<PAGE>
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
____________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report
NOVEMBER 6, 1998
(DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED)
VESTA INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION)
1-12338 63-1097283
(COMMISSION FILE NO.) (IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
3760 RIVER RUN DRIVE 35243
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(205)970-7000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
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<PAGE>
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
On November 6, 1998, the registrant issued a press release, a copy of which
is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by
reference. A copy of the Letter of Intent which is the subject of such press
release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(c) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. Description of Document
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99.1 Press release dated November 6, 1998 issued by the
registrant.
99.2 Letter of Intent between the registrant and Alfa Mutual
Insurance Company, dated November 6, 1998.
SIGNATURE
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
Dated as of November 6, 1998.
VESTA INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
/s/ Donald W. Thornton
-------------------------
By: Donald W. Thornton
Its: Senior Vice President - General Counsel
and Secretary
2
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99.1
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VESTA ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH
---------------------------------------
ALFA INSURANCE GROUP
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-- ALLIANCE SIGNALS STRONG VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN VESTA'S FUTURE BY ALFA AND
PROVIDES VESTA ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR STAKE IN
COMPANY --
-- VESTA PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON THIRD QUARTER PERFORMANCE --
BIRMINGHAM, ALA., NOV. 6 /PRNEWSWIRE/ -- The Board of Directors of Vesta
Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: VTA - news) announced today that the Company has
signed a letter of intent to enter into a strategic alliance with the Alfa
Insurance Group, whose property-casualty subsidiaries are rated A++ by A.M.
Best. The strategic alliance will provide Vesta with capital, as well as
commercial and technical support, with a view toward maintaining and building
its business and preserving its long-term value for shareholders. Under the
terms of the agreement, Alfa will purchase $17 million of Vesta convertible
voting preferred stock and receive warrants for Vesta common stock which,
coupled with a purchase of Vesta common stock from Torchmark, also announced
today, could bring Alfa's total holdings of Vesta to 36% on a fully diluted
basis.
Norman W. Gayle, III, Chief Executive Officer of Vesta, said, "This commitment
by Alfa represents a strong vote of confidence in Vesta's current business
strategy and future prospects by a solid and highly respected company in our
industry. Alfa's financial and operational contributions will strengthen our
ability to continue to provide superior products and services and build the
value of our Company for shareholders. In addition, the strategic alliance will
provide commercial support towards further strengthening our business
relationships, which will be particularly important as we enter into the
reinsurance renewal season."
Mr. Ken Wallis, Executive Vice President of Alfa, stated, "After discussions
with Vesta's Board and management team, we feel confident in the future business
prospects and in the long-term potential of Vesta as an investment and strategic
partner. We believe this alliance will create many opportunities for
collaboration and future growth of our respective businesses. We look forward to
working with the Vesta Board and management to develop business synergies that
will be beneficial to both Alfa and Vesta."
The terms of the agreement call for Alfa to receive:
. $17 million aggregate amount of Vesta's 9.75% Convertible Preferred Stock,
Series A, convertible into common stock at $5.75 per share;
. Warrants to acquire 5,000,000 shares of Vesta Common Stock at a price of $8
per share expiring eight years after the close of the transaction.
<PAGE>
Separately, Torchmark Corporation [NYSE:TMK - news] and Alfa have entered into a
Stock Purchase Agreement whereby Alfa will acquire 1,842,000 shares, or 9.9%, of
Vesta outstanding common stock currently owned by Torchmark.
As part of the agreement between Vesta and Alfa, Alfa will obtain up to four
positions on Vesta's Board, to replace up to four of Vesta's existing 10
directors. Two of the seats assumed by Alfa nominees will be vacated by
Torchmark representatives on the Vesta Board. The letter of intent includes a
three-year standstill agreement which limits purchases by Alfa of additional
Vesta securities which would increase Alfa's voting power above 49%.
In addition to the capital and commercial support that Alfa will contribute,
Alfa will work with Vesta to explore the feasibility of combining efforts in the
systems development area which could result in significant cost savings for both
Vesta and Alfa and assist Vesta in the integration of its Shelby acquisition. A
study will be initiated to review the joint development of systems for
underwriting, policy issuance, policy processing and financial systems.
The strategic alliance is subject to approval by Vesta's shareholders. The
companies expect to move to a definitive agreement as soon as practicable but no
later than December 31, 1998. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval,
receipt of a fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor to be
selected at a later date, and other closing conditions.
Vesta also announced today that due to significant catastrophe losses among
other things in the quarter, it expects a third quarter 1998 loss of
approximately $30 million. Pre-tax catastrophe losses in the quarter amounted to
approximately $17 million.
In addition, Vesta reported today that as a result of its third quarter loss, it
will not be in compliance with certain of its loan covenants. The Company is
currently in discussions with its banks to address this situation and expects
these discussions to be favorably impacted by the announcement of its strategic
alliance with Alfa.
The Alfa Insurance Group, consisting of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company, Alfa
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and their 50.8% subsidiary Alfa Corporation, is
engaged in insurance and financial activities through its subsidiaries. The
common stock of Alfa Corporation is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National
Market under the symbol ALFA.
