SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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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): March 31, 2000
THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD.
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-24928 51-0353012
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification
Number)
1140 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
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(Address of Principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(212) 403-6100
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code
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(Former Name or Former Address; if Changed Since Last Report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
On March 31, 2000, The Solomon-Page Group Ltd. (the "Company")
announced that it entered into a definitive agreement under which a management
group consisting of the three principal executive officers of the Company, Lloyd
Solomon, Scott Page and Herbert Solomon, is to acquire all of the outstanding
publicly held shares of Common Stock of the Company at a price of $4.25 per
share. For additional information in respect of the proposed transaction,
reference is made to (i) the Merger Agreement dated March 31, 2000, by and
between the Company and TSPGL Merger Corp., which is incorporated herein by
reference and is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and (ii) the Company's press
release dated March 31, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference and is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information
and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits
2.1 Merger Agreement dated March 31, 2000, by and between
the Company and TSPGL Merger Corp.
99.1 Press release dated March 31, 2000 of the Company.
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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.
THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD.
Date: April 3, 2000 By: /s/ Lloyd Solomon
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Lloyd Solomon
Vice Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND BETWEEN
THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION,
AND
TSPGL MERGER CORP.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION
DATED: March 31, 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS...............................................................1
Section 1.1 Defined Terms...............................................1
Section 1.2 Other Defined Terms.........................................3
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER................................................................4
Section 2.1 The Merger..................................................4
Section 2.2 Effective Time..............................................4
Section 2.3 Closing.....................................................4
Section 2.4 Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws....................5
Section 2.5 Directors...................................................5
ARTICLE III
EFFECT OF MERGER ON SECURITIES OF MERGECO AND THE COMPANY.................5
Section 3.1 Cancellation of Mergeco Common Stock........................5
Section 3.2 Conversion of Certain Company Common Stock for
Merger Consideration; Converted Shares; Treasury Shares.....5
Section 3.3 Options.....................................................6
Section 3.4 Exchange of Certificates....................................6
Section 3.5 Dissenting Shares...........................................8
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.............................8
Section 4.1 Organization and Capitalization.............................8
Section 4.2 Authorization...............................................9
Section 4.3 Subsidiary.................................................10
Section 4.4 Absence of Certain Changes or Events.......................10
Section 4.5 No Conflict or Violation...................................10
Section 4.6 Consents and Approvals.....................................10
Section 4.7 Corporate Proceedings......................................11
Section 4.8 Required Company Vote......................................11
Section 4.9 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3............................11
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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGECO................................12
Section 5.1 Organization...............................................12
Section 5.2 Authorization..............................................12
Section 5.3 Consents and Approvals.....................................12
Section 5.4 No Conflict or Violation...................................12
Section 5.5 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3............................13
Section 5.6 Financing..................................................13
Section 5.7 Mergeco's Operations.......................................13
Section 5.8 Status of Representations of the Company...................13
Section 5.9 No Brokerage...............................................14
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND MERGECO.....................................14
Section 6.1 Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing...................14
Section 6.2 Investigation by Mergeco...................................14
Section 6.3 Consents and Efforts; Other Obligations....................15
Section 6.4 Other Offers...............................................16
Section 6.5 Meeting of Stockholders....................................18
Section 6.6 Proxy Statement............................................18
Section 6.7 Schedule 13E-3.............................................18
Section 6.8 Director and Officer Liability.............................19
Section 6.9 Notices of Certain Events..................................20
Section 6.10 Further Assurances.........................................21
Section 6.11 Financing..................................................21
Section 6.12 Voting.....................................................21
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER.................................................22
Section 7.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party................22
Section 7.2 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company...............22
Section 7.3 Conditions to the Obligations of Mergeco...................23
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS............................................................24
Section 8.1 Termination................................................24
Section 8.2 Assignment.................................................25
Section 8.3 Notices....................................................25
Section 8.4 Entire Agreement; Waivers..................................26
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Section 8.5 Multiple Counterparts......................................26
Section 8.6 Invalidity.................................................27
Section 8.7 Titles.....................................................27
Section 8.8 Fees and Expenses..........................................27
Section 8.9 Cumulative Remedies........................................27
Section 8.10 Governing Law..............................................27
Section 8.11 Amendment..................................................27
Section 8.12 Public Announcements.......................................27
Section 8.13 Enforcement of Agreement...................................28
Section 8.14 Non-survival of Representations and Warranties.............28
Section 8.15 Interpretive Provisions....................................28
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Converted Shares
Exhibit B Directors of the Surviving Corporation
SCHEDULES
Disclosure Schedule
Schedule 4.1(b) Outstanding Options
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This Agreement and Plan of Merger (this "Agreement"), dated March 31,
2000, is by and between THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and TSPGL MERGER CORP., a Delaware corporation ("Mergeco").
RECITALS
A. This Agreement provides for the merger (the "Merger") of the Company
with and into Mergeco, with Mergeco as the surviving corporation in such merger,
all in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
B. The respective Boards of Directors of Mergeco and the Company and
the stockholders of Mergeco have approved this Agreement and the Merger, and
deemed the Agreement and the Merger advisable, fair to and in the best interests
of their respective companies and stockholders. The Company intends promptly to
submit to its Stockholders the approval of the Merger and the approval and
adoption of this Agreement.
C. The parties desire to make certain representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe
various conditions to the Merger.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises
contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and
adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Defined Terms. As used herein, the terms below shall have
the following meanings:
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any person or entity (the
"referent person"), any person or entity that controls the referent person, any
person or entity that the referent person controls, or any person or entity that
is under common control with the referent person. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, the term "control" shall mean the power, direct or indirect, to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person or entity
through voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
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"Assets" shall mean all of the Company's right, title and interest in
and to all properties, assets and rights of any kind, whether tangible or
intangible, real or personal, owned by the Company or in which the Company has
any interest whatsoever.
"Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Company Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock having a par value
of $0.001 per share of the Company.
"Converted Shares" shall mean the shares of Company Common Stock owned
of record and beneficially by the Stockholders listed on Exhibit A hereto.
"DGCL" shall mean the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
"Dissenting Stockholders" shall mean those Stockholders who hold
Dissenting Shares.
"Dissenting Shares" shall mean any shares held by Stockholders who are
entitled to an appraisal of their shares under the DGCL, and who have properly
exercised, perfected and not subsequently withdrawn or lost their appraisal
rights with respect to their Company Common Stock in accordance with the DGCL.
"Equity Securities" shall mean (i) shares of capital stock or other
equity securities, (ii) subscriptions, calls, warrants, options or commitments
of any kind or character relating to, or entitling any person or entity to
purchase or otherwise acquire, any capital stock or other equity securities and
(iii) securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of
capital stock or other equity securities.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"GAAP" shall mean, with respect to any person, generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to
time, consistently applied.
"Management Group" shall mean Herbert Solomon, Lloyd B. Solomon and
Scott R. Page.
"Material Adverse Effect" or "Material Adverse Change" or a similar
phrase shall mean any material adverse effect on or change with respect to (i)
the business, operations, assets (taken as a whole), liabilities (taken as a
whole), condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations of the Company
and the Subsidiary, taken as a whole, or (ii) the relations with customers,
suppliers, distributors or employees of the Company and the Subsidiary, taken as
a whole, or (iii) the right or ability of the Company to consummate any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, other than (A) changes relating to (x) the
securities markets in general, (y) conditions in the staffing and recruitment
industry in general, or (z) general economic conditions, or (B) changes
resulting from the announcement of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
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"Mergeco Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock having a par value
of $0.001 per share of Mergeco.
