SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 10, 1998
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland 0-25230 52-1879972
(State of (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
Incorporation) Identification No.)
4350 East-West Highway, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20814
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(301) 907-7800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
On October 10, 1998, the Board of Directors of First Washington Realty
Trust, Inc. (the "Company") adopted a Stockholder Rights Agreement.
In connection with the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors of the
Company authorized a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (the
"Rights") for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "Common Shares"), of the Company outstanding at the close of business on
October 26, 1998 (the "Record Date"). Each Right will entitle the registered
holder thereof, after the Rights become exercisable and until October 26, 2008
(or the earlier redemption, exchange or termination of the Rights), to purchase
from the Company one one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share of Class B Junior
Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred
Shares"), at a price of $82.00 per one one-hundredth (1/100th) of a Preferred
Share, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments (the "Purchase Price").
Until the earlier to occur of (i) ten (10) days following a public announcement
that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or
obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Common
Shares (an "Acquiring Person") or (ii) ten (10) business days (or such later
date as may be determined by action of the Board of Directors prior to such time
as any person or group of affiliated persons becomes an Acquiring Person)
following the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender
offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial
ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Common Shares (the earlier
of (i) and (ii) being called the "Distribution Date"), the Rights will be
represented, with respect to any of the Common Share certificates outstanding as
of the Record Date, by such Common Share certificate. The Rights will be
transferred with and only with the Common Shares until the Distribution Date or
earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights. As soon as practicable following
the Distribution Date, separate certificates representing the Rights ("Right
Certificates") will be mailed to holders of record of the Common Shares as of
the close of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Right
Certificates alone will represent the Rights. The Rights will at no time have
any voting rights.
Each Preferred Share purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will be
entitled, when, as and if declared, to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend
payment of $1.00 per share but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 100
times the dividend, if any, declared per Common Share. In the event of
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the
Preferred Shares will be entitled to a preferential liquidation payment of $100
per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends but will be entitled to an
aggregate payment of 100 times the payment made per Common Share. Each Preferred
Share will have 100 votes and will vote together with the Common Shares.
Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which
Common Shares are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be entitled to receive
100 times the amount received per Common Share. Preferred Shares will not be
redeemable. These Rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions.
Because of the nature of the Preferred Share's dividend, liquidation and voting
rights, the value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share purchasable upon
exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one Common Share.
In the event that a Person becomes an Acquiring Person or if the
Company were the surviving corporation in a merger with an Acquiring Person or
any affiliate or associate of an
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Acquiring Person and the Common Shares were not changed or exchanged, each
holder of a Right, other than Rights that are or were acquired or beneficially
owned by the Acquiring Person (which Rights will thereafter be void), will
thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise that number of Common Shares
having a market value of two times the then current Purchase Price of one Right.
In the event that, after a person has become an Acquiring Person, the Company
were acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or more than
50% of its assets or earning power were sold, proper provision shall be made so
that each holder of a Right shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the
exercise thereof at the then current Purchase Price of the Right, that number of
shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such
transaction would have a market value of two times the then current Purchase
Price of one Right.
At any time after a Person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the
earlier of one of the events described in the last sentence in the previous
paragraph or the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the then
outstanding Common Shares, the Board of Directors may cause the Company to
exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person which have
become void), in whole or in part, for that number of Common Shares having an
aggregate value equal to the Spread (the excess of the value of the Common
Shares issuable upon the exercise of a Right over the Purchase Price) per Right
(subject to adjustment).
The Rights may be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at a price of
$.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price") by the Board of Directors at any time
prior to the time that an Acquiring Person has become such. The redemption of
the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such
conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish.
Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights
will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive
the Redemption Price.
The Rights will expire on October 26, 2008 (unless earlier redeemed,
exchanged or terminated). American Stock Transfer and Trust Company is the
Rights Agent.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the
Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in
the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or
reclassification of, the Preferred Shares, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the
Preferred Shares of certain rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or
purchase Preferred Shares or convertible securities at less than the current
market price of the Preferred Shares or (iii) upon the distribution to holders
of the Preferred Shares of evidences of indebtedness, cash, securities or assets
(excluding regular periodic cash dividends at a rate not in excess of 125% of
the rate of the last regular periodic cash dividend theretofore paid or, in case
regular periodic cash dividends have not theretofore been paid, at a rate not in
excess of 50% of the average net income per share of the Company for the four
quarters ended immediately prior to the payment of such dividend, or dividends
payable in Preferred Shares (which dividends will be subject to the adjustment
described in clause (i) above)) or of convertible securities, subscription
rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a stockholder
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of the Company beyond those as an existing stockholder, including, without
limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.
Any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement dated as of October 10,
1998 between the Company and the Rights Agent (the "Rights Agreement") may be
amended by the Board of Directors of the Company for so long as the Rights are
then redeemable, and after the Rights are no longer redeemable, the Company may
amend or supplement the Rights Agreement in any manner that does not adversely
affect the interests of the holder of the Rights.
One Right will be distributed to stockholders of the Company for each
Common Share owned of record by them on October 26, 1998. As long as the Rights
are attached to the Common Shares, the Company will issue one Right with each
new Common Share so that all such shares will have attached Rights. The Company
has agreed that, from and after the Distribution Date, the Company will reserve
1,000,000 Preferred Shares initially for issuance upon exercise of the Rights.
The rights are designed to assure that all of the Company's
stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed
takeover of the Company and to guard against partial tender offers, open market
accumulations and other abusive tactics to gain control of the Company without
paying all stockholders a control premium. The Rights will cause substantial
dilution to a person or group that acquires 15% or more of the Company's stock
on terms not approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Rights should not
interfere with any merger or other business combination approved by the Board of
Directors at any time prior to the first date that a Person or group has become
an Acquiring Person.
The Rights Agreement specifying the terms of the Rights and the text of the
press release announcing the declaration of the Rights, are incorporated herein
by reference as exhibits to this Current Report. The foregoing description of
the Rights is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibits.
Item 7. Exhibits.
4. Rights Agreement, dated as of October 10, 1998, between First Washington
Realty Trust, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, which
includes the form of Articles Supplementary of the Class B Junior
Participating Preferred Stock of First Washington Realty Trust, Inc. as
Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of
Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C.
99. Text of Press Release, dated October 16, 1998.
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SIGNATURE
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.
Dated: October 23, 1998
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
By: /s/ Jeffrey S. Distenfeld
Jeffrey S. Distenfeld
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
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EXHIBIT INDEX
4. Rights Agreement, dated as of October 10, 1998, between First
Washington Realty Trust, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and
Trust Company, which includes the form of Articles
Supplementary of the Class B Junior Participating Preferred
Stock of First Washington Realty Trust, Inc. as Exhibit A, the
form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of
Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares as Exhibit C.
99. Text of Press Release, dated October 16, 1998.
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FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
and
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
as Rights Agent
Rights Agreement
Dated as of October 10, 1998
<PAGE>
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Rights Agreement, dated as of October 10, 1998, between FIRST
WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), and
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, a New York corporation, as Rights Agent
(the "Rights Agent").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, on October 10, 1998, the Board of Directors of the
Company adopted this Agreement, and has authorized a dividend of one preferred
share purchase right (a "Right") for each Common Share (as defined in Section
1.6) of the Company outstanding at the close of business on October 26, 1998
(the "Record Date") and has authorized and directed the issuance of one Right
(subject to adjustment as provided herein) with respect to each Common Share
that shall become outstanding between the Record Date and the earliest of the
Distribution Date and the Expiration Date (as such terms are defined in Sections
3.1 and 7.1), each Right initially representing the right to purchase one
one-hundredth (subject to adjustment) of a share of Class B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Shares") of the Company having the rights,
powers and preferences set forth in the form of Articles Supplementary attached
hereto as Exhibit A, upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter
set forth; provided, however, that Rights may be issued with respect to Common
Shares that shall become outstanding after the Distribution Date and prior to
the Expiration Date in accordance with Section 22.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
following terms have the meanings indicated:
1.1. "Acquiring Person" shall mean any Person (as such term is hereinafter
defined) who or which, together with all Affiliates and Associates (as such
terms are hereinafter defined) of such Person, shall be the Beneficial Owner (as
such term is hereinafter defined) of 15% or more of the Common Shares of the
Company then outstanding but shall not include an Exempt Person (as such term is
hereinafter defined). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person shall become an
"Acquiring Person" as the result of an acquisition of Common Shares by the
Company which, by reducing the number of shares outstanding, increases the
proportionate number of shares beneficially owned by such Person to 15% or more
of the Common Shares of the Company then outstanding; provided, however, that if
a Person shall become the Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of the Common Shares
of the Company then outstanding solely by reason of share purchases by the
Company and shall, after such share purchases by the Company, become the
Beneficial Owner of one or more additional Common Shares of the Company (other
than pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made by the Company on the
outstanding Common Shares in Common Shares or pursuant to a split or subdivision
of the outstanding Common Shares), then such Person shall be deemed to be an
"Acquiring Person" unless upon becoming the Beneficial Owner of such additional
shares of Common Stock such Person does not beneficially own 15% or more of the
shares of Common Stock then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith that a Person who
would otherwise be an "Acquiring Person," as defined
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pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.1, has become such
inadvertently (including, without limitation, because (A) such Person was
unaware that it beneficially owned a percentage of Common Stock that would
otherwise cause such Person to be an "Acquiring Person" or (B) such Person was
aware of the extent of its Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock but had no
actual knowledge of the consequences of such Beneficial Ownership under this
Agreement), and without any intention of changing or influencing control of the
Company, and such Person divests as promptly as practicable a sufficient number
of Common Shares so that such Person would no longer be an Acquiring Person, as
defined pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.1, then such
Person shall not be deemed to be or have become an "Acquiring Person" at any
time for any purposes of this Agreement. For all purposes of this Agreement, any
calculation of the number of Common Shares outstanding at any particular time,
including for purposes of determining the particular percentage of such
outstanding Common Shares of which any Person is the Beneficial Owner, shall be
made in accordance with the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the General
Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
1.2. "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations, under
the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
1.3. A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of and shall be deemed
to "beneficially own" any securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or Associates
beneficially owns, directly or indirectly (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3
of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act as in effect on the
date of this Agreement);
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or Associates,
directly or indirectly, has (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is
exercisable immediately, or only after the passage of time, compliance with
regulatory requirements, fulfillment of a condition or otherwise) pursuant to
any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether or not in writing (other
than customary agreements with and between underwriters and selling group
members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities), or upon the
exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or
otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial
Owner of, or to beneficially own, (w) securities tendered pursuant to a tender
or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or any of such Person's
Affiliates or Associates until such tendered securities are accepted for
purchase or exchange, (x) securities which such Person has a right to acquire
upon the exercise of Rights at any time prior to the time that any Person
becomes an Acquiring Person, (y) securities issuable upon the exercise of Rights
from and after the time that any Person becomes an Acquiring Person if such
Rights were acquired by such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates prior to the Distribution Date or pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section
22 ("Original Rights") or pursuant to Section 11.9 or Section 11.15 with respect
to an adjustment to Original Rights or (z) securities which such Person or any
of such Person's Affiliates or Associates may acquire, does or do acquire or may
be deemed to have the right
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to acquire, pursuant to any merger or other acquisition agreement between the
Company and such Person (or one or more of his Affiliates or Associates) if such
agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company prior to
such Person's becoming an Acquiring Person; or (B) the right to vote pursuant to
any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing);
provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or
to beneficially own, any security under this clause (B) if the agreement,
arrangement or understanding to vote such security (1) arises solely from a
revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a public proxy or
consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable
rules and regulations of the Exchange Act and (2) is not also then reportable on
Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor report); or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other
Person (or any Affiliate or Associate thereof) and with respect to which such
Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or Associates has any agreement,
arrangement or understanding (other than customary agreements with and between
underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public
offering of securities), whether or not in writing, for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting (except pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as
described in the proviso to Section 1.3(ii)(B)) or disposing of any securities
of the Company; provided, however, that no Person who is an officer, director or
employee of an Exempt Person shall be deemed, solely by reason of such Person's
status or authority as such, to be the "Beneficial Owner" of, to have
"Beneficial Ownership" of or to "beneficially own" any securities that are
"beneficially owned" (as defined in this Section 1.3), including, without
limitation, in a fiduciary capacity, by an Exempt Person or by any other such
officer, director or employee of an Exempt Person.
1.4. "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a
day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.
1.5. "close of business" on any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York
time, on such date; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day
it shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the next succeeding Business Day.
1.6. "Common Shares" when used with reference to the Company shall mean the
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company. "Common
Shares" when used with reference to any Person other than the Company shall mean
the capital stock with the greatest voting power, or the equity securities or
other equity interest having power to control or direct the management, of such
other Person or, if such Person is a Subsidiary (as such term is hereinafter
defined) of another Person, the Person or Persons which ultimately control such
first-mentioned Person, and which has issued and outstanding such capital stock,
equity securities or equity interest.
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1.7. "Exempt Person" shall mean the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company,
in each case including, without limitation, its fiduciary capacity, or any
employee benefit plan of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or any
entity or trustee holding shares of stock of the Company for or pursuant to the
terms of any such plan, or for the purpose of funding other employee benefits
for employees of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
1.8. "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company, firm, corporation, unincorporated association, trust
or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of
such entity.
1.9. "Shares Acquisition Date" shall mean the first date of public
announcement (which, for purposes of this definition, shall include, without
limitation, the filing of a report pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
or pursuant to a comparable successor statute) by the Company or an Acquiring
Person that an Acquiring Person has become such or that discloses information
which reveals the existence of an Acquiring Person or such earlier date as a
majority of the Board of Directors shall become aware of the existence of an
Acquiring Person.
1.10. "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean any corporation or other entity
of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or
equity interests is owned, of record or beneficially, directly or indirectly, by
such Person.
1.11. A "Trigger Event" shall be deemed to have occurred upon any Person
becoming an Acquiring Person.
The following terms shall have the meanings defined for such terms in the
Sections set forth below:
Term Section
Adjustment Shares 11.1.2
common stock equivalent 11.1.3
Company Recitals
current per share market price 11.4
Current Value 11.1.3
Distribution Date 3.1
equivalent preferred stock 11.2
Exchange Act 1.1
Exchange Consideration 27
Expiration Date 7.1
Final Expiration Date 7.1
Nasdaq 9
Original Rights 1.3
Preferred Shares Recitals
Principal Party 13.2
Purchase Price 4
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Record Date Recitals
Redemption Date 7.1
Redemption Price 23.1
Right Recitals
Right Certificate 3.1
Rights Agent Recitals
Security 11.4
Spread 11.1.3
Substitution Period 11.1.3
Summary of Rights 3.2
Trading Day 11.4
Section 2. Appointment of Rights Agent. The Company hereby
appoints the Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company and the holders of the
Rights (who, in accordance with Section 3, shall prior to the Distribution Date
also be the holders of the Common Shares) in accordance with the terms and
conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The
Company may from time to time appoint such co-Rights Agents as it may deem
necessary or desirable. In the event the Company appoints one or more co-Rights
Agents, the respective duties of the Rights Agent and any co-Rights Agent shall
be as the Company shall determine. Contemporaneously with such appointment, if
any, the Company shall notify the Rights Agent thereof.
Section 3. Issuance of Right Certificates.
3.1. Rights Represented by Share Certificates. Until the earlier of (i) the
tenth day after the Shares Acquisition Date or (ii) the tenth Business Day after
the date of the commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent of
any Person (other than an Exempt Person) to commence, a tender or exchange offer
the consummation of which would result in any Person (other than an Exempt
Person) becoming the Beneficial Owner of Common Shares aggregating 15% or more
of the then outstanding Common Shares of the Company (the earlier of (i) and
(ii) being herein referred to as the "Distribution Date"), (x) the Rights
(unless earlier expired, redeemed or terminated) will be represented (subject to
the provisions of Section 3.2) by the certificates for Common Shares registered
in the names of the holders thereof (which certificates for Common Shares shall
also be deemed to be Right Certificates) and not by separate certificates, and
(y) the Rights (and the right to receive certificates therefor) will be
transferable only in connection with the transfer of the underlying Common
Shares. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, prior to the occurrence of a
Distribution Date specified as a result of an event described in clause (ii) (or
such later Distribution Date as the Board of Directors of the Company may select
pursuant to this sentence), the Board of Directors may postpone, one or more
times, the Distribution Date which would occur as a result of an event described
in clause (ii) beyond the date set forth in such clause (ii). Nothing herein
shall permit such a postponement of a Distribution Date after a Person becomes
an Acquiring Person, except as a result of the operation of the third sentence
of Section 1.1. As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the Company
will prepare and execute, the Rights Agent will countersign and the Company (or,
if requested, the Rights Agent) will send, by first-class, postage-prepaid mail,
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to each record holder of Common Shares as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date (other than any Acquiring Person or any Associate or Affiliate
of an Acquiring Person), at the address of such holder shown on the records of
the Company, one or more certificates for Rights, in substantially the form of
Exhibit B hereto (a "Right Certificate"), representing one Right (subject to
adjustment as provided herein) for each Common Share so held. As of the
Distribution Date, the Rights will be represented solely by such Right
Certificates.