Vesta Insurance Group, Inc., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a holding
company for a group of property and casualty insurance companies that offer
reinsurance and primary insurance for personal and commercial risks.
Any statement contained in this release that is not a historical fact, or that
might otherwise be considered an opinion or projection concerning the Company or
its business, whether expressed or implied, is meant as and should be considered
a forward-looking statement as that term is defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Forward-looking statements are based on the
assumptions and opinions concerning a variety of known and unknown risks,
particularly the
<PAGE>
consummation of the transaction announced herein and its anticipated favorable
impact. If any of these assumptions or opinions prove incorrect, any forward-
looking statements made on the basis of such assumptions or opinions may also
prove materially incorrect in one or more respects. A discussion of these risks
is included in the periodic reports filed by Vesta Insurance Group, Inc. and
Alfa Corporation with the SEC.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99.2
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ALFA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
November 6, 1998
Vesta Insurance Group, Inc.
3760 River Run Drive
Birmingham, AL 35243
Letter of Intent
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Letter of Intent sets forth certain understandings between Alfa Mutual
Insurance Company ("Alfa" and together with its affiliated companies Alfa Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, Alfa Mutual General Insurance Company, Alfa Corporation
and its subsidiaries, the "Alfa Group") and Vesta Insurance Group, Inc. ("Vesta"
and together with its affiliated companies, the "Vesta Group") with respect to
the issuance to the Alfa Group by Vesta of $17,000,000 aggregate liquidation
amount of its 9.75% Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred
Stock"), convertible into common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Vesta (the
"Vesta Common Stock") at a conversion price of $5.75 per share and of warrants
(the "Warrants") to acquire 5,000,000 shares of Vesta Common Stock and with
respect to the other transactions described below relating to the establishment
of a strategic alliance between the Alfa Group and the Vesta Group.
Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Letter of Intent, Torchmark
Corporation ("Torchmark") and Alfa are entering into a Stock Purchase Agreement
(the "Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which Alfa will agree to acquire shares
of the Vesta Common Stock (the "Torchmark Shares") representing 9.9% of the
outstanding Vesta Common Stock as of the closing under the Purchase Agreement
(approximately 1,842,000 shares) which are currently held by Torchmark, at the
price and upon the terms and subject to the conditions specified therein.
1. Description of the Transactions. The proposed transactions between the
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Vesta Group and the Alfa Group are as follows:
(a) Investment Agreement and Issuance of the Preferred Stock and the
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Warrants. Vesta and Alfa will enter into an Investment Agreement as
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promptly as practicable following the execution of this Letter of Intent
pursuant to which Vesta shall issue to Alfa the Preferred Stock and the
Warrants for a purchase price of $17,000,000. The principal terms of the
Preferred Stock and the Warrants will be as set forth in the term sheet
attached as Annex A to this Letter of Intent (the "Term Sheet").
<PAGE>
(b) Closing. The closing (the "Closing") of the issuance of the
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Preferred Stock and the Warrants to the Alfa Group shall be the second
business day following the date on which all conditions specified in the
Investment Agreement, including receipt of all required regulatory
approvals, have been fulfilled or waived, or such other date as is
determined by the mutual agreement of Alfa and Vesta (the "Closing Date").
At the Closing, the appropriate members of the Alfa Group and the Vesta
Group will execute and deliver the definitive agreements (other than the
Investment Agreement) referred to in paragraph 2 below (together with the
Investment Agreement, the "Definitive Agreements"). It is currently
expected that the agreed forms (or in some cases terms) of the Definitive
Agreements other than the Investment Agreement will be attached as annexes
to the Investment Agreement.
(c) Board Representation and Related Matters. Effective as of the
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earlier of the Closing or the closing under the Purchase Agreement, Messrs.
Richey, Hudson and one other individual to be specified in the Investment
Agreement or otherwise by agreement of Vesta and Alfa will resign from the
Board of Directors of Vesta (the "Vesta Board") and the Vesta Board will,
subject to any applicable limits under insurance law or regulation as
determined by Alfa in its reasonable discretion, at such time elect up to
three individuals designated by Alfa. The Preferred Stock will be
entitled, voting as a separate class, to elect three directors to the Vesta
Board, commencing as of the Closing. The first three directors elected by
the Preferred Stock will include any individuals then serving on the Vesta
Board by operation of the first sentence of this clause (c). On all
matters to be voted on by holders of Vesta Common Stock, the Preferred
Stock will vote together with the Vesta Common Stock as a single class,
with the Preferred Stock to have a number of votes equal to the number of
shares of Vesta Common Stock into which it can be converted and, so long as
held by the Alfa Group, the number of shares of Vesta Common Stock into
which the Warrants then held by the Alfa Group may then be converted. A
proportionate number of Alfa designees (but not less than one Alfa
designee) will be elected at the same time to each committee of the Vesta
Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Alfa shall not be entitled to be
represented on any committee of the Vesta Board which may be established
solely to approve transactions between the Alfa Group and the Vesta Group.
No Alfa designee shall participate in any deliberations or vote of the
Vesta Board or any committee thereof with respect to any transaction
between the Vesta Group and the Alfa Group.
From the Closing Date, Vesta will also agree that:
(i) Alfa will have certain rights to directors, in addition to
those elected by the Preferred Stock, in the following circumstances.
