC called to vote upon the
Riviera Merger and the Riviera Merger Agreement or at any adjournment thereof or
in any other circumstances upon which a vote, consent or other approval with
respect to the Riviera Merger and the Riviera Merger Agreement is sought, such
Seller shall cause its Shares to be present for quorum purposes and to vote (or
caused to be voted) its Shares in favor of the terms thereof and each of the
other transactions contemplated by the Riviera Merger Agreement.
SECTION 3.2 Competing Transaction. Each Seller severally agrees and
covenants to each party hereto that at any meeting of stockholders of RHC or at
any adjournment thereof or in any other circumstances upon which their vote,
consent or other approval is sought, such Seller shall vote (or cause to be
voted) its Shares against (i) any merger agreement or merger (other than the
Riviera Merger Agreement and the Riviera Merger), consolidation, combination,
sale of substantial assets, sale or issuance of securities of RHC or its
subsidiaries, reorganization, joint venture, recapitalization, dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of or by RHC or its subsidiaries and (ii) any
amendment of RHC's Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the
"Articles of Incorporation") or Bylaws or other proposal or transaction
involving RHC or any of its subsidiaries which amendment or other proposal or
transaction would in any manner impede, frustrate, prevent or nullify or result
in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation
or agreement of RHC under or with respect to, the Riviera Merger, the Riviera
Merger Agreement or any of the other transactions contemplated by the Riviera
Merger Agreement or by this Agreement (each of the foregoing in clause (i) or
(ii) above, a "Competing Transaction").
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.1 Exclusive Dealing. Each Seller agrees that it will not,
directly or indirectly, through any director, officer, agent, partner,
shareholder, affiliate, representative or otherwise:
(a) solicit, initiate, encourage submission of offers or proposals
from, or participate in any discussions, negotiations, agreements, arrangements
or understandings with, any person in respect of a Competing Transaction; or
(b) participate in any discussions or negotiations with, or furnish or
afford access to any information to, any other person regarding a Competing
Transaction, or otherwise cooperate in any manner with, or assist or participate
in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any other person to engage
in any Competing Transaction.
SECTION 4.2 No Sale. Without limiting the foregoing, each Seller
agrees that it will not, directly or indirectly, (i) sell, transfer, assign,
pledge, hypothecate or otherwise encumber or dispose of, (ii) give a proxy with
respect to, or (iii) limit the right to vote in any manner, any of the Shares
owned by it, except pursuant to the express terms of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.3 Further Assurances. From time to time, whether before, at,
or after the Closing, each party hereto agrees to execute and deliver, or cause
to be executed and delivered, such additional instruments, certificates and
other documents, and to take such other action, as any other party hereto may
reasonably require in order to carry out the terms and provisions of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, voting the Shares in favor of any such transaction).
SECTION 4.4 Expenses. All reasonable actual out of pocket costs and
expenses, including reasonable legal fees incurred solely and directly in
connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the
Purchaser upon receipt of reasonably detailed statements or invoices therefor.
SECTION 4.5 Publicity. Each Seller and the Purchaser agree that, prior
to the Closing, no public release or announcement concerning this Agreement
shall be issued by any such party without the prior written consent (which
consent
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shall not be unreasonably withheld) of the other parties hereto, except as such
release or announcement may be required by law (in which event the other parties
hereto shall have reasonable opportunity to comment on the form and content of
the disclosure).
SECTION 4.6 Notice of Certain Events. Each Seller and the Purchaser
each agrees to notify each other party hereto promptly of (a) any event or
condition that, with or without notice or lapse of time, would cause any of the
representations and warranties made by such party herein to be no longer
complete and accurate as of any date on or before the Closing Date, (b) any
failure, with or without notice or lapse of time, on the part of such party to
comply with any of the covenants or agreements on its part contained herein at
any time on or before the Closing Date or (c) the occurrence of any event, with
or without notice or lapse of time, that may make the satisfaction of any of the
conditions set forth in Section 5.1 hereof impossible or unlikely.
