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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) May 20, 1999
------------
AmeriLink Corporation
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio 0-24334 31-1409345
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(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction File Number) Identification No.)
of incorporation)
1900 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(614) 895-1313
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
On May 20, 1999, AmeriLink Corporation ("AmeriLink"), Tandy Corporation
("Tandy") and LWT, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy ("Merger Sub"),
entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Merger
Agreement") providing, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein,
for the merger of Merger Sub with and into AmeriLink (the "Merger"). Pursuant to
the terms of the Merger Agreement, shareholders of AmeriLink will receive in the
Merger shares of Tandy common stock for each common share of AmeriLink at a
ratio equal to $15.60 divided by Tandy's average closing share price over the 5
trading days ending May 24, 1999. In the event that Tandy common stock trades
during a predetermined period at prices that cause the exchange ratio to yield
to the Amerilink shareholders less than $12.00 per share in Tandy common stock,
each AmeriLink common share will automatically convert into the right to receive
$14.50 cash in the Merger.
The Merger is subject to usual and customary closing conditions, including
regulatory and AmeriLink shareholder approval, and the satisfaction or waiver of
various other conditions as more fully described in the Merger Agreement. In
addition, the distribution of Tandy shares is subject to the clearance of a
registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AmeriLink shareholders controlling approximately 41% of the outstanding common
stock have entered into voting agreements to support the merger. It is currently
anticipated that the transaction will close in late August 1999.
In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, on May 20, 1999,
AmeriLink and Tandy entered into a Target Option Agreement whereby AmeriLink
granted Tandy an option to purchase up to 19.9% of the outstanding AmeriLink
common shares at an exercise price of $15.60.
Copies of the Merger Agreement and the related press release are attached
as exhibits hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of May 20, 1999,
among AmeriLink Corporation, Tandy Corporation and LWT, Inc.
10.1 Target Option Agreement , dated as of May 20, 1999, between
AmeriLink Corporation and Tandy Corporation.
99.1 Form of Voting Agreement between Tandy Corporation and certain
shareholders of AmeriLink Corporation.
99.2 Press release, dated May 21, 1999.
99.3 Press release, dated May 27, 1999.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
AMERILINK CORPORATION
-------------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
May 24, 1999 /s/ Larry R. Linhart
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(Date) Larry R. Linhart, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
May 24, 1999 /s/ James W. Brittan
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(Date) James W. Brittan, Vice President of Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
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2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of May 20, 1999,
among AmeriLink Corporation, Tandy Corporation and LWT, Inc.
10.1 Target Option Agreement , dated as of May 20, 1999, between
AmeriLink Corporation and Tandy Corporation.
99.1 Form of Voting Agreement between Tandy Corporation and certain
shareholders of AmeriLink Corporation.
99.2 Press release, dated May 21, 1999.
99.3 Press release, dated May 27, 1999.
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EXHIBIT 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
BY AND AMONG
TANDY CORPORATION,
LWT, INC.
AND
AMERILINK CORPORATION
DATED AS OF MAY 20, 1999
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I THE MERGER..........................................................................................1
1.1 The Merger..........................................................................................1
1.2 Closing; Effective Time.............................................................................2
1.3 Effect of the Merger................................................................................2
1.4 Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws...................................................................2
1.5 Directors and Officers..............................................................................2
1.6 Conversion of Target Common Shares..................................................................2
1.7 Target Stock Option Plans...........................................................................4
1.8 Capital Stock of Merger Sub.........................................................................4
1.9 Adjustments to Merger Consideration.................................................................4
1.10 Fractional Shares...................................................................................4
1.11 Cancellation of Target Common Shares Owned by Acquiror or Target....................................5
1.12 Surrender of Certificates...........................................................................5
1.13 No Further Ownership Rights in Target Common Shares.................................................7
1.14 Dissenting Shares...................................................................................7
1.15 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates..............................................................7
1.16 Tax Consequences....................................................................................8
1.17 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action..........................................................8
ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TARGET............................................................8
2.1 Organization, Standing and Power....................................................................9
2.2 Capital Structure..................................................................................10
2.3 Authority..........................................................................................10
2.4 SEC Documents; Financial Statements................................................................11
2.5 Absence of Certain Changes.........................................................................12
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.................................................................13
2.7 Litigation.........................................................................................13
2.8 Restrictions on Business Activities................................................................13
2.9 Governmental Authorization.........................................................................13
2.10 Title to Property..................................................................................13
2.11 Intellectual Property..............................................................................14
2.12 Environmental Matters..............................................................................15
2.13 Taxes..............................................................................................16
2.14 Employee Benefit Plans.............................................................................18
2.15 Certain Agreements Affected by the Merger..........................................................20
2.16 Employee Matters...................................................................................20
2.17 Interested Party Transactions......................................................................21
2.18 Insurance..........................................................................................21
2.19 Compliance With Laws...............................................................................21
2.20 Minute Books.......................................................................................21
2.21 Complete Copies of Materials.......................................................................22
2.22 Brokers' and Finders' Fees.........................................................................22
2.23 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus.................................................22
2.24 Opinion of Financial Advisor.......................................................................22
2.25 Vote Required......................................................................................22
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2.26 Board Approval.....................................................................................23
2.27 Section 1704 of Ohio Law and Control Share Acquisition
Statute Not Applicable.............................................................................23
2.28 Inventory; Work in Process.........................................................................23
2.29 Accounts Receivable................................................................................23
2.30 Customers and Suppliers............................................................................23
2.31 Earn-out Payments..................................................................................24
2.32 Agreements.........................................................................................24
2.33 No Knowledge of General Adverse Events.............................................................24
2.34 Warranties.........................................................................................24
2.35 Certain Acts.......................................................................................25
2.36 Representations Complete...........................................................................25
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR
AND MERGER SUB ....................................................................................25
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power...................................................................25
3.2 Capital Structure..................................................................................25
3.3 Authority..........................................................................................26
3.4 SEC Documents; Financial Statements................................................................26
3.5 Litigation.........................................................................................27
3.6 Broker's and Finders' Fees.........................................................................27
3.7 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus.................................................27
3.8 Board Approval.....................................................................................28
3.9 Representations Complete...........................................................................28
ARTICLE IV CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME................................................................28
4.1 Conduct of Business of Target......................................................................28
4.2 No Solicitation....................................................................................32
ARTICLE V ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS..............................................................................33
5.1 Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement.................................................33
5.2 Meeting of Shareholders............................................................................34
5.3 Access to Information..............................................................................34
5.4 Confidentiality....................................................................................34
5.5 Public Disclosure..................................................................................34
5.6 Consents; Cooperation..............................................................................35
5.7 Legal Requirements.................................................................................36
5.8 Blue Sky Laws......................................................................................36
5.9 Employee Benefit Plans.............................................................................36
5.10 Letter of Acquiror's and Target's Accountants......................................................38
5.11 Target Option Agreement............................................................................38
5.12 Listing of Additional Shares.......................................................................38
5.13 Stock Quotation....................................................................................38
5.14 Indemnification of Directors and Officers..........................................................38
5.15 Best Efforts and Further Assurances................................................................39
5.16 Form S-8; Reservation of Shares....................................................................39
5.17 Tax-Free Status....................................................................................40
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ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER...........................................................................40
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger.......................................40
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Target.....................................................41
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub................................41
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER..................................................................43
7.1 Termination........................................................................................43
7.2 Effect of Termination..............................................................................44
7.3 Expenses and Termination Fees......................................................................44
7.4 Amendment..........................................................................................46
7.5 Extension; Waiver..................................................................................47
ARTICLE VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS.................................................................................47
8.1 Survival at Effective Time.........................................................................47
8.2 Notices............................................................................................47
8.3 Interpretation.....................................................................................48
8.4 Counterparts.......................................................................................48
8.5 Entire Agreement; Nonassignability; Parties in Interest............................................48
8.6 Severability.......................................................................................48
8.7 Remedies Cumulative................................................................................49
8.8 Governing Law......................................................................................49
8.9 Rules of Construction..............................................................................49
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - Target Option Agreement
Exhibit B - Form of Voting Agreement
Exhibit C - Certificate of Merger
Exhibit D - Form of FIRPTA Notification Letter
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DEFINED TERMS LIST
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Acquiror..........................................................................................................1
Acquiror Common Stock.............................................................................................2
Acquiror Disclosure Schedules....................................................................................25
Acquiror Financial Statements....................................................................................27
Acquiror SEC Documents...........................................................................................27
Agreement.........................................................................................................1
Antitrust Laws...................................................................................................35
Articles of Incorporation.........................................................................................9
Bylaws............................................................................................................9
Cash Consideration................................................................................................3
Cash Conversion Feature...........................................................................................3
Cash Trigger Price................................................................................................3
Certificate of Merger.............................................................................................1
Certificates......................................................................................................3
Closing...........................................................................................................2
Closing Date......................................................................................................2
Code..............................................................................................................1
Confidentiality Provisions.......................................................................................34
Contracts........................................................................................................11
Delaware Law......................................................................................................1
Dissenting Shares.................................................................................................7
Effective Time....................................................................................................2
Environmental and Safety Laws....................................................................................15
ERISA............................................................................................................18
ERISA Affiliate..................................................................................................19
Exchange Act.....................................................................................................11
Exchange Agent....................................................................................................5
Exchange Fund.....................................................................................................5
Exchange Ratio....................................................................................................2
Five-Day Average Closing Price....................................................................................4
GAAP.............................................................................................................12
Governmental Entity..............................................................................................11
Hazardous Materials..............................................................................................15
HSR..............................................................................................................11
Indemnified Parties..............................................................................................38
Intellectual Property............................................................................................14
Knowledge of Target...............................................................................................9
Liens.............................................................................................................9
Material Adverse Effect...........................................................................................8
Merger............................................................................................................1
Merger Consideration..............................................................................................3
Merger Sub........................................................................................................1
Merger Sub Common Stock...........................................................................................4
NASD.............................................................................................................11
NYSE.............................................................................................................26
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Ohio Law..........................................................................................................1
Order............................................................................................................35
person...........................................................................................................48
Property.........................................................................................................16
Proxy Statement..................................................................................................22
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.......................................................................................33
Quarterly Financial Statements...................................................................................43
Registration Statement...........................................................................................22
SEC..............................................................................................................11
SEC Transaction Filings..........................................................................................33
Securities Act...................................................................................................11
Stock Consideration...............................................................................................3
Subsidiary........................................................................................................9
Superior Proposal................................................................................................32
Surviving Corporation.............................................................................................1
Takeover Proposal................................................................................................46
Target............................................................................................................1
Target Authorizations............................................................................................13
Target Balance Sheet Date........................................................................................12
Target Balance Sheet.............................................................................................12
Target Common Shares..............................................................................................2
Target Disclosure Schedules.......................................................................................9
Target Employee Plans............................................................................................18
Target Financial Statements......................................................................................12
Target Option Agreement...........................................................................................1
Target Preferred Shares..........................................................................................10
Target SEC Documents.............................................................................................11
Target Shareholders Meeting......................................................................................22
Target Stock Option Plans.........................................................................................4
Target Stock Value...............................................................................................37
Tax..............................................................................................................18
Tax Authority....................................................................................................18
Tax Return.......................................................................................................18
Taxable..........................................................................................................18
Taxes............................................................................................................18
Third Party Intellectual Property Rights.........................................................................14
Trigger Event....................................................................................................45
Twenty-Day Average Closing Price..................................................................................3
Voting Agreements.................................................................................................1
Year 2000 Compliant..............................................................................................15
Year 2000 Plan...................................................................................................15
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the "Agreement") is made and
entered into as of May 20, 1999, by and among Tandy Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Acquiror"), LWT, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of Acquiror ("Merger Sub"), and AmeriLink Corporation, an Ohio
corporation ("Target").
RECITALS
A. The respective Boards of Directors of Target, Acquiror and Merger
Sub believe it is in the best interests of their respective companies and the
stockholders of their respective companies that Target and Merger Sub combine
into a single company through the statutory merger of Merger Sub with and into
Target whereby Target will be the surviving corporation (the "Merger") and, in
furtherance thereof, have approved the Merger.
B. Target, Acquiror and Merger Sub desire to make certain
representations and warranties and other agreements in connection with the
Merger.
C. The parties intend, by executing this Agreement, to adopt a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to cause the Merger to qualify as a
reorganization under the provisions of Sections 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(2)(E) of
the Code, unless the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in
Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares).
D. Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement and as an inducement
to Acquiror and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement: (a) Target and Acquiror
have entered into that certain Target Option Agreement dated the date hereof and
attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Target Option Agreement") granting Acquiror
the right to purchase newly issued Target Common Shares, and (b) Acquiror and
Larry R. Linhart, Robert E. Powelson and E. Len Gibson, as shareholders of
Target, have entered into Voting Agreements dated the date hereof and in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit B (collectively, the "Voting Agreements")
providing for the agreement to vote the Target Common Shares owned by such
shareholders to approve the Merger and against any competing proposals.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and representations
set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time and subject to and upon the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger attached hereto as
Exhibit C (the "Certificate of Merger") and the applicable provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware Law") and Ohio General Corporation
Law ("Ohio Law"), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Target, the separate
corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and Target shall continue as the
surviving corporation. Target as the surviving corporation after the Merger is
hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Surviving Corporation."
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1.2 Closing; Effective Time. The closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place on a date as soon as
practicable after the satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions set forth
in Article VI hereof or at such other date as the parties hereto agree (the
"Closing Date"). The Closing shall take place at the offices of Haynes and
Boone, LLP, 201 Main Street, Suite 2200, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or at such
other location as the parties hereto agree. In connection with the Closing, the
parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing the
Certificate of Merger with the Secretaries of State of the States of Delaware
and Ohio and such other state authorities as required in accordance with the
relevant provisions of Delaware Law and Ohio Law (the time of such filing being
the "Effective Time").
1.3 Effect of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect of the
Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the
applicable provisions of Delaware Law and Ohio Law. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Target and Merger Sub
shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties
of Target and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the
Surviving Corporation.
1.4 Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws.
(a) At the Effective Time, the Articles of Incorporation of Target, as
in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the articles of
incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided
by Ohio Law and the Surviving Corporation's articles of incorporation.
(b) The Bylaws of Target, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter amended.
1.5 Directors and Officers. At the Effective Time, the directors of
Merger Sub shall be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation, until
their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified. The
officers of the Merger Sub shall be the initial officers of Surviving
Corporation, until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and
qualified.
1.6 Conversion of Target Common Shares.
(a) If the Cash Conversion Feature has not been triggered as provided
in Section 1.6(c) below, then at the Effective Time, subject to Section 1.12(c)
(Surrender of Certificates Exchange Procedures) hereof, each common share,
without par value, of Target ("Target Common Shares") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Dissenting Shares and any
Target Common Shares to be canceled pursuant to Section 1.11 (Cancellation of
Target Common Shares Owned by Acquiror or Target)) shall be canceled and
extinguished and be converted automatically into the right to receive that
fraction of a share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Acquiror
("Acquiror Common Stock"), equal to the Exchange Ratio, subject to adjustment
only as provided in Section 1.9 (Adjustments to Merger Consideration). "Exchange
Ratio" shall mean the quotient of (i) $15.60, divided by (ii) the average of the
closing sale prices per share for Acquiror Common Stock as reported on the NYSE
composite transactions reporting system during the five (5) consecutive
trading-day period ending on the second trading day after the date of this
Agreement, as it may be adjusted
2
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pursuant to Section 1.9 (Adjustments to Merger Consideration). The Acquiror
Common Stock to be issued as provided in this Section 1.6(a) and any cash
delivered in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.10 (Fractional
Shares) if the Cash Conversion Feature has not been triggered is referred to in
this Agreement as the "Stock Consideration."
(b) If the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in
Section 1.6(c) below, then at the Effective Time, subject to Section 1.12(c)
(Surrender of Certificates Exchange Procedures) hereof, each Target Common Share
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than
Dissenting Shares and any Target Common Shares to be canceled pursuant to
Section 1.11 (Cancellation of Target Common Shares Owned by Acquiror or Target))
shall be canceled and extinguished and be converted automatically into the right
to receive cash in an amount equal to $14.50 per share, subject to adjustment
only as provided in Section 1.9 (Adjustments to Merger Consideration). The cash
consideration to be paid as provided in this Section 1.6(b) if the Cash
Conversion Feature has been triggered is referred to in this Agreement as the
"Cash Consideration," and the payment of cash in lieu of Acquiror Common Stock
as provided in this Section 1.6(b) is referred to in this Agreement as the "Cash
Conversion Feature."
(c) The Cash Conversion Feature shall be triggered if the Twenty-Day
Average Closing Price is equal to or less than the Cash Trigger Price. The Cash
Conversion Feature shall not be triggered if the Twenty-Day Average Closing
Price is greater than the Cash Trigger Price. If the Cash Conversion Feature is
triggered, the shareholders of Target shall receive the Cash Consideration
rather than the Stock Consideration.
"Cash Trigger Price" shall mean the quotient of (i) $12.00, divided by
(ii) the Exchange Ratio, as each may be adjusted to reflect fully the effect of
any stock split, reverse split, stock dividend (including any dividend or
distribution of securities convertible into Acquiror Common Stock or Target
Common Shares), reorganization, recapitalization or other like change with
respect to Acquiror Common Stock or Target Common Shares occurring after the
date hereof and prior to the Closing Date.
"Twenty-Day Average Closing Price" shall mean the average of the
closing sale prices per share for Acquiror Common Stock as reported on the NYSE
composite transactions reporting system during the twenty (20) consecutive
trading-day period ending on the earlier of (i) the seventh day after the date
of the Target Shareholders Meeting or (ii) the third day prior to the Closing
Date.
(d) On and after the Effective Time, holders of certificates (other
than Acquiror and Target, any of their Subsidiaries and holders of Dissenting
Shares) which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding
Target Common Shares (the "Certificates") shall cease to have any rights as
shareholders of Target, except the right to receive the consideration set forth
in this Article I, as such consideration may be adjusted pursuant to the
provisions of Section 1.9 (Adjustments to Merger Consideration), for each such
share held by them. "Merger Consideration" shall mean the consideration the
shareholders are entitled to receive as provided in this Article I.
3
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1.7 Target Stock Option Plans.
(a) If the Cash Conversion Feature has not been triggered as provided
in Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares), then at the Effective
Time, all vested and unexercised options to purchase Target Common Shares then
outstanding under the Target 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and option agreements
between Target, on the one hand, and Larry R. Linhart and Joseph L. Govern,
respectively, on the other hand not granted under the Target 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan (the Target 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and such option agreements
being referred to collectively as the "Target Stock Option Plans") shall be
assumed by Acquiror in accordance with Section 5.9 (Employee Benefit Plans).
(b) If the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in
Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares), then at the Effective Time,
in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 5.9(c) (Employee Benefit
Plans), each outstanding and unexercised option to purchase Target Common Shares
under the Target Stock Option Plans (other than those repurchased or to be
repurchased pursuant to Section 5.9(d) (Employee Benefit Plans)) shall be
canceled and extinguished and shall be converted automatically solely into the
right of the holder of such option to receive for each share subject to such
option $14.50 less the per share exercise price of such option.
1.8 Capital Stock of Merger Sub. At the Effective Time, each share of
common stock, $1.00 par value, of Merger Sub ("Merger Sub Common Stock") issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into
and exchanged for one common share, without par, of the Surviving Corporation
and the Surviving Corporation shall be a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror.
Each stock certificate of Merger Sub evidencing ownership of any such shares
shall continue to evidence ownership of such shares of capital stock of the
Surviving Corporation.
1.9 Adjustments to Merger Consideration. The Merger Consideration shall
be adjusted to reflect fully the effect of any stock split, reverse split, stock
dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into
Acquiror Common Stock or Target Common Shares), reorganization, recapitalization
or other like change with respect to Acquiror Common Stock or Target Common
Shares occurring after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time. Under no
circumstances shall the Cash Consideration be adjusted as a result of changes in
Acquiror Common Stock.
1.10 Fractional Shares. No fraction of a share of Acquiror Common Stock
will be issued, but in lieu thereof each holder of Target Common Shares who
would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Acquiror Common Stock
(after aggregating all fractional shares of Acquiror Common Stock to be received
by such holder into as many whole shares as possible) shall receive from
Acquiror an amount of cash (rounded to the nearest whole cent) equal to the
product of (i) such fraction, multiplied by (ii) the Five-Day Average Closing
Price. "Five-Day Average Closing Price" shall mean the average of the closing
sale prices per share for Acquiror Common Stock as reported on the NYSE
composite transactions reporting system, during the five (5) consecutive
trading-day period during which the shares of Acquiror Common Stock are traded
on the NYSE ending on the second trading day immediately prior to the Closing
Date.
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1.11 Cancellation of Target Common Shares Owned by Acquiror or Target.
At the Effective Time, all Target Common Shares that are owned by Target as
treasury stock and each Target Common Share owned by Acquiror or any direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror or of Target immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be canceled and extinguished without any conversion
thereof.
1.12 Surrender of Certificates.
(a) Exchange Agent. Boston EquiServe, L.P., or such other bank or trust
company selected by Acquiror and approved by Target, shall act as exchange agent
(the "Exchange Agent") in the Merger.