The number of individuals nominated by Alfa ("Alfa Nominees"), if any,
under this clause (i) shall be equal to (x) the number of directors
that would be proportional to Alfa's ownership of the outstanding
Vesta Voting Power (based on the Vesta Common Stock, the Preferred
Stock and any other Voting Securities of Vesta then outstanding) (but
shall not be less than three), less (y) the number of directors
----
elected by the Preferred Stock as a separate class. The number of
Alfa Nominees shall be rounded up to the next whole number; provided,
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that prior to the time, if any, when Alfa owns a majority of the
outstanding Voting Power, a majority of the Vesta Board shall consist
<PAGE>
of persons other than Alfa Nominees. The number of Alfa Nominees
under this clause (i) shall increase (and decrease) proportionately to
Alfa's ownership of the Vesta Voting Power upon any change in Alfa's
percentage of such Voting Power. The Alfa Nominees shall be allocated
as evenly as possible to the respective classes of directors. The
Vesta Board shall exercise all authority under applicable law to cause
the Alfa Nominees to be elected as directors of Vesta. "Voting
Securities" shall mean all securities then generally entitled to vote
for directors of Vesta;
(ii) Alfa shall also have the right to proportional
representation on each committee (except as set forth above) of the
Vesta Board and on the Boards of Directors and committees thereof of
subsidiaries with outside directors;
(iii) Vesta will not issue any shares of Vesta Common Stock or
of any other equity security of Vesta or issue any securities
convertible into or exchangeable for Vesta Common Stock or any other
equity security of Vesta, other than pursuant to compensation
arrangements approved by the Board of Directors, without at the same
time allowing Alfa to purchase up to enough of the issuance to avoid
dilution;
(iv) Vesta will not issue any shares of capital stock ranking
senior to or equally with the Preferred Stock as to dividends or
liquidation preference without the vote of holders of the Preferred
Stock, voting as a separate class;
(v) Vesta's Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws will not be
amended or modified in a manner adverse to the Alfa Group without its
consent;
(vi) Vesta will not adopt a stockholder rights plan or similar
device that would limit acquisitions of Vesta Voting Securities by or
otherwise adversely affect the Alfa Group without its consent, except
to the extent that such acquisitions are limited as set forth in
clause (d) below; and
(vii) Alfa shall receive equal treatment in any bidding process
relating to a Control Transaction (as defined below).
The provisions set forth in this clause (c) will terminate upon the
Alfa Group owning less than 9.9% of the total Voting Power.
(d) Standstill Provisions. On the Closing Date, Vesta and Alfa will enter
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into a Stockholders Agreement in which Alfa will agree that, until the
third anniversary of the Closing Date (the "Standstill Period"), the
members of the Alfa Group will not:
(i) acquire any additional shares of Vesta Common Stock or other
Voting Securities, other than:
(A) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Warrants and the
conversion of Preferred Stock;
<PAGE>
(B) as a result of a stock split, stock dividend or
recapitalization of Vesta;
(C) pursuant to the purchase right referred to in clause
(c)(iii) above;
(D) from Vesta; or
(E) Pursuant to any other transaction that does not increase
their aggregate ownership to greater than 49% of the then
outstanding Vesta Voting Power, assuming exercise of all
Warrants held by the Alfa Group;
(ii) become a member with any third party of a group (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended) with respect to the Vesta Common Stock;
(iii) solicit proxies or become a participant in a proxy contest with
respect to Vesta Common Stock; or
(iv) call any special meeting of stockholders.
Alfa will further agree not to transfer any Vesta Common Stock or Warrants
to any person who would thereupon own greater than 20% of the outstanding
Vesta Voting Power unless such person agrees to be bound by the standstill
provisions, or, at Alfa's option, the full Stockholders Agreement. Certain
transfers shall, however, be permitted: (i) public offerings where
reasonable efforts are made to avoid the 20% limit; (ii) transfers in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933; (iii) to other
members of the Alfa Group; (iv) to Vesta or any subsidiary of Vesta; and
(v) any transfer within 180 days after providing Vesta with a 60 day right
of first offer.
The restrictions in this clause (d) will not apply if: (i) the Vesta Board
agrees to the sale or merger of Vesta or any other Control Transaction;
(ii) any person acquires or agrees or makes a bona fide offer (including a
tender offer or exchange offer) to acquire 20% or more of Vesta's
outstanding Voting Securities, other than pursuant to an acquisition from
Alfa; (iii) any person commences a proxy solicitation seeking to remove or
to block the election of any Alfa Nominee; (iv) certain insolvency events
occur with respect to Vesta or a significant subsidiary of Vesta; (v) a
majority of the independent directors on the Vesta Board vote to release
Alfa from the standstill provisions; or (vi) Vesta breaches the
Stockholders Agreement or the Investment Agreement in any material respect.
(e) Registration Rights. The Alfa Group will have demand and piggyback
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registration rights as set forth in the Term Sheet with respect to the
Torchmark Shares, the Preferred Stock, the Warrants and the shares of Vesta
Common Stock underlying the Warrants.