SECTION 4.7 Excess Proceeds. Morgens, Waterfall hereby acknowledges
its satisfaction with the price per Share provided herein and in the Riviera
Merger Agreement and, in recognition thereof, hereby agrees to pay to the
Purchaser an amount equal to 100% of the fair market value of the net after tax
proceeds per Share from any sale, transfer or other disposition of its Shares
(other than pursuant to the Purchase Option, the Riviera Merger or the
transactions contemplated thereby) in excess of the Purchase Price, if all of
the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) such sale, transfer or other disposition (x) occurs
prior to the date which is 12 months subsequent to the date of
the termination of the Riviera Merger Agreement pursuant to
Sections 6.1(d)(iii), 6.1(d)(iv), 6.1(e)(iii), or 6.1(e) (iv) of
the Riviera Merger Agreement or (y) is effected pursuant to an
agreement or understanding, oral or written, which is entered
into prior to such date;
(ii) Morgens, Waterfall shall have also sold, transferred or
disposed (including by way of merger) of its shares of common
stock in Elsinore Corporation, a Nevada Corporation ("Elsinore"),
for consideration equal to or greater than $3.16 per share, which
sale, transfer or other disposition of shares in Elsinore (x)
occurs prior to the date which is 12 months subsequent to the
date of the termination of the Riviera Merger Agreement pursuant
to
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<PAGE>
Sections 6.1(d)(iii), 6.1(d)(iv), 6.1(e)(iii) or 6.1(e)(iv) of
the Riviera Merger Agreement or (y) is effected pursuant to an
agreement or understanding, oral or written, which is entered
into prior to such date; and
(iii) the Purchaser was not able to exercise the Purchase
Options because of the failure to satisfy (but not by waiver) the
conditions set forth in Sections 5.2(a), 5.2(b), 5.2(c), or
5.2(d) hereof.
Morgens, Waterfall shall make the payment referenced herein within two business
days of receipt of such proceeds.
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
SECTION 5.1 Conditions Precedent to Exercise of Purchase Options. The
Purchaser shall have no obligation to exercise the Purchase Options. Upon
exercise of the Purchase Options, the obligation of the Purchaser to purchase
the Shares shall be subject to the satisfaction or (except in the case of
Section 5.1(c)(i), which may not be waived) waiver by the Purchaser on the
Closing Date of each of the following conditions precedent:
(a) HSR Act. The waiting period under the HSR Act, if applicable,
shall have expired or been terminated.
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order or
preliminary or permanent injunction of any court or administrative agency of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, the Riviera Merger Agreement, the Agreement and Plan of Merger, by
and among the Purchaser, Elsinore Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada corporation,
and Elsinore, or the Option and Voting Agreement by and between the Purchaser
and Morgens, Waterfall with respect to Elsinore, shall be in effect or shall be
threatened.
(c) Consents. All consents, approvals, authorizations and waivers from
third parties and governmental and regulatory authorities required or advisable
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Approvals") shall have
been obtained before the Closing Date and, in the case of clauses (ii) and
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(iii) below, before the execution of this Agreement and shall not have expired
or been rescinded, including the following:
(i) All necessary gaming approvals, including, without
limitation, licensing or finding of suitability of the Purchaser
and approval of a change of control of RHC by the Gaming
Authorities;
(ii) Waiver by the Board of Directors of RHC of any voting
restrictions under the Articles of Incorporation that are
applicable to a purchaser of greater than ten percent of the
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock; and
(iii) All approvals and waivers necessary to exempt the
Purchaser for purposes of the transactions contemplated hereby
from applicable merger moratorium statutes and control share
acquisition statutes, including, without limitation, Nevada
Revised Statutes Sections 78.411-.444 and 78.378-.3793;
(d) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of each Seller set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the
Closing Date (and by delivery of the Shares each Seller shall be deemed to
affirm the satisfaction of this condition).
(e) Performance of Obligations of Sellers. Each Seller shall have
performed all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement on
or prior to the Closing Date (and by delivery of the Shares each Seller shall be
deemed to affirm the satisfaction of this condition).