"Options" shall mean the options to purchase in the aggregate 1,841,918
shares of Company Common Stock issued to certain key employees and non-employee
directors of the Company pursuant to the Stock Option Plans and outside of any
of the Stock Option Plans.
"Personnel" shall mean all directors, officers and employees of the
Company.
"SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Special Committee" shall mean a special committee of independent
directors of the Company constituted to consider the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
"Special Meeting" shall mean the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company.
"Stock Option Plans" shall mean the Company's 1993 Long Term Incentive
Plan, 1995 Directors' Stock Option Plan and 1996 Stock Option Plan.
"Stockholders" shall mean the record holders of Company Common Stock.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to the Company, Information
Technology Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
"Treasury Shares" shall mean Company Common Stock held in treasury by
the Company.
Section 1.2 Other Defined Terms. In addition to the terms defined in
Section 1.1, the following terms shall have the meanings defined for such terms
in the Recitals or Sections set forth below:
TERM SECTION
"Acquisition Proposal" 6.4 (a)
"Claim" 6.8(a)
"Closing" 2.3
"Closing Date" 2.3
"Company Reports" 4.7
"Disclosure Schedule" Article IV Preamble
"Effective Time" 2.2
"Exchange Fund" 3.4 (d)
"Fairness Opinion" 4.11(a)
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"Financial Statements" 4.7
"Financing" 5.6
"Financing Commitment Letter" 5.6
"Indemnified Party" 6.8(a)
"Laws" 4.10
"Merger" Recitals
"Merger Consideration" 3.2 (a)
"Paying Agent" 3.4 (a)
"Payment Event" 6.4 (b)
"Preferred Stock" 4.1(b)
"Proxy Statement" 6.6 (a)
"Regulatory Filings" 4.6
"Schedule 13E-3" 6.7
"Stockholders Agreement" 7.3 (f)
"Surviving Corporation" 2.1
"Surviving Corporation Common Stock 3.2(b)
"Third Party" 6.4
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER
Section 2.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction
or waiver, if permissible, of the conditions hereof, and in accordance with the
DGCL, at the Effective Time, the Company shall be merged with and into Mergeco.
Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of the
Company shall cease and Mergeco, under the name "The Solomon-Page Group Ltd."
shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"). The
Merger shall have the effects specified under the DGCL.
Section 2.2 Effective Time. On the Closing Date, the parties shall
cause the Merger to be consummated by causing a certificate of merger with
respect to the Merger to be executed and filed in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the DGCL and shall make all other filings or recordings required
under the DGCL. The Merger shall become effective at the time of filing of the
certificate of merger or at such later time as is specified therein (the
"Effective Time").
Section 2.3 Closing. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
this Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place (a)
at the offices of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP, 505 Park
Avenue, New York, New York at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the second business day
immediately following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the
conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their
nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or
waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance herewith
or (b) at such other time, date or place as Mergeco and the
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Company may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as
the "Closing Date."
Section 2.4 Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
(a) At the Effective Time, and without any further action on the part
of the Company or Mergeco, the certificate of incorporation of Mergeco, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the certificate of
incorporation of the Surviving Corporation following the Merger, until
thereafter further amended as provided therein and under the DGCL.
(b) At the Effective Time, and without any further action on the part
of the Company or Mergeco, the by-laws of Mergeco as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation
following the Merger, until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein
and under the DGCL.
Section 2.5 Directors. The directors of the Surviving Corporation shall
be those individuals set forth on Exhibit B hereto who shall hold such positions
until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, or their
earlier death, resignation or removal.
ARTICLE III
EFFECT OF MERGER ON SECURITIES OF MERGECO AND THE COMPANY
Section 3.1 Cancellation of Mergeco Common Stock. At the Effective
Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, shares of Mergeco Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall automatically be canceled and no consideration shall
be paid with respect thereto.
Section 3.2 Conversion of Certain Company Common Stock for Merger
Consideration; Converted Shares; Treasury Shares.
(a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof, each share of Company Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Treasury Shares,
Converted Shares and Dissenting Shares, if any) shall automatically be changed
into the right to receive, and each certificate which immediately prior to the
Effective Time represented a share of such Company Common Stock shall evidence
solely the right to receive, $4.25 in cash (the "Merger Consideration") upon
surrender of the certificate formerly representing Company Common Stock as
provided in Section 3.4.
(b) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holders thereof, each Converted Share shall be
converted into and shall become one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable share of Mergeco Common Stock (the
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"Surviving Corporation Common Stock"), such shares of Surviving Corporation
Common Stock to comprise 1,894,500 shares of the Surviving Corporation.
(c) All Treasury Shares shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof, automatically be canceled and no
consideration shall be paid with respect thereto.
Section 3.3 Options.
(a) As of the Effective Time, each outstanding Option granted under the
Stock Option Plans or otherwise whether or not then exercisable, shall be
canceled by the Company, and as of the Effective Time, the former holder thereof
(which for purposes of this Section 3.3 shall exclude the Management Group)
shall be entitled to receive from the Surviving Corporation in consideration for
such cancellation an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the number of
shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Option at the time of such
cancellation (whether or not vested or exercisable) and (ii) the excess, if any,
of the Merger Consideration per share over the exercise price per share subject
to such Option at the time of such cancellation, reduced by the amount of
withholding or other taxes required by law to be withheld.
(b) The Stock Option Plans and any other plan, program or arrangement
providing for the issuance or grant of any other interest in respect of the
capital stock of the Company shall terminate as of the Effective Time, and the
Company shall exercise its best efforts to ensure that following the Effective
Time, no current or former employee or director shall have any Option to
purchase shares of the Company Common Stock or any other equity interest in the
Company under any Stock Option Plan or otherwise.
(c) Prior to the Effective Time, the Board (or, if appropriate, any
committee administering the Stock Option Plans) shall adopt such resolutions or
use reasonable efforts to take such actions as are necessary, subject if
necessary, to obtaining consents of the holders thereof, to carry out the terms
of this Section 3.3.
Section 3.4 Exchange of Certificates.
(a) Substantially contemporaneously with the Effective Time, Mergeco
shall cause to be deposited with a paying agent to be jointly selected by the
Company (acting through the Special Committee) and Mergeco (the "Paying Agent"),
for the benefit of the holders of shares of Company Common Stock (other than
Treasury Shares, Converted Shares and Dissenting Shares), for payment in
accordance with this Article III, the funds necessary to pay the Merger
Consideration for each share as to which the Merger Consideration shall be
payable.
(b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, and using its
reasonable best efforts to do so within three business days thereafter, the
Paying Agent shall mail to each holder of an outstanding certificate or
certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares
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of Company Common Stock (other than Treasury Shares, Converted Shares and
Dissenting Shares, if any), (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify
that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such certificates
shall pass, only upon delivery of such certificates to the Paying Agent and
shall be in such form and have such other provisions as Mergeco and the Company
may reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender
of each certificate in exchange for payment of the Merger Consideration. As soon
as practicable after the Effective Time, each holder of an outstanding
certificate or certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented such shares of Company Common Stock, upon surrender to the Paying
Agent of such certificate or certificates, together with a properly completed
letter of transmittal, and acceptance thereof by the Paying Agent, shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Merger Consideration multiplied by
the number of shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented by such
certificate. No interest shall be paid or accrue on the Merger Consideration.