(b) Acquiror to Provide Common Stock and Cash. At the Effective Time,
Acquiror shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, in trust for the holders of
record of Target Common Shares at the Effective Time, certificates representing
the aggregate number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock issuable pursuant to
Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares) and sufficient cash to make all
cash payments to be made pursuant to Section 1.10 (Fractional Shares), if the
Cash Conversion Feature has not been triggered, and sufficient cash to make all
cash payments to be made pursuant to Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common
Shares), if the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered. All deposits of cash
and Acquiror Common Stock with the Exchange Agent pursuant to this Section 1.12,
together with any earnings thereon and any dividends or distributions with
respect to shares of Acquiror Common Stock as contemplated by Section 1.12(d)
(Surrender of Certificates - Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares),
are referred to as the "Exchange Fund." The cash in the Exchange Fund may be
invested in short-term investment-grade debt instruments as directed by Acquiror
and shall not be used for any purpose except as provided in this Agreement. Any
risk of loss with respect to the Exchange Fund shall be borne by Acquiror.
(c) Exchange Procedures. Promptly after the Effective Time, the
Surviving Corporation shall cause to be mailed to each holder of record of a
Certificate or Certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented outstanding Target Common Shares, (i) a letter of transmittal (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon receipt of the Certificates by the Exchange
Agent, and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Acquiror may
reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of
the Certificates in exchange for certificates representing shares of Acquiror
Common Stock and/or cash (including cash in lieu of any fractional shares), as
the case may be. Upon surrender of a Certificate for cancellation to the
Exchange Agent or to such other agent or agents as may be appointed by Acquiror,
together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly executed in
accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other customary documents as
may be reasonably required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such
Certificate (other than a holder of Dissenting Shares) shall be entitled to
receive in exchange therefor the Merger Consideration to which such holder shall
have become entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target
Common Shares) and Section 1.10 (Fractional Shares), and the Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid or accrued on
any amount payable (including cash in lieu of any fractional shares) upon due
surrender of the Certificates. Any interest or other income earned by the
Exchange Fund shall be for the account of Acquiror. Subject to Ohio Law and the
provisions of this Agreement, until so surrendered, each outstanding Certificate
that, prior to the Effective Time, represented Target Common Shares will be
deemed from and
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after the Effective Time, for all corporate purposes, to evidence the right to
receive the Merger Consideration with respect to the Target Common Shares
represented thereby. Any shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued in the Merger
shall be issued as of and be deemed to be outstanding as of the Effective Time.
(d) Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. No dividends or
other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time with respect to
any shares of Acquiror Common Stock that the shareholders of Target are entitled
to receive under Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares) will be paid
to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of
Acquiror Common Stock represented thereby until the holder of record of such
Certificate shall surrender such Certificate. Subject to applicable law,
following surrender of any such Certificate, there shall be paid to the record
holder of the certificates representing whole shares of Acquiror Common Stock
issued in exchange therefor, without interest, at the time of such surrender,
the amount of any such dividends or other distributions with a record date after
the Effective Time theretofore payable (but for the provisions of this Section
1.12(d)) with respect to such shares of Acquiror Common Stock.
(e) Transfers of Ownership. If any certificate for shares of Acquiror
Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate
surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, or any payment in lieu of
fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.10 (Fractional Shares) hereof or in
accordance with Section 1.6(b) (Conversion of Target Common Shares) hereof is to
be paid other than to the registered holder of the Certificate so surrendered,
it will be a condition of such issuance or payment that the Certificate so
surrendered will be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer
and that the person requesting such exchange or payment will have paid to
Acquiror or any agent designated by it any transfer or other taxes required by
reason of the issuance of a certificate for shares of Acquiror Common Stock in
any name other than that of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered
or payment to a person other than such registered holder, or shall have
established to the satisfaction of Acquiror or any agent designated by it that
such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(f) Failure of Target Shareholders to Deliver Certificates. Any portion
of the Exchange Fund which remains unclaimed by Target's shareholders for 45
days after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Acquiror, and Target's
shareholders shall thereafter look only to Acquiror for payment of their claims
for the Merger Consideration in respect of their Target Common Shares (including
any cash in lieu of any fractional shares and any dividends or distributions
with respect to Acquiror Common Stock as contemplated by Section 1.12(d)
(Surrender of Certificates - Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares)).
If any Certificates shall not have been surrendered prior to two years after the
Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which any payment
in respect hereof would otherwise escheat or become the property of any
governmental unit or agency), the payment in respect of such Certificates shall,
to the extent permitted by applicable law, become the property of Acquiror, free
and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
(g) No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 1.12, none of the Exchange Agent, the Surviving Corporation or any party
hereto shall be liable to any person for any amount properly paid to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
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(h) Tax Withholding. Acquiror or the Exchange Agent shall be entitled
to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this
Agreement to any holder of a Certificate surrendered for the Merger
Consideration (and any dividends or distributions with respect to Acquiror
Common Stock as contemplated by Section 1.12(d) (Surrender of Certificates -
Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares) hereof and cash in lieu of any
fractional shares in accordance with Section 1.10 (Fractional Shares) hereof)
such amount as Acquiror or the Exchange Agent is required to deduct and withhold
with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of
any state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted
and withheld, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement
as having been paid to the holder of such Certificate.
1.13 No Further Ownership Rights in Target Common Shares. All shares of
Acquiror Common Stock issued and cash transmitted upon the surrender for
exchange of Target Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof (including
cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares) shall be deemed to have been given
in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such Target Common Shares, and
there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the
Surviving Corporation of Target Common 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 canceled
and exchanged as provided in this Article I.
1.14 Dissenting Shares.
(a) Status of Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares) or any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, Target Common Shares that are issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time and are held by shareholders who have
not voted such shares in favor of the Merger and the approval and adoption of
this Agreement and who shall have properly demanded appraisal of such Shares in
accordance with Ohio Law (the "Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into
the right to receive the Merger Consideration at or after the Effective Time,
unless and until the holder of such Dissenting Shares shall have failed to
perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such right to appraisal and
payment under Ohio Law. If a holder of Dissenting Shares shall have so failed to
perfect or shall have effectively withdrawn or lost such right to appraisal and
payment, then, as of the Effective Time or the occurrence of such event,
whichever last occurs, such holder's Dissenting Shares shall be converted into
and represent solely the right to receive the Merger Consideration, without any
interest thereon, as provided in Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common
Shares) hereof.
(b) Direction of Appraisal Proceedings. Target shall give Acquiror (i)
prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal, withdrawals of demands for
appraisal and any other instruments served pursuant to Section 1701.85 (or any
successor or replacement) of Ohio Law which are received by Target, and (ii) the
opportunity to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands
for appraisal under Ohio Law. Target will not voluntarily make any payment with
respect to any demands for appraisal and will not, except with the prior written
consent of Acquiror, settle or offer to settle any such demands.
1.15 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any
Certificates shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the Exchange Agent shall
issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, the Merger
Consideration with respect to the Target Common Shares represented thereby
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(including cash in lieu of any fractional shares) as may be required pursuant to
Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares); provided, however, that
Acquiror may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance
thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificates to
deliver a bond in such sum as it may reasonably direct as indemnity against any
claim that may be made against Acquiror, the Surviving Corporation or the
Exchange Agent with respect to the Certificates alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed.
1.16 Tax Consequences. It is intended by the parties hereto that the
Merger shall constitute a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section
368 of the Code (except as to Dissenting Shares and fractional shares), unless
the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in Section 1.6(c)
(Conversion of Target Common Shares).
1.17 Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action. If, at any time after
the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out
the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving Corporation with full
right, title and possession to all assets, property, rights, privileges, powers
and franchises of Target and Merger Sub, the officers and directors of Target
and Merger Sub are fully authorized in the name of their respective corporations
or otherwise to take, and will take, all such lawful and necessary action, so
long as such action is not inconsistent with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TARGET
In this Agreement, any reference to a "Material Adverse Effect" with
respect to any person means any event, change, condition or effect that,
individually or together with all other events, changes, conditions or effects,
(i) has, or could reasonably be expected to have, a materially adverse effect on
the condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities,
business, operations, results of operations or prospects of such person and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (whether or not arising from transactions in the
ordinary course of business), or (ii) materially impairs, or could reasonably be
expected to materially impair, the ability of such person to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided that, in the case of
Target only, a Material Adverse Effect shall be deemed to have occurred under
clause (i) of this sentence if an event, change, condition or effect has
occurred that, individually or together with all other events, changes,
conditions or effects, would have an adverse effect of over $3 million on the
condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets, liabilities, business,
operations, results of operations and/or prospects of such Target and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (whether or not arising from transactions in the
ordinary course of business); and provided further that the following events,
changes, conditions or effects shall not be taken into account in determining
whether there has been, or would be, a Material Adverse Effect with respect to
Target and its Subsidiaries: (A) events, changes, conditions or effects in the
United States securities markets which are not unique to Target, (B) events,
changes, conditions or effects in world or United States economic or financial
conditions which are not unique to Target and its Subsidiaries, or other events,
changes, conditions or effects which are not unique to Target and its
Subsidiaries, but also affect other entities which are engaged in the lines of
business in which Target and its Subsidiaries are engaged, (C) events, changes,
conditions or effects primarily attributable to the public announcement of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including,
without limitation, employee attrition (other than those employees set forth on
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<PAGE> 16
Schedule 6.3(g) of the Target Disclosure Schedules) or any loss of business
resulting from termination or modification of any vendor, customer or other
business relationships or otherwise, unless such events, changes, conditions or
effects arise or result from the breach by Target of its obligations under this
Agreement, (D) changes in GAAP subsequent to March 28, 1999 that require changes
in Target's accounting policies and (E) reductions in the gross revenues of
Target and its Subsidiaries by reason of any loss of customer contracts in the
ordinary course of business or as a result of the announcement of the Merger.
For the purposes of this Agreement, "Subsidiary" shall mean, with
respect to any party, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
trust, limited partnership, joint venture, or other business association or
entity, a majority of the voting securities or economic interests of which is
directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such party or by any one or more
of its Subsidiaries.
In this Agreement, any reference to the "Knowledge of Target" with
respect to a specific matter means the actual knowledge of Larry R. Linhart,
Joseph L. Govern, James W. Brittan, Robert B. Horn, George R. Manser, William H.
Largent and Robert L. Powelson and their successors, as applicable after such
persons have made reasonable inquiry of officers and directors (or equivalent
positions) and other field management of Target and its Subsidiaries charged
with administrative or operational responsibility for such matters.
References in this Article II to "Schedules" shall refer to the
Disclosure Schedules delivered by Target to Acquiror on the date of this
Agreement (the "Target Disclosure Schedules"). Target hereby represents and
warrants to Acquiror and Merger Sub as follows:
2.1 Organization, Standing and Power. Each of Target and its
Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be. Each
of Target and its Subsidiaries has the requisite power, corporate or otherwise,
to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as
proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction where its ownership or leasing of property or the
conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified except where the failure
to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target. Target has delivered to Acquiror a true and correct
copy of its Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the "Articles of
Incorporation"), and its Code of Regulations, as amended, (the "Bylaws") and the
articles of incorporation and bylaws or other organizational documents, as
applicable, of each of its Subsidiaries, each as amended to date. Target is not
in violation of any of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
and none of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any material provisions of its
equivalent organizational documents. Target owns, directly or beneficially, all
outstanding shares of capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries that is a
corporation and all equity securities and interests of each of its Subsidiaries
that is not a corporation, and all such shares or interests are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. All of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of each such Subsidiary that is a corporation and all equity
securities and interests of each such Subsidiary that is not a corporation owned
by Target or one or more of its Subsidiaries are free and clear of any charge,
mortgage, pledge, security interest, restriction, claim, lien, or encumbrance
("Liens"). There are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, puts,
calls, rights, exchangeable or convertible securities, voting agreements or
proxies, or other commitments or agreements of any character relating to the
issued or unissued capital stock or other securities of any such Subsidiary, or
otherwise obligating Target
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or any such Subsidiary to issue, transfer, sell, purchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire any such securities of any such Subsidiary. Each of Target's
Subsidiaries is listed on Schedule 2.1 hereto, and except as disclosed thereon,
Target does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar interest in, or
any interest convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for, any equity or
similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other
business association or entity.
2.2 Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of Target consists
of 10,000,000 Target Common Shares, and 1,000,000 preferred shares, without par
value ("Target Preferred Shares"), of which there were issued and outstanding as
of the close of business on May 20, 1999, 4,534,344 Target Common Shares
(excluding treasury shares) and no Target Preferred Shares. On May 20, 1999,
there were 106,470 Target Common Shares held in treasury by Target. All
outstanding Target Common Shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and are free and clear of any Liens other than any Liens
created by or imposed upon the holders thereof, and are not subject to
preemptive rights or rights of first refusal created by statute, the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of Target or any agreement to which Target is a party or
by which it is bound. Target has reserved 1,256,000 Target Common Shares for
issuance to employees, consultants and directors pursuant to the Target Stock
Option Plans of which 64,350 Target Common Shares have been issued pursuant to
option exercises, 836,153 Target Common Shares are subject to outstanding,
unexercised options, and no Target Common Shares are subject to outstanding
stock purchase rights. Target has not issued or granted additional options under
the Target Stock Option Plans. Except for the rights created pursuant to this
Agreement, the Target Option Agreement and stock options outstanding under the
Target Stock Option Plans in the amounts reserved for as set forth above, there
are no other options, warrants, calls, rights (including rights issued or
issuable pursuant to a shareholder rights plan or "poison pill"), commitments or
agreements of any character to which Target is a party or by which it is bound
obligating Target to issue, deliver, sell, repurchase or redeem, or cause to be
issued, delivered, sold, repurchased or redeemed, any shares of capital stock of
Target or obligating Target to grant, extend, accelerate the vesting of, change
the price of, or otherwise amend or enter into any such option, warrant, call,
right, commitment or agreement. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.2, there are
no Contracts, commitments or agreements relating to the voting, purchase, sale
or registration of any capital stock or other securities of Target or any of its
Subsidiaries (i) between or among Target and any of its shareholders or any
third party and (ii) to the Knowledge of Target, between or among any of
Target's shareholders or any third party. The terms of the Target Stock Option
Plans permit the assumption of options to purchase Acquiror Common Stock as
provided in this Agreement, without the consent or approval of the holders of
such securities, the Target shareholders, or otherwise. True and complete copies
of all agreements and instruments relating to or issued under the Target Stock
Option Plans have been made available to Acquiror. Such agreements and
instruments relating to or issued under the Target Stock Option Plans have not
been amended, modified or supplemented, and there are no agreements to amend,
modify or supplement such agreements or instruments, in any case from the form
made available to Acquiror.
2.3 Authority. Target has all requisite corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and the Target Option Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement and the Target Option Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Target, subject only to the approval
of the Merger by Target's shareholders as contemplated by Section 6.1(a)
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(Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger - Shareholder
Approval). Each of this Agreement and the Target Option Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by Target and constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of Target enforceable against Target in accordance with its terms,
except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws affecting
the rights and remedies of creditors generally and general principles of equity.
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.3 and except for customer contracts, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Target Option Agreement does
not and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default under (with
or without notice or lapse of time, or both), or give rise to a right of
termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or loss
of any benefit under (i) any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Target or equivalent organizational documents of any of Target's
Subsidiaries, as amended, or (ii) any mortgage, indenture, lease, note, contract
or other agreement or instrument (collectively, "Contracts"), or any permit,
concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law,
ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Target or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their properties or assets, or to which Target or any of its Subsidiaries
or any of their properties or assets is subject or bound or that give rise to
any Lien except where such conflict, violation, default, termination,
cancellation or acceleration with respect to the foregoing provisions of (ii)
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Target. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, any court, administrative agency or commission or
other governmental or regulatory agency, authority or instrumentality
("Governmental Entity") is required by or with respect to Target or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or
the Target Option Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, except for (i) the filing of the Certificate of
Merger as provided in Section 1.2 (Closing; Effective Time) or other filings
specifically provided for in this Agreement,, (ii) the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") of the Proxy Statement relating to the
Target Shareholders Meeting, (iii) such consents, approvals, orders,
authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under
applicable state securities laws and the securities laws of any foreign country;
and (iv) such filings as may be required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR").
2.4 SEC Documents; Financial Statements. Target has made available to
Acquiror a true and complete copy of each material statement, report,
registration statement (with the prospectus in the form filed pursuant to Rule
424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder (the "Securities Act")), definitive proxy statement and
other filings with the SEC by Target since August 12, 1994, and, prior to the
Effective Time, Target will have made available to Acquiror true and complete
copies of any additional documents filed with the SEC by Target prior to the
Effective Time (collectively, the "Target SEC Documents"). In addition, Target
has made available to Acquiror all material exhibits to the Target SEC Documents
filed prior to the date hereof, and will promptly make available to Acquiror all
material exhibits to any additional Target SEC Documents filed prior to the
Effective Time. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.4, Target has filed each of
the Target SEC Documents on a timely basis. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.4,
as of their respective filing dates, the Target SEC Documents complied in all
material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Exchange Act"), each as in effect on the date so filed. None of
the Target SEC Documents (including, but not limited to, any financial
statements or
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schedules included or incorporated by reference therein) contained when filed
any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material
fact required to be stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. Each of the financial statements of
Target, including the notes and schedules thereto, included in the Target SEC
Documents, and the audited consolidated balance sheet of Target and its
Subsidiaries dated as of March 28, 1999 (the "Target Balance Sheet") and the
related audited consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders'
equity and cash flows for the fiscal year of Target then ended, in each case
together with all related notes and schedules thereto, and the accompanying
audit report thereon of Ernst & Young, LLP (collectively, the "Target Financial
Statements") were complete and correct in all material respects as of their
respective dates, complied as to form in all material respects with applicable
accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC
with respect thereto as of their respective dates, and were prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
consistent throughout the periods indicated and consistent with each other
("GAAP") (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of
unaudited statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as permitted by
Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC). The Target Financial Statements fairly
present the consolidated financial condition, operating results, cash flows and
changes in shareholders' equity of Target and its Subsidiaries at the dates and
during the periods indicated therein (subject, in the case of unaudited
statements, to normal, recurring year-end adjustments that were not material in
amount). There has been no change in Target accounting policies since March 29,
1998, except as required by GAAP or described in the notes to the Target
Financial Statements. No financial statements of any person other than the
Subsidiaries are required by GAAP to be included in the consolidated financial
statements of Target.
2.5 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.5,
since March 29, 1998 (the "Target Balance Sheet Date"), Target and its
Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice and there has not occurred: (i) any change, event or
condition (whether or not covered by insurance) that, individually or in the
aggregate, has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect on Target; (ii) any
acquisition, sale or transfer of any material asset by Target or any of its
Subsidiaries other than (A) for consideration of less than $250,000 in any one
transaction in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice
or (B) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business; (iii) any change
in accounting methods or practices (including any change in depreciation or
amortization policies or rates) by Target or its Subsidiaries or any revaluation
by Target of any of its or any of its Subsidiaries' assets; (iv) any
declaration, setting aside, or payment of a dividend or other distribution with
respect to the shares of Target, or any direct or indirect redemption, purchase
or other acquisition by Target of any of its shares of capital stock; (v) any
entrance by Target or its Subsidiaries into any material Contract not made in
the ordinary course of business, or any material amendment or termination (not
made in the ordinary course of business) of, or default under, any material
Contract to which Target or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is
bound; (vi) any amendment or change to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
of Target or organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries; or (vii) any
increase in or modification of the base compensation payable or to become
payable by Target or any of its Subsidiaries to any of their directors or
officers (or equivalent positions) or employees, except for such increase or
modification as would not result in an increase in excess of ten percent (10%)
in the base compensation annualized over the next twelve (12) months payable or
to be payable to any employee who had an annual rate of base compensation of
over $50,000 as of the
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later of the date of hire or March 29, 1998. Except as set forth in Schedule
2.5, Target and its Subsidiaries have not agreed since March 29, 1998 to do any
of the things described in the preceding clauses (i) through (vii) and is not
currently involved in any negotiations to do any of the things described in the
preceding clauses (i) through (vii) (other than negotiations with Acquiror and
its representatives regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement).
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Target and its Subsidiaries
have no obligations or liabilities of any nature, whether accrued, contingent,
absolute or conditional, liquidated or unliquidated, due or to become due, and
that, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Target, other than (i) those disclosed in Schedule 2.6; (ii) those set forth or
adequately provided for in the Target Balance Sheet (including the notes
thereto); (iii) those incurred in the ordinary course of business since the
Target Balance Sheet Date and consistent with past practice; and (iv) those
incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution and performance of this
Agreement.
2.7 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.7, (i) there is no
private or governmental action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or
investigation pending before any agency, court or tribunal, foreign or domestic,
or to the Knowledge of Target threatened, against Target or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or any of their respective
officers or directors (or equivalent positions) in their capacities as such
which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
Target and (ii) there is no agreement, judgment, injunction, decree or order
against Target or any of its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of Target, any
of their respective directors or officers (or equivalent positions) in their
capacities as such, that would prevent, enjoin, alter or materially delay any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or that, individually or in the
aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on Target.
2.8 Restrictions on Business Activities. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 2.8, there is no agreement, judgment, injunction, decree or order
binding upon Target or any of its Subsidiaries which has or reasonably could be
expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing any business
practice of Target or any of its Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by
Target or any of its Subsidiaries or the conduct of business by Target or any of
its Subsidiaries. Neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised by
any person that such person is contemplating issuing or requesting (or is
considering the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any such agreement,
judgment, injunction, decree or order.
2.9 Governmental Authorizations. Target and each of its Subsidiaries
have obtained each federal, state, county, local or foreign governmental
consent, license, permit, grant, or other authorization of a Governmental Entity
(i) pursuant to which Target or any of its Subsidiaries currently operates or
holds any interest in any of its properties or (ii) that is required for the
operation of Target's or any of its Subsidiaries' business or the holding of any
such interest ((i) and (ii) herein collectively called "Target Authorizations"),
and all of such Target Authorizations are in full force and effect, except where
the failure to obtain or have any of such Target Authorizations, individually or
in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Target.