(f) Death and Disability. There shall not have occurred the death or
the Disability of Mr. Allen E. Paulson. As used herein, "Disability" means Mr.
Allen E. Paulson's incapacity due to physical or mental illness, injury or
disease, which incapacity renders him unable to perform the requisite duties of
the chief executive officer of the Purchaser for a consecutive period of 90 days
or more. Any question as to the existence, extent or potentiality of Mr. Allen
E. Paulson's disability upon which the Purchaser and the Sellers cannot agree,
such question shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician selected
by RHC and approved by the Purchaser and the disputing Sellers (each of whose
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The determination of
such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Agreement.
13
<PAGE>
(g) No Violation of Law. The consummation of the Purchase Options
shall not constitute a violation of any Laws.
SECTION 5.2 Conditions Precedent to the Sellers' Obligation. The
obligation of each of the Sellers to sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver
the Shares owned by it or the investment accounts it manages, as applicable,
upon exercise of the Purchase Options by the Purchaser shall be subject to the
satisfaction or (except in the case of Sections 5.2(a) and 5.2(c), which may not
be waived), waiver on the Closing Date of each of the following conditions
precedent:
(a) HSR Act. The waiting period under the HSR Act, if applicable to
the Purchaser, shall have expired or been terminated.
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints. No temporary restraining order or
preliminary or permanent injunction of any court or administrative agency of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall be in effect.
(c) Consents. All Approvals shall have been obtained and shall not
have expired or been rescinded, including those set forth in Section 5.1(c).
(d) No Violation of Law. The consummation of the Purchase Options
shall not constitute a violation of any Laws.
(e) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of the Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of the
Closing Date, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement (and by its
acceptance of the Shares, the Purchaser shall be deemed to reaffirm the accuracy
of such representations and warranties).
(f) Performance of Obligations of the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall
have performed all obligations required to be performed by it under this
Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date (and by its acceptance of the Shares,
the Purchaser shall be deemed to affirm the satisfaction of this condition),
including the payment of the Purchase Price and all unpaid amounts, if any
payable under Section 1.2(b).
14
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
SECTION 6.1 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate without any
further action on the part of the Purchaser or any of the Sellers if (i) the
Purchase Options have been exercised and the Closing has occurred, (ii) the
Purchase Options have not been exercised and either (x) the Riviera Merger has
been consummated or (y) the Riviera Merger Agreement has been terminated
pursuant to Sections 6.1(a), (b), (c), (d), (e)(i) or (e)(ii) thereof or (iii)
June 1, 1998 shall have occurred.
SECTION 6.2 Effect of Termination. In the event this Agreement shall
have been terminated in accordance with Section 6.1 of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, except (i) to the
extent such termination results from a breach by any of the parties hereto of
any of its obligations hereunder (in which case such breaching party shall be
liable for all damages allowable at law and any relief available in equity),
(ii) as otherwise set forth in any written termination agreement, if any, (iii)
that Sections 1.3 and 4.7 shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and
(iv) that the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 3.2 hereof shall survive the
termination of the Riviera Merger Agreement until the earlier of (A) the consent
of the Sellers to the termination of the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 3.2
hereof and (B) June 1, 1998.
SECTION 6.3 Amendment. This Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits
hereto may not be amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing
signed and delivered on behalf of each of the parties hereto. At any time prior
to the Closing Date, any party hereto which is entitled to the benefits hereof
may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other
acts of any other party, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and
warranties of any other party contained herein, in any Schedule and Exhibit
hereto, or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c), subject to
applicable law, waive compliance with any of the agreements of any other party
hereto or any conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of any of
the parties hereto to any such extension or waiver (i) shall be valid only if
set forth in an instrument in writing signed and delivered on behalf of each
such party, and (ii) shall not be construed as a waiver or extension of any
subsequent breach or time for performance hereunder.