The Paying Agent shall accept such certificates upon compliance with such
reasonable terms and conditions as the Paying Agent may impose to effect an
orderly exchange thereof in accordance with customary exchange practices. After
the Effective Time, there shall be no further transfer on the records of the
Company or its transfer agent of certificates formerly representing shares of
Company Common Stock that have been converted, in whole or in part, pursuant to
this Agreement, into the right to receive cash, and if such certificates are
presented to the Company for transfer, they shall be canceled against delivery
of such cash. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 3.4(b), each
certificate formerly representing shares of such Company Common Stock shall be
deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to
receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration for each such share of
Company Common Stock.
(c) Subject to the provisions of the DGCL, all cash paid upon the
surrender for exchange of certificates formerly representing shares of Company
Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Article III shall be deemed to
have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares
exchanged for cash theretofore represented by such certificates.
(d) Any cash deposited with the Paying Agent pursuant to this Section
3.4 (the "Exchange Fund") that remains undistributed to the holders of the
certificates formerly representing shares of Company Common Stock one year after
the Effective Time shall be delivered to the Surviving Corporation at such time
and any former holders of shares of Company Common Stock prior to the Merger who
have not theretofore complied with this Article III shall thereafter look only
to the Surviving Corporation and only as general unsecured creditors thereof for
payment of their claim for cash, if any.
(e) None of Mergeco, the Company or the Paying Agent shall be liable to
any person in respect of any cash from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public
office pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(f) In the event any certificate formerly representing Company Common
Stock shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit
of that fact by the person claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or
destroyed and, if required by Surviving Corporation, the posting
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by such person of a bond in such reasonable amount as Surviving Corporation may
direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect
to such certificate, the Paying Agent will issue in exchange for such lost,
stolen or destroyed certificate the Merger Consideration.
Section 3.5 Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding Section 3.2 hereof,
Dissenting Shares shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration. The holders thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are
granted by Section 262 of the DGCL. Each holder of Dissenting Shares who becomes
entitled to payment for such shares pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL shall
receive payment therefor from the Surviving Corporation in accordance with the
DGCL; provided, however, that (i) if any such holder of Dissenting Shares shall
have failed to establish his entitlement to appraisal rights as provided in
Section 262 of the DGCL, (ii) if any such holder of Dissenting Shares shall have
effectively withdrawn his demand for appraisal of such shares or lost his right
to appraisal and payment for his shares under Section 262 of the DGCL, or (iii)
if neither any holder of Dissenting Shares nor the Surviving Corporation shall
have filed a petition demanding a determination of the value of all Dissenting
Shares within the time provided in Section 262 of the DGCL, such holder shall
forfeit the right to appraisal of such shares and each such share shall be
treated as if it had been converted as of the Effective Time, into the right to
receive the Merger Consideration, without interest thereon, from the Surviving
Corporation as provided in Section 3.2 hereof. The Company shall give Mergeco
prompt notice of any demands received by the Company for appraisal of shares,
and Mergeco shall have the right to participate in all negotiations and
proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company shall not, except with the
prior written consent of Mergeco, make any payment with respect to, or settle or
offer to settle, any such demands.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
As an inducement to Mergeco to enter into this Agreement, the Company
hereby makes, as of the date hereof, the following representations and
warranties to Mergeco, except as otherwise set forth in a written disclosure
schedule (the "Disclosure Schedule") delivered by the Company to Mergeco prior
to the date hereof, a copy of which is attached hereto.
Section 4.1 Organization and Capitalization.
(a) Organization. The Company is duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the corporate
power and authority to conduct its business as it is presently being conducted
and to own and lease the Assets. The Company is duly qualified to do business as
a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
qualification is necessary under applicable law, except where the failure to be
so qualified and in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The
Company has delivered to Mergeco true, correct and complete copies of its
certificate of incorporation and by-laws (in each case, as
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amended to date). The Company is not in violation of any provision of its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws.
(b) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the Company
consists of 20,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock and 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock having a par value of $1.00 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
As of February 29, 2000, there were 4,153,948 shares of Company Common Stock and
no shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. Since such date, no
additional shares of capital stock of the Company have been issued and no shares
of Preferred Stock have been issued, except shares of Company Common Stock
issued upon the exercise of Options outstanding under any Stock Option Plan or
otherwise. As of February 29, 2000, Options to acquire 1,841,918 shares of
Company Common Stock pursuant to the Stock Option Plans or otherwise were
outstanding. Schedule 4.1(b) includes a complete and correct list of outstanding
Options under the Stock Option Plans or otherwise (including the number of
Options and exercise price of each such Option) held by each employee, director
or other person other than the Management Group. Except for the outstanding
Options, the Company has no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other
obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or which are
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with
the Stockholders of the Company on any matter. All issued and outstanding shares
of Company Common Stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. Except as set forth in this Section
4.1(b) or on Schedule 4.1(b), (i) there are no outstanding Equity Securities of
the Company and (ii) the Company is not a party to any commitments, agreements
or obligations of any kind or character for (A) the issuance or sale of Equity
Securities of the Company or (B) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition
of any Equity Securities of the Company.
(c) Voting Trusts, Proxies, Etc. The Company is not a party to any
stockholder agreements, voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or
understandings with respect to or concerning the purchase, sale or voting of the
Equity Securities of the Company.
Section 4.2 Authorization. The Company has all necessary corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all agreements and
documents contemplated hereby. Subject only to (i) the approval of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the majority of all the
votes entitled to be cast on the Merger by the Stockholders, and (ii) the filing
and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by, and in
accordance with, the DGCL, the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action.
This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company
and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof
may be limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws in effect that affect the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or (b) general principles of equity,
whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.
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Section 4.3 Subsidiary.
(a) Ownership; Capitalization. The Company is the record and beneficial
owner of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Subsidiary. All
of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Subsidiary have been duly
authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non- assessable. Except for
the outstanding capital stock of the Subsidiary owned by the Company, (i) there
are no outstanding Equity Securities of the Subsidiary and (ii) the Company is
not a party to commitments or obligations of any kind or character for (A) the
issuance of Equity Securities of the Subsidiary or (B) the repurchase,
redemption or other acquisition of any Equity Securities of the Subsidiary.
There are no stockholder agreements, voting trusts, proxies or other agreements
or understandings to which the Company is a party with respect to or concerning
the purchase, sale or voting of the Equity Securities of the Subsidiary.
(b) Organization. The Subsidiary is duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the
corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is presently being
conducted and to own and lease its assets and properties. The Subsidiary is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary under applicable law,
except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not have
a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has delivered to Mergeco true, correct
and complete copies of the Subsidiary's certificate of incorporation and by-laws
(in each case, as amended to date).
Section 4.4 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since October 1,
1999, (i) the Company has been operated in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practice, and (ii) there has been no Material Adverse
Change.