(f) Reinsurance by the Alfa Group. On the Closing Date, one or more
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insurance company members of the Alfa Group (each, an "Alfa Insurer") shall
enter into a reinsurance treaty with one or more insurance company members
<PAGE>
of the Vesta Group (each, a "Vesta Insurer") pursuant to which such Alfa
Insurers will reinsure up to 100% of certain personal lines of business
currently written by such Vesta Insurers. The specific business and
percentage of each risk to be reinsured will be determined by the Alfa
Group prior to the Closing. This reinsurance agreement would permit the
Alfa Insurers to reinsure, at their option, up to $50,000,000 of direct
written premium in 1999, increasing over time in proportion to the growth
of the underlying business. The Alfa Group will also have a right of first
offer to reinsure any portion of the Vesta Group's personal lines business
that the Vesta Group seeks to dispose of or non-renew. The ceding
commissions with respect to the business reinsured pursuant to this clause
(f) will be determined based on Alfa's requirement for an underwriting
margin equal to 5% of net premiums written.
(g) Management of the Vesta Group's Investment Portfolio. On the Closing
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Date, each member of the Vesta Group shall enter into an Investment
Services Agreement with a member of the Alfa Group pursuant to which the
Vesta Group will engage such Alfa Group member to manage the investment
portfolios of the Vesta Group. The terms of this Investment Services
Agreement with respect to fee structure will be substantially identical to
those of the Investment Services Agreement between Vesta Insurance
Corporation and Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company.
(h) Related Party Agreements. Effective as of the Closing Date:
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(i) The Office Lease Agreement between Torchmark Development
Corporation and Liberty National Fire Insurance Corporation will
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
Torchmark will provide to the Alfa Group an estoppel certificate at
the Closing in customary form.
(ii) The Separation and Public Offering Agreement between Torchmark
and Vesta (the "Separation Agreement") shall be amended to include
cut-back provisions on piggyback registrations by Torchmark and,
subject to the agreement of Torchmark, to eliminate Section 5.2, and
otherwise shall not be affected.
(iii) Each Investment Services Agreement between the Vesta Group and
Waddell & Reed Asset Management Company will be terminated, and no
party will have any continuing rights or obligations thereunder,
except for the payment of accrued fees and for any liabilities arising
from breach of such agreement prior to its termination.
(iv) The Marketing and Administrative Services Agreement by and among
Liberty National Fire Insurance Company, Liberty National Insurance
Corporation and Liberty National Life Insurance Company shall not be
affected.
(v) The Trade Name and Service Mark License Agreement by and among
Torchmark, Vesta and Liberty National Fire Insurance Company shall
continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
<PAGE>
(vi) The Consolidated Tax Allocation Agreement by and among Torchmark
and certain of its current and former subsidiaries shall continue in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
(i) Alfa Life Products. From and after the Closing Date, Alfa Life
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Insurance Corporation ("Alfa Life") will have the right to appoint certain
agents of the Vesta Insurers to sell products of Alfa Life selected by Alfa
Life, subject to the receipt by such agents of necessary licenses. Vesta
will agree to cause the Vesta Insurers not to make available or facilitate
the sale of any products of any life insurance company (including the
Zurich/Kemper insurers), other than Alfa Life and its affiliates, without
the consent of Alfa, not to be unreasonably withheld.
(j) Information Systems. The Alfa Group and the Vesta Group are each in
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the process of starting to make substantial changes in its information
systems. Both parties believe that an opportunity may exist for
significant cost savings by combining, in some manner, their efforts in
this area. Accordingly, commencing on the Closing Date, the Alfa Group and
the Vesta Group will cooperate in seeking to develop mutually beneficial
information systems that are appropriately functional and expandable and
which facilitate the Alfa Group's and the Vesta Group's business
objectives. This cooperation will initially consist of a joint assessment
of the feasibility and desirability to each party of jointly developing
information systems (which potentially could include expert underwriting
systems, policy issuance systems, policy processing systems and financial
systems) which could be used by each party. If the foregoing assessment
reveals that such development would be feasible and, in the view of each
party, desirable, the parties would then seek to agree on a basis for and
the terms of such development. One possible model would be the
establishment of a jointly-owned venture, to which each party would
contribute funding and staff support commensurately with the respective
benefits to be received by each party. Such joint development could also
include, if the parties so agree, the discontinuance by the Vesta Group at
an appropriate time of its "SIS Project."
(k) Chief Executive Officer. Effective as of the Closing, the Board of
-----------------------
Directors will establish a search committee to find and select an
individual to serve as Chief Executive Officer and President of Vesta, who
shall not be a current employee of any member of the Vesta Group and who
shall be acceptable to the Alfa Nominees on the Vesta Board.
2. Definitive Agreements. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
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execution of this Letter of Intent, Alfa and Vesta shall commence
negotiations in good faith of definitive agreements and documents relating
to the transactions described in this Letter of Intent including:
(a) an Investment Agreement;
(b) a Stockholders Agreement;
(c) Certificate of Designations for the Preferred Stock;
<PAGE>
(d) a form of Warrant;
(e) one or more Reinsurance Agreements;
(f) Investment Services Agreements;
(g) a Marketing Agreement; and
(h) an Information Systems Cooperation Agreement.