15
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight
courier with receipt requested, by facsimile transmission (with receipt
confirmed by automatic transmission report), or two business days after being
sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested)
to the other party as follows:
(a) if to the Purchaser, to:
P.O. Box 9660
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Attention: Mr. Allen E. Paulson
Telephone: (619) 759-5990
Telecopy: (619) 756-3194
with a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Brian J. McCarthy, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 687-5070
Telecopy: (213) 687-5600
16
<PAGE>
(b) if to Morgens, Waterfall, to:
Swiss Bank Tower
10 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Mr. Bruce Waterfall
Telephone: (212) 705-0500
Telecopy: (212) 838-5540
with a copy to:
O'Melveny & Myers, LLP
400 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2899
Attention: C. James Levin, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 669-6578
Telecopy: (213) 669-6407
(c) if to Keyport, to:
Mr. Steve Lockman
Stein Roe & Farnham Incorporated
One South Wacker Drive
33rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606-4685
Telephone: (312) 368-7788
Telecopy: (312) 368-8144
with a copy to:
Stacy Winick
Stein Roe & Farnham Incorporated
One South Wacker Drive
33rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606-4885
17
<PAGE>
(d) if to SunAmerica, to:
Mr. Peter McMillan
SunAmerica, Inc.
One SunAmerica Center
Century City, California 90067
Telephone: (310) 772-6101
Telecopy: (310) 772-6150
with a copy to:
Mr. Alan Nussenblatt
SunAmerica, Inc.
One SunAmerica Center
Century City, California 90067
Telephone: (310) 772-6110
Telecopy: (310) 772-6030
SECTION 7.2 Release. Upon the exercise of the option by the Purchaser
to acquire the Shares, the Purchaser shall hereby release on behalf of itself
and RHC all claims, causes of actions, rights and liabilities held by the
Purchaser or RHC against each Seller based on or arising from such Seller's
ownership of the Shares or actions as a Stockholder of RHC at all times to and
including the Closing Date, and the sale of the Shares to the Purchaser, except
for the representations and warranties of each Seller set forth in Sections
2.1(b) and 2.1(c) hereof which shall survive indefinitely.
SECTION 7.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement
to a Section, Schedule or Exhibit, such reference shall be to the applicable
Section, Schedule or Exhibit of this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. When the
words "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed
to be followed by the words "without limitation." All accounting terms not
defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings determined by generally
accepted accounting principles as of the date hereof. All capitalized terms
defined herein are equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of
such terms.
SECTION 7.4 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of any such provision shall be held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect
18
<PAGE>
by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof. In lieu of any
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision, the parties hereto intend that
there shall be added as part of this Agreement a valid, legal and enforceable
provision as similar in terms to such invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provision as may be possible or practicable under the circumstances.
SECTION 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which,
when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute but one and the same
instrument.
SECTION 7.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Schedules and
Exhibits hereto constitute the entire agreement, and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
SECTION 7.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, regardless of the
laws that otherwise might govern under any applicable principles of conflicts of
law, except that gaming approval requirements shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada.
SECTION 7.8 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder shall be assigned or delegated by any of the parties hereto without
the prior written consent of the other parties; provided, that the Purchaser may
assign the Purchase Options and the obligations under this Agreement to any
other person who is designated by the Purchaser and; further provided, that the
Purchaser shall remain responsible for the performance of such designee's
obligations.
SECTION 7.9 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing herein expressed or
implied shall be construed to give any person other than the parties hereto (and
their respective successors and assigns) any legal or equitable rights
hereunder.
SECTION 7.10 Obligations Several and not Joint. The obligations of the
Sellers hereunder are several and not joint, and no Seller shall be liable for
the breach or default hereunder by any other Seller.
19
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused its duly
authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
R&E GAMING CORP.
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Allen E. Paulson
Title: President
MORGENS, WATERFALL,
VINTIADIS & COMPANY, INC.
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Bruce Waterfall
Title: President
on behalf of the investment accounts for
the entities listed below
BETJE PARTNERS
THE COMMON FUND
MORGENS WATERFALL INCOME
PARTNERS
PHOENIX PARTNERS, L.P.
MWV EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
GROUP TRUST
RESTART PARTNERS, L.P.