Section 4.5 No Conflict or Violation. Neither the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, by the Company will result in (i) a violation of or a
conflict with any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of
the Company, or (ii) a violation by the Company of any statute, rule,
regulation, ordinance, code, order, judgment, writ, injunction, decree or award
applicable to it, except for such violations that would not have, individually
or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.6 Consents and Approvals. No consent, waiver, agreement,
approval, permit or authorization of, or declaration, filing, notice or
registration to or with, any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or
regulatory authority or body is required to be made or obtained by the Company
in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby other than (i) filings
required in connection with or in compliance with the provisions of the Exchange
Act, the Securities Act or applicable state securities and "Blue Sky" laws
(collectively, the "Regulatory Filings"), (ii) the filing of the Merger
Certificate under the DGCL (iii) filings under the rules and regulations of The
Nasdaq Stock Market and (iv) those consents, waivers, agreements, approvals,
authorizations, declarations, filings, notices or registrations, that have been,
or will be prior to the Closing Date, obtained or made, except those
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consents, waivers, agreements, approvals, authorizations, declarations, filings,
notices or registrations, the failure of which to obtain would not have a
Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the Merger.
Section 4.7 Corporate Proceedings.
(a) The Special Committee has received the opinion (the "Fairness
Opinion") of Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated dated the date hereof,
substantially to the effect that the Merger Consideration to be received by the
holders of the Company Common Stock (other than Mergeco and the Management
Group) in the Merger is fair from a financial point of view.
(b) The Special Committee (at a meeting duly called and held at which a
quorum was present) has determined that this Agreement and the Merger are
advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the Stockholders and are
fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the Stockholders (other
than Mergeco and the Management Group), and has recommended the adoption of this
Agreement to the Board, subject to the rights of the Special Committee set forth
in Section 6.4 hereof.
(c) The Board, based on the unanimous recommendation of the Special
Committee (at a meeting duly called and held at which a quorum was present), has
(i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are advisable and in the best
interests of the Company and the Stockholders and are fair to and in the best
interests of the Company and the Stockholders (other than Mergeco and the
Management Group), (ii) approved this Agreement and the Merger, and (iii)
resolved to recommend the adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by the
Stockholders of the Company, subject to the rights of the Board set forth in
Section 6.4 hereof. Such approval is sufficient to render inapplicable to the
Merger, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby the restrictions
of Section 203 of the DGCL or any antitakeover provision in the Company's
certificate of incorporation and by-laws.
Section 4.8 Required Company Vote. The affirmative vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock is the only vote of the
holders of any class or series of the Company's securities necessary to approve
this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 4.9 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3. The information concerning
the Company and its officers, directors, employees and stockholders supplied by
and relating to the Company for inclusion in the Proxy Statement or the Schedule
13E-3 will not 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 Company makes no representation or warranty with
respect to any information supplied by Mergeco, the Management Group or any of
their respective stockholders, directors, officers and/or representatives that
is contained in the Proxy Statement or in the Schedule 13E-3.
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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGECO
As an inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, Mergeco
hereby makes the following representations and warranties as of the date hereof
to the Company:
Section 5.1 Organization. Mergeco is duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the
corporate power and authority to conduct its business as it is presently being
conducted and to own, lease and operate its properties. Mergeco is duly
qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary under applicable law
except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Mergeco. Mergeco has
delivered to the Company true, correct and complete copies of its certificate of
incorporation and by-laws (in each case, as amended to date). Mergeco is not in
violation of any provision of its certificate of incorporation or by-laws.
Section 5.2 Authorization. Mergeco has all necessary corporate power
and authority to, and has taken all corporate action necessary on its part to,
execute and deliver this Agreement and all agreements and documents contemplated
hereby and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement
has been duly executed and delivered by Mergeco and is a legal, valid and
binding obligation of Mergeco, enforceable against it in accordance with its
terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by (i) applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or
similar laws in effect which affect the enforcement of creditors' rights
generally or (ii) general principles of equity, whether considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity.
Section 5.3 Consents and Approvals. No consent, waiver, agreement,
approval, permit or authorization of, or declaration, filing, notice or
registration to or with, any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or
regulatory authority or body or other person or entity is required to be made or
obtained by Mergeco in connection with the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
other than any Regulatory Filings and the filing of the Merger Certificate under
the DGCL.
Section 5.4 No Conflict or Violation. Neither the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, by Mergeco will result in (i) a violation of or a conflict
with any provision of the certificate of incorporation or by- laws of Mergeco,
(ii) a breach of, or a default under, or the creation of any right of any party
to accelerate, terminate or cancel pursuant to (including, without limitation,
by reason of the failure to obtain a consent or approval under any such
contract), any term or provision of any contract, indenture, lease, encumbrance,
permit, or authorization or concession to which Mergeco is a party or by which
any of its assets are bound, which breach, default or creation of any such right
would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Mergeco.
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Section 5.5 Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3. The information concerning
Mergeco and its officers, directors, employees and shareholders supplied by and
relating to Mergeco for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3
will not 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. Mergeco makes no representation or warranty with respect to any
information supplied by the Company or any of its representatives that is
contained in the Proxy Statement or in the Schedule 13E-3.
Section 5.6 Financing. Mergeco has delivered to the Company complete
and correct executed copies of the Commitment Letter (the "Financing Commitment
Letter") issued in connection with the senior secured debt financing of the
transactions contemplated hereby (the "Financing"). Assuming satisfaction of all
applicable conditions set forth in the Financing Commitment Letter and full
funding thereunder, Mergeco and the Company at Closing shall have sufficient
funds to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.7 Mergeco's Operations. Mergeco has not engaged in any
business activities or conducted any operations other than in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.8 Status of Representations of the Company.
In entering into the Agreement, Mergeco:
(a) acknowledges that, other than as set forth in this Agreement, as of
the date of execution of this Agreement, none of the Company, or any of its
directors or officers, makes any representation or warranty, either express or
implied, as to the accurateness or completeness of any of the information
provided or made available to Mergeco or its agents or representatives prior to
the execution of this Agreement;
(b) agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law, that none of the
Company, nor any of its respective directors, officers, employees, stockholders,
Affiliates, agents or representatives, shall have any liability or
responsibility whatsoever to Mergeco based upon any information provided or made
available, or statements made, to Mergeco prior to the execution of this
Agreement; and
(c) acknowledges that prior to the date hereof, none of the officers of
the Company has any actual knowledge of any representation or warranty of the
Company being untrue or inaccurate in any material respect. If an officer of
Mergeco or any member of the Management Group had actual knowledge prior to the
execution of this Agreement of any breach by the Company of any representation,
warranty, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement, such breach shall
not be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement for any purpose hereunder, and
neither Mergeco nor any member of the Management Group shall have any claim or
recourse against the Company or its Personnel, affiliates, controlling persons,
agents, advisors or representatives with respect to such breach.
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Section 5.9 No Brokerage. None of Mergeco or any of its officers,
directors, employees, stockholders or Affiliates has employed or made any
agreement with any broker, finder or similar agent or any person or entity to
pay any finder's fee, brokerage commission or similar payment in connection with
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND MERGECO
The Company and Mergeco covenant and agree with each other that from
the date hereof through the Closing:
Section 6.1 Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing. Prior to the
Effective Time, except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule or as
contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement, unless Mergeco has
consented in writing thereto, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, the Company:
(a) except as contemplated by Section 6.4 hereof, shall conduct its
operations and business according to their usual, regular and ordinary course
consistent with past practice;
(b) shall use its reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business
organizations and goodwill, keep available the services of its officers and key
employees and maintain satisfactory relationships with those persons having
business relationships with it;
(c) shall promptly notify Mergeco of any Material Adverse Change; and
(d) shall promptly deliver to Mergeco correct and complete copies of
any report, statement or schedule filed with the SEC subsequent to the date of
this Agreement.