3.2. Summary of Rights. On the Record Date or as soon as practicable
thereafter, the Company will send or cause to be sent a copy of a Summary of
Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares, in substantially the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C (the "Summary of Rights"), by first-class, postage-prepaid mail, to
each record holder of Common Shares as of the close of business on the Record
Date at the address of such holder shown on the records of the Company. With
respect to certificates for Common Shares outstanding as of the close of
business on the Record Date, until the Distribution Date (or the earlier
Expiration Date), the Rights will be represented by such certificates for Common
Shares registered in the names of the holders thereof together with a copy of
the Summary of Rights and the registered holders of the Common Shares shall also
be registered holders of the associated Rights. Until the Distribution Date (or
the earlier Expiration Date), the surrender for transfer of any certificate for
Common Shares outstanding at the close of business on the Record Date, with or
without a copy of the Summary of Rights, shall also constitute the transfer of
the Rights associated with the Common Shares represented thereby.
3.3. New Certificates After Record Date. Certificates for Common Shares
which become outstanding (whether upon issuance out of authorized but unissued
Common Shares or transfer or exchange of outstanding Common Shares) after the
Record Date but prior to the earliest of the Distribution Date or the Expiration
Date, shall have impressed, printed, stamped, written or otherwise affixed onto
them the following legend:
This certificate also represents and entitles the holder
hereof to certain rights as set forth in an Agreement between
First Washington Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Company") and
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company as Rights Agent,
dated as of October 10, 1998, as the same may be amended from
time to time (the "Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on
file at the principal executive offices of the Company. Under
certain circumstances, as set forth in the Agreement, such
Rights will be represented by separate certificates and will
no longer be represented by this certificate. The Company will
mail to the holder of this certificate a copy of the Agreement
without charge after receipt of a written request therefor. As
described in the Agreement, Rights which are owned by,
transferred to or have been owned by Acquiring Persons or
Associates or Affiliates thereof (as defined in the Agreement)
shall become null and void and will no longer be transferable.
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With respect to such certificates containing the foregoing legend, until the
Distribution Date (or the earlier Expiration Date), the Rights associated with
the Common Shares represented by such certificates shall be represented by such
certificates alone, and the surrender for transfer of any such certificates,
except as otherwise provided herein, shall also constitute the transfer of the
Rights associated with the Common Shares represented thereby. In the event that
the Company purchases or acquires any Common Shares after the Record Date but
prior to the Distribution Date, any Rights associated with such Common Shares
shall be deemed canceled and retired so that the Company shall not be entitled
to exercise any Rights associated with the Common Shares which are no longer
outstanding.
Notwithstanding this Section 3.3, the omission of a legend shall not affect
the enforceability of any part of this Agreement or the rights of any holder of
the Rights.
Section 4. Form of Right Certificates. The Right Certificates (and the
forms of election to purchase shares, certification and assignment to be printed
on the reverse thereof) shall be substantially the same as Exhibit B hereto and
may have such marks of identification or designation and such legends, summaries
or endorsements printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, or as may be required to
comply with any applicable law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant
thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange or trading system
on which the Rights may from time to time be listed or quoted, or to conform to
usage. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Right Certificates,
whenever issued, shall be dated as of the Record Date, and shall show the date
of countersignature by the Rights Agent, and on their face shall entitle the
holders thereof to purchase such number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share as shall be set forth therein at the price per one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share set forth therein (the "Purchase Price"), but the number of such
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share and the Purchase Price shall be subject
to adjustment as provided herein.
Section 5. Countersignature and Registration. The Right Certificates shall
be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer, President or any Vice President, either manually or by
facsimile signature, and shall have affixed thereto the Company's seal or a
facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the Secretary, or any Assistant
Secretary, of the Company, either manually or by facsimile signature. The Right
Certificates shall be countersigned, either manually or by facsimile signature,
by an authorized signatory of the Rights Agent, but it shall not be necessary
for the same signatory to countersign all of the Right Certificates hereunder.
No Right Certificate shall be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned. In
case any officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Right
Certificates shall cease to be such officer of the Company before
countersignature by the Rights Agent and issuance and delivery by the Company,
such Right Certificates, nevertheless, may be countersigned by the Rights Agent,
and issued and delivered by the Company with the same force and effect as though
the person who signed such Right Certificates had not ceased to be such officer
of the Company; and any Right Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company
by any person who, at the actual date of the execution of such Right
Certificate, shall be a proper officer of the Company to sign such Right
Certificate, although at the date of the execution of this Agreement any such
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person was not such an officer.
Following the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent will keep or cause to be
kept, at its principal office, books for registration and transfer of the Right
Certificates issued hereunder. Such books shall show the names and addresses of
the respective holders of the Right Certificates, the number of Rights
represented on its face by each of the Right Certificates, the certificate
number of each of the Right Certificates and the date of each of the Right
Certificates.
Section 6. Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right
Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.5, Section 11.1.2 and Section 14, at
any time after the close of business on the Distribution Date, and at or
prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date, any Right
Certificate or Right Certificates (other than Right Certificates
representing Rights that have become void pursuant to Section 11.1.2 or
that have been exchanged pursuant to Section 27) may be transferred, split
up or combined or exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right
Certificates, entitling the registered holder to purchase a like number of
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share as the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered then entitled such holder to purchase. Any
registered holder desiring to transfer, split up or combine or exchange any
Right Certificate shall make such request in writing delivered to the
Rights Agent, and shall surrender, together with any required form of
assignment and certificate duly completed, the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates to be transferred, split up or combined or exchanged at the
office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose. Neither the Rights
Agent nor the Company shall be obligated to take any action whatsoever with
respect to the transfer of any such surrendered Right Certificate or Right
Certificates until the registered holder shall have completed and signed
the certificate contained in the form of assignment on the reverse side of
such Right Certificate or Right Certificates and shall have provided such
additional evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former
Beneficial Owner) or Affiliates or Associates thereof as the Company shall
reasonably request. Thereupon the Rights Agent shall countersign and
deliver to the person entitled thereto a Right Certificate or Right
Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested. The Company may require
payment from the holders of Right Certificates of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
transfer, split up or combination or exchange of such Right Certificates.
Subject to the provisions of Section 11.1.2 , at any time after the
Distribution Date and prior to the Expiration Date, upon receipt by the
Company and the Rights Agent of evidence reasonably satisfactory to them of
the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Right Certificate, and, in
case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably
satisfactory to them, and, at the Company's request, reimbursement to the
Company and the Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses incidental thereto,
and upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of the Right
Certificate if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Right
Certificate of like tenor to the Rights Agent for countersignature and
delivery to the registered owner in lieu of the Right Certificate so lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated.
Section 7. Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of
Rights.
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7.1. Exercise of Rights. Subject to Section 11.1.2 and except as
otherwise provided herein, the registered holder of any Right Certificate
may exercise the Rights represented thereby in whole or in part at any time
after the Distribution Date upon surrender of the Right Certificate, with
the form of election to purchase and certification on the reverse side
thereof duly executed, to the Rights Agent at the office of the Rights
Agent designated for such purpose, together with payment of the aggregate
Purchase Price for the total number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share (or other securities, cash or other assets) as to which the Rights
are exercised, at or prior to the time (the "Expiration Date") that is the
earliest of (i) the close of business on October 26, 2008 (the "Final
Expiration Date"), (ii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed as
provided in Section 23 (the "Redemption Date"), (iii) the closing of any
merger or other acquisition transaction involving the Company pursuant to
an agreement of the type described in Sections 1.3(ii)(A)(z) and 13.3, at
which time the Rights are deemed terminated, or (iv) the time at which the
Rights are exchanged as provided in Section 27.
7.2. Purchase. The Purchase Price for each one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share pursuant to the exercise of a Right shall be initially
$82.00, shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in
Sections 11, 13 and 26 and shall be payable in lawful money of the United
States of America in accordance with Section 7.3.
7.3. Payment Procedures. Upon receipt of a Right Certificate
representing exercisable Rights, with the form of election to purchase and
certification duly executed, accompanied by payment of the aggregate
Purchase Price for the total number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share to be purchased and an amount equal to any applicable transfer tax
required to be paid by the holder of such Right Certificate in accordance
with Section 9, in cash or by certified or cashier's check or money order
payable to the order of the Company, the Rights Agent shall thereupon
promptly (i)(A) requisition from any transfer agent of the Preferred Shares
(or make available, if the Rights Agent is the transfer agent) certificates
for the number of Preferred Shares to be purchased and the Company hereby
irrevocably authorizes its transfer agent to comply with all such requests,
or (B) if the Company shall have elected to deposit the total number of
Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights hereunder with a
depository agent, requisition from the depositary agent depositary receipts
representing interests in such number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share as are to be purchased (in which case certificates for the Preferred
Shares represented by such receipts shall be deposited by the transfer
agent with the depositary agent) and the Company hereby directs the
depositary agent to comply with all such requests, (ii) when appropriate,
requisition from the Company the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of the
issuance of fractional shares in accordance with Section 14 or otherwise in
accordance with Section 11.1.3, (iii) promptly after receipt of such
certificates or depositary receipts, cause the same to be delivered to or
upon the order of the registered holder of such Right Certificate,
registered in such name or names as may be designated by such holder and
(iv) when appropriate, after receipt, promptly deliver such cash to or upon
the order of the registered holder of such Right Certificate. In the event
that the Company is obligated to issue other securities of the Company, pay
cash and/or distribute other property pursuant to Section 11.1.3, the
Company will make all arrangements necessary so that such other securities,
cash and/or other property are available for distribution by the Rights
Agent, if and when appropriate.
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7.4. Partial Exercise. In case the registered holder of any Right
Certificate shall exercise less than all the Rights represented thereby, a
new Right Certificate representing Rights equivalent to the Rights
remaining unexercised shall be issued by the Rights Agent and delivered to
the registered holder of such Right Certificate or to his duly authorized
assigns, subject to the provisions of Section 14.
7.5. Full Information Concerning Ownership. Notwithstanding anything
in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the Rights Agent nor the Company
shall be obligated to undertake any action with respect to a registered
holder of Rights upon the occurrence of any purported exercise as set forth
in this Section 7 unless the certificate contained in the form of election
to purchase set forth on the reverse side of the Right Certificate
surrendered for such exercise shall have been duly completed and signed by
the registered holder thereof and the Company shall have been provided with
such additional evidence of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former
Beneficial Owner) or Affiliates or Associates thereof as the Company shall
reasonably request.
Section 8. Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates. All
Right Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise, transfer, split
up, combination or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Company or to any
of its agents, be delivered to the Rights Agent for cancellation or in
canceled form, or, if surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall be canceled by
it, and no Right Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as
expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Agreement. The Company
shall deliver to the Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and the
Rights Agent shall so cancel and retire, any other Right Certificate
purchased or acquired by the Company otherwise than upon the exercise
thereof. The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled Right Certificates to
the Company, or shall, at the written request of the Company, destroy such
canceled Right Certificates, and in such case shall deliver a certificate
of destruction thereof to the Company.
Section 9. Reservation and Availability of Stock. The Company
covenants and agrees that from and after the Distribution Date it will
cause to be reserved and kept available out of its authorized and unissued
Preferred Shares (and, following the occurrence of a Trigger Event, out of
its authorized and unissued Common Shares or other securities) the number
of Preferred Shares (and, following the occurrence of a Trigger Event,
Common Shares and/or other securities) that will be sufficient to permit
the exercise in full of all outstanding Rights.
So long as the Preferred Shares (and, following the occurrence of a
Trigger Event, Common Shares and/or other securities) issuable upon the
exercise of Rights may be listed on any national securities exchange or
traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System
("Nasdaq") (including the National Market or Small Cap Market), the Company
shall use its best efforts to cause, from and after such time as the Rights
become exercisable, all shares reserved for such issuance to be listed or
admitted to trading on such exchange or quoted on Nasdaq upon official
notice of issuance upon such exercise.
The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all such action as
may be
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necessary to ensure that all Preferred Shares (and, following the
occurrence of a Trigger Event, Common Shares and/or other securities)
delivered upon exercise of Rights shall, at the time of delivery of the
certificates for such shares (subject to payment of the Purchase Price), be
duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable
shares.
From and after such time as the Rights become exercisable, the Company
shall use its best efforts, if then necessary to permit the issuance of
Preferred Shares upon the exercise of Rights, to register and qualify such
Preferred Shares under the Securities Act and any applicable state
securities or "Blue Sky" laws (to the extent exemptions therefrom are not
available), cause such registration statement and qualifications to become
effective as soon as possible after such filing and keep such registration
and qualifications effective until the earlier of the date as of which the
Rights are no longer exercisable for such securities and the Expiration
Date. The Company may temporarily suspend, for a period of time not to
exceed 90 days, the exercisability of the Rights in order to prepare and
file a registration statement under the Securities Act and permit it to
become effective. Upon any such suspension, the Company shall issue a
public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended, as well as a public announcement at such time as the
suspension is no longer in effect. Notwithstanding any provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, the Rights shall not be exercisable in any
jurisdiction unless the requisite qualification in such jurisdiction shall
have been obtained and until a registration statement under the Securities
Act (if required) shall have been declared effective.
The Company further covenants and agrees that it will pay when due and
payable any and all Federal and state transfer taxes and charges which may
be payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of the Right Certificates
or of any Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or other securities, as
the case may be) upon the exercise of Rights. The Company shall not,
however, be required to pay any transfer tax which may be payable in
respect of any transfer or delivery of Right Certificates to a person other
than, or the issuance or delivery of certificates for the Preferred Shares
(or Common Shares and/or other securities, as the case may be) in a name
other than that of, the registered holder of the Right Certificate
representing Rights surrendered for exercise or to issue or deliver any
certificates for Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or other
securities, as the case may be) in a name other than that of the registered
holder upon the exercise of any Rights until any such tax shall have been
paid (any such tax being payable by the holder of such Right Certificate at
the time of surrender) or until it has been established to the Company's
satisfaction that no such tax is due.
Section 10. Preferred Shares Record Date. Each person in whose name
any certificate for Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or other
securities, as the case may be) is issued upon the exercise of Rights shall
for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the
Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or other securities, as the case may
be) represented thereby on, and such certificate shall be dated, the date
upon which the Right Certificate representing such Rights was duly
surrendered and payment of the Purchase Price (and any applicable transfer
taxes) was made; provided, however, that if the date of such surrender and
payment is a date upon which the Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or
other securities, as the case may be) transfer books of the Company are
closed, such person shall be deemed to have become the record
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holder of such shares (fractional or otherwise) on, and such
certificate shall be dated, the next succeeding Business Day on which the
Preferred Shares (or Common Shares and/or other securities, as the case may
be) transfer books of the Company are open. Prior to the exercise of the
Rights represented thereby, the holder of a Right Certificate shall not be
entitled to any rights of a holder of Preferred Shares for which the Rights
shall be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to vote or
to receive dividends or other distributions, and shall not be entitled to
receive any notice of any proceedings of the Company, except as provided
herein.
Section 11. Section Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares or
Number of Rights. The Purchase Price, the number of Preferred Shares or other
securities or property purchasable upon exercise of each Right and the number of
Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in
this Section 11.
11.1. Post-Execution Events.
11.1.1. Corporate Dividends, Reclassifications, Etc. In the event the
Company shall at any time after the date of this Agreement (A) declare and pay a
dividend on the Preferred Shares payable in Preferred Shares, (B) subdivide the
outstanding Preferred Shares, (C) combine the outstanding Preferred Shares into
a smaller number of Preferred Shares or (D) issue any shares of its stock in a
reclassification of the Preferred Shares (including any such reclassification in
connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing
or surviving corporation), except as otherwise provided in this Section 11.1,
the Purchase Price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or
of the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification, and
the number and kind of shares of stock issuable on such date, shall be
proportionately adjusted so that the holder of any Right exercised after such
time shall be entitled to receive the aggregate number and kind of shares of
stock which, if such Right had been exercised immediately prior to such date and
at a time when the Preferred Shares transfer books of the Company were open, he
would have owned upon such exercise and been entitled to receive by virtue of
such dividend, subdivision, combination or reclassification; provided, however,
that in no event shall the consideration to be paid upon the exercise of one
Right be less than the aggregate par value of the shares of stock of the Company
issuable upon exercise of one Right. If an event occurs which would require an
adjustment under both Section 11.1.1 and Section 11.1.2, the adjustment provided
for in this Section 11.1.1 shall be in addition to, and shall be made prior to,
the adjustment required pursuant to, Section 11.1.2.