2.10 Title to Property. Target and its Subsidiaries own no real
property. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.10, Target and its Subsidiaries have
good and valid title to all of their respective personal property and assets,
reflected in the Target Balance Sheet or acquired after
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the Target Balance Sheet Date (except properties, interests in properties and
assets sold or otherwise disposed of since the Target Balance Sheet Date in the
ordinary course of business), or in the case of leased properties and assets,
valid leasehold interests in, free and clear of all Liens of any kind or
character, except (i) the Lien of current Taxes not yet due and payable, (ii)
such imperfections of title, Liens and easements as would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target, (iii) Liens securing landlord or lessor debt which
encumbers leased property, (iv) Liens which secure debt of Target or any
Subsidiary not in default, that is in each case fully reflected on the Target
Balance Sheet and (v) Liens arising as a matter of law in the ordinary course of
business with respect to obligations incurred after the Target Balance Sheet
Date, except for such Liens as would have a Material Adverse Effect. The plants,
property and equipment of Target and its Subsidiaries that are used in the
operation of their businesses are in good operating condition and repair, except
as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
Schedule 2.10 identifies each parcel of real property leased by Target or any of
its Subsidiaries.
2.11 Intellectual Property.
(a) Target and its Subsidiaries own, free and clear of all Liens, or
are licensed or otherwise possess legally enforceable rights to use all patents,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, maskworks, net lists,
schematics, technology, knowhow, trade secrets, inventory, ideas, algorithms,
processes, computer software programs or applications, and all other tangible or
intangible proprietary information or material (collectively, "Intellectual
Property") that are necessary to the conduct of the business of Target or its
Subsidiaries as presently conducted. Except as identified in Schedule 2.11,
Target and its Subsidiaries own or possess valid rights to, all computer
software programs that are material to the conduct of the business of Target and
its Subsidiaries. There are no infringement suits, actions or proceedings
pending, or to the Knowledge of Target, threatened against Target or any
Subsidiary with respect to any software owned or licensed by Target or any
Subsidiary.
(b) Schedule 2.11 lists (i) all patents and patent applications, all
registered and material unregistered trademarks, trade names and service marks,
and all registered copyrights and maskworks included in the Intellectual
Property, including the jurisdictions in which each such Intellectual Property
right has been issued or registered or in which any application for such
issuance and registration has been filed, and (ii) all licenses, sublicenses and
other Contracts as to which Target or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and
pursuant to which Target or its Subsidiaries have authorized any person to use
any Intellectual Property.
(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.11 and to the Knowledge of
Target, there is no and has been no unauthorized use, disclosure, infringement
or misappropriation of any Intellectual Property rights of Target or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any third party patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets
or other proprietary rights, including software ("Third Party Intellectual
Property Rights") of any third party to the extent licensed by or through Target
or any of its Subsidiaries, by any third party, including any employee or former
employee of Target or any of its Subsidiaries. Neither Target nor any of its
Subsidiaries has entered into any Contract to indemnify any other person against
any charge of infringement of any Intellectual Property, other than
indemnification provisions contained in Contracts entered into in the ordinary
course of business.
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(d) Target and each of its Subsidiaries is not, nor will any of them be
as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance
of its obligations under this Agreement, in breach of any license, sublicense or
other Contract relating to the Intellectual Property or Third Party Intellectual
Property Rights, except for such breaches as would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on Target.
(e) Neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has received a claim
or been sued in any suit, action or proceeding which involves a claim of
infringement of any patents, trademarks, service marks, copyrights or violation
of any trade secret or other proprietary right of any third party and (ii) has
brought any action, suit or proceeding for infringement of Intellectual Property
or breach of any license or Contract involving Intellectual Property against any
third party.
(f) To the Knowledge of Target, the operation of the business of Target
and its Subsidiaries, and the use, marketing, licensing, lease or sale of the
products and services of Target and its Subsidiaries, does not infringe any
patent, trademark, service mark, copyright, trade secret or other proprietary
right of any third party.
(g) Target has under implementation a plan to ensure that its software,
hardware, firmware, facilities, equipment and products) are Year 2000 Compliant
(the "Year 2000 Plan"). To the Knowledge of Target, the Year 2000 Plan will
enable Target to be Year 2000 Compliant in a timely manner, except where the
failure to be Year 2000 Compliant, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect on Target. Target has made available to Acquiror
a copy of the Year 2000 Plan. For purposes of this Section, "Year 2000
Compliant" means that the business and systems will correctly recognize and
perform properly date- sensitive functions involving dates prior to and after
December 31, 1999. Target and its Subsidiaries have made inquiry of each of its
key suppliers, vendors and customers as to whether such persons will on a timely
basis be Year 2000 Compliant in all material respects and on the basis of that
inquiry reasonably believes that all such persons will be so compliant. For
purposes hereof, "key suppliers, vendors and customers" refers to those
suppliers, vendors and customers of Target or its Subsidiaries whose business
failure, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect
on Target.
2.12 Environmental Matters.
(a) The following terms shall be defined as follows:
(i) "Environmental and Safety Laws" shall mean any and all
federal, state, local or foreign laws, ordinances, codes, regulations,
rules, policies and orders that are intended to assure the protection
of the environment or natural resources, or that classify, regulate,
call for the remediation of, require reporting with respect to, or list
or define air, water, groundwater, solid waste, hazardous or toxic
substances, materials, wastes, pollutants or contaminants, or which are
intended to assure the health or safety of employees, workers or other
persons, including the public.
(ii) "Hazardous Materials" shall mean any and all toxic or
hazardous substances, materials or wastes or any and all pollutants or
contaminants, or infectious or radioactive substances or materials,
including without limitation, those substances, materials and wastes
defined in or regulated under any Environmental and Safety Laws.
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(iii) "Property" shall mean all premises leased by Target or
its Subsidiaries, excluding any portions thereof not within such leased
premises.
(b) Except in all cases as, in the aggregate, would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target: (i) Target has not used, released or stored methylene
chloride or asbestos in or at any Property, except in compliance with
Environmental and Safety Laws; (ii) Target and its Subsidiaries have disposed of
all Hazardous Materials in accordance with all Environmental and Safety Laws;
(iii) Target and its Subsidiaries have received no notice (verbal or written) of
any noncompliance or liability of the Facilities or Property or their past or
present operations with or under Environmental and Safety Laws; (iv) no notices,
administrative actions or suits are pending or, to the Knowledge of Target,
threatened against Target or any of its Subsidiaries relating to a violation of
or liability under any Environmental and Safety Laws; (v) neither Target nor its
Subsidiaries have been designated as, nor notified that they are, a potentially
responsible party under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), or similar Environmental and Safety
Laws, arising out of events occurring or conditions existing prior to the
Closing Date; (vi) neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries have used,
released or stored any Hazardous Materials at or in any Property, except in
compliance with Environmental and Safety Laws; and (vii) Target and its
Subsidiaries have all the permits, licenses and other authorizations required
under Environmental and Safety Laws to be issued and are in full compliance with
the terms and conditions of those permits.
2.13 Taxes. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.13:
(a) Target and each of its Subsidiaries, and any consolidated,
combined, unitary or aggregate group for Tax purposes of which Target or any of
its Subsidiaries is or has been a member have timely filed all Tax Returns
required to be filed by them and have paid all Taxes shown thereon to be due.
All such Tax Returns or reports are complete and accurate in all material
respects and properly reflect the Taxes of Target and its Subsidiaries for the
periods covered thereby.
(b) Target has provided adequate accruals in accordance with GAAP in
the Target Financial Statements for any Taxes that have not been paid as of the
date of such financial statements, whether or not shown as being due on any Tax
Returns.
(c) Target and its Subsidiaries are not delinquent in the payment of
any Tax, assessment or governmental charge. Neither Target nor any of its
Subsidiaries have received any notice that any Tax deficiency or delinquency has
been asserted against Target or any of its Subsidiaries, and, and to the
Knowledge of Target, there is no threat of such assertion.
(d) Except for such Taxes as are being contested in good faith, to the
Knowledge of Target, there is no material unpaid assessment, proposal for
additional Taxes, deficiency, or delinquency in the payment of any Taxes that
could be asserted by any Tax Authority against Target or any of its
Subsidiaries. To the Knowledge of Target, neither Target nor any of its
Subsidiaries have violated in any material respect any applicable federal,
state, local or foreign tax law. Except as disclosed in the Target SEC
Documents, (i) no claim for Taxes has become a Lien against the property of
Target or any of its Subsidiaries or is being asserted against Target or any of
its Subsidiaries, (ii) no action, suit, proceeding, investigation, claim or
audit has formally commenced and no written notification has been given that
such audit or other
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proceeding is pending or threatened with respect to Target or any of its
Subsidiaries in respect of any Taxes, (iii) no extension or waiver of the
statute of limitations on the assessment or collection of any Taxes has been
granted by Target or any of its Subsidiaries and is currently in effect, and
(iv) there is no agreement, contract or arrangement to which Target or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party that may result in the payment of any amount that
would not be deductible by reason of Sections 280G, 162(m) or 404 of the Code.
(e) Target has not been, and will not be, required to include any
adjustment in Taxable income for any Tax period (or portion thereof) pursuant to
Section 481 or 263A of the Code or any comparable provision under state or
foreign Tax laws as a result of transactions, events or accounting methods
employed prior to the Merger.
(f) Neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any tax
sharing or tax allocation agreement (other than agreements solely between Target
and its wholly owned Subsidiaries) nor does Target or any of its Subsidiaries
owe any amount under any such agreement.
(g) No consent to the application of Section 341(f)(2) of the Code has
been filed with respect to Target or any of its Subsidiaries.
(h) All material Taxes that Target or any of its Subsidiaries is or was
required to withhold or collect have been duly withheld or collected and, to the
extent required, have been paid to the proper Governmental Entity, Tax Authority
or other person.
(i) Target and its Subsidiaries will not be required to include any
amount in Taxable income for any Taxable period (or portion thereof) ending
after the Closing Date as a result of a change in the method of accounting for a
Taxable period ending prior to the Closing Date, any "closing agreement" as
described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state,
local, or foreign tax laws) entered into prior to the Closing Date, any sale
reported on the installment method that occurred prior to the Closing Date, or
any Taxable income from Excess Loss Accounts or Deferred Intercompany
Transactions as defined in the Code (or any corresponding provision of state,
local, or foreign tax laws).
(j) The United States federal, state and foreign Tax Returns of Target
and its Subsidiaries have been audited by the IRS or relevant state or foreign
tax authorities or are closed by the applicable statute of limitations for all
taxable years through Target's 1995 fiscal year.
(k) No claim has been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction in
which Target or its Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that Target or its
Subsidiaries are required to file Tax Returns in such jurisdiction and, to the
Knowledge of Target and its Subsidiaries, no taxing authority could reasonably
make such claim.
(l) Target and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all
terms and conditions of any Tax exemptions or other Tax sharing agreement or
order of a foreign government and the consummation of the Merger shall not have
any adverse effect on the continued validity and effectiveness of any such Tax
exemptions or other Tax sharing agreement or order.
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For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following
meanings: "Tax" (and, with correlative meaning, "Taxes" and "Taxable") means (i)
any net income, alternative or add-on minimum tax, gross income, gross receipts,
sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, withholding,
payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property,
environmental or windfall profit tax, custom, duty or other tax, governmental
fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any
interest or any penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any
Governmental Entity (a "Tax Authority") responsible for the imposition of any
such tax (domestic or foreign), (ii) any liability for the payment of any
amounts of the type described in (i) as a result of being a member of an
affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group for any Taxable period and
(iii) any liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in (i)
or (ii) as a result of any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other
person. As used herein, "Tax Return" shall mean any return, statement, report or
form (including, without limitation estimated Tax returns and reports,
withholding Tax returns and reports and information reports and returns)
required to be filed with respect to Taxes.
2.14 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Schedule 2.14 lists (i) all employee benefit plans (as defined in
Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA")) and related trusts which are maintained or contributed to by Target
or any of its Subsidiaries or with respect to which Target or any of its
Subsidiaries has any liability or obligation to contribute, (ii) each stock
option, stock purchase, phantom stock, stock appreciation right, severance,
sabbatical, employee relocation, cafeteria benefit (Code Section 125) or
dependent care (Code Section 129), or accident insurance plan, program or
arrangement benefitting employees or former employees of Target or any of its
Subsidiaries, (iii) all bonus, profit sharing, savings, deferred compensation or
incentive plans, programs or arrangements benefitting employees or former
employees of Target or any of its Subsidiaries, (iv) other fringe or employee
benefit plans, programs or arrangements that apply to management and other
employees of Target or any of its Subsidiaries, and (v) any current or former
employment or executive compensation or severance agreements, written or
otherwise, as to which unsatisfied obligations of Target or any of its
Subsidiaries of greater than $25,000 remain for the benefit of, or relating to,
any present or former employee, consultant or director (or equivalent position)
of Target or any of its Subsidiaries (together, the "Target Employee Plans").
(b) Target has furnished to Acquiror a copy of each of the Target
Employee Plans and related plan documents (including trust documents, insurance
policies or Contracts with third party administrators, actuaries, investment
managers, consultants and all independent contractors related to such Plans,
employee booklets, employment manuals, policy manuals, summary plan descriptions
and other authorizing documents, and any material employee communications
relating thereto), the most recent actuarial report, where applicable, and has,
with respect to each Target Employee Plan which is subject to ERISA reporting
requirements, provided copies of the Form 5500 reports filed for the last three
plan years. Any Target Employee Plan intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code has obtained from the Internal Revenue Service a favorable
determination letter as to its qualified status under the Code, including all
amendments to the Code effected by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and subsequent
legislation, that precedes the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act (P.L. 103-353). Target has also furnished Acquiror with the most
recent Internal Revenue Service determination letter issued with respect to each
such Target Employee Plan,
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and nothing has occurred since the issuance of each such letter which would
reasonably be expected to cause the loss of the tax qualified status of any
Target Employee Plan subject to Code Section 401(a). Target has also furnished
Acquiror with all registration statements and prospectuses prepared in
connection with each Target Employee Plan.
(c) (i) None of the Target Employee Plans promises or provides retiree
medical or other retiree welfare benefits to any person, except as required by
applicable law; (ii) neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA
Affiliates has engaged in any "prohibited transaction," as such term is defined
in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, with respect to any Target
Employee Plan, and to the Knowledge of Target, (A) neither Target nor any of its
Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has permitted to occur any such prohibited
transaction and (B) there has been no such prohibited transaction; (iii) each
Target Employee Plan has been administered in accordance with its terms and in
compliance with the requirements prescribed by any and all statutes, rules and
regulations (including ERISA and the Code), and, Target and each of its
Subsidiaries have performed all obligations required to be performed by them
under, are not in any material respect in default under or violation of, and, to
the Knowledge of Target, there is no default or violation by any other party to,
and are otherwise in full compliance with ERISA, the Code and other applicable
laws with respect to, any of the Target Employee Plans; (iv) neither Target nor
any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any liability or penalty under Sections
4971 through 4980E of the Code or Title I of ERISA with respect to any of the
Target Employee Plans; (v) all contributions required to be made by Target or
any of its Subsidiaries to any Target Employee Plan have been made on or before
their due dates and the full amount (or a good faith estimate of the full
amount) for contributions to each Target Employee Plan for the current plan
years has been accrued; (vi) with respect to each Target Employee Plan, no
"reportable event" within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA (excluding any
such event for which the thirty (30) day notice requirement has been waived
under the regulations to Section 4043 of ERISA) nor any event described in
Section 4062, 4063 or 4041 or ERISA has occurred; (vii) no Target Employee Plan
is covered by, and neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any trade or
business (whether or not incorporated) which is, or at any time within the
six-year period preceding the date of this Agreement, was treated as a single
employer with Target (an "ERISA Affiliate") within the meaning of Section
414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code, maintains or contributes to or at any time
within the six-year period preceding the date of this Agreement maintained or
contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to any employee benefit plan
covered by or has incurred or expects to incur any liability under Part 3 of
Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code;
(viii) except as set forth on Schedule 2.14, each Target Employee Plan can be
terminated after the Effective Time without liability to Acquiror or the
Surviving Corporation other than for benefits accrued up to the date of
termination; and (ix) no Target Employee Plan promises or provides benefits to
any of Target's or its Subsidiaries independent contractors or subcontractors.
With respect to each Target Employee Plan subject to ERISA as either an employee
pension plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA or an employee welfare
benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA, Target has prepared in
good faith and timely filed all requisite governmental reports (which were true
and correct in all material respects as of the date filed) and it has properly
and timely filed and distributed or posted all material notices and reports to
employees required to be filed, distributed or posted with respect to each such
Target Employee Plan. No suit, administrative proceeding, action or other
litigation has been brought, or to the Knowledge of Target is threatened,
against or with respect to any such Target Employee Plan, including any audit or
inquiry by the IRS or United States Department of Labor. Except as set forth on
Schedule 2.14, no payment or benefit which will
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or may be made by Target or any of its Subsidiaries to any employee will be
characterized as an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section
280G(b)(1) of the Code.
(d) There has been no amendment to, written interpretation or
announcement (whether or not written) by Target or any of its Subsidiaries
relating to, or change in participation or coverage under, any Target Employee
Plan which would materially increase the expense of maintaining such Plan above
the level of expense incurred with respect to that Plan as reflected in the
Target Financial Statements for the most recently completed fiscal year.
2.15 Certain Agreements Affected by the Merger. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 2.15, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i) result in any
payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation,
golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) or severance benefit becoming due to any
director (or equivalent position), employee or former employee of Target, any of
its Subsidiaries or any other ERISA Affiliate except as contemplated by Section
5.9 (Employee Benefit Plans), (ii) materially increase any benefits otherwise
payable by Target, any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate or (iii)
result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting, or increase the
amount of compensation due any such director (or equivalent position), employee
or service provider, of any such benefits.
2.16 Employee Matters. Schedule 2.16 sets forth all loans and advances
to employees and directors (or equivalent positions) of Target or its
Subsidiaries (other than routine travel advances to be repaid or formally
accounted for within the thirty days and reflected on the books of Target) made
by Target and outstanding on March 28, 1999. Except as set forth in Schedule
2.16:
(a) Target and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all
respects with all currently applicable laws and regulations respecting
employment, discrimination in employment, terms and conditions of employment,
wages, hours and occupational safety and health and employment practices, and is
not engaged in any unfair labor practice, except where the failure to be in
compliance or the engagement in such unfair labor practice, individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Target.
(b) Target and its Subsidiaries have withheld all amounts required by
law or by Contract to be withheld from the wages, salaries, and other payments
to employees; and is not liable for any arrears of wages or any Taxes or any
penalty for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.
(c) Target and its Subsidiaries are not liable for any material payment
to any trust or other fund or to any governmental or administrative authority,
with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security or other
benefits or obligations for employees (other than routine payments to be made in
the normal course of business and consistent with past practice).
(d) There are no pending claims against Target or any of its
Subsidiaries for any material amounts under any workers compensation plan or
policy or for long term disability.
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(e) Neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries has any obligations
under COBRA with respect to any former employees or qualifying beneficiaries
thereunder, except for obligations that are not material in amount.
(f) There are no controversies pending or, to the Knowledge of Target
or any of its Subsidiaries, threatened, between Target or any of its
Subsidiaries and any of their respective employees, which controversies have or
would reasonably be expected to result in an action, suit, proceeding, claim,
arbitration or investigation before any agency, court or tribunal, foreign or
domestic.
(g) Neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract and, to the
Knowledge of Target, there are no activities or proceedings of any labor union
to organize any such employees. To the Knowledge of Target, no employees of
Target or any of its Subsidiaries are in violation of any term of any employment
contract, patent disclosure agreement, noncompetition agreement, or any
restrictive covenant to a former employer relating to the right of any such
employee to be employed by Target or any of its Subsidiaries because of the
nature of the business conduced or presently proposed to be conducted by Target
or any of its Subsidiaries or to the use of trade secrets or proprietary
information of others.
2.17 Interested Party Transactions. Except as disclosed in the Target
SEC Documents, (i) neither Target nor any of its Subsidiaries is indebted to any
director or officer (or equivalent positions) of Target or any of its
Subsidiaries (except for amounts due as normal salaries and bonuses and in
reimbursement of ordinary expenses), (ii) no such person is indebted to Target
or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) there are no other transactions of the
type required to be disclosed pursuant to Items 402 and 404 of Regulation S-K
under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
2.18 Insurance. Schedule 2.18 lists all insurance policies owned or
held by Target and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof, except for those
insurance policies that the failure to have would not individually or
collectively have a Material Adverse Effect on Target. All such insurance
policies are in full force and effect, all premiums with respect thereto
covering all periods up to and including the date hereof have been paid to the
extent due and no notice of cancellation or termination has been received with
respect to any such policy, except for those matters that would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Target.
2.19 Compliance With Laws. Each of Target and its Subsidiaries has
complied with, is not in violation of, and has not received any notices of
violation with respect to, any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law or
regulation with respect to the conduct of its business, or the ownership or
operation of its business except for those violations that would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on Target.
2.20 Minute Books. The minute books of Target and its Subsidiaries made
available to Acquiror contain a complete and accurate record of all material
corporate actions taken by the board of directors, shareholders or other
governing body of each such entity and contain all material minutes and
resolutions adopted by directors, shareholders or other governing bodies since
September 1, 1994 and reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes
accurately in all material respects, and such minutes or consents have not been
rescinded or amended except as reflected in such minute books.