Section 6.2 Investigation by Mergeco. The Company shall allow Mergeco,
and its counsel, accountants and other representatives and the financial
institution (and its counsel and representatives) providing or proposed to
provide the Financing, during regular business hours upon reasonable notice, to
make such reasonable inspection of the Assets, facilities, business and
operations of the Company and to inspect and make copies of contracts, books and
records and all other documents and information reasonably related to the
operations and business of the Company including, without limitation, historical
financial information concerning the business of the Company and to meet with
designated Personnel of the Company and/or their representatives. The Company
shall furnish to Mergeco promptly upon request (i) all additional documents and
information with respect to the affairs of the Company relating to its business
in its possession and (ii) access to the Personnel and to the Company's
accountants and their counsel as Mergeco, or its counsel or accountants, may
from time to time reasonably request, and the Company shall instruct
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its Personnel, accountants and counsel to cooperate with Mergeco, and to provide
such documents and information as Mergeco, or its representatives may request,
and Mergeco and the members of the Management Group will hold, and will use
their reasonable best efforts to cause their respective counsel, accountants and
other representatives and the financial institution (and its counsel and
representatives) providing or proposed to provide the Financing, any nonpublic
information in confidence.
Section 6.3 Consents and Efforts; Other Obligations.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, each of the parties shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist
and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, with
respect to Mergeco, its obtaining the Financing. Mergeco and the Company will
use their reasonable best efforts and cooperate with one another (i) in promptly
determining whether any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals,
waivers, licenses, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (or,
which if not obtained, would result in an event of default, termination or
acceleration of any agreement or any put right under any agreement) under any
applicable law or regulation or from any governmental authorities or third
parties, including parties to loan agreements or other debt instruments, in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the
Merger, and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information
required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such
consents, approvals, permits or authorizations. For purposes of this Section
6.3, best efforts shall not include the obligation to make any payment to any
third party as a condition to obtaining such party's consent or approval.
(b) The Company will provide, and will cause its officers, employees
and advisors to provide, all reasonable cooperation in connection with the
arrangement of the Financing, including without limitation, (i) participation in
meetings and due diligence sessions, and (ii) the execution and delivery of any
Commitment Letter, pledge and security documents, other definitive financing
documents, or other requested certificates or documents, including such comfort
letters of accountants and legal opinions as may be requested by Mergeco;
provided that the form and substance of any of the material documents referred
to in clause (ii) shall be substantially consistent with the terms and
conditions of the Financing.
(c) The Company shall give prompt written notice to Mergeco if the
Company obtains actual knowledge of: (i) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of
any event which occurrence or failure would reasonably be expected to cause any
representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement, if made
on or as of the date of such event or as of the Effective Time, to be untrue or
inaccurate, except for changes permitted by this Agreement and except to the
extent that any representation and warranty is made as of a specified date, in
which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, complete and
accurate as of such date; or (ii) any failure of the Company or
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any officer, director, employee, consultant or agent of the Company, to comply
with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or
satisfied by it or them under this Agreement; provided, however, that no such
notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the Company or
the conditions to the obligations of Mergeco hereunder.
(d) Mergeco and each member of the Management Group shall give prompt
written notice to the Company if Mergeco or any member of the Management Group
obtains actual knowledge of (i) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any
event which occurrence or failure would reasonably be expected to cause any
representation or warranty of the Company contained in this Agreement, if made
on or as of the date of such event or as of the Effective Time, to be untrue or
inaccurate, except for changes permitted by this Agreement and except to the
extent that any representation and warranty is made as of a specified date, in
which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, complete and
accurate as of such date; or (ii) any failure of the Company or any officer,
director, employee, consultant or agent of the Company, to comply with or
satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by
it or them under this Agreement provided, however, that no such notification
shall affect the representations and warranties of the Company or the conditions
to the obligations of Mergeco hereunder.
Section 6.4 Other Offers.
(a) The Company shall not (whether directly or indirectly through
advisors, agents or other intermediaries), nor shall the Company authorize or
permit any of its or its officers, directors, agents, representatives or
advisors to (i) solicit, initiate or take any action knowingly to facilitate the
submission of inquiries, proposals or offers from any corporation, partnership,
person or other entity or group, other than Mergeco and its representatives and
Affiliates, relating to (A) any acquisition or purchase of 25% or more of the
assets, or of over 25% of any class of Equity Securities of, the Company or the
Subsidiary, (B) any tender offer (including a self tender offer) or exchange
offer that if consummated would result in any person beneficially owning 25% or
more of any class of Equity Securities of the Company, or (C) any merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, sale of all or substantially all of the assets,
liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving the Company (each such
transaction being referred to herein as an "Acquisition Proposal"), or agree to
or endorse any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) enter into or participate in any
discussions or negotiations regarding any of the foregoing, or otherwise
cooperate in any way with, or knowingly assist or participate in, facilitate or
encourage, any effort or attempt by any other person (other than Mergeco and its
representatives and Affiliates) to do or seek any of the foregoing, or (iii)
grant any waiver or release under any standstill or similar agreement with
respect to any Equity Securities of the Company; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not prohibit the Special Committee or the Board (acting through
the Special Committee) (either directly or indirectly through advisors, agents
or other intermediaries) from (v) furnishing information in writing or orally
(through the Company's employees and advisors) pursuant to a customary
confidentiality letter (a copy of which shall be provided for informational
purposes only to Mergeco) concerning the Company and its businesses, properties
or Assets to any person, corporation, entity or "group," as defined in Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than Mergeco (a "Third Party") in response to
any unsolicited inquiry, proposal
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or offer, (w) engaging in discussions or negotiations with such a Third Party
that has made such inquiry, proposal or offer, (x) following receipt of a bona
fide Acquisition Proposal, taking and disclosing to its stockholders a position
contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act or otherwise
making disclosure to its stockholders, (y) following receipt of a bona fide
Acquisition Proposal, failing to make or withdrawing or modifying its
recommendation referred to in Section 4.11 hereof, and/or (z) terminating this
Agreement but in each case referred to in the foregoing clauses (x) through (z),
only to the extent that the Special Committee shall have concluded in good faith
upon the advice of legal counsel that such action is consistent with the Special
Committee's (and the Board's) fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the
Company under applicable law. The Company shall immediately cease and cause its
advisors, agents and other intermediaries to cease any and all existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted prior to the
date hereof with respect to any of the foregoing.
(b) If a Payment Event (as hereinafter defined) occurs, the Company
shall pay to Mergeco, within three business days following such event, the
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Mergeco in connection with or
relating to this Agreement and the Merger, which shall include reasonable fees
and expenses of legal counsel, accountants, a financial advisor to Mergeco and
the commitment fees related to the financing of the Merger actually paid or
contractually required to be paid to investment funds, banks or other financial
institutions providing the Financing up to a maximum reimbursement amount of
$400,000. "Payment Event" means the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1(a)(iv) or (v).