Each of the agreements or documents referred to above, as well as such
ancillary documents as may be necessary, will initially be prepared by
counsel to the Alfa Group and will include the terms summarized in
paragraph 1 and in the Term Sheet and such other representations,
warranties, conditions, covenants, indemnities and other terms as are
appropriate and agreed to by the parties and are not inconsistent with this
Letter of Intent.
3. Representations and Warranties. (a) Each of Alfa and Vesta represents and
------------------------------
warrants that (i) it is duly organized and validly existing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) it has all requisite power and
authority to enter into this Letter of Intent and to perform its
obligations hereunder, (iii) the execution, delivery and performance of
this Letter of Intent have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on its part, and (iv) this Letter of Intent has been duly executed
and delivered by it and, assuming due execution and delivery by, and
binding effect on, each of the other parties hereto, constitutes a legal,
valid and binding obligation of it (to the extent specified in paragraph 12
below), enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally, and subject to general principles of equity, whether applied in
a court of law or a court of equity.
(b) Vesta represents and warrants that (i) the execution, delivery and
performance of this Letter of Intent and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been authorized by a special
committee of the Vesta Board consisting of Messrs. Beale, Camp,
Hershbarger, C. Palmer, J. Palmer and Rosenthal and by the full Vesta
Board, (ii) the Vesta Board has approved each of the execution and delivery
of the Purchase Agreement and of this Letter of Intent, the purchase of the
Torchmark Shares by the Alfa Group and the transactions contemplated by
this Letter of Intent, in each case in this clause (ii) for purposes of
paragraph (a)(1) of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law,
(iii) the execution and delivery of this Letter of Intent and the Purchase
Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of
or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or
require the consent of any Person under, or be limited in any respect by or
result in any adverse consequence under, any provision of the Certificate
of Incorporation or By-laws of any member of the Vesta Group or any trust
agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease
or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license,
judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation
applicable to any member of the Vesta Group or to its property or assets,
<PAGE>
except for any consents required under the Revolving Credit Agreement
between Vesta and lenders led by First Union National Bank, and (iv) except
for insurance regulatory approvals and filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, no consent, approval, order
or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any court
of competent jurisdiction, administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or instrumentality, state or Federal, is required by
or with respect to any member of the Vesta Group in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Letter of Intent or the Purchase Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
4. Interim Conduct of Vesta's Business. From the date hereof until the
-----------------------------------
earliest of (a) the termination of this Letter of Intent or (b) the
execution and delivery of the Investment Agreement, except for activities
previously disclosed in writing to the Alfa Group, the Vesta Group shall
conduct its business only in the ordinary course, consistent with past
practice.
5. Reinsurance. From and after the date of this Letter of Intent, the Alfa
-----------
Group will use commercially reasonable efforts to support the Vesta Group's
efforts to write the January 1, 1999 renewals of its reinsurance assumed
program. Such support may include an Alfa Insurer co-reinsuring, on a
several basis, a portion of the reinsurance assumed by the Vesta Group,
subject to the Alfa Insurer's approval of the pricing and terms thereof in
its sole discretion. The percentage of any such business to be written by
Alfa will be determined by mutual agreement of the parties. Such support
may also include meeting with rating agencies (including A.M. Best) and, if
Vesta requests, with reinsureds at the NAII meeting in Boston commencing
November 8, 1998. Such support by the Alfa Group will not include any cut-
through or other direct or indirect guarantee by Alfa of the obligations or
financial condition of any member of the Vesta Group, and neither party
shall make any express or implied statement to the contrary.
6. Due Diligence; Access.
---------------------
(a) Investigation. From and after the date of execution of this Letter
-------------
of Intent by the parties hereto, Vesta shall permit access to, and shall
make available to the Alfa Group and its officers, employees, advisors and
other representatives for inspection and review, the properties, books,
records, accounts and documents of or relating to the Vesta Group, and
Vesta shall make available at reasonable times the officers, employees,
advisors and other representatives of the Vesta Group to discuss with the
Alfa Group and its representatives the business and affairs of the Vesta
Group, such inspection and discussion to be permitted prior to and after
the execution of the Definitive Agreements. The Alfa Group shall, and
shall cause its representatives to, keep all information and documents
obtained hereunder confidential in accordance with the Confidentiality
Agreement dated September 10, 1998 (the "Confidentiality Agreement")
between Vesta and the Alfa Group.
(b) Termination. Prior to the execution and delivery of the Definitive
-----------
Agreements, Alfa shall have the right to terminate this Letter of Intent in
its sole discretion based on its due diligence review of the Vesta Group.
<PAGE>
7. Publicity.
---------
(a) This Letter of Intent may be made public by either party.
(b) The parties shall mutually agree upon the form and content of any
public statement that may be made with respect to this Letter of Intent or
the transactions contemplated hereby and, except as required by law or
regulation, no such public statement shall be made unless mutually agreed
upon by the parties hereto. Any public or private statement by any party
with respect to the terms of this Letter of Intent or the relationship
sought to be established hereby shall be accurate, complete and not
misleading, and any material misstatement or omission with respect thereto
shall be promptly corrected by the appropriate party. Without the consent
of the other party, neither party shall refer to the other party or any of
its affiliates in any of its advertising or promotional material.