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2.21 Complete Copies of Materials. Each copy of the documents that have
been delivered by Target or its representatives to Acquiror or its counsel in
connection with their legal and accounting review of Target and its Subsidiaries
was true and complete in all material respects.
2.22 Brokers' and Finders' Fees. Except for payment obligations to J.C.
Bradford & Co. to be paid by Target as set forth in an engagement letter, a copy
of which has been made available to Acquiror, Target and its Subsidiaries have
not incurred, nor will they incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for
brokerage or finders' fees or agents' commissions or investment bankers' fees or
any similar charges in connection with this Agreement or any transaction
contemplated hereby.
2.23 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The
information supplied by Target for inclusion in the registration statement (or
such other or successor form as shall be appropriate) pursuant to which the
shares of Acquiror Common Stock that may be issued in the Merger will be
registered with the SEC on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") shall not at
the time the Registration Statement (including any amendments or supplements
thereto) is declared effective by the SEC contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The information
supplied by Target for inclusion in the proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to
the shareholders of Target in connection with the meeting of Target's
shareholders to consider the Merger (the "Target Shareholders Meeting") (such
proxy statement/prospectus as amended or supplemented is referred to herein as
the "Proxy Statement") shall not, on the date the Proxy Statement is first
mailed to Target's shareholders, at the time of the Target Shareholders Meeting
and at the Effective Time, contain any statement which, at such time, is false
or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any material
fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they are made, not false or misleading; or omit to
state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the Target
Shareholders Meeting which has become false or misleading. If at any time prior
to the Effective Time any event or information should be discovered by Target
which should be set forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement or a
supplement to the Proxy Statement, Target shall promptly inform Acquiror and
Merger Sub. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Target makes no representation,
warranty or covenant with respect to any information supplied by Acquiror or
Merger Sub which is contained in any of the foregoing documents.
2.24 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Target has been advised in writing
by its financial advisor, J.C. Bradford & Co., that in such advisor's opinion,
as of the date hereof, the consideration to be received by the shareholders of
Target in the Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of Target.
2.25 Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the Target Common Shares outstanding on the record date set for the Target
Shareholders Meeting is the only vote of the holders of any of Target's capital
stock necessary to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.
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2.26 Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Target has (i) approved
this Agreement and the Merger, (ii) determined that the Merger is in the best
interests of the shareholders of Target and is on terms that are fair to such
shareholders and (iii) recommended that the shareholders of Target approve this
Agreement and consummation of the Merger.
2.27 Section 1704 of Ohio Law and Control Share Acquisition Statute Not
Applicable. The Board of Directors of Target has approved for purposes of
Sections 1704.01 through 1704.07 of the Ohio Law both (i) any "Chapter 1704.
transaction" (as defined in Section 1704.01) and (ii) any purchase of Target
Common Shares, in each case as contemplated by this Agreement, the Target Option
Agreement or the Voting Agreements or the consummation of the Merger or the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Target Option Agreement
or the Voting Agreements such that Acquiror is not subject to the restrictions
imposed by Sections 1704.01 through 1704.07 of the Ohio Law on Chapter 1704.
transactions or interested shareholders.
2.28 Inventory; Work in Process. The inventories of Target and its
Subsidiaries disclosed in the Target SEC Documents as of March 28, 1999 and in
any subsequently filed Target SEC Documents are stated consistently with the
audited financial statements of Target and consist of items of a quantity usable
or salable in the ordinary course of business, except for obsolete items and
items of below-standard quality, all of which have been written off or written
down to net realizable value in the financial statements in such Target SEC
Documents. The values at which inventories and work in process of Target and its
Subsidiaries are carried on the books of Target and its Subsidiaries and in the
Target Financial Statements properly reflect the values of such inventory and
work in process in a manner consistent with past practice and in accordance with
GAAP.
2.29 Accounts Receivable. The accounts receivable disclosed in the
Target SEC Documents as of March 28, 1999 and, with respect to accounts
receivable created since such date, disclosed in any subsequently filed Target
SEC Documents, or as accrued on the books of Target in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices in accordance with GAAP since the last
filed Target SEC Documents, represent and will represent bona fide claims
against debtors for sales and other charges, are not subject to discount,
contingency, claim of offset or recoupment or counterclaim except for normal
cash and immaterial trade discount. The amount carried for doubtful accounts and
allowances disclosed in each of such Target SEC Documents or accrued on such
books are reasonable estimates made in accordance with GAAP of all amounts
required to provide for any losses that may be sustained on realization of the
receivables.
2.30 Customers and Suppliers. Schedule 2.30 contains a true and
complete list of all of Target's and its Subsidiaries' customers which
individually accounted for more than 10% of Target's consolidated gross revenues
during the fiscal year ended March 28, 1999. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.30, none of Target's or its Subsidiaries' customers which individually
accounted for more than 10% of Target's consolidated gross revenues during such
fiscal year has terminated any agreement with Target or such Subsidiary. As of
the date hereof, no material supplier or independent contractor of Target or its
Subsidiaries has indicated that it will stop, or decrease the rate of, supplying
materials, products or services to Target or such Subsidiary. Neither Target nor
any of its Subsidiaries has breached in any material respect any Contract with,
or engaged in any fraudulent conduct with respect to, any customer, supplier or
independent contractor of Target or its Subsidiaries.
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2.31 Earn-out Payments. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.31, there are
no agreements to which Target or any of its Subsidiaries is a party pursuant to
which either Target or any Subsidiary is or may be obligated to make payments to
a third party (other than incentive payments to employees of Target and its
Subsidiaries) based on earnings, revenues or other performance criteria of
Target or any Subsidiary.
2.32 Agreements. Schedule 2.32 contains a true and complete list of all
oral and written Contracts to which any of Target and its Subsidiaries is a
party or by which their properties or assets may be bound and which (a) involve
obligations by any party thereto in excess of $100,000, excluding customer
contracts, (b) contain any provision or option relating to the sale by any of
Target and its Subsidiaries of any business or assets outside the ordinary
course of business, (c) are filed as exhibits to the Target SEC Documents or (d)
were entered into outside the ordinary course of business; provided, that
notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.32, the Target
Disclosure Schedules need not list, and the "Contracts" referred to above in
this Section 2.32 shall not include, agreements for which all of the obligations
of the parties thereto have been completely fulfilled or such obligations have
been completely terminated. All of such Contracts are valid and binding and in
full force and effect against Target or any of its Subsidiaries that is a party
thereto and, to the Knowledge of Target, each of the other parties thereto, and
there exists no material breach or default by Target or any of its Subsidiaries
that is a party thereto or any claim of such a breach or default, or any event
which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a material breach
or default by Target or any of its Subsidiaries that is a party thereto or, to
the Knowledge of Target, by any other party thereto. Target has made available
to Acquiror prior to the date of this Agreement, true and complete copies,
including all amendments, modifications and assignments relating thereto, of all
of such written Contracts and true and correct summaries of all such oral
Contracts.
2.33 No Knowledge of General Adverse Events. To the Knowledge of
Target, there are no events, changes, conditions or effects that exist as of the
date of this Agreement which (i) are not unique to Target and its Subsidiaries
and also affect other entities which are engaged in the lines of business in
which Target and its Subsidiaries are engaged that have, or would have, an
adverse impact of over $3,000,000 upon the condition (financial or otherwise),
properties, assets, liabilities, business, operations, results of operations or
prospects of Target and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (whether or not
arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business) or (ii) materially
impair, or would materially impair, the ability of Target to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.34 Warranties. To the Knowledge of Target, there is no state of facts
nor occurrence of any event forming the basis of, or that may form the basis of,
any present or potential claim against Target or its Subsidiaries for liability
due to any express or implied warranty or arising out of any claims by customers
as a result of the ownership, possession, or use of any product sold, leased, or
delivered or services rendered by Target and its Subsidiaries, except for such
claims that would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Target.
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2.35 Certain Acts. Neither Target, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to
the Knowledge of Target, any of their former or current officers or directors
(or equivalent positions), employees, agents or representatives has, directly or
indirectly, (a) made any contribution, gift, bribe, rebate, payoff, influence
payment, kickback, or other payment to any person, private or public, regardless
of form, whether in money, property, or services (i) to obtain favorable
treatment in securing and maintaining business or any Target Authorizations,
(ii) to pay for favorable treatment for business secured, (iii) to obtain
special concessions or for special concessions already obtained, for or in
respect of Target or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (iv) in violation
of any laws, or (b) established or maintained any fund or asset that has not
been recorded in the books and records of Target.
2.36 Representations Complete. No statement, certificate, instrument or
other writing furnished or to be furnished by Target pursuant to this Agreement
or any Schedule hereto, including the Target Disclosure Schedules, or any
certificate, instrument or other writing furnished or to be furnished by Target
pursuant to this Agreement contains or will contain at the Effective Time any
untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit at the Effective Time
to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained
herein or therein, in the light of the circumstances under which made, not
misleading.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACQUIROR AND MERGER SUB
References in this Article III to "Schedules" shall refer to the
Disclosure Schedules delivered by Acquiror to Target on the date of this
Agreement (the "Acquiror Disclosure Schedules"). Acquiror hereby represents and
warrants to Target as follows:
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power. Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub
is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. Each of Acquiror and Merger Sub has the corporate
power to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted
and as proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified to do business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction where its ownership or leasing of property or
the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified, except where failure
to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Acquiror or Merger Sub. Neither Acquiror nor Merger Sub is in
violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation or bylaws
or equivalent organizational documents.
3.2 Capital Structure. The authorized capital stock of Acquiror
consists of 250,000,000 shares of Acquiror Common Stock, $1.00 par value, and
1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, without par value (100,000 shares of Series
A Junior Participating authorized and 100,000 shares of Series B Convertible
TESOP authorized), of which there were issued and outstanding as of the close of
business on May 17, 1999, 96,222,361 shares of Acquiror Common Stock (excluding
treasury shares) and 76,200 shares of Preferred Stock. On May 17, 1999, there
were 42,961,744 shares of Acquiror Common Stock held in Treasury by Acquiror.
The authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of Merger
Sub Common Stock, $1.00 par value, all of which are issued and outstanding and
are held by Acquiror. Any shares of Acquiror Common Stock issued pursuant to the
Merger will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable
when and if so issued.
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3.3 Authority. Acquiror and Merger Sub have all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. Acquiror has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into the Target Option Agreement and to consummate the
transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Acquiror and Merger
Sub. The execution and delivery of the Target Option Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of Acquiror. This Agreement has
been duly executed and delivered by Acquiror and Merger Sub and constitutes the
valid and binding obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub enforceable against
Acquiror and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors generally and general principles of equity. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.3, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Target Option
Agreement do not, and will not, as the case may be, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not, conflict with, or result
in any violation of, or default under (with or without notice or lapse of time,
or both), or give rise to a right of termination, amendment, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or loss of a benefit under (i) any provision of
the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of Acquiror or of Merger Sub, as
amended, or (ii) any mortgage, indenture, lease, note, permit, concession,
franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to Acquiror or Merger Sub or any of their properties or
assets, or to which Acquiror or Merger Sub or any of their properties or assets
is subject or bound or that give rise to any Liens except where such conflict,
violation, default, termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration with
respect to the foregoing provisions of (ii) would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have had a Material Adverse Effect on Acquiror. Except as set forth
on Schedule 3.3, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity, is required
by or with respect to Acquiror or Merger Sub in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement or the Target Option Agreement or the
consummation by Acquiror and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby except for (i) the filing of the Certificate of Merger as provided
in Section 1.2 (Closing; Effective Time) or other filings specifically provided
for in this Agreement, (ii) the filing with the SEC and the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") of the Registration Statement, (iii) the filing of a Schedule
13D with the SEC to report the entry into the Target Option Agreement, (iv) any
filings as may be required under applicable state securities laws and the
securities laws of any foreign country, (v) such filings as may be required
under HSR, and (vi) the filing with the NYSE of a supplemental listing
application with respect to the shares of Acquiror Common Stock that may be
issuable upon conversion of the Target Common Shares in the Merger.
3.4 SEC Documents; Financial Statements. Acquiror has made available to
Target each (i) quarterly or annual report filed pursuant to the Exchange Act,
(ii) registration statement covering an offering by Acquiror to register new
issuances of its securities (including any prospectus in a form filed pursuant
to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act, but excluding any registration statement
filed to register shares issued under any employee benefit plan, dividend
reinvestment plan or employee stock purchase plan and excluding any resale
registration statement filed on Form S-3), and (iii) definitive proxy statement
filed with the SEC by Acquiror since May 20, 1996 and, prior to the Effective
Time, Acquiror will have made available to Target true and complete copies of
any additional documents of the type described in clauses (i) to (iii) above
filed with the SEC by Acquiror prior to the Effective Time (collectively, the
"Acquiror
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SEC Documents"). In addition, Acquiror has made available to Target all exhibits
to the Acquiror SEC Documents filed prior to the date hereof, and will promptly
make available to Target all exhibits to any additional Acquiror SEC Documents
filed prior to the Effective Time. All documents required to be filed as
exhibits to the Acquiror SEC Documents have been so filed, and all material
Contracts so filed as exhibits are in full force and effect, except those which
have expired in accordance with their terms, and Acquiror is not in default
thereunder. As of their respective filing dates, the Acquiror SEC Documents
complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and
the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, each
as in effect on the date so filed. None of the Acquiror SEC Documents
(including, but not limited to any financial statements or schedules included or
incorporated by reference therein) contained when filed any untrue statement of
a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact required to be
stated or incorporated by reference therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. Each of the financial statements of Acquiror, including
the notes and schedules thereto, included in the Acquiror SEC Documents (the
"Acquiror Financial Statements") were complete and correct in all material
respects as of their respective dates, complied as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules
and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto as of their respective dates,
and were prepared in accordance with GAAP (except as may be indicated in the
notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements included in Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC). The
Acquiror Financial Statements fairly present the consolidated financial
condition, operating results, cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity of
Acquiror and its Subsidiaries at the dates and during the periods indicated
therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, recurring
year-end adjustments that were not material in amount).
3.5 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.5, (i) there is no
private or governmental action, suit, proceeding, claim, arbitration or
investigation pending before any agency, court or tribunal, foreign or domestic,
or to the knowledge of Acquiror threatened, against Acquiror or its properties
or any of its officers or directors (in their capacities as such) any of which
individually would have a Material Adverse Effect on Acquiror, and (ii) there is
no agreement, judgment, injunction, decree or order against Acquiror or any of
its Subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of Acquiror, any of their respective
directors or officers (in their capacities as such) that would prevent, enjoin,
alter or materially delay any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, or that, individually or in the aggregate, has or would have a
Material Adverse Effect on the ability of Acquiror to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.6 Broker's and Finders' Fees. Except for payment obligations to Bear,
Stearns & Co., Inc. to be paid by Acquiror, Acquiror has not incurred, nor will
it incur, directly or indirectly, any liability for brokerage or finders' fees
or agents' commissions or investment bankers' fees or any similar charges in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby.
3.7 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The information
supplied by Acquiror and Merger Sub for inclusion in the Registration Statement
shall not, at the time the Registration Statement (including any amendments or
supplements thereto) is declared effective by the SEC, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
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under which they were made, not misleading. The information supplied by Acquiror
for inclusion in the Proxy Statement shall not, on the date the Proxy Statement
is first mailed to Target's shareholders, at the time of the Target Shareholders
Meeting and at the Effective Time, contain any statement which, at such time, is
false or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which it is made, not false or misleading; or omit to state
any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any earlier
communication with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the Target
Shareholders Meeting which has become false or misleading. If at any time prior
to the Effective Time any event or information should be discovered by Acquiror
or Merger Sub which should be set forth in an amendment to the Registration
Statement or a supplement to the Proxy Statement, Acquiror or Merger Sub will
promptly inform Target. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Acquiror and Merger Sub
make no representation, warranty or covenant with respect to any information
supplied by Target which is contained in any of the foregoing documents.
3.8 Board Approval. The respective Board of Directors of Acquiror and
Merger Sub have approved this Agreement and the Merger, and the Board of
Directors of Merger Sub has recommended that the stockholder of Merger Sub
approve this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger.
3.9 Representations Complete. No statement, certificate, instrument or
other writing furnished or to be furnished by Acquiror or Merger Sub pursuant to
this Agreement or any Schedule hereto, including the Acquiror Disclosure
Schedules, or any certificate furnished or to be furnished by Acquiror or Merger
Sub pursuant to this Agreement contains or will contain at the Effective Time
any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit at the Effective
Time to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements
contained herein or therein, in the light of the circumstances under which made,
not misleading.
ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE TIME
4.1 Conduct of Business of Target. During the Restricted Period, Target
agrees, and agrees to cause its Subsidiaries (except to the extent expressly
contemplated by this Agreement or as consented to in writing by Acquiror), to
carry on its and its Subsidiaries' business in the usual, regular and ordinary
course in substantially the same manner as heretofore conducted, to pay and to
cause its Subsidiaries to pay debts and Taxes when due subject to good faith
disputes over such debts or Taxes, to pay or perform other obligations when due,
and to use all commercially reasonable efforts consistent with past practice and
policies to preserve intact its and its Subsidiaries' present business
organizations, use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with past
practice to keep available the services of its and its Subsidiaries' present
officers and key employees and use its commercially reasonable efforts
consistent with past practice to preserve its and its Subsidiaries'
relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors, licensors, licensees, and
others having business dealings with it or its Subsidiaries. During the
Restricted Period, Target further agrees to promptly notify Acquiror of any
event or occurrence (i) not in the ordinary course of Target or its
Subsidiaries' business, (ii) that would result in a material breach of any
covenant or agreement of Target or any of its Subsidiaries set forth in this
Agreement, (iii) that would cause any representation or warranty of Target set
forth in this Agreement to be untrue in any material respect as of the date of
such event or
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occurrence, or (iv) which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a
Material Adverse Effect on Target. During the Restricted Period, except as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement, Target shall not do, cause or permit
any of the following, or allow, cause or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do,
cause or permit any of the following, without the prior written consent of
Acquiror:
(a) Charter Documents. Amend the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or
the equivalent organizational documents of Target or any of Target's
Subsidiaries;
(b) Dividends; Changes in Capital Stock. Except as contemplated by this
Agreement, declare or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions
(whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of any of its capital stock
(except for dividends by a Subsidiary of Target to Target or another Subsidiary
of Target), or split, combine or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or
authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in
substitution for shares of its capital stock, or purchase, repurchase or
otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock
except from former employees, directors (or equivalent positions) and
consultants in accordance with agreements providing for the repurchase of shares
in connection with any termination of service to it or its Subsidiaries;
(c) Stock Option Plans, Etc. Except as set forth in Section 5.9
(Employee Benefit Plans), take any action to accelerate, amend or change the
period of exercisability or vesting of options or other rights granted under its
stock option or benefit plans or, except as may be required pursuant to the
terms of any such plan or any agreement entered into prior to the date hereof
pursuant thereto, authorize cash payments in exchange for any options or other
rights granted under any of such plans;
(d) Material Contracts. Enter into any Contract or commitment, or
violate, terminate, amend or otherwise modify or waive any of the terms of any
of its Contracts or commitments, except for those contracts and commitments that
satisfy any of the following requirements: (i) relate to sales of products or
services or purchases of supplies in the ordinary course of business that will
be fully performed by all parties thereto within one year or less from the date
such contract or commitment is entered into and involve less than 1,000,000,
(ii) involve less than $250,000 or (iii) are terminable by Target upon notice of
90 days or less.