(c) The Special Committee shall (i) promptly notify Mergeco (in
writing) if any offer is made, any discussions or negotiations are sought to be
initiated, any inquiry, proposal or contact is made or any information is
requested with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) promptly notify Mergeco
of the terms of any proposal that it may receive in respect of any such
Acquisition Proposal, including, without limitation, the identity of the
prospective purchaser or soliciting party, (iii) promptly provide Mergeco with a
copy of any such offer, if written, or a written summary (in reasonable detail)
of such offer, if not in writing, and (iv) keep Mergeco reasonably informed of
the status of such offer and the offeror's efforts and activities with respect
thereto.
(d) This Section 6.4 shall survive any termination of this Agreement,
however caused.
Section 6.5 Meeting of Stockholders. Except as set forth in Section 6.4
hereof, (i) the Company acting through the Board shall take all action necessary
in accordance with applicable law and its certificate of incorporation and
by-laws, including the timely mailing of the Proxy Statement, to convene the
Special Meeting as promptly as practicable after SEC clearance of the Proxy
Statement to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) the Board, based on the
recommendation of the Special Committee, shall recommend such approval and shall
take all lawful action to solicit such approval.
Section 6.6 Proxy Statement.
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(a) Mergeco and the Company shall cooperate and prepare, and, as soon
as practicable after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall file with the
SEC as soon as practicable, a proxy statement with respect to the Special
Meeting (the "Proxy Statement"), respond to comments of the staff of the SEC,
clear the Proxy Statement with the staff of the SEC and promptly thereafter mail
the Proxy Statement to all holders of record of Company Common Stock. The
Company shall comply in all respect with the requirements of the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to the Proxy
Statement and the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting (including any
requirement to amend or supplement the Proxy Statement) and each party shall
furnish to the other such information relating to it and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and such further and supplemental information as
may be reasonably requested by the other party. The Proxy Statement shall
include the recommendation of the Board in favor of the Merger, except as
otherwise provided herein. The Company shall use all reasonable efforts, and
Mergeco will cooperate with the Company, to have all necessary state securities
law or "Blue Sky" permits or approvals required to carry out the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and will pay all expenses incident thereto.
(b) The information provided by each of the Company and Mergeco for use
in the Proxy Statement shall not, as (i) the time of the Proxy Statement (or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto) is first mailed to the Stockholders or
(ii) the time of the Special Meeting contemplated by such Proxy Statement,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event or
circumstance relating to any party hereto, or their respective officers or
directors, should be discovered by such party that should be set forth in an
amendment or a supplement to the Proxy Statement, such party shall promptly
inform the Company and Mergeco thereof and take appropriate action in respect
thereof.
(c) No amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement shall be made by
Mergeco or the Company without notice to the other party. The Company shall
promptly advise Mergeco of any request by the SEC for amendment of the Proxy
Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for
additional information.
Section 6.7 Schedule 13E-3.
(a) As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, Mergeco
and the members of the Management Group and the Company shall file with the SEC
a Rule 13E-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 ("Schedule 13E-3"), with
respect to the Merger. Mergeco and the Company shall cooperate and provide each
other with such information as any of such parties may reasonably request in
connection with the preparation of the Schedule 13E-3. The information provided
by each of the Company and Mergeco for use in the Schedule 13E-3 shall not, as
of time the Schedule 13E-3 is filed with 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 not misleading.
Each party hereto agrees promptly to supplement, update and correct any
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information provided by it for use in the Schedule 13E-3 if and to the extent
that it is or shall have become incomplete, false or misleading.
(b) No amendment or supplement to the Schedule 13E-3 shall be made by
Mergeco or the Company without notice to the other party. Mergeco shall promptly
advise the Company of any request by the SEC for amendment of the Schedule 13E-3
or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for additional
information.
Section 6.8 Director and Officer Liability.
(a) From and after the consummation of the Merger, the parties shall,
and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, indemnify, defend and hold
harmless any person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the date
hereof, or who becomes prior to the Effective Time, an officer or director (the
"Indemnified Party") of the Company or the Subsidiary against all losses,
claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney's fees and
expenses), judgments, fines, losses, and amounts paid in settlement, with the
written approval of the Surviving Corporation(which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld), in connection with any actual or threatened action,
suit, claim, proceeding or investigation (each a "Claim") to the extent that any
such Claim is based on, or arises out of, (i) the fact that such person is or
was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or the Subsidiary or
is or was serving at the request of the Company or the Subsidiary as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other enterprise, or (ii) this Agreement, or any of the transactions
contemplated hereby, in each case to the extent that any such Claim pertains to
any matter or fact arising, existing, or occurring prior to the Effective Time,
regardless of whether such Claim is asserted or claimed prior to, at or after
the Effective Time, to the full extent permitted under the DGCL or the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation, by-laws or indemnification agreements in effect at
the date hereof, including provisions relating to advancement of expenses
incurred in the defense of any action or suit. Without limiting the foregoing,
in the event any Indemnified Party becomes involved in any capacity in any
Claim, then from and after consummation of the Merger, the parties shall cause
the Surviving Corporation to periodically advance to such Indemnified Party its
legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and
preparation incurred in connection therewith), subject to the provision by such
Indemnified Party of an undertaking to reimburse the amounts so advanced in the
event of a final non-appealable determination by a court of competent
jurisdiction that such Indemnified Party is not entitled thereto.
(b) Mergeco and the Company agree that all rights to indemnification
and all limitations on liability existing in favor of the Indemnified Party as
provided in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws as in effect
as of the date hereof shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force
and effect, without any amendment thereto, for a period of six years from the
Effective Time to the extent such rights are consistent with the DGCL; provided
that in the event any claim or claims are asserted or made within such six year
period, all rights to indemnification in respect of any such claim or claims
shall continue until disposition of any and all such claims; provided further,
that any determination required to be made with respect to whether an
Indemnified
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Party's conduct complies with the standards set forth under the DGCL, the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws or such agreements, as the
case may be, shall be made by independent legal counsel selected by the
Surviving Corporation and reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party; and
provided further, that nothing in this Section 6.8 shall impair any rights or
obligations of any present or former directors or officers of the Company.
(c) In the event the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or
assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be
the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties
and assets to any person, then and in each case, to the extent necessary to
effectuate the purposes of this Section 6.8, proper provision shall be made so
that the successors and assigns of the Surviving Corporation assume the
obligations set forth in this Section 6.8.
(d) For a period of six years after the Effective Time, the parties
shall cause the Surviving Corporation to maintain in effect the current policies
of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Company (or
policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and
conditions which are no less advantageous, which policies may include a "tail
policy") with respect to claims arising from facts or events which occurred
before or at the Effective Time; provided, however, that the Surviving
Corporation shall not be obligated to make annual premium payments for such
insurance to the extent that such premiums exceed an amount equal to 200% of the
annual premiums paid as of the date hereof by the Company for such insurance and
if such premiums exceed such amount the Surviving Corporation shall purchase
insurance policies in amounts and with coverage as reasonably can be purchased
for such amount.
(e) The provisions of this Section 6.8 are intended to be for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and his or her
heirs and representatives and shall be binding on the Surviving Corporation and
its respective successors and assigns.
Section 6.9 Notices of Certain Events. The Company shall promptly
notify Mergeco of:
(a) any notice or other communication from any person alleging that the
consent of such person is or may be required in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) any notice or other communication from any governmental or
regulatory agency or authority in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement; and
(c) any actions, suits or proceedings commenced or, to the best of its
knowledge threatened against, relating to or involving or otherwise affecting
the Company that, if pending on the date of this Agreement, would have been
required to have been disclosed pursuant to Section 4.1 or that relate to the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 6.10 Further Assurances. At and after the Effective Time, the
officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are authorized to execute
and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the
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Company, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or assurances and to take and do,
in the name and on behalf of the Company or Mergeco, any other actions and
things to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving
Corporation any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the
rights, properties or assets of the Company acquired or to be acquired by the
Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.