11.1.2. Acquiring Person Events; Triggering Events. Subject to Sections
23.1 and 27, in the event that a Trigger Event occurs, then, from and after the
first occurrence of such event, each holder of a Right, except as provided
below, shall thereafter have a right to receive, upon exercise thereof at a
price per Right equal to the then current Purchase Price multiplied by the
number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right is then
exercisable (without giving effect to this Section 11.1.2), in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement and in lieu of Preferred Shares, such number of
Common Shares as shall equal the result obtained by (x) multiplying the then
current Purchase Price by the then number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share for which a Right is then exercisable (without giving effect to this
Section 11.1.2) and (y) dividing that product by 50%
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of the current per share market price of the Common Shares (determined pursuant
to Section 11.4) on the first of the date of the occurrence of, or the date of
the first public announcement of, a Trigger Event (the "Adjustment Shares");
provided that the Purchase Price and the number of Adjustment Shares shall
thereafter be subject to further adjustment as appropriate in accordance with
Section 11.6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Trigger
Event, any Rights that are or were acquired or beneficially owned by (1) any
Acquiring Person or any Associate or Affiliate thereof, (2) a transferee of any
Acquiring Person (or of any such Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a
transferee after the Acquiring Person becomes such, or (3) a transferee of any
Acquiring Person (or of any such Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a
transferee prior to or concurrently with the Acquiring Person becoming such and
receives such Rights pursuant to either (A) a transfer (whether or not for
consideration) from the Acquiring Person to holders of equity interests in such
Acquiring Person or to any Person with whom the Acquiring Person has any
continuing agreement, arrangement or understanding regarding the transferred
Rights or (B) a transfer which the Board of Directors of the Company has
determined is part of a plan, arrangement or understanding which has as a
primary purpose or effect avoidance of this Section 11.1.2, and subsequent
transferees, shall become void without any further action, and any holder
(whether or not such holder is an Acquiring Person or an Associate or Affiliate
of an Acquiring Person) of such Rights shall thereafter have no right to
exercise such Rights under any provision of this Agreement or otherwise. The
Company shall not enter into any transaction of the type described in this
Section 11.1.2 if at the time of such transaction there are any rights,
warrants, instruments or securities outstanding or any arrangements which, as a
result of the consummation of such transaction, would eliminate or substantially
diminish the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights. From and after the
Trigger Event, no Right Certificate shall be issued pursuant to Section 3 or
Section 6 that represents Rights that are or have become void pursuant to the
provisions of this paragraph, and any Right Certificate delivered to the Rights
Agent that represents Rights that are or have become void pursuant to the
provisions of this paragraph shall be canceled.
The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to ensure that
the provisions of this Section 11.1.2 are complied with, but shall have no
liability to any holder of Right Certificates or other Person as a result of its
failure to make any determinations with respect to any Acquiring Person or its
Affiliates, Associates or transferees hereunder.
From and after the occurrence of an event specified in Section
13.1, any Rights that theretofore have not been exercised pursuant to this
Section 11.1.2 shall thereafter be exercisable only in accordance with Section
13 and not pursuant to this Section 11.1.2.
11.1.3. Insufficient Shares. The Company may at its option substitute for a
Common Share issuable upon the exercise of Rights in accordance with the
foregoing Section 11.1.2 a number of Preferred Shares or fraction thereof such
that the current per share market price of one Preferred Share multiplied by
such number or fraction is equal to the current per share market price of one
Common Share. In the event that upon the occurrence of one or more of the events
listed in Section 11.1.2 above there shall not be sufficient Common Shares
authorized but unissued to permit the exercise in full of the Rights in
accordance with the foregoing Section 11.1.2, the Company shall take all such
action as may be necessary to authorize additional Common Shares for issuance
upon
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exercise of the Rights, provided, however, that if the Company determines that
it is unable to cause the authorization of a sufficient number of additional
Common Shares, then, in the event the Rights become exercisable, the Company,
with respect to each Right and to the extent necessary and permitted by
applicable law and any agreements or instruments in effect on the date hereof to
which it is a party, shall: (A) determine the excess of (1) the value of the
Adjustment Shares issuable upon the exercise of a Right (the "Current Value"),
over (2) the Purchase Price (such excess, the "Spread") and (B) with respect to
each Right (other than Rights which have become void pursuant to Section
11.1.2), make adequate provision to substitute for the Adjustment Shares, upon
payment of the applicable Purchase Price, (1) cash, (2) a reduction in the
Purchase Price, (3) Preferred Shares or other equity securities of the Company
(including, without limitation, shares, or fractions of shares, of preferred
stock which, by virtue of having dividend, voting and liquidation rights
substantially comparable to those of the Common Shares, the Board of Directors
of the Company has deemed in good faith to have substantially the same value as
Common Shares) (each such share of preferred stock or fractions of shares of
preferred stock constituting a "common stock equivalent")), (4) debt securities
of the Company, (5) other assets or (6) any combination of the foregoing having
an aggregate value equal to the Current Value, where such aggregate value has
been determined by the Board of Directors of the Company based upon the advice
of a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected in good faith by the
Board of Directors of the Company; provided, however, that if the Company shall
not have made adequate provision to deliver value pursuant to clause (B) above
within thirty (30) days following the first occurrence of one of the events
listed in Section 11.1.2 above, then the Company shall be obligated to deliver,
to the extent necessary and permitted by applicable law and any agreements or
instruments in effect on the date hereof to which it is a party, upon the
surrender for exercise of a Right and without requiring payment of the Purchase
Price, Common Shares (to the extent available) and then, if necessary, such
number or fractions of Preferred Shares (to the extent available) and then, if
necessary, cash, which shares and/or cash have an aggregate value equal to the
Spread. If the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine in good faith
that it is unlikely that sufficient additional Common Shares could be authorized
for issuance upon exercise in full of the Rights, the thirty (30) day period set
forth above may be extended and re-extended to the extent necessary, but not
more than ninety (90) days following the first occurrence of one of the events
listed in Section 11.1.2 above, in order that the Company may seek stockholder
approval for the authorization of such additional shares (such period as may be
extended, the "Substitution Period"). To the extent that the Company determines
that some action need be taken pursuant to the second and/or third sentences of
this Section 11.1.3, the Company (x) shall provide that such action shall apply
uniformly to all outstanding Rights, and (y) may suspend the exercisability of
the Rights until the expiration of the Substitution Period in order to seek any
authorization of additional shares and/or to decide the appropriate form of
distribution to be made pursuant to such first sentence and to determine the
value thereof. In the event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue a
public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended as well as a public announcement at such time as the
suspension is no longer in effect. For purposes of this Section 11.1.3, the
value of a Common Share shall be the current per share market price (as
determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on the date of the occurrence of a Trigger
Event and the value of any "common stock equivalent" shall be deemed to have the
same value as the Common Shares on such date. The Board of Directors of the
Company may, but shall not be required to, establish procedures to allocate the
right to receive Common Shares
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upon the exercise of the Rights among holders of Rights pursuant to this
Section 11.1.3.
11.2. Dilutive Rights Offering. In case the Company shall fix a record date
for the issuance of rights, options or warrants to all holders of Preferred
Shares entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 calendar days after such
record date) to subscribe for or purchase Preferred Shares (or securities having
the same rights, privileges and preferences as the Preferred Shares ("equivalent
preferred stock")) or securities convertible into Preferred Shares or equivalent
preferred stock at a price per Preferred Share or per share of equivalent
preferred stock (or having a conversion or exercise price per share, if a
security convertible into or exercisable for Preferred Shares or equivalent
preferred stock) less than the current per share market price of the Preferred
Shares (as determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on such record date, the
Purchase Price to be in effect after such record date shall be determined by
multiplying the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such record date
by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Preferred Shares
and shares of equivalent preferred stock outstanding on such record date plus
the number of Preferred Shares and shares of equivalent preferred stock which
the aggregate offering price of the total number of Preferred Shares and/or
shares of equivalent preferred stock to be offered (and/or the aggregate initial
conversion price of the convertible securities so to be offered) would purchase
at such current per share market price and the denominator of which shall be the
number of Preferred Shares and shares of equivalent preferred stock outstanding
on such record date plus the number of additional Preferred Shares and/or shares
of equivalent preferred stock to be offered for subscription or purchase (or
into which the convertible securities so to be offered are initially
convertible); provided, however, that in no event shall the consideration to be
paid upon the exercise of one Right be less than the aggregate par value of the
shares of stock of the Company issuable upon exercise of one Right. In case such
subscription price may be paid in a consideration part or all of which shall be
in a form other than cash, the value of such consideration shall be as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose
determination shall be described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent and
shall be binding on the Rights Agent and the holders of the Rights. Preferred
Shares and shares of equivalent preferred stock owned by or held for the account
of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed outstanding
for the purpose of any such computation. Such adjustments shall be made
successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and in the event that such
rights or warrants are not so issued, the Purchase Price shall be adjusted to be
the Purchase Price which would then be in effect if such record date had not
been fixed.
11.3. Distributions. In case the Company shall fix a record date for the
making of a distribution to all holders of the Preferred Shares (including any
such distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the
Company is the continuing or surviving corporation) of evidences of
indebtedness, cash, securities or assets (other than a regular periodic cash
dividend at a rate not in excess of 125% of the rate of the last regular
periodic cash dividend theretofore paid or, in case regular periodic cash
dividends have not theretofore been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of the
average net income per share of the Company for the four quarters ended
immediately prior to the payment of such dividend, or a dividend payable in
Preferred Shares (which dividend, for purposes of this Agreement, shall be
subject to the provisions of Section 11.1.1(A))) or convertible securities, or
subscription rights or warrants (excluding those referred to in Section 11.2),
the Purchase Price to be in effect after such record date shall be determined by
multiplying the
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Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such record date by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the current per share market price of the
Preferred Shares (as determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on such record date,
less the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be described in a statement
filed with the Rights Agent) of the portion of the cash, assets, securities or
evidences of indebtedness so to be distributed or of such subscription rights or
warrants applicable to one Preferred Share and the denominator of which shall be
such current per share market price of the Preferred Shares (as determined
pursuant to Section 11.4); provided, however, that in no event shall the
consideration to be paid upon the exercise of one Right be less than the
aggregate par value of the shares of stock of the Company to be issued upon
exercise of one Right. Such adjustments shall be made successively whenever such
a record date is fixed; and in the event that such distribution is not so made,
the Purchase Price shall again be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which would
then be in effect if such record date had not been fixed.
11.4. Current Per Share Market Value.
11.4.1. General. For the purpose of any computation hereunder, the "current
per share market price" of any security (a "Security" for the purpose of this
Section 11.4.1) on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily
closing prices per share of such Security for the thirty (30) consecutive
Trading Days (as such term is hereinafter defined) immediately prior to such
date; provided, however, that in the event that the current per share market
price of the Security is determined during any period following the announcement
by the issuer of such Security of (i) a dividend or distribution on such
Security payable in shares of such Security or securities convertible into such
shares or (ii) any subdivision, combination or reclassification of such
Security, and prior to the expiration of thirty (30) Trading Days after the
ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution, or the record date for such
subdivision, combination or reclassification, then, and in each such case, the
"current per share market price" shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the
current market price per share equivalent of such Security. The closing price
for each day shall be the last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale
takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices,
regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to
trading on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Security is not listed or
admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported in the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on
the principal national securities exchange on which the Security is listed or
admitted to trading or, if the Security is not listed or admitted to trading on
any national securities exchange, the last quoted price or, if not so quoted,
the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market,
as reported by Nasdaq or such other system then in use, or, if on any such date
the Security is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing
bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market
in the Security selected by the Board of Directors of the Company. If on any
such date no such market maker is making a market in the Security, the fair
value of the Security on such date as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company shall be used. The term "Trading Day" shall mean a day
on which the principal national securities exchange on which the Security is
listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if the
Security is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange,
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a Business Day. If the Security is not publicly held or not so listed or traded,
or if on any such date the Security is not so quoted and no such market maker is
making a market in the Security, "current per share market price" shall mean the
fair value per share as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company or, if at the time of such determination there is an Acquiring
Person, by a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Board
of Directors, which shall have the duty to make such determination in a
reasonable and objective manner, whose determination shall be described in a
statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall be conclusive for all purposes.
11.4.2. Preferred Shares. Notwithstanding Section 11.4.1, for the purpose
of any computation hereunder, the "current per share market price" of the
Preferred Shares shall be determined in the same manner as set forth above in
Section 11.4.1 (other than the last sentence thereof). If the current per share
market price of the Preferred Shares cannot be determined in the manner
described in Section 11.4.1, the "current per share market price" of the
Preferred Shares shall be conclusively deemed to be an amount equal to 100 (as
such number may be appropriately adjusted for such events as stock splits, stock
dividends and recapitalizations with respect to the Common Shares occurring
after the date of this Agreement) multiplied by the current per share market
price of the Common Shares (as determined pursuant to Section 11.4.1). If
neither the Common Shares nor the Preferred Shares are publicly held or so
listed or traded, or if on any such date neither the Common Shares nor the
Preferred Shares are so quoted and no such market maker is making a market in
either the Common Shares or the Preferred Shares, "current per share market
price" of the Preferred Shares shall mean the fair value per share as determined
in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, or, if at the time of
such determination there is an Acquiring Person, by a nationally recognized
investment banking firm selected by the Board of Directors of the Company, which
shall have the duty to make such determination in a reasonable and objective
manner, which determination shall be described in a statement filed with the
Rights Agent and shall be conclusive for all purposes. For purposes of this
Agreement, the "current per share market price" of one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share shall be equal to the "current per share market price" of one
Preferred Share divided by 100.
11.5. Insignificant Changes. No adjustment in the Purchase Price shall be
required unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at
least 1% in the Purchase Price. Any adjustments which by reason of this Section
11.5 are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account
in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Section 11 shall be
made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one-hundred thousandth of a Preferred
Share or the nearest one-hundredth of a Common Share or other share or security,
as the case may be.
11.6. Shares Other Than Preferred Shares. If as a result of an adjustment
made pursuant to Section 11.1, the holder of any Right thereafter exercised
shall become entitled to receive any shares of stock of the Company other than
Preferred Shares, thereafter the number of such other shares so receivable upon
exercise of any Right shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in a
manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with
respect to the Preferred Shares contained in Sections 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5,
11.8, 11.9 and 11.13, and the provisions of Sections 7, 9, 10, 13 and 14 with
respect to the Preferred Shares shall apply on like terms to any such other
shares.
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<PAGE>
11.7. Rights Issued Prior to Adjustment. All Rights originally issued by
the Company subsequent to any adjustment made to the Purchase Price hereunder
shall include the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, the number
of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share purchasable from time to time
hereunder upon exercise of the Rights, all subject to further adjustment as
provided herein.
11.8. Effect of Adjustments. Unless the Company shall have exercised its
election as provided in Section 11.9, upon each adjustment of the Purchase Price
as a result of the calculations made in Sections 11.2 and 11.3, each Right
outstanding immediately prior to the making of such adjustment shall thereafter
include the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, that number of
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share (calculated to the nearest one-hundred
thousandth of a Preferred Share) obtained by (i) multiplying (x) the number of
one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share covered by a Right immediately prior to
this adjustment by (y) the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
adjustment of the Purchase Price and (ii) dividing the product so obtained by
the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment of the Purchase
Price.
11.9. Adjustment in Number of Rights. The Company may elect on or after the
date of any adjustment of the Purchase Price to adjust the number of Rights, in
substitution for any adjustment in the number of one one-hundredths of a
Preferred Share issuable upon the exercise of a Right. Each of the Rights
outstanding after such adjustment of the number of Rights shall be exercisable
for the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right was
exercisable immediately prior to such adjustment. Each Right held of record
prior to such adjustment of the number of Rights shall become that number of
Rights (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth) obtained by dividing the
Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to adjustment of the Purchase Price
by the Purchase Price in effect immediately after adjustment of the Purchase
Price. The Company shall make a public announcement of its election to adjust
the number of Rights, indicating the record date for the adjustment, and, if
known at the time, the amount of the adjustment to be made. This record date may
be the date on which the Purchase Price is adjusted or any day thereafter, but,
if the Right Certificates have been issued, shall be at least ten (10) days
later than the date of the public announcement. If Right Certificates have been
issued, upon each adjustment of the number of Rights pursuant to this Section
11.9, the Company may, as promptly as practicable, cause to be distributed to
holders of record of Right Certificates on such record date Right Certificates
representing, subject to Section 14, the additional Rights to which such holders
shall be entitled as a result of such adjustment, or, at the option of the
Company, shall cause to be distributed to such holders of record in substitution
and replacement for the Right Certificates held by such holders prior to the
date of adjustment, and upon surrender thereof, if required by the Company, new
Right Certificates representing all the Rights to which such holders shall be
entitled after such adjustment. Right Certificates so to be distributed shall be
issued, executed and countersigned in the manner provided for herein (and may
bear, at the option of the Company, the adjusted Purchase Price) and shall be
registered in the names of the holders of record of Right Certificates on the
record date specified in the public announcement.
11.10. Right Certificates Unchanged. Irrespective of any adjustment or
change in the Purchase Price or the number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred
Share issuable upon the exercise
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of the Rights, the Right Certificates theretofore and thereafter issued may
continue to express the Purchase Price per share and the number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which were expressed in the initial Right
Certificates issued hereunder.
11.11. Par Value Limitations. Before taking any action that would cause an
adjustment reducing the Purchase Price below one one-hundredth of the then par
value, if any, of the Preferred Shares or other shares of stock issuable upon
exercise of the Rights, the Company shall take any corporate action which may,
in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that the Company may
validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Preferred Shares or other
such shares at such adjusted Purchase Price.