RESTART PARTNERS II, L.P.
RESTART PARTNERS III, L.P.
<PAGE>
KEYPORT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Stewart R. Morrison
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer
SUNAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/
------------------------------------
Name: Alan J. Nussenblatt
Title: Authorized Agent
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATE FOR DRAWING WITH RESPECT TO
IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT NO. ____
DATED ______________, 1997
The undersigned, a duly authorized officer of [Morgens, Waterfall,
Vintiadis & Company, Inc. ("Morgens, Waterfall")] [Keyport Life Insurance
Company ("Keyport")] [SunAmerica Life Insurance Company ("SunAmerica")] (the
"Seller") hereby certifies to City National Bank (the "Bank"), with reference to
irrevocable letter of credit No. ____ (the "Letter of Credit"; any capitalized
term used herein and not defined shall have its respective meaning as set forth
in the Letter of Credit) issued by the Bank in favor of the Seller that all of
the following has occurred:
(1) Either (x) the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September
15, 1997 (the "Riviera Merger Agreement"), by and among R&E Gaming Corp., a
Delaware corporation ("Gaming"), Riviera Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Nevada
corporation, and Riviera Holdings Corporation, a Nevada corporation, has
terminated or (y) the Riviera Merger (as defined in the Riviera Merger
Agreement) has not occurred in accordance with the terms thereof on or
before April 1, 1998 (or, if the termination date of the Riviera Merger
Agreement is extended in accordance with Section 6.1(c) thereof, June 1,
1998); and
(2) The Seller is entitled to payment in the amount of $_______ in
accordance with the terms of Section 1.3(a) of the Option and Voting
Agreement dated September 15, 1997, by and among Gaming, Morgens,
Waterfall, Keyport and SunAmerica.
Demand is hereby made under the Letter of Credit for $_______. Please
remit payment to the Seller, account number _________, at _________, ABA No.
__________, REF.:______________.
A-1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
Seller Account
Morgens, Waterfall Citibank N.Y.
ABA #: 021000089
For: Morgan Stanley & Co.
Account #: 38890774
Credit To: Edwin Morgens and
Bruce Waterfall as
Agents
Sub-Account #: 038-30008
Ref: Elsinore/Riviera Option
Agreement Interest
Keyport Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
011001234/Bos Safe Dep/Cust
DDA # 108111
For: Keyport/KeyF0005002
SunAmerica Citibank
New York, New York
ABA # 021000089
SunAmerica Life Insurance Company
Account # 40573831
B-1
<PAGE>
ANNEX D
FORM OF OPINION OF THE FINANCIAL ADVISOR
, 1997
The Board of Directors
Riviera Holdings Corporation
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard, South
Las Vegas, NV 89109-1931
Gentlemen:
You have engaged us pursuant to the engagement letter, dated as of May
23, 1997, between Riviera Holdings Corporation ("Riviera" or the "Company") and
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. ("Ladenburg"). Specifically, you have requested
our opinion as to whether or not the consideration to be paid in connection with
the sale of all of the Company's common stock to R&E Gaming Corp. and Riviera
Acquisition Sub, Inc. (collectively "Paulson") for cash consideration of $15.00
per share (the "Transaction"), pursuant to the draft of the merger agreement
dated June 23, 1997 between Paulson and the Company (the "Merger Agreement"), is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of the Company.