Section 6.11 Financing. Mergeco shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain the Financing. Mergeco shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to satisfy on or before the Closing Date all requirements of the
Financing Commitment Letter that are conditions to closing the transactions
constituting the Financing, provided that the satisfaction of such conditions is
in the control of Mergeco or the Management Group and provided that such efforts
shall not require undue expense and that such efforts shall not materially
impair the operation of the business of the Company after the Effective Time.
The obligations contained herein are not intended, nor shall they be construed,
to benefit or confer any rights upon any person, firm or entity other than
Mergeco and the Company. Mergeco and its Affiliates shall keep the Special
Committee reasonably apprised concerning the status of completing the Financing.
Following receipt by Mergeco or any of its Affiliates of any written
communication to the effect that the lenders that are parties to the Financing
Commitment Letter do not intend to provide the financing for the Merger or the
terminating or canceling of the Financing Commitment Letter or the modifying of
the Financing Commitment Letter in a manner that is materially adverse to
Mergeco, Mergeco shall promptly communicate such event to the Special Committee
and provide the Special Committee with a true and complete copy of any such
written communication.
Section 6.12 Voting. Each of the Management Group, Mergeco and their
Affiliates, as applicable, will vote any shares of Company Common Stock held by
them, or which they have the right to vote, in favor of approval of the Merger,
in person, or by proxy; provided, however, that in the event the Special
Committee recommends to the Board that the Board withdraw its recommendation of
the Merger, the provisions of this Section 6.12 shall thereafter be null and
void.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Section 7.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The
obligations of the Company and Mergeco to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby on the Closing Date are subject to the satisfaction, on or
prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement and the Merger shall have been adopted and approved
by the Stockholders in accordance with the DGCL; and
(b) No provision of any applicable law or regulation and no judgment,
order, decree, temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent
injunction prohibiting or restraining the
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consummation of the Merger shall be in effect; provided, however, that the
Company and Mergeco shall each use its best efforts to have any such judgment,
order, decree or injunction vacated.
Section 7.2 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The
obligation of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on
the Closing Date is subject, in the sole discretion of the Company, to the
satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions, which
may be waived by the Company in accordance with Section 8.4:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
(i) All representations and warranties of Mergeco contained in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as
of the Closing Date, as if such representations and warranties were
made at and as of the Closing Date, except (i) for any changes
specifically permitted by this Agreement and (ii) to the extent that
any such representations and warranties were made as of a specified
date, which representations and warranties shall continue on the
Closing Date to be true in all material respects as of such specified
date.
(ii) Mergeco shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations arising under the agreements and covenants required hereby
to be performed by it prior to or on the Closing Date, unless such
failure to perform is due to any material act by, or material omission
of, the Company.
(iii) the Company shall have received, at or prior to the Closing,
(A) a certificate executed by the President of Mergeco certifying that,
as of the Closing Date, the conditions set forth in Section 7.2(a) (i)
and (ii) have been satisfied, and (B) certified resolutions duly
adopted by the Board of Directors of Mergeco approving the Merger, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other necessary
corporate action to enable Mergeco to comply with the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) Fairness Opinion. The Fairness Opinion shall not have been
withdrawn, revoked or annulled or adversely modified in any material respect.
(c) Reliance Letter. Mergeco shall have delivered to the Company copies
of such certificates or other similar materials relating to the solvency of the
Company after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Financing as shall have been delivered to the lenders providing the
Financing and the Stockholders and the Company may rely on such certificates or
other materials with the same effect as if they had been issued to the Company
and the Stockholders.
Section 7.3 Conditions to the Obligations of Mergeco. The obligation of
Mergeco to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby on the Closing Date
is subject, in the sole
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discretion of Mergeco, to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of
each of the following conditions, any of which may be waived by Mergeco in
accordance with Section 8.4:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants.
(i) All representations and warranties of the Company contained in
this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects at
and as of the Closing Date as if such representations and warranties
were made at and as of the Closing Date, except (i) for any changes
specifically permitted by this Agreement and (ii) to the extent that
any such representations and warranties were made as of a specified
date, which representations and warranties shall continue on the
Closing Date to be true in all material respects as of such specified
date.
(ii) The Company shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations arising under the agreements and covenants required hereby
to be performed by it prior to or on the Closing Date, unless such
failure to perform is due to any material act by, or material omission
of, Mergeco.
(iii) Mergeco shall have received, at or prior to the Closing, (A)
a certificate executed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company
certifying that, as of the Closing Date, the conditions set forth in
Sections 7.3(a)(i) and (ii), (c) and (d) have been satisfied; and (B)
certified resolutions duly adopted by the Board approving the Merger,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other necessary
corporate action to enable the Company to comply with the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) Financing. The funding contemplated by the Financing shall have
been obtained by Mergeco.
(c) Dissenting Shares. The total number of Dissenting Shares shall not
exceed 7.5% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock at the Effective
Time.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.1 Termination.
(a) Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the
Effective Time as follows (notwithstanding any approval of the Merger by the
stockholders of the Company):
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(i) by mutual written consent of Mergeco and the Company (acting
through the Special Committee) at any time;
(ii) by Mergeco or the Company if the Closing shall not have
occurred on or before September 30, 2000, provided that the party
seeking to exercise such right is not then in breach of any of its
material obligations under this Agreement;
(iii) by either the Company or Mergeco if there shall be any law or
regulation that makes consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise
prohibited or if any judgment, injunction, order or decree enjoining
Mergeco or the Company from consummating the Merger is entered and such
judgment, injunction, order or decree shall become final and non-
appealable;
(iv) by Mergeco if the Board (acting through the Special Committee)
shall have (A) withdrawn or modified or amended, in a manner adverse to
Mergeco, its approval or recommendation of this Agreement and the
Merger or its recommendation that Stockholders adopt and approve this
Agreement and the Merger, (B) approved, recommended or endorsed an
Acquisition Proposal (including a tender or exchange offer for Company
Common Stock), (C) failed to call the Special Meeting or failed as
promptly as practicable to mail the Proxy Statement to the Stockholders
or failed to include in such statement the recommendation referred to
above, or (D) resolved to do any of the foregoing;
(v) by the Special Committee or the Board (acting through the
Special Committee) as provided in Section 6.4;
(vi) by either the Company or Mergeco if, at a duly held
stockholders meeting of the Company (including the Special Meeting) or
any adjournment thereof at which this Agreement and the Merger is voted
upon, the requisite Stockholder approval shall not have been obtained;
or
(vii) by the Company (acting through the Special Committee) if it
has received a notice from Mergeco that the Financing Commitment Letter
has been terminated or canceled.
The party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Sections
8.1(a)(ii)-(vii) shall give written notice of such termination to the other
party in accordance with Section 8.3.
(b) Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 8.1, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect with no liability
on the part of an party hereto or such party's officers, directors, employees or
representatives, except (i) that the agreements contained in Sections 6.4, 8.8
and 8.13 hereof shall survive the termination hereof and (ii) nothing herein
shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement.