(e) Issuance of Securities. Issue, deliver, grant, sell or authorize or
propose the issuance, delivery, grant, sale or authorization of, or purchase or
propose the purchase of, any shares of its capital stock or securities
convertible into shares of its capital stock, or subscriptions, rights
(including rights issued or issuable pursuant to a shareholder rights plan or
"poison pill"), warrants or options to acquire, or other agreements or
commitments of any character obligating it to issue any such shares or other
convertible securities (other than the issuance of Target Common Shares pursuant
to the exercise of stock options outstanding as of the date of this Agreement)
or modify any outstanding securities convertible into shares of its capital
stock or subscription rights, warrants or options to acquire, or other
agreements or commitments of any character obligating it to issue such shares or
other convertible securities;
(f) Intellectual Property. Transfer or license to any person or entity
or otherwise extend, amend or modify any rights to its Intellectual Property
other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
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(g) Exclusive Rights. Enter into or amend any agreements pursuant to
which any other party is granted exclusive marketing, servicing, manufacturing
or other exclusive rights of any type or scope with respect to any of its
services, products, processes or technology;
(h) Dispositions. Sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of or
encumber any of its properties or assets which are material, individually or in
the aggregate, to its and its Subsidiaries' business, taken as a whole, in an
amount in excess of $100,000, except in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice;
(i) Indebtedness. Incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or
guarantee any such indebtedness (other than borrowings under existing lines of
credit) or issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire
debt securities or guarantee any debt securities of others;
(j) Leases. Enter into any operating lease providing for payments in
excess of $10,000 per year or any lease of real property;
(k) Payment of Obligations. Pay, discharge, satisfy, settle or
compromise in an amount in excess of $50,000 in any one case, claim, liability
or obligation (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise) arising other than in the ordinary course of business, other than the
payment, discharge or satisfaction of liabilities reflected or reserved against
in the Target Financial Statements;
(l) Capital Expenditures. Make any capital expenditures, capital
additions or capital improvements, except in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice;
(m) Insurance. Materially reduce the amount of any material insurance
coverage provided by existing insurance policies;
(n) Termination or Waiver. Terminate or waive any right of substantial
value, other than in the ordinary course of business, in any case only if
correct and complete copies of such plans, policies and agreements shall have
been made available to Acquiror;
(o) Employee Benefit Plans; New Hires; Pay Increases. (i) Enter into
any collective bargaining agreement; (ii) establish, adopt, enter into or amend
in any material respect any bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock
option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employment, termination, severance or other plan, trust, fund, policy or
arrangement for the benefit of any directors or officers (or equivalent
positions) or employees; (iii) pay any special bonus or special remuneration to
any director (or equivalent position) or employee (except for bonuses based on
performance of Target, its Subsidiaries and employees for prior periods which
are consistent with past practices, or otherwise pursuant to incentive
compensation or bonus incentive plans and policies in force as of the date of
this Agreement, or unless required pursuant to an agreement outstanding on the
date hereof and listed on Schedule 2.14 of Target's Disclosure Schedules, in any
case only if correct and complete copies of such plans, policies and agreements
shall have been made available to Acquiror); or (iv) increase the salaries or
wage rates of its employees, except for increases in salaries and wages in
accordance with past practices;
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(p) Severance Arrangements. (i) Enter into any employment agreement
with any director or officer (or equivalent positions) or employee or (ii) grant
or increase any severance or termination pay to, or enter into any severance or
termination agreement with, (A) any director or officer (or equivalent
positions), or (B) any employee, except payments that are not in excess of
thirty days base compensation and are made in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice to employees who make less than $50,000 in annual
base compensation;
(q) Lawsuits. Commence a lawsuit other than (i) for the routine
collection of bills, (ii) in such cases where it in good faith determines that
failure to commence suit would result in the material impairment of a valuable
aspect of its business, provided that it consults with Acquiror prior to the
filing of such a suit, or (iii) for a breach of this Agreement;
(r) Acquisitions. Acquire or agree to acquire by merging or
consolidating with, by purchasing an equity interest in or a material portion of
the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, limited
liability company, partnership, association or other business organization or
division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets which are
material, individually or in the aggregate, to its and its Subsidiaries'
business, taken as a whole, or acquire or agree to acquire any equity securities
of any corporation, partnership, association or business organization;
(s) Taxes. Other than in the ordinary course of business, make or
change any material election in respect of Taxes, adopt or change any accounting
method in respect of Taxes, file any amendment to a material Tax Return, or
settle any claim or assessment in respect of Taxes;
(t) Notices. Fail to give any notice or provide other information
required by applicable law to be given to the employees of Target, any
collective bargaining unit representing any group of employees of Target, and
any applicable government authority under the WARN Act, the National Labor
Relations Act, the Internal Revenue Code, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act, and other applicable law in connection with the transactions
provided for in this Agreement except to the extent that the failure to do any
of the foregoing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target or Acquiror;
(u) Revaluation. Revalue any of its assets, including without
limitation writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts
receivable other than in the ordinary course of business except as required by
GAAP;
(v) Restrictive Agreements. Enter into any agreement with any third
party which limits in any manner the territory or scope of activities which
Target or any of its Subsidiaries may engage other than those agreements with
systems integrators which restrict contact with the third party end user;
(w) New Subsidiaries. Form any new Subsidiary; or
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(x) Other. Take or agree in writing or otherwise to take (i) any of the
actions described in Sections 4.1(a) through (w) above, (ii) any action which
would make any of its representations or warranties contained in this Agreement
untrue or incorrect or would prevent it from performing or cause it not to
perform its covenants and obligations hereunder.
4.2 No Solicitation. Target and its Subsidiaries and the officers or
directors (or equivalent positions), employees or other agents of Target and its
Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action to solicit,
initiate or encourage any Takeover Proposal (as defined in Section 7.3(f)
(Expenses and Termination Fees)) or (ii) subject to the terms of the immediately
following sentence, engage in negotiations or discussions with, or disclose any
nonpublic information relating to Target or any of it Subsidiaries to, or afford
access to the properties, books or records of Target or any of its Subsidiaries
to, any person that has advised Target that it may be considering making, or
that has made, a Takeover Proposal; provided, nothing herein shall prohibit
Target's Board of Directors from taking and disclosing to Target's shareholders
a position with respect to a tender offer pursuant to Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2
promulgated under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding
sentence, if an unsolicited written Takeover Proposal shall be received by the
Board of Directors of Target, then, to the extent the Board of Directors of
Target believes in good faith (after written advice from its financial advisor)
that such Takeover Proposal would, if consummated, result in a transaction more
favorable to Target's shareholders from a financial point of view than the
transaction contemplated by this Agreement (any such more favorable Takeover
Proposal being referred to in this Agreement as a "Superior Proposal") and the
Board of Directors of Target determines in good faith after advice from outside
legal counsel that it is necessary for the Board of Directors of Target to
comply with its fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law, Target
and its officers, directors, employees, investment bankers, financial advisors,
attorneys, accountants and other representatives retained by it may furnish in
connection therewith information to the party making such Superior Proposal and
engage in negotiations with such party, and such actions shall not be considered
a breach of this Section 4.2 or any other provisions of this Agreement; provided
that in each such event Target notifies Acquiror of such determination by the
Target Board of Directors and provides Acquiror with a true and complete copy of
the Superior Proposal received from such third party, and provides (or has
provided) Acquiror with all documents containing or referring to nonpublic
information of Target that are supplied to such third party; provided, further,
that Target provides such nonpublic information pursuant to a nondisclosure
agreement at least as restrictive on such third party as the Confidentiality
Provisions (as defined in Section 5.4 (Confidentiality)) are on Acquiror;
provided, further, however, that Target shall not, and shall not permit any of
its officers, directors, employees or other representatives to agree to or
endorse any Takeover Proposal or withdraw its recommendation of the Merger
unless Target (i) has provided Acquiror at least five (5) days prior notice
thereof, (ii) has terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f)
(Termination), (iii) has paid Acquiror all amounts payable to Acquiror pursuant
to Section 7.3(b) (Expenses and Termination Fees) and (iv) if required by the
terms of the Target Option Agreement, has performed its obligations under the
Target Option Agreement. Target will promptly notify Acquiror after receipt of
any Takeover Proposal or any notice that any person is considering making a
Takeover Proposal or any request for nonpublic information relating to Target or
any of its Subsidiaries or for access to the properties, books or records of
Target or any of its Subsidiaries by any person that has advised Target that it
may be considering making, or that has made, a Takeover Proposal and will keep
Acquiror fully informed of the status and details of any such Takeover Proposal
notice, and shall provide
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Acquiror with a true and complete copy of such Takeover Proposal notice or any
amendment thereto, if it is in writing, or a complete written summary thereof,
if it is not in writing.
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Registration Statement.
(a) As soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement, Target
and Acquiror shall prepare and file with the SEC a preliminary proxy statement
relating to the Target Shareholders Meeting, and Acquiror shall prepare and file
with the SEC the registration statement on Form S-4, in which such preliminary
proxy statement will be included as a preliminary prospectus (such proxy
statement, together with the prospectus relating to the Acquiror Common Stock,
in each case as amended or supplemented from time to time, is referred to herein
as the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"). Acquiror shall use its reasonable best
efforts to have the Form S-4 declared effective under the Securities Act as
promptly as practicable after such filing. Target will use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to Target's
shareholders as promptly as practicable after the Form S-4 is declared effective
under the Securities Act. Target shall furnish all information concerning Target
and the holders of the Target Common Shares, and Acquiror shall furnish all
information concerning Acquiror and Merger Sub, as may be reasonably requested
in connection with any such action.
(b) Target and Acquiror shall cooperate with each other and provide to
each other all information necessary in order to prepare the Form S-4, the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and the other filings (collectively, the "SEC Transaction
Filings") and shall provide promptly to the other party any information that
such party may obtain that could necessitate amending any such document. Target
and Acquiror will each notify the other promptly of the receipt of any comments
from the SEC or its staff or any other appropriate government official and of
any requests by the SEC or its staff or any other appropriate government
official for amendments or supplements to any of the SEC Transaction Filings or
for additional information and will supply the other party with copies of all
correspondence between Target or any of its representatives or Acquiror and any
of its representatives, as the case may be, on the one hand, and the SEC or its
staff or any other appropriate government official, on the other hand, with
respect thereto. If at any time prior to the Effective Time, any event shall
occur that should be set forth in an amendment of, or a supplement to, any of
the SEC Transaction Filings, Target and Acquiror agree promptly to prepare and
file such amendment or supplement and to distribute such amendment or supplement
as required by applicable law, including, in the case of an amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement by mailing such supplement or amendment to
Target's shareholders. Acquiror shall not be required to maintain the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement for the purpose of resale by
shareholders of Target who may be affiliates of Target or Acquiror pursuant to
Rule 145 under the Securities Act. The information provided and to be provided
by Target and Acquiror for use in SEC Transaction Filings shall at all times
prior to the Effective Time be true and correct in all material respects and
shall not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make such information not false or misleading, and Target
and Acquiror each agree to promptly correct any such information provided by it
for use in the SEC Transaction Filings that shall have become false or
misleading. The SEC Transaction Filings, when filed with the
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SEC or any appropriate government official, shall comply in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of law.
5.2 Meeting of Shareholders. Target shall promptly after the date
hereof take all action necessary in accordance with Ohio Law and its Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws to convene the Target Shareholders Meeting as soon as
practicable, but in no event later than the fortieth (40th) day after the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC. Target shall consult
with Acquiror regarding the date of the Target Shareholders Meeting and use all
reasonable efforts and shall not postpone or adjourn (other than for the absence
of a quorum) the Target Shareholders Meeting without the consent of Acquiror.
Subject to Sections 4.2 (No Solicitation) and 5.1 (Proxy Statement/Prospectus;
Registration Statement), Target shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit
from shareholders of Target proxies in favor of the Merger and shall take all
other action necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of
shareholders required to effect the Merger.
5.3 Access to Information.
(a) Each of Acquiror and Target shall afford the other party and the
other party's officers, employees, accountants, counsel and other
representatives, reasonable access during normal business hours during the
period prior to the Effective Time to (i) all of Acquiror's and Target's and
their Subsidiaries' properties, books, Contracts, commitments and records and
(ii) all other information concerning the business, properties and personnel of
Acquiror and Target and their Subsidiaries as Target or Acquiror may reasonably
request. Each of Acquiror and Target agrees to provide to the other party and
the other party's accountants, counsel and other representatives copies of
internal financial statements with reasonable diligence upon request.
(b) Subject to compliance with applicable law, from the date hereof
until the Effective Time, each of Acquiror and Target shall confer on a regular
and frequent basis with one or more representatives of the other party to report
operational matters of materiality and the general status of ongoing operations.
(c) No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation pursuant
to this Section 5.3 shall affect or be deemed to modify any representation or
warranty contained herein or the conditions to the obligations of the parties to
consummate the Merger.
5.4 Confidentiality. The parties acknowledge that each of Acquiror and
Target have previously executed a letter agreement dated effective April 19,
1999. Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of such letter agreement regarding the treatment
of confidential information (the "Confidentiality Provisions") shall continue in
full force and effect.
5.5 Public Disclosure. Unless otherwise permitted by this Agreement,
Acquiror and Target shall consult with each other before issuing any press
release or otherwise making any public statement or making any other public (or
nonconfidential) disclosure (whether or not in response to an inquiry) regarding
the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
neither shall issue any such press release or make any such statement or
disclosure without the prior approval of the other (which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld), except as may be required by law or by obligations
pursuant to any listing agreement with the NYSE, any other national securities
exchange or with the NASD.
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5.6 Consents; Cooperation.
(a) Each of Acquiror and Target shall promptly apply for or otherwise
seek, and use its reasonable best efforts to obtain, all consents and approvals
required to be obtained by it for the consummation of the Merger, including
those required under HSR, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain
all necessary consents, waivers and approvals under any of its material
Contracts (excluding customer contracts) in connection with the Merger for the
assignment thereof or otherwise. The parties hereto will consult and cooperate
with one another, and consider in good faith the views of one another, in
connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs,
arguments, opinions and proposals made or submitted by or on behalf of any party
hereto in connection with proceedings under or relating to HSR or any other
federal or state antitrust or fair trade law.
(b) Each of Acquiror and Target shall use its reasonable best efforts
to resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by any Governmental
Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under
HSR, the Sherman Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade
Commission Act, as amended, and any other Federal, state or foreign statutes,
rules, regulations, orders or decrees that are designed to prohibit, restrict or
regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of
trade (collectively, "Antitrust Laws"). In connection therewith, if any
administrative or judicial action or proceeding is instituted (or threatened to
be instituted) challenging any transaction contemplated by this Agreement as
volatile of any Antitrust Law, each of Acquiror and Target shall cooperate and
use its reasonable best efforts vigorously to contest and resist any such action
or proceeding and to have vacated, lifted, reversed, or overturned any decree,
judgment, injunction or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent
(each an "Order"), that is in effect and that prohibits, prevents, or restricts
consummation of the Merger or any such other transactions, unless by mutual
agreement Acquiror and Target decide that litigation is not in their respective
best interests. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding
sentence, it is expressly understood and agreed that Acquiror shall have no
obligation to litigate or contest any administrative or judicial action or
proceeding or any Order beyond October 15, 1999. Each of Acquiror and Target
shall use its reasonable best efforts to take such action as may be required to
cause the expiration of the notice periods under the HSR or other Antitrust Laws
with respect to such transactions as promptly as possible after the execution of
this Agreement. The Acquiror and Target also agree to take any and all of the
following actions to the extent necessary to obtain the approval of any
Governmental Entity with jurisdiction over the enforcement of any applicable
laws regarding the transactions contemplated hereby: entering into negotiations;
providing information required by law or governmental regulation; and
substantially complying with any second request for information pursuant to the
Antitrust Laws. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.6,
neither the Acquiror nor Target nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall
be required to take any action that would reasonably be expected to
substantially impair the overall benefits expected, as of the date hereof, to be
realized from the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 5.6(a) or (b),
(i) neither Acquiror nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to divest any
of their respective businesses, services, product lines or assets, or to take or
agree to take any other action or agree to any limitation that, individually or
in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
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Acquiror or of Acquiror combined with the Surviving Corporation after the
Effective Time or (ii) neither Target nor its Subsidiaries shall be required to
divest any of their respective businesses, services, product lines or assets, or
to take or agree to take any other action or agree to any limitation that,
individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect on
Target.
5.7 Legal Requirements. Each of Acquiror, Merger Sub and Target will,
and will cause their respective Subsidiaries to, take all reasonable actions
necessary to comply promptly with all legal requirements which may be imposed on
them with respect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and will promptly cooperate with and furnish information to any party
hereto necessary in connection with any such requirements imposed upon such
other party in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and will take all reasonable actions necessary to obtain (and
will cooperate with the other parties hereto in obtaining) any consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or any registration, declaration or filing
with, any Governmental Entity or other person, required to be obtained or made
in connection with the taking of any action contemplated by this Agreement.
5.8 Blue Sky Laws. Acquiror shall take such steps as may be necessary
to comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all jurisdictions which are
applicable to the issuance of any shares of Acquiror Common Stock in connection
with the Merger. Target shall use its reasonable best efforts to assist Acquiror
as may be necessary to comply with the securities and blue sky laws of all
jurisdictions which are applicable in connection with the issuance of any shares
of Acquiror Common Stock in connection with the Merger.
5.9 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Target represents and warrants to Acquiror that Schedule 5.9 of the
Target Disclosure Schedules hereto sets forth a true and complete list as of the
date hereof of all holders of outstanding options under the Target Stock Option
Plans, including the number of shares of Target capital stock subject to each
such option, the exercise or vesting schedule, the exercise price per share and
the term of each such option. On the Closing Date, Target shall deliver to
Acquiror an updated Schedule 5.9 of the Target Disclosure Schedules hereto
current as of such date.
(b) If the Cash Conversion Feature has not been triggered as provided
in Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares), then at the Effective
Time, each outstanding option to purchase Target Common Shares under the Target
Stock Option Plans (other than those repurchased pursuant to Section 5.9(d)),
whether vested or unvested, will be assumed by Acquiror. Each such option so
assumed by Acquiror under this Agreement shall continue to have, and be subject
to, the same terms and conditions set forth in the Target Stock Option Plans,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that (i) such option will be
exercisable for that number of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the
product of the number of Target Common Shares that were issuable upon exercise
of such option immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by the
Exchange Ratio, and (ii) the per share exercise price for the shares of Acquiror
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such assumed option will be equal to the
quotient determined by dividing the exercise price per Target Common Share at
which such option was exercisable immediately prior to the Effective Time by the
Exchange Ratio. It is the intention of the parties that the options so assumed
by Acquiror
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qualify, to the maximum extent permissible following the Effective Time as
incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Code to the extent such
options qualified as incentive stock options prior to the Effective Time.
(c) If the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in
Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares), then at the Effective Time,
all outstanding and unexercised options to purchase Target Common Shares under
the Target Stock Option Plans (other than those repurchased or to be repurchased
pursuant to Section 5.9(d)) shall be canceled and extinguished and shall
represent only the right to receive, upon surrender of each outstanding stock
option agreement, cash in the amount set forth in Section 1.7(b) (Target Stock
Option Plans) hereof. Upon surrender to Acquiror of each outstanding stock
option agreement for cancellation and extinguishment, together with such other
documents as may be reasonably requested by Acquiror, the holder of the stock
options governed by such option agreement shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor a company check of Acquiror in the aggregate amount of which
such holder shall have become entitled to receive pursuant to Section 1.7(b)
(Target Stock Option Plans) for the options governed by such agreement, and the
stock option agreement so surrendered shall forthwith be canceled and
extinguished. No interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable upon due
surrender of such stock option agreement. Until so surrendered, each outstanding
stock option will be deemed from and after the Effective Time, for all purposes,
to evidence only the right to receive cash to which such holder would be
entitled to receive pursuant to the procedures of this Section 5.9(c).
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Target
shall be entitled, upon prior written notice to Acquiror, at or prior to the
Effective Time, to repurchase and cancel any and all stock options outstanding
under the Target Stock Option Plans so long as (i) the purchase price per share
of any such option so repurchased does not exceed the difference between (A) the
Target Stock Value minus (B) the exercise price per share of such option; (ii)
the agreements or instruments evidencing such options are delivered to Target or
valid and binding indemnities in favor of Target, the Surviving Corporation and
Acquiror reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror are delivered to Target at or prior
to the Effective Time by those holders of such options who cannot, because of
loss, theft or damage, deliver the agreements or instruments evidencing such
options to Target; and (iii) all obligations of Target, Acquiror and the
Surviving Corporation under such options, other than payment of the purchase
price for such options, are terminated at or prior to the Effective Time
pursuant to valid and binding agreements in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Acquiror.
"Target Stock Value" shall mean (x) $15.60, if the Cash Conversion
Feature has not been triggered as provided in Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of
Target Common Shares) or (y) $14.50, if the Cash Conversion Feature has been
triggered as provided in Section 1.6(c) (Conversion of Target Common Shares).
(e) Acquiror may, in its sole discretion, at any time after the
Effective Time, continue or terminate any or all of the Target Employee Plans;
provided that if Acquiror terminates any Target Employee Plan, the affected
employees of Target and its Subsidiaries (A) shall be entitled to participate in
a similar employee plan of Acquiror, if such plan is offered by Acquiror,
according to its respective terms and (B) shall be entitled to credit for all
service with Target for purposes of eligibility and vesting in all Acquiror
employee benefit plans that may be offered to former employees of Target from
time to time.
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5.10 Letter of Acquiror's and Target's Accountants.
(a) Acquiror shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be
delivered to Target a Procedures Letter of Acquiror's independent auditors,
dated a date within two business days before the date on which the Registration
Statement shall become effective and addressed to Acquiror and Target, in form
reasonably satisfactory to Target and customary in scope and substance for
"comfort letters" delivered by independent public accountants in connection with
registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
(b) Target shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be
delivered to Acquiror a Procedures Letter of Target's independent auditors,
dated a date within two business days before the date on which the Registration
Statement shall become effective and addressed to Acquiror and Target, in form
reasonably satisfactory to Acquiror and customary in scope and substance for
comfort letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with
registration statements similar to the Registration Statement.
5.11 Target Option Agreement. Concurrently with the execution of this
Agreement, Target shall deliver to Acquiror an executed Target Option Agreement
in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto. Target agrees to fully perform its
obligations under the Target Option Agreement.
5.12 Listing of Additional Shares. Prior to the Effective Time,
Acquiror shall file with the NYSE a supplemental listing application with
respect to the shares of Acquiror Common Stock that may be issuable upon
conversion of the Target Common Shares in the Merger and upon exercise of the
options under the Target Stock Option Plans assumed by Acquiror as provided in
Section 5.9 (Employee Benefit Plans); provided, however, that Acquiror shall be
entitled to withdraw such supplemental listing application if the Cash
Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in Section 1.6 (Conversion of
Target Common Shares).
5.13 Stock Quotation. Acquiror shall continue to list the Acquiror
Common Stock on the NYSE and Target shall continue the quotation of Target
Common Shares on the Nasdaq National Market, in each case prior to the Effective
Time.
5.14 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
(a) Acquiror and the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective
Time assume and agree to be bound by any indemnification provisions now existing
in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Target for the benefit of any
individual who served as a director or officer of Target at any time prior to
the Effective Time (the "Indemnified Parties"), which provisions shall survive
the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect. The foregoing provisions
of this Section 5.14(a) shall not prevent any amendment of such indemnification
provisions in the articles of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation or any
termination of such indemnification provisions as a result of a merger,
dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Surviving Corporation;
provided that any such amendment or termination shall not limit in any way the
obligations of Acquiror and the Surviving Corporation to provide indemnification
under this Section 5.14(a); and provided further that the indemnification
provisions now existing in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Target
shall be deemed to survive notwithstanding such amendment or termination.