11.12. Deferred Issuance. In any case in which this Section 11 shall
require that an adjustment in the Purchase Price be made effective as of a
record date for a specified event, the Company may elect to defer until the
occurrence of such event the issuance to the holder of any Right exercised after
such record date of that number of Preferred Shares and shares of other stock or
securities of the Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise over and above
the Preferred Shares and shares of other stock or other securities, assets or
cash of the Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise on the basis of the
Purchase Price in effect prior to such adjustment; provided, however, that the
Company shall deliver to such holder a due bill or other appropriate instrument
representing such holder's right to receive such additional shares upon the
occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.
11.13. Reduction in Purchase Price. Anything in this Section 11 to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall be entitled to make such reductions
in the Purchase Price, in addition to those adjustments expressly required by
this Section 11, as and to the extent that it in its sole discretion shall
determine to be advisable in order that any consolidation or subdivision of the
Preferred Shares, issuance wholly for cash of any of the Preferred Shares at
less than the current market price, issuance wholly for cash of Preferred Shares
or securities which by their terms are convertible into or exchangeable for
Preferred Shares, dividends on Preferred Shares payable in Preferred Shares or
issuance of rights, options or warrants referred to hereinabove in this Section
11, hereafter made by the Company to holders of its Preferred Shares shall not
be taxable to such stockholders.
11.14. Company Not to Diminish Benefits of Rights. The Company covenants
and agrees that after the earlier of the Shares Acquisition Date or Distribution
Date it will not, except as permitted by Section 23, Section 26 or Section 27,
take (or permit any Subsidiary to take) any action if at the time such action is
taken it is reasonably foreseeable that such action will substantially diminish
or otherwise eliminate the benefits intended to be afforded by the Rights.
11.15. Adjustment of Rights Associated with Common Shares. Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the
Company shall at any time after the date hereof and prior to the Distribution
Date (i) declare or pay any dividend on the outstanding Common Shares payable in
Common Shares, (ii) effect a subdivision or consolidation of the outstanding
Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by the payment of dividends
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<PAGE>
payable in Common Shares), or (iii) combine the outstanding Common Shares into a
greater or lesser number of Common Shares, then in any such case, the number of
Rights associated with each Common Share then outstanding, or issued or
delivered thereafter but prior to the Distribution Date or in accordance with
Section 22 shall be proportionately adjusted so that the number of Rights
thereafter associated with each Common Share following any such event shall
equal the result obtained by multiplying the number of Rights associated with
each Common Share immediately prior to such event by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be the total number of Common Shares outstanding immediately
prior to the occurrence of the event and the denominator of which shall be the
total number of Common Shares outstanding immediately following the occurrence
of such event. The adjustments provided for in this Section 11.15 shall be made
successively whenever such a dividend is declared or paid or such a subdivision,
combination or consolidation is effected.
Section 12. Section Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of
Shares. Whenever an adjustment is made as provided in Sections 11 or 13, the
Company shall (a) promptly prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment,
and a brief statement of the facts accounting for such adjustment, (b) promptly
file with the Rights Agent and with each transfer agent for the Common Shares or
the Preferred Shares a copy of such certificate and (c) mail a brief summary
thereof to each holder of a Right Certificate in accordance with Section 25. The
Rights Agent shall be fully protected in relying on any such certificate and on
any adjustment therein contained and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of
any such adjustment unless and until it shall have received such certificate.
Section 13. Section Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or
Earning Power.
13.1. Certain Transactions. In the event that, from and after the first
occurrence of a Trigger Event, directly or indirectly, (A) the Company shall
consolidate with, or merge with and into, any other Person and the Company shall
not be the continuing or surviving corporation, (B) any Person shall consolidate
with the Company, or merge with and into the Company and the Company shall be
the continuing or surviving corporation of such merger and, in connection with
such merger, all or part of the Common Shares shall be changed into or exchanged
for stock or other securities of the Company or any other Person or cash or any
other property, or (C) the Company shall sell, exchange, mortgage or otherwise
transfer (or one or more of its Subsidiaries shall sell, exchange, mortgage or
otherwise transfer), in one or more transactions, assets or earning power
aggregating 50% or more of the assets or earning power of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to any other Person or Persons (other than the
Company or one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company in one or more
transactions each of which complies with Section 11.14), then, and in each such
case, proper provision shall be made so that (i) each holder of a Right (other
than Rights which have become void pursuant to Section 11.1.2) shall thereafter
have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at a price per Right equal
to the then current Purchase Price multiplied by the number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share for which a Right was exercisable
immediately prior to the first occurrence of a Trigger Event (as subsequently
adjusted pursuant to Sections 11.1.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.8, 11.9 and 11.12), in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement and in lieu of Preferred Shares or
Common Shares, such number of validly authorized and issued, fully paid,
non-assessable and freely tradable Common Shares of the Principal Party (as such
term is hereinafter
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<PAGE>
defined) not subject to any liens, encumbrances, rights of first refusal or
other adverse claims, as shall be equal to the result obtained by (x)
multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number of one one-hundredths
of a Preferred Share for which a Right was exercisable immediately prior to the
first occurrence of a Trigger Event (as subsequently adjusted pursuant to
Sections 11.1.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.8, 11.9 and 11.12) and (y) dividing that product
by 50% of the then current per share market price of the Common Shares of such
Principal Party (determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on the date of
consummation of such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer; provided, that the
price per Right so payable and the number of Common Shares of such Principal
Party so receivable upon exercise of a Right shall thereafter be subject to
further adjustment as appropriate in accordance with Section 11.6 to reflect any
events covered thereby occurring in respect of the Common Shares of such
Principal Party after the occurrence of such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer; (ii) such Principal Party shall thereafter be liable for, and shall
assume, by virtue of such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, all the
obligations and duties of the Company pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) the term
"Company" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to such Principal Party; and (iv)
such Principal Party shall take such steps (including, but not limited to, the
authorization and reservation of a sufficient number of its Common Shares in
accordance with Section 9) in connection with such consummation as may be
necessary to assure that the provisions hereof shall thereafter be applicable,
as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to its Common Shares thereafter
deliverable upon the exercise of the Rights; provided that, upon the subsequent
occurrence of any consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of assets or other
extraordinary transaction in respect of such Principal Party, each holder of a
Right shall thereupon be entitled to receive, upon exercise of a Right and
payment of the Purchase Price as provided in this Section 13.1, such cash,
shares, rights, warrants and other property which such holder would have been
entitled to receive had such holder, at the time of such transaction, owned the
Common Shares of the Principal Party receivable upon the exercise of a Right
pursuant to this Section 13.1, and such Principal Party shall take such steps
(including, but not limited to, reservation of shares of stock) as may be
necessary to permit the subsequent exercise of the Rights in accordance with the
terms hereof for such cash, shares, rights, warrants and other property. The
Company shall not consummate any such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer
unless prior thereto the Company and such Principal Party shall have executed
and delivered to the Rights Agent a supplemental agreement confirming that the
requirements of this Section 13.1 and Section 13.2 shall promptly be performed
in accordance with their terms and that such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer of assets shall not result in a default by the Principal Party under
this Agreement as the same shall have been assumed by the Principal Party
pursuant to this Section 13.1 and Section 13.2 and providing that, as soon as
practicable after executing such agreement pursuant to this Section 13, the
Principal Party, at its own expense, shall
(1) prepare and file a registration statement under the
Securities Act, if necessary, with respect to the Rights and the securities
purchasable upon exercise of the Rights on an appropriate form, use its best
efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective as soon as
practicable after such filing and use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to remain effective (with a prospectus at all times
meeting the requirements of the Securities Act) until the Expiration Date and
similarly comply with applicable state securities laws;
(2) use its best efforts, if the Common Shares of the
Principal Party shall be listed
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<PAGE>
or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or on another national
securities exchange, to list or admit to trading (or continue the listing of)
the Rights and the securities purchasable upon exercise of the Rights on the New
York Stock Exchange or such securities exchange, or, if the Common Shares of the
Principal Party shall not be listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange or a national securities exchange, to cause the Rights and the
securities receivable upon exercise of the Rights to be authorized for quotation
on Nasdaq or on such other system then in use;
(3) deliver to holders of the Rights historical financial
statements for the Principal Party which comply in all respects with the
requirements for registration on Form 10 (or any successor form) under the
Exchange Act; and
(4) obtain waivers of any rights of first refusal or
preemptive rights in respect of the Common Shares of the Principal Party subject
to purchase upon exercise of outstanding Rights.
In case the Principal Party has provision in any of its authorized
securities or in its charter or by-laws or other instrument governing its
corporate affairs, which provision would have the effect of (i) causing such
Principal Party to issue (other than to holders of Rights pursuant to this
Section 13), in connection with, or as a consequence of, the consummation of a
transaction referred to in this Section 13, Common Shares or common stock
equivalents of such Principal Party at less than the then current market price
per share thereof (determined pursuant to Section 11.4) or securities
exercisable for, or convertible into, Common Shares or common stock equivalents
of such Principal Party at less than such then current market price (other than
to holders of Rights pursuant to this Section 13), or (ii) providing for any
special payment, taxes or similar provision in connection with the issuance of
the Common Shares of such Principal Party pursuant to the provision of Section
13, then, in such event, the Company hereby agrees with each holder of Rights
that it shall not consummate any such transaction unless prior thereto the
Company and such Principal Party shall have executed and delivered to the Rights
Agent a supplemental agreement providing that the provision in question of such
Principal Party shall have been canceled, waived or amended, or that the
authorized securities shall be redeemed, so that the applicable provision will
have no effect in connection with, or as a consequence of, the consummation of
the proposed transaction.
The Company covenants and agrees that it shall not, at any time after the
Trigger Event, enter into any transaction of the type described in clauses (A)
through (C) of this Section 13.1 if (i) at the time of or immediately after such
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or other transaction there are any rights,
warrants or other instruments or securities outstanding or agreements in effect
which would substantially diminish or otherwise eliminate the benefits intended
to be afforded by the Rights, (ii) prior to, simultaneously with or immediately
after such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or other transaction, the
stockholders of the Person who constitutes, or would constitute, the Principal
Party for purposes of Section 13.2 shall have received a distribution of Rights
previously owned by such Person or any of its Affiliates or Associates or (iii)
the form or nature of organization of the Principal Party would preclude or
limit the exercisability of the Rights. The provisions of this Section 13 shall
similarly apply to successive transactions of the type described in clauses (A)
through (C) of this Section 13.1.
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<PAGE>
13.2. Principal Party. "Principal Party" shall mean:
(i) in the case of any transaction described in (A) or (B) of the first
sentence of Section 13.1: (i) the Person that is the issuer of the securities
into which the Common Shares are converted in such merger or consolidation, or,
if there is more than one such issuer, the issuer the Common Shares of which
have the greatest aggregate market value of shares outstanding, or (ii) if no
securities are so issued, (x) the Person that is the other party to the merger,
if such Person survives said merger, or, if there is more than one such Person,
the Person the Common Shares of which have the greatest aggregate market value
of shares outstanding or (y) if the Person that is the other party to the merger
does not survive the merger, the Person that does survive the merger (including
the Company if it survives) or (z) the Person resulting from the consolidation;
and
(ii) in the case of any transaction described in (C) of the first sentence
in Section 13.1, the Person that is the party receiving the greatest portion of
the assets or earning power transferred pursuant to such transaction or
transactions, or, if each Person that is a party to such transaction or
transactions receives the same portion of the assets or earning power so
transferred or if the Person receiving the greatest portion of the assets or
earning power cannot be determined, whichever of such Persons is the issuer of
Common Shares having the greatest aggregate market value of shares outstanding;
provided, however, that in any such case described in the foregoing clause (A)
or (B) of this Section 13.2, if the Common Shares of such Person are not at such
time or have not been continuously over the preceding 12-month period registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, then (1) if such Person is a direct or
indirect Subsidiary of another Person the Common Shares of which are and have
been so registered, the term "Principal Party" shall refer to such other Person,
or (2) if such Person is a Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of more than one
Person, the Common Shares of all of which are and have been so registered, the
term "Principal Party" shall refer to whichever of such Persons is the issuer of
Common Shares having the greatest aggregate market value of shares outstanding,
or (3) if such Person is owned, directly or indirectly, by a joint venture
formed by two or more Persons that are not owned, directly or indirectly, by the
same Person, the rules set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above shall apply to
each of the owners having an interest in the venture as if the Person owned by
the joint venture was a Subsidiary of both or all of such joint venturers, and
the Principal Party in each such case shall bear the obligations set forth in
this Section 13 in the same ratio as its interest in such Person bears to the
total of such interests.
13.3. Approved Acquisitions. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to
the contrary, in the event of any merger or other acquisition transaction
involving the Company pursuant to a merger or other acquisition agreement
between the Company and any Person (or one or more of such Person's Affiliates
or Associates) which agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors of
the Company prior to any Person becoming an Acquiring Person, this Agreement and
the rights of holders of Rights hereunder shall be terminated in accordance with
Section 7.1.
Section 14. Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares.
14.1. Cash in Lieu of Fractional Rights. The Company shall not be required
to issue fractions of Rights or to distribute Right Certificates which represent
fractional Rights (except prior
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to the Distribution Date in accordance with Section 11.15). In lieu of such
fractional Rights, there shall be paid to the registered holders of the Right
Certificates with regard to which such fractional Rights would otherwise be
issuable an amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market
value of a whole Right. For the purposes of this Section 14.1, the current
market value of a whole Right shall be the closing price of the Rights for the
Trading Day immediately prior to the date on which such fractional Rights would
have been otherwise issuable. The closing price for any day shall be the last
sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Rights are not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange
on which the Rights are listed or admitted to trading or, if the Rights are not
listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last
quoted price or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked
prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by Nasdaq or such other
system then in use or, if on any such date the Rights are not quoted by any such
organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a
professional market maker making a market in the Rights selected by the Board of
Directors of the Company. If on any such date no such market maker is making a
market in the Rights, the current market value of the Rights on such date shall
be the fair value of the Rights as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company, or, if at the time of such determination there is an
Acquiring Person, by a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by
the Board of Directors of the Company, which shall have the duty to make such
determination in a reasonable and objective manner, which determination shall be
described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent and shall be conclusive for
all purposes.
14.2. Cash in Lieu of Fractional Preferred Shares. The Company shall not be
required to issue fractions of Preferred Shares (other than fractions which are
integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share) upon exercise or
exchange of the Rights or to distribute certificates which represent fractional
Preferred Shares (other than fractions which are integral multiples of one
one-hundredth of a Preferred Share). Interests in fractions of Preferred Shares
in integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share may, at the
election of the Company, be represented by depositary receipts, pursuant to an
appropriate agreement between the Company and a depositary selected by it;
provided, that such agreement shall provide that the holders of such depositary
receipts shall have all the rights, privileges and preferences to which they are
entitled as beneficial owners of the Preferred Shares represented by such
depositary receipts. In lieu of fractional Preferred Shares that are not
integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, the Company shall
pay to the registered holders of Right Certificates at the time such Rights are
exercised or exchanged as herein provided an amount in cash equal to the same
fraction of the current per share market price of one Preferred Share (as
determined in accordance with Section 14.1) for the Trading Day immediately
prior to the date of such exercise or exchange.
14.3. Cash in Lieu of Fractional Common Shares. The Company shall not be
required to issue fractions of Common Shares or to distribute certificates which
represent fractional Common Shares upon the exercise or exchange of Rights. In
lieu of such fractional Common Shares,
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the Company shall pay to the registered holders of the Right Certificates with
regard to which such fractional Common Shares would otherwise be issuable an
amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a whole
Common Share (as determined in accordance with Section 14.1) for the Trading Day
immediately prior to the date of such exercise or exchange.
14.4. Waiver of Right to Receive Fractional Rights or Shares. The holder of
a Right by the acceptance of the Rights expressly waives his right to receive
any fractional Rights or any fractional shares upon exercise or exchange of a
Right, except as permitted by this Section 14.
Section 15. Section Rights of Action. All rights of action in respect of
this Agreement, except the rights of action given to the Rights Agent under
Section 18, are vested in the respective registered holders of the Right
Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the registered holders of the
Common Shares); and any registered holder of any Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), without the consent of the Rights
Agent or of the holder of any other Right Certificate (or, prior to the
Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), may, in his own behalf and for his own
benefit, enforce this Agreement, and may institute and maintain any suit, action
or proceeding against the Company to enforce this Agreement, or otherwise
enforce or act in respect of his right to exercise the Rights represented by
such Right Certificate in the manner provided in such Right Certificate and in
this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to the
holders of Rights, it is specifically acknowledged that the holders of Rights
would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of this Agreement and
shall be entitled to specific performance of the obligations under, and
injunctive relief against actual or threatened violations of, the obligations of
any Person (including, without limitation, the Company) subject to this
Agreement.