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(c) Procedure Upon Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1, each party shall redeliver all documents,
work papers and other material of any other party and any and all copies thereof
relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, whether obtained before or
after the execution hereof, to the party furnishing the same.
Section 8.2 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights or
obligations hereunder may be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of law
or otherwise by any party without the prior written consent of the other party
to this Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns, and, with respect to the provisions of Section 6.8
hereof, shall inure to the benefit of the persons or entities benefitting from
the provisions thereof who are intended to be third- party beneficiaries
thereof, and no other person shall have any right, benefit or obligation
hereunder.
Section 8.3 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other
communications which are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be
in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when received, if
personally delivered; the day after it is sent, if sent for next day delivery to
a domestic address by recognized overnight delivery service (e.g., Federal
Express); and upon receipt, if sent by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested. In each case notice shall be sent to:
If to the Company, addressed to:
The Solomon-Page Group Ltd.
1140 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
With copies to:
The Special Committee of the Board of Directors
of The Solomon-Page Group, Ltd.
c/o Joel A. Klarreich, Esq.
Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP
900 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
and
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
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Attention: Simeon Gold, Esq.
If to Mergeco, addressed to:
TSPGL Merger Corp.
1140 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
With a copy to:
Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP
505 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: David J. Adler, Esq.
or to such other place and with such other copies as either party may designate
as to itself by written notice to the others pursuant to this Section 8.3.
Section 8.4 Entire Agreement; Waivers. This Agreement, together with
all exhibits and schedules hereto (including, without limitation, the Disclosure
Schedule), and the other agreements referred to herein, constitute the entire
agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and
supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions,
whether oral or written, of the parties. No waiver of any of the provisions of
this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other
provision hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a
continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
Section 8.5 Multiple Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.6 Invalidity. In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other instrument referred to
herein, shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable
in any respect, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, such invalidity,
illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this
Agreement or any other such instrument.
Section 8.7 Titles. The titles, captions or headings of the Articles
and Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not
intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
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Section 8.8 Fees and Expenses. Except as provided in Section 6.4
hereof, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such
expenses, provided that the Company shall pay all fees and expenses in
connection with the printing and mailing of the Proxy Statement.
Section 8.9 Cumulative Remedies. All rights and remedies of either
party hereto are cumulative of each other and of every other right or remedy
such party may otherwise have at law or in equity, and the exercise of one or
more rights or remedies shall not prejudice or impair the concurrent or
subsequent exercise of other rights or remedies.
Section 8.10 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, REGARDLESS OF
THE LAWS THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE GOVERN UNDER APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF
LAWS.
Section 8.11 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto at any time before or after approval of matters presented in connection
with the Merger by the Stockholders, but after any such Stockholder approval, no
amendment shall be made that by law requires the further approval of
Stockholders without obtaining such further approval; provided that any
amendment of this Agreement shall have been approved by the Special Committee on
behalf of the Company. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
Section 8.12 Public Announcements. Neither Mergeco, on the one hand,
nor the Company (as shall be approved by the Special Committee acting for the
Company), on the other hand, will issue any press release or public statement
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the
Merger, without the other party's prior consent (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld), except (i) as may be required by applicable law, court
process or the requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market, and (ii) upon the
execution of this Agreement and notwithstanding Section 6.4 hereof, the Company
(as approved by the Special Committee on its behalf) may issue a public
announcement in substantially the form approved by Mergeco or its counsel prior
to such execution. In addition to the foregoing, Mergeco and the Company will
consult with each other before issuing, and provide each other the opportunity
to review and comment upon, any such press release or other public statements
with respect to such transactions. The initial press release or releases to be
issued with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
mutually agreed upon prior to the issuance thereof.
Section 8.13 Enforcement of Agreement. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled
to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to
any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
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Section 8.14 Non-survival of Representations and Warranties. The
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate at the Effective Time.
Section 8.15 Interpretive Provisions.
(a) The words "hereof," "herein," "hereby" and "hereunder" and words of
similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and, unless otherwise
specified herein, not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision
hereof.
(b) Accounting terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings given to such terms under GAAP.
(Signature Page Follows)
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective representative or
officer thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above
written.
THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD.
By: /s/ Joel A. Klarreich
------------------------------------
Name: Joel A. Klarreich
Title: Member of the Special Committee
TSPGL MERGER CORP.
By: /s/ Lloyd B. Solomon
------------------------------------
Name: Lloyd B. Solomon
Title: Chief Executive Officer
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Exhibit A
Converted Shares
Name of Stockholder Number of Shares
Herbert Solomon 507,600
Lloyd B. Solomon 785,000
Scott R. Page 601,900
A-1
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
Directors of the Surviving Corporation
Herbert Solomon
Lloyd B. Solomon
Scott R. Page
B-1
THE SOLOMON-PAGE GROUP LTD. AGREES TO BE ACQUIRED IN
MANAGEMENT BUYOUT AT $4.25 PER SHARE IN CASH.
New York, NY -- March 31, 2000 -- The Solomon-Page Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq Stock
Market: SOLP) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement
under which a management group consisting of the three principal executive
officers of Solomon-Page, Lloyd Solomon, Scott Page and Herbert Solomon, is to
acquire all of the outstanding publicly held shares of Common Stock of
Solomon-Page at a price of $4.25 per share.
The transaction, which is structured as a one-step cash merger, was approved by
Solomon-Page's Board of Directors (whose members include the management group),
acting upon the unanimous recommendation of a Special Committee of the Board
comprising two independent, unaffiliated directors. In reaching its decision,
the Special Committee was advised by its financial advisor, Legg Mason Wood
Walker, Incorporated, which rendered a written opinion that the merger price is
fair from a financial point of view to the holders of common stock (other than
the members of the management group). As set forth more fully in the merger
agreement, the Special Committee is able, however, to receive inquiries from any
other parties interested in a possible acquisition of Solomon- Page.
It is expected that the proposed merger will be voted upon by Solomon-Page's
stockholders at a meeting of stockholders expected to be held in the second
calendar quarter of 2000. The merger requires approval by the holders of a
majority of all outstanding shares of Solomon-Page. In addition, completion of
the merger is subject to the receipt by the management group of financing to
consummate the transaction and other customary conditions. The management group
has received a commitment letter to provide all of the funds necessary to
complete the proposed merger.
Solomon-Page is a specialty niche provider of staffing services organized into
two primary operating divisions: temporary staffing/consulting and executive
search/full-time contingency recruitment. The temporary staffing/consulting
division provides services to companies seeking personnel in the information
technology, accounting, human resources and legal areas. The executive
search/full-time contingency recruitment division comprises ten lines of
business, including five industry (capital markets, publishing and new media,
healthcare, fashion services and banking), and five functional (information
technology, accounting, human resources, legal and administrative support).
This press release does not constitute "proxy solicitation material" within the
meaning of Regulation 14A and Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be
covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without
limitation, future action or inaction by the Board of Directors and stockholders
and Solomon-Page
<PAGE>
and regulatory authorities with respect to the matters referred to in this press
release. Although Solomon-Page believes that the assumptions contained herein
are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there
can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press
release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties
inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of
such information should not be regarded as a representation by Solomon-Page or
any other person that the objectives and plans of Solomon-Page will be achieved.
Contact: Lloyd B. Solomon
Chief Executive Officer
Solomon-Page
(212) 403-6100
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