8. Exclusivity. (a) During the Exclusivity Period (as defined below), Vesta
-----------
and its affiliates shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any
officer, director, employee, agent, advisor or other representative (each,
a "Representative") of Vesta or any of its affiliates to, directly or
indirectly, (i) solicit or initiate, or encourage the submission of, any
Proposal (as defined below), (ii) participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person any information with
respect to, or take any other action to facilitate the making of any
proposal that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any
Proposal or Alternative Transaction (as defined below), other than with the
Alfa Group, or (iii) authorize, engage in, or enter into any agreement with
respect to, any Alternative Transaction; provided, however, that to the
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extent required by the fiduciary obligations of the Vesta Board, as
determined in good faith by the Vesta Board based on the advice of outside
counsel, if Vesta receives a Proposal without violation of clause (i) with
respect to a Control Transaction (as defined below), Vesta may participate
in such discussions or negotiations or furnish (pursuant to a
confidentiality agreement in customary form) such information in response
to such Proposal or authorize, engage in or enter into any agreement with
respect to such Control Transaction. Vesta will promptly advise Alfa of,
and communicate to Alfa the terms of, any Proposal that Vesta, any of its
affiliates or any of their respective Representatives may receive during
the Exclusivity Period.
(b) For purposes of this Letter of Intent: (i) "Proposal" means any
inquiry, proposal or offer from any person relating to an Alternative
Transaction; (ii) "Alternative Transaction" means any (A) direct or
indirect acquisition or purchase of any equity securities of, or other
equity interest in, any member of the Vesta Group that if consummated would
result in any person beneficially owning (or having the right to acquire)
10% or more of any class of equity securities of or of the equity interest
in any member of the Vesta Group or which would require approval under any
federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or order governing or
relating to the current or contemplated operations of any member of the
Vesta Group, (B) merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of a
material portion of the assets (including, without limitation, by means of
any reinsurance or renewal rights transaction), recapitalization,
liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving any member of the
Vesta Group or (C) other transaction the consummation of which would
reasonably be expected to impede, interfere with, prevent or materially
<PAGE>
delay the transactions with the Alfa Group contemplated by this Letter of
Intent or which would reasonably be expected to dilute the benefits of such
transactions to the Alfa Group; and (iii) "Control Transaction" means any
transaction that involves a (A) merger or consolidation or similar business
combination involving Vesta or a significant subsidiary of Vesta (other
than a "merger of equals" transaction) (B) sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of Vesta or (C) sale or issuance of Vesta Common Stock or
other equity securities of Vesta to a person which, following the
completion of such sale or issuance, will beneficially own Vesta Common
Stock or other equity securities of Vesta representing a majority of the
voting power with respect to the election of the directors of Vesta.
(c) For purposes of this Letter of Intent, "Exclusivity Period" means
the period commencing upon Vesta's execution hereof and ending on the
earlier of (i) the termination of this Letter of Intent pursuant to
paragraph 10 hereof and (ii) the execution and delivery of the Investment
Agreement. For purposes of this paragraph 8, the term "person" shall be
construed broadly to include any corporation, partnership or other entity
and any "group" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).
(d) In the event of any breach or threatened breach of any of the
provisions of this paragraph 8 by Vesta, Alfa shall be entitled to
equitable relief by way of injunction in addition to any other rights or
remedies available to it.
9. Approvals; Governmental Filings; Purchase of Torchmark Shares. (a) From
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and after execution of this Letter of Intent, the Vesta Group and the Alfa
Group shall use their respective best efforts to obtain all third party
consents and approvals, if any, including from stockholders of Vesta,
financial institutions, regulatory authorities and other persons, necessary
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and the purchase of the
Torchmark Shares by the Alfa Group. Prior to and after execution of the
Definitive Agreements, the parties hereto will cooperate in the preparation
and filing of any required governmental or regulatory notices and filings.
Without limiting the foregoing, promptly after execution of this Letter of
Intent, the parties shall cooperate in preparing and making all necessary
filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, and obtaining the early termination of the waiting period
thereunder.
(b) Vesta agrees that it will use, and will cause the other members of
the Vesta Group to use, its and their respective best efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to
assist and cooperate in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable,
the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement. Without limiting
the foregoing, (i) Vesta shall not implement any stockholder rights plan or
other device or take any action that would prohibit, limit or adversely
impact the benefits to the Alfa Group of the purchase by the Alfa Group of
the Torchmark Shares, (ii) Vesta agrees to waive all rights arising under
Section 4.1 of the Separation Agreement with respect to the sale by
Torchmark of the Torchmark Shares to the Alfa Group and (iii) Vesta will
not take any action that would cause the Torchmark Shares to exceed 9.9% of
the outstanding Vesta Common Stock.