Section 16. Section Agreement of Right Holders. Every holder of a Right by
accepting the same consents and agrees with the Company and the Rights Agent and
with every other holder of a Right that:
(a) prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be transferable only in
connection with the transfer of the Common Shares;
(b) as of and after the Distribution Date, the Right Certificates are
transferable only on the registry books of the Rights Agent if surrendered
at the office of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, duly
endorsed or accompanied by a proper instrument of transfer with all
required certifications completed; and
(c) the Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the Person in whose
name the Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution Date, the
associated Common Shares certificate) is registered as the absolute owner
thereof and of the Rights represented hereby (notwithstanding any notations
of ownership or writing on the Right Certificates or the associated Common
Shares certificate made by anyone other than the Company or the Rights
Agent) for all purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights
Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
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Section 17. Section Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder. No
holder, as such, of any Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote, receive
dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Preferred Shares or any
other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the
exercise of the Rights represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein
or in any Right Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Right
Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to
stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any
corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting
stockholders (except as provided in Section 24), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights represented by such
Right Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with the provisions
hereof.
Section 18. Section Concerning the Rights Agent. The Company agrees to pay
to the Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it
hereunder in accordance with a fee schedule to be mutually agreed upon and, from
time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable expenses and counsel
fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of
this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder. The
Company also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to hold it harmless
against, any loss, liability, or expense, incurred without negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights Agent, for anything done or
omitted by the Rights Agent in connection with the acceptance and administration
of this Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending against any
claim of liability arising therefrom, directly or indirectly.
The Rights Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its
administration of this Agreement in reliance upon any Right Certificate or
certificate for the Preferred Shares or the Common Shares or for other
securities of the Company, instrument of assignment or transfer, power of
attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter, notice, instruction, direction,
consent, certificate, statement, or other paper or document believed by it to be
genuine and to be signed, executed and, where necessary, verified or
acknowledged, by the proper Person or Persons.
Section 19. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent. Any
corporation, limited liability company or other entity into which the Rights
Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation, limited liability company or other entity
resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any
successor Rights Agent shall be a party, or any corporation, limited liability
company or other entity succeeding to the corporate trust or stock transfer
business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent, shall be the
successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without the execution or
filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto,
provided that such corporation, limited liability company or other entity would
be eligible for appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of
Section 21. In case at the time such successor Rights Agent shall succeed to the
agency created by this Agreement, any of the Right Certificates shall have been
countersigned but not delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may adopt the
countersignature of the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver such Right
Certificates so
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countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Right Certificates shall not
have been countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may countersign such Right
Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights Agent or in the name
of the successor Rights Agent; and in all such cases such Right Certificates
shall have the full force provided in the Right Certificates and in this
Agreement.
In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall be changed and at
such time any of the Right Certificates shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, the Rights Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior name
and deliver Right Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that time any of
the Right Certificates shall not have been countersigned, the Rights Agent may
countersign such Right Certificates either in its prior name or in its changed
name; and in all such cases such Right Certificates shall have the full force
provided in the Right Certificates and in this Agreement.
Section 20. Duties of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes the duties
and obligations imposed by this Agreement upon the following terms and
conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Right Certificates,
by their acceptance thereof, shall be bound:
20.1. Legal Counsel. The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel
selected by it (who may be legal counsel for the Company), and the opinion of
such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the
Rights Agent as to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in
accordance with such opinion.
20.2. Certificates as to Facts or Matters. Whenever in the performance of
its duties under this Agreement the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or
desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established by the Company prior
to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other
represent in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to
be conclusively proved and established by a certificate signed by any one of the
Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President,
the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or
any Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to
the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall be full authorization to the Rights
Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the provisions
of this Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.
20.3. Standard of Care. The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for
its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
20.4. Reliance on Agreement and Right Certificates. The Rights Agent shall
not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals
contained in this Agreement or in the Right Certificates (except as to its
countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same, but all such
statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company
only.
20.5. No Responsibility as to Certain Matters. The Rights Agent shall not
be under any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Agreement or the
execution and delivery hereof (except the due execution hereof by the Rights
Agent) or in respect of the validity or execution of any Right Certificate
(except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible for any
breach by
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the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any
Right Certificate; nor shall it be responsible for any change in the
exercisability of the Rights (including the Rights becoming void pursuant to
Section 11.1.2) or any adjustment required under the provisions of Sections 3,
11, 13, 23 or 27 or responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such
adjustment or the ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any
such adjustment (except with respect to the exercise of Rights represented by
Right Certificates after actual notice of any such change or adjustment); nor
shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty
as to the authorization or reservation of any Preferred Shares or other
securities to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or any Right Certificate or
as to whether any Preferred Shares will, when so issued, be validly authorized
and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
20.6. Further Assurance by Company. The Company agrees that it will
perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed,
acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and
assurances as may reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying
out or performing by the Rights Agent of the provisions of this Agreement.
20.7. Authorized Company Officers. The Rights Agent is hereby authorized
and directed to accept instructions with respect to the performance of its
duties hereunder from any one of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the
Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice
President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Treasurer or Assistant
Secretary of the Company, and to apply to such officers for advice or
instructions in connection with its duties under this Agreement, and it shall
not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good faith
in accordance with instructions of any such officer or for any delay in acting
while waiting for these instructions. Any application by the Rights Agent for
written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Rights Agent,
set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Rights
Agent with respect to its duties or obligations under this Agreement and the
date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be
effective. The Rights Agent shall not be liable to the Company for any action
taken by, or omission of, the Rights Agent in accordance with a proposal
included in any such application on or after the date specified therein (which
date shall not be less than three business days after the date any such officer
actually receives such application, unless any such officer shall have consented
in writing to an earlier date) unless, prior to taking of any such action (or
the effective date in the case of omission), the Rights Agent shall have
received written instructions in response to such application specifying the
action to be taken or omitted.
20.8. Freedom to Trade in Company Securities. The Rights Agent and any
stockholder, director, officer or employee of the Rights Agent may buy, sell or
deal in any of the Rights or other securities of the Company or become
pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the Company may be
interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or otherwise act as
fully and freely as though it were not Rights Agent under this Agreement.
Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from acting in any other capacity
for the Company or for any other legal entity.
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20.9. Reliance on Attorneys and Agents. The Rights Agent may execute and
exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty
hereunder either itself or by or through its attorneys or agents, and the Rights
Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, omission, default,
neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or agents or for any loss to the
Company resulting from any such act, omission, default, neglect or misconduct,
provided that reasonable care was exercised in the selection and continued
employment thereof.
20.10. Incomplete Certificate. If, with respect to any Rights Certificate
surrendered to the Rights Agent for exercise or transfer, the certificate
contained in the form of assignment or the form of election to purchase set
forth on the reverse thereof, as the case may be, has not been completed to
certify the holder is not an Acquiring Person (or an Affiliate or Associate
thereof), the Rights Agent shall not take any further action with respect to
such requested exercise or transfer without first consulting with the Company.
20.11. Rights Holders List. At any time and from time to time after the
Distribution Date, upon the request of the Company, the Rights Agent shall
promptly deliver to the Company a list, as of the most recent practicable date
(or as of such earlier date as may be specified by the Company), of the holders
of record of Rights.
Section 21. Change of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any successor
Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement
upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing mailed to the Company and to each
transfer agent of the Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares, as applicable, by
registered or certified mail. Following the Distribution Date, the Company shall
promptly notify the holders of the Right Certificates by first-class mail of any
such resignation. The Company may remove the Rights Agent or any successor
Rights Agent upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing, mailed to the Rights
Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, and to each transfer agent
of the Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares, as applicable, by registered or
certified mail, and to the holders of the Right Certificates by first-class
mail. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become
incapable of acting, the resigning, removed, or incapacitated Rights Agent shall
remit to the Company, or to any successor Rights Agent designated by the
Company, all books, records, funds, certificates or other documents or
instruments of any kind then in its possession which were acquired by such
resigning, removed or incapacitated Rights Agent in connection with its services
as Rights Agent hereunder, and shall thereafter be discharged from all duties
and obligations hereunder. Following notice of such removal, resignation or
incapacity, the Company shall appoint a successor to such Rights Agent. If the
Company shall fail to make such appointment within a period of thirty (30) days
after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of
such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or
by the holder of a Right Certificate (who shall, with such notice, submit his
Right Certificate for inspection by the Company), then the registered holder of
any Right Certificate may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed
by the Company or by such a court, shall be a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States or of the State of New York or the
State of Maryland (or any other state of the United States so long as such
corporation is authorized to do business as a banking institution in the State
of New York or Maryland) in good standing,
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having an office in the State of New York or the State of Maryland, which is
authorized under such laws to exercise stock transfer or corporate trust powers
and is subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authority and
which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and
surplus of at least $10 million. After appointment, the successor Rights Agent
shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if
it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further act or deed; but
the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Rights
Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any
further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later
than the effective date of any such appointment the Company shall file notice
thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent and each transfer agent of
the Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares, as applicable, and, following the
Distribution Date, mail a notice thereof in writing to the registered holders of
the Right Certificates. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section
21, however, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of
the resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of the
successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.
Section 22. Issuance of New Right Certificates. Notwithstanding
any of the provisions of this Agreement or of the Rights to the contrary, the
Company may, at its option, issue new Right Certificates representing Rights in
such form as may be approved by its Board of Directors to reflect any adjustment
or change in the Purchase Price and the number or kind or class of shares or
other securities or property purchasable under the Right Certificates made in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. In addition, in connection
with the issuance or sale of Common Shares following the Distribution Date and
prior to the Expiration Date, the Company shall, with respect to Common Shares
so issued or sold pursuant to the exercise of stock options or under any
employee plan or arrangement, granted or awarded, or upon exercise, conversion
or exchange of securities hereinafter issued by the Company, in each case
existing prior to the Distribution Date, issue Right Certificates representing
the appropriate number of Rights in connection with such issuance or sale;
provided, however, that (i) no such Right Certificate shall be issued if, and to
the extent that, the Company shall be advised by counsel that such issuance
would create a significant risk of material adverse tax consequences to the
Company or the Person to whom such Right Certificate would be issued, and (ii)
no such Right Certificate shall be issued if, and to the extent that,
appropriate adjustment shall otherwise have been made in lieu of the issuance
thereof.
Section 23. Section Redemption.
Section 23.1. Section Right to Redeem. The Company may, at its option, at
any time prior to a Trigger Event, redeem all but not less than all of the then
outstanding Rights at a redemption price of $.01 per Right, appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar
transaction occurring after the date hereof (such redemption price being
hereinafter referred to as the "Redemption Price"), and the Company may, at its
option, pay the Redemption Price in Common Shares (based on the "current per
share market price," determined pursuant to Section 11.4, of the Common Shares
at the time of redemption), cash or any other form of consideration deemed
appropriate by the Board of Directors. The redemption of the Rights by the
Company may be made effective at such time, on such basis and subject to such
conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish.
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Section 23.2. Section Redemption Procedures. Immediately upon the action of
the Board of Directors of the Company ordering the redemption of the Rights (or
at such later time as the Board of Directors may establish for the effectiveness
of such redemption), and without any further action and without any notice, the
right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right thereafter of the
holders of Rights shall be to receive the Redemption Price for each Right so
held. The Company shall promptly give public notice of such redemption;
provided, however, that the failure to give, or any defect in, any such notice
shall not affect the validity of such redemption. The Company shall promptly
give, or cause the Rights Agent to give, notice of such redemption to the
holders of the then outstanding Rights by mailing such notice to all such
holders at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry books of the
Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of the
transfer agent for the Common Shares. Any notice which is mailed in the manner
herein provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the
notice. Each such notice of redemption shall state the method by which the
payment of the Redemption Price will be made. Neither the Company nor any of its
Affiliates or Associates may redeem, acquire or purchase for value any Rights at
any time in any manner other than that specifically set forth in this Section 23
or in Section 27, and other than in connection with the purchase, acquisition or
redemption of Common Shares prior to the Distribution Date.
Section 24. Notice of Certain Events. In case the Company shall
propose at any time after the earlier of the Shares Acquisition Date and the
Distribution Date (a) to pay any dividend payable in stock of any class to the
holders of Preferred Shares or to make any other distribution to the holders of
Preferred Shares (other than a regular periodic cash dividend at a rate not in
excess of 125% of the rate of the last regular periodic cash dividend
theretofore paid or, in case regular periodic cash dividends have not
theretofore been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of the average net income
per share of the Company for the four quarters ended immediately prior to the
payment of such dividends, or a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination
or reclassification of the Common Shares), or (b) to offer to the holders of
Preferred Shares rights or warrants to subscribe for or to purchase any
additional Preferred Shares or shares of stock of any class or any other
securities, rights or options, or (c) to effect any reclassification of its
Preferred Shares (other than a reclassification involving only the subdivision
of outstanding Preferred Shares), or (d) to effect any consolidation or merger
into or with, or to effect any sale or other transfer (or to permit one or more
of its Subsidiaries to effect any sale or other transfer), in one or more
transactions, of 50% or more of the assets or earning power of the Company and
its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to, any other Person (other than pursuant to
a merger or other acquisition agreement of the type described in Section
1.3(ii)(A)(z)), or (e) to effect the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, or (f) to declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable
in Common Shares or to effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the
Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of dividends in
Common Shares), then, in each such case, the Company shall give to the Rights
Agent and to each holder of a Right Certificate, in accordance with Section 25,
a notice of such proposed action, which shall specify the record date for the
purposes of such stock dividend, distribution of rights or warrants, or the date
on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer,
liquidation, dissolution, or winding up is to take place and the date of
participation therein by the holders of the Preferred Shares and/or Common
Shares, if any such date is to be fixed, and such notice shall be so given in
the case of any action covered by clause (a) or (b) above at least
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ten (10) days prior to the record date for determining holders of the Preferred
Shares for purposes of such action, and in the case of any such other action, at
least ten (10) days prior to the date of the taking of such proposed action or
the date of participation therein by the holders of the Preferred Shares and/or
Common Shares, whichever shall be the earlier.
In case any event set forth in Section 11.1.2 or Section 13 shall occur,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company shall as soon as practicable thereafter
give to the Rights Agent and to each holder of a Right Certificate, in
accordance with Section 25, a notice of the occurrence of such event, which
notice shall describe the event and the consequences of the event to holders of
Rights under Section 11.1.2 and Section 13, and (ii) all references in this
Section 24 to Preferred Shares shall be deemed thereafter to refer to Common
Shares and/or, if appropriate, other securities.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, prior to the
Distribution Date a filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall constitute sufficient notice to the holders of securities of
the Company, including the Rights, for purposes of this Agreement and no other
notice need be given.
Section 25. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be
given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Right Certificate to
or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with
the Rights Agent) as follows:
First Washington Realty Trust, Inc.
4350 East-West Highway
Suite 400
Bethesda, MD 20814
Attention: Secretary
Subject to the provisions of Section 21 and Section 24, any notice or demand
authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder
of any Right Certificate to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given
or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another
address is filed in writing with the Company) as follows:
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
40 Wall Street
46th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Corporate Trust
Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the
Company or the Rights Agent to the holder of any Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, to the holder of any certificate representing Common
Shares) shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the
registry books of the Company.
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Section 26. Supplements and Amendments. For so long as the Rights
are then redeemable, the Company may in its sole and absolute discretion, and
the Rights Agent shall, if the Company so directs, supplement or amend any
provision of this Agreement in any respect without the approval of any holders
of Rights or Common Shares. From and after the time that the Rights are no
longer redeemable, the Company may, and the Rights Agent shall, if the Company
so directs, from time to time supplement or amend this Agreement without the
approval of any holders of Rights (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or
supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent
with any other provisions herein, or (ii) to make any other changes or
provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder which the Company
may deem necessary or desirable, including but not limited to extending the
Final Expiration Date; provided, however, that no such supplement or amendment
shall adversely affect the interests of the holders of Rights as such (other
than an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person),
and no such supplement or amendment may cause the Rights again to become
redeemable or cause this Agreement again to become amendable other than in
accordance with this sentence; provided further, that the right of the Board of
Directors to extend the Distribution Date shall not require any amendment or
supplement hereunder. Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate
officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is
in compliance with the terms of this Section 26, the Rights Agent shall execute
such supplement or amendment. Without limiting the foregoing, at any time prior
to such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, the Company and the
Rights Agent may amend this Agreement to lower the thresholds set forth in
Sections 1.1 and 3.1 to not less than the greater of (i) any percentage greater
than the largest percentage of the outstanding Common Shares then known by the
Company to be beneficially owned by any Person (other than an Exempt Person) and
(ii) 10%.
Section 27. Exchange.
27.1. Exchange of Common Shares for Rights. The Company may, at its option,
at any time after the occurrence of a Trigger Event, exchange Common Shares for
all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable Rights (which shall not
include Rights that have become void pursuant to the provisions of Section
11.1.2) by exchanging at an exchange ratio of that number of Common Shares
having an aggregate value equal to the Spread (with such value being based on
the current per share market price (as determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on
the date of the occurrence of a Trigger Event) per Right, appropriately adjusted
to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurring
after the date hereof (such amount per Right being hereinafter referred to as
the "Exchange Consideration"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall
not be empowered to effect such exchange at any time after any Acquiring Person
shall have become the Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the Common Shares then
outstanding. From and after the occurrence of an event specified in Section
13.1, any Rights that theretofore have not been exchanged pursuant to this
Section 27.1 shall thereafter be exercisable only in accordance with Section 13
and may not be exchanged pursuant to this Section 27.1. The exchange of the
Rights by the Company may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with
such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish.