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(b) For six years after the Effective Time, Acquiror will, and will
cause the Surviving Corporation to use its reasonable best efforts to provide
officers' and directors' liability insurance in respect of acts or omissions
occurring on or prior to the Effective Time covering each such person currently
covered by Target's officers' and directors' liability insurance policy on terms
substantially similar to those of such policy in effect on the date hereof,
provided that in satisfying its obligation under this Section 5.14, Acquiror
shall not be obligated to cause the Surviving Corporation to pay premiums in
excess of 150% of the amount per annum Target paid in its last full fiscal year,
which amount has been disclosed to Acquiror, and if the Surviving Corporation is
unable to obtain the insurance required by this Section 5.14, it shall obtain as
much comparable insurance as possible for an annual premium equal to such
maximum amount.
(c) To the extent there is any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation (whether arising before or after the Effective Time) against an
Indemnified Party that arises out of or pertains to any action or omission in
his or her capacity as director or officer of Target occurring prior to the
Effective Time, or arises out of or pertains to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement for a period of six years after the Effective Time (whether
arising before or after the Effective Time), in each case for which such
Indemnified Party is indemnified under this Section 5.14, such Indemnified Party
shall be entitled to be represented by counsel, which counsel shall be counsel
of the Acquiror (provided that if use of counsel of the Acquiror would be
expected under applicable standards of professional conduct to give rise to a
conflict between the position of the Indemnified Person and of the Acquiror, the
Indemnified Party shall be entitled instead to be represented by counsel
selected by the Indemnified Party and reasonably acceptable to Acquiror).
Following the Effective Time the Surviving Corporation and Acquiror shall pay
the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel with respect to a claim for
which such Indemnified Party is indemnified under this Section 5.14 promptly
after statements therefor are received and the Surviving Corporation and
Acquiror will cooperate in the defense of any such matter; provided, however,
that neither the Surviving Corporation nor Acquiror shall be liable for any
settlement effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld); and provided, further, that, in the event that any claim
or claims for indemnification are asserted or made within such six year period,
all rights to indemnification in respect to any such claim or claims shall
continue until the disposition of any and all such claims. The Indemnified
Parties as a group may retain only one law firm (in addition to local counsel)
to represent them with respect to any single action unless there is, under
applicable standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any significant
issue between the position of any two or more Indemnified Parties.
5.15 Best Efforts and Further Assurances. Each of the parties to this
Agreement shall use its reasonable best efforts to effectuate the transactions
contemplated hereby and to fulfill and cause to be fulfilled the conditions to
closing under this Agreement. Each party hereto, at the reasonable request of
another party hereto, shall execute and deliver such other instruments and do
and perform such other acts and things as may be necessary or desirable for
effecting completely the consummation of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
5.16 Form S-8; Reservation of Shares. Acquiror agrees to use its
reasonable best efforts to file as soon as reasonably practicable after the
Closing Date, a registration statement on Form S-8 covering the shares of
Acquiror Common Stock issuable (but not previously issued) pursuant to
outstanding stock options under the Target Stock Option Plans assumed by
Acquiror. Target shall cooperate with and assist Acquiror in the preparation of
such registration statement. Promptly after the Closing Date, Acquiror shall
reserve that number
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of shares of Acquiror Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Acquiror
Common Stock issuable (but not previously issued) pursuant to outstanding stock
options under the Target Stock Option Plans assumed by Acquiror.
5.17 Tax-Free Status. No party shall, nor shall any party permit any of
its Subsidiaries to take any actions which would, or would be reasonably likely
to, adversely affect the status of the Merger as a tax-free transaction (except
as to Dissenting Shares and fractional shares) under Section 368(a) of the Code,
and each party shall use all reasonable efforts to achieve such result;
provided, however, that this Section 5.17 shall not apply during such time as
the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered as provided in Section 1.6(c)
(Conversion of Target Common Shares).
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
6.1 Conditions to Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to consummate and effect
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, by agreement of all the
parties hereto:
(a) Shareholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall have been
approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the shareholders of Target under
Ohio Law.
(b) Registration Statement Effective. The SEC shall have declared the
Registration Statement effective. Unless the Cash Conversion Feature has been
triggered as provided in Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares), no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any
part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall
have been initiated or threatened by the SEC. No similar proceeding shall have
been issued, initiated or threatened in respect of the Proxy Statement, whether
or not the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered. All requests for
additional information on the part of the SEC shall have been complied with to
the reasonable satisfaction of the parties hereto.
(c) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No temporary restraining
order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction or other legal or regulatory restraint or prohibition
preventing the consummation of the Merger shall be in effect, nor shall any
proceeding brought by an administrative agency or commission or other
governmental authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, seeking any of
the foregoing be pending; nor shall there be any action taken, or any statute,
rule, regulation or order enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the
Merger, which makes the consummation of the Merger illegal. In the event an
injunction or other order shall have been issued, each party agrees to use its
reasonable best efforts to have such injunction or other order lifted.
(d) Governmental Approval. Acquiror, Target and Merger Sub and their
respective Subsidiaries shall have timely obtained from each Governmental Entity
all approvals, waivers and consents necessary for consummation of or in
connection with the Merger and the several
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transactions contemplated hereby, which approvals, waivers and consents consist
solely of those required under the Securities Act, under state Blue Sky laws,
and under HSR.
(e) Tax Opinion. Unless the Cash Conversion Feature has been triggered
as provided in Section 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares), Acquiror and
Target shall have received the written opinion of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey,
respectively, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to them, and dated
on or about the date of and referred to in the Proxy Statement as first mailed
to shareholders of Target and shall be to the effect that the Merger will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,
and such opinions shall not have been withdrawn. In rendering such opinion,
counsel shall be entitled to rely upon, among other things, reasonable
assumptions as well as representations of Acquiror, Merger Sub and Target and
certain shareholders of Target.
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Target. The obligations of
Target to consummate and effect this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of
each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, by
Target:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations
and warranties of Acquiror and Merger Sub in this Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects (except for such representations and warranties
that are qualified by their terms by a reference to materiality or Material
Adverse Effect on Acquiror, which representations and warranties as so qualified
shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date hereof and the
Effective Time as though such representations and warranties were made on and as
of such times and (ii) Acquiror and Merger Sub shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all covenants, obligations and conditions of this
Agreement required to be performed and complied with by them as of the Effective
Time.
(b) Certificate of Acquiror. Target shall have been provided with a
certificate executed on behalf of Acquiror by its President and its Chief
Financial Officer certifying that the condition set forth in Section 6.2(a)
(Additional Conditions to Obligations of Target- Representations, Warranties and
Covenants) shall have been fulfilled.
(c) Third Party Consents. Acquiror shall have obtained, and Target
shall have been furnished with evidence satisfactory to it of, the consents or
approvals set forth on Schedule 3.3 of the Acquiror Disclosure Schedules, except
where failure to obtain such consents or approvals would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Acquiror.
6.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Acquiror and Merger
Sub. The obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub to consummate and effect this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived, in writing, by Acquiror:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants. (i) The representations
and warranties of Target in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects (except for such representations and warranties that are
qualified by their terms by a reference to materiality or Material Adverse
Effect which representations and warranties as so qualified shall be true and
correct in all respects) on and as of the date hereof and the Effective Time as
though such representations and warranties were made on and as of such times and
(ii) Target
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shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants,
obligations and conditions of this Agreement required to be performed and
complied with by it as of the Effective Time.
(b) Certificate of Target. Acquiror shall have been provided with a
certificate executed on behalf of Target by its President and Chief Financial
Officer certifying that the condition set forth in Section 6.3(a) (Additional
Conditions to the Obligations of Acquiror and Merger Sub - Representations,
Warranties and Covenants) shall have been fulfilled.
(c) Third Party Consents. Target shall have obtained, and Acquiror
shall have been furnished with evidence satisfactory to it of, the consents or
approvals set forth on Schedule 2.3 of the Target Disclosure Schedules, except
where failure to obtain such consents or approvals would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target.
(d) Injunctions or Restraints on Conduct of Business. No temporary
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by
any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal or regulatory restraint
provision limiting or restricting Acquiror's conduct or operation of the
business of Target and its Subsidiaries, following the Merger shall be in
effect, nor shall any proceeding brought by an administrative agency or
commission or other Governmental Entity, domestic or foreign, seeking the
foregoing be pending.
(e) No Material Adverse Changes. There shall not have occurred any
Material Adverse Effect with respect to Target.
(f) FIRPTA Certificate. Target shall, prior to the Closing Date,
provide Acquiror with a properly executed FIRPTA Notification Letter,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto, which states that shares
of capital stock of Target do not constitute "United States real property
interests" under Section 897(c) of the Code, for purposes of satisfying
Acquiror's obligations under Treasury Regulation Section 1.14452(c)(3). In
addition, simultaneously with delivery of such Notification Letter, Target shall
have provided to Acquiror, as agent for Target, a form of notice to the Internal
Revenue Service in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulation
Section 1.8972(h)(2) and substantially in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto
along with written authorization for Acquiror to deliver such notice form to the
Internal Revenue Service on behalf of Target upon the Closing of the Merger.
(g) Employment. Each of the employees of Target set forth on Schedule
6.3(g) of the Target Disclosure Schedules shall not have revoked his employment
arrangement with Acquiror as agreed to in writing on the date hereof.
(h) Termination of Certain Agreements. That certain shareholders
agreement by and among Larry R. Linhart, Robert L. Powelson, E. Len Gibson and
Target dated as of August 19, 1994 shall have been terminated, and Target shall
have no liability or obligations whatsoever under such agreement.
(i) Resignations. Acquiror shall have received the written
resignations, effective as of the Effective Time, of each director and officer
(or equivalent positions) of Target and its Subsidiaries other than those whom
Acquiror shall have specified in writing at least five (5) business days prior
to the Closing Date.
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(j) Comfort Letter. Ernst & Young LLP shall have performed a review of
Target's consolidated balance sheet(s) and consolidated statements of operations
and cash flows for all fiscal quarters of Target ending after March 28, 1999
(the "Quarterly Financial Statements") and before the Effective Time that
satisfies the requirements of Statement on Auditing Standards No. 71; provided,
however, that Target shall be required to make Quarterly Financial Statements
for any fiscal quarter of Target available to Ernst & Young LLP for its review
so that Ernst & Young LLP shall be able to deliver a report on its review of
such Quarterly Financial Statements, prior to the 30th day following the last
day of such fiscal quarter. Ernst & Young LLP shall also have delivered to
Acquiror a "comfort letter" that satisfies the requirements of Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 72 with respect to any such Quarterly Financial
Statements and all unaudited consolidated monthly financial statements of
Target, which Target agrees to prepare consistent with its past practice,
between the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of Target but
prior to the Effective Time. The comfort letter shall be in customary form and
substance and will identify any changes in capital stock and consolidated
long-term debt, total liabilities, shareholders' equity and accounts receivable
of Target in compliance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 72 and will
follow such other procedures reasonably acceptable to Target as shall have been
specified by Acquiror in writing to Ernst & Young LLP two business days prior to
the date on which the Registration Statement shall have become effective.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
7.1 Termination. At any time prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger
by the shareholders of Target, this Agreement may be terminated:
(a) by mutual consent of Acquiror and Target;
(b) by either Acquiror or Target, if, without fault of the terminating
party, the Closing shall not have occurred on or before October 15, 1999
(provided a later date may be agreed upon in writing by the parties hereto; and
provided further that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section
7.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose action or failure to act has
been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Merger to occur on or before
such date and such action or failure to act constitutes a breach of this
Agreement);
(c) by Acquiror, if (i) Target shall breach (or shall materially breach
with respect to such representations, warranties and obligations that are not
qualified by their terms by a reference to materiality or Material Adverse
Effect) any of its representations, warranties or obligations hereunder and such
breach shall not have been cured, or cannot be cured, within ten (10) business
days of receipt by Target of written notice of such breach, (ii) the Board of
Directors of Target shall have withdrawn or modified its recommendation of this
Agreement or the Merger in a manner adverse to Acquiror or shall have resolved
to do any of the foregoing, or (iii) for any reason Target fails to call the
Target Shareholders Meeting on or before July 31, 1999 or hold the Target
Shareholders Meeting on or before August 31, 1999;
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<PAGE> 51
(d) by Target, if Acquiror shall breach (or shall materially breach
with respect to such representations, warranties and obligations that are not
qualified by their terms by a reference to materiality or Material Adverse
Effect) any of its representations, warranties or obligations hereunder and such
breach shall not have been cured, or cannot be cured, within ten (10) business
days following receipt by Acquiror of written notice of such breach;
(e) by Acquiror if a Trigger Event or Takeover Proposal shall have
occurred and the Board of Directors of Target in connection therewith, does not
within ten (10) business days of such occurrence (i) reconfirm its approval and
recommendation of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
(ii) reject such Takeover Proposal or Trigger Event (in the case of a Trigger
Event involving a tender or exchange offer);
(f) by Target if a Superior Proposal shall have occurred; provided that
Target shall have provided Acquiror at least five (5) business days prior notice
of the terms of the Superior Proposal and Target shall have paid Acquiror the
amounts set forth in Section 7.3(b) (Expenses and Termination Fees); or
(g) by either Acquiror or Target if (i) any permanent injunction or
other order of a court or other competent authority preventing the consummation
of the Merger shall have become final and non-appealable or (ii) if any required
approval of the shareholders of Target shall not have been obtained by reason of
the failure to obtain the required vote upon a vote held at a duly held meeting
of shareholders or at any adjournment thereof.
7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement as provided in Section 7.1 (Termination), this Agreement shall
forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part
of Acquiror, Merger Sub or Target or their respective officers, directors,
stockholders or affiliates, except to the extent that such termination results
from the breach by a party hereto of any of its representations, warranties or
covenants set forth in this Agreement; provided that, the provisions of Section
5.4 (Confidentiality), Section 7.3 (Expenses and Termination Fees) and this
Section 7.2 shall remain in full force and effect and survive any termination of
this Agreement.
7.3 Expenses and Termination Fees.
(a) Subject to subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 7.3,
whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
(including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its advisers,
accountants and legal counsel) shall be paid by the party incurring such
expense, except that expenses incurred in connection with printing the proxy
materials and the Registration Statement, registration and filing fees incurred
in connection with the Registration Statement, the proxy materials and the
listing of additional shares pursuant to Section 5.12 (Listing of Additional
Shares) and fees, costs and expenses associated with compliance with applicable
state securities laws in connection with the Merger shall be shared equally by
Target and Acquiror.
(b) In the event that (i) Acquiror shall terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(e) (Termination) or Target shall terminate this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f) (Termination), (ii) Acquiror shall
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(ii) (Termination), (iii)
either Acquiror or Target shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
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Section 7.1(g)(ii) (Termination) following a failure of the shareholders of
Target to approve this Agreement and, prior to the time of the meeting of
Target's shareholders, there shall have been (A) a Trigger Event with respect to
Target or (B) a Takeover Proposal with respect to Target which at the time of
the Target Shareholders Meeting shall not have been rejected by Target, or (iv)
Acquiror shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(i) or
(c)(iii) (Termination), due in whole or in part to any failure by Target to use
its reasonable best efforts to perform and comply with all agreements and
conditions required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Target
prior to or on the Closing Date or any failure by Target's affiliates to take
any actions required to be taken hereby, and prior thereto there shall have been
(A) a Trigger Event with respect to Target or (B) a Takeover Proposal with
respect to Target which shall not have been rejected by Target, then Target
shall reimburse Acquiror for all of the out-of-pocket costs and expenses up to
an aggregate of $1,000,000 incurred by Acquiror in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of its advisors, accountants and legal
counsel), and, in addition to any other remedies Acquiror may have, Target shall
pay to Acquiror the sum of $2,500,000 no later than two (2) business days
thereafter.
(c) In the event that (i) Acquiror shall terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(c) (Termination) under circumstances not described in
Section 7.3(b)(ii) or (b)(iv) (Expenses and Termination Fees) or (ii) Acquiror
shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(g)(ii) (Termination)
under circumstances not described in Section 7.3(b)(iii) (Expenses and
Termination Fees), Target shall promptly reimburse Acquiror for all of the
out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Acquiror in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of its advisors, accountants and legal
counsel); and, in the event (A) any Takeover Proposal or Trigger Event is
consummated (as defined in Section 7.3(g) (Expenses and Termination Fees)) by or
with any Person that made a Takeover Proposal prior to termination of this
Agreement or that caused a Trigger Event prior to such termination, or any
Affiliate of any such Person, within twelve months of the later of, or (B) any
other Takeover Proposal or Trigger Event not described in clause (A) is
consummated (as defined in Section 7.3(g) (Expenses and Termination Fees))
within six months of, the later of, (x) such termination of this Agreement and
(y) the payment of the above described expenses, Target shall pay to Acquiror
the additional sum of $2,500,000 (less any amounts paid by Target to Acquiror
under Section 7.3(b) (Expenses and Termination Fees)) no later than two (2)
business days thereafter.
(d) In the event that Target shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1(d) (Termination), in addition to any other remedies Target may have,
Acquiror shall promptly reimburse Target for all of the out-of-pocket costs and
expenses up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 incurred by Target in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of its advisors, accountants and legal
counsel).
(e) As used herein, a "Trigger Event" shall occur if any Person (as
that term is defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the regulations
promulgated thereunder) acquires securities representing 15% or more, or
commences a tender or exchange offer following the successful consummation of
which the offeror and its affiliate would beneficially own securities
representing 15% or more, of the voting power of Target; provided, however, a
Trigger Event shall not be deemed to include the acquisition by any Person of
securities representing 15% or more of Target if such Person has acquired such
securities not with the purpose nor with
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<PAGE> 53
the effect of changing or influencing the control of Target, nor in connection
with or as a participant in any transaction having such purpose or effect,
including without limitation not in connection with such Person (i) making any
public announcement with respect to the voting of such shares at any meeting to
consider any merger, consolidation, sale of substantial assets or other business
combination or extraordinary transaction involving Target, (ii) making, or in
any way participating in, any "solicitation" of "proxies" (as such terms are
defined or used in Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) to vote any voting
securities of Target (including, without limitation, any such solicitation
subject to Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act) or seeking to advise or influence
any Person with respect to the voting of any voting securities of Target,
directly or indirectly, relating to a merger or other business combination
involving Target or the sale or transfer of a significant portion of assets
(excluding the sale or disposition of assets in the ordinary course of business)
of Target, (iii) forming, joining or in any way participating in any "group"
within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act with respect to any
voting securities of Target, directly or indirectly, relating to a merger or
other business combination involving Target or the sale or transfer of a
significant portion of assets (excluding the sale or disposition of assets in
the ordinary course of business) of Target, or (iv) otherwise acting, alone or
in concert with others, to seek control of Target or to seek to control or
influence the management or policies of Target.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement, "Takeover Proposal" means any bona
fide indication of interest, proposal or offer from any person relating to any
direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of more than 15% of the assets of
Target and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or more than 15% of the voting
power of the Target Common Shares then outstanding or any merger, consolidation,
business combination, share exchange, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution
or similar transaction involving Target, other than the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(g) For purposes of Section 7.3(c) (Expenses and Termination Fees)
above, (A) "consummation" of a Takeover Proposal shall occur on the date a
written agreement is entered into with respect to a merger or other business
combination involving Target or the acquisition of 15% or more of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of Target, or sale or transfer of any
material assets (excluding the sale or disposition of assets in the ordinary
course of business) of Target or any of its Subsidiaries and (B) "consummation"
of a Trigger Event shall occur on the earlier of (i) the date any Person (other
than any shareholder which currently owns 15% or more of the outstanding shares
of capital stock of Target, so long as such shareholder does not acquire
beneficial ownership of more than an additional 5% of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of Target) or any of its affiliates or associates commences a
tender or exchange offer for securities representing 15% or more of the voting
power of Target or (ii) the date such Person acquires beneficial ownership of
securities representing 15% or more of the voting power of Target.
7.4 Amendment. The boards of directors or other governing bodies of the
parties hereto may cause this Agreement to be amended at any time by execution
of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto;
provided that an amendment made subsequent to adoption of the Agreement by the
stockholders of Target or Merger Sub shall not (i) alter or change the amount or
kind of consideration to be received on conversion of the Target Common Shares,
(ii) alter or change any term of the articles of incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation to be effected by the Merger, or (iii) alter or change any of the
terms and
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conditions of the Agreement if such alteration or change would materially and
adversely affect the holders of Target Common Shares or Merger Sub Common Stock.
7.5 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time any
party hereto may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto,
(ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such
party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of
such party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of such party.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Survival at Effective Time. The representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall terminate at the
Effective Time, except (i) that the agreements set forth in Article I, Section
5.4 (Confidentiality), 5.9 (Employee Benefit Plans), 5.12 (Listing of Additional
Shares), 5.14 (Indemnification of Directors and Officers), 5.15 (Best Efforts
and Further Assurances), 7.3 (Expenses and Termination Fees), 7.4 (Amendment),
and this Article VIII shall survive the Effective Time.
8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial
delivery service, or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) or sent via facsimile (with confirmation of receipt) to the parties
at the following address (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice):
if to Acquiror or Merger Sub, to: Tandy Corporation
100 Throckmorton Street, Suite 1900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Attention: Mark C. Hill
Facsimile No.: (817) 415-3926
Telephone No.: (817) 415-3700
with a copy to: Haynes and Boone, LLP
901 Main Street, Suite 3100
Dallas, Texas 75202
Attention: Michael M. Boone
Facsimile No.: (214) 651-5940
Telephone No.: (214) 651-5000
if to Target, to: AmeriLink Corporation
1900 E. Dublin - Granville, Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Attention: Larry R. Linhart
Facsimile No.: (614) 895-7436
Telephone No.: (614) 895-1313
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with a copy to: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
1300 Huntington Center
41 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Attention: Richard W. Rubenstein
Facsimile No.: (614) 365-2499
Telephone No.: (614) 365-2700
8.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to
Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an Exhibit or Schedule to this
Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The word "person" in this Agreement shall
mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint
venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or
other entity. The words "include," "includes" and "including" when used herein
shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words "without limitation."