<PAGE>
10. Termination. This Letter of Intent shall terminate upon the earliest to
-----------
occur of (a) the mutual written agreement of Alfa and Vesta, (b) the
delivery of written notice by Alfa to Vesta or by Vesta to Alfa after
Vesta announces, or enters into any agreement with respect to, a Control
Transaction or any Control Transaction is consummated, (c) the delivery by
Alfa to Vesta of written notice to terminate in Alfa's sole discretion
based on the results of its due diligence investigation of the Vesta Group
and (d) unless extended by the Alfa Group in writing, 5:00 p.m. Central
Time on December 31, 1998 if the parties have not executed and delivered
the Investment Agreement prior to then, except that a party may not rely on
this clause (d) if such party's breach of this Letter of Intent has
resulted in such failure to execute and deliver the Investment Agreement.
Vesta shall promptly pay to Alfa, as liquidated damages and not as a
penalty, a termination fee of $4,000,000 in immediately available funds, if
such termination (i) is pursuant to clause (b) above or (ii) is pursuant to
clause (d) above and, in the case of this clause (ii), Vesta announces,
enters into any agreement with respect to or consummates a Control
Transaction or any Alternative Transaction described in clauses (A) or (B)
of the definition thereof within six months after termination. In
addition, upon any such termination any obligations under this Letter of
Intent shall terminate and no party shall have any liability whatsoever to
any other party; provided, however, that notwithstanding any such
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termination, paragraphs 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 18 shall remain in
full force and effect; and provided, further, that no party shall be
--------- -------
relieved of liability for any breach of this Letter of Intent.
11. Fees and Expenses. The parties hereto shall each bear their own respective
-----------------
costs and expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby;
provided, however, that if this Letter of Intent is terminated pursuant to
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clause (c) or (d) of paragraph 10 hereof, Vesta shall, promptly upon
request therefor, reimburse the Alfa Group for its reasonable out-of-pocket
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
expenses of its counsel) in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby; provided, however, that in the event of a termination pursuant to
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clause (c), such reimbursement (x) shall be payable only if Alfa's due
diligence reveals an issue of material concern, and (y) shall not exceed $2
million.
12. No Binding Obligations. Except with respect to paragraphs 2 through 19,
----------------------
which are intended to be binding on the parties, this Letter of Intent is
intended to serve only as an expression of the parties' intent and not as a
binding obligation to consummate the contemplated transactions; any such
obligation will be created only by definitive agreements, the provisions of
which will supersede this Letter of Intent and all other understandings
between the parties.
13. Assignment. Any of the rights and obligations of Alfa hereunder may be
----------
assigned by Alfa to any member of the Alfa Group. Vesta shall not assign
any of its rights or obligations hereunder.
14. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Letter of Intent is intended
----------------------------
or shall be construed to give any person other than the parties hereto and
their successors and permitted assigns any legal or equitable right, remedy
or claim under or in respect of this Letter of Intent or any provision
contained herein.
<PAGE>
15. No Joint Venture. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the
----------------
contrary, the parties hereby acknowledge that it is their intention and
understanding that the transactions contemplated hereby (including without
limitation paragraph 5 hereof) do not in any way constitute or imply the
formation of a joint venture or partnership between the parties hereto or
their respective affiliates.
16. Governing Law. THIS LETTER OF INTENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
-------------
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE
CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
17. Amendment. This Letter of Intent shall not be amended except by a written
---------
instrument executed by all of the parties hereto.
18. Entire Understanding. This Letter of Intent (including the annexes hereto)
--------------------
and the Confidentiality Agreement set forth the entire understanding of the
parties with respect to the matters addressed herein.
19. Counterparts. This Letter of Intent may be executed in counterparts, each
------------
of which shall be deemed to constitute an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
If the terms of this Letter of Intent are in accordance with your
understanding, please sign and return the enclosed duplicate of this letter.
Very truly yours,
ALFA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/ Ken Wallis
---------------------------------
Name: Ken Wallis
Title: Exec. V.P.
Agreed to and accepted as of
the date first above written:
VESTA INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Norman W. Gayle III
------------------------------
Name: Norman W. Gayle III
Title: President and CEO
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
TERM SHEET
PROPOSED TERMS OF THE PREFERRED STOCK
Issuer: Vesta Insurance Group, Inc. ("Vesta")
Description: Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
Aggregate Liquidation
Amount to be Issued
at Closing: $17,000,000
Purchase Price: $5.75 per share
Number of Shares: 2,956,521
Dividends: 9.75% cumulative; payable quarterly in kind (additional
shares of Preferred Stock) for the first three years,
then paid in kind or in cash, at Vesta's option.
Conversion: Convertible into Vesta Common Stock at $5.75 per share,
subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.
Redemption: Redeemable, at the option of Vesta, in whole or in part,
at any time after the eighth anniversary of the Closing
Date, at the redemption price indicated below plus
accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date:
Percentage of
If Redeemed Liquidation Amount
During Redeemed
-----------------------------------
Year 9 110%
Year 10 108%
Year 11 106%
Year 12 104%
Year 13 102%
Year 14 and after 100%
Use of Proceeds: Contribution to Insurance Subsidiaries
Voting Rights: As described in the Letter of Intent
<PAGE>
PROPOSED TERMS OF THE WARRANTS
Issuer: Vesta
Description: Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one
share of Vesta Common Stock (a "Warrant Share") from
Vesta at the Exercise Price (as defined below), at any
time from and after the Closing Date to and including
the eighth anniversary of the Closing Date.