27.2. Exchange Procedures. Immediately upon the action of the Board of
Directors
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of the Company ordering the exchange for any Rights pursuant to Section 27.1 and
without any further action and without any notice, the right to exercise such
Rights shall terminate and the only right thereafter of a holder of such Rights
shall be to receive the Exchange Consideration. The Company shall promptly give
public notice of any such exchange; provided, however, that the failure to give,
or any defect in, such notice shall not affect the validity of such exchange.
The Company promptly shall mail a notice of any such exchange to all of the
holders of such Rights at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry
books of the Rights Agent. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein
provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the notice.
Each such notice of exchange shall state the method by which the exchange of the
Common Shares for Rights will be effected and, in the event of any partial
exchange, the number of Rights which will be exchanged. Any partial exchange
shall be effected pro rata based on the number of Rights (other than the Rights
that have become void pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.1.2) held by each
holder of Rights.
27.3. Insufficient Shares. The Company may at its option substitute, and,
in the event that there shall not be sufficient Common Shares issued but not
outstanding or authorized but unissued to permit an exchange of Rights for
Common Shares as contemplated in accordance with this Section 27, the Company
shall substitute to the extent of such insufficiency, for each Common Share that
would otherwise be issuable upon exchange of a Right, a number of Preferred
Shares or fraction thereof (or equivalent preferred stock, as such term is
defined in Section 11.2) such that the current per share market price
(determined pursuant to Section 11.4) of one Preferred Share (or equivalent
preferred share) multiplied by such number or fraction is equal to the current
per share market price of one Common Share (determined pursuant to Section 11.4)
as of the date of such exchange.
Section 28. Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement
by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to
the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.
Section 29. Benefits of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed to give to any Person or corporation other than the Company, the
Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Right Certificates (and, prior to
the Distribution Date, the Common Shares) any legal or equitable right, remedy
or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of
the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the Common Shares).
Section 30. Determination and Actions by the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors of the Company shall have the exclusive power and authority to
administer this Agreement and to exercise the rights and powers specifically
granted to the Board of Directors of the Company or to the Company, or as may be
necessary or advisable in the administration of this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the right and power to (i) interpret the provisions of this
Agreement and (ii) make all determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the
administration of this Agreement (including, without limitation, a determination
to redeem or not redeem the Rights or amend this Agreement). All such actions,
calculations, interpretations and determinations (including, for
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purposes of clause (y) below, all omissions with respect to the foregoing) that
are done or made by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith shall
(x) be final, conclusive and binding on the Company, the Rights Agent, the
holders of the Rights, as such, and all other parties, and (y) not subject the
Board of Directors to any liability to the holders of the Rights.
Section 31. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or
restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or
other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the
terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
Section 32. Governing Law. This Agreement and each Right
Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the
laws of the State of Maryland and for all purposes shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of such State applicable to contracts to
be made and performed entirely within such State; provided, however, that the
rights, duties and obligations of the Rights Agent shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 33. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be
deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute
but one and the same instrument.
Section 34. Descriptive Heading. Descriptive headings of the several
Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not
control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.
Section 35. REIT Status. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, no Right shall be exercisable if the exercise or
exercisability of such Right would result in the Company ceasing to be treated
as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed, as of the day and year first above written.
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
By: /s/ William J. Wolfe
William J. Wolfe
President
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Joseph F. Wolfe
Joseph F. Wolfe
Vice President
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EXHIBIT A
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY
CLASS B JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
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First Washington Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the
"Corporation"), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland, pursuant to Sections 2-105(a)(9) and 2-208(a) of the
Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") that:
FIRST: Under a power contained in Section 4.12 of the charter of the
Corporation (the "Charter"), the Board of Directors, as required by Section
2-208(a) of the MGCL by a resolution duly adopted, at a meeting duly called
and held on October 10, 1998, has classified and designated 1,000,000
unissued shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, $.01 par value per
share, as shares of Class B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, with the
preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and
terms and conditions of redemption as follows, which upon any restatement
of the Charter shall be made part of Article 4 of the Charter, with any
necessary or appropriate changes to the enumeration or lettering of the
provisions hereof:
CLASS B JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK
Section 1. Designation and Amount. The shares of such series shall be
designated as "Class B Junior Participating Preferred Stock" (the "Class B
Preferred Stock") and the number of shares constituting the Class B
Preferred Stock shall be one million (1,000,000). Such number of shares may
be increased or decreased by resolution of the Board of Directors;
provided, that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares of Class B
Preferred Stock to a number less than the number of shares then outstanding
plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
outstanding options, rights or warrants or upon the conversion of any
outstanding securities issued by the Corporation convertible into Class B
Preferred Stock.
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Section 2. Dividends and Distributions.
(A) Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of
any shares of any class or series of stock of this Corporation ranking
prior and superior to the Class B Preferred Stock with respect to
dividends, the holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock, in
preference to the holders of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(the "Common Stock"), of the Corporation, and of any other stock
ranking junior to the Class B Preferred Stock, shall be entitled to
receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available for the purpose, quarterly dividends payable in
cash on the fifteenth day of February, May, August and November of each
year (each such date being referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date"), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date
after the first issuance of a share or fraction of a share of Class B
Preferred Stock, in an amount per share (rounded to the nearest cent)
equal to the greater of (a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision for
adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the aggregate per share
amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate per share
amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other
distributions, other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock
or a subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Stock since the
immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect
to the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance
of any share or fraction of a share of Class B Preferred Stock. In the
event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on
the Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a
subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a
dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of
shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the amount to which
holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall be
adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
after such event and the denominator of which is the number of shares
of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
(B) The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution
on the Class B Preferred Stock as provided in paragraph (A) of this
Section 2 immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on
the Common Stock (other than a dividend payable in shares of Common
Stock); provided that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall
have been declared on the Common Stock during the period between any
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date and the next subsequent Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the Class B
Preferred Stock shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.
(C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock from the Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares,
unless the date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for
the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which case dividends on
such shares shall begin
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to accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of
issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the
record date for the determination of holders of shares of Class B
Preferred Stock entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before
such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such
dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear
interest. Dividends paid on the shares of Class B Preferred Stock in an
amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued
and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a
share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The
Board of Directors may fix a record date for the determination of
holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock entitled to receive
payment of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record
date shall be not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the
payment thereof.
(D) In determining whether a dividend or distribution (other
than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation), by dividend,
redemption or other acquisition of shares or otherwise, is permitted
under the MGCL, as herein defined, amounts that would be needed, if the
Corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend or
distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of
holders of the Class B Preferred Stock shall not be added to the
Corporation's total liabilities.
Section 3. Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock
shall have the following voting rights:
(A) Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set
forth, each share of Class B Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder
thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the
stockholders of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation shall at
any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares
of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common
Stock, then in each such case the number of votes per share to which
holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock were entitled immediately
prior to such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such number by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
(B) Except as otherwise provided herein, or in any other
Articles Supplementary creating a series of Preferred Stock or any
similar stock, the holders of shares of Class B Preferred Stock and the
holders of shares of Common Stock and any other shares of stock of the
Corporation having general voting rights shall vote together as one
class on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the
Corporation.
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(C) Except as set forth herein, or as otherwise provided by
law, holders of Class B Preferred Stock shall have no special voting
rights and their consent shall not be required (except to the extent
they are entitled to vote with holders of Common Stock as set forth
herein) for taking any corporate action.
Section 4. Certain Restrictions.
(A) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions payable on
the Class B Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2 are in arrears,
thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions,
whether or not declared, on shares of Class B Preferred Stock outstanding
shall have been paid in full, the Corporation shall not:
(i) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares of
stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up) to the Class B Preferred Stock;
(ii) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares of
stock ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up) with the Class B Preferred Stock, except
dividends paid ratably on the Class B Preferred Stock and all such parity
stock on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to the
total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are then entitled;
(iii)redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of any
stock ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up) to the Class B Preferred Stock, provided that
the Corporation may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire
shares of any such junior stock in exchange for shares of any stock of the
Corporation ranking junior (both as to dividends and upon dissolution,
liquidation or winding up) to the Class B Preferred Stock; or
(iv) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of
Class B Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock ranking on a parity with
the Class B Preferred Stock, except in accordance with a purchase offer
made in writing or by publication (as determined by the Board of Directors)
to all holders of such shares upon such terms as the Board of Directors,
after consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and other
relative rights and preferences of the respective series and classes, shall
determine in good faith will result in fair and equitable treatment among
the respective series or classes. (B) The Corporation shall not permit any
subsidiary of the Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of stock of the Corporation unless the Corporation
could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise acquire
such shares at such time and in such manner.
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Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Class B Preferred Stock
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever
shall become authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be
reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock subject to the conditions
and restrictions on issuance set forth herein, in the charter, or in any other
Articles Supplementary creating a series of Preferred Stock or any similar stock
or as otherwise required by law.
Section 6. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. (A) Upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, voluntary or
otherwise no distribution shall be made (1) to the holders of shares of stock
ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up) to the Class B Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of
shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall have received an amount per share (the
"Class B Liquidation Preference") equal to $100 per share, plus an amount equal
to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not
declared, to the date of such payment, provided that the holders of shares of
Class B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an aggregate amount per
share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to
100 times the aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of shares
of Common Stock, or (2) to the holders of shares of stock ranking on a parity
(either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the
Class B Preferred Stock, except distributions made ratably on the Class B
Preferred Stock and all such parity stock in proportion to the total amounts to
which the holders of all such shares are entitled upon such liquidation,
dissolution or winding up. In the event the Corporation shall at any time
declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock payable in shares of Common
Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a
dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of
Common Stock, then in each such case the aggregate amount to which holders of
shares of Class B Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior to such event
under the proviso in clause (1) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by
multiplying such amount by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the
denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that are
outstanding immediately prior to such event.
(B) In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets available to
permit payment in full of the Class B Liquidation Preference and the
liquidation preferences of all other classes and series of stock of the
Corporation, if any, that rank on a parity with the Class B Preferred Stock
in respect thereof, then the assets available for such distribution shall
be distributed ratably to the holders of the Class B Preferred Stock and
the holders of such parity shares in proportion to their respective
liquidation preferences.
(C) Neither the merger or consolidation of the Corporation
into or with another corporation nor the merger or consolidation of any
other corporation into or with the Corporation shall be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation within the
meaning of this Section 6.
Section 7. Consolidation, Merger, etc. In case the Corporation shall enter
into
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any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the shares
of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other stock or securities,
cash and/or any other property, then in any such case each share of Class B
Preferred Stock shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed into an
amount per share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth,
equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any
other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for which
each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged. In the event the Corporation
shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by
payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number
of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the amount set forth in the
preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or change of shares of Class B
Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.
Section 8. No Redemption. The shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall not
be redeemable by the Company.
Section 9. Rank. The Class B Preferred Stock shall rank, with respect to
the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, junior to all series of any other class of the
Corporation's Preferred Stock, except to the extent that any such other series
specifically provides that it shall rank on a parity with or junior to the Class
B Preferred Stock.
Section 10. Amendment. At any time any shares of Class B Preferred Stock
are outstanding, the charter shall not be amended in any manner which would
materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the
Class B Preferred Stock, as set forth herein, so as to affect them adversely
without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock, voting separately as a single
class.
Section 11. Fractional Shares. Class B Preferred Stock may be issued in
fractions of a share that shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such
holder's fractional shares, to exercise voting rights, receive dividends,
participate in distributions and to have the benefit of all other rights of
holders of Class B Preferred Stock. Section 12. Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer to Preserve Tax Benefit.
(A) Definitions. For the purposes of this Section 12 of these Articles
Supplementary, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit" shall mean not more than 9.8% (in value)
of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of Capital Stock. The number and
value of shares of the outstanding capital shares of Capital Stock shall be
determined by the
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Board of Directors of the Corporation in good faith, which determination
shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof.
"Beneficial Ownership" shall mean ownership of Class B Preferred Stock by a
Person (whether the interest in Class B Preferred Stock is held directly or
indirectly, including by a nominee) who is or would be treated as an owner of
such Class B Preferred Stock either actually or constructively through the
application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of
the Code. The terms "Beneficial Owner," "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially
Owned" shall have the correlative meanings.
"Capital Stock" shall mean all classes or series of stock of the
Corporation, including, without limitation, Common Stock, Preferred Stock,
Series A Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock.
"Charitable Beneficiary" shall mean one or more beneficiaries of a Trust,
as determined pursuant to Section 12(C)(6) of these Articles Supplementary.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
to time, or any successor statute.
"Constructive Ownership" shall mean ownership of Class B Preferred Stock by
a Person (whether the interest in Class B Preferred Stock is held directly or
indirectly, including by a nominee) who is or would be treated as an owner of
such Class B Preferred Stock either actually or constructively through the
application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of
the Code. The terms "Constructive Owner," "Constructively Owns" and
"Constructively Owned" shall have the correlative meanings.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Market Price" shall mean the last sales price of the Class B Preferred
Stock reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the trading day immediately
preceding the relevant date, or if the Class B Preferred Stock is not then
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the last reported sales price of the
Class B Preferred Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant
date as reported on any exchange or quotation system over which the Class B
Preferred Stock may be traded, or if the Class B Preferred Stock is not then
traded over any exchange or quotation system, then the fair market value of the
Class B Preferred Stock on the relevant date as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation.
"MGCL" shall mean the Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended from
time to time, and any successor statute hereafter enacted.
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"Class B Ownership Limit" shall mean 9.8% (by value or by number of shares,
whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of Class B Preferred
Stock of the Corporation. The number and value of shares of the outstanding
capital shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall be determined by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation in good faith, which determination shall be
conclusive for all purposes hereof.
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Section
401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside
for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of
the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a)
of the Code, joint stock company or other entity; but does not include an
underwriter acting in a capacity as such in a public offering of shares of Class
B Preferred Stock provided that the ownership of such shares of Class B
Preferred Stock by such underwriter would not result in the Corporation being
"closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or otherwise
result in the Corporation failing to qualify as a REIT.
"Purported Beneficial Transferee" shall mean, with respect to any purported
Transfer (or other event) which results in a transfer to a Trust, as provided in
Section 12(B)(2) of these Articles Supplementary, the Person who would have
acquired or owned the beneficial interest in such shares of Class B Preferred
Stock if the purported Transfer had been valid under Section 12(B)(1) of the
Articles Supplementary.
"Purported Record Transferee" shall mean, with respect to any purported
Transfer (or other event) which results in a transfer to a Trust, as provided in
Section 12(B)(2) of these Articles Supplementary, the Person who would have been
the record holder of the shares of Class B Preferred Stock if such Transfer had
been valid under Section 12(B)(1) of these Articles Supplementary.
"REIT" shall mean a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through
860 of the Code, and, for purposes of taxation of the Company under applicable
state law, analogous provisions of the law of such state.
"Restriction Termination Date" shall mean the first day after the date
hereof on which the Board of Directors of the Corporation determines that it is
no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to attempt to, or continue
to, qualify as a REIT.
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"Transfer" shall mean any sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other
disposition of Class B Preferred Stock, including (i) the granting of any option
or entering into any agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of
Class B Preferred Stock or (ii) the sale, transfer, assignment or other
disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for
Class B Preferred Stock, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether such transfer
has occurred of record or beneficially or Beneficially or Constructively
(including but not limited to transfers of interests in other entities which
result in changes in Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Class B Preferred
Stock), and whether such transfer has occurred by operation of law or otherwise.
"Trust" shall mean each of the trusts provided for in Section 12(C) of
these Articles Supplementary.
"Trustee" shall mean any Person, unaffiliated with the Corporation, a
Purported Beneficial Transferee, or a Purported Record Transferee, that is
appointed by the Corporation to serve as trustee of a Trust.
(B) Restriction on Ownership and Transfers.
(1) Prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
(a) except as provided in Section 12(I) of these terms of the Class B Preferred
Stock, no Person shall Beneficially Own shares of Class B Preferred Stock
in excess of the Class B Ownership Limit;
(b) except as provided in Section 12(I) of these terms of the Class B Preferred
Stock, no Person shall Constructively Own shares of Class B Preferred
Stock, in excess of the Class B Ownership Limit;
(c) except as provided in Section 12(I) of these terms of the Class B Preferred
Stock, no Person shall Beneficially or Constructively Own shares of Class B
Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock in excess of the
Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit;
(d) no Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Class B
Preferred Stock which, taking into account any other Capital Stock of the
Corporation Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by such Person,
would result in the Corporation being "closely held" within the meaning of
Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership
interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or otherwise
failing to qualify as a REIT (including but not limited to ownership that
would result in the Corporation owning (actually or Constructively) an
interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code
if the income derived by the Corporation (either directly or indirectly
through one or more partnerships) from such tenant would cause the
Corporation to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements
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of Section 856(c) of the Code) or analogous provisions of state law.