The phrase "made available" in this Agreement shall mean that the information
referred to has been made available if requested by the party to whom such
information is to be made available. The phrases "the date of this Agreement",
"the date hereof", and terms of similar import, unless the context otherwise
requires, shall be deemed to refer to May 20, 1999. The table of contents and
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
8.5 Entire Agreement; Nonassignability; Parties in Interest. This
Agreement and the documents and instruments and other agreements specifically
referred to herein or delivered pursuant hereto, including the Exhibits, and the
Target Disclosure Schedules (a) constitute the entire agreement among the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof, except for the Confidentiality Provisions,
which shall continue in full force and effect; (b) are not intended to confer
upon any other person any rights or remedies hereunder, except as set forth in
Sections 1.6 (Conversion of Target Common Shares), 5.14 (Indemnification of
Directors and Officers) and 7.2 (Effect of Termination); and (c) shall not be
assigned by operation of law or otherwise except as otherwise specifically
provided.
8.6 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement, or
the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this
Agreement will continue in full force and effect and the application of such
provision to other persons or circumstances will be interpreted so as reasonably
to effect the intent of the parties hereto. The parties further agree to replace
such void or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a valid and
enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic,
business and other purposes of such void or unenforceable provision.
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8.7 Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided herein, any and
all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a party will be deemed cumulative
with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by law or equity
upon such party, and the exercise by a party of any one remedy will not preclude
the exercise of any other remedy.
8.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio applicable to agreements made and
to be performed entirely within the State of Ohio without regard to any
applicable conflicts of law rules.
8.9 Rules of Construction. The parties hereto agree that they have been
represented by counsel during the negotiation, preparation and execution of this
Agreement and, therefore, waive the application of any law, regulation, holding
or rule of construction providing that ambiguities in an agreement or other
document will be construed against the party drafting such agreement or
document.
* * * * *
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<PAGE> 57
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Target, Acquiror and Merger Sub have caused this
Agreement to be executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto
duly authorized, all as of the date first written above.
AMERILINK CORPORATION
By: /s/ LARRY R. LINHART
-------------------------------------
Name: Larry R. Linhart
Title: President
TANDY CORPORATION
By: /s/ LEONARD H. ROBERTS
-------------------------------------
Name: Leonard H. Roberts
-------------------------------
Title: Chairman, President & CEO
------------------------------
LWT, INC.
By: /s/ MARK C. HILL
-------------------------------------
Name: Mark C. Hill
-------------------------------
Title: President & Secretary
------------------------------
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.1
TARGET OPTION AGREEMENT
This TARGET OPTION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of May 20,
1999, by and between Tandy Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Acquiror"),
and AmeriLink Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Target").
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Target, Acquiror and LWT, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Merger
Sub"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of
the date hereof (the "Reorganization Agreement"), which provides that, among
other things, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Merger Sub
will be merged with and into Target (the "Merger"), with Target continuing as
the surviving corporation;
WHEREAS, as a condition and inducement to Acquiror's willingness to
enter into the Reorganization Agreement, Acquiror has required that Target
agree, and Target has so agreed, to grant to Acquiror an option with respect to
certain shares of Target's common stock on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, capitalized terms (or other terms defined in the
Reorganization Agreement) used but not defined herein shall have the meanings
set forth in the Reorganization Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein and in the Reorganization Agreement,
the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Grant of Option. Target hereby grants Acquiror an irrevocable
option (the "Target Option") to purchase up to 902,335 common shares, without
par (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 hereof) (the "Target
Shares"), of Target (the "Target Common Shares") (being 19.9% of the number of
Target Common Shares outstanding on the date hereof) in the manner set forth
below at a price (the "Exercise Price") of $15.60 per Target Share, payable in
cash.
2. Exercise of Option. The Target Option may be exercised by Acquiror,
in whole or in part at any time or from time to time after the earliest to
occur of:
(i) the first date on which Aquiror has the ability to terminate the
Reorganization Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e) and/or Section 7.1(c)(ii)
of the Reorganization Agreement;
(ii) the failure of the shareholders of Target to approve the
Reorganization Agreement and the Merger at the Target Shareholders Meeting and,
prior to the time of the Target Shareholders Meeting, there was (A) a Trigger
Event with respect to Target or (B) a Takeover Proposal with respect to Target
which at the time of the Target Shareholders Meeting had not been rejected by
Target;
(iii) the date on which Acquiror has the ability to terminate the
Reorganization Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(i) or (c)(iii) thereof, due
in part to any failure by Target to use its reasonable best efforts to perform
and comply with all agreements and conditions required by the Reorganization
Agreement to be performed or complied with by Target prior to or on the Closing
Date or any failure by Target's Affiliates to take any actions required to be
<PAGE> 2
taken thereby, and prior thereto there is (A) a Trigger Event with respect to
Target or (B) a Takeover Proposal with respect to Target which is not rejected
by Target;
(iv) Target terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f) of
the Reorganization Agreement; or
(v) a "consummation" of a Takeover Proposal or Trigger Event as set
forth in Section 7.3(c) and (g) of the Reorganization Agreement.
Target shall give Acquiror prompt written notice of the occurrence of
any of the events set forth in clauses (i) through (v) above, it being
understood that the giving of such notice by Acquiror shall not be a condition
to the right of Acquiror to exercise the Target Option.
In the event Acquiror wishes to exercise the Target Option, Acquiror
shall deliver to Target a written notice (an "Exercise Notice") specifying the
total number of Target Shares it wishes to purchase. Each closing of a purchase
of Target Shares (a "Closing") shall occur at a place, on a date and at a time
designated by Acquiror in an Exercise Notice delivered at least two business
days prior to the date of the Closing. Except as provided in the last sentence
of this Section 2, the Target Option shall terminate upon the earlier of: (i)
the Effective Time; (ii) the termination of the Reorganization Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1 thereof (other than a termination in connection with
which Acquiror is or will be entitled to any payments as specified in Section
7.3(b) or (c) thereof); (iii) 181 days following any termination of the
Reorganization Agreement in connection with which Acquiror is or will be
entitled to a payment as specified in Section 7.3(b) thereof (or if, at the
expiration of such 181 day period, the Target Option cannot be exercised by
reason of any applicable judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten (10)
business days after such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or
shall have become final and not subject to appeal); or (iv) 12 months and one
day following any termination of the Reorganization Agreement in connection
with which Acquiror is or could be entitled to a payment as specified in
Section 7.3(c) thereof (or if, at the expiration of such 12 months and one day
period, the Target Option cannot be exercised by reason of any applicable
judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten (10) business days after such
impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall have become final and
not subject to appeal). Notwithstanding the termination of the Target Option,
Acquiror shall be entitled to exercise the Target Option if it has given the
Exercise Notice in accordance with the terms hereof prior to the termination of
the Option Agreement. The termination of the Target Option shall not affect any
rights hereunder which by their terms do not terminate or expire prior to or as
of such termination.
3. Conditions to Closing. The obligation of Target to issue the Target
Shares to Acquiror hereunder is subject to the conditions that (i) all waiting
periods, if any, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder ("HSR
Act"), applicable to the issuance of the Target Shares hereunder shall have
expired or have been terminated; (ii) all consents, approvals, orders or
authorizations of, or declarations or filings with, any Federal, state or local
administrative agency or commission or other Federal, state or local
governmental authority or instrumentality, if any, required in connection with
the issuance of the Target Shares hereunder shall have been obtained or made,
as the case may be; and (iii) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order by any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting or otherwise
restraining such issuance shall be in effect.
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<PAGE> 3
4. Closing. At any Closing, (a) Target will deliver to Acquiror a
single certificate in definitive form representing the number of Target Shares
designated by Acquiror in its Exercise Notice, such certificate to be
registered in the name of Acquiror and to bear the legend set forth in Section
9, and (b) Acquiror will deliver to Target the aggregate price for the Target
Shares so designated and being purchased by wire transfer of immediately
available funds or certified check or bank check. At any Closing at which
Acquiror is exercising the Target Option in part, Acquiror shall present and
surrender this Agreement to Target, and Target shall deliver to Acquiror an
executed new agreement with the same terms as this Agreement evidencing the
right to purchase the balance of the shares of Target Common Shares purchasable
hereunder.
5. Representations and Warranties of Target. Target represents and
warrants to Acquiror as follows:
(a) Target is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio and has the corporate power
and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations
hereunder;
(b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Target and the
consummation by Target of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Target and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of Target are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(c) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Target and
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Target, and, assuming this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Acquiror, is
enforceable against Target in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights
and remedies of creditors generally and general principles of equity;
(d) Target has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve for issuance and to permit it to issue, upon exercise of the Target
Option, and at all times from the date hereof through the expiration of the
Target Option will have reserved, that number of unissued Target Shares that
are subject to the Target Option, all of which, upon their issuance and
delivery in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(e) upon delivery of the Target Shares to Acquiror upon the exercise
of the Target Option, Acquiror will acquire the Target Shares free and clear of
all Liens;
(f) except as may be required under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Target does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Target will not,
conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without
notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a
benefit under, or the creation of a Lien on assets pursuant to (any such
conflict, violation, default, right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation"), (A) any provision of the
Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of Target or (B) any
provisions of any Contract, permit, concession, franchise, or license or (C)
any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation
applicable to Target or its Subsidiaries or their respective properties or
assets (including without limitation any provision of Ohio Law applicable to a
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<PAGE> 4
business combination, control share acquisition or similar transaction), which
Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B) and (C), would have a Material
Adverse Effect on Target;
(g) except as described in Section 2.3 of the Reorganization Agreement
and Section 3(i) of this Agreement, and except as may be required under the
Securities Act, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Target does
not, and the performance of this Agreement by Target will not, require any
consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification
to, any governmental or regulatory authority; and
(h) the number of Target Shares constitutes 19.9% of the number of
Target Common Shares outstanding on the date of this Agreement.
6. Representations and Warranties of Acquiror. Acquiror represents and
warrants to Target as follows:
(a) Acquiror is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its
obligations hereunder;
(b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror and the
consummation by Acquiror of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Acquiror and no
other corporate proceedings on the part of Acquiror are necessary to authorize
this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(c) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Acquiror
and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Acquiror, and, assuming this
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Target, is enforceable
against Acquiror in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors generally and general principles of equity;
(d) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by Acquiror will not, result in any
Violation pursuant to, (A) any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws of Acquiror, (B) any provisions of any Contract, permit, concession,
franchise, or license or (C) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law,
ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Acquiror or its properties or
assets, which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (B) and (C), would have
a Material Adverse Effect on Acquiror;
(e) except as described in Section 3.3 of the Reorganization Agreement
and Section 3(i) of this Agreement, and except as may be required under the
Securities Act, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Acquiror does
not, and the performance of this Agreement by Acquiror will not, require any
consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification
to, any governmental or regulatory authority; and
(f) any Target Shares acquired upon exercise of the Target Option will
not be, and the Target Option is not being, acquired by Acquiror with a view to
the public distribution thereof.
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<PAGE> 5
7. Registration Rights.
(a) Following the termination of the Reorganization Agreement,
Acquiror may by written notice (the "Registration Notice") to Target request
Target to register under the Securities Act all or any part of the Target
Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement (the "Restricted Shares")
beneficially owned by Acquiror (the "Registrable Securities"). Target (and/or
any person designated by Target) shall thereupon have the option exercisable by
written notice delivered to Acquiror within ten (10) business days after the
receipt of the Registration Notice, irrevocably to agree to purchase all or any
part of the Registrable Securities for cash at a price (the "Option Price")
equal to the product of (i) the number of Registrable Securities multiplied by
(ii) the average of the closing prices of such Target Common Shares on the
Nasdaq National Market (or such other exchange or inter-dealer quotation system
on which the Target Common Shares is then listed or quoted) for the ten trading
days immediately preceding the Notice Date. Any such purchase of Registrable
Securities by Target hereunder shall take place at a closing to be held at the
principal executive offices of Target or its counsel at any reasonable date and
time designated by Target and/or such designee in such notice within ten (10)
business days after delivery of such notice. Any payment for the shares to be
purchased shall be made by delivery of the Option Price at the time of such
closing in immediately available funds.
(b) If Target does not elect to exercise its option to purchase
pursuant to Section 7(a) with respect to all Registrable Securities, it shall
use its best efforts to effect, as promptly as practicable, the registration
under the Securities Act of the unpurchased Registrable Securities (including
without limitation a shelf registration statement under Rule 415 promulgated
under the Securities Act); provided, however, that (i) Acquiror shall not be
entitled to more than an aggregate of two effective registration statements
hereunder and (ii) Target will not be required to file any such registration
statement during any period of time (not to exceed 40 days after such request
in the case of clause (A) below, 90 days in the case of clause (B) below and
120 days in the case of clause (C) below) when (A) Target is in possession of
material nonpublic information which it reasonably believes (i) would be
detrimental to be disclosed at such time and, (ii) after consultation with
counsel to Target, such information would have to be disclosed if a
registration statement were filed at that time; (B) Target is required under
the Securities Act to include audited financial statements for any period in
such registration statement and such financial statements are not yet available
for inclusion in such registration statement; or (C) Target determines, in its
reasonable judgment, that such registration would materially interfere with any
financing, acquisition or other material transaction involving Target or any of
its affiliates. Without Acquiror's prior written consent, no securities other
than the Registrable Securities shall be included in any such registration. If
the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to a registration
hereunder does not occur within 120 days after the date of the related
Registration Notice, the provisions of this Section 7 shall again be applicable
to any proposed registration and the filing of such registration statement
shall not reduce the number of registrations Acquiror may request pursuant to
this Section 7. Target shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any
Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 7 to be qualified
for sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as
Acquiror may reasonably request and shall continue such registration or
qualification in effect in such jurisdiction; provided, however, that Target
shall not be required to qualify to do business in, or consent to general
service of process in, any jurisdiction by reason of this provision.
- 5 -
<PAGE> 6
(c) The registration rights set forth in this Section 7 are subject to
the condition that Acquiror shall provide Target with such information with
respect to Acquiror's Registrable Securities, the plans for the distribution
thereof, and such other information with respect to Acquiror as, in the
reasonable judgment of counsel for Target, is necessary to enable Target to
include in such registration statement all material facts required to be
disclosed with respect to a registration thereunder.
(d) If Target's securities of the same type as the Registrable
Securities are then authorized for quotation or trading or listing on the New
York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq National Market System, or any other securities
exchange or automated quotations system, Target, upon the request of Acquiror,
shall promptly file an application, if required, to authorize for quotation,
trading or listing the shares of Registrable Securities on such exchange or
system and will use its reasonable efforts to obtain approval, if required, of
such quotation, trading or listing as soon as practicable.
(e) If Target shall propose to register under the Securities Act the
offering, sale and delivery of Target Common Shares for cash for its own
account or for any other stockholder of Target pursuant to a firm commitment
underwriting, it will, in addition to Target's other obligations under this
Section 7, allow Acquiror the right to participate in such registration so long
as Acquiror participates in the underwriting; provided, however, that, if the
managing underwriter of such offering advises Target in writing that in its
opinion the number of Target Common Shares requested to be included in such
registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering, Target
will, after fully including therein all Target Common Shares to be sold by
Target, include the Target Common Shares requested to be included therein by
Acquiror pro rata (based on the number of Target Common Shares intended to be
included therein) with the Target Common Shares intended to be included therein
by persons other than Target.
(f) A registration effected under this Section 7 shall be effected at
Target's expense, except for underwriting discounts and commissions and the
fees and the expenses of counsel to Acquiror, and, if such sale of Registrable
Securities is being conducted by means of an underwritten public offering,
Target shall provide to the underwriters such documentation (including
certificates, opinions of counsel and "comfort" letters from auditors) as are
customary in connection with underwritten public offerings as such underwriters
may reasonably require. In connection with any such registration, the parties
agree (i) to indemnify each other and the underwriters in the customary manner
and (ii) if such sale of Registrable Securities is being conducted by means of
an underwritten public offering, to enter into an underwriting agreement in
form and substance customary to transactions of this type with the underwriters
participating in such offering.
(g) Any Restricted Shares sold by Acquiror in a registered public
offering in compliance with the provisions of this Section 7 or in compliance
with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act shall, upon consummation of
such sale, be free of the restrictions imposed with respect to such shares by
this Agreement, unless and until Acquiror shall repurchase or otherwise become
the beneficial owner of such shares, and any transferee of such shares shall
not be entitled to the rights of Acquiror.
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<PAGE> 7
8. Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.
(a) In the event of any change in Target Common Shares by reason of
stock dividends, split-ups, mergers (other than the Merger), recapitalizations,
combinations, exchanges of shares or the like, the type and number of shares or
securities subject to the Target Option, and the purchase price per share
provided in Section 1, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision
shall be made in the agreements governing such transaction so that Acquiror
shall receive, upon exercise of the Target Option, the number and class of
shares or other securities or property that Acquiror would have received in
respect of the Target Common Shares if the Target Option had been exercised
immediately prior to such event or the record date therefor, as applicable.
(b) In the event that Target shall enter in an agreement: (i) to
consolidate with or merge into any person, other than Acquiror or one of its
Subsidiaries, and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of such
consolidation or merger; (ii) to permit any person, other than Acquiror or one
of its Subsidiaries, to merge into Target whereby Target shall be the
continuing or surviving corporation and the Target Common Shares outstanding
immediately prior to such merger shall be changed into or exchanged for stock
or other securities of Target or any other person or cash or any other
property, or the outstanding Target Common Shares immediately prior to such
merger shall after such merger represent less than 50% of the outstanding
shares and share equivalents of the merged company; or (iii) to sell or
otherwise transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any person, other
than Acquiror or one of its Subsidiaries, then, and in each such case, the
agreement governing such transaction shall make proper provisions so that upon
the consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms and conditions set
forth herein, Acquiror shall receive for each Target Share with respect to
which the Target Option has not been exercised an amount of consideration in
the form of and equal to the per share amount of consideration that would be
received by the holder of one Target Common Share less the Exercise Price (and,
in the event of an election or similar arrangement with respect to the type of
consideration to be received by the holders of Target Common Shares, subject to
the foregoing, proper provision shall be made so that the holder of the Target
Option would have the same election or similar rights as would the holder of
the number of Target Common Shares for which the Target Option is then
exercisable).
9. Restrictive Legend. Each certificate representing Target Common
Shares issued to Acquiror hereunder shall include a legend in substantially the
following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY BE REOFFERED
OR SOLD ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS
AVAILABLE. SUCH SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON
TRANSFER AS SET FORTH IN THE TARGET OPTION AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF MAY 20, 1999,
A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISSUER.
Certificates representing shares sold in a registered public offering pursuant
to Section 7 shall not be required to bear the legend set forth above.
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<PAGE> 8
10. Binding Effect; No Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided for in this
Agreement, neither this agreement nor the rights or the obligations of either
party hereto are assignable, except by operation of law, or with the written
consent of the other party. Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or
implied, is intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto
and their respective permitted assigns any rights or remedies of any nature
whatsoever by reason of this Agreement.
11. Specific Performance. The parties recognize and agree that if for
any reason any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached, immediate and
irreparable harm or injury would be caused for which money damages would not be
an adequate remedy. Accordingly, each party agrees that, in addition to other
remedies, the other party shall be entitled to an injunction restraining any
violation or threatened violation of the provisions of this Agreement. In the
event that any action should be brought in equity to enforce the provisions of
this Agreement, neither party will allege, and each party hereby waives the
defense, that there is adequate remedy at law.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement
constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
13. Further Assurance. Each party will execute and deliver all such
further documents and instruments and take all such further action as may be
necessary in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
14. Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. In
the event any court or other competent authority holds any provision of this
Agreement to be null, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate
in good faith the execution and delivery of an amendment to this Agreement in
order, as nearly as possible, to effectuate, to the extent permitted by law,
the intent of the parties hereto with respect to such provision. Each party
agrees that, should any court or other competent authority hold any provision
of this Agreement or part hereof to be null, void or unenforceable, or order
any party to take any action inconsistent herewith, or not take any action
required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to specific performance
of such provision or part hereof or to any other remedy, including but not
limited to money damages, for breach hereof or of any other provision of this
Agreement or part hereof as the result of such holding or order.
15. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be
in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by commercial
delivery service, or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt
requested) or sent via facsimile (with confirmation of receipt) to the parties
at the following address (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice).
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<PAGE> 9
if to Acquiror or Merger Sub, to: Tandy Corporation
100 Throckmorton Street, Suite 1900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Attention: Mark C. Hill
Facsimile No.: (817) 415-3926
Telephone No.: (817) 415-3700
with a copy to: Haynes and Boone, LLP
901 Main Street, Suite 3100
Dallas, Texas 75202
Attention: Michael M. Boone
Facsimile No.: (214) 651-5940
Telephone No.: (214) 651-5000
if to Target, to: AmeriLink Corporation
1900 E. Dublin - Granville, Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Attention: Larry R. Linhart
Facsimile No.: (614) 895-7436
Telephone No.: (614) 895-1313
with a copy to: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
1300 Huntington Center
41 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Attention: Richard W. Rubenstein
Facsimile No.: (614) 365-2499
Telephone No.: (614) 365-2700
16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio applicable to agreements made
and to be performed entirely within such State without regard to any applicable
conflicts of law rules.