In connection with rendering this opinion, we have reviewed such
information as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of
stating the opinions expressed herein, including but not limited to the
following: (i) the Merger Agreement; (ii) the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for
Riviera for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995
and December 31, 1996; (iii) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Company
for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997; (iv) detailed internal financial
statements for Riviera for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and December
31, 1996 and the first quarter ended March 31, 1997; (v) management's five-year
projected financial statements for Riviera for the fiscal years ending December
31, 1997, December 31, 1998, December 31, 1999, December 31, 2000 and December
31, 2001; (vi) the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for Elsinore Corporation
("Elsinore") for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, December 31,
1995 and December 31, 1996; (vii) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Elsinore
for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997; (viii) management's five-year
projected financial statements for Elsinore for the fiscal years ending December
31, 1997, December 31, 1998, December 31, 1999, December 31, 2000 and December
31, 2001; (ix) Riviera's common stock price and volume trading history; and (x)
publicly available information regarding the industry, Riviera, Elsinore and
their competitors. In addition, we met with members of senior management of
Riviera at its offices in Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss the historical and
prospective industry environment and operating results for both Riviera and
Elsinore.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied upon the accuracy,
completeness and fairness, without assuming any responsibility for the
independent verification of, all financial and other information that was
available to us from public sources, that was provided to us by Riviera, or that
was otherwise reviewed by us. With respect to
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors
Riviera Holdings Corporation
, 1997
financial projections supplied to us, we assume that they have been reasonably
prepared based on both Riviera's and Elsinore's then current estimate of
results, and we have relied upon such projections and made no independent
verification of the bases, assumptions, calculations or other information
contained therein. We have not made or been provided with an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise)
of Riviera or Elsinore, and we do not assume any responsibility for verifying
any of the information reviewed by us. Our opinion is necessarily based upon
information available to us, and financial, stock market and other conditions
and circumstances existing and disclosed to us, as of the date hereof.
In conducting our investigation and analyses and in arriving at our
opinion expressed herein, we have taken into account such accepted financial and
investment banking procedures and considerations as we have deemed relevant,
including: (i) historical revenues, operating earnings, net income and
capitalization of the Company and Elsinore and certain other publicly held
companies in businesses we believe to be comparable to the Company's; (ii) the
current financial and market position and results of operations of the Company
and Elsinore; and (iii) the general condition of the securities market.
Ladenburg, as part of its investment banking services, is regularly
engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection with
mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, sales and distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate or
other purposes. Ladenburg has been retained by the Board of Directors of Riviera
to provide this opinion and will receive fees and indemnification against
certain liabilities for the services rendered in connection with delivering this
opinion. Ladenburg has also been engaged to render financial advisory services
to the Company in connection with its merger with Paulson and will receive an
additional fee for the services rendered as financial advisor, a significant
portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of the Transaction. We have
provided investment banking services to the Company in the past, and have
received compensation for the rendering of such services.
In the ordinary course of business, we actively trade securities for
our own account and for the accounts of our customers and, accordingly, may at
any time hold a long or short position in the debt or equity securities of the
Company.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, our experience as investment
bankers, our work as described above and other factors we deemed relevant, we
are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the consideration to be paid in
the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of
the Company.
Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
Appendix A
Preliminary Copy--Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
2901 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada
89109 PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON
NOVEMBER 19, 1997
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF RIVIERA HOLDINGS CORPORATION
The undersigned hereby appoints William Westerman and Duane Krohn as
proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes
them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of common
stock, par value $.001 per Share (the "Shares"), of Riviera Holdings Corporation
(the "Company") held of record by the undersigned on October 15, 1997 at the
Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") to be held at 2 p.m.
local time on November 19, 1997 or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED HEREIN,
THIS PROXY WILL BE TREATED AS A GRANT OF AUTHORITY TO VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 1.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of Proposal 1.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, DATED AS
OF SEPTEMBER 15, 1997, AS AMENDED, BY AND AMONG THE COMPANY, R&E GAMING
CORP. AND RIVIERA ACQUISITION SUB, INC. AND THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
2. IN THEIR DISCRETION THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH
OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Print and sign your name below exactly as it appears hereon. When Shares
are registered in the name of more than one person, this proxy card must be
signed by all named holders. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title, as such. If a corporation, please
sign as full corporate name by president or authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership be authorized person.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the copy of
the Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement
(with all enclosures and attachments) relating to
the Special Meeting. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
COMPANY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE
PROXY CARD TODAY.
Dated: ____________________________________, 1997
-------------------------------------------------
Signature (Title, if any)
-------------------------------------------------
Signature, if held jointly
-------------------------------------------------
Print name of Stockholder as it appears hereon
<PAGE>