(2) If, prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any
Transfer (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered
into through the facilities of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")) or other
event occurs that, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning
or Constructively Owning shares of Class B Preferred Stock in violation of
Section 12(B)(1) of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock, (1) then that
number of shares of Class B Preferred Stock that otherwise would cause such
Person to violate Section 12(B)(1) of these Articles Supplementary (rounded up
to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically transferred to a Trust for
the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 12(C),
effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of
such Transfer or other event, and such Person shall thereafter have no rights in
such shares or (2) if, for any reason, the transfer to the Trust described in
clause (1) of this sentence is not automatically effective as provided therein
to prevent any Person from Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning shares
of Class B Preferred Stock in violation of Section 12(B)(1) of these terms of
the Class B Preferred Stock, then the Transfer of that number of shares of Class
B Preferred Stock that otherwise would cause any Person to violate Section
12(b)(1) shall be void ab initio, and such Person shall have no rights in such
shares.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein,
prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any Transfer of Class B Preferred
Stock (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into
through the facilities of the NYSE) that, if effective, would result in the
capital stock of the Corporation being beneficially owned by less than 100
Persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) shall be void
ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Class B
Preferred Stock.
(C) Transfers of Class B Preferred Stock in Trust.
(1) Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in
Section 12(B)(2) of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock, then that number
of shares of Class B Preferred Stock that otherwise would cause a violation of
Section 12(B)(1) (rounded up to the nearest whole share) shall be deemed to have
been automatically transferred to the Trustee in his capacity as trustee of a
Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries. Such
transfer to the Trustee shall be deemed to be effective as of the close of
business on the business day prior to the purported Transfer or other event that
results in a transfer to the Trust pursuant to Section 12(B)(2). The Trustee
shall be appointed by the Corporation and shall be a Person unaffiliated with
the Corporation, any Purported Beneficial Transferee, or any Purported Record
Transferee. Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Corporation
as provided in Section 12(C)(6) of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock.
(2) Class B Preferred Stock held by the Trustee shall be
issued and outstanding Class B Preferred Stock of the Corporation. The Purported
Beneficial Transferee or Purported Record Transferee shall have no rights in the
shares of Class B Preferred Stock held by the Trustee. The Purported Beneficial
Transferee or Purported Record Transferee shall not benefit economically from
ownership of any shares held in trust by the Trustee, shall have no rights to
dividends and shall
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not possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares of
Class B Preferred Stock held in the Trust.
(3) The Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to
dividends with respect to Class B Preferred Stock held in the Trust, which
rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable
Beneficiary. Any dividend or distribution paid prior to the discovery by the
Corporation that shares of Class B Preferred Stock have been transferred to the
Trustee shall be paid by the recipient thereof to the Trustee upon demand, and
any dividend or distribution declared but unpaid shall be paid when due to the
Trustee with respect to such Class B Preferred Stock. Any dividends or
distributions so paid over to the Trustee shall be held in trust for the
Charitable Beneficiary. The Purported Record Transferee and Purported Beneficial
Transferee shall have no voting rights with respect to the Class B Preferred
Stock held in the Trust and, subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date
the Class B Preferred Stock has been transferred to the Trustee, the Trustee
shall have the authority (at the Trustee's sole discretion) (i) to rescind as
void any vote cast by a Purported Record Transferee with respect to such Class B
Preferred Stock prior to the discovery by the Corporation that the Class B
Preferred Stock has been transferred to the Trustee and (ii) to recast such vote
in accordance with the desires of the Trustee acting for the benefit of the
Charitable Beneficiary; provided, however, that if the Corporation has already
taken irreversible corporate action, then the Trustee shall not have the
authority to rescind and recast such vote. Notwithstanding any other provision
of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock to the contrary, until the
Corporation has received notification that the Class B Preferred Stock has been
transferred into a Trust, the Corporation shall be entitled to rely on its share
transfer and other stockholder records for purposes of preparing lists of
stockholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and
authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of stockholders.
(4) Within 20 days of receiving notice from the Corporation
that shares of Class B Preferred Stock have been transferred to the Trust, the
Trustee of the Trust shall sell the shares of Class B Preferred Stock held in
the Trust to a Person, designated by the Trustee, whose ownership of the shares
of Class B Preferred Stock will not violate the ownership limitations set forth
in Section 12(B)(1). Upon such sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary
in the shares of Class B Preferred Stock sold shall terminate and the Trustee
shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Purported Record Transferee
and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 12(C)(4). The
Purported Record Transferee shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by
the Purported Record Transferee or the Purported Beneficial Transferee for the
shares of Class B Preferred Stock in the transaction that resulted in such
transfer to the Trust or, to the extent that neither the Purported Record
Transferee nor the Purported Beneficial Transferee gave fair value for such
shares of Class B Preferred Stock, the Market Price of such shares of Class B
Preferred Stock on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of the
shares of Class B Preferred Stock to the Trust and (2) the price per share
received by the Trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses of sale) from
the sale or other disposition of the shares of Class B Preferred Stock held in
the Trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the
Purported Record Transferee shall be immediately paid to the Charitable
Beneficiary together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. If,
prior to the discovery by the Corporation that shares of such Class B Preferred
Stock have been transferred to the Trustee, such shares of Class B Preferred
Stock are sold by a Purported Record Transferee
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then (i) such shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have been
sold on behalf of the Trust and (ii) to the extent that the Purported Record
Transferee or the Purported Beneficial Transferee received an amount for such
shares of Class B Preferred Stock that exceeds the amount that such Purported
Record Transferee or the Purported Beneficial Transferee was entitled to receive
pursuant to this Section 12(C)(4), such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon
demand.
(5) Class B Preferred Stock transferred to the Trustee shall
be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Corporation, or its designee, at
a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the Purported
Record Transferee or the Purported Beneficial Transferee for the shares of Class
B Preferred Stock in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the Trust
or, if neither the Purported Record Transferee or the Purported Beneficial
Transferee gave value for the Market Price of such shares of Class B Preferred
Stock on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of
Class B Preferred Stock to the Trust, and (ii) the Market Price on the date the
Corporation, or its designee, accepts such offer. The Corporation shall have the
right to accept such offer until the Trustee has sold the shares of Class B
Preferred Stock held in the Trust pursuant to Section 12(C)(4). Upon such a sale
to the Corporation, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares of
Class B Preferred Stock sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute
the net proceeds of the sale to the Purported Record Transferee and any
dividends or other distributions held by the Trustee with respect to such Class
B Preferred Stock shall thereupon be paid to the Charitable Beneficiary.
(6) By written notice to the Trustee, the Corporation shall
designate one or more nonprofit organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary
of the interest in the Trust such that (i) the Class B Preferred Stock held in
the Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 12(B)(1) in
the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary and (ii) each Charitable Beneficiary is
an organization described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 170(c)(2) or 501(c)(3) of
the Code.
(D) Remedies For Breach. If the Board of Directors or a committee
thereof (or other designees if permitted under the MGCL) shall at any time
determine in good faith that a Transfer or other event has taken place in
violation of Section 12(B) of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock or that
a Person intends to acquire, has attempted to acquire or may acquire beneficial
ownership (determined without reference to any rules of attribution), Beneficial
Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any shares of Class B Preferred Stock of
the Corporation in violation of Section 12(B) of these terms of the Class B
Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors or a committee thereof (or other
designees if permitted under the MGCL) shall take such action as it deems
advisable to refuse to give effect or to prevent such Transfer, including, but
not limited to, causing the Corporation to redeem shares of Class B Preferred
Stock, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Corporation
or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer; provided, however, that any
Transfers (or, in the case of events other than a Transfer, ownership or
Constructive Ownership or Beneficial Ownership) in violation of Section 12(B)(1)
of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock, shall automatically result in the
transfer to a Trust as described in Section 12(B)(2) and any Transfer in
violation of Section 12(B)(3) shall automatically be void ab initio irrespective
of any action (or non-action) by the Board of Directors.
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<PAGE>
(E) Notice of Restricted Transfer. Any Person who acquires or attempts
to acquire shares of Class B Preferred Stock in violation of Section 12(B) of
these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock, or any Person who is a Purported
Beneficial Transferee or Purported Record Transferee such that an automatic
transfer to a Trust results under Section 12(B)(2) of these terms of the Class B
Preferred Stock, shall immediately give written notice to the Corporation of
such event and shall provide to the Corporation such other information as the
Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such
Transfer or attempted Transfer on the Corporation's status as a REIT.
(F) Owners Required To Provide Information. Prior to the Restriction
Termination Date each Person who is a beneficial owner or Beneficial Owner or
Constructive Owner of Class B Preferred Stock and each Person (including the
shareholder of record) who is holding Class B Preferred Stock for a beneficial
owner or Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Corporation
such information that the Corporation may request, in good faith, in order to
determine the Corporation's status as a REIT.
(G) Remedies Not Limited. Nothing contained in these terms of the Class
B Preferred Stock (but subject to Section 12(M) of these terms of the Class B
Preferred Stock) shall limit the authority of the Board of Directors to take
such other action as it deems necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation
and the interests of its shareholders by preservation of the Corporation's
status as a REIT.
(H) Ambiguity. In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of
the provisions of this Section 12 of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock,
including any definition contained in Section 12(A), the Board of Directors
shall have the power to determine the application of the provisions of this
Section 12 with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it
(subject, however, to the provisions of Section 12(M) of these terms of the
Class B Preferred Stock). In the event Section 12 requires an action by the
Board of Directors and these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock fail to
provide specific guidance with respect to such action, the Board of Directors
shall have the power to determine the action to be taken so long as such action
is not contrary to the provisions of Section 12. Absent a decision to the
contrary by the Board of Directors (which the Board may make in its sole and
absolute discretion), if a Person would have (but for the remedies set forth in
Section 12(B)) acquired Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Class B
Preferred Stock in violation of Section 12(B)(1), such remedies (as applicable)
shall apply first to the shares of Class B Preferred Stock which, but for such
remedies, would have been actually owned by such Person, and second to shares of
Class B Preferred Stock which, but for such remedies, would have been
Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned (but not actually owned) by such
Person, pro rata among the Persons who actually own such shares of Class B
Preferred Stock based upon the relative number of the shares of Class B
Preferred Stock held by each such Person.
(I) Exceptions.
(1) Subject to Section 12(B)(1)(d), the Board of Directors, in
its sole discretion, may exempt a Person from the limitation on a Person
Beneficially Owning Class B Preferred Stock
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<PAGE>
in excess of the Class B Ownership Limit or in excess of the Aggregate Stock
Ownership Limit if the Board of Directors obtains such representations and
undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain that no
individual's Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of such Class B
Preferred Stock will violate the Class B Ownership Limit or the Aggregate Stock
Ownership Limit, as the case may be, or that any such violation will not cause
the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code, and agrees that any
violation of such representations or undertaking (or other action which is
contrary to the restrictions contained in Section 12(B) of these terms of the
Class B Preferred Stock) or attempted violation will result in such Class B
Preferred Stock being transferred to a Trust in accordance with Section 12(B)(2)
of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock.
(2) Subject to Section 12(B)(1)(d), the Board of Directors, in
its sole discretion, may exempt a Person from the limitation on a Person
Constructively Owning Class B Preferred Stock in excess of the Class B Ownership
Limit or the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit if such Person does not and
represents that it will not own, actually or Constructively, an interest in a
tenant of the Corporation (or a tenant of any entity owned in whole or in part
by the Corporation) that would cause the Corporation to own, actually or
Constructively more than a 9.8% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B)
of the Code) in such tenant and the Corporation obtains such representations and
undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain this fact
and agrees that any violation or attempted violation will result in such Class B
Preferred Stock being transferred to a Trust in accordance with Section 12(B)(2)
of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the inability of a Person to make the certification described in this Section
12(I)(2) shall not prevent the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, from
exempting such Person from the limitation on a Person Constructively Owning
Class B Preferred Stock in excess of the Class B Ownership Limit if the Board of
Directors determines that the resulting application of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of
the Code would affect the characterization of less than 0.5% of the gross income
(as such term is used in Section 856(c)(2) of the Code and analogous provisions
of applicable state law) of the Corporation in any taxable year, after taking
into account the effect of this sentence with respect to all other Class B
Preferred Stock to which this sentence applies.
(3) Prior to granting any exception pursuant to Sections
12(I)(1) or (2) of these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock, the Board of
Directors may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion
of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the Board of
Directors in its sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order
to determine or ensure the Corporation's status as a REIT.
(J) Preemptive Rights. No holder of shares of Class B Preferred Stock
shall have any preemptive or preferential right to subscribe or to purchase any
additional shares of any class, or any bonds or convertible securities of any
nature.
(K) Legend. Each certificate for Class B Preferred Stock shall bear
substantially the following legends: Class of Stock
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<PAGE>
"THE CORPORATION IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE STOCK OF MORE THAN ONE CLASS,
CONSISTING OF COMMON STOCK AND ONE OR MORE CLASSES OF PREFERRED STOCK.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE THE PREFERENCES,
LIMITATIONS AND RELATIVE RIGHTS OF ANY CLASS OF THE PREFERRED STOCK
BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF SUCH CLASS OF PREFERRED STOCK. THE
CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY STOCKHOLDER, ON REQUEST AND WITHOUT
CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY SECTION
2-211(B) OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW WITH RESPECT TO THE
DESIGNATIONS AND ANY PREFERENCES, CONVERSION AND OTHER RIGHTS, VOTING
POWERS, RESTRICTIONS, LIMITATIONS AS TO DIVIDENDS AND OTHER
DISTRIBUTIONS, QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF REDEMPTION OF
THE STOCK OF EACH CLASS WHICH THE CORPORATION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
ISSUE AND, IF THE CORPORATION IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE ANY PREFERRED OR
SPECIAL SERIES AND SERIES, (I) THE DIFFERENCES IN THE RELATIVE RIGHTS
AND PREFERENCES BETWEEN THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES TO THE
EXTENT SET, AND (II) THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO SET
SUCH RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF SUBSEQUENT CLASSES OR SERIES. THE
FOREGOING SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND IS SUBJECT TO AND
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE CHARTER OF THE
CORPORATION (THE "CHARTER"), A COPY OF WHICH WILL BE SENT WITHOUT
CHARGE TO EACH STOCKHOLDER WHO SO REQUESTS. REQUESTS FOR SUCH WRITTEN
STATEMENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CORPORATION, AT THE
CORPORATION'S PRINCIPAL OFFICE.
Restriction on Ownership and Transfer
THE SHARES OF CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE
ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON BENEFICIAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE OWNERSHIP
AND TRANSFER FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION'S MAINTENANCE OF ITS
STATUS AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE
CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE "CODE"). SUBJECT TO CERTAIN FURTHER
RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THE ARTICLES
SUPPLEMENTARY FOR THE CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK, (I) NO PERSON MAY
BENEFICIALLY OWN SHARES OF THE CORPORATION'S CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK IN
EXCESS OF 9.8% (BY VALUE OR BY NUMBER OF SHARES, WHICHEVER IS MORE
RESTRICTIVE) OF THE OUTSTANDING CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK OF THE
CORPORATION; (II) NO PERSON MAY CONSTRUCTIVELY OWN SHARES OF THE
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<PAGE>
CORPORATION'S CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK IN EXCESS OF 9.8% (BY VALUE OR BY
NUMBER OF SHARES, WHICHEVER IS MORE RESTRICTIVE) OF THE OUTSTANDING
CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK OF THE CORPORATION; (III) NO PERSON MAY
BENEFICIALLY OR CONSTRUCTIVELY OWN SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK OF THE
CORPORATION WHICH HAS AN AGGREGATE VALUE IN EXCESS OF 9.8% OF THE VALUE
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK OF THE CORPORATION;
(IV) NO PERSON MAY BENEFICIALLY OR CONSTRUCTIVELY OWN CLASS B PREFERRED
STOCK THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE CORPORATION BEING "CLOSELY HELD" UNDER
SECTION 856(H) OF THE CODE OR OTHERWISE CAUSE THE CORPORATION TO FAIL
TO QUALIFY AS A REIT; AND (V) NO PERSON MAY TRANSFER CLASS B PREFERRED
STOCK IF SUCH TRANSFER WOULD RESULT IN THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE
CORPORATION BEING OWNED BY FEWER THAN 100 PERSONS. ANY PERSON WHO
BENEFICIALLY OR CONSTRUCTIVELY OWNS OR ATTEMPTS TO BENEFICIALLY OR
CONSTRUCTIVELY OWN CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK WHICH CAUSES OR WILL CAUSE A
PERSON TO BENEFICIALLY OR CONSTRUCTIVELY OWN CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK IN
EXCESS OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MUST IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE
CORPORATION. IF ANY OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OR OWNERSHIP ARE
VIOLATED, THE CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE
AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE TRUSTEE OF A TRUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF
ONE OR MORE CHARITABLE BENEFICIARIES. IN ADDITION, THE CORPORATION MAY
REDEEM SHARES UPON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION IF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DETERMINES
THAT OWNERSHIP OR A TRANSFER OR OTHER EVENT MAY VIOLATE THE
RESTRICTIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE. FURTHERMORE, UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF
CERTAIN EVENTS, ATTEMPTED TRANSFERS IN VIOLATION OF THE RESTRICTIONS
DESCRIBED ABOVE MAY BE VOID AB INITIO. ALL TERMS IN THIS LEGEND DEFINED
IN THE ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY FOR THE CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK, AS THE
SAME MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED
TO THEM IN SUCH ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY, A COPY OF WHICH, INCLUDING THE
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP, WILL BE FURNISHED TO EACH
HOLDER OF CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK ON REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE.