17. 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.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each
of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
19. Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in the
Reorganization Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party
incurring such expenses.
20. Amendments; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived only by an instrument
in writing signed on
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<PAGE> 10
behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a waiver, by an
instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance.
21. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon termination of
the Target Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if all or a portion of the
Target Option shall have been exercised prior to the termination of the Target
Option, all representations and warranties in this Agreement of a party shall
survive any such termination, and all covenants of a party and other provisions
in Sections 7 and 9 through 22 shall survive any such termination. No such
termination shall extinguish any liability of a party for breach of its
obligations under this Agreement.
22. Expenses. Each of the parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs
and expenses incurred by it or its behalf in connection with the negotiation of
this Agreement, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants,
investment bankers, accountants and counsel.
* * * * *
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<PAGE> 11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
TANDY CORPORATION
By: /s/ LEONARD H. ROBERTS
----------------------------------------
Name: Leonard H. Roberts
-----------------------------------
Title: Chairman, President & CEO
----------------------------------
AMERILINK CORPORATION
By: /s/ LARRY R. LINHART
----------------------------------------
Name: Larry R. Linhart
-----------------------------------
Title: President
----------------------------------
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<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), is made and entered into as
of May 20, 1999, between ________________ ("Shareholder"), a shareholder of
AmeriLink Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Target"), and Tandy Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Acquiror").
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Target and Acquiror are entering into an Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization dated as of the date hereof (the "Reorganization Agreement"),
providing for the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquiror with and into
Target (the "Merger") pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof; and
WHEREAS, as a condition and an inducement to Acquiror entering into
the Reorganization Agreement, pursuant to which Shareholder will receive the
consideration provided for in the Reorganization Agreement in exchange for the
common shares, without par, of Target (the "Target Common Shares") owned by
Shareholder, Acquiror has required that Shareholder agree, and Shareholder has
so agreed, to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein and in the Reorganization Agreement,
the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Representations of the Shareholder. Shareholder represents and
warrants to Acquiror that Shareholder:
(a) is the beneficial owner of that number of Target Common Shares set
forth on Exhibit A (collectively, the "Shareholder's Shares"), and no other
person owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in the Shareholder's Shares;
(b) does not beneficially own (as such term is defined in the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) or own of
record any Target Common Shares other than the Shareholder's Shares, but
excluding any Target Common Shares which Shareholder has the right to obtain
upon the exercise of stock options outstanding on the date hereof;
(c) has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform Shareholder's obligations under this Agreement, and
this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Shareholder and
constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of Shareholder, enforceable
in accordance with its terms; and such execution, delivery and performance by
Shareholder of this Agreement will not (i) conflict with, require a consent,
waiver or approval under, or result in a breach of or default under, any of the
terms of any contract, agreement, understanding, commitment or other obligation
(written or oral) to which Shareholder is a party or by which Shareholder is
bound; (ii) violate any order, judgment, writ, injunction, decree or statute,
or any rule or regulation, applicable to Shareholder or any of the properties
or assets of Shareholder (including without limitation any provision of the
Ohio General Corporation Law applicable to a business combination, control
share acquisition or similar transaction); or (iii) result in the creation of,
or impose any obligation on Shareholder to create, any lien, charge or other
encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon the Shareholder's Shares, other than
in favor of Acquiror or its affiliates; and
<PAGE> 2
(d) Shareholder has not granted any proxy to any person to vote the
Shareholder's Shares.
The representations and warranties contained herein shall be made as
of the date hereof and as of each date from the date hereof through and
including the date that the Merger is consummated or this Agreement is
terminated in accordance with its terms.
2. Agreement to Vote Shares. Shareholder shall be present (in person
or by proxy) at and vote the Shareholder's Shares (including any New Shares (as
defined in Section 4 hereof)), and shall cause any holder of record of the
Shareholder's Shares (including any New Shares) to be present and vote, (a) in
favor of adoption and approval of the Reorganization Agreement and the Merger
(and each other action and transaction contemplated by the Reorganization
Agreement or by this Agreement) and (b) against any Takeover Proposal (as
defined in the Reorganization Agreement) other than the Merger (or any other
Takeover Proposal of Acquiror) and against any proposed action or transaction
that would prevent or intentionally delay consummation of the Merger (or other
Takeover Proposal of Acquiror) or is otherwise inconsistent therewith
(including, without limitation, (A) any action or agreement that would result
in a breach in any respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any
other obligation or agreement of Target under the Reorganization Agreement or
of Shareholder under this Agreement, (B) any extraordinary corporate
transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other business combination
involving Target or its Subsidiaries (as defined in the Reorganization
Agreement), (C) a sale, lease or transfer of a material amount of assets of
Target or its Subsidiaries, or a reorganization, recapitalization, dissolution
or liquidation of Target or its Subsidiaries, (D) (1) any change in the present
capitalization of Target or any amendment of Target's Articles of Incorporation
or Code of Regulations, (2) any other material change in Target's corporate
structure or business, or (3) any other action involving Target or its
Subsidiaries which is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to materially
delay or materially and adversely affect the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement at every
meeting of the shareholders of Target at which any such matters are considered
and at every adjournment thereof (and, if applicable, in connection with any
request or solicitation of written consents of shareholders). Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Shareholder shall not be obligated
under this Agreement to vote a particular way with respect to the election of
directors of Target, and Acquiror shall not have any right under this Agreement
to exercise or direct the exercise of any voting rights with respect to the
election of directors of Target.
Any such vote shall be cast, or consent shall be given, in accordance
with such procedures relating thereto as shall ensure that it is duly counted
for purposes of determining that a quorum is present and for purposes of
recording the results of such vote or consent. Shareholder hereby revokes any
and all previous proxies granted with respect to the Shareholder's Shares.
Shareholder shall also use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all action, and do, or cause to be done, all things necessary or
advisable in order to consummate and make effective the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and shall not enter into any agreement or
understanding with any person or entity the effect of which would be
inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements contained in
this Agreement.
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<PAGE> 3
3. No Voting Trusts. After the date hereof, Shareholder shall not, nor
shall Shareholder permit any entity under Shareholder's control to, deposit any
of the Shareholder's Shares (including any New Shares) in a voting trust or
subject any of the Shareholder's Shares (including any New Shares) to any lien
or agreement, proxy, arrangement or understanding with respect to the voting of
the Shareholder's Shares (including any New Shares) other than in accordance
with Section 2.
4. Additional Purchases. Shareholder agrees that in the event (a) of
any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, reclassification,
combination or exchange of shares of stock of Target on, of or affecting the
Shareholder's Shares, (b) Shareholder purchases or otherwise acquires
beneficial ownership of any Target Common Shares after the execution of this
Agreement (including by exercise of options), or (c) Shareholder acquires the
right to vote or share in the voting of any Target Common Shares other than the
Shareholder's Shares theretofore beneficially owned (collectively, "New
Shares"), such New Shares shall in all respects be subject to the terms of this
Agreement and shall in all respects constitute the Shareholder's Shares to the
same extent as if they were owned by Shareholder on the date hereof.
5. No Encumbrances.
(a) Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the
Shareholder's Shares and the certificates representing the Shareholder's Shares
are now, and at all times during the term hereof shall be, held by Shareholder,
or by a nominee or custodian for the benefit of Shareholder, free and clear of
all liens, claims, security interests, proxies, voting trusts or agreements,
understandings or arrangements or any other encumbrances whatsoever (other than
to the extent set forth on Schedule 1 to this Agreement), except for any such
encumbrances or proxies arising hereunder.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Shareholder shall be permitted to
sell (or pledge to Target in support of a loan) such portion of New Shares (but
may not sell any New Shares to Target or its Subsidiaries (as defined in the
Reorganization Agreement)) solely to pay the exercise price of any employee
stock options and tax liabilities in respect of an exercise of employee stock
options; provided that any such New Shares sold (or pledged) shall be subject
to the terms of this Agreement.
6. No Solicitation. Shareholder shall not, directly or indirectly (i)
take any action to solicit, initiate or encourage any Takeover Proposal (as
defined in the Reorganization Agreement) or (ii) engage in negotiations or
discussions with, or disclose any nonpublic information relating to Target or
any of its Subsidiaries, to any person that has advised Target that it may be
considering making, or that has made, a Takeover Proposal. Shareholder will
promptly notify Acquiror after receipt of any Takeover Proposal or any notice
that any person is considering making a Takeover Proposal or any request for
nonpublic information relating to Target or any of its Subsidiaries or for
access to the properties, books or records of Target or any of its Subsidiaries
by any person that has advised Target that it may be considering making, or
that has made a Takeover Proposal and will keep Acquiror fully informed of the
status and details of any such Takeover Proposal notice, and shall provide
Acquiror with a true and
-3-
<PAGE> 4
complete copy of such Takeover Proposal notice or any amendment thereto, if it
is in writing, or a complete written summary thereof, if it is not in writing.
7. Appraisal Rights. Shareholder agrees not to exercise any rights
(including, without limitation, under Sections 1701.84 and 1701.85 of the Ohio
General Corporation Law) to demand appraisal of any Target Common Shares which
may arise with respect to the Merger.
8. Reliance by Acquiror. Shareholder understands and acknowledges that
Acquiror is entering into the Reorganization Agreement in reliance upon
Shareholder's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement.
9. Action in Shareholder Capacity Only. Shareholder does not hereunder
make any agreement or understanding in his or her capacity as an officer or
director of Target. Shareholder signs this Agreement solely in Shareholder's
capacity as a beneficial owner of the Shares, and nothing herein shall limit or
affect any actions taken in Shareholder's capacity as an officer or director of
Target.
10. Specific Performance. Shareholder acknowledges that it will be
impossible to measure in money the damage to the Acquiror if Shareholder fails
to comply with any of the obligations imposed by this Agreement, that every
such obligation is material and that, in the event of any such failure,
Acquiror will not have an adequate remedy at law or damages. Accordingly,
Shareholder agrees that injunctive relief or other equitable remedy, in
addition to remedies at law or damages, is the appropriate remedy for any such
failure and will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that
Acquiror has an adequate remedy at law. Shareholder agrees that Shareholder
will not seek, and agrees to waive any requirement for, the securing or posting
of a bond in connection with Acquiror's seeking or obtaining such equitable
relief.
11. Heirs, Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs,
successors and assigns and shall not be assignable without the written consent
of all other parties hereto other than any assignment in whole or in part by
Acquiror. Any such purported assignment in violation of this Section 11 shall
be void.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements,
written or oral, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof and contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or
modified, and no provisions hereof may be modified or waived, except by an
instrument in writing signed by all the parties hereto. No waiver of any
provisions hereof by any party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provisions
hereof by any such party, nor shall any such waiver be deemed a continuing
waiver of any provision hereof by such party.
13. Miscellaneous.
(a) Expenses. Each of the parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs
and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with the negotiation
of this Agreement, including fees and expenses of its own financial
consultants, investment bankers, accountants and counsel.
-4-
<PAGE> 5
(b) Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.
(c) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract made
under, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with, the internal
laws of the State of Ohio without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the
application of such provision to any person or circumstances shall be held
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
held invalid and the application of such provision to persons or circumstances,
other than the party as to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected.
(e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(f) Termination. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further
force and effect upon the earliest to occur of (A) the Effective Time (as
defined in the Reorganization Agreement), (B) the termination of the
Reorganization Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1 thereof (other than a
termination in connection with which Acquiror is or will be entitled to any
payments as specified in Sections 7.3(b) or (c) thereof); (C) 181 days
following any termination of the Reorganization Agreement in connection with
which Acquiror is or will be entitled to a payment as specified in Section
7.3(b) thereof; (D) 12 months and one day following any termination of the
Reorganization Agreement in connection with which Acquiror is or could be
entitled to a payment as specified in Section 7.3(c) thereof; (E) the day after
the date on which Target pays Acquiror the $2,500,000 termination fee and all
other amounts payable to Acquiror pursuant to Section 7.3(b) or 7.3(c) of the
Reorganization Agreement; or (F) the date Acquiror specifies in a written
notice of termination of this Agreement provided by Acquiror, in its sole
discretion, to Shareholder; provided further that no such termination shall
extinguish any liability of a party for breach of its obligations under this
Agreement.
(g) Headings. All Section headings herein are for convenience of
reference only and are not part of this Agreement and no construction or
reference shall be derived therefrom.
(h) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands, and other
communications under this Agreement must be in writing and shall be deemed
given if delivered personally or by commercial delivery service, or mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or sent via facsimile
(with confirmation of receipt) to the parties at the following address (or at
such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
-5-
<PAGE> 6
if to Acquiror, to: Tandy Corporation
100 Throckmorton Street, Suite 1900
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Attention: Mark C. Hill
Facsimile No.: (817) 415-3926
Telephone No.: (817) 415-3700
with a copy to: Haynes and Boone, LLP
901 Main Street, Suite 3100
Dallas, Texas 75202
Attention: Michael M. Boone
Facsimile No.: (214) 651-5940
Telephone No.: (214) 651-5000
if to Shareholder, to: Larry R. Linhart
1900 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Facsimile No.: (614) 895-7436
Telephone No.: (614) 895-1313
with a copy to: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
1300 Huntington Center
41 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Attention: Richard W. Rubenstein
Facsimile No.: (614) 365-2499
Telephone No.: (614) 365-2700
(i) Restrictive Legend. Shareholder shall cause certificates for the
Shareholder's Shares and New Shares to have typed or printed thereon a
restrictive legend which shall read substantially as follows (if and to the
extent true and necessary in light of legal and factual circumstances existing
at such time):
"THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THAT CERTAIN VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF MAY 20,
1999, A COPY OF WHICH WILL BE MAILED BY AMERILINK CORPORATION TO THE
SHAREHOLDER WITHOUT CHARGE WITHIN FIVE DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN REQUEST
THEREFOR, WHICH CONTAINS RESTRICTIONS ON THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF."
* * * * *
-6-
<PAGE> 7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered
this Agreement as of the date first written above.
TANDY CORPORATION
By:
-------------------------------------
Name:
-----------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER
-----------------------------------------
The undersigned spouse of hereunto subscribes his/her
----------------
name in evidence of and in consent to agreements made
------------------
concerning the Common Shares of AmeriLink Corporation referred to in the
foregoing Voting Agreement, and to all other provisions thereof, as of the 20th
day of May, 1999.
-----------------------------------------
Name:
-----------------------------------
Spouse of
----------------
-7-
<PAGE> 8
EXHIBIT A
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Target Common Shares
Name Beneficially Owned Type of Ownership
- ----------------- --------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 99.2
For Immediate Release For Additional Information
May 21, 1999 Contact: Larry R. Linhart
Chairman, President And
Chief Executive Officer
614/895-1313, Ext. 3021
AMERILINK CORPORATION ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO MERGE WITH TANDY CORPORATION
Columbus, Ohio/ May 21, 1999 - AmeriLink Corporation (NASDAQ: ALNK) announced
today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Tandy
Corporation (NYSE:TAN), the nation's largest consumer electronics chain. The
transaction, valued at approximately $75 million, is intended to be tax-free to
AmeriLink's shareholders. Each common share of AmeriLink outstanding at closing
will convert into Tandy common stock at a ratio equal to $15.60 divided by
Tandy's average closing share price over the five trading days ending May 24,
1999. (Based on Tandy's closing sale price of $76.00 on May 20, 1999, this would
equate to an exchange ratio of 0.2053 shares of Tandy common stock for each
AmeriLink common share.) The merger is subject to usual and customary closing
conditions, including regulatory and AmeriLink shareholder approvals. AmeriLink
shareholders controlling approximately 41% of the outstanding common stock have
agreed to support the merger. It is currently anticipated that the transaction
will close in late August 1999.
Under certain circumstances the merger consideration to be received by AmeriLink
shareholders will be converted into cash. In the event that Tandy common stock
trades during a predetermined period at prices that cause the exchange ratio to
yield to the Amerilink shareholders less than $12.00 per share in Tandy common
stock, each share of AmeriLink common stock will automatically convert into
$14.50 cash in the merger.
AmeriLink Chairman and CEO, Larry R. Linhart, who will continue to run AmeriLink
as a division of Tandy, stated, "We are excited about the opportunity for our
shareholders to participate in Tandy's strategy to make RadioShack `America's
Home Connectivity Store.' Demand for AmeriLink's services should be stimulated
by the tremendous rise in the use of cable modems, direct broadcast satellite,
and other new technology devices that require connectivity to both homes and
businesses. Also, the cable
<PAGE> 2
industry will continue to require our services to upgrade infrastructure,
including connections to customers' homes, and to add new services such as
telephony. RadioShack adds to our growth prospects with its strengths and
potential in direct broadcast satellite, telephone and high speed bandwidth
which are significantly complementary to our experience and core expertise. The
merger of RadioShack's expertise with AmeriLink's exceptional capabilities under
Tandy's umbrella, truly gives the RadioShack team an extraordinary competitive
edge."
AmeriLink designs, constructs, installs and maintains cabling systems for the
transmission of video, voice and data. Established in 1971, AmeriLink provides
service on a national basis to cable television operators, telecommunications
providers, Competitive Local Exchange Carriers ("CLEC"), direct broadcast
satellite providers and users of Local Area Network ("LAN") systems. AmeriLink's
national customer base is supported with regional offices located throughout the
country, servicing customers in all 50 states.
Tandy Corporation/RadioShack is the nation's largest consumer electronics chain
and one of the most trusted electronics retailers in the United States. With
more than 7,000 stores and dealers, RadioShack sells more wireless telephones,
telecommunications products and electronic parts and accessories than any other
retailer. It is estimated that 94 percent of Americans live or work within five
minutes of a RadioShack store or dealer.
This press release contains forward-looking statements which, in addition to
assuming a continuation of the degree and timing of customer utilization and
rate of renewals of contracts with the Company at historic levels, are subject
to a number of known and unknown risks. Certain statements, such as statements
regarding the Company's future growth and profitability, are forward-looking.
These statements are based on the Company's current expectations and are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results in the
future to differ significantly from results expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's relationship with
key customers, implementation of the Company's growth strategy, seasonality,
changing market conditions and customer purchase authorizations, competitive and
regulatory risks associated with the telecommunications industry, new
<PAGE> 3
products and technological changes, and other risks detailed in the Company's
periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AmeriLink Corporation designs, constructs, installs and maintains cabling
systems on a national basis for the transmission of video, voice and data. The
Company offers these services on a national basis to providers of
telecommunications services, including: major cable television multiple system
operators; traditional telephone service providers, including local exchange
carriers and long distance carriers; competitive local exchange carriers; Direct
Broadcast Satellite providers; system integrators and users of local area
network and wide-area network systems; and other businesses providing specific
or bundled telecommunications services.
AmeriLink Corporation is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and its common stock is
traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ALNK".
AmeriLink Corporation (NASDAQ/NNM: "ALNK")
www.nacom-amerilink.com
###
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 99.3
For Immediate Release For Additional Information
May 27, 1999 Contact: Larry R. Linhart
Chairman, President And
Chief Executive Officer
614/895-1313, Ext. 3021
AMERILINK CORPORATION ANNOUNCES EXCHANGE RATIO
Columbus, Ohio/ May 27, 1999 - AmeriLink Corporation (NASDAQ: ALNK) announced
today the exchange ratio calculated pursuant to its definitive agreement to
merge with Tandy Corporation (NYSE:TAN).
Pursuant to the merger agreement, each common share of AmeriLink outstanding at
closing will convert into Tandy common stock at a ratio equal to $15.60 divided
by Tandy's average closing share price over the five trading days ending May 24,
1999, subject to adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse split or
stock dividend. On May 25, 1999, Tandy announced a 2-for-1 split of its common
stock. The record date for the split is June 1, 1999. Based on Tandy's closing
sales prices for the five trading days ended May 24, 1999, the exchange ratio is
calculated to be approximately 0.2018 shares of Tandy common stock for each
AmeriLink common share (or approximately 0.4036 shares of Tandy common stock
after giving effect to the announced 2-for-1 split).
Under certain circumstances the merger consideration to be received by AmeriLink
shareholders will be converted into cash. In the event that Tandy common stock
trades during a predetermined period at prices that cause the exchange ratio to
yield to the AmeriLink shareholders less than $12.00 per share in Tandy common
stock, each share of AmeriLink common stock will automatically convert into
$14.50 cash in the merger.
AmeriLink Corporation designs, constructs, installs and maintains cabling
systems on a national basis for the transmission of video, voice and data. The
Company offers these services on a national basis to providers of
telecommunications services, including: major cable television multiple system
operators; traditional telephone service providers, including local exchange
carriers and long distance carriers; competitive local exchange carriers; Direct
Broadcast Satellite providers; system integrators and users of local area
network and wide-area network systems; and other businesses providing specific
or bundled telecommunications services.
<PAGE> 2
AmeriLink Corporation is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and its common stock is
traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ALNK".
This press release contains forward-looking statements which, in addition to
assuming a continuation of the degree and timing of customer utilization and
rate of renewals of contracts with AmeriLink at historic levels, are subject to
a number of known and unknown risks. Certain statements, such as statements
regarding AmeriLink's future growth and profitability, are forward-looking.
These statements are based on AmeriLink's current expectations and are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results in the
future to differ significantly from results expressed or implied in any
forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, AmeriLink's relationship with key
customers, implementation of the AmeriLink's growth strategy, seasonality,
changing market conditions and customer purchase authorizations, competitive and
regulatory risks associated with the telecommunications industry, new products
and technological changes, and other risks detailed in AmeriLink's periodic
report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AmeriLink Corporation (NASDAQ/NNM: "ALNK")
www.nacom-amerilink.com
###