Number of Warrants: The number of Warrants issued will equal 5,000,000
shares of Vesta Common Stock.
Exercise Price: The price per share of Vesta Common Stock payable upon
exercise of the Warrants shall be $8.00.
Transferability: Freely transferable, subject to the standstill
provisions, applicable securities laws and the receipt
of applicable regulatory approvals.
Anti-Dilution: The Warrants will have anti-dilution protection with
respect to future stock dividends, extraordinary cash
dividends, stock splits, self-tenders by Vesta,
issuances of options and convertible securities and
issuances of Vesta Common Stock below the then-current
market price.
Redemption: The Warrants may not be redeemed by Vesta.
Cashless Exercise: The Warrants will have a "cashless exercise" feature
pursuant to which a holder can, in connection with an
exercise, surrender some of the Warrants and receive a
credit against the aggregate exercise price payable
equal to the product (x) of the number of Warrants
surrendered and (y) the difference between the then-
current market price of the Vesta Common Stock and the
Exercise Price.
PROPOSED TERMS OF THE INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
Representations and
Warranties: Standard Company representations and warranties,
including with regard to business and financial matters
and receipt of updated Vesta Board approval and a
fairness opinion as of the execution of the Investment
Agreement.
<PAGE>
Closing Conditions: The closing will be subject to various conditions,
including:
. Receipt of Vesta stockholder approval
. Receipt of all required regulatory approvals in
form and substance satisfactory to Alfa
. No injunction or other adverse action the effect of
which is to prohibit or prevent the transactions
contemplated by the Letter of Intent
. Execution of all other definitive agreements
contemplated by the Letter of Intent and
satisfaction or waiver of all conditions specified
in such agreements
. Consummation of Alfa's purchase of the shares of
Vesta Common Stock to be sold by Torchmark
. Resignation of Torchmark directors, and election of
Alfa's nominees to Vesta's Board of Directors
. Since December 31, 1997, except as disclosed prior
to signing the Investment Agreement, no material
adverse change shall have occurred with respect to
the Vesta Group and no change, event, circumstances
or condition shall have occurred or exist that
could reasonably be expected to result in such a
material adverse change
. Accuracy of Vesta's representations and warranties,
at the time of signing and at the time of closing,
and continuing compliance with Vesta's covenants
. Level and associated cost of ceded reinsurance
acceptable to Alfa
. Level and pricing of assumed reinsurance acceptable
to Alfa
. No adverse developments with respect to Vesta's
ratings by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's or Moody's
. Receipt of legal opinions from Vesta's counsel in
form and substance satisfactory to Alfa
. Removal of limits imposed by Alabama and Ohio
Departments
. No defaults under indebtedness
. Finalization of Alabama Department's exam not
resulting in a material adverse impact on any Vesta
Insurer
Pre-Closing Covenants: Vesta will covenant to conduct its business prior to the
closing only in the ordinary course, and will make other
customary pre-closing covenants, including without
limitation no issuances of Vesta Common Stock, options,
<PAGE>
warrants or rights to acquire Vesta Common Stock, or
securities convertible into Vesta Common Stock.
Indemnities: Vesta will indemnify Alfa, its directors, officers,
employees, agents and affiliates against all loss,
liability and damage arising from breach of any of its
representations and warranties or covenants contained
in the Investment Agreement.
No Shop and
Fiduciary Out: The Investment Agreement will contain provisions
substantially identical to paragraph 8 of the Letter of
Intent covering the period until the Closing Date.
Termination Fee and
Expense Reimbursement: The Investment Agreement will contain provisions
substantially identical to those in the Letter of
Intent, including provision for a $4 million termination
fee and expense reimbursement. The termination fee and
expense reimbursement shall also be payable if
stockholder approval is not obtained following the
making or announcement of a Proposal by any third party
other than Alfa with respect to an Alternative
Transaction or Control Transaction.
PROPOSED TERMS OF THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS
Securities Covered: The Preferred Stock, the Warrants, the Warrant Shares
and the shares of Vesta Common Stock purchased from
Torchmark
Demand Rights: Alfa, together with any person to which it transfers
Preferred Stock, Warrants or shares of Vesta Common
Stock, including Warrant Shares, (each, a "Holder")
will have five demand registrations, subject to
standard blackout provisions.
Piggyback Rights: The Holders shall have customary "piggyback" rights with
respect to registered public offerings by Vesta,
subject to standard underwriters' cutback provisions.
Expenses of
Registration: Vesta will pay the registration expenses of any
registration including, without limitation, the SEC and
NASD registration fees and the fees and expenses of
counsel for the Holders (but not including underwriters'
discounts and commissions).
<PAGE>
Transferability: The registration rights will be transferable to any
party to whom a Holder transfers Preferred Stock,
Warrants or Vesta Common Stock (including Warrant
Shares), subject to exclusions for de minimis transfers.
Indemnification: Vesta will indemnify the Holders, the underwriters and
their respective affiliates and control persons against
liabilities in connection with offers and sales,
including liabilities arising out of misstatements or
omissions or alleged misstatements or omissions in the
registration statement and prospectus.
Rule 144 Information: Vesta will ensure that there is adequate public
information regarding Vesta at all times to permit
sales of securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