REQUESTS FOR SUCH A COPY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
CORPORATION, AT THE CORPORATION'S PRINCIPAL OFFICE."
Instead of the foregoing legend, the share certificate may state that
the Corporation will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on
transferability to a stockholder on request and
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<PAGE>
without charge.
(L) Severability. If any provision of this Section 12 or any
application of any such provision is determined to be invalid by any Federal or
state court having jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining
provisions shall not be affected and other applications of such provision shall
be affected only to the extent necessary to comply with the determination of
such court.
(M) NYSE. Nothing in this Section 12 shall preclude the settlement of
any transaction entered into through the facilities of the NYSE. The fact that
the settlement of any transaction is so permitted shall not negate the effect of
any other provision of this Section 12 and any transferee in such a transaction
shall be subject to all the provisions and limitations of this Section 12.
(N) Applicability of Section 12. The provisions set forth herein under
Section 12 shall apply to the Class B Preferred Stock notwithstanding any
contrary provisions of the Class B Preferred Stock provided for elsewhere in
these terms of the Class B Preferred Stock.
SECOND: The Shares have been classified and designated by the Board of
Directors under the authority contained in the Charter.
THIRD: These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the Board of
Directors in the manner and by the vote required by law. FOURTH: The
undersigned Chairman of the Board acknowledges these Articles Supplementary
to be the corporate act of the Corporation and, as to all matters of fact
required to be verified under oath, the undersigned Chairman of the Board
acknowledges that to the best of his or her knowledge, information and
belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that
this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these Articles Supplementary are executed
on behalf of the Corporation by its Chairman of the Board this ___ day of
October, 1998.
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
a Maryland corporation
By:_____________________________ (SEAL)
Chairman of the Board
Attest:
__________________________________
Secretary
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
[Form of Right Certificate]
Certificate No. R- _______ Rights
NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER OCTOBER 26, 2008 OR EARLIER IF NOTICE OF
REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE IS GIVEN OR IF THE COMPANY IS MERGED OR ACQUIRED
PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT OF THE TYPE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1.3(ii)(A)(z)
OF THE AGREEMENT. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION AT $.01 PER
RIGHT, AND TO EXCHANGE ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT. UNDER
CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES (SPECIFIED IN SECTION 11.1.2 OF THE AGREEMENT),
RIGHTS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY OR TRANSFERRED TO AN ACQUIRING PERSON (AS
DEFINED IN THE AGREEMENT), OR ANY SUBSEQUENT HOLDER OF SUCH RIGHTS WILL
BECOME NULL AND VOID AND WILL NO LONGER BE TRANSFERABLE.
Right Certificate
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
This certifies that , or registered assigns, is the registered owner
of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles the owner
thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights
Agreement, dated as of October 10, 1998 as the same may be amended from
time to time (the "Agreement"), between First Washington Realty Trust,
Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, a New York banking corporation, as Rights Agent (the "Rights
Agent"), to purchase from the Company at any time after the Distribution
Date and prior to 5:00 P.M. (New York time) on October 26, 2008, at the
offices of the Rights Agent, or its successors as Rights Agent, designated
for such purpose, one one-hundredth of a fully paid, nonassessable share of
Class B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Preferred Shares") of the Company, at a purchase price of $82.00 per one
one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, subject to adjustment (the "Purchase
Price"), upon presentation and surrender of this Right Certificate with the
Form of Election to Purchase and certification duly executed. The number of
Rights represented by this Right Certificate (and the number of one
one-hundredths of a Preferred Share which may be purchased upon exercise
thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set forth above, are the
number and Purchase Price as of October 26, 1998 based on the Preferred
Shares as constituted at such date. Capitalized terms used in this Right
Certificate without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
the Agreement. As provided in the Agreement, the Purchase Price and the
number of Preferred Shares which may be purchased upon the exercise of the
Rights represented by this Right Certificate are subject to modification
and adjustment upon the happening of certain events.
This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms,
provisions and conditions of the Agreement, which terms, provisions and
conditions are hereby incorporated herein by reference and
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<PAGE>
made a part hereof and to which Agreement reference is hereby made for a full
description of the rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and
immunities hereunder of the Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the
Right Certificates. Copies of the Agreement are on file at the principal offices
of the Company and the Rights Agent.
This Right Certificate, with or without other Right
Certificates, upon surrender at the offices of the Rights Agent designated for
such purpose, may be exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right
Certificates of like tenor and date representing Rights entitling the holder to
purchase a like aggregate number of one one-hundredths of a Preferred Share as
the Rights represented by the Right Certificate or Right Certificates
surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this Right
Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall be entitled to receive
upon surrender hereof another Right Certificate or Right Certificates for the
number of whole Rights not exercised.
Subject to the provisions of the Agreement, the Board of
Directors may, at its option, (i) redeem the Rights represented by this Right
Certificate at a redemption price of $.01 per Right or (ii) exchange Common
Shares for the Rights represented by this Certificate, in whole or in part.
No fractional Preferred Shares will be issued upon the
exercise of any Right or Rights represented hereby (other than fractions of
Preferred Shares which are integral multiples of one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share, which may, at the election of the Company, be represented by
depository receipts), but in lieu thereof a cash payment will be made, as
provided in the Agreement.
No holder of this Right Certificate, as such, shall be
entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of
the Preferred Shares or of any other securities of the Company which may at any
time be issuable on the exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the
Agreement or herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any
of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the
election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any
meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action, or to
receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting stockholders (except as
provided in the Agreement) or to receive dividends or subscription rights, or
otherwise, until the Right or Rights represented by this Right Certificate shall
have been exercised as provided in the Agreement.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of the
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions,
covenants and restrictions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.
This Right Certificate shall not be valid or binding for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.
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<PAGE>
WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the Company
and its corporate seal. Dated as of ____________, 1998.
Attest: FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST, INC.
______________________ By:_______________________________
Title: Title:
Countersigned:
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY as Rights Agent
By_____________________________
Authorized Signature
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<PAGE>
[Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate]
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
(To be executed by the registered holder if such holder
desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED _____________________________________________________________
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto _______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Please print name and address
of transferee)
Rights represented by this Right Certificate, together with all right, title and
interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney,
to transfer the within Right Certificate on the books of the within-named
Company, with full power of substitution.
Dated:____________________
________________________________________
Signature
Signature Guaranteed:
____________________________
Signature Guaranteed:
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor
institution" as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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<PAGE>
The undersigned hereby certifies that:
(1) the Rights represented by this Right Certificate are not
beneficially owned by and are not being assigned to an Acquiring Person or an
Affiliate or an Associate thereof; and
(2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, the undersigned did not acquire the Rights represented by this
Right Certificate from any person who is, was or subsequently became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.
Dated:_________________
________________________________________
Signature
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<PAGE>
FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
(To be executed if holder desires to
exercise the Right Certificate.)
To: First Washington Realty Trust, Inc.
The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise
__________________ Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase
the Preferred Shares issuable upon the exercise of such Rights (or such
other securities or property of the Company or of any other Person which
may be issuable upon the exercise of the Rights) and requests that
certificates for such shares be issued in the name of:
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights represented by this Right
Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the balance remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to: Please insert social
security or other identifying number
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print name and address)
- ------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: __________________
________________________________________
Signature
Signature Guaranteed:
__________________________
Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor
institution" as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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<PAGE>
The undersigned hereby certifies that:
(1) the Rights represented by this Right Certificate are not
beneficially owned by and are not being assigned to an Acquiring Person or an
Affiliate or an Associate thereof; and
(2) after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
undersigned, the undersigned did not acquire the Rights represented by this
Right Certificate from any person who is, was or subsequently became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.
Dated:_______________
________________________________________
Signature
NOTICE
The signature in the foregoing Form of Assignment and Form of
Election to Purchase must conform to the name as written upon the face of this
Right Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatsoever.
In the event the certification set forth above in the Form of
Assignment or Form of Election to Purchase is not completed, the Company will
deem the beneficial owner of the Rights represented by this Right Certificate to
be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate hereof and such Assignment
or Election to Purchase will not be honored.
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
As described in the Rights Agreement, Rights which are held by or have
been held by an Acquiring Person or Associates or Affiliates thereof (as
defined in the Rights Agreement) and certain transferees thereof shall
become null and void and will no longer be transferable.
SUMMARY OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE
PREFERRED SHARES
On October 10, 1998 the Board of Directors of First Washington
Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Company") authorized a dividend of one preferred share
purchase right (a "Right") for each share of common stock, $.01 par value (the
"Common Shares"), of the Company outstanding at the close of business on October
26, 1998 (the "Record Date"). As long as the Rights are attached to the Common
Shares, the Company will issue one Right (subject to adjustment) with each new
Common Share so that all such shares will have attached Rights. When
exercisable, each Right will entitle the registered holder to purchase from the
Company one one-hundredth of a share of Class B Junior Participating Preferred
Stock (the "Preferred Shares") at a price of $82.00 per one one-hundredth of a
Preferred Share, subject to adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The description
and terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement, dated as of October
10, 1998, as the same may be amended from time to time (the "Agreement"),
between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent
(the "Rights Agent").
Until the earlier to occur of (i) ten (10) days following a
public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons
has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of the Common Shares (an "Acquiring Person") or (ii) ten (10) business days
(or such later date as may be determined by action of the Board of Directors
prior to such time as any person or group of affiliated persons becomes an
Acquiring Person) following the commencement or announcement of an intention to
make a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in
the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Common
Shares (the earlier of (i) and (ii) being called the "Distribution Date"), the
Rights will be represented, with respect to any of the Common Share certificates
outstanding as of the Record Date, by such Common Share certificate together
with a copy of this Summary of Rights.
The Agreement provides that until the Distribution Date (or
earlier redemption exchange, termination, or expiration of the Rights), the
Rights will be transferred with and only with the Common Shares. Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), new
Common Share certificates issued after the close of business on the Record Date
upon transfer or new issuance of the Common Shares will contain a notation
incorporating the Agreement by reference. Until the Distribution Date (or
earlier redemption, exchange, termination or expiration of the Rights), the
surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Shares, with or without
such notation or a copy of this Summary of Rights, will also constitute the
transfer of the Rights associated with the Common Shares represented by such
certificate. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates representing the Rights ("Right Certificates") will be mailed
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to holders of record of the Common Shares as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date and such separate Right Certificates alone will represent the
Rights.
The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date.
The Rights will expire on October 26, 2008 subject to the Company's right to
extend such date (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless earlier redeemed or
exchanged by the Company or terminated.
Each Preferred Share purchasable upon exercise of the Rights
will be entitled, when, as and if declared, to a minimum preferential quarterly
dividend payment of $1.00 per share but will be entitled to an aggregate
dividend of 100 times the dividend, if any, declared per Common Share. In the
event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of
the Preferred Shares will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation
payment of $100 per share (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends) but will be
entitled to an aggregate payment of 100 times the payment made per Common Share.
Each Preferred Share will have 100 votes and will vote together with the Common
Shares. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction
in which Common Shares are exchanged, each Preferred Share will be entitled to
receive 100 times the amount received per Common Share. Preferred Shares will
not be redeemable. These rights are protected by customary antidilution
provisions. Because of the nature of the Preferred Share's dividend, liquidation
and voting rights, the value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share
purchasable upon exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one
Common Share.
The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Preferred Shares
or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are
subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of
a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the
Preferred Shares, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Preferred Shares of
certain rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Preferred Shares or
convertible securities at less than the current market price of the Preferred
Shares or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the Preferred Shares of
evidences of indebtedness, cash, securities or assets (excluding regular
periodic cash dividends at a rate not in excess of 125% of the rate of the last
regular periodic cash dividend theretofore paid or, in case regular periodic
cash dividends have not theretofore been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of
the average net income per share of the Company for the four quarters ended
immediately prior to the payment of such dividend, or dividends payable in
Preferred Shares (which dividends will be subject to the adjustment described in
clause (i) above)) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those
referred to above).
In the event that a Person becomes an Acquiring Person or if
the Company were the surviving corporation in a merger with an Acquiring Person
or any affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person and the Common Shares were
not changed or exchanged, each holder of a Right, other than Rights that are or
were acquired or beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person (which Rights will
thereafter be void), will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise
that number of Common Shares having a market value of two times the then current
Purchase Price of the Right. In the event that, after a person has become an
Acquiring Person, the Company were acquired in a merger or other business
combination transaction or more than 50% of its assets or earning power
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were sold, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right shall
thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then
current Purchase Price of the Right, that number of shares of common stock of
the acquiring company which at the time of such transaction would have a market
value of two times the then current Purchase Price of the Right.
At any time after a Person becomes an Acquiring Person and
prior to the earlier of one of the events described in the last sentence of the
previous paragraph or the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of
the outstanding Common Shares, the Board of Directors may cause the Company to
exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person which will
have become void), in whole or in part, for Common Shares at an exchange rate of
one Common Share per Right (subject to adjustment).
No adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until
cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in such Purchase
Price. No fractional Preferred Shares or Common Shares will be issued (other
than fractions of Preferred Shares which are integral multiples of one
one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, which may, at the election of the Company,
be represented by depository receipts), and in lieu thereof, a payment in cash
will be made based on the market price of the Preferred Shares or Common Shares
on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.
The Rights may be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at a
price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price") by the Board of Directors at
any time prior to the time that an Acquiring Person has become such. The
redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and
with such conditions as the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may
establish. Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise
the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to
receive the Redemption Price.
Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will
have no rights as a stockholder of the Company beyond those as an existing
stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive
dividends.
Any of the provisions of the Agreement may be amended by the
Board of Directors of the Company for so long as the Rights are then redeemable,
and after the Rights are no longer redeemable, the Company may amend or
supplement the Agreement in any manner that does not adversely affect the
interests of the holders of the Rights.
A copy of the Agreement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K. A copy of the
Agreement is available free of charge from the Company. This summary description
of the Rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the Agreement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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<PAGE>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRST WASHINGTON REALTY TRUST
ADOPTS
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
BETHESDA, MD, October 16, 1998 -- First Washington Realty Trust, Inc.
(NYSE: FRW; FRW Pr) today announced that its Board of Directors has
unanimously adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan.
The Company reported that it adopted the Plan in order to better
protect shareholders and assure that they receive the full value of their
investment in the event of any proposed takeover of the Company. The
Company noted that the adoption of the Plan was not in response to any
specific attempt to acquire control of First Washington and that the
Company has no knowledge of any such interest on the part of any person or
entity.
Stuart D. Halpert, Chairman of First Washington, commented: "It is the
intention of our Board of Directors at all times to endeavor to preserve
and enhance shareholder value. Consequently, the effect of the Plan should
be to encourage a prospective acquiror to negotiate in good faith with the
Board to establish an attractive price in which all shareholders can
participate equally. It is not the intention of the Plan to prevent the
acquisition or takeover of the Company at some time in the future should
the Board of Directors determine that such a transaction is in the best
interest of the Company and its shareholders. Rather, the Plan is intended
to help insulate the Company from abusive takeover tactics which are
designed to gain control of the Company without paying a full and fair
price to all of the shareholders."
Terms of the Plan provide for a distribution to common shareholders of
record at the close of business on October 26, 1998 of one Right for each
outstanding share of common stock of First Washington. Subject to limited
exceptions, the Rights will be exercisable if a person or group acquires
15% or more of the Company's common stock or announces a tender offer for
15% or more of the common stock. Depending on the circumstances, the effect
of the exercise of the Rights will be to permit each holder of a Right to
either purchase stock in the Company or stock of the buyer, at a
substantial discount, and, in so doing, materially dilute the level of
ownership of the buyer in the Company. The Company will be entitled to
redeem the Rights at $.01 per Right at any time before a person has
acquired 15% or more of the outstanding common stock. The Plan will expire
in October 2008.
A letter explaining in greater detail the terms of the Plan will be
forwarded to shareholders following the October 26, 1998 record date.
First Washington Realty Trust, Inc. is a publicly-traded real estate
investment trust which owns and operates 52 investment properties. The
Company plans to continue its strategy to selectively acquire principally
supermarket-anchored neighborhood shopping centers throughout the
Mid-Atlantic states, as well as in other metropolitan markets which the
Company determines to be both attractive and conveniently accessible.
Contacts: Stuart D. Halpert, Chairman - 301-907-7800
James G. Blumenthal, Chief Financial Officer - 301-907-7800
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